Ceilidh Dance newsletter – 2013/14 #3
Please note that the spell check does not work and my proofreading skills are very inadequate!!! I also apologise that the button which makes the links “live” is also not working – mabe you can cut and paste this week.
A garden in Pittenweem
What a summer! What simply gorgeous weather. It may never be repeated but it was great – and still is. Only one Monday night rained out at Dancing in the Park and there was good attendance both from dancers and visitors every week. Well done everyone. Now be sure to make a big fuss over any newcomers who come along to the classes. We need to make them feel welcome and needed – they are!!!
Well the first dance of the new season is over – did I wish you a Happy New Dance Season? The popular Fall Frolic was held once again on the Saturday of the Labour Day weekend and the West End Club was delighted to welcome about 60 people. The programme of dances was varied and seemed to suit most tastes and we were treated to some wonderful tunes as played by Lisa Scott on keyboard and Leslie Hirsch on fiddle who drove all the way from Portland. Both Lisa and Leslie are very accomplished musicians and that certainly shone through in every reel, jig and strathspey. We were very fortunate to have these two talented and lovely ladies and as the evening wore on the dancers got into the spirit too so that by the end there was lots of electricity in the air. The evening ended with a real Scottish feast.
Thanks are due to the members of the WESCDC as well as to Rebecca who managed to dance and be the sound person too and of course to Denise who made up the programme, ran the walk through last Wednesday and seemed to be able to handle so many chores. The Club would also like to thank everyone for coming and for their kind donations of food etc. Despite have to delay the start by 15 minutes due to accidents on the bridge etc. we did manage to finish on time.
Of course Margaret and I had the special treat of hosting the musicians and being able to listen to them practise which was truly magical especially the waltz written by Keith Smith. Lisa and Leslie arrived around 6 on Friday evening and as it was such a lovely evening we walked down to the Beach where Leslie scampered about filling her pockets with a large assortment of rocks. We visited with two dance friends on the beach front and then went to the Greek Restaurant for dinner – the visitors raved about the lamb.
Saturday was a slow start but they were soon off back down to the beach where I understand Leslie gathered more rocks. Then it was rehearsal time and a late lunch from the Deli including Mulligatawny Soup. We left home leaving an hour to drive down to the West End and we needed every minute (we were in fact a few minutes late) as the traffic was horrendous.
We were sad to see them leave Sunday morning but they had a long 301 mile drive to Portland and the border had over an hour wait!! We hope they both got home safe and sound and that we will meet again very soon.
WHERE IS IT?
Yet another of these pictures of Scotland that I have been sent without any note as to where they are. Send your guesses to 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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The next Ceilidh Dance is on Friday, September 27, 2013 so call all your friends and bring them along to the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver with the class from 7 – 8 p.m. and the dance following from 8 – 11 p.m. with the live music of Calanais. Admission at the door is only $10 (students etc. $8). No partner or experience necessary – just bring your smiles and I would suggest flat, comfy shoes.
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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
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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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Some fun and interesting sites:
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Teacher asked young Patrick Murphy:
“What do you do at Christmas time?
Patrick addressed the class: “Well Ms. Jones, me and my 12 brothers and sisters go to midnight mass and sing hymns; then come home very late, put mince pies by the back door and hang up our stockings. Then, we go to bed and wait for Father Christmas to come with all our toys.
“Very nice Patrick,” she said. “Now Jimmy Brown, what do you do at Christmas?”
“Well, Ms. Jones, me and my sister go to church with Mom and Dad and sing carols and we get home late. We put cookies and milk by the chimney and hang up our stockings. We hardly sleep, waiting for Santa Claus to bring our presents.
Realizing there was a Jewish boy in the class and not wanting to leave him out of the discussion, the teacher asked,
“Isaac Cohen, what do you do at Christmas?”
“Well,” Isaac said, it’s the same thing every year…
Dad comes home from the office. We all pile into the Rolls Royce, drive to Dad’s toy factory. When we get inside, we look at all the empty shelves and begin to sing:
“What A Friend We Have in Jesus.
“Then we all go to the Bahamas .”
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Auld Country Tours are a big supporter of our Ceilidh Dances
James Johnson [auldcountrytours@gmail.com]
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Ardroil & Suaineabhal, Lewis (but not on a Sunday!)
The next Ceilidh Dance will be held on Friday, September 27. 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 September 27 and bringing loads of friends, family, acquaintances, etc. so we can start the season on a high note. Please do your best to spread the word.
Culross
Well Andy did very well and won Wimbledon and he is hanging in trying to defend his US Open title so I will leave this in as a good luck charm!
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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 427 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 closed the White Rock store. For information on specials etc. call one of the stores –
Vancouver 604-261-3688; Delta 604-940-5366
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Well we truly did have a wonderful summer with a house full of children and grandchildren. From just being the two of us we grew to a total of 10 for most of July and August plus there was often one of the local grandsons here as well. Add to that the friends of children & grandchildren and you can imagine it was a very busy time indeed. I am probably more suntanned than I have ever been thanks to being outside watching/playing/walking down to Crescent to their swimming/tennis lessons and watching them in these lessons. The 4 grandchildren here for the summer were 3 (Callum); 5 (Taryn); 12 (Ryan) and 15 (Caitlin). They were all delightful and their parents kept them busy. The older 2 would cycle themselves down to the beach for 7 a.m. early swim training then they would maybe come back for lunch and/or dinner. Usually the younger ones would also cycle but their first lesson would be 9:30 which is a much more civilised time (and yes the 3 year old was on a 2 wheeler without training wheels.) One of us had to walk very quickly trying to keep up. They could not ride down or up Sandy Trail so they needed an adult to carry their bikes. We tried to use the lane or the beach front to keep clear of traffic.
The Crescent Beach Swimming Club is an amazing institution. It was founded in 1918 and provides swimming lessons in their own tidal pool as well as in the ocean. They also have synchronized swimming, water polo, beach volley ball, tennis (on their own 4 courts) and sailing. They have an enormous staff of young adults trained to teach their own specialty and the children can choose to go into competitive swimming, water polo or synchronized swimming competing in the region and then the Province against other “Summer” swimmers. The tennis programe also enters the junior league.
For those in competitive swimming, such as the two older grandkids, their weekends are spent at swim meets or water polo competitions but there are a whole host of other events including a sandcastle competion, fishing derbies (from the pier for bullheads), bingo nights in the park, weekly foot races for candies, family picnic night, tiny tots, pre-teen and teen dances and I am sure there are some that I have missed. You might have gathered that i am very high on CBSC!!
Dunfermline City Chambers
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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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Kelvingrove Park
Events happening soon include the start of classes – see website for date, time and location, the Vancouver Branch AGM on the 20th and the first Ceilidh of the season on the 27th
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 think people who use umbrellas are either wimps or tourists.
2. You recognize the background shots in your favourite movies & TV shows.
3. You buy new sunglasses every year, because you can’t find the old ones after such a long time.
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View of the Carse o’ Stirling from Kippen
COMING EVENTS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS: Note: Please check list of classes for all start times and locations.
| 2013 | |
| Sep 6 – 8 | Fort Worden Weekend — RSCDS Seattle Branch Annual Weekend Workshop with teachers Barbara Johnston, Elinor Vandegrift, Andrew Smith and Fred Demarse. Music by Waverley Station (David Knight, fiddle; Liz Donaldson (piano) and Ralph Gordon (cell/bass). All info at www.rscds-seattle.org |
| Sep 9 – 13 | Most classes will resume this week — please check list at www.rscdsvancouver.org for contact numbers, level, day, time and location of each class. |
| Sep 20 | Vancouver Branch A.G.M. — 8 p.m. Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver. Come and support the Board (or not!); voice your opinions, make suggestions, hear all the reports; see where your money goes and learn more about the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society. Everyone welcome. |
| Sep 27 | First monthly Ceilidh Dance of the season at the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver. Class at 7 p.m. and dance following from 8 — 11 p.m. and all for the fantastic price of $10 (students $8) — info 604-536-9481 |
| Oct 4-6 | RSCDS Saskatchewan Branch workshop and Ball — www.rscdssask.org |
| Oct 12 | Bellingham Social |
| Oct 19 | Gleneagles Fall dance 7:30 p.m. in Christ the Redeemer Church, 595 Keith Road, West Vancouver – $10 |
| Oct 20 | White Rock SCDC Workshop – Sunday October 20, 2013 Sullivan Hall, 6306 — 152nd Street Surrey Fee $10.00 – Teacher: Maureen Lyon Advanced class from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. — Advanced dancers are encouraged to stay for the afternoon session to assist beginners. Bring your own lunch and join us during the break from 12:00 p.m. — 1:00 p.m. Tea and coffee as well as juice will be provided. Intermediate and Beginner Dancers will be instructed from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. To register contact: Laurie Lang at 604-944-6678 — ljreel@telus.net Gerda Barwieck at 604-531-4595 — gerdab@shaw.ca. |
| Oct 25 | Monthly Ceilidh Dance of the season at the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver. Class at 7 p.m. and dance following from 8 — 11 p.m. and all for the fantastic price of $10 (students $8) — info 604-536-9481 |
| Oct 26 | Bellingham Ball in the Majestic Ballroom with music by Calum MacKinnon, Ryan McKasson, Andy Imbrie and Ginny Snowe. All info from Mary at 360-933-1779 or andersonmary41@comcast.net |
See website www.vancouverceilidh.org for a more complete list
Seattle Branch Info at www.rscds-seattle.org
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When I first told Margaret I had seen puffins she thought I was teasing her and that they were cartoon birds – of course I never, ever tease.
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Come Scottish Country Dancing – it is lots of fun. Just ask anyone who came along to the Dancing in the Park. We had great audience participation so I hope you will all come along and join one of our great classes.
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A harbinger of autumn – the haar at Gullane
The next Ceilidh Dance is not until Friday, September 27, 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.
Misty morning in Oban
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
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)
last one:
You saw me where I never was and where I could not be. And yet within that very place, my face you often see. What am I?
Answer: A relection
This week:
I turn polar bears white
and I will make you cry.
I make guys have to pee
and girls comb their hair.
I make celebrities look stupid
and normal people look like celebrities.
I turn pancakes brown
and make your champagne bubble.
If you squeeze me, I’ll pop.
If you look at me, you’ll pop.
Can you guess the riddle?
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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 Friday, September 27, 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.
Thanks to good attendances the finances for the 2012/13 season will still allow the cost to be 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
September 27
October 25
November 30
2014
January 10
February 7
February 28
March 28
April 25
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.
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.
ONE OF THE OPPOSSUMS WAS ST. MATTHEW WHO WAS ALSO A TAXIMAN.
ST. PAUL CAVORTED TO CHRISTIANITY, HE PREACHED HOLY ACRIMONY, WHICH IS ANOTHER NAME FOR MARRAIGE.
CHRISTIANS HAVE ONLY ONE SPOUSE. THIS IS CALLED MONOTONY.
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 427 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.
Since light travels faster than sound, people appear bright until you hear them speak.
We offer three kinds of service — Good, Cheap, Fast. Pick any two.
Good service Cheap won’t be Fast
Good service Fast won’t be Cheap
Fast service Cheap won’t be Good
One should love animals.
They are so! tasty.
Loch Duich near Shiel Bridge
Enjoy yourselves – come Scottish Country Dancing – for it is good for your health and you never know you just might …..!
See Coming Events on the website for info – www.vancouverceilidh.org
May your troubles be one, may your blessings be more,
and may nothing but happiness come through your door.
Duncan ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org