a boat in front of Caisteal Maol a ruined castle near the harbour of Kyleakin Skye.

Scottish Country dance classes have started up again so check which classes fit your schedule and come along – many first nights are free – check out the new beginner class on the North Shore.

Do not forget the Ceilidh Dance on Friday November 25 in the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver.  There is a free class at 7 pm then the dance follows from 8 – 10:30 pm with live music by Calanais.  All easy dances that are taught and called and everyone has lots of fun and great exercise.  Tell your friends and make it an outing – it only costs $15 ($10 for students) and there are refreshments (including cider & beer) for a donation.  Mark your calendars now and make plans to join the fun.

Here is some cheery upbeat Scottish Dance music to enjoy.

The Nurseryman                  Iain MacPhail & his Band                           RSCDS book 37

 

A frosty morning in Alva Clackmannanshire

Fall has finally arrived with wind and some much needed rain along with falling leaves etc. which need sweeping/raking up every day.  Margaret tells me every year they will all be down by November 15 but it doesn’t look like it – we’ll have to wait and see.  I have turned off the outside taps etc. and I think the grass has been cut for the last time this year but there is a lot of clean up to do with dead plant leaves and annuals to be cleaned out.  The next dry day!!

Our Ukrainian family enjoyed their first Halloween and were amazed after visiting a few neighbours how much candy they got so they went out again!  We had 500% more kids here than last year when we had 1 but still only 5 which has left a lot of candy for me – just the way I planned it!  I get up early, for me anyway, to provide taxi service to school leaving at 8:10.  I forgot to set my alarm yesterday so was late and they had already left and had to run.  They both walk home – about 1 kilometer for Kira (7) but over 2 for Arsenii but otherwise they don’t go out except to Safeway etc.  They still have not walked to the beach!

View of Glen Rosa after coming over the saddle from Glen Sannox in Arran

 

 

The 2022/23 season for Ceilidh Dances are scheduled (all on Friday evenings) as follows:-

2022
November 25
2023
January 27
February 24
March 31
April 28

Mark your calendars now!

The dances will be will be held at the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver.  The class will be held in the large hall from 7:00 – 7:45 then we will all exit to give the band a chance for a sound check etc. and the dance class will run from 8:00 – 10:30 with live music by Calanais.  Alison will continue to be your teacher/caller so you are guaranteed to have a great evening.  No change to the admission – still $15 with students $10.

Help us spread the word – I am not into social media but I am sure somebody can promote the Ceilidh Dance(s) there for me especially out at the Colleges and Universities.  Tell all your friends to come along – it really is a fun (and cheap!) evening.

Last month’s dance was not very well attended with 35 dancers and more men then ladies – most unusual but fine.  It would be great if we had a large attendance on November 25 for the last dance in 2022.  So we need your help to spread the word – see what you can do to drum up some business for us.

 

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You and your friends are cordially invited to the   

St. Andrew’s Ball 2022

Saturday, November 26, 2022 – 7:30pm

Presented by St. Andrew’s and Caledonian Society of Vancouver

Scottish Cultural Centre

8886 Hudson, Vancouver

Live Celtic music performed by Blackthorn

Come celebrate St. Andrew, the Patron Saint of Scotland and lively Scottish culture with a wonderful evening of music and dancing, kilts and sashes, pipes and drums, fiddles and flutes, jigs and reels and food and drink.

New to Scottish Country Dancing? Dance Leader Allison Moen will be guiding you along. It’s fun and easy. Gather your friends and book a table of 8 or come on your own!

Purchase your tickets today – $70 per person

• Reception – 7:30 pm
• Grand March – 8:15 pm accompanied by the pipes and drums
• Scottish Country Dancing led by Dance Instructor, Alison Moen
• Light fare of savories and sweets provided – no formal dinner
• Dress: Highland or formal attire appreciated
• Cash bar

For more information, contact: standrewsballvancouver@gmail.com

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Here is another tune;

 

Suilven in Lochinver on a stormy afternoon

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