The Dundarave Festival of Lights where we danced yesterday was far better organized than the German Christmas Market. At Dundarave there is a huge tent without walls that covered a stage area as well as room for the audience to sit and stand while enjoying a beverage and listening to the performance. We had lots of space to dance – oh there were heaters too and a huge bonfire – and when we had audience participation we had room for 4 sets of 4 couples all in one long line.
Understandably in view of the very wet afternoon and evening the audience was a bit this but they were enthusiastic. Would you believe that we had sunshine and blue skies up until about 1:45 and it was dry when I left at 2:30 and there was no rain until I got to the Alex Fraser bridge. We are so lucky down here in the sun belt!! We had sun this morning too and the moon is shining clearly tonight.
Once again my thanks to the Team for performing so well and with such infectious smiles and willingness to take partners for the 4 audience participation dances. We timed it just right as Santa arrived just as the final chord rang out. A big thanks to Frances & Sandy for hosting us all for dinner afterwards – it was a great ending to a special day. I did actually manage to get into the Bay downtown on my way home – it didn’t close until 10 – and did some Christmas shopping!!
Holyrood Park
Bruce, who many of us feel makes the best Haggis in the Vancouver area, has been unable to start making any haggis as he has not found a kitchen to make it in. He is still hopeful that he will be able to fill all the many orders he gets but some of us thought we had better prepare for a back up plan. To that end we had a taste test of a haggis none of us had tried before. It was beef based (Bruce uses lamb) but that did not mar the taste. It had the right consistency but had, perhaps, a little too much pepper but it would do if Bruce cannot come through. What would we do if we had no haggis at any of the Burns Suppers or maybe worse still we had some but it was awful!
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Gruinard
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Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to the other, “You stay here; I’ll go on a head.”
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The next regular Ceilidh Dance is not until next year!!! Friday, January 8, 2016 (this is so we avoid the Festive Season when you are all busy, the hall is more expensive, etc.) I look forward to seeing you there. Remember if you have a group of 8 or more and you contact me no later than January 6 then everyone in your group will get a $1 discount.
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Gourock
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Jean Wagstaff has asked if I would advertise the following
USED ITEMS FOR SALE
Mans Heavy Weight Kilt
42″-44″ waist Length suitable for man over 6′ tall.
Muted Red MacFarlane tartan.
Prince Charlie Jacket & Vest, Black
Chest Size 48 / Long.
Kilt Jacket, Green Tweed
Chest Size 44 / Long.
Kilt Jacket, Tweed Mixed Colours
Chest Size 36 / Small.
Ladies Royal Stewart Kilted skirt
Size 12.
For further information contact:
Jean Wagstaff jeedwag@shaw.ca 604-371-1939
Friends come in all shapes and sizes –
they will support you….
And respect your creativity for thinking outside the box….
They’re there when you need a shoulder to lean on..
Or a great big hug….
A true friend takes interest in understanding what you’re all about….
They see beyond the black and white to discover your true colours….
And accept you just the way you are…
Even when you just wake up in the morning
So make your own kind of music….
Follow your heart wherever it takes you….
And when someone reaches out to you, don’t be afraid to love them back….
They may just be a friend for life…
Practice patience and tolerance…..
Good friends are hard to find, harder to leave….
And impossible to forget !
Why not share this with all your unforgettable friends today….I just did!
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Brig o’Doon
The year is flying past and it will be 2016 before I know it. That means Burns Suppers!! Tickets are already available for some of these events including the one run by the Vancouver Branch on January 16 – gillibeattie@gmail.com or 604-224-6751 or online at www.rscdsvancouver.org – or the one run by the Tam O’Shanter Dancers on January 23 – janicelowe@shaw.ca or 604-536-7660. Get your tickets early and don’t be disappointed.
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Interested in Robert Burns? Please check out this free online course offered by the University of Glasgow starting January 25. Information and registration to be found in this link:
Centre for Scottish Studies Simon Fraser University
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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 store on Dunbar & 41st. Check them out at www.celtictreasurechest.com Christmas stock has now arrived.
Celtic Fashions on E-Bay – go to https://www.CelticFashions.com
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Glenshee
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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Galashiels
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The next Ceilidh Dance is not until Friday, January 8th, 2016. I am hoping Louise (and friends) will be there to help me again. Lots of time for you all to get yourselves and your friends organized to come along for another fun filled evening. Come and dance of all your Festive goodies.
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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Just to keep you informed:- The Branch Demonstration Team will be performing at the Branch Burns Supper on Saturday, January 16, 2016.
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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. Many thanks to Jim from whom I get many of the links I have used including all 4 for this week.
Old photos of Vancouver
https://onthisspot.ca/vancouver.html
The French restaurant «Le Petit Chef» came up with an original way to entertain guests while waiting for their order – using a projector on the ceiling, and the animation on the table, there is a small chef who appears on your plate. Sit back and enjoy the show !
See here: https://bit.ly/1BgTo6a
You can never be to old to believe in Santa.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and New Year.
OK, let’s see here….Coca Cola is the # 1 brand in the world, they have billions (no, BILLIONS) of dollars, they are smart marketeers, and they know its the cute and sentimental season. Yup, got it covered. Now let’s see those Budweiser horses top this.
Click here: A Bridge for Santa | Coca-Cola – YouTube
Silent Night by Sissel. Here is an interesting video with winter scenes and wild animals…enjoy! And Merry Christmas! Such a beautiful voice … https://biggeekdad.com/2015/12/silent-night-by-sissel/
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The next Ceilidh Dance will be on Friday, January 8th, 2016. 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.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& The subscriber list lost one last week so we are back at 346 subscribers. I really need your help to get the subscriptions back up again. Thanks for all your support. Out of 346 last week’s newsletter was only opened by 209 or 60.4% – on the other hand the Christmas card I e-mailed to everyone earlier today has already been opened by 50.7%.
What a great gift this newsletter would make (and it is free!!) – who came up with that brilliant idea? 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.
IN SEARCH OF THE PERFECT HUSBAND: HUSBAND OF THE YEAR AWARDS:
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COMING EVENTS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS: Note: Please check list of classes for all start times and locations.
| 2015 | |
| Dec 28 | Betwixt & Between Dance in the Scottish Cultural Centre at 7:30 with music by Mary Ross. FREE for RSCDS Members. Non Members $15 |
| Dec 31 | Vancouver Island SCDS New Year’s Eve Social |
| 2016 | |
| Jan 8 | 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) |
| Jan 9 | Bellingham social |
| Jan 16 | Vancouver Branch Burns Supper in the Scottish Cultural Centre with bar open at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. Music for dancing by the Tartan Players. Tickets $55 from Gilli at gillibeattie@gmail.com or by Paypal at www.rscdsvancouver.org |
| Jan 16 | Vancouver Island SCDS Burns Supper |
| Jan 23 | Tam O’Shanter Dancers Burns Supper in the Star of the Sea Hall, 15262 Pacific Avenue, White Rock. Bar service 5:30; supper 6:30; dress semi-formal. Tickets $55 janicelowe@shaw.ca |
| Jan 23 | Seattle RSCDS Burns Supper |
| Jan 27 | White Rock Burns party |
| Feb 5 | 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) |
| Feb 6 | Bellingham social |
| Feb 12 – 14 | Annual Aloha Winter Weekend with Linda Henderson, guest instructor and the Humuhumunukunukuapua’a & Strathspey Society Band. Info – email Melissa at: mlindsay@hawaii.rr.com webpage www.RSCDSHawaii.org |
| Feb 13 | Love to Dance workshop and Tea Dance in the Scottish Cultural Centre |
| Feb 20 | Vancouver Island SCDS Valentine’s Tea Dance |
| Feb 24 | White Rock Heart party – wear red |
| Feb 26 | 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) |
Note that the Nanaimo Tea Dance schedule for April 9 has been cancelled.
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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, January 8, 2016 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
January, 2016 would be a wonderful 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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Loch aChroisg
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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
– info at www.rscds-seattle.org ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next regular monthly Ceilidh Dance will be held on Friday, January 8, 2016 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.
LOCH ARKLET
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 —
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.
Loch Doon
We would like to attract more young adults and students from Universities and all the colleges. Somehow we have to get word out to these students etc. 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.
Loch Lomond
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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A Canadian Christmas…
A man in Newfoundland calls his son in Calgary two days before Christmas and says, ‘I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing; forty-five years of misery is enough.
‘Pop, what are you talking about?’ the son screams.
‘We can’t stand the sight of each other any longer,’ the father says. ‘We’re sick of each other, and I’m sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in Vancouver and tell her.’
Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone. ‘No way they’re getting divorced!’ she shouts, ‘I’ll take care of this.
She calls Newfoundland immediately and screams at her father, ‘You are not getting divorced. Don’t do a single thing until I get there. I’m calling my brother back, and we’ll both be there by tomorrow. Until then, don’t do a thing. DO YOU HEAR ME?” and hangs up.
The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife. ‘Okay,’ he says, ‘they’re coming for Christmas and paying their own way.’
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This newsletter reaches out to some 346 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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Loch Loyne
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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
Loch Morlich
May your troubles be one, may your blessings be more, and may nothing but happiness come through your door.
