the wh ite cockadeNewsletter of the Vancouver Branch Royal Scottish Country Dance Society

Vancouver Demonstration Team photo Kerry McDevitt

M A R C H - A P R I L 2 0 1 5

RSCDS Vancouver Branch Board of Directors 2014 - 2015A new Board of Directors was elected at the Annual General Meeting held September 19, 2014

OFFICERSChair Gerry Stensgaard chair@rscdsvancouver.org 604.451.1161Vice-Chair Peter Richards vicechair@rscdsvancouver.org 604.929.2745Corresponding Secretary Vicki Downey secretary@rscdsvancouver.org 604.298.9695Recording Secretary Sally Marshall recordingsecretary@rscdsvancouver.org 604.941.9758Treasurer Laurie Johnston treasurer@rscdsvancouver.org 604.222.2519Membership Secretary Patsy Jamieson membership@rscdsvancouver.org 604.929.4884

OTHER DIRECTORS showing specific responsibilitiesArchivist Mary Ann McDevitt archives@rscdsvancouver.org 604.929.2944BC Highland Games Rep Simon Scott highlandgames@rscdsvancouver.org 604.925.9333Children's Program Liaison Francis O’Farrell children@rscdsvancouver.org 604.321.0533 Events Coordinator Heather Hankin events@rscdsvancouver.org 604.730.9581 Publicity Cathrine Conings publicity@rscdsvancouver.org 604.299.6447Safety Coordinator Sue Sochasky safety@rscdsvancouver.org 604.937.7967

BOARD APPOINTMENTS50th Anniversary Chair Jean Wagstaff 50@rscdsvancouver.org 604.464.8103Betwixt & Between Co-ord Frances Caruth dancing@rscdsvancouver.org 604.922.6842 Burns Supper Coordinator Gill Beattie burns@rscdsvancouver.org 604.224.6751Dancing Coordinator Frances Caruth dancing@rscdsvancouver.org 604.922.6842Dancing in the Park Frances Caruth dancing@rscdsvancouver.org 604.922.6842Dem Team Director R. Blackhall-Peters demteam@rscdsvancouver.org 604.530.0500Love to Dance Workshop Frances Caruth dancing@rscdsvancouver.org 604.922.6842Newsletter Editor Eleanor Pedersen editor@rscdsvancouver.org 604.538.4095RSCDS Director USAC Ltd Stewart Cunningham uscs@rscdsvancouver.org 604.261.0162 Web Site Manager Mary Ann McDevitt web@rscdsvancouver.org 604.929.2944

OTHER CONTACTSCeilidh Director Duncan MacKenzie ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org 604.536.9481 North Shore Children Maureen Hood northshorechildren@rscdsvancouver.org 604.922.4406 TAC Representative Jean Wagstaff tac@rscdsvancouver.org 604.464.8103

FRAE THE CHAIR

Publication of the White Cockade is on the first of September, November, January, March and May. Deadline for submissions is the 10th of the preceding month. All contributions of photos, letters or articles are welcome. Send to editor@rscdsvancouver.org or mail to the Scottish Cultural Centre. Many thanks to all members who contributed to this March - April 2015 issue.

2 3

......................................................................Directors 2014 - 2015 2 ...................................................................................Frae the Chair 3..................................................................................Dancing Dates 4

...........................................................................................Notices 10 ...................................................Vancouver Branch Burns Supper 14

..............................................Tam O’Shanters’ Burns Celebration 16..................................................................Love to Dance Scottish 18

.........................................................................................Calendar 20

Another Burns season has passed, and Burns’ immortal memory has been celebrated near and far. Demonstration teams and entertainment groups were kept busy in January, performing all over the Lower Mainland. The Branch’s Dem Team had a slightly less hectic schedule this year, after a record-setting string of engagements in 2014. Nevertheless, Team members committed much time and effort to show-casing the art of Scottish country dancing. A thank you to all who took Scottish country dancing out into the community - this is one of the best ways we have of promoting our much-loved activity. For RSCDS members, the Branch Burns Supper was the highlight of the season. Gillian Beattie and her committee did a wonderful job of planning, organising and running this event. To Gillian a big THANK YOU for all your work; the Branch very much appreciates the great deal of effort that you and your helpers expended on our behalf. With the days lengthening, and Spring just around the corner, we look forward to a good turnout of dancers to represent the RSCDS in the CelticFest Parade on Sunday, March 15th. A week later, the Vancouver Branch’s 50th Anniversary celebrations will wind up with the Golden Jubilee Ball on Saturday, March 21. This promises to be a magical evening of socializing, dining and dancing to the Torridon Scottish Dance Band, augmented with guest musicians Ian Muir and Judi Nicholson. While you’re there, you can pick up a copy of the Golden Anniversary Collection dance book, which will be hot off the presses. Ball tickets are selling well, and dancers frae a’ the airts are coming to join the party, so don’t put off buying your ticket too long! Another notable anniversary coming up is the Fort Langley Voyageurs 15th Anniversary Gala on May 30th. For other future events, check the back page of this issue. Gerry Stensgaard

RSCDS VANCOUVER BRANCHGOLDEN ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION

This wonderful collection of dances by our very own dancing friends and partners will

be launched at the Golden Jubilee Ball on March 21, 2015.

Just $10 a copy, the collection will be available for purchase at the Ball

and later through your clubs.Congratulations to everyone involved.

This publication will be a greatmemento of our 50th Anniversary.

Fran Caruth

IN THIS ISSUE

VANCOUVER BRANCH GOLDEN JUBILEE Programme

................................. ..........................................The Happy Meeting J Book 29....................................... .........................................Neidpath Castle S Book 22

............................ ...............Salute To Miss Milligan R Canadian Book - Drewry............................. ..........................................The Chequered Court J Book 42

....................... ...........................................The Glasgow Highlanders S Book 2...................................... .........................................Inverneill House R Book 35

............................................ ..............Hooper's Jig J Miss Milligan's Miscellany............................... .........................................Bonnie Ina Campbell S Book 37

..... .............The Highlandman Kissed His Mother R Miss Milligan's MiscellanyShort Intermission

................................... ......................St. Andrew's Nicht J Mary Isdale MacNab................................ ................The Sheltered Cove S Aye Afloat M. Zadworny............................... .........................................The Blackwater Reel R Book 41

........................... ..........................................The Last Of The Lairds J Book 22........................ ........................Jean Martin Of Aberdeen S RSCDS 3 For 2006

................. ..............................The Reel Of The Royal Scots R RSCDS Leaflet

Saturday, March 21 GOLDEN JUBILEE BALLHellenic Centre Reception 4:45 pm Tickets $1004500 Arbutus Street, Vancouver Dinner 5:30 pmSaturday, March 7 BURNABY DANCE

Confederation Centre 7:30 pm $204584 Albert Street, Burnaby

Music: Vancouver Fiddle OrchestraCome and enjoy the exciting music of the VFO and the pleasant atmosphere of Confederation Centre in North Burnaby. To get there, take Willingdon Avenue one block north of Hastings Street and turn right on Albert Street. The parking lot will be on your left, and the building is to the left of the lot. Members of the Burnaby Club look forward to welcoming you! Rosemary Coupe

4 5

DANCING DATES

.......................................... ............................Bethankit J 3rd Graded Book................. ........................The Minister on the Loch S Four Dances 2008

........... ..........Miss Johnstone of Ardrossan R Goldring, 14 Social for 2000.................. ..........................................Links with St Petersburg J Book 46

.............................. ............The Falkirk Lass S Brunken, Moments in Time.................................. ..........................................Monica’s Way J Book 48

.......................... .........................................Flight to Melbourne R Book 47..................................... ....................Bruce’s Men S Goldring, Scotia Suite

....................... ...........................................Flowers of Edinburgh R Book 1................. ..........................................The Duke of Atholl’s Reel J Book 16

............................. .........................................The Rutland Reel R Book 48................................... .........................................Sugar Candie S Book 26

............................. ................The Hunting Horn J Scottish Dance Archives.......................... .........................................The Fireworks Reel R Book 48

......................................... .........................................Culla Bay S Book 41.......................... ..........................................Best Set in the Hall J Book 46

............. .............Mrs MacPherson of Inveran R Drewry, Bon Accord Book

Programme

Ticket Sales close March 10th The RSCDS Vancouver Branch is celebrating 50 years! We are delighted to invite you to our Golden Jubilee Ball with the Torridon Scottish Dance

Band featuring guests Ian Muir from Scotland and Jud i N ico l son f rom Texas. Start the evening mingling with friends over a glass of wine, fol lowed by a l ight dinner, dessert, the Grand March and dancing. You

have the option of Roasted Lemon Chicken Breast, Roasted Eggplant stuffed with feta cheese, tomatoes and herbs or Fresh Halibut in a butter white wine sauce. Choice must be provided when purchasing your ticket. Tickets can be purchased online via PayPal or credit card at www.rscdsvancouver.org. Or you can contact Mary Ann McDevitt at 604.929.2944 or mamcdevitt@shaw.ca. Do not miss Vancouver’s Gala event of the year! We look forward to reminiscing with old friends, meeting new friends, and starting memories to last another 50 years!

The Vancouver Branch Programme Classes on March 11th and March 18th will concentrate on the Jubilee Ball dances only. March 18th will be an expanded class in the larger room. Drop-in is $6.00 per class.

Sunday, March 15 VANCOUVER CELTICFEST PARADEHere it is, folks! Come and help us promote Scottish Country Dancing! Join in the parade Sunday March 15th. Show some tartan!! We gather on the Granville St. bridge between 10 and 10:30 am. The parade starts

moving at 11 and takes about 20-30 minutes. Rain gear is advisable, as are sturdy shoes. We’ll do a simple dance routine that keeps us moving along behind the lead truck with the best dance music in the world emanating from it! We’ve been asked to do a 15 minute street show on Granville Street after the parade. (around noon or 12:30) If you can stay for that, we can get the onlookers up to dance, and hand out pamphlets and do a few actual dances. We

had good response from the crowd last year at this! Please let me know if you can join us. We need BIG numbers, to make our presence felt! We don’t want to be outdone by the Irish or Welsh!

Cathrine ccmusic@telus.net 604 299 6447 Cathrine ConingsMary Ann McDevitt

Bring your own lunch and join us during the break from 12:00 – 1:00 pmTea and coffee as well as juice will be provided

To register contact Michelle Turner: MTurner@wrscdc.orgPaul Lowe: PLowe@wrscdc.org!!604-536-7660

Saturday, March 28 GLENAYRE ANNUAL DANCESt. Laurence Church Hall 7:30 pm $10825 St. Laurence Street, Coquitlam

.................................... ..................Flowers of Edinburgh* R RSCDS Bk. 1.............................................. .................Newburgh Jig** J RSCDS Bk. 48............................................... ...............................Lady Glasgow* S MMM

...................... ..........Miss Johnstone of Ardrossan** R Goldring 14 Social........................................... ........................St. Andrew’s Fair* J 5 for 1982.......................................... .............................Sauchie Haugh*** S Leaflet

................................. ...............................Ha! Ha! The Wooin’ o it* R MMM........ .....................Ian Powries Farewell to Auchterarder*** J Bill Hamilton

.................................................. .................Friendships** S 3rd Graded Bk.................................................. ............Den O’Mains* J D.Henderson Col.

................................... ................Linnea’s Strathspey*** S RSCDS Bk. 47................................................. ....Unicef Circle* R Goldring Auld Friends

................................... .........Seton’s Ceilidh Band** J Morison’s Bush Col................................................ ................Dreamcatcher* S RSCDS Bk. 48

............................................ ................Currie Mountain* R N.B. Collection................................ .....................Good Hearted Glasgow* J P. Knapman

Programme

6 7

Saturday, April 18 ! ! ! DEEP COVE DANCESt Catherine’s Church Hall 7:30 pm $151058 Ridgewood Drive, North Vancouver

Music by Mary RossProgramme

* Denotes easier dances. ** Don’t try unless it is familiar..

*** Better to watch if you don’t know it.

Mon, Apr 20 MONDAY NIGHT END OF TERM CEILIDH Scottish Cultural Centre 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm $6 Drop-in 8886 Hudson Street! !

IT’S BECOME A TRADITION!VANCOUVER BRANCH MONDAY NIGHT CLASSES

HOST AN END OF TERM CEILIDHIt's entertaining, it's fun

There's music, dancing, friendship and food. Everyone Welcome.Fran Caruth

Friday, April 24 ! CEILIDH DANCEScottish Cultural Centre 7 pm class $10 adults8886 Hudson Street 8 pm dance $8 students

......................... .........................................The Kissing Bridge* R Book 47............... ...................................Miss Gibson’s Strathspey* S Book Leaflet

................... ........................................The Waratah Weavers* J Graded 2............................. .........................................Whistling Wind*** R Book 36

............. ...........................................Jean Martin of Aberdeen*** S 7 /2006..................... .............Nellie McKenzie’s Jig* J Vanc Ruby Anniversary Bk

.......................... .........................................The Missing Turn** R Book 46..................... ..........................................Minister on the Loch** S 4 / 2008

................................ ........................................It’s Nae Bother* J Graded 2.............................. .........................................Maxwell’s Rant** R Book 18

.......................... ..................................Blue Mess Jacket** S Kinclaven Bk

.......................... .........................................Macleod’s Fancy*** J Book 33......................................... .......................................Crom Allt* R Graded 3

......................... ..............West Coast Magic** S Vanc Golden Anniversary...................... ..........................................Best Set in the Hall*** J Book 46

............................. ........................................Granville Market* J Graded 2......................... ....................................Extra - Oh Canada* R Hargreaves

Friday, March 27 CEILIDH DANCEScottish Cultural Centre 7 pm class $10 adults8886 Hudson Street 8 pm dance $8 students

Sunday, March 29! WHITE ROCK FALL WORKSHOPSullivan Hall 9.30 am $106306 152 Street, Surrey Teacher: Maureen Lyon

Advanced Class from 9:30 am to 12:00 pmIntermediate & Beginner Class will be instructed from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm

Advanced dancers are encouraged to stay for the afternoon session to assist beginners.

Sunday, May 3 WHITE ROCK MAY TEA DANCEStar of the Sea Hall Doors open 3:00 pm Tickets $25 15262 Pacific Avenue Dancing 3:30 pm White Rock Followed by refreshments

Ocean Frolicfeaturing

Lindsay Weir and Colin Garvin

Accordionist and keyboard player from Scotland

9

Mondays, May 4 and 11 BURNABY SPRING SESSIONScandinavian Community Centre 7:30 pm $6 drop-in6540 Thomas St, BurnabyYou are all invited to attend one or both of the Burnaby Spring Session classes. Guest instructors to be announced.

Dave Jackson

Ocean Frolic Programme....................... .......................On the Quarter Deck R I Boyd Harbour City

........................................ ................................Cutty Sark J RSCDS Bk 40........................... ...........................................Queen of the Seas S S Petyt

..................................... ...............................Scott Meikle R RSCDS Bk 46....................... ..........................The Captain's House R RSCDS Graded 3

.................................... ................................Pelorus Jack J RSCDS Bk 41................................... ....Furth o' Clyde S A Holden Birm Diamond Jubilee

........................... ............................................Raising the Anchor R I Boyd................................... ..............Falls of Rogie R J Atwood Alexander Bk 1................................... ...........Ship O' Grace S J McAdam Lifeboat Dances

...................... ..........................Lass of Richmond Hill R RSCDS Graded 2........................ ........Seton's Ceilidh Band J B Fordyce Morison Bush Coll

.................................. ...................................Great Big Sea R S McKinnell............................... ...............Song of the Sea S J Drewry Autumn Coll 86

....................... ...............................Royal Yacht Britannia R RSCDS Bk 43................................... ...............Bratach Bana R J Drewry Bon Accord Bk

All dances will be walked through from the first position.

Tickets are available from:Michelle Turner: MTurner@wrscdc.org

Paul Lowe: PLowe@wrscdc.org604-536-7660

Tickets also available through PayPal at wrscdc.org

8

Sat, April 25 VERNON SPRING WORKSHOP & CEILIDHPaddlewheel Park Hall Workshop & ceilidh $55 Ceilidh only $12Vernon, BC Registration 8:00 am Ceilidh 4:30 pm

Instructor: Barbara Johnston Music for ceilidh: Kristi & FriendsEvents Calendar at rscdsvancouver.org Kathy Drew 250-542-4139

Antarc ............................. ....................................tica Bound J Scotia Suite............................. .........................................The Rutland Reel R Book 48

................................... .........................................City of Belfast S Book 48........................................ .......................................Jubilee Jig J Leaflet 19

......................... ...........................................On the Quarterdeck R I. Boyd................................... .........................................Sugar Candie S Book 26................................... ...............................................Roaring Jelly J Foss

..................... ...........................................Salute to Miss Milligan R Drewry..................................... ............................................Hooper’s Jig J MMM2

.................... ................................Speir’s Wharf Hornpipe H Glasgow 90th.......................... ........................The Crystal Quaich S Kirkbrae Collection

................................... ..........................................Newburgh Jig J Book 48................................ ........................................Shiftin’ Bobbins R Ormskirk

...................................... .................................Moulin Brae S Glasgow 90th............................... ..............................................Mairi’s Wedding R Cosh

Programme for the Ceilidh

Programme for the Children’s Dance

Sat, April 25 CHILDREN’S SPRING PARTY & DANCE Harry Jerome Memorial Centre 2 pm - 4 pm Tickets Adults $5 123 East 23rd St, North Vancouver Children free

........................... .........................................A Reel for Jeannie R Book 40......................... ............Terrace Loggers Jig J Vancouver Ruby Collection......................... .........................................Round Reel of Eight R Book 27

.................................. ........St. John River S Edwards New Brunswick Coll................................. ............................................Haymaker's jig J Book 2

................................... .........................................Rabbies Reel R Book 40

................................... ............................................Blue Bonnets J Book 3........................................ ............................It's all right J 2nd graded book

............................. .........................................Robertson's Rant S Book 39................................. ...........................Shiftin Bobbins J Clowes, Ormskirk

................................... ............................Its nae bother J 2nd graded book

There will be an Easter Bonnet Prize Parade - bring your decorated hat!Our Easter dance is a fun time, with easy dances for all - children, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, so come along and join in the fun. We have a visit from the Easter Bunny as well as little "dems" from our young dancers. After that, we have a delicious afternoon tea.Hope to see you there. Maureen Hood

Friday, May 1! WHITE ROCK ANNUAL CEILIDH White Rock Elks Club 7:30 pm - 11:00 pm $15 adults $8 students1469 George Street, White Rock

This year’s ceilidh will feature accordionist Lindsay Weir and keyboard player Colin Garvin from Scotland, ceilidh dancing and cash bar.

Tickets Paul Lowe 604 536 7660 or Pay Pal at wrscdc.org website.

NOTICES

Vancouver Island Scottish Country Dance SocietyONE-DAY WORKSHOP & DANCE

Saturday, 28 March 2015Colwood Community Hall

2219 Sooke Road, Victoria, BCTeacher: Fiona Miller

Class musician: Mary RossDance musicians: The Tartan Players

contact 250 478 5338 registration & brochure viscds.ca

WORKSHOP AND AFTERNOON TEA DANCESaturday, 11 April 2015

Dover Bay Secondary SchoolTeachers:

Ruth Jappy and Rebecca Blackhall-PetersMusicians:

Alex Jappy, Julie Smith and Deborah Jones8:45 am to 5:30 pm

Workshop and Tea Dance $55Dance and Afternoon Tea only $15

Lunch $10Contact: Hazel MacDonald 250 758 6224

nanaimoscd.com

10 11

RSCDS PORTLAND OREGON BRANCHWORKSHOP AND BALL

Saturday, 14 March 20159:30 am - 11:00 pm

TeachersRoberta Gotfried, Los Angeles, Calif.

Bob McMurtry, San Jose, Calif.Musicians

Deby Benton-Grosjean, Aptos, Calif.Cynthia Soohoo, Portland, Ore.

registration: portlandscottishdancers.orgcontact: Linda Mae Dennis 360 609 0623 lmae@comcast.net

New Daytime Scottish Country Dance Class

starting on the North Shore, sponsored by the West Vancouver Community Centre, aimed at attracting those who are unable to attend evening classes;

perhaps those who have young families and those who work from home.Child minding is available at Centre

West Van Community Centre 2121 Marine Drive, West Vancouver 604 925 7270

Classes will run on Tuesdays 1:00 - 2:15 pm March 24  through June 23 

Classes will be taught by Louise Murphy 604 987 3792 mlmurphy@telus.net

$125 for 14 lessons which go systematically through the steps, formations and simple dances of SCD 

Louise Murphy

THE WHITE COCKADENEW EDITOR REQUIRED

for the 2015 -2016 seasonexperience needed with desktop publishing and image editing software

contact chair@rscdsvancouver.org

Barn Dance in Langley A family-friendly fundraiser in support of the Harmony Music Society features the West Coast Fiddlers and the Tartan Players with Louise Steinway calling the dances. The annual barn dance is March 7 in SouthRidge Fellowship, 22756 48th Ave., and features music, Scottish country dancing (no experience necessary), games, food and a silent auction. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the dance starting at 7 p.m. Tickets: $15 for adults, $10 for children and $45 for a family (two adults and two children) at the door. Reserve in advance at harmonymusicsociety@gmail.com or 604-312-7578.

12

FORT LANGLEY VOYAGERS SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCERSLet’s celebrate together at our

FORT LANGLEY 15th ANNIVERSARY GALAat The Scottish Cultural Centre

on Saturday, May 30th, 2015 Doors open at 6:00 pm

We look forward to excellent music by The Torridon Scottish Dance Band

featuring guests Judi Nicolson and Frank Thompson from Scotland.

The evening will start with a catered dinner at 6:30 pmenhanced by a glass of wine and followed by our customary dessert

of strawberries and cream with shortbread.Dancing will start at approximately 8:00 pm and will include

a dance dedicated to this year's whisky – The Macallan. Yes, there will be a bottle available as a prize!

We commissioned Dorothy Hargreaves to devise a new dance for this special occasion. The reel is called The Macallan and we have tried it out at the club. You will be among the first to enjoy this unique dance. The crib is opposite.

................. ..........................................The Duke of Atholl’s Reel J Book 16................ .........................................Seann Truibhas Willichan S Book 27

....................... ...........................................Flowers of Edinburgh R Book 1.......................... .............................Miss Allie Anderson J RSCDS Leaflets

.................. ..................................The Belle of Bon Accord S John Drewry.......................... .........................................John of Bon Accord R Book 33

..................................... .......................Whisky Jack J Dorothy Hargreaves................. .........................The Minister on the Loch S 4 Dances for 2008

................................ ................Polharrow Burn R 3 dances by Hugh Foss................................. .............................The Jubilee Jig J RSCDS Leaflets................................. .........................................Adieu Mon Ami S Book 24

................................... ......................The Macallan R Dorothy Hargreaves.................................... ..........................................Pelorus Jack J Book 41

......................... .................................The Northern Lights S Charlie Dobie............ ............................The Reel of the Royal Scots R RSCDS Leaflets

Programme for the Anniversary Gala

There are both easy and challenging dances on the programme to suit new dancers and those with experience.

All dances will be walked through.

Come and learn the dances at the Fort Langley Community Centreduring the month of May on Tuesdays at 7:30 pm.

An evening of wine, food, music and dance for $65!For tickets contact Larry Onotera lonotera@shaw.ca

or Rebecca Blackhall-Peters 604 530 0500Chris Bisset

The Macallan8 x 32 Reel

Bars 1-4 1st couple cast off and set passing each other by the Left shoulder to face first corner. 2nd couple step up on bars 1-2.5-16 First 3 couples dance Marigold Reels. i e. N.B. Everyone sets for 2 bars when initially reaching a corner. 5-6 1s change places with 1st corners passing Right shoulder. 1st corners pass Right shoulder to face next corner (2nd corner) (2nd corners set for 2 bars) 7-8 1s set for 2 bars. 1st corners change places with 2nd corners passing R Shld, 2nd corners pass R Shld to face next corner (1s in 3rd corner) 9-10 2nd corners change places with 1s passing R Shld 11-16 Repeat this Fig until in positions below, 1st couple passing 2nd

corners by the Right and dancing into the middle 3M 1M 2M TOP 3W 1W 2W 17-20 Corners chase to own sides whilst 1st couple turn with the right hand into 2nd place opposite sides. 21-24 1st couple dance a half figure of 8 to second place own sides. Lady up Man down. 25-32 Lady dances a Left shoulder reel of 3 with 2nd couple. Man with 3rd couple.

Repeat from 2nd place.

Devised by Dorothy Hargreaves for Fort Langley’s 15th Anniversary Dance 2015. The 12 bar formation reflects the 12 year old Macallan door prize.

RSCDS INTERNATIONAL BRANCH DANCE WEEKENDCOPENHAGEN, DENMARK

Information at rscds-ib.org

13

VANCOUVER BRANCH BURNS SUPPER

There is a star whose beaming rayIs shed on ev’ry clime;

It shines by night, it shines by dayAnd ne’er grows dim wi’ time.

from “The Star of Rabbie Burns” by James Thomson

This year, the star of Rabbie Burns shone on the RSCDS Vancouver Branch as we celebrated the 256th anniversary of his birth, on Saturday, January 17th, 2015. Unfortunately, the British Consul General was out of the country, and t he Mayo r o the rw i se occupied, but the ‘ in house’ aspect o f the evening did not diminish everyone’s enjoyment.The haggis was piped in by Sandy Marshall, carried by Gerry Stensgaard and well addressed by Alan Fairbairn. Isobel James gave the Selkirk Grace, and the traditional meal was catered by A & F Caterers, with the haggis supplied by Bruce Roane. All were well received.Jon Bell gave the Address to the Lassies and Pat Hollingdale replied. In the Immortal Memory, Drew Simpson introduced us to Burns early life. Fran Caruth devised a successful programme of dances, catering to all levels, and The Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra enticed dancers onto the floor!Thank you to everyone who attended the evening, and to all those who helped make the evening a success. Special thanks to Fran Hillier for the table decorations and for organising the bar.

Gill Beattie - Chairphotos Kerry McDevitt

These two young dancers with Rebecca Blackhall-Peters are Jemyca Juliasson and Heather Sandvoss.

They had a really fun evening at their first Burns Supper.

Ready for the supper are Ann Brandt, Louise Bovet and Val Young who dance at Deep Cove.

Members of the Monday Night Level 1 Class at the Branch came to the Burns Supper. Left to Right, they are

Christopher Orr, Geoff Remocker, David Heaney, Kim Tung, Barbara Simpson and Jane Remocker.

14 15

TAM O’SHANTER DANCERS’ BURNS CELEBRATION

What a super 21st annual Tam O’Shanter Dancers Burns Supper! Now I am a wee bit biased as I am proud to say I am a member of the Tams but from the comments made direct to me and ones I overheard it was one of the best ever. There were 320 in attendance and I think they all enjoyed a great evening of good food, friendly conversation, amazing entertainment and fun dancing, not to mention a wee dram or two.After a short memorial for Ed Wigmore, who danced with the Tams at the 2014 Burns Supper and who passed away last fall, the evening started, as is traditional, with the piper and the haggis followed by Hugh Aspinall giving a hearty Address to the Haggis with all joining in on the last line, “Gie her a Haggis.” Then it was time for dinner provided by Dutchman’s Caterers with traditional neeps, tatties and haggis, plus many other dishes from salads to chicken to roast beef. There seemed to be plenty of food and Rowan’s haggis was a hit with me!One feature of the show was a mother and daughter singing some Burns songs with guitar accompaniment. Their crystal, clear high notes were a real joy to hear.The five children who presented the programme in a very novel and enjoyable way were just terrific, as they had many lines to memorize. They spoke clearly and slowly and were a real credit to their parents and grandparents.The script was written and the whole show woven together under the leadership and direction of the incredible Maureen Lyon. The dance she adapted for the finale, The Stationmaster’s Reel, deservedly brought the house down. Well done one and all. Duncan MacKenzie

The theme for the evening, on January 26th, Rantin’ Rovin’ Robin, was well presented by a group of young enthusiasts, ranging in age from ten to fifteen. They narrated interesting facts on Robert Burns, recited To A Louse, and delivered the Toast to the Lassies, the Reply and the Immortal Memory. The audience of 320 were also well entertained by the pipe tunes of Donald McMillan, the singing group of Sorona Mynhardt and Maderi Mynhardt with guitarist Josh Bogart, and by the three special dances of the Tam O’ Shanter Dancers. Maureen Lyon

The young narrators above, left to right, are Zoe Grayson, Calum Lyon, Camryn Lyon, Hannah Bowen and Javonna Lowe.

photos Stella Mackenzie

Above: The Tams performed The Stationmaster’s Reel,devisor Elizabeth Wade, with unique “train” music by Tom Alexander.

16 17

18 19

LOVE TO DANCE SCOTTISH

photos Kerry McDevitt

THANK YOU for a really great Love to Dance Scottish 2015 Workshop and Tea Dance. We had a great turn out for this Valentine's Day event which was extra special this year because of our 50th Anniversary.Eighty dancers participated in the morning classes, practicing their stepsand formations and learning new dances.In the afternoon, over 100 dancers enjoyed dancing to the great music provided by the Tartan Players.The day ended with a delicious afternoon tea and lots of chatter.It was wonderful to see such energy and enthusiasm. One hundred smiling faces tell a great story.We were sold out again this year and if you missed out, make sure you register early for next year!A big day like this does not happen without the involvement of a lot of people - the dancers, the teachers, the musicians and many hard working volunteers.The volunteers were so very generous with their time and their skills -registering dancers, decorating halls, catering for 100 hungry dancers and more. A day like this simply can't happen without these wonderful people - too many to name, but you know who you are - and we want you to know that your efforts are truly appreciated.Our personal thanks to you all for your part in making this a success.We hope we'll see you again at Love to Dance Scottish 2016.

Jean Wagstaff and Fran Caruth Co-chairs of The Love to Dance Scottish Committee

Above: The Tartan Players: L to R, Carole Berger (flute & whistle), Deborah Jones (fiddle), Joseph Condie (double bass) and Julie Smith (piano & bandleader)

Right: the Love to Dance committee after receiving chocolate Valentine’s roses and being applauded for their great contribution to the day.L to R: Jennifer Shearman, Katherine Shearman, Heather Hankin and Vicki Downey.Far right: The Love to Dance Master of Ceremonies was Duncan MacKenzie

As a surprise for everyone, Nancy Lyman

of the Glenayre Club brought

her sister Sydney

Robertson dressed in a

Queen of Hearts

costumeto the

afternoon Tea Dance.

Above: Teachers Maureen Lyon, Gordon Robinson and Rebecca Blackhall-Peters with Co-Chair Fran Caruth

RSCDS EDINBURGH BRANCH ANNUAL BALL

SATURDAY MAY 9, 2015GREYFRIARS KIRK, EDINBURGH

Dancing to Graeme Munroand his Scottish Dance Band

RSCDS MEMBERS: £33Information: www.rscdsedinburgh.org

Contact: functions@rscdsedinburgh.org

Youth Weekend West1 - 3 May 2015 Victoria, BC

Teachers: Gordon Robinson & Louise McGillivrayMusician: Mary Ross

Registration deadline 8 April 2015 for hotel & classesContact: youthweekendwest2015@gmail.com

Information: youthweekendwest.com

VANCOUVER AREA CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2014-2015VANCOUVER AREA CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2014-2015VANCOUVER AREA CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2014-2015VANCOUVER AREA CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2014-2015

7 Mar Burnaby Dance 20 Apr Branch End of TermSpring Ceilidh

14 Mar Bellingham Social 24 Apr Vancouver Ceilidh Dance

15 Mar CelticFest Parade 25 Apr Children’s Easter PartyVancouver Branch

21 Mar Vancouver Golden Jubilee Ball 25 Apr Vernon Spring Workshop

and Ceilidh

25 Mar White RockSt Patrick’s Social 1-3 May Youth Weekend West

Victoria, BC

27 Mar Vancouver Ceilidh Dance 1 May White Rock Annual Ceilidhwith band from Scotland

28 Mar Glenayre Annual Dance 3 May White Rock Annual Dance

28 Mar VISCDS One Day Workshop & Dance 9 May Bellingham Social

29 Mar White Rock Spring Workshop 30 May Fort Langley 15th Anniversary Gala

11 Apr Bellingham Social 20 June BC Highland Games

11 Apr Nanaimo Workshop & AfternoonTea Dance 1 Jul Canada Day Parade

18 Apr Deep Cove Dance 26 Jul - 2 Aug TAC Summer SchoolFarmville, Virginia

Alan Fairbairn addressing the haggis photo Kerry McDevitt

20