Ceilidh Dance newsletter – 2012/13 #34  

WHERE IS IT?

Yet another of these pictures of Scotland that I have been sent without any note as to where they are. Last week’s picture only prompted one response and that was to tell me where two of the boats were registered but they could be in any harbour.   I will leave this one for another week and see if I get any more replies. – ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org    You can look back at prior newsletters and see previous mystery pictures etc.by going to our website  www.vancouverceilidh.org.

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A black and white tartan shoe bag was left at the Gizeh Temple after the Heather Ball. 

Contact Pat Hollingdale @ 604-435-0035.

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There were 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 is on Friday, April 26, 2013.   I am hoping that after the wonderful attendance at the last Ceilidh Dance with the Gordon Shand Band many will return again and join in the fun.   Plan to attend, mark your calendars and inform your friends.

SFU’s Tartan Day celebrations featured the launch of the long-awaited “Scots in BC” website with information on how you can add your family history to the site.  The website can be accessed at:
https://www.scottish.sfu.ca/scots_in_bc_project   It is well worth a visit.

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SCOTS WHA HAE! 

The future of the BC Highland Games is in jeopardy.  For the Games to continue as the pre-eminent venue in Western Canada for competitive Piping, Dancing, and Bands, we need your help.

NOW’S THE DAY AND NOW’S THE HOUR — TO STEP FORWARD AND VOLUNTEER

Some members of our Organizing Team have decided it is time to retire.  These individuals, have for many years, ensured that our 130 year tradition of hosting Highland Games in the Great Vancouver area was maintained. It is now time to “pass the torch” to new individuals who are equally dedicated to ensuring the perpetuation of our traditions.

COME JOIN THE TARTAN PARADE!

The following Team Positions are ready for those who are ready to accept the challenge!

  • Sponsorship/Sales
  • Public & Media Relations manager
  • Program
  • Volunteer coordinator
  • Beer Garden
  • Children’s Events

These key positions must be filled so the organizing committee can continue moving forward for the 2013 Games. We have set a deadline of April 15 to fill these positions — so contact us now!

Additionally, we need bodies to assist in the following roles such as:

  • Parking and traffic coordination
  • VIP coordinator
  • Tickets/Gate manager

We also require 50 to 75 volunteers on the day of the games.

We always welcome new Team Members who bring fresh energy to this great event.  The core group is dedicated to the Games continuing and invites you to join The BC Highland Games Tartan Parade!  We know you are committed to Greater Vancouver providing a premier Highland Games event and ask that you now step forward.  Please contact:
Jim Bain  james.e.bain@gmail.com  or  Glenna Urbshadt   gurbshadt@shaw.ca

We appreciate your stepping forward in response to our request and look forward to hearing from you!

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20 Pain Cures You Can Find in Your Kitchen

Cure a toothache with cloves
Got a toothache and can’t get to the dentist? Gently chewing on a clove can ease tooth pain and gum inflammation for two hours straight, say UCLA researchers. Experts point to a natural compound in cloves called eugenol, a powerful, natural anesthetic. Bonus: Sprinkling a 翹 teaspoon of ground cloves on meals daily may also protect your ticker. Scientists say this simple action helps stabilize blood sugar, plus dampen production of artery-clogging cholesterol in as little as three weeks.

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Auld Country Tours who are a big supporter of our Ceilidh Dances are offering a special promotion:
“We still have space on our Scotland tours that are departing in July of 2013.  Any members or participants of the RSCDS can enter the promo code “RSCDS” and I will give them a $500 discount on the tour price when they book.  This is good for us as we look to fill our empty spaces on the tours, but this is a very good price for anyone wanting to go too!”
James Johnson [auldcountrytours@gmail.com]

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The Gleneagles club have announced they are holding a draw for A night at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

  “Art of Romance Package” for two. Includes — luxurious accommodation — valet parking — chilled sparkling wine and chocolate dipped strawberries — breakfast in bed — and late check-out till 3pm.   Kindly donated by the Hotel. Gleneagles will raffle this one night stay at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver good until mid April 2014 with no black-outs, subject to availability.

 Tickets are 10.00 each or three for 20.00. Proceeds will subsidize ball tickets for young dancers attending “Gleneagles 50th Anniversary Ball”.  The draw will be made at Gleneagles Spring Party on Saturday 27 April at Christ the Redeemer Church.   

 If you cannot attend the Spring Party, call Simon Scott to purchase tickets in advance of the party and they will be included in the draw.  604 925 9333 h   604 306 8031 c

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West Wemyss

The next Ceilidh Dance is not until Friday, April 26.   Same time, same place, same price, same amount of fun and entertainment.   Now it is up to you all to help by planning on coming along on April 26 and bringing loads of friends, family, acquaintances, etc. so we can end the season on a high note.    Please do your best to spread the word.

 

on the West Highland Way

Registration for Alasdair Fraser’s Fiddle Camps in California, Scotland and Spain are now open.   Try news@aladairfraser.com for info.

Some local budding teachers are taking classes which will allow them to become certified Scottish Country Dance teachers. It is a five part course and takes a few years to complete. Examiners come, perhaps from Scotland or other areas of North America. The local classes are taught by Mary Murray. Part of the training is learning to teach a class. So they need volunteers to make up a class. (For some reason these volunteers are called stooges.) If you are interested – it really is fun and educational – in volunteering to be a stooge please contact Jean Wagstaff at jeedwag@shaw.ca

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Hi fellow dancers! Come one come all to the Canada Day Parade at 7 pm on July 1st. Last year we were hugely outnumbered by 50+ Japanese dancers in costume, and 60+ Philippinos, some half naked, dancing to music from enormous amps! We need a BIG and loud Scottish presence! Please contact Cathrine at ccmusic@telus.net or 604-299-6447 to let me know you’re interested. Then I can keep you informed of timing, meeting place etc. and have an idea how many will come. It is truly a really fun experience!

Also needed: a loan of a flat-deck truck (and driver), or a pickup truck (to carry bigger sound equipment) . Anyone out there who can help us out? Contact Cathrine (as above)

June 22nd is the Highland Games in Coquitlam and the RSCDS will have a tent with a TV, pamphlets etc. We need volunteers to spend one hour each at the tent from 12-5. Can you help? Please contact Cathrine at ccmusic@telus.net or 604-299-6447. Fine weather is 95% guaranteed!!!

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A new website for kilts and accessories. Prices seem excellent, no idea of quality or trustworthiness though: www.aglowmusichouse.com

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Fantastic – subscriptions are over the 400 mark at last. This newsletter will go out to 418 people in many cities, provinces & countries.   Now my goal is to get to 500!! Please pass along the website to your friends and maybe they will subscribe – www.vancouverceilidh.org

Note: the Celtic Treasure Chest has some specials. – For the exact hours and more info see www.celtictreasurechest.ca.   Just say you read about it in this newsletter.

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I am already dreading tomorrow as I have to visit the dentist.   I have never enjoyed visiting these establishments and do so as few times as possible.   My current dentist is really wonderful and his equipment is all up to date and he treats me very gently and does his very best to aleve my fears.  It is not his fault.   It is the memory of visits to the dentist in Glasgow so many years ago with the Bunsen burner to heat the tube that he used to puff hot air into my mouth, it is the sound of that slow drill and the wires that drove it passing through the pulleys above my head, it is being told to mix the amalgam and mercury in a little bowl with a pestle, it is the painful injections that did nothing to remove the pain, it is the smell of that dental surgery which still sticks in my nose even now when I visit the dentist here.   I don’t even like then cleaning my teeth and I loath the taste of the stuff I have to swill around my mouth.  And what is worse tomorrow I have to lose another tooth.

I am truly much better now as I used to almost faint but I am not looking forward to the appointment at 8 a.m.   I may be out of commission for the rest of the week!!!!

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If anyone has any suggestions or complaints regarding the newsletter please let me know – ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org ==============================================================

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WHY PEOPLE MARRY AND OTHERS DON’T
Here are some quotes to inspire you….)
A good wife always forgives her husband when she’s wrong.
Milton Berle

Wemyss Bay Station & Pier


Events happening soon include the Deep Cove dance on the 20th.
Please see “Coming Events” below for all information.
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What it means to be A British Columbian –   We love it here and wouldn’t change it for anything

1. You know more than 10 ways to order coffee.

2. You know more people who own boats than air conditioners.

3. You feel overdressed wearing a suit to a nice restaurant.

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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 https://www.tac-rscds.org/

In case you hadn’t thought of taking a vacation “down east” in New Brunswick – think about it.   Teachers’ Assoc. of Canada Summer School is for all levels of dancer – they will have classes to suit all abilities.  You will have wonderful teachers and musicians….some elective classes, including different dance forms..…there are evening dances / Banquet and Ball / Ceilidh and optional tours during the week and at the end of the week for a few days….   Dancers will be there from around the globe – what a wonderful experience….seize the day if you have time and resources to do this….you won’t regret it!

 

view from Ben Alligan

COMING EVENTS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS

2013  
Apr 15 Vancouver Branch class party and ceilidh night 7:30 — 10:00 p.m. everyone welcome – $6 drop in.
Apr 20 Deep Cove dance in St. Catherine’s Church Hall, 1058 Ridgewood Drive, North Vancouver at 7:30 p.m.  —  $15   Music by Mary Ross
Apr 22 Vancouver Branch Spring special classes — The Dances of John Drewry taught by Fran Caruth
Apr 26 Ceilidh Dance at the Scottish Cultural Centre — class at 7 dance 8 — 11 Admission $10 (students $8) with guest appearance from the Tam O’Shanter Dancers
Apr 27 Gleneagles spring dance in Christ the Redeemer Church, 595 Keith Road, West Vancouver at 7:30 p.m. – $10
Apr 27 Vernon Scottish Country Dancers annual spring workshop with instructor Robin Lynch and music for the Ceilidh by Kristi and friends.  Workshop & Ceilidh $55 — Ceilidh only $12 — information from Kathy at kathdin@shaw.ca
Apr 29 Vancouver Branch Spring special classes — Back to Basics taught by Mary Murray
May  4 White Rock Dance in Star of the Sea Hall, 15262 Pacific Avenue, White Rock from 7 — 10 p.m. –  music by the Tartan Players — a late buffet will follow the dance.  Tickets $20 from Gerda 604-531-4595 gerdab@shaw.ca or Laurie 604-944-6678 ljreel@telus.net 
May  6 Vancouver Branch Spring special classes
May  6 Burnaby Spring session, Edmonds Community Centre, 7282 Kingsway, Burnaby

 

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. Info at www.rscds-seattle.org

Next class May 10, 2013

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Vattersay cow

When Insults Had Class
These glorious insults are from an era before the English language got boiled down to 4-letter words.

“He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts… for support rather than illumination.” – Andrew Lang (1844-1912)

 


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GALGENHUMOR!

A picture is now only worth 200 words.

When Bill and Hillary travel together, they now have to share a room.

 

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Vattersay Bay

The next Ceilidh Dance is Friday, April 26, 2013 with live music by Calanaish.    You have lots of 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.

Urquart Castle & Loch Ness

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

 

Spring!!  time to hang out the washing in Uig Bay

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 well any time 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!

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

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Riddles (answer next week)

the week before last – answer corrected!!

How far will a blind dog walk into a forest?

Answer:  Halfway. After he gets halfway, he’s walking out of the forest.

last week:

Until I am measured
I am not known,
Yet how you miss me
When I have flown.

Answer:Time

This week:

What happens when you throw a yellow rock into a purple stream?

 

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Tweedsmuir.


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, April 26, 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!!!   This is the last regular Ceilidh Dance of the 2012/13 season and it would be great if we could end with a really big crowd.

We Really NEED YOUR HELP to advertise the Ceilidh Dances!!!!    It only costs $10 ($8 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

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

April 26 – with performance by the Tam O’Shanter Dancers
September 27
October 25
November 30

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.

Turnberry Hotel

CAN YOU IMAGINE THE NUN SITTING AT HER DESK GRADING THESE PAPERS, ALL THE WHILE TRYING TO KEEP A STRAIGHT FACE AND MAINTAIN HER COMPOSURE! 
IT COMES FROM A CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEST.  

KIDS WERE ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS. THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS ABOUT THE BIBLE WERE WRITTEN BY CHILDREN. THEY HAVE NOT BEEN RETOUCHED OR CORRECTED. INCORRECT SPELLING HAS BEEN LEFT IN. 

THE FIRST COMMANDMENTS WAS WHEN EVE TOLD ADAM TO EAT THE APPLE.

THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT IS THOU SHALT NOT ADMIT ADULTERY. 

 


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 418 subscribers (at long last we are over the 400 mark!) 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.

 

Cambo Estate

Just in case you’re planning to do a little cooking…

Baking expert                                                                    Maxine


To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the potatoes.
Buy mashed potato mix. Keeps in the cupboard for up to a year.
When a cake recipe calls for flouring
the baking tin, use a bit of dry cake
mix instead and there won’t be any
white mess on the outside of the cake.		 Go to the bakery! Hell, they’ll even decorate it for you!
Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting
in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.		 Celery? Never heard of it!
Cure for headaches: take a lime, cut it in half and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away. Take a lime, mix it with tequila, chill and drink! All your pains go away!
Don’t throw out all that leftover wine. Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces. Left over wine??????? HELLO!!!!!!

 

 

Tulliallan

Enjoy yourselves – come Scottish Country Dancing – for it is good for your health and you never know you just might …..!

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

Duncan ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org