February 12, 2012
Note: This is the html version of the newsletter without pictures and graphics. If you prefer you could go to the web page www.vancouverceilidh.org then “unsubscribe” and then subscribe to the version with pictures and graphics.
A big crowd came along to the “Ceilidh for Cancer” last night and the organizers looked happy. Once all the funds have been counted and the bills paid they have promised to let me know how much was raised for Cancer Palliative Care. I managed to persuade a good many to come up and try some ceilidh dancing and there were lots of smiles so I think it was quite successful. There are pictures from the Ceilidh posted at www.facebook.com/rscdsvancouver – your comments are welcome. Many, many thanks to Janet Wright and the Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra who provided great music and a big thanks to Nick who looked after the sound, especially my wireless microphone which seemed to be giving lots of trouble with feedback etc.
Note that there is another Fund raising Ceilidh on Friday, March 23 at the Scottish Cultural Centre. This is a great cause for a great Children’s Hospital Operating Room nurse whose 5 year old daughter has had to go to Boston for surgery for a bone cancer in her face.
The family is in great need of financial help. This nurse is an exceptional part of our staff and we are looking for many ways to support him and his family through this very difficult time. So plan and all coming along to lend your support.
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Note that the discount on tickets for the Heather Ball expires this coming Saturday. After Saturday, February 18 the ticket price goes up from $70 to $75 so go online – www.rscdsvancouver.org and get your tickets NOW.
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Several men are in the locker room of a golf club. A cellular phone on a bench rings and a man engages the hands-free speaker function and begins to talk. Everyone else in the room stops to listen.
MAN: “Hello”
WOMAN: “Hi Honey, it’s me. Are you at the club?”
MAN: “Yes.”
WOMAN: “I’m at the shops now and found this beautiful leather coat. It’s only $2,000. Is it OK if I buy it?”
MAN: “Sure, go ahead if you like it that much.”
WOMAN: “I also stopped by the Lexus dealership and saw the new models. I saw one I really liked.”
MAN: “How much?”
WOMAN: “$90,000.”
MAN: “OK, but for that price I want it with all the options.”
WOMAN: “Great! Oh, and one more thing. I was just talking to Janie and found out that the house I wanted last year is back on the market. They’re asking $980,000 for it.”
MAN: “Well, then go ahead and make an offer of $900,000. They’ll probably take it. If not, we can go the extra eighty-thousand if it’s what you really want.”
WOMAN: “OK. I’ll see you later! I love you so much!”
MAN: “Bye! I love you, too.”
The man hangs up. The other men in the locker room are staring at him in astonishment, mouths wide open.
He turns and asks,
“Anyone know whose phone this is?”
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The next Ceilidh Dance is on Friday, February 24, 2012 – that is one week on Friday.
Please help 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 or partner. Don’t forget to bring a few extra $$$$ to help defray the cost of the refreshments which are otherwise free.
The schedule for the 2011/12 season shapes up as follows:
All on Fridays of course -- February 24 March 30 April 27 There is, as mentioned above, one other Ceilidh Dance at the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver and with music by the Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra. This is being organized as a fund raiser so come along a support these worthy causes. The format will be the same as the regular Ceilidh Dances but there will be no class. Friday March 23 - a Ceilidh for an Operating Room Nurse's family - see info above and below.
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My son, Ian, has signed up to take part in the Ride to Conquer Cancer this June. He writes:
“I have signed up for my third Ride to Conquer Cancer, happening this June. As many of you know, I’ve also started my training much earlier this time, having overcome the excuse of poor weather and gotten cold weather cycling gear. I’ve been cycling part way to and from work for much of October, November and December. I intend to continue riding as often as my schedule permits, not worrying as much about the weather any longer. Even when I was away on vacation I continued my training, trying out a snow bike at Big White. It’s essentially a bike with a back end with a tank track and a front end like a ski! Not very practical and very hard work to ride on the flat ground, but going downhill it was good fun, but still required pedalling.
I’m starting my fundraising early, like my training, hoping to exceed my target and to beat my previous fundraising efforts. I know it’s early in the year, but the sooner you donate, the sooner I don’t have to bug you! There have been a number of promising news articles on the progress researchers are making in fighting various forms of cancer, and with your donations, that progress can be turned into success.
Thank you in advance for your donation, and if you can’t make a donation, please send me a note of support. Otherwise, you’ll continue to be bugged to donate! 🙂 As always, I’ll try my best to keep you updated on my p rogress through emails and through my personal page.”
To donate and help Ian make his goal go to
Does anyone have a kilt for sale? Looking for one to fit a man 5’7″ with a 34″ waist. Contact mjollymoe@shaw.ca
On the other hand here is a kilt for sale!
MacDonald Dress Kilt for Sale – Very good condition- 25 1/2 inches long, 36 inch waist, 8 1/2 yards of fabric.
Price $150 OBO
Please call 604-535-3181 or e-mail to officewendy@gmail.com
“This evening at 7 p.m. there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
A new book has just been published called Robert Burns and Transatlantic Culture with one of the editors being Leith Davies from the SFU School of Scottish Studies. To see sample pages and to order go to www.ashgate.com.
NOTE:- the BC Highland Games is to be held on Saturday June 23, 2012. This is a week earlier than normal so please help us by passing this information along.
The BC Highland Games Organizing Committee has put out an urgent appeal for volunteers.
Volunteers are needed for:
· Parking and traffic coordination
· Signage/program production
· VIP coordinator
· Ticket manager
50 to 75 volunteers are also needed on the day of the games.
If you are able to assist, please contact Jim Bain (604-435-0764) or Glenna Urbshadt (604-224-5479).
SFU are offering a course in Scottish Folklore with Dr. Antone Minard –
https://www.sfu.ca/continuing-studies/courses/ahcp/the-folklore-of-scotland.html
The Celtic Treasure Chest now carries Haggis sausages and Haggis slices for those that would like HAGGIS with their breakfast or for singles/couples that don’t want to have to steam a full size haggis to enjoy their Scottish Heritage, Hogmanay or a private Burn’s supper.
www.celtictreasurechest.ca or see our web-page for locations, phone numbers etc.
The next Ceilidh Dance is on Friday – February 24, 2012!! Come along and get some great exercise while also having lots of fun. This month we are working on improving the strength of the smile muscles. 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.
Please note that the Tuesday morning class in Coquitlam has been cancelled until further notice.
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.
Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 p.m. Please use the back door.
I have been very good and have kept off my foot, especially last night at the Ceilidh Dance – as everyone will confirm. Rest is helping, I think but I might venture to see a physio in the next few days as I am anxious to get dancing again. Of course it is a great excuse to get out of gardening, housework, etc! I even get Denise to do most of the work at class on Tuesday nights – she is so obliging – wonder how long I can keep this up? I did give our 2 strawberry pots a good bath and scrub yesterday. They were quite black with moss etc. and it took some real hard scrubbing to get most of it off. Margaret has now planted some yellow flowers in one which is a cheery reminder that spring is not too far away. Of course the snowdrops have been out for a while and many other bulbs and plants are shooting up. Let’s hope we don’t get a late hard frost. I am trying to winter over two fuschia’s and they are also sprouting forth. Now I will need to get advice what to do next.
As I compose this week’s newsletter I am listening to Andy’s Ceilidh radio programme (see link above) which always has some interesting music and banter. For some reason many of you are not receiving the newsletter and I have no idea why. I hope to get super techie Paul working on this problem very soon.
It’s the Love to Dance Workshop this coming Saturday and while the workshop is sold out you can still come along and join in the afternoon dance and afternoon tea – see information below.
There is a Charity Ceilidh being organized by Nurses from Children’s Hospital to be held at the Scottish Cultural Centre on Friday, March 23, 2012 so please keep that date in mind.
The Branch has opened a Facebook Page at “RSCDS-Vancouve r” – 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
Note that the ticket price for the Heather Ball increases by $5 to $75 after February 18, 2012. GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!! You can purchase and pay for your tickets online at www.rscdsvancouver.org
The Love to Dance Scottish workshop and Dance is on Saturday, February 18. NOTE that the workshop has already “sold out“ but you can still come and join in the afternoon dance. You can register and pay online at www.rscdsvancouver.org
or pay at the door
If you are interested in attending Beginner or Intermediate Gaelic lessons please call Maureen 604-536-1367 or John 604-582-9206
WIFE VS. HUSBAND
A couple drove down a country road for several miles, not saying a word.
An earlier discussion had led to an argument and
neither of them wanted to concede their position.
As they passed a barnyard of mules, goats, and pigs,
the husband asked sarcastically, ‘Relatives of yours?’
‘Yep,’ the wife replied, ‘in-laws.’
WORDS
A husband read an article to his wife about how many words women use a day…
30,000 to a man’s 15,000.
The wife replied, ‘The reason has to be because we have to repeat everything to men.’
The husband then turned to his wife and asked, ‘What?’
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NOTE: WORKSHOP IS FULL!!!
LOVE TO DANCE SCOTTISH
DANCE
February 18, 2011
VANCOUVER SCOTTISH CULTURAL CENTRE
DANCE IN THE AFTERNOON – 2 – 4:30
AFTERNOON TEA 4:30
MUSIC: The Tartan Players
$12 ONLINE OR AT THE DOOR
More Information: www.rscdsvancouver.org Register & pay www.rscdsvancouver.org/2012ltdworkshop.html
Great Scottish Inventors
A Scottish History
James Watt (1736-1819)
Perfected Steam Engine
The Greenock-born genius changed our world from an agricultural society to an industrial one. He transformed steam engines into the power of the Industrial Revolution. The electrical unit is named after him.
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Activities in the next few weeks include:
| 2012 | |
| Feb 18 | Love to Dance Scottish Workshop & Dance with teachers Mary Murray and Simon Scott info Fran 604-922-6842 or www.rscdsvancouver.org — Register online SOON |
| Feb 24 | Ceilidh Dance in the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver. Class at 7 p.m. and dance from 8 — 11 p.m. Admission at the door $10 (students etc. $8) |
| Feb 25 | Stave Falls Scottish Night Dinner — Pitt Meadows Heritage Hall – $30 stavefallsdancer@aol.com |
| Mar 3 | Gaelic Society Ceilidh — info to come |
| Mar 3 | Welsh Society St. David’s Day dinner — tickets & info 604-271-3134 — www.welshsociety.com |
| Mar 9 | Seattle advanced class at Phinney, Room 7 from 7:25 to 9:25 — RSCDS members $7; others $9 |
| Mar 10 | RSCDS Portland Oregon Branch 33rd annual workshop & ball with teachers Fiona Miller, Lethbridge and Andrew Smith, Emporia and musicians Andy Imbrie, Deby Benton & Renata Bratt |
| Mar 17 | Heather Ball with the same super band — “The Scottish Accent” – but back at the Gizeh Temple. Tickets on sale now but remember the price increase after February 18!!! Order online at www.rscdsvancouver.org |
| Mar 10 — 18 | Celtic Fest Celebrations — www.celticfestvancouver.com |
| Mar 18 | St. Patrick’s day Parade — downtown Vancouver — all dancers are asked to come and join in. |
| Mar 23 | Ceilidh for Children’s Hospital in the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver with the Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra. |
| Mar 30 | Ceilidh Dance in the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver. Class at 7 p.m. and dance from 8 — 11 p.m. Admission at the door $10 (students etc. $8) |
See details of future dances, concerts, etc. under Events and Classes at www.vancouverceilidh.org.
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It really is never too late to come along and join in one of many Scottish Country Dance (SCD) classes and NOW is a great time to do it. 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!
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
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Witticisms of Ignorance
A fool and his money can throw one heck of a party.
when blonde’s have more fun do they know it?
Five days a week my body is a temple. The other two it’s an amusement park.
For upcoming events see www.vancouverceilidh.org and www.rscdsvancouver.org.
Other announcements etc:
Seattle Branch – info at www.rscds-seattle.org
Our Challenge Class will return to meet at the Phinney Neighborhood Association – Room #7 (6532 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle) on Mar 9, 2012. We have the room from 7:00, and because we need time to set up, class will meet from 7:25 – 9:25pm. Fee $7 for RSCDS members and $9 for others.
Note that the classes are on the second Friday of the month.
Following up on requests, the plan is do much more technique, We will do fewer dances most weeks and spend more time on improving personal technique – steps and formations. As in any class, team work and sociability will be a major focus. We will be delving into old books and also bringing in new dances to complement the programme. If you have dances you specially would like to do let me know.
Elinor
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Extracts from letters written to local councils in Britain
1. Our kitchen floor is damp. We have two children and would like a third, so please send someone round to do something about it.
2 I am a single woman living in a downstairs flat and would you please do something about the noise made by the man on top of me every night.
3. I have had the clerk of works down on the floor six times but I still have no satisfaction.
4. This is to let you know that our lavatory seat is broke and we can’t get BBC2.
The next regular monthly Ceilidh Dance will be held on Friday, February 24, 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 thoughtful gift it could be if you gave your friends admission to the Ceilidh Dance. They don’t need to know 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!!
If you have any questions regarding the Ceilidh Dances send them to me — see address at foot of the letter.
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
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It’s the level of stress.
Levels of stress:
You pick up a hitchhiker, a beautiful girl. Suddenly she faints inside your car and you take her to hospital.
Now that’s stressful.
But at the hospital they say she is pregnant & congratulate you that you’re going to be a father. You say that you are not the father, but the girl says you are.
This is getting very stressful.
So then … You request a DNA test to prove that you are not the father. After the tests are completed, the doctor says that you are infertile, and probably have been since birth.
You are extremely stressed but relieved.
On your way back home, you think about your 3 kids at home.
NOW THAT’S STRESS!!
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. I am delighted that we have gone over 350 so the next goal is 400 before the end of the season. 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 354 subscribers 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 a dance class, a Ceilidh Dance or somewhere nice. Enjoy yourselves – come Scottish Country Dancing – for you never know you just might …..!
Duncan ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org
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