April 1

Late spring - Gouroch, Greenock & Port Glasgow

Aerial view of Gourock, Greenock & Port Glasgow

As you know I had to miss out last week’s newsletter and this week has been even busier but I hope I can squeeze in tow or three hours and get a newsletter out to you this week.  We did arrive home safe and sound from the 9/10 days away in Baja, Mexico and got a bit of a tan.   Not that we lay around the pool or basked on the beach.   We practised almost every morning and most of these were out in the sun and many of our performances were in the sun as well.   Our shirts were standing up by themselves after each performance as they were so full of our sweat!! 

Having been told again that what happened in Cabo must stay in Cabo but J, J & M lost their hats, H had a scare when the dance shoes went AWAL, M & P has their arms filled with cameras etc.; J left a wallet in a restaurant but fortunately it was handed in, D kept saying to C here I am and after the last performance the audience joined in with Auld Lang Syne in an enormous “circle”.   There were some tired limbs and toes but all in all it was a great and very enjoyable trip.

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Late spring - your holiday home on Arran

My wife wanted to go for a trip to Arran so I googled some holiday homes there!!

 bird - vulture

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 Gentle Thoughts for Today –

1. I WENT TO A BOOKSTORE AND ASKED THE SALESWOMAN, ‘WHERE’S THE SELF-HELP SECTION?’ SHE SAID IF SHE TOLD ME, IT WOULD DEFEAT THE PURPOSE.            

2. WHAT IF THERE WERE NO HYPOTHETICAL QUESTIONS?            

3. IF A DEAF PERSON SIGNS SWEAR WORDS, DOES HIS MOTHER                  WASH HIS HANDS WITH SOAP?            

4. IF SOMEONE WITH MULTIPLE PERSONALITIES THREATENS TO                  KILL HIMSELF, IS IT CONSIDERED A HOSTAGE SITUATION?

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 Late Spring - Loch Mallachie, Cairngorms

Loch Mallachie, Cairngorms

The Teacher Candidates have their exams this coming weekend so we send them our good wishes.   From what I have seen they will all do very well and hopefully this will be the start of a long, successful and fun time of teaching SCD.

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If you think there is good in everybody, you haven’t met everybody. 

If you can smile when things go wrong , you have someone in mind to blame.

The sole purpose of a child’s middle name is so he can tell when he’s really in trouble.

 

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The next regular Ceilidh Dance is not until Friday, September 25, 2015 (the last Friday of  September) but there are two Ceilidhs coming up in White Rock.   The first on is next Friday, May 1 in the Elks Hall on George Street with the two member band from Scotland and the second one is across Goerge Street in St, John’s Presbyterian Church on Friday, May 8.   Both cost $15 – see more details under Upcoming Events below 

We had a lot of fun at the Ceilidh Dance last Friday night with over 75 in attendance including a group of lively young adults from the Aldergrove, Langley area.   I hope they enjoyed themselves and will come back again.   One of the regular fiddlers was unwell but Louise was able to step into the breach which meant she only got to teach two dances.   I tried a different selection of food and it seemed to be popular as there was none left to give away to starving students.

The band members and the volunteer helpers were all thanked for another season of fun Ceilidh dances and were given a herb garden in a large & very heavy wooden box.   Thanks again to all these people as I could not possibly continue without all your very able assistance.

Unfortunately, mainly due to rising costs but also because of some lower attendances, I have been forced to increase the admission price next season to $12 ($10 for students) so I really hope this does not stop people from attending.   Remember that if you have a group of 8 or more you can all qualify for a discount but you have to contact me beforehand.

The Tam O’Shanter Dancers performed two short dances then taught us all a new dance written for their trip to San Jose del Cabo called “Los Cabos Caper.”   My personal thanks to all of them for giving up their time to give us all a treat at the Ceilidh.

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SAVE THE DAY

BC Highland Games & Scottish Festival

Saturday, June 20, 2015 in Percy Perry Stadium, Coquitlam

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The Humanities Department at SFU is offering a Celtic Mythology course this summer, taught by Dr. Antone Minard. It will be meeting on Saturday afternoons. The course outline can be obtained and questions about the course can be directed to Dr. Minard at mminard@sfu.ca.

If you are interested in trying to stop wind farms spoiling your views in Scotland try this website:  https://www.savelochness.com/main.html

THE SCOTSMAN’S  SONG

Well a Scotsman clad in kilt left the bar one evening fair
And one could tell by how he walked that he’d drunk more than his share
He fumbled round until he could no longer keep his feet
And he stumbled off into the grass to sleep beside the street.

Ring-ding diddle diddle aye-dee-oh Ring di-diddle-aye-oh
He stumbled off into the grass to sleep beside the street.

About that time two young and lovely girls just happened by
One says to the other, with a twinkle in her eye
“See yon sleeping Scotsman, so strong and handsome built?
I wonder if it’s true what they don’t wear beneath the kilt.”

Ring-ding diddle diddle aye-dee-oh Ring di-diddlee-aye-oh
“I wonder if it’s true what they don’t wear beneath the kilt.”

They crept up on that sleeping Scotsman, quiet as could be
Lifted up his kilt about an inch so they could see
And there behold for them to view, beneath his Scottish skirt,
Was nothing more than God had graced him with upon his birth.

Ring-ding diddle diddle aye-dee-oh Ring di-diddlee-aye-oh
Was nothing more than God had graced him with upon his birth.

They marveled for a moment then one said, “We must be gone.
Let’s leave a present for our friend before we move along.”
As a gift, they left a blue silk ribbon tied into a bow
Around the bonnie star the Scot’s kilt did lift and show.

Ring-ding diddle diddle aye-dee-oh Ring di-diddlee-aye-oh
Around the bonnie star the Scot’s kilt did lift and show.

Now the Scotsman woke to nature’s call And stumbled towards a tree
Behind the bush he lifts his kilt and gawks at what he sees
And in a startled voice, he said to what’s before his eyes
“Lad, I don’t know where ye been, but I see ye won first prize!”

Ring-ding diddle diddle aye-dee-oh Ring di-diddlee-aye-oh
“Lad, I don’t know where ye been, but I see ye won first prize!

 

late Spring - near Peebles

Near Peebles

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bird blue flying 

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I am Thankful:

FOR THE WIFE  WHO SAYS IT’S HOT DOGS TONIGHT,  BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME,  AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE. 

FOR THE HUSBAND  WHO IS ON THE SOFA  BEING A COUCH POTATO,  BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME  AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS. 

FOR THE TEENAGER  WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES  BECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME,  NOT ON THE STREETS. 

FOR THE TAXES I PAY  BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED .   

FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY  BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS. 

FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG  BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT. 

FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK  BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE 

FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING,  WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING,  AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING  BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME 

FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT  BECAUSE IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.

FOR THE PARKING SPOT  I FIND A T THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT  BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING  AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION . 

FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL  BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM.   

FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH  WHO SINGS OFF KEY  BECAUSE IT MEANS I CAN HEAR. 

FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING  BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR. 

FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES  AT THE END OF THE DAY  BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD. 

FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF  IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS  BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE. 

AND I AM THANKFUL:  FOR THE crazy people I work with  BECAUSE they make work interesting and fun!               

AND FINALLY, FOR TOO MUCH E-MAIL  BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE FRIENDS WHO ARE  THINKING OF ME. 

 

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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 always some specials at The Celtic Treasure Chest’s stores.  Check them out at www.celtictreasurechest.com

Celtic Fashions on E-Bay – go to https://www.CelticFashions.com

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A wealthy old Gentleman decides to go on a hunting safari in Africa , taking his faithful, elderly Jack Russell named Killer, along for the company.

One day the old Jack Russell starts chasing rabbits and before long, discovers that he’s lost. Wandering about, he notices a leopard heading rapidly in his direction with the intention of having lunch. The old Jack Russell thinks, ‘Oh, oh! I’m in deep doo-doo now!’

Noticing some bones on the ground close by, he immediately settles down to chew on the bones with his back to the approaching cat. Just as the leopard is about to leap, the old Jack Russell exclaims loudly, ‘Boy, that was one delicious leopard! I wonder if there are any more around here?’ Hearing this, the young leopard halts his attack in mid-strike, a look of terror comes over him and he slinks away into the trees. ‘Whew!’, says the leopard, ‘That was close!  That old Jack Russell nearly had me!’

Meanwhile, a monkey who had been watching the whole scene from a nearby tree, figures he can put this knowledge to good use and trade it for protection from the leopard. So off he goes, but the old Jack Russell sees him heading after the leopard with great speed, and figures that something must be up.

The monkey soon catches up with the leopard, spills the beans and strikes a deal for himself with the leopard. The young leopard is furious at being made a fool of and says, ‘Here, monkey, hop on my back and see what’s going to happen to that conniving canine!

Now, the old Jack Russell sees the leopard coming with the monkey on his back and thinks, ‘What am I going to do now?’, but instead of running, the dog sits down with his back to his attackers, pretending he hasn’t seen them yet, and just when they get close enough to hear, the old Jack Russell says… ‘Where’s that damn monkey? I sent him off an hour ago to bring me another leopard!

 

bird nest

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.  

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bird tree

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Late Spring - Oban view from McCaig's Tower

View from Oban

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The next Ceilidh Dance is on Friday, September 25th, 2015. 

Canada Day maple leaf line

 

birdie

 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.

A really nice video – especially if you like animals.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/auSo1MyWf8g?rel=0

A boy found a baby humming-bird after it was attacked, and nursed him.   Healed, the little bird decided to stay with the boy.  This video is great.  Be sure to see it with sound.    The background song is almost as good as the video itself.   Have never seen such a calm humming-bird.

https://www.wimp.com/babyhummingbird

Close your eyes and forget that she’s a nine-year old!   In a very short time she has learned to sing and sing most beautifully and remember, she has had only a minimum of vocal training!   It’s beyond words!!   Truly one of the most amazing talents, that has come out of these TV talent shows from many, many countries!

https://www.youtube.com/embed/66-A2MyVDbU

Even if you’re not a golfer, I think you will enjoy this. Who said there’s no hazards on the golf course except sand bunkers?

https://www.chonday.com/Videos/animalspga2

 

There is something wrong here how do these guys get up and walk away?   You don’t have to speak Russian to enjoy this,   A little Russian vodka may have been hurt in the making of this video !       

https://www.youtube.com/embed/5vr66IMAcPA

 

The next Ceilidh Dance will be on Friday, September 25th, 2015.    Same time, same place, small increase in 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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The slowly growing list has stayed at the same lofty height of  361.   I should be more grateful that it has not decreased but it will take forever 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 the last newsletter was opened by only 230 subscribers.  Because the list is growing that was just 63.5% 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 White Rock Ceilidh Dance on the 1st, the White Rock Tea Dance on the 3rd and another Ceilidh Dance on the 8th – and I forgot that the Youth Weekend West is May 1 – 3 as well.

Please see “Coming Events” below for all information.

birds hopping

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clip 1

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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  
May 1 White Rock Ceilidh featuring Lindsay Weir & Colin Garvin from Scotland – 7:30 p.m. in the White Rock Elks Club, 1469 George Street, White Rock – $15 adults; $8 students – info 604-536-7660   www.wrscdc.org
May 1-3 Youth Weekend West In Victoria BC – www.youthweekendwest.com
May 1-3 Winnipeg Branch 44th annual Spring workshop & Ball – teachers Bob Anderson, Victoria & Sharon Barker, Calgary and music by Scotch Measure.   For registration forms & info e-mail Sharon at joesdaughter@hotmail.com or go to https://www.rscdswinnipeg.ca/
May 3 White Rock Annual Tea Dance (“Ocean Frolic”) is back on a Sunday afternoon.   To be held in the Star of the Sea Hall, 15262 Pacific Avenue, White Rock with music by Lindsay Weir, accordion & Colin Garvin, keyboard from Scotland.   Doors open 3 p.m. with dancing at 3:30 p.m. and refreshments to follow.     Tickets $25 – call Paul at 604-536-7660
May 4 Burnaby Spring session – teacher TBA Scandinavian Community Centre, 6540 Thomas Street, Burnaby
7:30 p.m. –$6 drop in
May 6 White Rock last class until September
May 8 Ceilidh with music, song and dance including the Tam O’Shanter Dancers at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 1480 George Street, White Rock     Tickets $15 call 604-536-9481
May 9 Bellingham social
May 11 Burnaby Spring session – teacher TBA Scandinavian Community Centre, 6540 Thomas Street, Burnaby
7:30 p.m. –$6 drop in
May 30 Fort Langley 15th Anniversary Gala at the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver with dinner at 6:30 p.m. including the customary dessert of strawberries, cream & shortbread.   Music by The Torridon Scottish Dance Band.   Tickets $65 – book now at lonotera@shaw.ca
May 31 All dancers are invited to Nannette’s 60th birthday Ball at 1:30 p.m. in St. Joseph Center, 215 N 15th Street, Mount Vernon, WA.   Lunch then dance to the music of Calum’s Ceilidh Band.   The entire event – luncheon & dance – is FREE!!   Please RSVP to Nannette Crowell & Rodney Brandt brandtlings@gmail.com & include names, addresses, phone numbers & e-mail
Jun 13 Inverglen Scottish Dancers invite all to their Annual Recital to be held at 2 p.m. in the Freddy Wood Theatre, U.B.C. Tickets at the door – Adults $15; Children, students and seniors $12.     The School is celebrating 35 years of dance which is a wonderful accomplishment – Come join in the celebration.
Jul 24-26 TAC Annual General Meeting in Longwood University, Farmville, Virginia with teacher Sue Porter and musician Neil Barron
Jul 26 – Aug 2 TAC Summer School suitable for all levels of dance experience.   Longwood University, Farmville, Virginia with teachers Rebecca Blackhall-Peters (BC); Terry Harvey (PA); Robert McOwen (MA) and Sue Porter (Oban, Scotland) as well as musicians – Neil Barron, Fred Collins, Kathy Fraser-Collins, Judy Nicolson, Etienne Ozorak and Don Wood.   Watch for details of registration as this wonderful, annual workshop fills up quickly.
Aug 24 – 28 Scotch on the Rocks – a week in Nova Scotia with Scottish Country Dancing, Excursions and a Massage!     For info keppie@eastlink.ca
Sep 19 Nanaimo Teachers’ Workshop with teacher Fiona Miller
Sep 25 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 $12 (students $10)
Oct 9 – 12 RSCDS Calgary Branch & the St. Andrews Caledonian Society of Calgary are hosting a Scots Gathering weekend. Come and immerse yourself in the Scottish Culture the weekend will offer. There will be a full Scottish Country Dance Workshop, Ceilidh and Ball, classes in Cape Breton Step Dancing and Highland Dancing and a full Musicians’ workshop. Scottish singing, Gaelic lessons, piping workshops, whisky tasting, Celtic knotwork and much more will be offered. Venues are located in the town of Canmore, surrounded by the beautiful Rocky Mountains.
Canmore offers 101 restaurants, hiking and nature walks, shopping, golf and more.
Note that there are many activities for dancers and as well as non-dancers.
You can find more detailed information and register using Pay Pal on the Gathering website
www.calgaryscots.org. You can also register by mail and cheque.
Oct 23 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)
Nov 13 – 15 The San Francisco RSCDS Branch is gearing up to launch our upcoming 2015 Asilomar Weekend registration. We, of course, would love to invite your members to come dance down & at Asilomar this Fall! Join us for a magical weekend of Scottish Country Dancing on the spectacular Monterey Peninsula with world-class teachers and outstanding musicians. Workshops and Ball at Asilomar Conference Grounds, Pacific Grove, CA, USA
Teachers – Jimmie Hill, Ruth Jappy, Elaine Brunken, Jeff Corrigan, Alan Twhigg – Musicians – Fiddlesticks & Ivory, Judi Nicolson & Andy Imbrie The Asilomar Conference Grounds and State Beach are renowned as the Monterey Peninsula’s ‘Refuge by the Sea’. If you are travelling from afar or nearby, there is no better time to start planning a memorable and unique autumn trip & come enjoy the magic that is Asilomar!
Follow us on Pinterest for trip ideas
https://www.pinterest.com/SFRSCDSDance/.
More details & registration information available at
www.asilomar.rscds-sf.org
Questions? Please contact: Asilomar Weekend Chairman: Patti Cobb
pkcobb23@gmail.com
Registrar Julee Montes
julm-hcs@pacbell.net
Nov 27 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 $12 (students $10)

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Late spring - plum tree blossom

Plum blossoms

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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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Late Spring - St. Cyrus

St. Cyrus

The next Ceilidh Dance is on Friday, September 25, 2015 with live music by Calanaish.   

You have all summer 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 – $12 or $10 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.

St patrick's Day Dancers

birds&cats

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.

heart line

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).

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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

heart string

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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clip 3

 

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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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next regular monthly Ceilidh Dance will be held on Friday, September 25, 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 8 or more and we can give them a discount!!!

 

We Really NEED YOUR HELP to advertise the Ceilidh Dances!!!! It only costs $12 ($10 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.

Late spring - sunset over Mull

Sunset over Mull

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
September 25
October 23
November 27

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 and maybe Daniel and/or Michelle 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.

 late Spring - washing line on Mull

Work clothes out to dry on Mull

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 ($12 or $10 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.

Late Spring -Cluanie,lochalsh

Cluanie, Loch Alsh

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.

clip 4

or maybe a bit scrambled!

This newsletter reaches out to some 361 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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choppy crossing on Loch Lomond

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

Latheronwheel HarbourLatheronwheel Harbour, Caithness

 

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

Duncan      ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org