Fortunately for all last Saturday was dry, cloudy but dry, at least in Coquitlam as there were showers all around. That allowed the Highland Games to go off successfully. A great deal of time, planning and work goes into preparing for the Games and Mike and his dedicated committee are to be commended and thanked for a job well and truly done.
It was a great Games and they appeared to go off without a hitch, at least none that were noticeable to the casual visitor. It will be a while yet until all the costs are in then we will be able to find out if they were successful financially but there seemed to be a good attendance though it is very hard to judge when there are events happening all over the place.
The Massed dancing and the Demonstration Team performed with aplomb and a big thank you to Mary Murray who choreographed both groups. We represented the Branch and in addition there was a booth which handed out brochures, answered questions etc. There was some audience participation dances there too. Thanks to Janet Mason and her crew of helpers.
4th-Battalion-Royal-Regiment-of-Scotland
Now that spring is over maybe we can get some decent weather. Our spring never seemed to materialize. It was cold and wet. Plants are way behind so hopefully everything will recover. The only things that thrived were weeds!
Dancing in the Park (DITP) got off to a great start on Monday evening hosted by Diane and the Burnaby club. There were lots of dances for everyone and a lot of audience participation. It was a good programme with lively music.
DITP continues every Monday (except July 31) evening from 7 – 9 pm up to August 14 at Ceperley Park playground near 2nd Beach in Stanley Park. A great place to take visitors and locals alike. Come one, come all – there are dances for everyone and we will show you what to do.
The next regular Ceilidh Dance is not until September 29 but starting June 19, weather permitting, every Monday evening at 7 p.m. until August 14 (except July 31) Dancing in the Park – Ceperley Park playground in Stanley Park (near 2nd Beach). There are always dances for audience participation, Admission; FREE!!
Another date you will want to mark are:
July 2 (not July 1) Canada Day Parade. Come and swell the number of Scottish Country and Ceilidh dancers in the parade. They have changed the time to 5:00pm (PLEASE NOTE). The parade route begins at Broughton and West Georgia, travels east, and then travels north down Granville Street with dispersal on Pender Street. Our place in the parade & meeting place will be forthcoming in June. More details to follow but keep the date free.
Please come join us! Wear white/red or tartan, red or white hat (if you have one), comfortable shoes. It’s an easy dance routine, everyone welcome! We are hoping for 150 dancers!!!
Hope you can be there, contact Janet — mason@sfu.ca
Don’t forget to put the Ceilidh Dances on your 2017 (and now 2018) calendars – another season starting September 29; October 27; November 24 and in the spring of 2018 January 12; February 23; March 30 and closing with April 27. They are all on Friday evenings and where possible the last Friday of each month – the exceptions are December (as we never schedule one) and January.
A threatening sky at Mellon Udrigle
Between showers and downpours we have been trying to do some weeding and planting in the garden. Superficially it is looking not too bad. I also cleaned out the hot tub and am ready to fill it and turn it on for the annual invasion of the grandchildren. Not too many this year as they are getting older and have summer jobs etc. but we still have two from Hong Kong who will be here till the end of August.
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Anstruther
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Bob and the Blonde Bob walked into a sports bar around 9:58 pm. He sat down next to a blonde at the bar and stared up at the tv. The 10 pm news was coming on. the news crew was covering the story of a man on the ledge of a large building preparing to jump.
The blonde looked at Bob and said, “Do you think he’ll jump?”
Bob said, “You know, I bet he’ll jump.”
The blonde replied, “Well, I bet he won’t.”
Bob placed a $20 bill on the bar and said, “You’re on!”
Just as the blonde placed her money on the bar, the guy on the ledge did a swan dive off the building, falling to his death. The blonde was very upset, but willingly handed her $20 to Bob. “Fair’s fair. Here’s your money.”
Bob replied, “I can’t take your money. I saw this earlier on the 5 pm news, so I knew he would jump.”
The blonde replied, “I did, too, but I didn’t think he’d do it again.”
Bob took the money.
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Applecross
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For sale: Long skirt and matching sash from Claire Charles of Pitlochry. Ancient Douglas tartan (blue and green). Length 31.5”. Size “Easyfit.” Perfect for Heather Ball and TAC balls. Brand new. Please contact Rosemary at 604-298-6552 or rcoupe@shaw.ca
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Ardvreck Castle
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The next regular Ceilidh Dance is the Last Friday of the month!! – That is Friday, September 29, 2017 and I sure hope you can come and bring lots of friends.
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I have updated the calendar with known dates at this time- see the Upcoming Events tab.
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Auchtermuchty
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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
The Celtic Treasure Chest on Dunbar has new owners. Come and meet the new owners and stock up on all your favourite foods.
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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New Bridge (1879), Ayr
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Barra Airport
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The next Ceilidh Dance is Friday, September 29, 2017 – . That will be the first one for the season and the fifth one of 2017. 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 and really easy. Everything is taught from scratch – you won’s be the only newbie!
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BOB HOPE IN HEAVEN
For those of you too young to remember Bob Hope, ask your Grandparents .
ON TURNING 70 ‘You still chase women, but only downhill.’
ON TURNING 80 ‘That’s the time of your life when even your birthday suit needs pressing.’
ON TURNING 90 ‘You know you’re getting old when the candles cost more than the cake.’
ON TURNING 100 ‘I don’t feel old. In fact, I don’t feel anything until noon. Then it’s time for my nap.’
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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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More Bob Hope
ON GIVING UP HIS EARLY CAREER, BOXING I ruined my hands in the ring. The referee kept stepping on them.’
ON NEVER WINNING AN OSCAR ‘Welcome to the Academy Awards or, as it’s called at my home, ‘Passover’.
ON GOLF ‘Golf is my profession. Show business is just to pay the green fees.’
ON PRESIDENTS ‘I have performed for 12 presidents and entertained only six.’
ON WHY HE CHOSE SHOWBIZ FOR HIS CAREER ‘When I was born, the doctor said to my mother, “Congratulations, you have an eight pound ham.”
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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 will enjoy send me the link.
Sound On; Full Page:-
No doubt you have all seen it before too! It is terrific.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSXZtYFdvsI&list=RDaSXZtYFdvsI
“This has been on my bucket list since I was a kid,” says car enthusiast Jay Leno of driving the Hemi Under Glass, a 2,500-horsepower Plymouth Barracuda first introduced in the 1960s, with its massive engine situated in the rear of the car, surrounded by glass, known for the way its front end rockets skyward when the driver accelerates.
Jay finally got to cross this particular item off his list, taking a spin in the ‘Hemi Under Glass’ with its inventor, Bob Riggle.
The best parking spot
Tight Fitting Parking Space.mp4
COMING EVENTS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS: Note – please check the Branch website www.rscdsvancouver.org for and last minute changes.
| 2017 | |
| Jun 21- 25 | The School of Scottish Studies, SFU is hosting the World Congress of Scottish Literatures. All info at https://dialoguesanddiasporas.wordpress.com/program/ All events are held at the Coast Plaza Hotel (1763 Comox St, Vancouver). |
| Jun 26 | Dancing in the Park 7 – 9 p.m. at Ceperley Playground in Stanley Park – weather permitting! Host – Vancouver Branch with the Vancouver Police Pipe Band & the Branch Demonstration Team |
| Jul 2 | NOTE DATE!! Canada Day 150th anniversary Parade – come & help celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday. A big turnout would be great. Details are not finalized yet but we will gather at 3 p.m. Parade starts at 4. |
| Jul 3 | Dancing in the Park 7 – 9 p.m. at Ceperley Playground in Stanley Park – weather permitting! Host – Deep Cove |
| Jul 10 | Dancing in the Park 7 – 9 p.m. at Ceperley Playground in Stanley Park – weather permitting! Teacher’s Favourites |
| Jul 17 | Dancing in the Park 7 – 9 p.m. at Ceperley Playground in Stanley Park – weather permitting! – Host – Glenayre |
| Jul 23 – 30 | TAC Summer School at UBC Vancouver – online registration opens February 15 – school is open to all levels (beginner to advanced) – Dancers unable to attend the entire TAC Weekend or entire SS Week will have opportunities to attend part-time. See Registration Information 2017 for information and dates on which reservations can be made. |
| Jul 24 | Dancing in the Park 7 – 9 p.m. at Ceperley Playground in Stanley Park – weather permitting! Host – Deep Cove |
| Jul 31 | NO DANCING TONIGHT: Dancing in the Park cancelled as the Park Board requires extra time to clean up after the Fireworks |
| Aug 7 | Dancing in the Park 7 – 9 p.m. at Ceperley Playground in Stanley Park – weather permitting! – Host – West End |
| Aug 14 | Dancing in the Park 7 – 9 p.m. at Ceperley Playground in Stanley Park – weather permitting! – Host – Gleneagles |
| Sep 8 – 10 | Fort Worden Workshop – www.rscds-seattle.org |
| Sep 29 | 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 21 | Salt Spring Island workshop & Dinner Dance – info: www.saltspringscottishdancers.org |
| Oct 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 17 – 19 | RSCDS San Francisco Asilomar Weekend 2017 – info: www.asilomar.rscds-sf.org |
| Nov 24 | 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 |
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The next Ceilidh Dance is Friday, September 29th, 2017. 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.
Braw Lads at Abbotsford
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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.
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Even more Bob Hope
ON RECEIVING THE CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL ‘I feel very humble, but I think I
have the strength of character to fight it.’
ON HIS FAMILY’S EARLY POVERTY ‘Four of us slept in the one bed. When it got cold, mother threw on another brother.’
ON HIS SIX BROTHERS ‘That’s how I learned to dance. Waiting for the bathroom.’
ON HIS EARLY FAILURES ‘I would not have had anything to eat if it wasn’t for the stuff the audience threw at me.’
ON GOING TO HEAVEN ‘I’ve done benefits for ALL religions. I’d hate to blow the hereafter on a technicality.’
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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.
Ben Vorlich and Loch Earn
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.
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The next Ceilidh Dance is next Friday, September 29, 2017 with live music by Calanaish. This is the fifth dance of the year and the first of the new season. We need another huge attendance with everyone coming along for a really fun evening.
Boreray, St. Kilda
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
Causeway between Eriskay & South Uist
Scottish Country Dance (SCD) classes are nearing the start of another season so plan to join a local class or one that suits your schedule. Check out the class locations and come along – see the “Classes” tab.
Come to a class – 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 in September. 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.
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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Crathes Castle & Gardens
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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 on Friday, September 29th, 2017 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.
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 and, except for January, it is the last Friday of the Month —
2017
September 29
October 27
November 24
2018
January 12
February 23
March 30
April 27
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.
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.)
Cricket on Arran
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.
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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This newsletter reaches out to some 374 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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Castle Fraser
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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 and come dancing in the Park starting Monday, June 19!!
May your troubles be one, may your blessings be more,
and may nothing but happiness come through your door.
Duncan MacKenzie ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org