Cellardyke

It is Fall/Autumn and the trees are starting to turn (change colour that is) and drop.  It is time to start the clean up of the garden, plant bulbs and come to a Scottish Country Dance class of which there are many.  Check out the list and choose the one that fits your time, location etc.  They are all good and I know that you will be welcomed.

SCD has lots of benefits for everyone. Come SCDing you never know it might just what you been looking for. Great people, great music, great teachers, great fun, great exercise.

If you are a bit wary come to the Ceilidh dance this Friday, September 29 at 7 p.m. in the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver.  What is a Ceilidh dance?  It is informal, easy Scottish Country dancing in a relaxed style for all ages.  We teach everything, no experience or partner required just a desire to have fun an ability to move to wonderful beat of the lively music and to enjoy the company of other like-minded folk.  But, it is not for the faint of heart for there is exercise both of body and mind!

Harvest moon over Cullen

On to more important stuff! It is time to remind you of the Ceilidh dates for this season and in particular the next one on Friday September 29 with the usual class at 7 and the dance following from 8 – 11 pm. No change in the price this year but that is dependant on great attendance at every dance so mark your calendars now and tell all your friends to do the same.

The other dates for this season are:-

  • September 29
  • October 27
  • November 24
  • January 12
  • February 23
  • March 30
  • April 27

The dances are all held at the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver (73rd and Hudson which is between Granville and Oak Streets). They are all held on Friday evenings and where possible the last Friday of each month – the exceptions are December (as we never schedule one) and January. Calanais have been practising and are raring to play for us again and Alison and I are rested and ready so all we need is you! Hope to see you on September 29.

Loch Ard near Aberfoyle

This is the weekend for us to remember some good friends.  We attended a celebration of life on Friday, another tomorrow, both for friends out here at Crescent Beach then there was the one on Saturday for Drew Simpson, a long time dancing friend, a supporter of the Ceilidhs and one who died far too young.  Our thoughts and prayers go to all the families.

What with meetings, office, accounting work, dancing and funerals I seemed to be very busy last week and did not manage much work in the garden.  I did plant some 50 bulbs and some other plants and did dig up, I remember now because it was hard work, some ferns and pampas grass that had overgrown their spot in the garden.

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River Tay

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Himalayas putting green, St. Andrews

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A  filling station has become quite a landmark in Gauteng, South Africa with its daily #PetrolPumpWisdom, which are uplifting quotes written on a chalkboard. Some motorists say they deliberately travel this route just to read the quote which brightens their day. Here’s a selection:

 

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Edinburgh Festival fireworks

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The next regular Ceilidh Dance is the THIS FRIDAY!! – 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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Blouidyfits (Bloodyfoots) path between Glenrothes and Auchmuirbridge

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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 – stock up on all your favourite foods.

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

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An American goes into a bar in Calgary where there is a robot bartender.

The robot says, “What will you have? The guy replies, “Whiskey.” The robot brings back his drink and asks, “What’s your IQ?” The guy say, “168.” The robot continues to talk about physics, space exploration, and medical technology.

After the guy leaves and the more he thinks about it, the more curious he gets, so he decides to go back. The robot asks, “What’s your drink?” The guy answers, “Whiskey.” The robot returns with his drink and asks, “What’s your IQ?” The man replies, “100.” The robot talks about Nascar, Budweiser, the Lions, and LSU.

The man finishes his drink, leaves, but is so interested in his “experiment” that he decides to try again. He enters the bar and, as usual, the robot asks him what he want to drink. The man replies, “Whiskey.” The robot brings the drink and asks, “What’s your IQ?” The man answers, “50.” The robot leans in real close and asks, “So . . . are . . . you people . . . still happy . . . with Trump?”

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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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Milky Way near Oban

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near Fintry

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The next Ceilidh Dance is THIS 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’t be the only newbie!

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This is British humour – apologies for the language!

  1. I got invited to a party and was told to dress to kill.  Apparently a turban, beard, and a backpack wasn’t what they had in mind.
  2. After a night of drink, drugs and wild sex, John woke up to find himself next to a really ugly woman. That’s when he realized he had made it home safely.
  3. Seven wheelchair athletes have been banned from the Para-Olympics after they tested positive for WD40.
  4. A teenage boy asks his granny: “Have you seen my pills? They were labeled LSD?” Granny replies: “ The hell with the pills, did you see the dragons in the kitchen?”
  5. Wife gets naked and asks hubby: “What turns you on more, my pretty face or my sexy body?” Hubby looks her up and down and replies: “Your sense of humor!”   (Hospital visiting hours are 5:00 to 6:00.)
  6. A chap’s wife’s back on the warpath again. She was up for making a sex movie last night, and all he did was suggest they should hold auditions for her part. (His viewing will be Saturday from 7:00 till 8:30.)
  7. I’ve accidentally swallowed some Scrabble tiles. My next crap could spell disaster.
  8. I woke up this morning at 9:00, and could sense something was wrong. I got downstairs and found the wife face down on the kitchen floor, not breathing!  I panicked.  I didn’t know what to do. Then I remembered McDonald’s serves breakfast until 10:30.
  9. My missus packed my bags, and as I walked out the front door. She screamed: “I wish you a slow and painful death, you bastard!” I replied: “Oh, so now you want me to stay!”
  10. Bought the missus a hamster skin coat last week.  When we went to the fair last night it took me 3 hours to get her off the Ferris wheel.
  11. The other night, my wife asked me how many women I’d slept with.  I told her: “Only you. All the others kept me awake all night!” (The doctor says I should be able to see again in about ten days. The broken arm will take about a month. )

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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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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:-

A holographic projection of a Whale. It is a photographic process that produces images thanks to the differences between 2 laser beams.  These images are projected into a gym using a special camera.
Projectionholographique1.mp4

Wear White At Wimbledon

Dancing With Blue Shoes

COMING EVENTS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS: Note – please check the Branch website www.rscdsvancouver.org for and last minute changes.

2017  
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
Sep 30 Introduction to Ladies Step Dance, Scottish Cultural Centre – kay_sutherland@hotmail.com
Sep 30 Nanaimo teachers workshop
Oct  1 White Rock SCDC workshop, Sullivan Hall, 6306 152nd Street, Surrey
Oct 14 Ladies Step Dance class at Scottish Cultural Centre 1 – 3 p.m.
Oct 14 Gleneagles Fall dance in honour of the late Ray Eagle, Christ the Redeemer Gymnasium, 595 Keith Road (off Taylor Way), West Vancouver 7;30 p.m.
Oct 14 Bellingham dance
Oct 21 Simply Scottish Workshop & Ball on Salt Spring Island –  info: www.saltspringscottishdancers.org
Oct 21 Ladies Step Dance class at Scottish Cultural Centre 1 – 3 p.m.
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
Oct 28 Ladies Step Dance class at Scottish Cultural Centre 1 – 3 p.m.
Nov 4 Ladies Step Dance class at Scottish Cultural Centre 1 – 3 p.m.
Nov 11 Lady Aberdeen Tea Dance, Scottish Cultural Centre 1:15 p.m. hosted by the Gleneagles SCDC – proceeds to Doctors without Borders.

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The next Ceilidh Dance is THIS 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. Please do your best to spread the word. Let me know if you would like a poster to put up.

view from Inverary

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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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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.

Cricket on Elie beach

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 This 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.

view of South Uist from Barra harbour

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

Little Gruinard

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.

Dance - blue

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.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.

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, Sunshine Coast, 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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Neist Point

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

Other announcements etc:
 Seattle Branch
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The next regular monthly Ceilidh Dance will be held this 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.)

MacDuff

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 375 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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View-from-Sligachan-of-Sgurr-nan-Gillean

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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