Ceilidh Dance newsletter – 2012/13 #11 –
next Ceilidh Dance – Friday, November 30, 2012
WHERE IS IT?
I am continuing to include these pictures of Scotland that I have been sent without any note as to where they are. Last week’s picture brought at least 10 responses some with a similar picture to prove their point. Some guessed Tobermory or Tarbert but the correct answer was Portree on the Isle of Skye. You can look back at last week’s and most prior newsletters by going to our website at www.vancouverceilidh.org.
Surely someone has been to this week’s location. There is a village in the background and what looks like a popular mooring for yachts.
The readership of, or at least the number of subscribers to, this newsletter has gone up to 380 which is the highest number since we moved to the current system. There used to be many more but, I am sure, those now on the list are the creme de la creme. Please pass along the website to your friends and maybe they will subscribe – www.vancouverceilidh.org
The Dem Team have a number of commitments around St. Andrew’s Day but there next public performance will be at the Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra’s concert on November 10 in Highland’s United Church – see all the details for this below. I suggest getting your tickets soon as this concert has sold out each year. Tickets can be reserved by calling:
Rob Waring 604 926 1292 or Highlands United Church 604 980 6071.
Note that the annual Lady Aberdeen Tea Dance will be held on Monday, November 12 at 1:30 p.m. in the Scottish Cultural Centre. This year the event will be hosted by the Glenayre Club. This is one of the most popular dances of the year and everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend it is only $10 and most of that will go to charity.
I received a report that the Bellingham workshop & Masquerade Ball held last weekend was fantastic. “There were about 75 people at a guess, but it was noticeable that attendance from Vancouver was down. The music by a group of 4 led by Calum McKinnon was outstanding and the workshops led by Mary Murray and David Newitt were excellent. The ball was held again in the Majestic Ballroom which has a very good floor. This was a very enjoyable weekend. It is too bad that there was not more attendance from Vancouver.”
Note: the Celtic Treasure Chest has some hot deals – see www.celtictreasurechest.ca.
Just say you read about it in the newsletter.
If anyone has any suggestions or complaints regarding the newsletter please let me know – ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org ==============================================================
My cardiologist’s diet: – If it tastes good spit it out.
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NOT SO LONG AGO: Comments made in the year 1955!
There is no sense going on short trips anymore for a weekend. It costs nearly $2.00 a night to stay in a hotel.
Glamis Castle
I have put some clip art in this week’s newsletter of leaves falling. I feel bad not being outside raking them up. I did clear the driveway at the front and back in between showers but of course it is as bad as ever already. All the annuals need to be howked out and the garden given a good dig over. I feel tired and exhausted just thinking about it!!
There are also some fireworks etc. as a memory of Guy Fawkes Day which is tomorrow. Growing up in Glasgow we certainly celebrated Halloween getting dressed up and going door to door where we usually had to sing, do a recitation or some party piece to get a goody of some sort. Apples were popular. Some houses you had to go in and “dook” for your apple or drop a fork which you held in your mouth into a large basin with apples floating in the water. I remember once in my best friends house where his parents had hung sticky buns from the clothes pulley and we had to try and eat them with using hands. We did not have pumpkins but hollowed out turnips to make lanterns which was much harder. Of course we got dressed up. This year not one soul came to our door which is good as I can get to eat all the candy myself!!
Although it was more of an English tradition we also had bonfires and fireworks on November 5. This was more of a community thing and the bonfire would be in a waste ground – maybe even a bombed out area – and everyone would have taken all their old wood there over the week or two beforehand. I have no idea who actually built the fire in my area but it was always very large. Families would all come down to watch together and a few fireworks would be lit. Not much spare money back then.
CetlFeast organizers remind you of the Bara MacNeill’s concerts on November 17 & 18
see info below. Tickets are selling fast.
SFU School of Scottish Studies are presenting a dramatic production on Thursday November 22 which sounds very interesting. Information is below under “Coming Events.”
Glen Etive
“I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix.”
— Dan Quayle
COMING EVENTS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS –
| 2012 | |
| Nov 10 | Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra Ceilidh in Highland’s United Church. 3255 Edgemont Blvd., North Vancouver. Doors open at 7 p.m. and concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Vancouver Branch Demonstration Team, Audience participation in Ceilidh Dancing plus lots more. This is always a very popular event so get tickets- $15 — early from church 604-980-6071 www.highlandsunited.org or from VFO members or, if any left, at the door. www.vancouverfiddleorchestra.ca |
| Nov 10 | Bellingham monthly dance |
| Nov 12 | Lady Aberdeen Tea Dance — 1:30 p.m. in the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver admission at the door $10 — hosted by the Glenayre Club — a small item to add to the food table would be appreciated see www.rscdsvancouver.org for programme |
| Nov 17 | Inverglen Scottish Dancers Christmas Bazaar at Garden Park Towers on Clearbrook Road in Abbotsford. 11 a.m. — 2 p.m. Dance Performances at: 11:30, 12:30 and 1:30. Baked Goods & Sweets, Crafts and Sewing, Silent Auction and Raffle , Touch and Take and White Elephant round out the tables for this annual fund raising event. Proceeds to the dancers costume fund, workshops and tour to Scotland in July 2013. Please come out and enjoy an old fashioned Christmas Bazaar and have a cup of tea and a scone while watching the dancers perform. |
| Nov 17 | Barra MacNeils plus many talented local performers in Courtnay — early discounted tickets at www.celtfest.ca |
| Nov 18 | Barra MacNeils plus many talented local performers in Victoria — early discounted tickets at www.celtfest.ca |
| Nov 22 | SFU School of Scottish Studies presents: Anna Hepburn, Mary Queen of Scots: The Last Letter (a dramatic production). 7:30-9:30 pm, Room 1900, SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings St, Vancouver. This event is open to the public. A donation of $10-12 is suggested. Proceeds will go entirely to the actress. For more information please visit www.scottish.sfu.ca. And to reserve a seat please contact tbarker@sfu.ca |
| Nov 24 | Delta Social |
| Nov 24 | St. Andrew’s Caledonian Ball |
| Nov 27 | Fort Langley St. Andrew’s Dance |
| Nov 30 | Ceilidh Dance at the Scottish Cultural Centre — class at 7 dance 8 — 11 Admission $10 (students $8) |
| Nov 30 | Tam O’Shanter Dancers annual St. Andrew’s Ceilidh in Sullivan Hall, 6306 — 152nd Street, Surrey at 8 p.m. admission $15 — Ceilidh Dancing, Meat Pies & Other Scottish Fare, Bar, Party Games, Music by “Braidwater” Information and tickets 604-535-8949 or 604-536-7660 |
| Dec 1 | Children’s Christmas party |
| Dec 8 | Bellingham monthly dance |
| Dec 9 | Gleneagles Ball Join us for our forty-ninth annual ball on Sunday at 1:30pm We look forward to welcoming you for the delicious luncheon buffet as well as the scrumptious post-dancing dessert bar. Spend the afternoon dancing a program of some new and many well known favorite dances, all to the irresistible music of Vancouver’s own Fiddle Orchestra. Enjoy spending festive time with friends from many clubs, both near and far. All of this is enhanced by the elegant ambiance of the Pacific Ballroom of the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Tickets at $110.00 may be purchased by contacting Norm and Susan Haug 604 984 7458 normhaug@shaw.ca Check the Branch website for cribs and other information. |
Seattle Branch announces the start of their Challenge Class which are held on the 2nd Friday each month (next one on November 9) in the upper building, Room 7, Phinney Neighbourhood Association, 4532 Phinney Avenue, North Seattle at 7:30 p.m.
See website www.vancouverceilidh.org for a more complete list.
Hill of Tarvit
AMAZING, SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES:
You need only two tools in life – WD-40 and duct tape. if it doesn’t move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn’t move and does, use the duct tape.
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God’s Pharmacy! Amazing!
Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.
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Loch Venacher
The next Ceilidh Dance is not until Friday, November 30, 2012 – that is the last Friday of the month! You have therefore lots of time to spread the word about all the Ceilidh Dances as that is the best (and cheapest) form of advertising. Here is a link where you can watch a short video of a Ceilidh Dance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MvUwZnY9Ms
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. The price is only – $10 or $8 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.
New Lanark
For those who enjoy listening to Scottish music, song, banter etc. try www.andysceilidh.co.uk/ this is a radio programme that you can get sent to you and listen any time you want. Andy is asking everyone to send in their requests so if you have a favourite Scottish tune, song, recitation, band, performer, choir or whatever send an e-mail to andyrossbw@aol.com
Fall colours in Edinburgh’s Princess Street Gardens
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
It really is never too late to come along and join in one of many Scottish Country Dance (SCD) classes and SEPTEMBER is a great time to do it as all the classes have just started up again. You will be made very welcome. Many classes have a policy that the first night is FREE! Plan to come along to try out a class next week. There are classes all around and on different nights so
GIVE IT A GO!
Go to either www.rscdsvancouver.org or www,vancouverceilidh.org for a list of class locations and times.
For those who don’t know SCD is a fabulous pastime which 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 get the basics learnt 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 also are Branches in Victoria and Seattle). There are a great many classes and the ones in the Vancouver area are listed below. 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
Also the Inverary Step Dance class on Wednesdays in the French School, 1555 West 7th Ave., Vancouver- info b_campbell@dccnet.com
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Riddles (answer next week)
Last week:
Half-way up the hill, I see thee at last, lying beneath me with thy sounds and sights — A city in the twilight, dim and vast, with smoking roofs, soft bells, and gleaming lights.
Answer: The past. (Longfellow)
This week:
ONE WORD RIDDLE:
Never in a million years would I have come up with the answer. What if
this was the only question on the exam paper to pass your English
Exam. Would you pass? What nine letter word in the English language
is still a word when you remove a letter one by one – until you’re
down to a one letter word?
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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 on Friday, November 30, 2012 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.
We Really NEED YOUR HELP to advertise the Ceilidh Dances!!!! What a nice way to work off all the Thanksgiving Dinners! It really is good exercise as the ladies from Children’s Hospital found out in September. They thought it was way better than Yoga and said they will tell all their colleagues at the hospital to come to the next dance AND to bring their other friends, spouses, partners, etc. It only costs $10 – 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 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.
The cost is still the amazingly low price of $10 or $8 for students and we provide refreshments although we do ask for your donations towards their cost. We always need your support both by coming along and by helping us to advertise these dances by whatever means you use to communicate with your friends be it e-mail, Face-Book, Twitter, Text or even telephone! 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 on 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 2012/13 season shapes up as follows:
All on Fridays of course —
November 30
2013
January 4
February 1
February 22
March 22
April 26
Come along and get some great exercise while also having lots of fun. We are still working on improving the strength of the smile muscles as well as the bows and curtsies! 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 need to attract students from UBC, SFU and all the other colleges and universities. Somehow we have to get word out to these students. Please do all you can to help us. Come one, come all to the same place (Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver) and the same time (7 p.m. for the class and 8 – 11 p.m. for the dance) and the same amazing price ($10 or $8 for students.)
You should check the website – www.vancouverceilidh.org – from time to time as you can find various pages listing “Ceilidhs and Events;” Classes:” Duncan’s List;” etc. On these pages you can check all the upcoming events, where all the classes are located, times, etc. and some places to find Scottish things or some local trades, etc. I will continue to highlight the more current events in each week’s newsletter but, as stated, the calendar of all events will be available on the website. You should also have a look at the Vancouver Branch website from time to time – www.rscdsvancouver.org – as there is always useful information on it and it is a very good looking site.
If you have any questions regarding the Ceilidh Dances send them to me at ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org
Please check the website – www.rscdsvancouver.org for updates, pictures and news.
Dance — it is good for your health.
I was at a cash point yesterday when a little old lady asked if I could check her balance. Not being one to disappoint I gave her a big push and she fell over.
Thanks to Laurie
Keep sending jokes, pictures and info you wish to have included. Don’t forget to look at our web pages at www.vancouverceilidh.org
Quiraing
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. This newsletter reaches out to some 378 subscribers (up 3!) 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. Note:- I normally compose the newsletters on Sundays.
Thanks hope to see you at class or somewhere nice. Enjoy yourselves – come Scottish Country Dancing – for it is good for your health and you never know you just might …..!
Young Chuck moved to Texas and bought a Donkey from a farmer for $100. The farmer agreed to deliver the Donkey the next day.
The next day he drove up and said, ‘Sorry son, but I have some bad news, the donkey died.’ Chuck replied, ‘Well, then just give me my money back.’ The farmer said, ‘Can’t do that. I went and spent it already.’ Chuck said, ‘Ok, then, just bring me the dead donkey.’ The farmer asked, ‘What ya gonna do with him? Chuck said, ‘I’m going to raffle him off.’ The farmer said ‘You can’t raffle off a dead donkey!’ Chuck said, ‘Sure I can. Watch me. I just won’t tell anybody he’s dead.’
A month later, the farmer met up with Chuck and asked, ‘What happened with that dead donkey?’ Chuck said, ‘I raffled him off. I sold 500 tickets at two dollars a piece and made a profit of $998.’ The farmer said, ‘Didn’t anyone complain?’ Chuck said, ‘Just the guy who won. So I gave him his two dollars back.’
Chuck now works for Goldman Sachs.
Duncan ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org