Ceilidh Newsletter – 2019/20 #8

A very, merry Christmas to one and all.

An Teallach

Thank you to everyone who came to the last Ceilidh dance of 2019. We had a great attendance which settled my mind as regards the future of the Ceilidh dances. I believe they are very much needed and as long as Alison and Calanais are willing to continue calling and playing they will continue. I am very much out of it now and while I will continue to come along, bring the food, drink etc. it is really Alison’s show now, and has been for some time. She is great and will lead the ceilidh dances to greater heights.

The main idea of the Ceilidh dances was to encourage young people to take up Scottish Country dancing or to at least introduce them to joy and fun of Scottish dancing. I believe it has done and is doing just that and while we have not seen droves of new dancers 2 or 3 do join SCD each year.

You should give it a go! Classes will be starting up again in January – you can check the location and times of all the classes on the Ceilidh dance website or at rscdsvancouver.org – you never know it just might be your thing!

Springburn, Glasgow

We hope all those enthusiastic dancers who came out to the November ceilidh will bring all their friends to celebrate the New Year to the ceilidh dance on Friday, January 10, 2020 and those who were unable to come last month will not only come again but will tell all their work/school mates to come along. We need about 72 paying attendees just to break even. We nearly made that at the last ceilidh but we really need everyone’s support. Tell people about the ceilidh dances, how much fun they are, how reasonable, the fact that you don’t need to know anything or need a partner, how patient the teacher is and what a great band we have.

Word of mouth really is the best form of advertising and we ask you all to help us. This newsletter is being sent to over 390 subscribers, some of whom are not in the Vancouver area, but, surely we can get 20% to come dancing. This will be an excellent way to work off these extra grams and clear your head so please do come along – it really is a fun evening.

Loch Lomond reflections

The hall has been booked for another season of Ceilidh Dances. The dates are:
January 10; February 28; March 27 & April 24 that is the last Friday of the month except for January as that is a busy time in a Scot’s calendar – Robert Burns. If you are interested in attending a Burns Supper then try the one run by the RSCDS on January 18. You can find out more at www.rscdsvancouver.org and purchase tickets too. Tickets are selling fast so plan now.

You can help by coming along to the Ceilidh dances, by bringing friends (and enemies!) by telling people about the Ceilidh Dances, by bringing a group of 8 or more so that you all qualify for a discount of $1 each. No partner or experience required and remember if you claim to have two left feet we’ll show you how to use the right one!

Mural at Strathclyde University

The next Ceilidh Dance is the Friday, January 10th – that is next year but, it is not that far away. The dance will follow the usual format with the “class” from 7 – 8 pm and the dance, with Calanais providing the music, from 8 – 11 pm. Mark your calendars NOW! Even if you can’t make it in time for the class; come to the dance, it is lots of fun.

If you have a group of 8 or more, then everyone in your group qualifies for $1 discount off the amazingly low admission price of $15 ($10 for students). You have to let everyone in your group know the password you have chosen which you then relay to me (www.ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org) before midnight on the Wednesday preceding the dance, that way you do not all have to arrive together.

There are refreshments/drinks (including beer, cider, juice, etc.) available for a donation So apart from the fun, exercise and great music of Scottish Ceilidh dancing there is all the ingredients for a great evening.

No need to be scared if you don’t know how – we will teach you and you won’t be the only newbie. You will be a star before the night is out. Make it a date – it will be a night you won’t forget.

Dalry countryside

For those new to ceilidh dancing the class is a great introduction to Scottish Country dancing and you will soon find out you are not the only one who does not know their left from right or back from front!! We teach everything and the dance follows the same format. Everything is very relaxed so you don’t have to worry about anything. If you can walk; you can dance. Wear flat comfy shoes and loose, layered clothing as it is warm work reeling and spinning.

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 the wonderful beat of the lively music and to enjoy the company of other like-minded folk.

The mountains of Lochinver

The next Ceilidh dance is on Friday, January 10, 2020 at the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver with the usual class at 7 pm and the dance following from 8 – 11 pm. Pay at the door – $15 ($10 for students). Tell your friends etc. about the dances, they are lots of fun.

The other dates are
2020
January 10
February 28
March 27
April 24

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 but we have one in early January) and January (because of Burns.)

Melrose

I became confused when I heard the word “Service” used with these agencies:
Canada Revenue Agency ‘Service’
Postal ‘Service’
Telephone ‘Service’
Cable TV ‘Service’
Civil ‘Service’
Provincial, City, County & Public ‘Service’
Customer ‘Service’
This is not what I thought ‘Service’ meant.

But today, I overheard two farmers talking, and one of them said he had purchased a bull to ‘Service’ a few cows.

BAM!!!

It all came into focus. Now I understand what all those agencies are doing to us.
You are now as enlightened as I am!

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Glen Affric at sunrise with the mist in the valley.

Scottish Country dance classes will be starting up again in the new year and you will be made very welcome if you want to come along – it is never too late. Now would be a good time to come to a class and see what all the fuss is about. Why not give us a try – you never know it just might be the fun exercise class that you have been looking for. Music, movement, memory, camaraderie, laughter and a sense of achievement are all things you will experience. Come on – what have you got to lose, most first classes are free. Look under the “classes” tab for a class near you.

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The next regular Ceilidh Dance is FRIDAY January 10, 2020. I sure hope you can come and bring lots of friends.

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Hey, I just made a total elf of myself. Check it out by clicking the link below.

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1241974516

This elfin’ greeting brought to you by OfficeMax®.

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Loch Muick

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Remember Calvin & Hobbs? Enjoy these cartoons.

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Thanks to 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 open 7 days a week and stock includes haggis imported from Scotland and many of 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 Scottish Cultural Centre Society (SCCS) which is a charitable society. Donations, bequests are welcome and a tax deductible receipt will be issued for gifts of more than $25.

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Near Melrose

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The next Ceilidh Dance is Friday, January 10, 2020. That will be the fourth one of the season and the first of 2020. 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!

A cannibal was walking through the jungle and came upon a restaurant operated by a
Fellow cannibal.

Feeling somewhat hungry, he sat down and looked over the menu….

+Tourist:                                                     $5.00
+Broiled Missionary:                                  $10.00
+Fried Explorer:                                         $15.00
+Baked Democrat or Grilled Republican:    $100.00

The cannibal called the waiter over and asked, “Why such a high price for the Politicians?”

The cook replied, “Have you ever tried to clean one? They’re so full of crap, it takes all morning.”

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Fintry waterfall

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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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Cul Mor from Stac Pollaidh

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Scottish advent calendar

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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 screen:

https://biggeekdad.com/2015/11/angels-we-have-heard-on-high/#.WFbsDjhQ00o.mailto

You might enjoy this “lip sync” item ……………………………………..

https://biggeekdad.com/2013/12/christmas-song-lip-sync/#.WFgre_Ae2uc.mailto

Merry Christmas to all my Family & Friends. This is a beautiful obsession. Enjoy.

http://www.flixxy.com/best-christmas-lights-display.htm

BLONDE POLE DANCER try not to send this to anyone it might offend.

Beautiful Blonde Pole Dancer
If you should find it too offensive, please advise, and I will remove your name promptly from this type of emails!
(Open Discreetly)

Please scroll down . .

Don’t move, don’t breathe…just watch……………Incredible!

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=jJrzIdDUfT4&vq=medium

How close can you build next to a train track?” You’ve got to see this!

http://www.wimp.com/vegetablemarket/

> Lovely video
> https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/about-us/story/christmas-miracle

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

2019
Dec 28	Betwixt & Between Dance 7:30 pm at Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver. Free for RSCDS Members. Non-members $15 (Students $7). Music by Mary Ross. Bring a small plate of seasonal fare to share.
Dec 31	Vancouver Island New Year’s Eve social
2020
Jan 10	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 $15 (students $10)
Jan 11	Nanaimo New Year Ball
Jan 18	Branch Burns Supper at the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson St., Vancouver. Bar 6:00 and Dinner 7:00; Tickets $70 or $60 for RSCDS Members available in November through local SCD clubs or online through Paypal at www.rscdsvancouver.org. More info from Gil Beattie at 604-224-6751. A traditional meal with haggis a dance programme to suit everyone to the music of the Tartan Players – Performance by Strictly Scottish.
Jan 25	Seattle Burns Night
Feb 14 – 16	RSCDS Edmonton Caledonian Branch Invites you to help us celebrate our “50TH” ANNUAL WORKSHOP & BALL Chateau Lacombe Hotel. TEACHERS; Ruth Jappy; Mary Murray & Antoine Rousseau. WORKSHOP AND BALL MUSIC BY Kathy Fraser Collins; Fred Collins with guests Ian Muir; Judi Nicholson and Mary Ross. information please contact Ann at 780-224-7191, or ann_mac@shaw.ca
Feb 14 – 16	Aloha Winter Weekend, Honolulu, Hawaii. Teacher Rachel Pusey. Info rscdsHawaii.org or email MLindsay@hawaii.rr.com Music by Humuhumunukunukuaoua’a and Stathspey Society Band
Feb 15	Vancouver Island Valentine’s Tea dance
Feb 22	Love to Dance workshop & dance at Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver. Teachers Richard Bennett, Salt Spring & Heather Graham, Bellingham. Watch for registration forms available mid November.
Feb 28	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 $15 (students $10)

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The next Ceilidh Dance is Friday, January 10, 2020 – that is 3 weeks this Friday! Same time, same place, 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.

Ballachulish

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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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A married couple had been out shopping at the mall for most of the afternoon.

Suddenly, the wife realized that her husband had “disappeared”.

The somewhat irate spouse called her mate’s cell phone and demanded: “Where the hell are you?”

Husband: “Darling, you remember that Jewellery shop where you saw the diamond necklace and totally fell in love with it and I didn’t have money that time and said, ‘Baby, it’ll be yours one day’?”

Wife, with a smile, blushing: “Yes I remember that, my love.”

Husband: “Well, I’m in the pub next to that shop.”

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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.

A swan near Peebles

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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 Friday, January 10, 2020 with live music by Calanais. This is the fourth dance of the season. We need a good attendance with everyone coming along for a really fun evening

Inverness footbridge

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 – $15 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

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Uig harbour

Scottish Country Dance (SCD) classes are a place where you will be made very welcome. Try the link to “classes” or go to www.rscdsvancouver.org and check for a class near you or one that has a convenient time and try it out.

Dance - blue

Come to a class soon – 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. 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, 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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Strathardle Glen near Kirkmichael

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

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The next regular monthly Ceilidh Dance will be held Friday, January 10, 2020 in the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, (73^rd & 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 $15 ($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 2018/19 season shapes up as follows:
All on Fridays of course and, except for January, it is the last Friday of the Month —

2020
January 10
February 28
March 27
April 24

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 ($15 or $10 for students.)

Mellon Udridal beach (I camped there some 60+ summers ago! when I was a student)

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.

Sound of Mull

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 389 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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Fireworks at Oban – St. Andrew’s night

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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

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

Duncan MacKenzie ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org