view from Raasay Distillery across to the mountains of Skye

It is already past the middle of September – the fall equinox will soon be here – the first Ceilidh Dance is just over a week away – time to send out a newsletter to remind everyone!  The Ceilidh Dance will be held on Friday, September 29 in the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver which is a block north of SW Marine between Granville & Oak in Marpole.  The evening starts with a free class from 7 – 7:45 and the dance with the live music of Calanais follows from 8 – 10:30.  Admission is $15 (students $10) and there are refreshments available but remember it is CASH ONLY.

Most Scottish Country dance classes have started up again – why not give one a try, you never know you might enjoy it.  You’ll be made welcome wherever you go and it is good exercise too!

To help everyone find a convenient class here is a link to all the classes in and around Vancouver and the start time if known;

2023-24 Class List

would-be travelers at Pennyghael on the Isle of Mull

The Vancouver Branch AGM is on Friday October 13.  The meeting starts at 7 pm and a dance will follow with music by Kilbirnie Station.  All the documents for the meeting are on the branch website – www.rscdsvancouver.org – as is the dance programme.

Glenbuck Loch near Muirkirk in Ayrshire at sunrise.

We don’t have to wait long (just a week on Friday) for the next Ceilidh dance when we will start the fall session.  We will keep the same admission prices but Remember it is Cash Only both for admittance and for the refreshments.

Ceilidh dances are held 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.  Remember it is “cash only” both for admittance and the refreshments.  Mark your calendars now and make plans to join the fun.  Check the website rscdsvancouver.org for more details.

The 2023/24 Ceilidh Dance dates are all on the last Friday of the month –
September 29
October 27
November 24
2024
January 26
February 23
March 29
April 26

If you have a group of 8 or more then the cost is $1 less for each of you.  You have to choose a password, make sure everyone in the group knows what it is then contact me at duncanmackenzie@telus.net at least two days before the dance & let me know you have a group and what the password will be, then you do not need to all arrive together.

Here is some cheery upbeat Scottish Dance music to enjoy

Set in Roosendaal    Marian Anderson & Her Band    Belfast Branch Platinum Anniversary

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If you enjoyed the songs by the “Beatles” try this link

https://biggeekdad.com/2020/03/a-history-of-the-beatles/#.XnJYKoKgNGo.mailto

 

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Scottish Borders in the fog

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During Covid –

 

Aberdour harbour looked fantastic in the September sunshine

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The 2023/24 season for Ceilidh Dances are scheduled (all on Friday evenings) as follows:-

2023
September 29
October 27
November 24
2024
January 26
February 23
March 29
April 26

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.  DON’T FORGET IT IS CASH ONLY.

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Early morning view of Lamlash Bay Isle of Arran
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Who wants a drink?

 

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The Aurora Borealis seen from Balloch, Loch Lomond.
  
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Great art work

 

 

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a view towards the Cuillins from Torrin, Skye.

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Here is another tune

Rainbows End  –    Marian Anderson & her Band  –    Belfast Branch Platinum Anniversary

 

view over Gare Loch-to-Garelochhead-and-the-Arrochar-Alps

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Foggy Muiryhall Street Coatbridge
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The Ukrainian family had a nice visit to Ukraine and were able to see lots of family including husband/father and did not experience any problems though the travel there took about 36 hours.

They moved to a furnished rental townhouse about 7 kilometers away.  They want to remain in the same schools although they are not in the same catchment area.  It is too far to walk and the bus — actually two buses – takes about 45 minutes so long as the second bus leaves right away.  I offered to drive them to school each morning until Hanna, the Ukrainian Mum, can get her driving test.  I now find that the earliest it can be scheduled in not until December though she is trying her best to get an earlier date.  Until I am up at 7:15 am!  No more watching TV until midnight.

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and another great tune  — 
Miss Johnstone of Ardrossan           Colin Dewar & his Band           Special Requests 7
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The sunrise from the Old Man of Storr in Skye.

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Very cute

Mountain biking at misty Kinnoull Hill
NEXT CEILIDH DANCE IS ON Friday, September 29, 2023
alert all your friends and acquaintances.
Hope to see many of you there 

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