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The Branch Burns Supper is on Saturday, January 17 in the Scottish Cultural Centre 6 pm for 7 pm. Tickets for $55.00. Dinner, traditional speeches, dancing and no host bar). Get your tickets at class, at the Ceilidh Dance or online at www.rscdsvancouver.org BUT GET THEM SOON!!! This is a fun night even though you may only be able to dance 1 or 2 dances. It is an entertaining evening and the Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra will be playing for the dancing.
Loch Katrine
Sorry this week’s newsletter is at least a day late and the fault is mine. We did have a family dinner last night (Sunday) where we had a super meal and a very enjoyable evening. Family does come before the newsletter though we did get home just after 10 but then we had recorded the tennis as well as Downton!!! Margaret had seen Federer & Raonic play in London a few weeks ago and Federer had no trouble whatsoever so we were expecting a short match. While Federer did win this one in Brisbane it did take over 2 hours and went to 3 sets. Even skipping past the commercials it was 1:30 by the time Downton was finished and I got to bed so no time for the newsletter.
Loch Linnhe
A Note from Jean :
Dear Fellow Dancer,
Once again we have a Teachers Training programme happening at the Vancouver Branch with the exams to be held in May 2015. Our teacher candidates rely on a Support Cast of fellow dancers to be ‘Stooges’ for their practice sessions.
We are looking for a ‘support cast’ for training sessions to be held at the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver (upstairs).
If you are able to help on this date or some of the following dates, please let me know by return. (your preference AM or PM.)
Saturday February 21st
Saturday March 14th
Saturday April 18th
Exam Day May 2nd
Your support will be much appreciated.
Many thanks,
Jean Wagstaff and the 2015 Candidates
(604) 464-8103 jeedwag@shaw.ca
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Did you know that “Fawlty Towers” the stage version is on at the Metro Theatre this month?
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The next regular Ceilidh Dance is on Friday, February 6, 2015 – in the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver. Start to make plans to come along as we really need all of you. This is a fun and inexpensive way to have an enjoyable evening out with family and friends. Tell at least 2 friends to join you, forward this e-mail to more friends and encourage them to sign up for the newsletter and to come to the Ceilidh Dance. Think of the great exercise you get as well. See below for more information.
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Some really exciting news – thanks to some ground work by a student there is going to be a Scottish Country Dance class at SFU. It will start on January 14, 2015 and be on Wednesday evenings from 7 – 9 p.m. in Forum Chambers. Contact Louise at lmsteinw@gmail.com for more information and please tell all your student friends.
SFU’s Centre for Scottish Studies will be offering beginning Gaelic classes Monday nights at 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm starting January 20. The classes will be held using video technology with instructor Fiona Smith — either from a location at SFU or in your home if you have a computer and internet connection. If you are interested in participating, please contact Leith at leith@sfu.ca
Loch Maree & Slioch
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There is a need for an Editor for the White Cockade as Eleanor has indicated this will be her last year and there is also a need for someone to help with the Facebook page.
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Thanks to Steve at the Celtic Treasure Chest there is now an online list of all the Celtic societies as well as a calendar of events:
List https://www.celtictreasurechest.com/links/index.php
Calendar https://www.celtictreasurechest.com/celticevents/index.php
There are year end clear out specials at The Celtic Treasure Chest’s two stores including some items never stocked before. Check them out at www.celtictreasurechest.com
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Subject: Your First Racist Joke for 2015 – we have to be able to laugh at ourselves.
Saint Peter is sitting at the Pearly Gates when two black guys and two Glaswegian chaps arrive. He looked out through the Gates and said, “Wait here, I will be right back.”
St. Peter goes over to God’s chambers and tells him who is waiting for entrance.
God says to Peter: “How many times do I have to tell you, you can’t be racist and judgmental here. This is heaven. All are loved. All are brothers. Go back and let them in!” St. Peter goes back to the Gates, looks around, and lets out a heavy sigh. He returns to God’s chambers and says “Well, they’re gone.”
“Who, the black guys or the Glaswegians?” asked God.
” No, The Pearly Gates.”
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The Scottish Cultural Centre is a pretty unique and wonderful asset and space is available for rent to anyone or any group. The Centre does not run itself but is actually run by the United Scottish Cultural Society (USCS). Memberships in this Society are for individuals only and presently cost $10 annually. Membership Application Forms may be obtained either at the Centre or on the USCS website – www.scottishculturalcentre.com . The cost is only $10.
Any person may join USCS and Scottish Country & Ceilidh Dancers are encouraged to show their support by doing so. If any USCS member would like to be more involved, then, Darryl Carracher, the Manager at the Centre, will be pleased to give you further information. We have just finished replacing the roof which was a major expense. We have also just finishing painting and sprucing up the main hall and hope you all like what we have done.
Upgrades to the Centre are also being considered so it is particularly appropriate that dancers join USCS. No final decisions on these upgrades will be made before Members of USCS are fully informed. As noted above a number of proposals regarding the future of the Centre (the building) were presented at the A.G.M. and these will be discussed by each Member Society/Association and will be discussed at future meetings of the U.S.C.S.
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Not “To a Mouse” again
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Loch Tay & Ben Lawers
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The next Ceilidh Dance is on Friday, February 6th, 2015. I have tried an experiment and registered with Meetup and more than 20 people have now “joined” and many say they will come to the Ceilidh dance.
Michelle has very kindly made up a Facebook event page for the Ceilidh but you need to “Search for Vancouver Ceilidh on Facebook and “Like” us to receive updates on upcoming Ceilidhs and other events”. Then, if you “Like” the Vancouver Ceilidh FB page (do as described above), you too will receive updates AND be able to share those updates and events on your personal Facebook page to your friends and ask that they “Like” and “Share”, etc.
Ceilidh Dances are great ways to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries etc. Invite all your friends to come and join you at the Ceilidh. You are welcome to bring your own cake and we’ll even sing for you!!
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You can join the e-mail list of the SFU Scottish and Celtic Society; the club connecting you to all things Scottish and Celtic at SFU and the community. As members of this mailing list, you will receive updates on events and learning opportunities. All are welcome to participate and enjoy. Facebook Group: As of today, our new Facebook Group is launched and available to join. It is an ‘Open’ group. Anyone can join and invite their friends. We will create Facebook ‘Events’ for all our occasions. Join today at this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/451447541666799/
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Some fun and interesting sites: – note if you have a link to something you think others would enjoy please forward them to me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wsbpp-as9Vw
Now this is an amazing engineered triumph – watch the whole video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVbo7ycpkeI
The next Ceilidh Dance will be on Friday, February 6, 2015. Same time, same place, same price (so long as there is a big attendance), 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.
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I was dismayed when 2 people cancelled their subscriptions and we dropped back down below 350 but 2 more have just joined so we are still up to 351. It will still take many weeks at this rate to get it back to 400 so I really need your help to get the subscriptions back up again. Thanks for all your support.
Please pass along the website to your friends and ask them to subscribe – it is free!! www.vancouverceilidh.org At time of writing this last week’s newsletter was opened by a record number of 250 subscribers which was second best percentage wise – 71.4% – of the total list. I know some of you prefer to go to the website and open the newsletter from there so the number is probably much higher. Please keep opening the newsletter!!
Any and all comments and suggestions are welcome.
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Events happening in the immediate future include the new class at SFU starting this Wednesday and then the start of the Burns Season with the Branch Burns Supper on Saturday.
Please see “Coming Events” below for all information.
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If anyone has any suggestions or complaints regarding the newsletter, please let me know – ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org Please do not complain to your server that this is junk mail. There is a link on the e-mail should you wish to unsubscribe.
COMING EVENTS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS: Note: Please check list of classes for all start times and locations.
| 2015 | |
| Jan 12 | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Dr. Ann Rigney (Chair of Comparative Literature,Utrecht University): “Where Walter Scott meets the Mahatma: Reflections on Transnational Literature” 7000 Earl & Jennie Lohn Policy Room, SFU Harbour Centre, 515 W. Hastings St., Vancouver |
| Jan 14 | A new SCD class at SFU Wednesday evenings 7 – 9 p.m. Forum Chambers contact Louise for info at lmsteinw@gmail.com |
| Jan 17 | Branch Burns Supper – Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver – Bar 6 p.m. Dinner 7 p.m. Music for dancing by the Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra – Tickets $55 – gillibeattie@gmail.com or 604-224-6751 or online with PayPal at www.rscdsvancouver.org |
| Jan 23 | 12:00 pm -1:00 pm, SFU Scottish Studies Centre: Robert Burns Day Celebration Teck Gallery, SFU Harbour Centre, 515 W. Hastings St., Vancouver. For the last 3 years, the Centre has hosted a very successful marathon reading that has brought old and young together in celebration of the Scottish bard. Last year’s marathon went for a record 6 hours! This year, we are asking people to come down and make history in a different way by joining us for a mass reading/singing of Burns’s most popular works – including “To a Mouse” and “A Man’s a Man” – plus the traditional haggis-addressing and socializing. Starting at noon, our celebration will also feature performances of Scottish music and song. Bring your voices and instruments and join us! |
| Jan 24 | Tam O’Shanter’s Burns Supper – “RANTIN’ ROVIN’ ROBIN” WAITING LIST FOR TICKETSThe Tam O’Shanter Dancers are hosting their 21st. annual Robert Burns Dinner/Dance Sat. Jan. 24th 2015 at the Star of the Sea Hall, 15262 Pacific Ave. White Rock. Doors open 5:30, Dinner 6:30, Entertainment 8pm, Ceilidh Dancing 9pm Tickets: Adult $55 Children 10 & under $30 Call: Janice 604-536-7660, Cheryl 604-535-8949 |
| Jan 28 | White Rock’s Robbie Burns party |
| Feb 6 | Ceilidh Dance at the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver – no partner or experience required – live music with Calanais – refreshments available – class from 7 – 8 p.m. followed by dance from 8 – 11 p.m. – all dances walked, talked and called – admission at the door $10 (students $8) |
| Feb 7 | Bellingham social |
| Feb 13 – 15 | ANNUAL WEEKEND OF SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING in HAWAII. Instructor Linda Henderson from San Francisco music by Humuhumunukunukuapua’a and Strathspey Society Band Information at www.rscdshawaii.org. |
| Feb 14 | Love to Dance Scottish workshop & Dance in the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver with teachers Rebecca Blackhall-Peters; Maureen Lyon and Gordon Robinson and music for the dance by the Tartan Players. “More classes; More Teachers; Same camaraderie; same great teaching — Registration online at www.rscdsvancouver.org – Information – 604-922-6842 or 604-464-8103 |
Well the hectic January schedule has started with classes every night (maybe I have Friday off this week!!) and the Burns Supper on Saturday. Last Saturday I “stooged” (was a pupil) for the teacher candidates class. There are 4 who are taking their final level 5 exam and another 4 who are starting out on this great adventure. All 8 have great potential but for the 4 “newbies” this would have been an eye opener having to teach a group of students under the watchful eyes and ears of Mary Murray with Rebecca Blackhall-Peters in the background. I well remember how stressful this was, how unprepared I was and how my voice seemed to be an octave or two higher than normal.
We had a very good crowd at the Ceilidh last Friday night with over 70 in attendance. There must have been about 32 men and 38 ladies and all seemed to have lots of fun. With the help from Louise, who is one of those taking her final exam, as well as Kathrine we went through a lot of dances including one or two new ones which seemed to work quite well. We need to keep this attendance, and more, for the remaining 4 Ceilidh dances so please pass on the information to your friends and encourage them to come along. Not sure how many of the Meet Up members were in attendance but I hope they will come back as well.
Yesterday the Tam O’Shanters had a rehearsal for their Burns Supper on the 24th. Just as well we have these extra practices as I made so many mistakes. I would thing we will be scolded tonight at class. I was up at 6:30 this morning to pick a lady up in Tsawwassen, take her to Vancouver, then wait 150 minutes, take her home then off to White Rock to take another lady to the Cancer Clinic in North Surrey. I am ready for bed but will have to get ready soon for class!!
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Loch Venachar
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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 or at least come to one of the Ceilidh Dances.
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Loch Lomond
The next Ceilidh Dance is on Friday, February 6, 2015 with live music by Calanaish. You still have 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 and here is a link to the Facebook advert: https://www.facebook.com/events/597360563665264/597360566998597/ 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.
They are all held at the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver. 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.
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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
This is a really good time to come along and join in one of many Scottish Country Dance (SCD) classes as they are starting up again. You will be made very welcome. Many classes have a policy that the first night is FREE! Plan to come along to try out a class next week. There are classes all around and on different nights so GIVE IT A GO! Go to either www.rscdsvancouver.org or www,vancouverceilidh.org for a list of class locations and times.
For those who don’t know SCD is a fabulous pastime (much better and lots more fun than golf!!) and 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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Wish I’d Said That!
The first piece of luggage on the carousel never belongs to anyone.
~ George Roberts
If God had intended us to fly, he would have made it easier to get to the airport.
~ Jonathan Winters
| I have kleptomania, but when it gets bad, I take something for it. ~ Robert Benchley |
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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 on Friday, February 6, 2015 in the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, (73rd & Hudson which is between Oak & Granville), Vancouver, We need everyone to help us get as many new comers (as well as former Ceilidh Dancers) as possible to come and join us. The Ceilidh Dances are a great way to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Invite all your friends along. Contact me if you will have a group of 12 or more and we can give them a discount!!!
We Really NEED YOUR HELP to advertise the Ceilidh Dances!!!! 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 https://www.facebook.com/events/597360563665264/597360566998597/ 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.
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 2014/15 season shapes up as follows: All on Fridays of course —
2015
February 6
February 27
March 27
April 24
Come along and get some great exercise while also having lots of fun. We hope to have lots of new Ceilidh dancers and we might even have Louise to help with the calling. Remember to bring your smiles and wear flat shoes. 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 would like to attract students from Universities and all colleges. 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.
Lochan na h Achlaine & Black Mount
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 351 subscribers 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.
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A blonde was playing Trivial Pursuit one night… It was her turn. She rolled the dice and she landed on Science & Nature. Her question was, ‘If you are in a vacuum and someone calls your name, can you hear it?’ She thought for a time and then asked, ‘Is it on or off?’
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A girl was visiting her blonde friend, who had acquired two new dogs, and asked her what their names were. The blonde responded by saying that one was named Rolex and one was named Timex. Her friend said, ‘Whoever heard of someone naming dogs like that?’ ‘HELLLOOOOOOO……,’ answered the blonde. ‘They’re watch dogs’!
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Lochcarron
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
Lochluichart
Get your tickets for the Vancouver Branch Burns Supper NOW at www.rscdsvancouver.org – you’ll find more information about this great event on that webpage
May your troubles be one, may your blessings be more, and may nothing but happiness come through your door.
