Ceilidh Newsletter 2013/14 #7

Ceilidh Dance newsletter – 2013/14 #6

Achnasheen

His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer. One day, while trying to make a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby bog.  He dropped his tools and ran to the bog.  There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could have been a slow and terrifying death.

The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman’s sparse surroundings.   An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy Farmer Fleming had saved.

‘I want to repay you,’ said the nobleman. ‘You saved my son’s life.’
‘No, I can’t accept payment for what I did,’ the Scottish farmer replied waving off the offer. At that moment, the farmer’s own son came to the door of the family hovel.
‘Is that your son?’ the nobleman asked.
‘Yes,’ the farmer replied proudly.

‘I’ll make you a deal. Let me provide him with the level of education my own
son will enjoy If the lad is anything like his father, he’ll no doubt grow to
be a man we both will be proud of.’ And that he did.

Farmer Fleming’s son attended the very best schools and in time, graduated from St. Mary’s Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin.

Years afterward, the same nobleman’s son who was saved from the bog was
stricken with pneumonia.
What saved his life this time?   Penicillin.
The name of the nobleman? Lord Randolph Churchill .. His son’s name?
Sir Winston Churchill.
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I made a mistake (ME??) in the newsletter about the cost of membership in the Vancouver Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society.   If you choose to get the bi-monthly Branch magazine “the White Cockade” by e-mail then the cost for a single membership is $40 whereas if you want a hard copy via Canada Post then the cost is $50.   Two members living at the same address can join for $75 or $85.   All members will be able to access the White Cockade via the web where you will notice that the pictures are in colour.

Along with a number of others from the Scottish Country Dance community I spent a very afternoon at Stuart Somerville’s.   As most of you know Stuart was the Branch webmaster for many years.   In fact it was he who brought the Branch into the computer age by developing and maintaining the website and he also helped set up the Facebook page.   Many of the photos and videos in the White Cockade and on the website were taken by Stuart.   He has travelled a lot and danced all over the place.  He is an opera fan and has visited many of the famous Theatres.   It did not seem to matter where Stuart was if you sent something to him to be put on the web page it miraculously appeared usually within a day.   Stuart has retired as webmaster and we thank him for  a job well and truly done.

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 brought 0 guesses so here it is again.    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 first Ceilidh dance of the 2013/14 season got off to a slowish start as only about 50 people came along.   Those that came were very enthusiastic and they eagerly learned three new dances as well as many from our usual list.   There were quite a few UBC students but the group from Edinburgh University who are here on exchange did not show up!!   Hopefully they will come to the next dance as we really need a lot more to make the dances break even financially.   Thanks to the band as well as to noble team of assistants who come along unasked and take on tasks that need to be done.  Without these super folk the dances could not continue.

The next Ceilidh Dance is on Friday, October 25, 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

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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. hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Some fun and interesting sites:

https://vimeo.com/15034110

https://www.flixxy.com/the-bizarre-border-between-canada-and-the-united-states.htm#.UbKA7d6wUF0.aolmail

https://www.youtube.com/v/9O9HfafzBPE?version=3&hl=ru_RU

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These are genuine answers from some of our 16 year olds…………and they WILL breed.

Q.   Name the four seasons
A.   Salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar

Q.   Explain one of the processes by which water can be made safe to drink
A.   Flirtation makes water safe to drink because it removes large pollutants like grit, sand, dead sheep and canoeists

Q.   How is dew formed
A.   The sun shines down on the leaves and makes them perspire
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Auld Country Tours are a big supporter of our Ceilidh Dances James Johnson [auldcountrytours@gmail.com] “““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““

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Beech trees in Angus

The next Ceilidh Dance will be held on Friday, October 25.  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 and bringing loads of friends, family, acquaintances, etc.  We need to improve the attendance to make the dances financially viable.  Please do your best to spread the word.   Let me know if you would like a poster to put up.

Ardnamurchan

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To  give a shine to hair : 

Add one teaspoon of vinegar to hair, then wash hair. 

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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 425 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. \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

An online contact for dance and marching shoes (ghillies, pumps, brogues, etc.) is Bruce Griffith at www.avriel.com

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I did clear the driveway but you wouldn’t know it now as after the heavy rain and a wee blow it is completely covered again.   Maybe I can sweep it up before Monday morning so I can get it all into the garden waste before the pick up trucks come.

We did have some glorious days last week and I even sat outside to eat my lunch on at least two days.   Now we are into the Fall weather and the rains have arrived but we are exceedingly lucky in this part of the world and we certainly should not be complaining.

Bass Rock in the mist

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.

Caledonian Canal

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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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Dunfermline

Events happening in the immediate future include the Gleneagles Fall Dance on October 19 and the White Rock workshop on the 20th – see website www.rscdsvancouver.org for date, time and location.

Please see “Coming Events” below for all information. “““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““

How the internet was born – a true story

In ancient Israel, it came to pass that a trader by the name of Abraham Com did take unto himself a young wife by the name of Dot.   And Dot Com was a comely woman, broad of shoulder and long of leg.   Indeed, she was often called Amazon Dot Com.
And she said unto Abraham, her husband, “Why dost thou travel so far from town to town with thy goods when thou canst trade without ever leaving thy tent?”
And Abraham did look at her as though she were several saddle bags short of a camel load, but simply   said, “How, dear?”
And Dot replied, “I will place drums in all the towns and drums in between to send messages saying what you have for sale, and they will reply telling you who hath the best price.   And the sale can be made on the drums and delivery made by Uriah’s Pony Stable (UPS).”
Abraham thought long and decided he would let Dot have her way with the drums.   And the drums rang out and were an immediate success.   Abraham sold all the goods he had at the top price, without ever having to move from his tent.
To prevent neighbouring countries from overhearing what the drums were saying, Dot devised a system that only she and the drummers knew.
It was known as Must Send Drum Over Sound (MSDOS), and she also developed a language to transmit ideas and pictures – Hebrew To The People (HTTP).
And the young men did take to Dot Com’s trading as doth the greedy horsefly take to camel dung.
They were called Nomadic  Ecclesiastical Rich Dominican Sybarites, or NERDS.
And lo, the land was so feverish with joy at the new riches and the deafening sound of drums that no one noticed that the real riches were going to that enterprising drum dealer,  Brother William of Gates, who bought off every drum maker in the land.  And indeed did insist on drums to be made that would work only with Brother Gates’ drumheads and drumsticks.
And Dot did say, “Oh, Abraham, what we have started is being taken over by others.”
And Abraham looked out over the Bay of Ezekiel , or eBay as it came to be known.
He said, “We need a name that reflects what we are.”
And Dot replied, “Young Ambitious Hebrew Owner Operators.”
“YAHOO,” said Abraham. And because it was Dot’s idea, they named it YAHOO Dot Com.
Abraham’s cousin, Joshua, being the young Gregarious Energetic Educated Kid (GEEK) that he was, soon started using Dot’s drums to locate things around the countryside.
It soon became known as God’s Own Official Guide to Locating Everything (GOOGLE).

And that is how it all began. 

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Ecclesmachan

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

Glasgow sunrise – a rare event!!

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = 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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Glen Pean Bothy

The next Ceilidh Dance is on Friday – October 25, 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.

Collessie

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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Riddles (answer next week)

last one:   A box without hinges, lock or key, yet golden treasure lies within. What is it?

Answer:  An egg.

This week:

Forward I’m heavy, but backwards I’m not.  What am I?

=========================================================== For upcoming events see www.vancouverceilidh.org and www.rscdsvancouver.org.

Glen Coe

Other announcements etc: Seattle Branch – info at www.rscds-seattle.org ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The next regular monthly Ceilidh Dance will be held on Friday, October 25, 2013 in the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, (73^rd & 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 will be the second regular Ceilidh Dance of the 2013/14 season and it would be great if we could double the attendance of the dance last Friday night.

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.  However if they remain as low as this season’s first Ceilidh dance then either the price will go up and/or the dances will have to be cancelled.

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!!

The schedule for the 2012/13 season shapes up as follows:

All on Fridays of course —

2013

October 25
November 29
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.  Our ice cream man was found lying on the floor of his van covered with hundreds and thousands. Police say that he topped himself.

2.  Man goes to the doctor, with a strawberry growing out of his head.
Doc says ‘I’ll give you some cream to put on it.’

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 425 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.

The more you study, the more you know,
The more you know, the more you forget
The more you forget, the less you know
Why study?

The less you study, the less you know,
The less you know, the less you forget
The less you forget, the more you know
Why study?

Glen Docherty & Loch Maree

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