Ceilidh Dance newsletter – 2013/14 #6

Sunset at Portmahomack

Portmahomack

The Glasgow Brothel

The madam opened the brothel door in Glasgow and saw a rather dignified, well-dressed, good-looking man in his late forties or early fifties.

“May I help you sir?” she asked..
“I want to see Valerie,” the man replied.
“Sir, Valerie is one of our most expensive ladies. Perhaps you would prefer someone else”, said the madam.
“No, I must see Valerie,” he replied.

Just then, Valerie appeared and announced to the man she charged £5000 a visit. Without hesitation, the man pulled out five thousand pounds and gave it to Valerie, and they went upstairs. After an hour, the man calmly left..

The next night, the man appeared again, once more demanding to see Valerie.
Valerie explained that no one had ever come back two nights in a row, as she was so expensive. There were no discounts. The price was still £5000.  Again, the man pulled out the money, gave it to Valerie, and they went upstairs. After an hour, he left.

The following night the man was there yet again. Everyone was astounded that he had come for a third consecutive night, but he paid Valerie and they went upstairs.

After their session, Valerie said to the man, “No one has ever been with me three nights in a row. Where are you from?”

The man replied, ” Edinburgh .”

“Really”, she said. “I have family in Edinburgh .”

“I know.” the man said. “Your sister died, and I’m her solicitor. I was instructed to deliver your £15,000 inheritance in person…”

The moral of the story is that three things in life are certain——

1. Death
2. Taxes
3. Being screwed by a lawyer

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My West End class had another good class although many of the 16 newcomers last week did not come back.   Some did let me know they would be away and will be coming again but others I guess are lost.   I tried e-mailing them all but not many replies.   We did get another 3 newcomers though so it was not all bad.   I heard to other groups had come new dancers so I hope all other groups have received an influx of new blood.

There was a good turn out for the AGM of the Branch on Friday night.   I think all the reports are available on the website – www.rscdsvancouver.org    The finances are in good shape and the membership is stable but it needs to grow.   A big vote of thanks to the Executive and a welcome to some new faces who have been elected to the Board.   The members get to choose whether they want the bi-monthly Branch magazine by e-mail or a hard copy via Canada Post.   For the latter option there is a $5 extra charge.   However all members will be able to access the White Cockade via the web and you will notice that the pictures are in colour.

WHERE IS IT? 32 Yet another of these pictures of Scotland that I have been sent without any note as to where they are.    Last week’s picture brought 3 guesses.   Two thought it was Staffa and the third I think is correct.   So I am saying the correct answer is Kilt Rock, Trotternish on the Isle of Skye.   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. llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll The next Ceilidh Dance is THIS 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.  kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

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 rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

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. hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

emus2s

Some fun and interesting sites:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ai4tPe80S6Q?rel=0 https://devour.com/video/amazing-shadow-performance/ zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Top 10 things that Brits can’t live without:

10.       Oxo
9.       Biscuits such as Digestives, Jammie Dodgers, etc.
8.       Heinz Baked Beans
7.       Crisps such as Hula Hoops & Walkers products
6.       Bisto granules for gravy
5.       Sauce such as Ketchup. HP and Branston Pickle
4.       Marmite — really!!
3.       Chocolate such as Cadbury bars.
2.       Bacon/sausage/black pudding & cheese.
1.       Tea

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Auld Country Tours are a big supporter of our Ceilidh Dances James Johnson [auldcountrytours@gmail.com] “““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““

Aquarium

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Sunset from Forth Road bridge

Sunset from Forth Road Bridge

The next Ceilidh Dance will be held this 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.

Sunset Loch Crinan

Loch Crinan

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apple eating worm

To whiten white clothes: Soak white clothes in hot water with a slice of lemon for 10 minutes &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

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

Fantastic – subscriptions are over the 400 mark at last. This newsletter will go out to 424 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 www.celtictreasurechest.ca. \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Filled another 2 large bins with garden waste and ordered another yard of soil.   We seem to dig up then dig in.   The outgoing stuff I pay for via my taxes and the incoming via Visa!! The first day of Fall has brought a sharp change in the weather.   The past few days have been glorious but last night the rains came and lasted into this morning followed by the wind.   The latter has brought lots of stuff off the cedars so that our driveway is covered in a layer of vegetation and as Margaret is expecting a group of ladies later in the week I shall have to get all this cleared up.   I hope the wind drops down before Wednesday morning.

Tour of Britain Peebles

Tour of Britain start in Peebles in the rain!!   What else would they expect?

There will be a mini workshop entitled “An introduction to Ladies Step Dance”  on November 2.   This workshop is for dancers new to “soft shoe” step dance and also something new for returning dancers.   Scottish step dance experience  NOT required but some dancing in the past  essential e.g. Scottish Country, Highland, Irish, ballet, contemporary.   This will be an active afternoon for dancers interested in different steps, different music and lots of fun.   See Upcoming Events for more details and contact info.

sunset on the Clyde

Sunset over the Clyde

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airplane coming

 If anyone has any suggestions or complaints regarding the newsletter, please let me know – ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org ============================================================== The calendar of events is always being updated so you should check it out from time to time on our website at www.vancouverceilidh.org

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Sunset over Hawick

Sunset over Hawick


alligator

Events happening soon include the start of classes – see website www.rscdsvancouver.org for date, time and location and the first Ceilidh of the season on the 27th Please see “Coming Events” below for all information. “““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““

After closing time at the bar, a drunk was proudly showing off his new apartment to a couple of his friends.  He led the way to his bedroom where there was a big brass gong and a mallet. ‘What’s up with the big brass gong?’ one of the guests asked.‘It’s not a gong. It’s a talking clock,’ the drunk replied.

‘A talking clock? Seriously?’ asked his astonished friend.

‘Yup,’ replied the drunk.

How’s it work?’ the friend asked, squinting at it.

‘Watch,’ the drunk replied. He picked up the mallet, gave the gong an   ear-shattering pound and stepped back.

The three stood looking at one another for a moment…….

Suddenly, someone on the other side of the wall screamed, ‘You !@#$%^ ! It’s   three-fifteen in the morning!

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Sunset over Taransay

Taransay

COMING EVENTS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS:   Note:   Please check list of classes for all start times and locations.

2013  
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   5 Vancouver Island and Environs TAC   AGM and Workshop being held on Saturday October 5th, at the Pleasant Valley   Hall in Nanaimo, 6100 Dumont Road.  The AGM will be at 9.30am and then   the workshop, with Rebecca Blackhall-Peters teaching, will be held following   the meeting at 10.30 — 12.30, and 1.30 — 3.30.  The fee for the workshop   is $25.  Lunch is at 12.30, bring your own bag lunch, there is a fridge   available to keep it cold if necessary, tea and coffee will be supplied.  I do need to know how many will be coming   so arrangements can be made to pick them up at the Nanaimo ferry terminal.   Sheilamccall@shaw.ca
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 Masquerade 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
Nov 1 – 3 RSCDS San Francisco Branch Annual Asilomar Weekend Workshop   & Ball.  All info at  www.rscds-sf.org/
Nov  2 Introduction to ladies Step Dance — a workshop taught by Mary   Murray with live music.   Scottish   Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver from 1 — 4 p.m.   $15 includes tea and coffee.   Register now as space is limited — kay_sutherland@hotmail.com or call 604-922-6842
Nov 11 Lady Aberdeen Tea Dance at the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886   Hudson Street, Vancouver BC this year hosted by the Demonstration Team.

See website www.vancouverceilidh.org for a more complete list

apples

Seattle Branch Info at www.rscds-seattle.org &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&


sunset over West Loch Tarbert

West Loch Tarbert


archer

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = 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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sunset sanna Glenborrowdale

Sanna, Glenborrowdale

The next Ceilidh Dance is THIS 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.

Tantallon Castle sunrise

Tantallon Castle (not a sunset!)

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 learn the basics 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 is also a Branch in 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

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beer pour

  Riddles (answer next week)

last one: What is it that after you take away the whole, some still remains?

Answer:  Wholesome

This week: A box without hinges, lock or key, yet golden treasure lies within. What is it? =========================================================== For upcoming events see www.vancouverceilidh.org and www.rscdsvancouver.org.

Troon Beach in fall

Troon

Other announcements etc: Seattle Branch – info at www.rscds-seattle.org ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The next regular monthly Ceilidh Dance will be held THIS 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 first regular Ceilidh Dance of the 2013/14 season and it would be great if we could kick off 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 of 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!!

Bike

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.


Remembering Tommy Cooper:

1.  A man came round in hospital after a serious accident. He shouted, ‘Doctor, doctor, I can’t feel my legs!’ The doctor replied, ‘I know you can’t, I’ve cut your arms off’.
2.  I went to a seafood disco last week and pulled a muscle. 3. Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly.. They lit a fire in the craft, it sank, proving once and for all that you can’t have your kayak and heat it.
bird - vulture 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 424 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.

There should be a better way to start a day than waking up every morning. T
oo many people buy things they don’t need, with money they don’t have, trying to impress people they don’t like.

Sunset - Tiree

Tiree

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