Ceilidh Dance newsletter – next Ceilidh Dance Monday, August 6, 2012 in Stanley Park
If anyone has any suggestions or complaints regarding the newsletter please let me know – ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org
The winter of 1932 was so cold that Niagara Falls froze completely solid.
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Happy Father’s Day and I am still, hopefully, on schedule!!
Dancing in the Park started last Monday but tomorrow night – Monday, June 18 is the official opening and there will be a performance by the Demonstration Team and by the Vancouver Police Pipe Band. There are always “dances for everyone” each week so come along, bring your friends and join in the fun.
Practises for the Massed demonstration at the Highland Games conclude THIS Wednesday, June 20 – and YOU are needed. Check out the list of events on the web page – www.vancouverceilidh.org – as there are often new additions such as I have added an early warning about the 50th annual Tartan Ball in Toronto in 2013.
There is a Ceilidh night in the Park again – August 6 – see below for more details of Dancing in the Park. There also is a joint Ceilidh/Scottish Country Dance event on Friday, July 13 in the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver with music by a group of visiting fiddlers from Scotland as well as the Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra. More info to come.
Don’t forget to support the young dancers – the Stave Falls Scottish Dancers (June 23) display, which is well worth the cost as it is a great evening of entertainment. See Coming Events for all the info.
Canada Day Parade
Invitation to all dancers :
Sunday July 1st please come and participate in the Canada Day Parade downtown. It will be very joyful!
Time: 7 pm. Route: 1.1 km long, along Burrard and Georgia.
Our entry: walking and dancing simple steps behind a car booming out Scottish dance music!
Clothing: seasonally appropriate tartan wear, and solid comfortable shoes!! Red and white would be great! Something colourful, at least!!
Meeting time and place: 5:30 pm Alberni & Broughton. Check here for updates after June 23rd.
Parade info: www.canadaplace.ca/canadaday/parade
Family and friends: We need you to carry our banners, and hand out leaflets ! Contact: Cathrine 604-299-6447 (ccmusic@telus.net)
There are more chickens than people in the world.
Ailsa Craig
NOTE:- the BC Highland Games is to be held on Saturday June 23, 2012 in Percy Perry Stadium, Coquitlam. This is a week earlier than normal so please help us by passing this information along. Lots of fun for all ages. Dancing, Pipe bands, Heavy events, Children’s corner, Vendor tents, Beer tent and whisky tasting and much, much more.
The BC Highland Games Organizing Committee still needs more volunteers. 50 to 75 volunteers are needed on the day of the games.
If you are able to assist, please contact Jim Bain (604-435-0764) or Glenna Urbshadt (604-224-5479).
Early bird tickets – Adult $13; Senior/Students $8; Children 6-12 $3 can be purchased online at www.bchighlandgames.com. Prices at the Gate are $15/$10/$5
WE REALLY NEED A LOT MORE SUPPORT FOR THIS EVENT. PLEASE COME ALONG ON WEDNESDAY – see following –
The Vancouver Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) have put on a mass display of Scottish Country dancing each year and this year is no exception. Practices are to be held at the Scottish Cultural Centre on Wednesday evenings June 13 & 30 from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Participation entitles you to a discounted entry into the Games but more importantly you can join in the fun and the thrill of performing at centre stage as part of a great display. The programme is devised by Mary Murray and everyone is welcome to join in. Call or e-mail Jean for info and to register – 604-464-8103 tac@rscdsvancouver.org – or come on the first night and sign up then. Note none of the dances will be difficult!! Even if you have not registered come along on Wednesday – there will be a space for you!!
Check out the BC Highland Games website at www.bchighlandgames.com A Sponsorship package is available from the website so if you or you know of anyone who would like to sponsor the Games and/or advertise in the programme please download the form and pass it on.
Children Are Quick
TEACHER: Donald, what is the chemical formula for water?
DONALD: H I J K L M N O
TEACHER: What are you talking about?
DONALD: Yesterday you said it’s H to O.
Another cool, wet week although the average rain to date is only slightly above average – it sure doesn’t seem like that. I finally got these two huge bags of soil emptied and spread around the garden. I need to do this earlier next year. The grass seed is taking its time to germinate – what it needs is a few days of warm sunshine. Son Ian was away on his Ride to Conquer Cancer – he road to the rest point yesterday, got a ride back to Vancouver to attend his son’s graduation dinner and then back down into Washington to rest up for the 2nd half of the ride which he has completed. A big thank you to all who helped him raise over $15,000 for Cancer. With Ian away I filled in a driver for his 2nd son who was playing in an under 14 field hockey tournament. They had 4 games yesterday and 3 today. They and I got soaked yesterday but Michael and his team did well with 2 wins, a tie and a loss. 2 more wins today and one game to go – I have to leave shortly to see it and bring him home. They won again so tied for 1st in the tournament.
#1 grandson is cooking dinner for his Dad and his Grandfather so I hope he stays awake long enough. It was his grad dinner and all night party last night ending about 8:30 this morning!! I am allowed to bring a date so long as Granny makes a dessert!!
Let us hope next weekend’s weather is opposite to this weekend – i.e. dry on Saturday – it can be wet on Sunday. We need to have a dry day for the Games – sunshine would be nice but dry at least.
Comments made in the year 1955!
Have you seen the new cars coming out next year? It won’t be long before $1,000.00 will only buy a used one.
COMING EVENTS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS –
| 2012 | |
| Jun 18 | Dancing in Stanley Park 7 — 9 p.m. hosted by the Branch — this is the Official Opening night with a Pipe Band and the Branch Demonstration Team |
| Jun 20 | Final practice for the “Mass Dancing” performance at the Highland Games. Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver — 7:30 — 9:00 p.m. Join in the fun and be part of a great display of Scottish Country Dancing stepping through a programme devised by Mary Murray. All levels welcome and you get a discounted entry to the Games. Contact Jean for info — 604-464-8103 tac@rscdsvancouver.org |
| Jun 23 | BC Highland Games — note this is one week earlier than usual- Percy Perry Stadium, Coquitlam. Gates open 8 a.m. Highland Dancing, Piping, Drumming, Heavy Events, Haggis Hunting, Vendor tents, Scottish Country Dancing displays. Massed Bands, Beer Tent, Whisky Tasting and much, much more. Check website at www.bchighlandgames.com. Early bird tickets online Adults $13; Seniors & Students $8; Children 6 – 12 $3 at the gate admission $15/$10/$5 |
| Jun 23 | Stave Falls Scottish Dancers Recital “145 Years of Canada” — Clarke Foundation Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Adults $12/Seniors & Children $8. Tickets & info 604-462-9935 |
| Jun 23 | Puget Sound Crossroads Dance see www.rscds-seattle.org |
| Jun 25 | Dancing in Stanley Park 7 — 9 p.m. hosted by Fort Langley |
| Jun 25 | Stave Falls Scottish Dancers perform at the Kitsilano Showboat |
| Jul 1 | Canada Day Parade please come and participate in the Canada Day Parade downtown. It will be very joyful! Time: 7 pm. Route: 1.1 km long, along Burrard and Georgia. Our entry: walking and dancing simple steps behind a car booming out Scottish dance music! Clothing: seasonally appropriate tartan wear, and solid comfortable shoes!! Red and white would be great! Something colourful, at least!! Meeting time and place: 5:30 pm Alberni & Broughton. Check here for updates after June 23rd. Parade info: www.canadaplace.ca/canadaday/parade Family and friends: We need you to carry our banners, and hand out leaflets ! Contact: Cathrine 604-299-6447 (ccmusic@telus.net) |
| Jul 2 | Dancing in Stanley Park 7 — 9 p.m. hosted by Glenayre |
see www.vancouverceilidh.org for a complete list.
See website www.vancouverceilidh.org for a more complete list.
Airdrie
IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER – by Erma Bombeck
(written after she found out she was dying of cancer).
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
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Honey and Cinnamon
Weekly World News, a magazine in Canada, in its issue dated 17 January, 1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists:
COLDS:
Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and clear the sinuses.
UPSET STOMACH:
Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root.
Ed Note: more to follow in coming weeks
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Alladale River
The next Ceilidh Dance is on Friday, September 28, 2012 – that is the last Friday of the month. There will be, however, the annual Ceilidh in the Park on Monday, August 6, 2012 near 2nd Beach in Stanley Park from 7 – 9 p.m. – free of charge!!! AND there is to be a Ceilidh/Scottish Country dance on Friday July 13
See website www.vancouverceilidh.org Coming Events listing for all Dancing in the Park dates etc.
Please help spread the word about all the Ceilidh Dances as that is the best (and cheapest) form of advertising. Here is a link where you can watch a short video of a Ceilidh Dance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MvUwZnY9Ms
The format for all of the regular monthly Ceilidh Dances will be the same with the class from 7 — 8 p.m. and the dance from 8 — 11 p.m. and all dances will be walked and talked through. The price is only – $10 or $8 for students which, for what you get is a super bargain — everyone is welcome. No partner is required and you should wear FLAT, comfy shoes and loose clothing. Children are also welcome but should be prepared to dance with other people as some of the dances require a change of partner. Don’t forget to bring a few extra $$$$ to help defray the cost of the refreshments which are otherwise free.
For those who enjoy listening to Scottish music, song, banter etc. try www.andysceilidh.co.uk/ this is a radio programme that you can get sent to you and listen any time you want.
Am Buachaille from Sandwood Bay
The Branch has opened a Facebook Page at “RSCDS-Vancouver” – check it out there are some good pictures etc. www.facebook.com/rscdsvancouver. There is a link on both our website www.vancouverceilidh.org and the Branch website www.rscdsvancouver.org
It really is never too late to come along and join in one of many Scottish Country Dance (SCD) classes and SEPTEMBER is a great time to do it as all the classes will start up again then. 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!
In the meantime plan on coming down to Stanley Park on Monday nights starting June 11 from 7 – 9 p.m. where there are always dances for everyone to join in.
For those who don’t know SCD is a fabulous pastime which is super exercise for body and mind. SCD is, naturally, rooted in Scotland but there are groups in almost every country so you can learn here and then dance with other groups when you vacation or travel. SCD is not to be confused with Highland Dancing which is more solo dancing. SCD is usually done with a partner in groups or sets however you do not need to come with a partner. It is more akin to Square Dancing. It takes a year or two of classes, workshops, etc. to get the basics learnt 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 also are Branches in Victoria and 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
Also the Inverary Step Dance class on Wednesdays in the French School, 1555 West 7th Ave., Vancouver- info b_campbell@dccnet.com
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Riddles (answer next week)
Last week:
There was a green house. Inside the green house there was a white house. Inside the white house there was a red house. Inside the red house there were lots of babies. What is it?
A watermelon
This week:
What is in seasons, seconds, centuries and minutes but not in decades, years or days?
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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, September 28, 2012 in the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, (73rd & Hudson which is between Oak & Granville), Vancouver, BUT. there is a Ceilidh Night in the Park on Monday, August 1st – see www.vancouverceilidh.org for info – and a specail dance on Friday, July 13. We need everyone to help us get as many new comers (as well as former Ceilidh Dancers) as possible to come and join us. WE Really NEED YOUR HELP to advertise the Ceilidh Dances!!!! What a nice thoughtful gift it could be if you gave your friends admission to the Ceilidh Dance. They don’t need to know it only costs $10 – it is worth so much more in fun, exercise and camaraderie. Use any access to free adverts etc. You can also use things like the Youtube link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh2HV3OPBgw or the Face-book page
https://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=116203315&k=Z5C5Y4TZPT6G6BD1PKZZTWQQQ6BAW26L34AV&oid=164741310207760 Suggestions to improve our advertising are always welcome. Don’t forget to tell them about the website www.vancouverceilidh.org and get them to “subscribe” to the newsletter.
The cost is still the amazingly low price of $10 or $8 for students and we provide refreshments although we do ask for your donations towards their cost. We always need your support both by coming along and by helping us to advertise these dances by whatever means you use to communicate with your friends be it e-mail, Face-Book, Twitter, Text or even telephone! Most of you have been to at least one Ceilidh Dance so you know how it goes. You don’t need a partner; you don’t need any experience; you should wear FLAT soft soled shoes; we walk, talk, and call every dance and you should come to have fun and have a good evening on exercise and entertainment and maybe even to learn!
There is a FREE class from 7 — 8 p.m. and the dance from 8 — 11 p.m. with music by Calanais. Remember to bring some extra cash so you can make a donation towards the cost of the refreshments. Without these donations we will have to increase the price of admission again!!
The schedule for the 2012/13 season shapes up as follows:
All on Fridays of course —
September 28
October 19
November 30
2013
January 4
February 1
February 22
March 22
April 26
Come along and get some great exercise while also having lots of fun. We are still working on improving the strength of the smile muscles as well as the bows and curtsies! Please do your best to assist us in letting as many people know as possible. Use Face-book, e-mail, telephone or even word of mouth and tell everyone you know what a fun night it is. We need to attract students from UBC, SFU and all the other colleges and universities. Somehow we have to get word out to these students. Please do all you can to help us. Come one, come all to the same place (Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver) and the same time (7 p.m. for the class and 8 – 11 p.m. for the dance) and the same amazing price ($10 or $8 for students.)
You should check the website – www.vancouverceilidh.org – from time to time as you can find various pages listing “Ceilidhs and Events;” Classes:” Duncan’s List;” etc. On these pages you can check all the upcoming events, where all the classes are located, times, etc. and some places to find Scottish things or some local trades, etc. I will continue to highlight the more current events in each week’s newsletter but, as stated, the calendar of all events will be available on the website. You should also have a look at the Vancouver Branch website from time to time – www.rscdsvancouver.org – as there is always useful information on it and it is a very good looking site.
If you have any questions regarding the Ceilidh Dances send them to me at ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org
Please check the website – www.rscdsvancouver.org for updates, pictures and news.
Dance — it is good for your health.
By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you’ll become happy; if you get a bad one, you’ll become a philosopher.
Keep sending jokes, pictures and info you wish to have included. Don’t forget to look at our web pages at www.vancouverceilidh.org
An Teallach
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 370 subscribers (up 2!) from all over the Province, Country and to many other countries as well, so please send me the details of your event and I will only be too happy to include them. Note- I normally compose the newsletters on Sundays.
Annan Harbour
Thanks hope to see you at a Highland Games practice, Dancing in the Park, the Highland Games or somewhere nice. Enjoy yourselves – come Scottish Country Dancing – for it is good for your health and you never know you just might …..!
Duncan ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org
