{"id":16077,"date":"2025-08-11T18:45:16","date_gmt":"2025-08-12T01:45:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vancouverceilidh.org\/?page_id=16077"},"modified":"2025-08-11T18:45:16","modified_gmt":"2025-08-12T01:45:16","slug":"ceilidh-dance-newsletter-2025-6","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vancouverceilidh.org\/?page_id=16077","title":{"rendered":"Ceilidh Dance Newsletter – 2025 #6"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Last remaining tall ship moored in Anstruther<\/p>\n

\u00a0What a wonderful summer weatherwise here on the west coast of Canada<\/span> it has been so far.\u00a0 No need to cancel any of the Monday nights of dancing in the park where there have been great attendances.\u00a0 We are very fortunate to have avoided forest fires, floods, excessive heat, etc. and wish all well in other parts of the country and world.<\/span><\/p>\n

We have enjoyed family visiting from near and far and more to come!\u00a0 We will have all 4 children here for a day or so and some, but not all of the grandkids.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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peaceful picture of a boat by the bay at Plockton<\/p>\n

Here is another Ceilidh Dance newsletter for you all to enjoy with jokes, pictures, news, etc.\u00a0 If you don’t want to continue (how could you even consider it!) to receive this newsletter simply unsubscibe on the main page.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thanks to Belinda we now have a presence on Instagram so you can follow us on instagram.com\/vancouver.ceilidhs<\/span><\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/vancouver.ceilidhs?utm_source=qr<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Please check it out and make Belinda very happy!!<\/span><\/p>\n

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The next Ceilidh Dance will be held on Friday, September 26 <\/b>in the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver<\/span>.\u00a0 We start the evening with a free class from 7 – 7;45 pm followed by the dance from 8 – 10:30 ish\u00a0 Come and join us for a great evening of dancing, fun and social interaction.\u00a0 As these dances continue to grow in popularity you may need to come early to ensure your place.\u00a0 The last dance on April 25 we had another great attendance of over 160 and unfortunately had to turn a few of you away.\u00a0 Some attendees leave about 9 so you could try again for the last 90 minutes or so.\u00a0 We all had great fun and Alison, as always, kept you all moving and dancing to the great music provided by Calanais.<\/span><\/p>\n

As we announced recently –\u00a0<\/span>
\nWe have, reluctantly, come to the decision that we have to limit the numbers both for the class, when we are restricted by the hall size, and the dance.\u00a0 Starting with the dance on March 28 the class will be limited to 80 and the dance to 160.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

We will start by collecting entry fees right at the start of the class, which will reduce the rush at 8 pm for the dance, and hand stamp as proof of entry.\u00a0 If you do not want to pay for the free class then you will have to join the queue for the dance.\u00a0 If we reach the cutoff for the class a queue can be formed until the class is over when admission to the dance can begin.\u00a0 Again hand stamp will be required.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

If the limit for the dance is reached then further admittance may be permitted if some people leave early.\u00a0 It has been our experience that a few people leave around 9 pm but no guarantees.\u00a0 There is a White Spot and a pub a few blocks away.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

We do accept credit cards, though cash is preferred.\u00a0 Please let your friends aware of the changes.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The dances are held in the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver which is a block north of\u00a0 SW Marine between Granville & Oak in Marpole.\u00a0 The evening starts with a free class from 7 – 7:45 and the dance with the live music of Calanais follows from 8 – 10:30.\u00a0 Admission is $15 (students $10) and there are refreshments available but remember CASH is preferred<\/strong>.\u00a0 Remember to bring some extra cash so you can donate towards the cost of the beer\/cider\/soft drinks\/cookies etc.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

If you are interested in moving to the next level up from Ceilidh dancing you should try Scottish Country dancing which is more refined than Ceilidh dancing but still lots of fun.\u00a0 Weekly classes will start up again in September so plan to come along give it a try, you will be made very welcome.\u00a0 \u00a0To help everyone find a convenient class here is a link to all the classes in and around Vancouver and the start time if known.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2024-25 Class List<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0 – more details at www.rscdsvancouver.org<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Jacobite train passing over the bridge at Morar.<\/p>\n

Due to increasing rents and other costs we have to plan on an increase in the admission to the Ceildh dances.\u00a0 We have managed to hold them at the current rate of $15 ($10 for students) since September, 2017 which is really rather remarkable.\u00a0 Starting in January, 2026 admission will be $20 ($15 for students).\u00a0 We will not push for the donations towards the refreshments and we will accept credit\/debit cards as well as cash.\u00a0 <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

We really hope this increase will not deter anyone from coming.\u00a0 If you have a group of 8 or more and pay cash, thus saving us the credit card fees, the group can come for $18($13 for students).\u00a0 To take advantage of this you have to plan ahead.\u00a0 Talk with any one of us on this or any other topic.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The job interview<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.vancouverceilidh.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/The-Job-Interview.mp4<\/a><\/video><\/div>\n

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Crail Harbour at low tide.<\/p>\n

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Tunes for your listening pleasure<\/p>\nhttps:\/\/www.vancouverceilidh.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/09-Australian-Ladies-8-x-32-R.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\n

Australian Ladies\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Bobby Frew\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Edinburgh Castle Reel<\/p>\n

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Glen Docherty, Cliff Hill, Poolewe<\/p>\n

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Airborne approximately thirty minutes on an outbound evening flight from Glasgow,\u00a0 the lead flight attendant\u00a0 for the cabin crew nervously made the following painful announcement..: “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m so very sorry but it appears that there has been a terrible mixup one minute prior to takeoff, by our airport catering service… I don’t know how this has happened but we have 103 passengers on board and, unfortunately, only 40 dinner meals… I truly apologise for this mistake and inconvenience.”\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

When passengers’ muttering had died down, she continued.. , “Anyone who is kind enough to give up their meal so that someone else can eat will receive free, unlimited drinks for the duration of our 5 hour flight.”\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Her next announcement came 90 minutes later… “If anyone would like to change their minds, we still have 40 dinners available.”<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u00a0 \u00a0 sunrise from McInroys Point looking towards Gourock on the River Clyde<\/p>\n

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Here is another tune for you to enjoy<\/p>\n

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\nhttps:\/\/www.vancouverceilidh.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/12-Banks-OF-Spey-the-4x32S.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\n

Banks of Spey\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Muriel Johnstone & Keith Smith\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Campbell’s Birl<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The ruins of Ardvreck Castle on the banks of Loch Assynt.<\/span><\/div>\n
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Regular monthly Ceilidh Dances are held on the last Friday of the month (except December) with the same admission prices $15 students $10) but Remember it is Cash preferred for admittance and do not forget to bring extra for the refreshments.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ceilidh dances are held in the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver.\u00a0 There is a free class at 7 pm then the dance follows from 8 – 10:30 pm with live music by Calanais.\u00a0 All easy dances that are taught and called and everyone has lots of fun and great exercise.\u00a0 Tell your friends and make it an outing – it only costs $15 ($10 for students) and there are refreshments (including cider & beer) for a donation<\/strong>. Remember it is “cash preferred” both for admittance and the refreshments. <\/span><\/strong>Mark your calendars now and make plans to join the fun.\u00a0 Check the website rscdsvancouver.org<\/a><\/strong> for more details.\u00a0\u00a0Note the attendance limits detailed at the start of this newsletter.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The Ceilidh Dance dates are all on the last Friday of the month –<\/span><\/p>\n

2025
\n<\/span>September 26
\nOctober 24\u00a0 \u00a0—\u00a0 not the last Friday!\u00a0 Guess why.
\nNovember 28
\n2026
\nJanuary 30 (Note price increase)
\nFebruary 27
\nMarch 27
\nApril 24<\/span><\/p>\n

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An Englishman says to his friend, the Scotsman, that he has a perfect way of eating for free in restaurants. “I go in at well past 9 o\u2019clock in the evening, eat several courses slowly, linger over coffee, port and a cigar. Come 2 a.m., as they are clearing everything away, I just keep sitting there until eventually a waiter comes up and asks me to pay.<\/p>\n

Then I\u00a0 say: ‘I’ve already paid your colleague who has left.'” The Scotsman is impressed, and says: “Let’s try it together this\u00a0 evening.”<\/p>\n

So the Scotsman books them into a restaurant and come 2 o\u2019clock they are both still quietly sitting there after a very full\u00a0 meal. Sure enough, a waiter comes over and asks them to pay. The Englishman just says:\u00a0 “I’ve already paid your colleague who has left.”<\/p>\n

And the Scotsman adds:\u00a0 “And we are still waiting for the change!”<\/p>\n

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Eriskay ponies posing looking over the Isle of Eriskay.<\/p>\n

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Haircut<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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A teenage boy had just passed his driving test and inquired of his father as to when they could discuss his use of the car.<\/p>\n

His father said he’d make a deal with his son, “You bring your grades up from a C to a B average, study your Bible a little, and get your hair cut. Then we’ll talk about the car.”<\/p>\n

The boy thought about that for a moment, decided, he’d settle for the offer, and they agreed on it.<\/p>\n

After about six weeks his father said, “Son, you’ve brought your grades up and I’ve observed that you have been studying your Bible, but I’m disappointed you haven’t had your hair cut.”<\/p>\n

The boy said, “You know, Dad, I’ve been thinking about that, and I’ve noticed in my studies of the Bible that Samson had long hair, John the Baptist had long hair, Moses had long hair, and there’s even strong evidence that Jesus had long hair.”<\/p>\n

(You’re going to love the Dad’s reply!)<\/p>\n

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“Did you also notice they all walked everywhere they went?”<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Another good tune<\/p>\n

Bank Street Reel\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Rob Gordon and his Band\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Complete Caladonian Ball<\/p>\n

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a beautiful sunset image of the Corsewall Lighthouse in Stranraer as the ferry heads from Northern Ireland to Cairnryan<\/p>\n

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The 2025\/26 season for Ceilidh Dances are scheduled (all on Friday evenings) as follows:-<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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2025
\n<\/strong><\/span>all on the last Friday of the month (except October)
\n<\/span>September 26<\/span>
\nOctober 24 – not the last Friday!<\/span>
\nNovember 28
\n2026
\n<\/strong>January 30 – price increase!
\nFebruary 27<\/span>
\nMarch 27<\/span>
\nApril 24<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Mark your calendars now!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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LIMITED ATTENDANCES – SEE ARTICLE AT START OF NEWSLETTER<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The dances will be will be <\/strong>held at the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver.\u00a0 The class will be held in the large hall from 7:00 – 7:45 then we will give the band a chance for a sound check etc. and the dance will run from 8:00 – 10:30 with live music by Calanais.\u00a0 Alison will continue to be your teacher\/caller so you are guaranteed to have a great evening.\u00a0 No change to the admission – still $15 with students $10.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Help us spread the word – I am not into social media but I am sure somebody can promote the Ceilidh Dance(s) there for me especially out at the Colleges and Universities.\u00a0 Tell all your friends to come along – it really is a fun (and cheap!) evening.\u00a0 DON’T FORGET CASH IS PREFERRED.\u00a0 <\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Also tell everyone to sign up for the newsletter – it is easy and free!<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"\"Gruinard beach and its magnificent mountain backdrop<\/span><\/div>\n
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ONE IS NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW!\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Manure.. An interesting fact.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Manure: In the 16th and 17th centuries, everything for export had to be transported by ship. It was also before the invention of commercial fertilizers, so large shipments of manure were quite common.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

It was shipped dry, because in dry form it weighed a lot less than when wet, but once water (at sea) hit it, not only did it become heavier, but the process of fermentation began again, of which a by-product is methane gas. As the stuff was stored below decks in bundles you can see what could (and did) happen.\u00a0 Methane began to build up below decks and the first time someone came below at night with a lantern, BOOOOM!<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Several ships were destroyed in this manner before it was determined just what was happening<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

After that, the bundles of manure were always stamped with the instruction ‘ Stow high in transit ‘ on them, which meant for the sailors to stow it high enough off the lower decks so that any water that came into the hold would not touch this “volatile” cargo and start the production of methane.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Thus evolved the term ‘ S.H.I.T ‘ , (Stow High In Transit) ,\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026. \u201cSo it\u2019s really not a swear word\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

which has come down through the centuries and is in use to this very day.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

You probably did not know the true history of this word.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Neither did I<\/em>.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

I had always thought it was a golfing term<\/em>. <\/em>😅<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Dramatic noctilucent clouds over Craigmaddie Reservoir in Milngavie<\/span><\/div>\n
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NEXT CEILDH DANCE IS ON Friday, September 26, 2025<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
alert all your friends and acquaintances and note the attendance limits.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
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Hope to see many of you there – oh! I may have to miss it !!<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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May your troubles be one, may your blessings be more,
\n<\/strong>and <\/strong>may nothing but happiness come through your door.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Duncan MacKenzie
\n<\/strong><\/span>ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Last remaining tall ship moored in Anstruther \u00a0What a wonderful summer weatherwise here on the west coast of Canada it has been so far.\u00a0 No need to cancel any of the Monday nights of dancing in the park where there have been great attendances.\u00a0 We are very fortunate to have avoided forest fires, floods, excessive […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-16077","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vancouverceilidh.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16077","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vancouverceilidh.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vancouverceilidh.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vancouverceilidh.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vancouverceilidh.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=16077"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.vancouverceilidh.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16077\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16104,"href":"https:\/\/www.vancouverceilidh.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16077\/revisions\/16104"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vancouverceilidh.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=16077"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}