What a good day to spend at the computer.  After a number of sunny days it is a wet, dull & cool day but the sun is due back tomorrow.  I don’t know if it the official date of the equinox but according to the Vancouver Sun sunrise was at 7:01 am and sunset is at 7:07 pm so slightly over 12 hours of sun – not that we’ll see much, if any, today.  That means it is the start of Fall so I had better reflect that in pictures.

Last Saturday dawned very wet here much to the dismay of a bride who was planning a wedding across the road.  They were house sitting and hoped to have it outside.  We met the bride when she came to see if they could use our driveway for parking.  That was on Friday.  We jokingly said they could use the house as it was a beautiful evening.  Well they came at 9 am on Saturday and asked if it would be OK.  A team re-arranged some furniture, set up a bar, food, coffee, etc., so the wedding could take place as planned at 11:30.  They had about 40 guests and it was a happy occasion.  By 1 pm the sun was out and they were able to take the photos on the deck.

It was all cleaned up and put back to normal by 3 pm.  We got to enjoy some of the piles of goodies and to meet some of the guests.  We had to return some left property, a case, some jackets, coats, umbrellas, spoons, dishes, etc. and we have not seen the couple since.  No doubt on their anniversary they might pop in to see where they gat married.  It was a 2nd marriage and they were about 45 or so.  It was fun and we hardly had to do anything!

fall-achiltibuieAchiltibuie

=====================================================

  

Why do you press harder on the buttons of a remote control when you know the batteries are dead? 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

George Robb’s memorial is tomorrow from 1 – 4 pm at Pitt Meadows Golf & Country Club, 13615 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

dolphin

——————————————————————————————–

fall-almondell-country-park

Almondell Country Park

====================================

dragon-with-flame=================================

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

fall-ardrossanArdrossan

********************************************************************************

The next regular Ceilidh Dance is THIS Friday, September 30, 2016 and I hope you can come.  

????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

I have updated the class info including the starting dates if known and a new class in Aldergrove.   Check them out under the “Classes” tab.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I have updated the calendar with known dates at this time – see the Upcoming Events tab.

=========================================================== 

fall-balloch-2

Balloch

yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

 ducks-swimming

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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

The Celtic Treasure Chest on Dunbar is closing.  There are many specials as all stock has to be sold by September 30.  Drop in, pick up some goodies and thank Steve & Lil for all the years of service.

Celtic Fashions on E-Bay – go to https://www.CelticFashions.com

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

fall-banks-of-the-ness-at-invernessBanks of the Ness at Inverness

llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

fall-bass-rock-from-bonnybankBass Rock from Bonnybank

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The next Ceilidh Dance is a week today – Friday, September 30th, 2016.  That will be the first one for the season.  There is lots of time for you all to get yourselves and your friends organized to come along for another fun, filled evening. Come and dance, it is lots of fun.  

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!!

llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

 Canada Day maple leaf line

kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

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/

 {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{

Some fun and interesting sites: – note if you have a link to something you think others would enjoy please forward them to me.

Introducing the self-driving bicycle in the Netherlands

 We could learn a lot from dogs – to them life is amazing.
https://www.flixxy.com/be-more-dog.htm

GOOD Millennial Video
https://qteaser.com/millenials.mp4

Beautifully played…music is good for the soul, along with a little humor to lighten your day.  Relax and enjoy!!! Mozart Group

https://www.youtube.com/embed/gKpFhPdyQLM?rel=0

 

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

The next Ceilidh Dance is this Friday, September 30th, 2016.   Same time, same place, same price, 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.

fall-bedlormie-near-blackridgeBedlormie near Blackridge

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

I will have to do a purge of subscribers but I don’t have time right now.

What a great gift this newsletter would make (and it is free!!) Please pass along the website to your friends and ask them to subscribe. www.vancouverceilidh.org

Please keep opening the newsletter!! Any and all comments and suggestions are welcome.

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

COMING EVENTS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS: Note: Please check list of classes for all start times and locations.

2016  
Sep 24 Vancouver Island TAC workshop
Sep 25 Tannahill Weavers perform at The Blue Frog Studio in White Rock
Sep 28 White Rock bring a friend night
Sep 30 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)
Sep 30 – Oct 1 Saskatchewan  Branch workshop. Banquet and Ball with teacher Elinor Vandegrift and musicians Ron Krug & Dennis Orr.  Info at workshop@rscdssask.org
Oct  1 Scottish Soft Shoe Step dance 1 – 3 p.m. in the Taiwanese Canadian Cultural Centre, 8853 Selkirk Street, Vancouver – 1 block from the Scottish Cultural Centre – info kay-sutherland@hotmail.com 604-929-2745 – $45 for 3 classes
Oct 7 – 10 Scots Gather in Canmore – Calgary St. Andrew’s Society
Oct  8 Scottish Soft Shoe Step dance 1 – 3 p.m. in the Taiwanese Canadian Cultural Centre, 8853 Selkirk Street, Vancouver – 1 block from the Scottish Cultural Centre – info kay-sutherland@hotmail.com 604-929-2745 – $45 for 3 classes
Oct 21 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)
Oct 22 Scottish Soft Shoe Step dance 1 – 3 p.m. in the Taiwanese Canadian Cultural Centre, 8853 Selkirk Street, Vancouver – 1 block from the Scottish Cultural Centre – info kay-sutherland@hotmail.com 604-929-2745 – $45 for 3 classes
Oct 22 SFU St. Andrews & Caledonian lecture – Dr. Tanja Bueltmann “Scots in Asia.”  @ p.m. in SFU Vancouver Labatt Hall.  Info Scottish-studies-centre@sfo.ca  tickets  tinyurl.can/hp23ndo 
Oct 26 White Rock Halloween Party with refreshments – wear costume
Oct 28 – 30 Asilomar Weekend with teachers Graham Donald (UK); Pat Coyle (ON); Sara Gratiot (CA); Robert McOwen (MA); Linda Pettengill (CA) and Andrew Smith (KA) and music by “Tullochgorum” (MA) and “StringFire” (CA).   Details at www.asilomar.rscds-sf.org
Oct 29 Gleneagles Fall Dance in Christ the Redeemer Gymnasium, 595 Keith Road (off Taylor Way), West Vancouver at 7:30 $15
Oct 30 White Rock fall workshop and dance wear sale

 

|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||….

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.

fall-ben-eigheBen Eighe

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.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

The next Ceilidh Dance is a Week today Friday, September 30, 2016 with live music by Calanaish.   This is the first dance of the year so everyone come along.

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.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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

Scottish Country Dance (SCD) classes start up again for another season.  Check out the class locations and come along – see the “Classes” tab.  

Dance - blue

Come to a class in September – 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.St patrick's Day Dancers

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.

emus2s

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).

fiddle-bug

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.

=============================================

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

“`~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

fall-ben-lomond-looking-to-the-arrochar-alpsBen Lomond looking to the Arrochar Alps

 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

   ==========================================

For upcoming events see www.vancouverceilidh.org and www.rscdsvancouver.org.

Other announcements etc:
Seattle Branch
– info at www.rscds-seattle.org ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next regular monthly Ceilidh Dance will be held this Friday, September 30, 2016 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.

fiddlecricket

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 2016/17 season shapes up as follows:
All on Fridays of course —

2016
September 30
October 21
November 25

2017
January 13
February 20
March 31
April 28

Come along and get some great exercise while also having lots of fun. We hope to have lots of new Ceilidh dancers. 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.

fish-angel

We would like to attract more young adults and students from Universities and all the colleges. Somehow we have to get word out to these students etc. 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.

fishswim

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.

fall-ben-lui-ben-moreBen Lui & Ben More

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.

==============================================

 fall-black-sands-fife

Black Sands – Fife

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This newsletter reaches out to some 358 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.

==============

“““““““““““““““““““““““““““““`

fall-broraBrora

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

fall-buchanan-street-glasgow-after-the-showerBuchanan Street, Glasgow

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 and come to the Ceilidh Dance Next Friday, September 30!!

May your troubles be one, may your blessings be more,
and may nothing but happiness come through your door.

Duncan MacKenzie    ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org