Robert Burns – born January 25, 1759; died July 21, 1796
What a great Burns Supper last Saturday night. What a lot of work by Sally, Sandy and the committee plus many odd helpers must have put in; but the hard work showed up on Saturday night as everything was great. Right from the safety briefing to the last note of Auld Lang Syne – it went off, seemingly, without a hitch. With a large attendance of about 200 to enjoy every last-minute.
Simon’s clear introductions, Hamish’s address to the haggis, with a humorous, topical verse included, Gillian’s informative Toast to the Queen, the Selkirk grace given by Janet Mason, the meal provided again by A & F Catering, how many years have they been doing that? – at least 30 – and it was still tasty with a good selection but including the essentials like bashed neeps, then the inventive rhyming toast to the Lassies and reply by Alan and Cathrine followed by Gerry’s Immortal Memory which centred on Burns great work in saving many of the old Scottish tunes and words – Gerry even sang a few lines of the songs, all went smoothly and enjoyably.
The clearing of the tables and chairs all went, as always, like clockwork and so we were ready for dancing. There were two separate performances by the Demonstration Team (including a surprise addition of the RCMP musical ride!) which were both excellent and the dance programme was just right and ably introduced by Alison and Katherine (also Frances) and music by the Tartan Players. All in all it was a great evening – get your tickets early for next year as this year it was sold out!
The next Ceilidh Dance is the last Friday in February (not January!), the date is Friday, February 23 at the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver. It is a great way to work off those extra few pounds (kilograms for the younger generation) and a fun evening to boot. I am sure we will get a big crowd, tell your friends to come too.
Groups of 8 or more qualify for a $1 discount so long as you warn me in advance. The “leader” chooses a password that the group knows. You tell me the password; I inform those that are collecting the admission and everyone in the group gets admitted for $1 less than the normal rate. For the dance on February 23 you have until Wednesday (21st) to contact me with the password and the number in your group.
It is a great way to celebrate the season – and cheap too! Arrange to meet all your friends at the Ceilidh dance rather than have them come to your place. Entertainment, food and drink included!
Ben Ledi
If you are a bit wary come along to the Ceilidh dance on Friday, February 23 at 7 p.m. in the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver. The class, which is free, will give you an idea of what we do as we teach all the dances the same way at the class and at the dance. I am sure you’ll want to stay and enjoy the dance which follows at 8 p.m..
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.
I spent a nice day in the garden yesterday raking up all the branches etc, blown down by the high winds during the night. I am now stiff and sore but I got the worst of it done and the green bins are picked up this morning so I have empty ones to fill if I get more energy later this week. The house alarm beeps when the power goes off and I lost count of how many times it beeped during the night. The power used to go off at the slightest puff and stay out for hours but Hydro made some improvements so now it does not go off so often or for so long.
Stirling churchyard
Don’t forget to register for the Love to Dance workshop on February 17 and get your tickets for the afternoon dance. There are classes for both those with little experience and for those with more and the teachers are always the best. This year we have Simon Scott and Kay Sutherland. There is live music for classes and for the afternoon dance music is provided by the Tartan Players.
Stirling University campus
The next Ceilidh dance is on Friday, February 23, 2018 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 – $12 ($10 for students). Tell your friends etc. about the dances, they are lots of fun.
- The other dates for this season are:-
- 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. Alison and I will be rested and ready so all we need is you! Come with your friends. Hope to see you next February 23.
We really need a big crowd. I had not realized that our rent for the hall had increased so it looks as if the break even will be 70 or thereabouts and then we need to make up the loss for the first 4 ceilidhs of the season. It helps if you spread the word.
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Sunrise, East Neuk
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Old age is coming at a really bad time. When I was a child I thought “nap time” was a punishment. Now, as a grownup, it feels like a small vacation.
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The Sma’ Glen
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The next regular Ceilidh Dance is the 4th FRIDAY of the February – February 23, 2018. – 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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Torridon mountains in winter
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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 biggest lie I tell myself is…”I don’t need to write that down, I’ll remember it.”
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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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Traigh Golf course, Arisaig
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The next time someone asks you a dumb question wouldn’t you like
to respond like this?
Yesterday I was at my local Wal-Mart buying a large bag of Purina
dog chow for my loyal pet, Biscuit, the Wonder Dog and was in the
checkout line when woman behind me asked if I had a dog.
What did she think I had, an elephant? So since I’m retired and
have little to do, on impulse I told her that no, I didn’t have a
dog, I was starting the Purina Diet again. I added that I probably
shouldn’t, because I ended up in the hospital last time, but that
I’d lost 50 pounds before I awakened in an intensive care ward with
tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms.
I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way
that it works is to load your pants pockets with Purina nuggets and
simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The food is
nutritionally complete so it works well and I was going to try it
again. (I have to mention here that practically everyone in line
was now enthralled with my story.)
Horrified, she asked if I ended up in intensive care because the
dog food poisoned me. I told her no, I stepped off a curb to sniff
an Irish Setter’s ass and a car hit us both.
I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart attack he
was laughing so hard. Wal-Mart won’t let me shop there anymore.
Better watch what you ask retired people. They have all the time in
the world to think of crazy things to say.
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The next Ceilidh Dance is Friday, February 23, 2018. That will be the fifth one for the season and the second one of 2018. 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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Brig o’ Doon
the second one is the old brig’ mentioned in Burns famous poem “Tam o’ Shanter.”
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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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An Important Message About Growing Old
Oh! Bother!
Now I forgot what I was gonna tell ya!
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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.
This is a very, very short video – 4 seconds not minutes.
A blonde goes back to work after many years.
The scary thing is most people under 30 won’t understand this clip.
blond_goes_to_work_after_many_years
It is not this bad in Vancouver
hate snow
Did you ever wonder how many airplanes are flying all over the world at one time. This is a 24 hour period. Each yellow dot is an airplane.
Doesn’t exactly make you want to rush out and take a trip does it??
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COMING EVENTS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS: Note – please check the Branch website www.rscdsvancouver.org for and last-minute changes.
| 2018 | |
| Jan 25 | The Simon Fraser School of Scottish Studies invite you to an authentic Burns Night – 6:30 – 11:00 at the Pan Pacific Hotel, Vancouver. Tickets $195 ($185 each for a table of 8). More information at catering@panpacficvancouver.com or 604-662-8111. |
| Jan 27 | A Taste of Burns sponsored by Moray Nairn & Banff Association at the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver at 7 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30) Entertainment & Dancing to Joe MacDonald & the Mad Celts. Tickets $30 (ages 6 – 16 $15) from jocklaidlaw@telus.net or phone for info 606-940-9260 |
| Jan 28 | Ben Miller, Scottish Border pipes, Anita MacDonald, Cape Breton Fiddler in concert 7 pm in the SimonHolt Restaurant 6584 Applecross Road, Nanaimo. Music & Dance workshops will precede the concert during the day. Call 250-758-0208 or e-mail info@celtfest.ca |
| Feb 2 | Ceilidh/Tympath at the Cambian Hall, 215 East 7th Avenue, Vancouver 7:30 to 10:30 with the Rattlebone Band and caller JD Erskine. Admission 13 + $10; 6-12 $5; Info – 604-536-9556 or druidsgreen@gmail.com |
| Feb 14 | Bellingham social dance – Fairhaven Library |
| Feb 16 – 18 | Annual Aloha Winter Weekend with teacher Mary Murray and the Humuhumunukunuhuapua’a and Stathspey Society Band. Info: www.rscdshawaii.org |
| Feb 16 – 18 | Edmonton Caledonian Country Dance Society’s 47th Annual Workshop and Ball, Chateau Lacombe Hotel. Teachers are Jean Wagstaff, B.C., Elaine Brunkin, Missouri, and Tim Wilson, California. Our musicians are Kathy and Fred Collins, Ontario, Judy Nicholson, Texas and Neil Barron, Great Britain. For more information please go to rscdsedmonton.com. |
| Feb 17 | Love to Dance workshop & Tea dance, Scottish Cultural Centre – Call Jean 606-371-1939 or Fran 604-922-6842 for info. Teachers Kay Sutherland & Simon Scott and music by Tartan Players |
| Feb 23 | 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, February 23rd, 2018. 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.
The standing stones at Calanaish, Isle of Lewis
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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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BE SURE TO READ MOM’S REPLY BELOW THE PICTURE
Wonder what the teacher said? But see Mom’s reply . .
Dear Mrs. Jones,
I wish to clarify that I am not now, nor have I ever been, an exotic dancer. I work at Home Depot and I told Sarah how hectic it was last week before the blizzard hit. I told her we sold out every single shovel we had. Then I found one more in the back room, and several people were fighting over who would get it. Sarah’s picture does NOT show me dancing around a pole. It’s supposed to depict me selling the last snow shovel we had at Home Depot. From now on I will remember to check her homework more thoroughly before she turns it in.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Smith
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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.
Winter!
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, February 23, 2018 (i.e. the last Friday of the month) with live music by Calanaish. This is the second dance of the year and the fifth of the season. We need huge attendance with everyone coming along for a really fun evening.
Elgin Cathedral
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.
Frozen River at Peebles
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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
Scottish Country Dance (SCD) classes are in full session 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. 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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Loch Torridon
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I don’t have gray hair; I have “wisdom highlights.” I’m just very wise.
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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 Friday, February 23rd, 2018 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!!
Haggis family
The schedule for the 2017/18 season shapes up as follows:
All on Fridays of course and, except for January, it is the last Friday of the Month —
2018
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.)
Quinaig
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 God wanted me to touch my toes, He would have placed them on my knees.
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 378 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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Schiehallion & Loch Rannoch
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Balmoral Estate
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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
Beinn na Caillich, Skye
May your troubles be one, may your blessings be more,
and may nothing but happiness come through your door.
Happy Burns Day
Duncan MacKenzie ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org