Ceilidh Dance newsletter – 2012/13 #21
Here we are one third of the way through January already and we will be into the Burns season very soon. You can still get tickets two Scottish Country Dance events:-
The Branch Burns Supper on January 19 (that is next Saturday so you will have to get your orders in very soon) and you can order and pay for your tickets online at www.rscdsvancouver.org
Then there is the Tam O’Shanter’s Burns Supper in White Rock on January 26 and you can order tickets from me at ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org
More information on these two events and some of the other Burns events are listed below under “Coming Events.”
Don’t forget the SFU School of Scottish Studies Burns marathon reading on January 25 in the downtown campus on Hastings Street, Vancouver. Come and join in and be part of a world record. See info below.
There are some very good pictures taken at the January 4, 2013 Ceilidh Dance which have been posted on the RSCDS Vancouver Branch Facebook page. If you do not want your picture on that page please contact web@rscdsvancouver.org. The link for the pictures is:
www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.316825198419573.56421.149674745134620&type=3
The next Ceilidh Dance will be on Friday, February 1, 2013. Yes, I know it is not the last Friday of the month but there are so many Burns Suppers that I am involved in at the end of January and, of course, Mr. Burns birthday is on the 25th so, as in prior years, we put the Ceilidh Dance off for 1 week.
That means there are two Ceilidh Dances in February so you get a bonus!
WHERE IS IT?
I am continuing to include these pictures of Scotland that I have been sent without any note as to where they are. Once again last week’s picture brought absolutely no responses so I have decided to post it again this week in the hope that someone will recognize the place. You can look back at last week’s and most prior newsletters by going to our website at www.vancouverceilidh.org.
It is quite a distinctive bay with a very narrow opening. To my eye it looks more West than East coast but I may be completely wrong. Hopefully at least one reader will recognize it and send me an e-mail – ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org
Assynt
Cool and clear here in Vancouver with temperatures hardly getting up to the plus side of zero. My hummingbird feeders are freezing every night and I have to thaw them out in the morning. I have decided to try and remember to bring one in at night then I can always have one I can put out in the morning while the other is defrosting. Yes we do have at least one humming bird that is wintering here. It is difficult to tell if it is only one as we have never seen two at the same time and it does not stay long enough to chat with us!
I met a friend from college days on Friday. He was over here playing for Scotland in the Strathcona Cup which is a curling championship dating back over 100 years. The cup is contested every 5 years with a team from Canada going to Scotland in 2020. This year there are three Scottish teams playing in Canada with each team consisting of 20 players (all men by the way) which allows for 4 rinks to compete against various clubs across the Country – 1 rink gets a rest each game. There is one team which has gone to play in the Maritimes, one in the Central area and one in the West. Obviously my friend is on the West team. It is an honour to be selected to play and if I understand correctly you can only play once in a lifetime as there are so many applicants.
To give you a feel for how important this huge bonspiel is the Vancouver Curling Club decided that the fairest way to choose their team to play the Scots would be by a lottery. Each applicant was asked to buy a lottery ticket for $10 so it would be a fund raiser as well. 1,600 applicants from this one club bought tickets!! 16 players were chosen but as there were so many wanting to play they decided that half way through the game they would “substitute” another 16 players and then, as the club has 8 sheets of ice, they decided that the other 4 sheets would be 8 Canadian teams playing against each other but, of course, not counting to the score. That allowed a total of 64 out of the 1,600 to play and join in the dinner at night. And that is just one club.
The Scots must be very hardy, especially the West team. They arrived Wednesday had a tour of the city on Thursday morning then played North Shore CC followed by a reception. The rest of their tour looks like this:
Fri Jan 11 Play New Westminster morning followed by hosted lunch then on to play Vancouver in the afternoon followed by reception and dinner. Sat Jan 12 play 2 matches against Richmond clubs with I am sure receptions, lunches dinners etc. Sun Jan 13 it is West Vans turn then onto the ferry to the Island. Mon Jan 14 Powell River followed by Qualicum are the host clubs. Tue Jan 15 down to play Esquimalt with a major reception in the Strathcona Hotel. Wed Jan 16 2 matches against Victoria clubs and it is onto the plane to Calgary. Thu Jan 17 2 matches against Calgary clubs. Fri Jan 18 another Calgary club hosts and onto the bus to Edmonton. Sat Jan 19 2 matches against Edmonton clubs. Sun Jan 20 bus to LLoydminster for 2 more games. Mon Jan 21 Bus to Saskatoon to play 2 games then on to Regina where on Tue Jan 22 they play 2 games and on Wed 23rd 2 more games. Thu Jan 24 they bus to Weyburn for 2 more games and on into Manitoba to play a game in Souris on the 25th. They continue into Manitoba playing 2 games in Portage la Prairie on the 26th and on the 27th they get to Regina where they play 2 games and only 1 on the 28th before flying to Port Arthur for a game and another on the 29th in Fort William. One more game on the 30th before flying to Toronto to play in Burlington and ending with a huge reception for everyone.
I am exhausted just thinking about it. That is 35 games in three weeks plus travelling well over 3,000 miles and having hosted lunches, dinners and receptions to attend as well. They count the total score from every rink from all 3 teams. The score from over 100 games determines who wins the Strathcona Cup which is apparently so valuable and fragile that it is not allowed to leave Scotland. Canada are the current “holders” and the current score for the 2013 tournament is Scotland 483; Canada 397.
There are many Burns events coming up this and next month and they can’t all be on January 25th. So far the Branch Demonstration Team are dancing at 12 events so they are really busy. Their first event will be our own Branch Burns Supper on Saturday, January 19. Tickets ($55 ) are still available and can be bought online at www.rscdsvancouver.org The dance programme includes a few easy dances so this event will be fun for all.
There is also another Burns Supper on Saturday, January 26 in White Rock where the Tam O’Shanter Dancers will be performing. This is another fun event and there will be Ceilidh dancing after the entertainment. Tickets for this ($52) – and there are only a few left – can be reserved by contacting me at ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org
Did you know that Scotland has been voted as THE place to visit in 2013.
This newsletter will go out to 394 plus there are 2 more who are sitting waiting for them to accept the confirmation e-mail. Please pass along the website to your friends and maybe they will subscribe – www.vancouverceilidh.org
Note: the Celtic Treasure Chest has some Christmas specials. – For the exact hours and more info see www.celtictreasurechest.ca. Just say you read about it in this newsletter.
If anyone has any suggestions or complaints regarding the newsletter please let me know – ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org ==============================================================
Some fun and interesting links for you to check out this week are:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYZyqUVYaTc
A 1935 travelogue of Victoria and Vancouver – Thanks Jack
https://www.flightradar24.com/
Aircraft Tracking
Read through this whole item before clicking on the red link…
You might be impressed. Every day, we see planes in the sky, sometimes very high..with or without contrails. and we ask ourselves questions.
what type of plane, airbus A320, 330, 350? Boeing…..or other. where does it come from, where is it going, what altitude, what speed, what company etc.
You can see all the information instantly on your screen. but before clicking on the link:
some tricks……
on the map you will see all the planes in the air. To view your region or town, you can zoom in by tapping with your mouse. click on a airplane, and on the left screen you will get all the info. airline, type, speed, altitude in real time, re calculated every 10 seconds. on some you can also click on ‘view from the cockpit!
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| WHY PEOPLE MARRY AND OTHERS DON’T Here are some quotes to inspire you….) After marriage, husband and wife become two sides of a coin; they just can’t face each otherbut still they stay together. Hemant Joshi |
Sunrise near Bathgate
Events happening early in 2013 include the Branch Burns Supper on January 19 and the Tam O’Shanter’s Burns Supper on January 26. Please see “Coming Events” below for all information.
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On Friday, January 25, 2013, the Simon Fraser University’s Centre for Scottish Studies is again organizing a Marathon Recitation of Burns’s Poetry and Song. Our goal is to break our 2012 record of 4 hours, 9 minutes and 24 seconds!! We know it can be done and we know we will have a fun and inspiration time doing it! The event will happen at the SFU Harbour Centre (515 West Hastings St., Vancouver) from 9am until 4pm. We are encouraging dignitaries, media personal, SFU students, faculty and staff as well as the numerous members of our vast Scottish community throughout the Lower Mainland to come out and read or sing their favourite works by Burns. (Or if you don’t have a favourite, we can supply you with one). The reading will be supplemented by piping and maybe even some haggis eating as well as other forms of entertainment. People from all over the world are ready to help us with our goal and we will have readers and singers joining us through Skype. This will certainly be a global event!
It would be wonderful if you’d like to participate and join us. Bring along your favourite Burns piece or we can help you find something to read (and even explain what it means). Please contact Tricia Barker tbarker@sfu.ca if you want to be a part of setting this new world record! If you’re not comfortable with reading please come and watch and join us for the celebration. There will be refreshments and entertainment for all!
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This year’s TAC Summer School of Scottish Country Dancing will be held in Mount Allison University, New Brunswick. Registration for all levels from beginner to advanced is now open and information can be found at www.tac-rscds.org
Berwick on Tweed
COMING EVENTS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS –
| 2013 | |
| Jan 14 | Vancouver Branch class re-starts |
| Jan 19 | Vancouver Branch Burns Supper in the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver — Bar 6:00 p.m. Dinner 7:00 p.m. — music by the Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra — tickets $55 can be bought through club reps., pcavers@shaw.ca or through Paypal on the Branch website — www.rscdsvancouver.org |
| Jan 25 | SFU Burns Marathon SFU Harbour Centre (515 West Hastings St., Vancouver) from 9am until 4pm. See newsletter. Please contact Tricia Barker tbarker@sfu.ca if you want to be a part of setting this new world record! |
| Jan 26 | Tam O’Shanter Dancers 19th Annual Burns Supper, “Burns: A National Symbol.” Star of the Sea Hall, 15262 Pacific Avenue, White Rock – tickets $52 from any member or phone 604-536-9481 e-mail duncanmackenzie@telus.net Doors/Bar 5:30; Supper 6:30; Dress semi-formal |
| Jan 26 | Moray, Nairn & Banff Association present their annual Taste of Burns 7:30 pm Doors open 7:00 pm Music & Dancing Haggis, meat, tatties and ‘neep. Scottish Cultural Centre 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver For reservations contact Cath Laidlaw Tel: 604-940-9260 or email: jocklaidlaw@telus. net |
| Feb 1 | Ceilidh Dance at the Scottish Cultural Centre — class at 7 dance 8 — 11 Admission $10 (students $8) |
| Feb 8 – 10 | Edmonton Caledonian Branch Annual Workshop and Ball with teachers Pat Coyle, Canada; Janet Johnston, Scotland and Alan Twhigg, USA and music by Scottish Accent. Information and registration forms at www.rscdsedmonton.com/content/2013-43rd-annual-workshop-and-ball |
| Feb 9 | Bellingham monthly dance |
| Feb 9 | RSCDS San Francisco Branch Valentine’s Ball with music by Andy Imbrie and The Reel of Seven. All info from sharon.stewart@comcast.net |
| Feb 15 – 17 | Aloha Winter Workshop in Hawaii with teacher’s Bruce Herbold, David Newitt and Patti Cobb. Music will be provided by the band The Humuhumunkunukuapua’a. Registration deadline — January 15 |
| Feb 16 | 50th Tartan Ball in the Royal York Hotel, Toronto. Mark the date; info www.rscdstoronto.org |
| Feb 16 | Love to Dance Scottish Workshop and Tea Dance at the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver — check on the website for info and registration forms. Note that this event SOLD OUT last year so don’t wait. Call 604-922-6842 for info |
| Feb 22 | Ceilidh Dance at the Scottish Cultural Centre — class at 7 dance 8 — 11 Admission $10 (students $8) |
See website www.vancouverceilidh.org for a more complete list.
Seattle Branch announces the start of their Challenge Class which are held on the 2nd Friday each month in the upper building, Room 7, Phinney Neighbourhood Association, 4532 Phinney Avenue, North Seattle at 7:30 p.m.
Next class February 8, 2013
UP
This two-letter word in English has more meanings than any other two-letter word, and that word is ‘UP.’ It is listed in the dictionary as an [adv], [prep], [adj], [n] or [v].
It’s easy to understand UP, meaning toward the sky or at the top of the list, but when we awaken in the morning, why do we wake UP?
At a meeting, why does a topic come UP? Why do we speak UP, and why are the officers UP for election and why is it UP to the secretary to write UP a report? We call UP our friends, brighten UP a room, polish UP the silver, warm UP the leftovers and clean UP the kitchen. We lock UP the house and fix UP the old car.
At other times, this little word has real special meaning. People stir UP trouble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite, and think UP excuses.
To be dressed is one thing but to be dressed UP is special.
And this UP is confusing: A drain must be opened UP because it is stopped UP.
We open UP a store in the morning but we close it UP at night. We seem to be pretty mixed UP about UP!
To be knowledgeable about the proper uses of UP, look UP the word UP in the dictionary. In a desk-sized dictionary, it takes UP almost 1/4 of the page and can add UP to about thirty definitions.
If you are UP to it, you might try building UP a list of the many ways UP is used. It will take UP a lot of your time, but if you don’t give UP, you may wind UP with a hundred or more.
When it threatens to rain, we say it is clouding UP. When the sun comes out, we say it is clearing UP. When it rains, it soaks UP the earth. When it does not rain for awhile, things dry UP. One could go on and on, but I’ll wrap it UP, for now . . . my time is UP!
Oh . . . one more thing: What is the first thing you do in the morning and the last thing you do at night?
U
UP!
Did that one crack you UP?
Don’t screw UP. Send this on to everyone you look UP in your address book . . . or not . . . it’s UP to you
Braemar
When Insults Had Class
These glorious insults are from an era before the English language got boiled down to 4-letter words.
“I didn’t attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it.” – Mark Twain
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A Geordie golfer and his wife walked into a dentist’s office. The Geordie said to the dentist, “Doc, I’m in one hell of a hurry.
I have two mates sitting out in my car waiting for us to go play golf, so forget about the anaesthetic, I don’t have time for the gums to get numb. I just want you to pull the tooth, and be done with it! We have 10am tee time at the best golf course in town and its 9:30 already… I don’t have time to wait for the anaesthetic to work!’
The dentist thought to himself, “My goodness, this is surely a very brave man asking to have his tooth pulled without using anything to kill the pain.”
So the dentist asks him, “Which tooth is it sir?”
The man turned to his wife and said, “Open your mouth Pet, and show him.”
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Brig o’ Doon
The next Ceilidh Dance is Friday, February 1, 2013. You still have some 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
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 of partner. Don’t forget to bring a few extra $$$$ to help defray the cost of the refreshments which are otherwise free.
Calanais sunrise
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. Andy is asking everyone to send in their requests so if you have a favourite Scottish tune, song, recitation, band, performer, choir or whatever send an e-mail to andyrossbw@aol.com
Calanais
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
It really is never too late to come along and join in one of many Scottish Country Dance (SCD) classes and JANUARY is a great time to do it as all the classes will be starting up again. 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!
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 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
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Riddles (answer next week)
Last week:
Each morning I appear
To lie at your feet,
All day I will follow
No matter how fast you run,
Yet I nearly perish
In the midday sun.
Answer: Shadow
This week:
My life can be measured in hours,
I serve by being devoured.
Thin, I am quick
Fat, I am slow
Wind is my foe.
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Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow
For upcoming events see www.vancouverceilidh.org and www.rscdsvancouver.org.
Other announcements etc:
Seattle Branch – info at www.rscds-seattle.org
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The next regular monthly Ceilidh Dance will be held on Friday, February 1, 2013 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 12 or more and we can give them a discount!!!
We Really NEED YOUR HELP to advertise the Ceilidh Dances!!!! What a nice way to celebrate the New Year. It really is good exercise as the ladies from Children’s Hospital found out in September. They thought it was way better than Yoga and said they will tell all their colleagues at the hospital to come to the next dance AND to bring their other friends, spouses, partners, etc. 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!!
The schedule for the 2012/13 season shapes up as follows:
All on Fridays of course —
2013
February 1
February 22
March 22
April 26
Come along and get some great exercise while also having lots of fun. We are still working on improving the strength of the smile muscles as well as the bows and curtsies! 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.
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.
Culzean Castle
Observations On Growing Older
~Your Kids are becoming you…and you don’t like them…but your grandchildren are Perfect!
~Going Out is good… Coming Home is better!
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 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 394 subscribers (no change from last week!) 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. Note:- I normally compose the newsletters on Sundays.
Wild Haggis
Girlie Wisdom!
A friend of mine confused her Valium with her birth control pills, she has 14 kids but doesn’t really care..
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Sunset at Cramnod
Enjoy yourselves – come Scottish Country Dancing – for it is good for your health and you never know you just might …..!
May your troubles be l, may your blessings be more,
and may nothing but happiness come through your door.
Trying to learn how to make the letters work but still needs lots of work!!
Duncan ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org