Starting this week’s newsletter a day late and still in Los Angeles. I know I will not get it completed as I do not have access to my picture and other files. My apologies but after a very different Halloween then celebrating our daughter’s birthday we were home late and too tired last night to even think about this week’s newsletter. We have a lunch and a few other things planned today before we fly back to Vancouver later tonight then I know I have a very busy schedule for the rest of the week so it might be better to send an abbreviated newsletter as it will otherwise not get completed until Wednesday at the earliest. I’ll see how I get on and when I have to quit.
Langamull, Mull
Well this has been a wonderful visit to our family in California. Of course our two grandchildren are at school but we have seen quite a lot of them and been up to the school to watch them playing field hockey and water polo and also attended an away game too. High school sport is a much bigger thing in the USA and even for these “lesser” sports there is pretty good support. There was a heart breaking loss in overtime as well as some victories too.
We also went to the Ronald Regan Library which was interesting and well laid out and of course we went to the Getty. With visits to the Flower Market, a Farmer’s Market, walks with the dog, some reading, catching some rugby and soccer on TV, eating and meeting friends etc. we have had a busy but relaxing time. We have been very well looked after both by our daughter and James who we have got to know.
I mentioned Halloween – we 4 adults were invited to friends of our daughter’s for dinner and to help with the trick & treating. We arrived early (just after 4) so we could enjoy the wee ones but they were already in full swing. Many of the houses in the few blocks had decorated their homes and when I say decorated well you wouldn’t believe the work that had been put in to set everything up – it was amazing. There was a steady stream of children, mostly little ones to begin with, but by 5 pm it became a queue and by 6 there were even more including adults asking for candy. The street was crowded and as our hosts had an amazing selection of candies – many full size bars – it was very popular. WE had to stop letting them choose and popped one candy in each bag.
There were quite a few who we recognized as repeat “customers” again some being adults. By about 8 pm we were out of candy and had to put a sign up and close the door. Our hosts, and you are not going to believe this, went through 1,600 candy bars. It was nice for the time when the little ones were coming but it got depressing later seeing how greedy people were. They must have come from far and wide. It was ridiculous and nothing like the days after the war when there was still rationing and you had to perform a party piece to get a chance to “dook” for an apple.
We did have a lovely dinner and met some very nice and interesting people and even had a birthday cake as well. Fortunately we had an extra hour in bed that night. We had done our best to get into the spirit by dressing up as the Queen and a pirate!
Don’t forget to get your tickets for the Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra’s concert on Saturday, November 7 in Highlands United Church. It is always a great show and this year they have two of the Blackthorn Band, Michael & Rosie, as guests as well as Shot of Scotch and the Vancouver Branch Demonstration Team. See below for more details and where to order tickets which are only $15 – you will have to be quick as they may be “Sold Out.”
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Ian Rankin will be in Vancouver on November 16 as a pre-festival event for the CUFFED Vancouver Crime Fiction Festival. Tickets are available for the Ian Rankin pre-festival event through Tickets Tonight https://www.ticketstonight.ca/
Check https://www.cuffedfestival.com/ for more information
A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for littering.
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The next regular Ceilidh Dance is Friday, November 27, 2015 (the last Friday of the month) which is just before St. Andrew’s Day so lets all wear blue. I look forward to seeing you there. Remember if you have a group of 8 or more and you contact me no later than November 25 then everyone in your group will get a $1 discount.
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Flying Truths (including a few repeats)
- Pilots believe in clean living. They never drink whiskey from a dirty glass.
- Things which do you no good in aviation:
- Altitude above you;
- Runways behind you;
- Fuel in the truck;
- Half a second ago;
- Approach plates in the car; and
- Airspeed you don’t have.
- If God meant man to fly, He’d have given him more money.
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Loch Affric
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32 Strange Things You Likely Didn’t Know
25. Charlie Chaplin once won third prize in a Charlie Chaplin look-alike Contest. (Wonder who won first?)
26. Chewing gum while peeling onions will keep you from crying.
27. Sherlock Holmes NEVER said, ‘Elementary, my dear Watson.’
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Thanks to Steve at the Celtic Treasure Chest there is now an online list of all the Celtic societies as well as a calendar of events:
List https://www.celtictreasurechest.com/links/index.php
Calendar https://www.celtictreasurechest.com/celticevents/index.php
There are always some specials at The Celtic Treasure Chest’s stores. Check them out at www.celtictreasurechest.com Note: The Delta Store will close at the end of October – specials on now.
Celtic Fashions on E-Bay – go to https://www.CelticFashions.com
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The Scottish Cultural Centre is a pretty unique and wonderful asset and space is available for rent to anyone or any group. The Centre does not run itself but is actually run by the United Scottish Cultural Society (USCS). Memberships in this Society are for individuals only and presently cost $10 annually. Membership Application Forms may be obtained either at the Centre or on the USCS website – www.scottishculturalcentre.com . The cost is only $10.
Any person may join USCS and Scottish Country & Ceilidh Dancers are encouraged to show their support by doing so. If any USCS member would like to be more involved, then, Darryl Carracher, the Manager at the Centre, will be pleased to give you further information.
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Loch Fascally
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The next Ceilidh Dance is on Friday, November 27th, 2015. I am hoping Louise (and friends) will be there to help me again. Time for you all to get yourselves and your friends organized to come along for another fun filled evening.
Michelle has very kindly made up a Facebook event page for the Ceilidh but you need to “Search for Vancouver Ceilidh on Facebook and “Like” us to receive updates on upcoming Ceilidhs and other events”. Then, if you “Like” the Vancouver Ceilidh FB page (do as described above), you too will receive updates AND be able to share those updates and events on your personal Facebook page to your friends and ask that they “Like” and “Share”, etc. Ceilidh Dances are great ways to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries etc. Invite all your friends to come and join you at the Ceilidh. You are welcome to bring your own cake and we’ll even sing for you!!
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You can join the e-mail list of the SFU Scottish and Celtic Society; the club connecting you to all things Scottish and Celtic at SFU and the community. As members of this mailing list, you will receive updates on events and learning opportunities. All are welcome to participate and enjoy. Facebook Group: As of today, our new Facebook Group is launched and available to join. It is an ‘Open’ group. Anyone can join and invite their friends. We will create Facebook ‘Events’ for all our occasions. Join today at this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/451447541666799/
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Some fun and interesting sites: – note if you have a link to something you think others would enjoy please forward them to me.
JUST AN OLD INDIAN BLANKET This man lost a leg and was having a hard time making ends meet while getting a modest disability check. He thought about selling an old Indian blanket that he inherited from his family. Watch the auction!
Watch the man’s face while the bidding starts to go up. click here:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/9cGlS05233Q?rel=0&iv_load_policy=3
Lily – The Camera That Follows You
This Couple – REALLY GOOD & her facial expressions are priceless! I would think all the street clothes could make it much more dangerous but it is definitely a different type of trapeze performance! Here is a German trapeze couple who are different!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=717211468307619&set=vb.234538950336&type=2&theater
The next Ceilidh Dance will be on Friday, November 27th, 2015. Same time, same place, small increase in price (so long as there is a big attendance), same amount of fun and entertainment. Now it is up to you all to help by planning on coming along and bringing loads of friends, family, acquaintances, etc. We need to improve the attendance to make the dances financially viable. Please do your best to spread the word. Let me know if you would like a poster to put up.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& The subscriber list is growing but ever so slowly. We now have 342 subscribers. I really need your help to get the subscriptions back up again. Thanks for all your support.
Please pass along the website to your friends and ask them to subscribe – it is free!! www.vancouverceilidh.org
Please keep opening the newsletter!! Any and all comments and suggestions are welcome.
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Please see “Coming Events” below for all information.
COMING EVENTS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS: Note: Please check list of classes for all start times and locations.
| 2015 | |
| Nov 4 | 4th class for the St. Andrew’s Ball in Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver from 8 – 10 pm. Come for a fun evening and learn the dances for the Ball which will make the Ball even more enjoyable. |
| Nov 7 | Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra concert – Highland United Church, 3255 Edgemont Blvd. North Vancouver at 7:30 p.m. – (Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets $15 available at the Church 604-980-6071; VFO members; Gliga Violins Canada 778-386-0209 or (if any left!) at the door. Info at www.vancouverfiddleorchestra.ca |
| Nov 10 | 5th class for the St. Andrew’s Ball in Wescot School, 760 Wescot Road, West Vancouver from 8 – 10 pm. Come for a fun evening and learn the dances for the Ball which will make the Ball even more enjoyable. |
| Nov 11 | Lady Aberdeen Tea Dance 1:15 p.m. in the Scottish Cultural Centre hosted by the Burnaby SCDC – $10 |
| Nov 13 – 15 | The San Francisco RSCDS Branch is gearing up to launch our upcoming 2015 Asilomar Weekend registration. We, of course, would love to invite your members to come dance down & at Asilomar this Fall! Join us for a magical weekend of Scottish Country Dancing on the spectacular Monterey Peninsula with world class teachers and outstanding musicians. Workshops and Ball at Asilomar Conference Grounds, Pacific Grove, CA, USA Teachers – Jimmie Hill, Ruth Jappy, Elaine Brunken, Jeff Corrigan, Alan Twhigg – Musicians – Fiddlesticks & Ivory, Judi Nicolson & Andy Imbrie The Asilomar Conference Grounds and State Beach are renowned as the Monterey Peninsula’s ‘Refuge by the Sea’. If you are travelling from afar or nearby, there is no better time to start planning a memorable and unique autumn trip & come enjoy the magic that is Asilomar! Follow us on Pinterest for trip ideas https://www.pinterest.com/SFRSCDSDance/. More details & registration information available at www.asilomar.rscds-sf.org Questions? Please contact: Asilomar Weekend Chairman: Patti Cobb pkcobb23@gmail.com Registrar Julee Montes julm-hcs@pacbell.net |
| Nov 14 | Vancouver Soft Shoe Step Dance class |
| Nov 18 | LAST class for the St. Andrew’s Ball in Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver from 8 – 10 pm. Come for a fun evening and learn the dances for the Ball which will make the Ball even more enjoyable. |
| Nov 21 | St. Andrew’s Ball with the Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra to be held in the Hellenic Centre, 4500 Arbutus Street, Vancouver. Reception at 6 pm; Grand March at 6:45 pm followed by Banquet with Scottish fare, Scottish Country dancing, entertainment, etc. Highland, formal or business attire; tickets $110 ($85 for 30 and under) at class or online https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/st-andrews-ball- You can also order drinks. Come join one of the classes and learn the dances to make the evening even more enjoyable – 8 – 10 pm in Scottish Cultural Centre on October 21, 28; November 4 & 18 or in Wescot School, 760 Wescot Road, West Vancouver (NW corner of Upper Levels and Taylor Way) on October 13 and November 10 |
| Nov 21 | Vancouver Soft Shoe Step Dance class |
| Nov 21 | Vancouver Island SCDS St. Andrew’s Social |
| Nov 21 | Seattle RSCDS Dance Party & pot luck |
| Nov 24 | Fort Langley St. Andrew’s Dance |
| Nov 25 | White Rock St. Andrew’s Social |
| Nov 27 | Ceilidh Dance at the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver – no partner or experience required – live music with Calanais – refreshments available – class from 7 – 8 p.m. followed by dance from 8 – 11 p.m. – all dances walked, talked and called – admission at the door $12 (students $10) |
| Nov 28 | Vancouver Soft Shoe Step Dance class |
| Nov 28 | Delta Borderer’s Dance – Kinsmen Centre, Tsawwassen |
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If anyone has any suggestions or complaints regarding the newsletter, please let me know – ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org Please do not complain to your server that this is junk mail. There is a link on the e-mail should you wish to unsubscribe.
Come Scottish Country Dancing – it is lots of fun. Just ask anyone who came along to the Dancing in the Park. We had great audience participation so I hope you will all come along and join one of our great classes or at least come to one of the Ceilidh Dances. This is the first year in quite some time that there were no cancellations of Dancing in the Park
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The next Ceilidh Dance is on Friday, November 27, 2015 with live music by Calanaish.
You still have time to spread the word about all the Ceilidh Dances as that is the best (and cheapest) form of advertising. It is great exercise and fun, for all ages, too. Here is a link where you can watch a short video of a Ceilidh Dance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MvUwZnY9Ms and here is a link to the Facebook advert: https://www.facebook.com/events/597360563665264/597360566998597/ The format for all of the regular monthly Ceilidh Dances will be the same with the class from 7 – 8 p.m. and the dance from 8 – 11 p.m. and all dances will be walked and talked through.
They are all held at the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver. The price is only – $12 or $10 for students which, for what you get is a super bargain – everyone is welcome. No partner is required and you should wear FLAT, comfy shoes and loose clothing. Children are also welcome but should be prepared to dance with other people as some of the dances require a change of partner. Don’t forget to bring a few extra $$$$ to help defray the cost of the refreshments which are otherwise free.
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The Branch has opened a Facebook Page at “RSCDS-Vancouver” – check it out there are some good pictures etc. www.facebook.com/rscdsvancouver. There is a link on both our website www.vancouverceilidh.org and the Branch website www.rscdsvancouver.org
November is still a really good time to come along and join in one of many Scottish Country Dance (SCD) classes as they will be starting up again. You will be made very welcome. Many classes have a policy that the first night is FREE! Plan to come along to try out a class next week. There are classes all around and on different nights so GIVE IT A GO! Go to either www.rscdsvancouver.org or www,vancouverceilidh.org for a list of class locations and times.
For those who don’t know SCD is a fabulous pastime (much better and lots more fun than golf!!) and is super exercise for body and mind. SCD is, naturally, rooted in Scotland but there are groups in almost every country so you can learn here and then dance with other groups when you vacation or travel. SCD is not to be confused with Highland Dancing which is more solo dancing. SCD is usually done with a partner in groups or sets however you do not need to come with a partner. It is more akin to Square Dancing.
Classes will have started up again at various locations throughout the Lower Mainland and beyond but it is never too late to come along and join in the fun. Check for location, start date and time at www.rscdsvancouver.org
It takes a year or two of classes, workshops, etc. to learn the basics then you can hone your skills in advanced classes. You start by learning the steps and formations. Dances (of which there are over 13,000) are made up of these formations so a good grounding will give you the ability to learn a new dance fairly quickly. SCD has its HQ in Scotland and is known as the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) and there is a Vancouver Branch of the RSCDS under which there are many clubs throughout the Province (there is also a Branch in Seattle).
There are a great many classes and the ones in the Vancouver area are listed on the website. Come along – check us out – the first night is usually free and thereafter it will average about $6 a night and that’s for a 2 hour class! You will find many friendly people who will be eager to help you and welcome you to their club. You never know you actually might like it!! Check the list of classes at either at www.vancouverceilidh.org or www.rscdsvancouver.org. Note that the latter website has the latest updates to temporary changes to times and locations.
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as well there are classes all up and down Vancouver Island, a number of the Gulf Islands, the Cariboo, Okanagan, etc. etc. and there are various groups all over this great Province, Country, World and who knows where else! Check the Branch website for all these details – www.rscdsvancouver.org
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Loch Garten
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For upcoming events see www.vancouverceilidh.org and www.rscdsvancouver.org.
Other announcements etc:
Seattle Branch
New Challenge Class season
1st Sunday of the month from 1 – 3 p.m. at University Heights, 5031 University Way N.E., Seattle, 98105 – Room 109
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The next regular monthly Ceilidh Dance will be held on Friday, November 27, 2015 in the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, (73rd & Hudson which is between Oak & Granville), Vancouver,
We need everyone to help us get as many new comers (as well as former Ceilidh Dancers) as possible to come and join us. The Ceilidh Dances are a great way to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Invite all your friends along. Contact me if you will have a group of 8 or more and we can give them a discount!!!
We Really NEED YOUR HELP to advertise the Ceilidh Dances!!!! It only costs $12 ($10 for students) – it is worth so much more in fun, exercise and camaraderie. Use any access to free adverts etc. You can also use things like the YouTube link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh2HV3OPBgw or the Face-book page https://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=116203315&k=Z5C5Y4TZPT6G6BD1PKZZTWQQQ6BAW26L34AV&oid=164741310207760 https://www.facebook.com/events/597360563665264/597360566998597/
Suggestions to improve our advertising are always welcome. Don’t forget to tell them about the website www.vancouverceilidh.org and get them to “subscribe” to the newsletter.
Loch Kinord
Most of you have been to at least one Ceilidh Dance so you know how it goes. You don’t need a partner; you don’t need any experience; you should wear FLAT soft soled shoes; we walk, talk, and call every dance and you should come to have fun and have a good evening of exercise and entertainment and maybe even to learn!
There is a FREE class from 7 – 8 p.m. and the dance from 8 – 11 p.m. with music by Calanais. Remember to bring some extra cash so you can make a donation towards the cost of the refreshments. Without these donations we will have to increase the price of admission again!!
The schedule for the 2015/16 season shapes up as follows:
All on Fridays of course —
2015
November 27
2016
January 8
February 5 & 26
March 25
April 29
Come along and get some great exercise while also having lots of fun. We hope to have lots of new Ceilidh dancers and we might even have Louise and maybe Daniel and/or Michelle to help with the calling. Remember to bring your smiles and wear flat shoes.
Please do your best to assist us in letting as many people know as possible. Use Face-book, e-mail, telephone or even word of mouth and tell everyone you know what a fun night it is.
Loch Leven
We would like to attract more students from Universities and all colleges. Somehow we have to get word out to these students. Please do all you can to help us. Come one, come all to the same place (Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver) and the same time (7 p.m. for the class and 8 – 11 p.m. for the dance) and the same amazing price ($12 or $10 for students.)
You should check the website – www.vancouverceilidh.org – from time to time as you can find various pages listing “Ceilidhs and Events;” Classes:” Duncan’s List;” etc. On these pages you can check all the upcoming events, where all the classes are located, times, etc. and some places to find Scottish things or some local trades, etc. I will continue to highlight the more current events in each week’s newsletter but, as stated, the calendar of all events will be available on the website.
You should also have a look at the Vancouver Branch website from time to time – www.rscdsvancouver.org – as there is always useful information on it and it is a very good-looking site.
If you have any questions regarding the Ceilidh Dances send them to me at ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org Please check the website – www.rscdsvancouver.org for updates, pictures and news.
Dance – it is good for your health.
Loch Melfort
Keep sending jokes, pictures and info you wish to have included. Don’t forget to look at our web pages at www.vancouverceilidh.org If you know of anyone who would like to be on the mailing list please send them the web address – www.vancouverceilidh.org and ask them to subscribe.
If anyone has good pictures from the Ceilidh Dances please send them to me so I can put them on the web page. If you have any announcements please send them to me preferably in Word; Times New Roman 12pt format with a layout similar to the one used in this newsletter. I occasionally hear of an event somewhere in our beautiful Province, on the Island or in the Interior, but don’t know all the details.
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I love this Doctor Dingum
Q: Aren’t fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU’RE NOT LISTENING!!! ….. Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they’re permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?
This newsletter reaches out to some 342 subscribers from all over the Province, Country and to many other countries as well, so please send me the details of your event and I will only be too happy to include them.
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Loch Shiel
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Enjoy yourselves – come Scottish Country Dancing – for it is good for your health and you never know you just might …..!
See Coming Events on the website for info – www.vancouverceilidh.org
Lochaber
May your troubles be one, may your blessings be more, and may nothing but happiness come through your door.
Lower Foyers, Loch Ness
Duncan ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org