THE REEL NEWS London... · The first day of fall was just weeks ago but judging by the weather the...

THE REEL NEWS - August 2015 of 11

THE REEL NEWS

Volume 22, Issue #2 October 2015 ROYAL SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE SOCIETY

LONDON, CANADA BRANCH P.O. Box 33012, 900 Oxford Street E.

London ON N5Y 5A1 www.rscdslondoncanada.org

Submissions for the next newsletter can be sent to [email protected] by January 6, 2016

Chairperson’s Message Maureen Graham

Along the line of smoky hills The crimson forest stands, And all the day the blue-jay calls Throughout the autumn lands

-excerpt from William Wilfred Campbell – “Indian Summer”

The first day of fall was just weeks ago but judging by the weather the past few days, the cooler days have established a foothold and summer seems far away. However, the vibrantly beautiful autumn gardens and the leaves on the trees make these “fresh” mornings and evenings a joy. Our new dancing season is underway after an enthusiastic and well attended four evenings of September introductory classes. Thanks to the Publicity committee and to all who spread the good word about RSCSD London. Our first social dance will be held on October 16, at Elmwood Presbyterian Church hall, hosted by the Intermediate class. The Men’s dance will take place on November 13th at the Air Force Association Hall. All are encouraged to attend these events and put all those step and reel classes into practice. New dancers are especially invited to attend. Just a reminder that Janet Schreiber will be opening her shop, full of gently used bargains, before class on November 4, at 6:45 pm at Carling Heights. Thanksgiving and all the good food and festivities which go along with it will be well past when you receive this newsletter. I hope you had a wonderful time with family and friends and had lots of turkey left over for the “best next day” sandwiches!

“Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion.” - Martha Graham

http://www.rscdslondoncanada.org/

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/47790.Martha_Graham


Branch News Congratulations

John and Lori Ferguson's youngest daughter, Emily, was married on June 19th, 2015 to Jeff Miller. The wedding was celebrated overlooking Lake Ontario on the grounds of Old Fort Niagara in New York state. Friends and family came from Ontario, Alberta, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, New York, Delaware, Florida and of course Alabama where Jeff was from. The newlyweds went to live briefly in Delaware, but have already moved to Virginia. Despite the War of 1812 setting for the wedding, international relations have never been better.

On August 21st, 2015, at the family home, under a flying Lion Rampart, Sheilagh and Dave Manning celebrated the marriage of their son Andrew to Rebecca Russell. The bride was piped down the aisle to Dark Isle and Mairi’s Wedding. Family and friends enjoyed a touch of Scotland with the Selkirk Grace and, of course, dancing the Gay Gordons and St. Bernards Waltz. Fellow RSCDS London dancer, John Ferguson, officiated at the service.

Saturday, August 22nd 2015 saw the wedding of Pat Taylor and Jeanine Duck. New St. James Presbyterian Church was the splendid setting for the service, with its Casavant organ and beautiful windows. Jeanine's children searched the countryside for wild flowers and supplemented with garden flowers for a lovely natural display in the sanctuary. The grandchildren, led by Rachael Duck, did the decorations for the reception. Altogether, it was an enjoyable afternoon - no speeches, much visiting, and lively music. As well as friends, 22 family members attended - from Mexico,

Germany, England, Michigan, Vancouver, and Ontario. On the Sunday afternoon, they had a family picnic with games ably organized by Ruth Taylor and John Taylor. The newlyweds are taking their time over the monumental task of merging households and chattels, and hope to finish by spring. It's a tiring but enjoyable task as they look forward to their new adventure together.

Dorothy Drew’s new grandson, Martin Carlos O’Donelldrew, was born Saturday, September 19th, 2015 in Deep River, Ontario and weighed in at 6 lbs 6 ozs. This is the second child for daughter Kristine and her husband Carlos and a little brother for Beatrice.

Condolences Former member and long-time friend of the London Branch, Robert Johnson Shepherd, passed away Monday, September 21st, 2015 in his 80th year.

Our thoughts go out to Susan Gower and their families during this difficult time.

News from the Thrift Store Janet Schreiber The Thrift Store will be at class Wednesday, November 4th from 6:45 to 7:30 pm. If you are doing a fall wardrobe assessment and find that you have formal or semi formal clothing that you no longer want, consider donating the items to The Thrift Store. The profits from the Thrift Store go to the Bursary Fund which provides financial support to Branch members attending out of town workshops, TAC summer school and members who are taking their teaching certificate courses. I have recently been given a selection of kilts, a Prince Charlie Jacket with vest, a Maple Leaf Tartan sports jacket and accessories for men.


News from the Membership Secretary Peter Auksi London Branch members are traditionally curious about the membership level in the fall of each dance year, and I'm quite willing to give you the picture as of early October. Because membership applications are still coming in, this is only a temporary and fluid snapshot - - but information is always more useful than guess work. Full or Associate members number 74, which is a bit lower than last year at the same time. Joining us (to-date) are 7 new Active/Full dancers, some with dancing experience. That is good news! We have yet to hear from 28 dancers who were with us last year ...

several are from last year's Beginner Class, and about 10 from the Friday Social Class, which is admittedly beginning later in October (the 23rd) than in previous years. Dancers might like to know that Anne Rounding (of Port Dover), who joined us for most of our special occasions, has moved to Windsor; and that Ruth and David Noble (of Springfield) have moved to Stratford, where they will be dancing this year (Wed. nights also, Bob Kerr of the Kitchener area instructing). We will no doubt see Anne, Ruth, and David at our major events. Last year we had 99 members ... I think we will be a bit lower than that this year, but several new faces (and there were over 30 at our September classes) might add to our forecast.

London Workshop Weekend Marel Fielding Mark your calendar and plan to attend. One of our signature events at the London Branch is our Ceilidh and Workshop. This event will take place February 26 and 27, 2016. As well as our own members, we invite other dancers from surrounding branches to join us. On Friday, February 26th we have an opportunity to kick up our heels at our Ceilidh - the Scots word for a party. We will dance - mostly easy Ceilidh dances and entertain each other with song, poetry, skits and other surprises. So, start thinking of something you could do to participate in the fun. And don’t forget - there is a prize for the best act of the night! Invite friends, spouses, partners to come and enjoy this great evening. It is held at the Byron Legion on Commissioners Rd West beginning at 7:30 pm. We have recruited two teachers to lead the workshop; they are Scott Reid from Hamilton and Kay Munn from Kingston. The workshop will be held at the Polish Combatants’ Hall on Ann Street beginning at 9am on Saturday, February 27th. There will be two classes and all dancers will have an opportunity to be taught by both teachers. Lunch is prepared by “Chef Andre” and if last year is an example, it will be great. Following the afternoon classes, we relax for a short while and finish the day with a “Tea Dance”. The day is over by 5 pm-5:30 pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience different styles of teaching and hone our own dancing abilities. More details will be available soon.


RSCDS Summer School 2015 Colin Campbell

Thanks in part to assistance from the Bursary Fund and with the support and encouragement of so many of you, I was able to spend two weeks at Summer School in St. Andrews, completing units 2 and 3 of my teacher certification. The Scottish sun performed as usual – by its absence – but our group had little time to notice since we were dancing all day, six days a week. Every day we compared our various aches and pains (and painkillers, not including the traditional Scottish one) – and then danced some more. In the evenings, social dancing, including in the Younger Hall with its fabled bouncing sprung floor, tempted us back on the floor, sometimes against our better judgment. The music told us what to do – dance. Then the pubs and ceilidhs beckoned. The welcome was warm, not least from the familiar faces of Fred Moyes and Christine Basnett who greeted me on the first day. Our group (16 for the dancing unit and 11 for the teaching unit) reflected the international reach of SCD – dancers from Siberia, Estonia, Hungary, Germany, France, England, Scotland and Canada. Our teacher was Anne Smyth from Fort William, showering us with both “warm fuzzies and cold pricklies” (with the latter predominating). We had live music from Luke Brady, a young and dynamic Scottish bandleader from Dundee (of whom we have not heard the last). We learned that teaching is not as easy as it may look. The stooges, however, were sympathetic and the examiners were kind. The second week saw the arrival of a large group of French dancers, celebrating no doubt the Auld Alliance, and musicians for the music workshop. As a result, we danced at one point to a 28 piece band! At summer school, the international scope of SCD is particularly evident and the enthusiasm of dancers from outside the English-speaking (or Gaelic-speaking!) world is a great encouragement for those of us who hear about declining numbers at home. I would again thank all of you who gave me your encouragement and best wishes.

Bursary Fund

Have you ever considered attending a workshop hosted by another branch or becoming qualified to be a Scottish Country Dance Teacher? Our London Branch has a bursary fund to help pay for you to attend workshops or teacher candidate classes and exams. You may apply for workshop subsidy once in a three-year period. All that we ask in return is a short write up for the Reel News to tell other members about the experience. Letters of application should include workshop dates and registration fees and be given to Margaret Allan.


Summer Picnic Marg Boss

As the thermometer rose and rose,

We all picked out our coolest clothes,

Our coolers packed, our straw hats found,

We all took a final look around,

Off to the country with good cheer,

We knew some fun was very near,

The Watson Estate always astounds,

A gorgeous house and lovely grounds.

Meeting friends, hearing the news,

No one could still have summer blues,

Dips and chips, salsa and cheese,

While we sat in a lovely breeze,

Over 30 folks just relaxing there,

Watching the beauty everywhere,

Then food appeared and it was great,

We even tried a second plate!

Desserts spread out in sugary bliss,

Who could ask for more than this?

Great hosts, great friends, a summer day,

Memories that are here to stay!


Intermediate Class Dance Scott MacCrone

First chance to arrive at the church on time. 31 brave souls entered the church hall. First chance to brief a dance by members of the Intermediate class. You learn so much more by briefing a dance. Marie provided exceptional selections of music, as always. First chance to dance only with a brief; all was not perfect, but neither is life! First chance to socialize at the lunch; way too much good food! First chance to promise to practice more for the Men’s Dance! First chance to smile, make new friends and get reacquainted. First chance to say “It’s All Right”. Let’s enjoy the rest of the dance season.

Dancing Around the World Aloha Winter Weekend – Honolulu, Hawaii Feb 12 – 14, 2016

Aloha nui loa from RSCDS Hawaii! We invite you to join us in Honolulu for an event-filled weekend of dance lessons, social dances and a ceilidh, with live music for all dancing provided by The Humuhumunukunukuapua'a and Strathspey Society Band. We begin on Friday evening, February 12th, 2016, with light supper and a “meet-and-greet” social

dance at the beautiful dance studio at Paradise Park in the rainforest of Manoa Valley. Instructional dance classes on Saturday and Sunday, with Guest Instructor Linda Henderson, and a dinner and semiformal dance on Saturday evening are held at the spacious Palladium Ballroom at the Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse, near Waikiki. Most meals are provided. It’s not too early to start planning … thinking about flight reservations and hotels for this popular time of year in Hawaii. Check out their flyer for more information.

http://www.dancescottish.ca/Whats-On-Far_files/2016-Aloha-Winter-Weekend.pdf


As Her Majesty The Queen became Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, here are 10 things you might not have known about Elizabeth II…

1. The Queen is the 40th monarch since William the Conqueror became King of England in 1066. 2. The Queen was born on 21 April, 1926, but her official birthday is celebrated in June. 3. The Queen has been at the saluting base of her troops in every Trooping the Colour ceremony since the start of her reign, with the exception of 1955, when a national rail strike forced the parade’s cancellation. 4. Every year The Queen sends Christmas trees to Westminster Abbey, Wellington Barracks, St Paul’s Cathedral, St Giles and The Canongate Kirk (Edinburgh), Crathie Church, and local Sandringham schools and churches. 5. The Queen is the first British monarch to have celebrated a Diamond Wedding Anniversary. 6. The Queen’s platinum and diamond engagement ring was made by jewellers Philip Antrobus Ltd, using diamonds from a tiara belonging to Prince Philip’s mother. 7. The Queen sent her first email in 1976 from an army base. 8. The Queen has sat for over 130 portraits during her reign, painted in a variety of styles. 9. The Queen has owned more than 30 corgis during her reign, starting with Susan who was a present for her 18th birthday in 1944. Her Majesty currently has two corgis – Willow and Holly. 10. On 9 September 2015 the Queen became the longest reigning monarch in British history — overtaking Queen Victoria’s record.

Dear Miss Millie Ganz, I have been dancing for a while now. How do I know when I can move from the Basic class to the Intermediate class? Confused Dear Confused, You are not alone in this understandable confusion especially when one observes dancers moving into the next level, either Intermediate or Experienced, at different times. Let me begin by saying that it is not the number of years of experience that

governs this decision but rather the quality of skills and personal technique that the dancer consistently demonstrates. Just because someone has been dancing for years does not mean that she/he has acquired all the necessary learning to perform effectively at the next class level. It is much better to remain slightly longer at the current level and strengthen what you know than to struggle constantly at a faster and more complex pace--an unhappy situation for yourself, the new teacher and your fellow dancers. To know if you are ready for the next step, consult your class teacher. She/he will give you a clear assessment of those areas needing improvement based on the syllabus established by The Society. Your teacher can also suggest ways to increase your capabilities and move you closer to making that successful transition. Miss Millie Ganz If you have a question for Miss Millie Ganz, just send it to [email protected] and I’ll be sure to forward it on to her.



Men’s Dance Programme

Friday, November 13, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. Air Force Association Hall, 2155 Crumlin Road, London

1. Waltz Country Dance 2. The Jubilee Jig 3. Sugar Candie 4. Shiftin’ Bobbins 5. Blue Bonnets 6. Glasgow Country Dance 7. Hooper’s Jig 8. The Village Reel 9. Mairi’s Wedding 10. More Bees A-Dancing 11. The Wild Geese 12. Minister on the Loch 13. The Montgomeries’ Rant 14. The Saint John River 15. West’s Hornpipe 16. The Reel of the Royal Scots

8x32 Waltz J-8x32 S-8x32 R-8x32 J-6x32 M-8x(S16+R16) J-8x32 S-6x32 R-8x40 R-8x32 J-8x32 S-3x32 R-8x32 S-4x32 R-4x32 R-8x32

RSCDS Book 4 RSCDS Leaflet 19 RSCDS Book 26 Ormskirk Book 6 RSCDS Book 3 RSCDS Book 23 MMM Book 2 RSCDS Book 20 22 Scottish Country Dances Graded and Social Dances #2 RSCDS Book 24 24 Graded and Social Dances RSCDS Book 10 Centennial Collection 5 Traditional SCDs 1965 RSCDS Leaflet 7

The briefs/video links for this dance programme as well as those following can be found on the

RSCDS London Canada Branch website.

A popular long-standing tradition of the London Branch is our Men's Dance, which will again be held at the Air Force Association Hall. Fred Moyes and his electronic ensemble will provide the music for the dancing which follows our POTLUCK SUPPER. There will also be a cash bar available. Catherine Shaw will hold her famous merchandise draw, so be prepared to purchase an arm-length of tickets and join in the fun. All this for only $15 a person and is payable at the door.

The men of the Branch are in charge of the evening. Men are asked to bring the entrees - hot and cold. Ladies are asked to bring either a salad or dessert. Coffee and tea will be provided. Please have your food at the hall, on the table at 6:00 pm, complete with serving spoons, etc. At the end of dinner, please recover your dishes and assist in the cleanup so that we can start the dancing as soon as possible.

***Please be sure to bring your plate, mug, cutlery and serving pieces*** The dances are all old favourites and include some basic dances suitable for all levels. The men will be briefing the dances and everyone, including new members, is encouraged to attend this very social evening. Non-dancing spouses are welcome to come and see what we get up to when we kick up our heels.

The Publicity Coordinator is looking for an enthusiastic person with computer skills to join the Publicity Committee to assist in promoting our branch's dancing events and activities. Please contact Gail Frisa ([email protected]) to find out more information.

http://www.rscdslondoncanada.org/events/



Christmas Dance Programme

Saturday, December 19, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. The Polish Combatants Association Hall, 80 Ann Street, London

1. The Happy Meeting 2. Snowdrops in the Glen 3. The Bridge of Nairn 4. Argyll’s Fancy 5. The Fireworks Reel 6. Rose of the North 7. The Waggle of the Kilt 8. Flight to Melbourne 9. The Byron Strathspey 10. The Flight of the Falcon 11. Miss Johnstone of Ardrossan 12. The Glasgow Highlanders 13. It’s Nae Bother 14. The Irish Rover

J-6x32 R-8x32 S-8x32 J-4x48 R-8x32 S-8x32 J-8x40 R-4x32 Sq S-3x32 J-8x32 R-5x32 S-8x32 J-6x32 R-8x32

RSCDS Book 29-9 Glasgow 90th RSCDS Book 13-11 Graded Book - 23 RSCDS Book 48-11 Leeds Silver Jubilee Cosh RSCDS Book 47-3 Deeside Book 2 - Drewry Anniversary Tensome - Priddey 14 Social - Goldring RSCDS Book 2-3 2nd Graded Book Cosh

Come out and celebrate the holiday season with good food, good friends and a great evening of dancing. Live music will be provided by Scotch Mist. There will even be a few dances for non-dancers to kick up their heels! For only $60 per dancer and $35 per non-dancer, you'll have a great evening of fun. Meal choices include turkey, beef and vegetarian dinners. Please see either Alasdair or Anne Campbell to purchase your tickets by December 11th.

One lucky person will attend the London Branch Workshop in February for free. All you have to do is purchase a ticket to the Christmas Dinner and Dance for a chance to win. Consider it an early Christmas present!

Branch Award Nominations Marg Allan Although many members make significant contributions to our Branch, there are some members who make contributions to the greater Scottish Country Dance community as well. Our Branch often presents a Branch Award to these individuals at the Annual Ball. Please read the following guidelines and decide if you would like to nominate a particular member for the award. Nominations are to be forwarded to Marg Allan or another Committee of Management member before December 31, 2015. The Committee of Management will consider the nominations at their January meeting. Recipients of the Award will have done the following: • Upheld the objectives of the RSCDS over a period of years • Shown sustained and exceptional commitment to the promotion of Scottish Country Dancing • Been responsible for some notable achievements in relation to Scottish Country Dancing and/or its music • Not received a previous award as a member of our Branch


Hogmanay Ceilidh Programme

Thursday, December 31, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. Colborne Street United Church Hall, 711 Colborne Street, London

Meet and Greet Ceilidh Dance Country Dance Entertainment Ceilidh Dance Country Dances Audience Participation Entertainment Ceilidh Dance Country Dances Audience Participation Entertainment Audience Participation Country Dances Elimination Spot Dance Sing-a-Long Refreshments Served Country Dance Ceilidh Dance Count Down to Midnight Auld Lang Syne Scottish Waltz

Paul Jones The Canadian Barn Dance The Flowers of Edinburgh The Brittania Two Step The Dancing Bees The Royal Deeside Railway The Riverside Scotland’s Gardens Catch the Wind Shiftin’ Bobbins The Sailor The St. Bernards Waltz Mairi’s Wedding Circassian Circle

This year’s countdown to the year 2016 will be in a different venue, Colborne Street United Church, and will have a little different content. There will be favourite Scottish Country Dances, ceilidh dances, entertainment, audience participation and refreshments. Helen Bell and Sandra Gilmour will lead this fun filled evening. Please come and bring family and friends as there will be something for everyone. For only $15 each at the door, this will be the best deal in the city!

Edinburgh is a mecca for all those who really want to bring in the New Year with style as few mark the occasion with more enthusiasm than the Scots. Each Hogmanay (the Scottish name for New Year’s Eve), following a loud rendition of Roberts Burn’s Auld Lang Syne at midnight, Scots visit each other’s houses in a custom called first-footing. The first person to cross the threshold on New Year’s Day becomes the first-footer and must bring with them a lump of coal (to signify warmth for the year ahead), a piece of cake (to ensure there’ll

be enough food) and salt (for wealth). One of the world’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations takes place in Edinburgh this year, from December 30th, 2015 to January 1st, 2016. There’s a packed programme of spectacular events including a street party, Old Town Ceilidh, concerts, amusement rides, fireworks and more. Check it out at the Edinburgh Hogmanay website.

http://edinburghshogmanay.com/


Upcoming Out of Town Events Oct 24, 2015 Nov 6-8, 2015 Nov 7-8, 2015 Nov 14, 2015 Nov 14, 2015 Nov 21, 2015 Dec 5, 2015 Dec 11, 2015 Dec 12, 2015 Dec 12, 2015 Feb 12-14, 2016 Feb 20, 2016 Apr 16, 2016

50th Anniversary Ball (Windsor) RSCDS AGM Conference Weekend 2015 (Perth Scotland) Jeannie Carmichael Ball, New York Toronto Workshop and Dance RSCDS Kitchener November Dance RSCDS Detroit Branch 35th Anniversary Ball RSCDS Hamilton Christmas Dinner and Dance Oakville Christmas Dance RSCDS Kitchener Christmas Dance RSCDS St. Catharines Christmas Dance Aloha Winter Weekend (Hawaii) 53rd Annual Tartan Ball (Toronto) RSCDS Ottawa Golden Anniversary Ball

The Story Behind a Dance REEL OF THE 51ST DIVISION (R8x32) 3C (4C set) Atkinson RSCDS Bk 13

The Reel of the 51st was written in a prisoner of war camp during the Second World War by Lieutenant J.E.M. “Jimmy” Atkinson (7th Battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders), Lt. Peter Oliver (4th Seaforth Highlanders) and Lt. Col. Tom Harris Hunter (51st Division Logistics Group RASC). Atkinson’s idea of a reel with a St Andrews cross as its main formation was intended to symbolize Scotland and the Highland Division. Both Atkinson and Hunter included instructions for the dance in letters home. The Germans intercepted Atkinson’s letter thinking it was a coded message, but

Hunter’s made it home to his wife. Mrs. Hunter, being the secretary of the Perth branch of the SCDS at the time, printed and distributed a few copies of the dance and it became instantly popular. It is also known as the Laufen Reel after Laufen Castle near Salzburg, the 51st Country Dance, the Reel of the 51st Highland Division, and St Valery's Reel; it is often danced in a set composed entirely of men. The 51st Highland Division was the first contemporary Scottish Country Dance to be published by the R.S.C.D.S. Committee of Management for 2015-2016 Chairperson Maureen Graham [email protected] 519-472-3422 Secretary Margaret Allan [email protected] 519-679-9366 Treasurer Goretti Reynen [email protected] 226-777-4756 Past Chairperson Marel Fielding [email protected] 519-471-3229 Membership Secretary Peter Auksi [email protected] 519-850-0647 Social Convenor Lori Ferguson [email protected] 519-666-2270 Newsletter Editor Karen MacCrone [email protected] 519-472-5089 Publicity Coordinator Gayle Frisa [email protected] 519-666-0847 Library/Archives Brian Campbell [email protected] 519-644-2265 Teacher Rep Marie McLennan [email protected] 519-471-5493

http://rscdswindsor.org/events/

https://www.rscds.org/article/agm-conference-weekend-2015

http://www.rscdsnewyork.org/jcball/index.html

http://www.dancescottish.ca/Workshop.html

http://www.rscds.kitchener.on.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=2&Itemid=25

http://www.rscdsdetroit.org/web-content/Pages/Events.html

http://www.rscdshamilton.org/events.html

http://www.dancescottish.ca/Whats-On-Near_files/2015-Oakville-Christmas-dance-briefs.pdf

http://www.rscds.kitchener.on.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=2&Itemid=25

http://www.rscdsstcatharines.ca/upcoming-events/christmas-dance

http://www.rscdshawaii.org/home/workshop/

http://www.dancescottish.ca/Tartan_Ball.html

http://rscdsottawa.ca/50th/index.html

http://www.scottish-country-dancing-dictionary.com/video/reel-of-the-51st-division.html











THE REEL NEWS London... · The first day of fall was just weeks ago but judging by the weather the...

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