TO EVERYONE
Home again, hope the holiday newsletters worked out not too badly. Our plane was an hour late due to being blocked in at Heathrow by a broken down plane. I suppose Busters were busy towing something else!!
It was nearly 6 p.m. before we got home and were greeted by a driveway covered in cedar so even before we unloaded our cases we both worked hard to clean the back driveway. Of course it was nearly just as bad the following morning and we have swept/blown it 3 more times since and still you wouldn’t know it had been done. We are going to leave it today, Sunday, and tackle it again before the family come for dinner tomorrow.
We had a wonderful holiday ending with our family in Ham where I ran a Fund Raising Ceilidh (they called it a Barn Dance as my son was worried people would not know what a Ceilidh meant) for my granddaughters school. We had to hold it outside as the school hall was being pulled down as part of a big school expansion. Fortunately the weather cooperated. We had fun trying to organize a sound system but managed to put something together that worked quite well. Including children from 4 – 11 there must have been about 200 in attendance. Luckily not everyone danced but all seemed to have fun. They brought in a number of hay bales for seats and had hot dogs, pizza, drinks, etc. for sale. In previous years they have hired a band and a caller which was expensive. This year he was dirt cheap. Tickets in prior years were at least 10 pounds while this year they only charged 1 pound!! They hoped, as in prior years, to break even and were delighted to have made 750 pounds. I guess I can now claim to be an international ceilidh caller!!
Achiltibuie
A gathering of about 100 met on Friday at the Kerrisdale Community Centre to pay our respects, reminisce and learn more about Ron Arrowsmith who passed away on July 20. Ron led a varied and interesting life and was a Scottish Country Dance teacher for many years – more than 25 teaching a class at Kerrisdale. It was nice that his granddaughter was able to come from Lancashire to be able to see the warmth and love that so many had for Ron.
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The butcher backed into the meat grinder and got a little behind in his work.
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“WIN A ROMANTIC NIGHT” AT THE FAIRMONT HOTEL VANCOUVER
The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver has again generously donated a one-night “Art of Romance Package” at the hotel, redeemable anytime for one year. The package comprises luxury accommodation for two with parking, chilled sparkling wine and chocolate, breakfast in bed and late checkout.
All raffle proceeds will support young dancers with a reduced ticket to attend the Gleneagles Ball. The draw will be made at Gleneagles Fall Dance 17 October 2015. Tickets are $10 each or three for $20 and are available from Simon Scott at simon.scott@telus.net or 604 925-9333 (home) or 604 306-8031 (cell). 1130 Fulton Avenue West Vancouver V7T 1N5.
Your name will be added to the draw on receipt of payment.
Thank you for participating to help young dances.
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Achnasheen
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The next regular Ceilidh Dance is on Friday, October 23, 2015 (the second last Friday of October to avoid conflicting with Halloween.)
Unfortunately, mainly due to rising costs but also because of some lower attendances, I have been forced to increase the admission price for this 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.
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Flying Truths (including a few repeats)
- “Unskilled” pilots are always found in the wreckage with their hand around the microphone.
- If you push the stick forward, the houses get bigger; if you pull the stick back, they get smaller. (Unless you keep pulling the stick back-then they get bigger again.)
- Hovering is for pilots who love to fly but have no place to go.
- The only time you have too much fuel is when you’re on fire.
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Almondell Country Park
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32 Strange Things You Likely Didn’t Know
16. If one places a tiny amount of liquor on a scorpion, it will instantly go mad and sting itself to death. (Who was the sadist who discovered this??)
17. Bruce Lee was so fast that they actually had to s-l-o-w film down so you could see his moves. That’s the opposite of the norm.
18. The first CD pressed in the US was Bruce Springsteen’ s ‘Born in the USA
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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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Harvest time in Angus
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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Arbroath signal tower
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The next Ceilidh Dance is on Friday, October 23rd, 2015 arranged so you can still hold your Halloween parties!! I am hoping Louise (and friends) will be there to help me again. Time for you all to get yourselves and your friends organized to come along for another fun filled evening.
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.
THE EGG TRICK
These were the days when TV was fun and non-rehearsed! Click on the “Egg Trick” link below. If Johnny Carson were still around, Leno & Letterman wouldn’t have a chance! The real Tonight Show. The good ole’ days. This trick has never been repeated in modern times….. Johnny Carson and Dom DeLuise. If this doesn’t bring a smile, you’re brain dead.
Click here below.
For all you Northerners, now this is the way to ice fish. Bet you never thought you could troll while ice fishing. And the best part… it has a ” Revolving Bar” Carousel on ice, made it easy to troll for fish. This winter fun was 1st perfected in Cass Lake, Minnesota by da Norweeegians Ole & Lars & Sven to pass da time uf da vinter avay. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAMATekiRUs&feature=youtu.be
Seniors driving test:
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=772990296083073
THIS IS WHAT RETIREES DO TO AMUSE THEMSELVES UNTIL HAPPY HOUR – this is for your children & grandkids – they will have fun too.
“Draw a Stick Man” Just draw a stick man, nothing else required. This is so neat. You have to try it. Follow instructions Use your mouse, or finger to draw.
Just Click here. https://www.drawastickman.com/index.htm
The next Ceilidh Dance will be on Friday, October 23rd, 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 subscriber list is growing but ever so slowly. We now have 334 subscribers. 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
Please keep opening the newsletter!! Any and all comments and suggestions are welcome.
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Please see “Coming Events” below for all information.
COMING EVENTS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS: Note: Please check list of classes for all start times and locations.
| 2015 | |
| Oct 13 | 1st class for the St. Andrew’s Ball in Wescot School, 760 Wescot Road, West Vancouver from 8 – 10 pm. Come for a fun evening and learn the dances for the Ball which will make the Ball even more enjoyable. |
| Oct 15 | Public lecture by Sir Tom Devine entitled “Restless Nation – The Referendum on Scottish Independence 2014 and its Aftermath.” 5:30 pm in Joseph & Rosalie Segal Centre, Room 1500, 500 Granville Street. This lecture is free but reservations are recommended – fassdean@sfu.ca |
| Oct 17 | Vancouver Island Harvest Social |
| Oct 17 | Seattle RSCDS — Dance party on Mercer Island |
| Oct 17 | Gleneagles Fall Dance 7:30 pm $15 — New location: Delbrook Recreation Centre 600 West Queens Road (NE corner of Westview Drive), North Vancouver |
| Oct 17 | Vancouver Soft Shoe Step Dance class |
| Oct 21 | 2nd class for the St. Andrew’s Ball in Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver from 8 – 10 pm. Come for a fun evening and learn the dances for the Ball which will make the Ball even more enjoyable. |
| 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. – ; – admission at the door $12 (students $10) all dances walked, talked and called |
| Oct 24 | Vancouver Soft Shoe Step Dance class |
| Oct 24 | Bellingham Ball |
| Oct 26 | Branch Halloween party |
| Oct 28 | 3rd class for the St. Andrew’s Ball in Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver from 8 – 10 pm. Come for a fun evening and learn the dances for the Ball which will make the Ball even more enjoyable. |
| Oct 28 | White Rock Halloween party |
| Oct 28 | lecture: Dr. Katie McCullough — Rescuing from Oblivion: The Highland Society of London and the Preservation and Promotion of
Highland Culture in the British Empire sponsored by St. Andrews and Caledonian Society — 7:00–9:00 pm, free room 1440, SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver registration: eventbrite.com/e/ lecture-meet |
| Oct 31 | Vancouver Soft Shoe Step Dance class |
| Nov 1 | White Rock Fall workshop and dance wear sale |
| Nov 4 | 4th class for the St. Andrew’s Ball in Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver from 8 – 10 pm. Come for a fun evening and learn the dances for the Ball which will make the Ball even more enjoyable. |
| Nov 7 | Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra concert – Highland United Church, 3255 Edgemont Blvd. North Vancouver at 7:30 p.m. – (Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets $15 available at the Church 604-980-6071; VFO members; Gliga Violins Canada 778-386-0209 or (if any left!) at the door. Info at www.vancouverfiddleorchestra.ca |
| Nov 10 | 5th class for the St. Andrew’s Ball in Wescot School, 760 Wescot Road, West Vancouver from 8 – 10 pm. Come for a fun evening and learn the dances for the Ball which will make the Ball even more enjoyable. |
| Nov 11 | Lady Aberdeen Tea Dance 1:15 p.m. in the Scottish Cultural Centre hosted by the Burnaby SCDC – $10 |
TRUST!!!!
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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.
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. This is the first year in quite some time that there were no cancellations of Dancing in the Park
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The next Ceilidh Dance is on Friday, October 23, 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 – $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
October is still a really good time to come along and join in one of many Scottish Country Dance (SCD) classes as they will be 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.
Classes will have started up again at various locations throughout the Lower Mainland and beyond but it is never too late to come along and join in the fun. Check for location, start date and time at www.rscdsvancouver.org
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 on the website. 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.
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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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atop Bennachie
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For upcoming events see www.vancouverceilidh.org and www.rscdsvancouver.org.
Other announcements etc:
Seattle Branch
New Challenge Class season
1st Sunday of the month from 1 – 3 p.m. at University Heights, 5031 University Way N.E., Seattle, 98105 – Room 109
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The next regular monthly Ceilidh Dance will be held on Friday, October 23, 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.
Ardnamurchan
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 2015/16 season shapes up as follows:
All on Fridays of course —
2015
October 23
November 27
2016
January 8
February 5 & 26
March 25
April 29
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.
View from Ardrossan
We would like to attract more 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.
Aurora Borealis at Cromarty Bridge
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.
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I love this Doctor Dingum
Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!
This newsletter reaches out to some 334 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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Aurora Borealis on Loch Lomond
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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
Balloch
May your troubles be one, may your blessings be more, and may nothing but happiness come through your door.
Duncan ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org