Approaching Fingal’s Cave

The first newsletter of the new season is early but I had time on my hands so I thought I would get a head start.  It has been a busy summer as always with family staying with us for two months; so their is time spent looking after grand children (11 & 9) and as they are involved in the Crescent Beach Swimming Club (CBSC) taking swimming, tennis, sailing, synchronised swimming, etc.  It means going to swim meets, walking down to the CBSC pool and generally getting exhausted but I wouldn’t change it one bit.

Fortunately the weather has been good so that is a plus and their parents normally look after things in the morning as they go swimming at 6:30 – I don’t recognize that ungodly hour – while the kids start at 8.  We get to recover then!!

The hall has been booked for another season of Ceilidh Dances.  The dates are:
September 27; October 25; November 29; January 10; February 28; March 27 & April 24.

You can help by coming along, 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 (see 2 paragraphs down).

A dolphin follows a creel boat out of Burghead harbour.

The Vancouver Branch of RSCDS has a special invitation to all ceilidh dancers (and their friends), readers of this newsletter and all others who have not tried Scottish country dancing.  In other words all those new to this form of dancing.

You are invited to a special event

An introductory class in Scottish country dancing

This is the social country dancing of Scotland not to be confused with
Scottish Highland dancing which is solo and competitive

When:  Monday, August 26, 7 – 9 pm

Where: Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver
(73RD & Hudson which is between Granville & Oak)

Wonderful music, great exercise, super teacher, lots of fun, admission FREE

See you there!

There will be other new comers attending as we have advertised on social media and, of course, at Dancing in the Park on Monday evenings the last one of which is on August 19,
It is the same place where we hold the Ceilidh dances.  If you want information etc. you can e-mail me at ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org

Glasgow Cathedral on a drooking wet summers day

The nest Ceilidh Dance is not until the last Friday of September (27th).  The dances 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 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 (ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org) before midnight on the Wednesday preceding the class.

There are refreshments/drinks (including beer, cider, juice, etc.) available for a donation   So apart from the fun and great exercise 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.  Two left feet? we will show you how to use the right one – it doesn’t matter, no ones watching anyway!  You will be a star before the night is out.  Make it a date – it will be a night you won’t forget.

A ford across the River Brora

For those new to ceilidh dancing the class is a great introduction 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.

A threatening sky at Mellon Udrigle

The next Ceilidh dance is on Friday, September 27, 2019 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
  • September 27
  • October 25
  • November 29
  • 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.)

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Ailsa Craig lighthouse

ITEMS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER:

  1. Dancing on Monday evenings at Ceperley Playground in Stanley Park – see calendar of events – on August 12 & 19.  No dancing if wet at 5 pm  Dancing is free but there is Pay Parking.  There are always easy dances each week to encourage new people to try Scottish Country Dancing.  Come and join us for an enjoyable evening in the Park.

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The next regular Ceilidh Dance is the Last FRIDAY of the September – September 27, 2019
I sure hope you can come and bring lots of friends.

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Alva Highland Games

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Look closely at the picture first and then read

The story actually happened to an Englishman, in France, who was totally drunk.  A French policeman stops the Englishman’s car and asks if he has been drinking.  With great difficulty, the Englishman admits that he has been drinking all day, that his daughter got married that morning, and that he drank champagne and a few bottles of wine at the reception, and many single malt scotches there-after.  Quite upset at his obvious lack of concern, the policeman proceeds to breath-test the Englishman and verifies that he is indeed completely hammered.   He asks the Englishman if he knows why, under French law, he is going to be arrested.    The  Englishman answers, “No sir, I do not! But whilst we’re asking questions, do you  realise that this is a British car and my wife is driving on the other side?”

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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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An Teallach

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Remember the introductory Scottish country dance class on August 26.

The next Ceilidh Dance is Friday, September 27, 2019. That will be the first one of  the season and the fifth of 2019. 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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Assynt from the NC500

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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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Beach near Castletown

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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:

Airport Check-In Humor

Who says pets don’t like a bath

British wishing well

Amazing designs

Cute as a button

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

2019  
Aug 12 Monday evenings from 7 – 9 pm Dancing at Ceperley Playground in Stanley Park – no dancing if wet at 5 pm; if in doubt call 604-922-6842 or 604-224-6751 or 604-980-0428.  Dancing is free but it is Pay Parking Throughout the Park.
hosts – Fort Langley
Aug 19 Monday evenings from 7 – 9 pm Dancing at Ceperley Playground in Stanley Park – no dancing if wet at 5 pm; if in doubt call 604-922-6842 or 604-224-6751 or 604-980-0428.  Dancing is free but it is Pay Parking Throughout the Park.
hosts – Gleneagles (West Vancouver)
Aug 26 Free introductory class for those interested to learn more about Scottish Country dancing.  Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver from 7 – 9 pm
Sep   9 Vancouver Branch classes begin
Sep  27 Vancouver Branch A.G.M.
Sep 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 $15 (students $10)
Oct 25 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)
Nov 11 Lady Aberdeen Tea Dance
Nov 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 $15 (students $10)
Dec  8 56th annual Gleneagles ball at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Dec 28 Betwixt & Between Dance

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“Lexophile” describes those who have a love for words, such as “you can tune a piano, but you can’t tuna fish”, or “To write with a broken pencil is pointless.”

An annual competition is held by the New York Times to see who can create the best original lexophile.


No matter how much you push the envelope, it’ll still be stationery.

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 The next Ceilidh Dance is Friday, September 27, 2019. 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.

Blackness Castle – the ship that never sailed.

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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 you don’t pay your exorcist you can get repossessed.

I’m reading a book about anti-gravity.  I just can’t put it down.

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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.

Castlehill, Edinburgh

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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, September 27, 2019 (i.e. the last Friday of the month) with live music by Calanais. This is the first of the season. We would like another good attendance with everyone coming along for a really fun evening

Cat nap at Plockton

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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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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Clachan Sands, North Uist

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

Did you hear about the crossed-eyed teacher who lost her job because she couldn’t control her pupils?

I didn’t like my beard at first.  Then it grew on me.

When you get a bladder infection, urine trouble.

When chemists die, they barium.
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The next regular monthly Ceilidh Dance will be held Friday, September 27th, 2019 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 $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 —

2019
September 27
October 25
November 29
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.)

Cramond causeway to Cramond Island

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.

https://www.vancouverceilidh.org/wp-admin/link-manager.php

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.

Cricket at Balmoral

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 391 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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Eilean Donan Castle

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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