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Newsletter of the Vancouver Branch Royal Scottish Country Dance Society
January – February, 2016
Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra – Evening of Scottish Music & Dance
Above: Audience participation dance Below: Vancouver Branch Dem Team
photos: Dave Clendenan
3 Frae the Chair
4 Dancing Dates
8 On the Dance Floor
12 Vancouver Area Events: 2016
7 Notices
2 The White Cockade — Jan/Feb 2016
RSCDS Vancouver Branch Board of Directors 2015-16
Officers
Chair Gerry Stensgaard [email protected] 604.451.1161 Vice-Chair Peter Richards [email protected] 604.929.2745
Corresponding Secretary Gill Beattie [email protected] 604.224.6751 Recording Secretary Sally Marshall [email protected] 604.941.9758 Treasurer Laurie Johnston [email protected] 604.222.2519 Membership Secretary Patsy Jamieson [email protected] 604.929.4884
Other Directors showing specific responsibilities
BC Highland Games Rep Simon Scott [email protected] 604.925.9333 Children's Program Liaison Francis O’Farrell [email protected] 604.321.0533 Events Coordinator Heather Hankin [email protected] 604.730.9581 Publicity Cathrine Conings [email protected] 604.299.6447 Safety Coordinator Sue Sochasky [email protected] 604.476.1946 Director at Large Janet Mason [email protected] 604.942.1404
Board Appointments
Betwixt & Between Coord. Katherine Shearman [email protected] 604.671.2480 Burns Supper Coordinator Gill Beattie [email protected] 604.224.6751 Dancing Coordinator Frances Caruth [email protected] 604.922.6842 Dancing in the Park Alison Moen [email protected] 604.980.0428 Dem Team Director R. Blackhall-Peters [email protected] 604.530.0500 Heather Ball Chair Denise Cunningham [email protected] 604.261.0162 Love to Dance Workshop Frances Caruth [email protected] 604.922.6842 Newsletter Editor Karen Sommer [email protected] RSCDS Director USAC Ltd Stewart Cunningham [email protected] 604.261.0162 Web Site Manager Mary Ann McDevitt [email protected] 604.929.2944 Archivist Mary Ann McDevitt [email protected] 604.929.2944 Nominating Chair Sandy Caruth [email protected] 604.922.6842
Other Contacts
Ceilidh Director Duncan MacKenzie [email protected] 604.536.9481 TAC Representative Jean Wagstaff [email protected] 604.464.8103 North Shore Children Maureen Hood [email protected] 604.922.4406
Shot of Scotch with the Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra photo: Dave Clendenan
The White Cockade — Jan/Feb 2016 3
Frae the Cha irFrae the Cha irFrae the Cha irFrae the Cha ir
Happy New Year Frae the Chair I hope that you all had a joyful Christmas and a braw Hogmanay. The weeks leading up to the year end were full of dancing opportunities. The run of events began with the November 11 Lady Aberdeen Tea Dance, produced this year by the Burnaby Scottish Country Dance Club. Congratulations to Burnaby for a job well done! Next up was the always-enjoyable Fort Langley St. Andrew’s Dance. This dance was held in the charming Fort Langley Community Hall, with music by accordionist Mary Ross. Fort Langley was followed by the Delta Borderers Dance with music by pianist Don Bartlett of Toronto. Don’s music was lovely to dance to, but dance attendance could have been better. If you weren’t there, make a point of attending the Delta Dance next year. Delta was followed by the North Shore Children’s Christmas Party, which was attended by none other than Santa. It was lovely to see people of all ages happily dancing together. On the heels of the Children’s party came the Glenayre SCDC Christmas Party, which brought out a festive crowd and was delightful as usual. As I write, the Gleneagles Ball and the Betwixt and Between Dance are still in the offing, but I am sure that they will both be up to expectations. With free admission for RSCDS members, the Betwixt and Between Dance is a nice membership perk. We dancers owe all our hard-working dance organisers a big THANK-YOU! All of the above will be old news by the time you read this, but you have some fine dancing opportunities coming up in the new year. First comes the Branch’s Burns Supper on January 16 with all the traditional elements observed. The dance program is “user friendly”, and with music by the Tartan Players it will be enjoyed by new and experienced dancers alike. Then there is the Love to Dance Workshop and Tea Dance on February 13th — see full details elsewhere in this edition. If you’re looking for something to do on a Friday night, don’t forget the Ceilidh Dances on January 8th and February 5th. These are a good way to wear off some Christmas “excess baggage,” and it is a great help to Ceilidh Master Duncan MacKenzie to have some experienced dancers in the mix. Some current Branch dancers had their first introduction to Scottish country dancing at the Ceilidhs, so these events help Branch recruitment and deserve our support. Finally, the Heather Ball will take place on March 19th, with super music by Nicol McLaren and the Glencraig Scottish Dance Band from Scotland, augmented by Judi Nicolson from Texas — an event not to be missed! Slàinte, Gerry Stensgaard
4 The White Cockade — Jan/Feb 2016
DANC ING DATESDANC ING DATESDANC ING DATESDANC ING DATES
Saturday January 16 Vancouver Branch Burns Supper
Scottish Cultural Centre Bar 6:00 Tickets $55 8886 Hudson St Dinner 7:00 Buy your tickets now for the Vancouver Branch Burns Supper!
Come and join us at our 42nd annual celebration of the life and works of Robert Burns. This evening is a genuine bargain at $55 a ticket, as it includes a traditional Scottish meal with all the trimmings, a no-host bar for wine, beer and a whisky, wonderful music from the Tartan Players, entertainment by the Vancouver Demonstration Team, and a varied dance programme with a dance for everyone! It is also an ideal night to bring your non-dancing family and friends.
Tickets are available from November 11th — through your club representative, at [email protected] or 604-224-6751, or through PayPal on the rscdsvancouver.org website. For the programme, see the November-December issue of The White Cockade. Crib sheets are posted on the RSCDS website.
Looking forward to seeing you there, Gill Beattie
Used Items for Sale
■ A Man’s heavy weight kilt. 42"-44" waist, length suitable for man over 6' tall. Muted Red MacFarlane tartan.
■ A Prince Charlie jacket & vest, black. Chest size 48 / long. ■ A Kilt jacket, green tweed. Chest size 44 / long. ■ A Kilt jacket, tweed mixed colours. Chest Size 36 / Small. ■ A Lady’s Royal Stewart kilted skirt, Size 12. For further information contact Jean Wagstaff: [email protected] 604-371-1939
The White Cockade — Jan/Feb 2016 5
Saturday March 5 Burnaby Annual Dance
Confederation Centre 7:30 pm $20 4584 Albert Street, Burnaby Music: Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra Dance to the exciting music of the VFO and enjoy 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! Machine without Horses ................ J ....................................... Book 12 Miss Eleanor ................................. S ...................................... Book 49 Orpington Caledonians .................. R ....................................... Book 49 Captain George Vancouver ............ J ............ Vancouver Golden Anniv. Bonnie Stronshiray ........................ S ....... Campbell, Glasgow Assembly Scott Meikle ................................... R ....................................... Book 46 Rodney’s Rant ............................... J ................. Diamond Jubilee Coll. MacDonald of Keppoch .................. M ..................................... Book 49 Trip to Bavaria .............................. R ....................... MacGregor-Brown Jubilee Jig ..................................... J ........................... RSCDS Leaflets Bratach Bana ................................ R ..................... Drewry, Bon Accord Linnea’s Strathspey ....................... S ....................................... Book 47 Links with St. Petersburg .............. J ....................................... Book 46 Polharrow Burn ............................. R ........ Three Dances by Hugh Foss Flower of Glasgow .......................... S ....................................... Book 46 The Chequered Court .................... J ....................................... Book 42 Montgomeries’ Rant ....................... R ....................................... Book 10
Saturday February 13 Love to Dance Scottish Workshop and Tea Dance
Scottish Cultural Centre 8:30 am – 5:30 pm 8886 Hudson St
This event is always very popular, so register early and tell your friends. Teachers: Rebecca Blackhall-Peters and Ruth Jappy Musicians: The Tartan Players Inquiries: Fran Caruth 604-922 6842 or Jean Wagstaff 604-371-1939
For more information and to register, visit the RSCDS web site. www.rscdsvancouver.org/dance/love-to-dance-workshop-tea-dance/
6 The White Cockade — Jan/Feb 2016
Saturday March 19 Heather Ball
Scottish Cultural Centre Reception 5:45 Tickets $80 8886 Hudson Street Supper 6:30 The RSCDS Vancouver Branch invites you to join us for this year’s gala Heather Ball. Start with a champagne reception followed by supper and the Grand March. Then dance to the fabulous music of Nicol McLaren’s Trio from Scotland along with Fiddler Judi Nicolson. Tickets will be available online via PayPal or credit card in mid-January. They will also be available at most of our lower mainland clubs or by contacting Fran Caruth at [email protected]. If you require billeting, contact Cathrine Conings at [email protected]. There will be a walk-through at the Cultural Centre on Wednesday, March 16, from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Cost is $6.50. Check our website Events Calendar for bios on our musicians, programme dance notes, and updates. We look forward to seeing everyone at this gala ball!
Dance Programme
Lamb Skinnet ................................. J ........................................ Book14 The Belle of Bon Accord .................. S ........................................ Drewry The Royal Deeside Railway ............. R ....................................... Book 40 Major Ian Stewart ........................... J ....................................... Book 35 Sauchie Haugh ............................... S ........................... RSCDS Leaflets The Kissing Bridge .......................... R ....................................... Book 47 EH3 7AF ........................................ J ....................................... Book 40 Delvine Side ................................... S ......................................... Book 2 The Montgomeries’ Rant ................. R ....................................... Book 10 The Happy Meeting ......................... J ....................................... Book 29 Miss Gibson’s Strathspey ............... S ....................................... Book 20 City of Stirling Reel ........................ R ............................... Roy Goldring A Capital Jig ................................... J .................................... 5 for 2009 Miss Eleanor .................................. S ....................................... Book 49 The Reel of the Royal Scots ............. R ........................... RSCDS Leaflets
The White Cockade — Jan/Feb 2016 7
NOT ICESNOT ICESNOT ICESNOT ICES
Membership Secretary Vacancy
Opportunity for a Vancouver Branch member with computer skills. After a long and exemplary stint as the Branch’s Membership Secretary, Patsy Jamieson will be stepping down from the position as of next September’s AGM. To ease the new incumbent into the position, the Board has determined that a candidate should be identified by May 1, 2016. At that time the candidate would begin working as Patsy’s understudy to become acquainted with the Membership Secretary’s tasks and responsibilities prior to taking charge after the AGM. Basic computer skills are mandatory for this position. Members interested in this opportunity to serve our dancing community are requested to contact Nominating Committee Chair Sandy Caruth ( [email protected] or phone 604-922-6842).
Gerry Stensgaard
Vancouver Branch Classes at the Scottish Cultural Centre
Monday class: Every Monday 7:30 to 9:30pm Classes resume on January 11 and run until April 11. Teachers: Mary Murray and Katherine Shearman Fees: $65 for the term or $6.50 drop-in (RSCDS membership required) Programme class: Every Wednesday 7:30 to 9:30pm Classes start on January 13 and run until the end of May Come and learn the dances for upcoming socials Suitable for all dancers familiar with the steps and basic formations of Scottish Country Dancing. Drop in fee: $6.50 Teachers: rotation (information available on the Branch website)
Obituary: John Keith Robertson
John Keith Robertson passed away on November 26 at the age of 85. John was an early member of the Vancouver Branch, and danced under noted dance devisor and teacher Hugh Thurston in the 1960’s. Although I never really knew him, I remember seeing him at many dances in the early 80’s, always wearing his trademark flamboyant shirts. John is survived by his wife Marie Robertson.
A memorial service will be held for Mr. Robertson on January 25th, 1:30 pm, at the George Derby Centre, 7550 Cumberland St., Burnaby.
Gerry Stensgaard
8 The White Cockade — Jan/Feb 2016
On the dance f loorOn the dance f loorOn the dance f loorOn the dance f loor
RSCDS Children’s and Family Christmas Party
The Children’s and Family Christmas Party was held on Saturday, December 5th in North Vancouver. It was a fun afternoon with 44 children in attendance and many of their parents and friends.
We would like to thank Santa and Mrs. Claus (Drum and Pat Cavers) for attending and for Dal McCrindle’s piping Santa and Mrs. Claus in. Thanks also to all the helpers at the door, in the kitchen and in the store and for everyone who brought food.
Louise Steinway and the Children’s Committee
photos: Deirdre Grace
photo: Francis O’Farrell
The White Cockade — Jan/Feb 2016 9
Lady Aberdeen Tea Dance
This year’s Lady Aberdeen Tea Dance was another great success – thanks in part to the wonderful attendance (185) and the delicious variety of food brought in by the dancers, and thanks to the Burnaby Club for organizing and hosting a delightful event.
Mrs. Ella Bingham, who had started the first Scottish Country Dance group in Vancouver in 1930, also started a Scottish Country Dance group for members of the local Council of Women in 1938. In 1939 she named this group the Lady Aberdeen Dance Group in honour of the late Lady Aberdeen, formerly the Governor General of Canada’s wife, founder of the Victorian Order of Nurses of Canada, and founder and first president of the Canadian National Council of Women.
Right after World War II the Lady Aberdeen Dance Group started a long lasting tradition of having a November 11 Armistice Day Dance as a celebration and recognition of our Canadian troops. That tradition was carried on by Nellie MacKenzie until 1977, and then under the direction of Eileen and Ken Bennett right up until 2010 when the Vancouver Branch assumed responsibility for continuing this grand tradition with various host clubs sponsoring on a rotating basis.
Also, a part of the tradition has been to donate all of the proceeds to charity. This year’s net proceeds of $2469 will be divided between the TB Vets and the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
The music and dance program for the dance was organized by Rosemary Coupe and the traditional selections of familiar dances were most enjoyable to experienced and beginning dancers alike. A special thanks to Rosemary and Cathrine Conings who shared the dance briefings with patience and clarity.
The hall was tastefully decorated on a Canadian motif of Canadian flags, posters of the Lady Aberdeen history, the poem In Flanders Fields, and with huge banners identifying the Remembrance Day occasion. Coupled with the recent refurbishment of the permanent hall decor it provided a very friendly welcoming atmosphere. A special thanks to Mary Ann McDevitt for taking charge of the whole decorating project.
A big part of the tea dance is the food – and plentiful and delicious it was. The unsung heroes in making this huge undertaking a reality are the kitchen team volunteers. A big thank you to Doreen Kennedy and her team for their selfless giving of talent and resources spending most of the day in the kitchen to make sure 185 people could enjoy a delicious afternoon tea (during a 30 minute break from the dancing).
Although it is an optional part of the host club responsibilities, the Burnaby Club under the leadership of Cathrine Conings took on the raffle project with great enthusiasm, creating 12 beautiful gift baskets and generating $902.
In summary, it was a very enjoyable afternoon tea dance and the Burnaby Club was proud to have carried on the Lady Aberdeen tradition for 2015.
Dave Jackson
10 The White Cockade — Jan/Feb 2016
photos: Kerry McDevitt
Lady Aberdeen Tea Dance
The White Cockade — Jan/Feb 2016 11
Delta Borderers Dance, November 28th
photos: Mairi Maxwell
12 The White Cockade — Jan/Feb 2016
Vancouver Area Events: 2016Vancouver Area Events: 2016Vancouver Area Events: 2016Vancouver Area Events: 2016
Dates and events subject to change. For the most up-to-date listings, visit www.rscdsvancouver.org/calendar-
events/
Submission deadline for the next issue of The White Cockade: February 10.
Submissions should be editable text (either in the body of your email or in a word processed file attachment) and/or photos as attachments — .jpg preferred (and please provide photo credit).
Email your submissions directly to the editor ( [email protected] ).
Jan 8 Vancouver Ceilidh Dance Apr 2 Spring Dance – Glenayre
Jan 9 Bellingham Social Dance Apr 2 Workshop & Social – Van. Island
Jan 11 Branch classes start Apr 9
Children’s Easter Party – North Shore
Jan16 Vancouver Burns Supper Apr 9 Bellingham Social
Jan 16 Burns Social – Van. Island Apr 10 White Cockade submission deadline
Jan 23
Burns Supper – Tam O’ Shanter Apr11 Vancouver Spring Celidh
Jan 23 Burns Supper – Seattle Apr 16 Spring Fling Social – Van. Island
Feb 5 Vancouver Ceilidh Dance Apr 16 Deep Cove Dance
Feb 6 Bellingham Social Apr 29 Annual Ceilidh – White Rock
Feb 10
White Cockade submission deadline
Apr 29 Vancouver Ceilidh Dance
Feb 13
Love to Dance Wkshop & Tea Dance
Apr 30 20th Annual Workshop – Vernon
Feb 20
Valentines Tea Dance – Van. Island
May 1 Annual May Dance – White Rock
Feb 26 Vancouver Ceilidh Dance May 14 Bellingham Social
Mar 5 Burnaby club Annual Dance May 29 Whiskey Tea Dance – Ft Langley
Mar 12 Bellingham Social Dance Jun 18 BC Highland Games
Mar 13 Celtic Fest Parade Aug 10 White Cockade submission deadline
Mar 19 Heather Ball
Mar 25 Vancouver Ceilidh Dance
