cockade The white RSCDS Vancouver Branch Board of Directors January - February 2018

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1 The white cockade RSCDS Vancouver Branch Board of Directors Elected at the RSCDS Vancouver Branch AGM on September 16, 2017 Peter Richards January - February 2018 Heather Hankin vicechair@rscdsvancouver.org Gill Beattie secretary@rscdsvancouver.org Sally Marshall recordingsecretary@rscdsvancouver.org Stewart Cunningham treasurer@rscdsvancouver.org Patsy Jamieson membership@rscdsvancouver.org Anne Brand archives@rscdsvancouver.org Hamish Jackson highlandgames@rscdsvancouver.org Francis O'Farrell children@rscdsvancouver.org Sandra Anderson & Denise Cunningham events@rscdsvancouver.org Janet Mason publicity@rscdsvancouver.org Officers & Directors Frae the Chair...3 Notices...4 Dancing Dates...6 Dancing News & Photos...10 Branch Board Appointments Vancouver Area Calendar of Events...20 by Dave Jackson - left to right - Cathy Devlin, Cathrine Conings & Vicki Downey at the Burnaby Class Halloween Party, complete with prizes for the best costumes. Can you guess the winner? Scottish Cultural Centre Hudson Street. Vancouver. BC. V6P 4N2 2

2 With the Christmas season behind us, there s still lots to look forward to for entertainment and joy in this, the gloomiest of seasons. You will need no reminding that we gather together for the Burns Supper on the 20th of January. This will be the Vancouver Branch s 45th celebration of the life and poetry of Robert Burns. The evening includes a traditional Scottish meal with all the trimmings, a no-host bar, wonderful music by the Tartan Players and entertainment by the Vancouver Branch Demonstration Team. At $60, it s a price that can t be beat. We keep the speeches light and short these days so that we can get on the dance floor and let hornpipes, jigs, strathspeys, and reels put life and mettle in our heels. So bring your significant others - there will be some dances that even the most left-footed of us can do. In February, on Saturday the 17th, there is our annual Love to Dance workshop and dance. This year, in response to suggestions from participants, our wonderful catering team will invest their efforts in providing workshop attendees with a good lunch. Light refreshments will be served during the afternoon. Registrations are already coming in, so sign up NOW! Finally you will have a chance to dance to Muriel Johnstone and Ian Robertson from Scotland, and Judi Nicolson from Texas when they play at the Heather Ball on March 17th. You can buy a combination ticket to the ball and the not-to-be missed concert the next day. Dancers from Vancouver, who attended the concert Muriel gave after the workshop in Budapest, came back thoroughly impressed. We have already sold tickets to some Bay Area dancers who are taking the opportunity to visit and dance in Vancouver - so don t miss out experiencing some of the best music that the Scottish Country Dance world has to offer. The Gleneagles Ball, B twixt & B tween, and Christmas are behind us but there are still lots of opportunities, while waiting for spring, to enjoy our great indoors pastime of dancing away the winter doldrums. Peter Richards Chair, RSCDS Vancouver Branch Frae the Chair Happy New Year! 3 Notices New Cover Page It has been three long years and a tremendous amount of work by the Graphics Committee to design and incorporate the new logo into all Branch publicity materials. Chair, Patsy Jamieson, advises the Committee set out to create a new logo which now exists in three formats logo, cluster and letterhead - and are now working on guidelines for consistency. Where possible, the Branch logo should be in the top left corner of all Branch publicity documents with the logo for the Event in the lower right corner. The White Cockade has been synonymous with the Branch Newsletter for many years now. However, the lower right corner of the page didn t seem to be an option for the flower. The Committee set out to design a cover page that incorporated the new cluster logo while still keeping Scotland s White Rose prominent. They then met with the newsletter editor, and after some discussion and tweaking, all agreed on the new cover page. It was presented to the Branch Board, approved at their December 2nd meeting, and debuts with this first newsletter of the new year. The logo has been incorporated into a range of publicity materials - most recently the Branch mass s and the website. The Graphics Committee - Patsy Jamieson, Janet Mason and Sandy Caruth - should be very proud of themselves for a job very well done! 4 Mary Ann McDevitt, Newsletter Editor Full details on the new logo can be found under the About Us / Board Documents page on the Branch website - NORTH SHORE CHILDREN S & FAMILY DANCE CLASSES Classes resume on Saturdays January 13 to March 17, :00 to 10:00 am Mickey McDougall Community Centre St. George s & 23rd Street, North Vancouver 10 Classes $ Sibling Rate $65.01 Teacher: Pat Johnson Contact North Vancouver Recreation & Culture at (PLAY)7529 for information and registration or visit their website at Registration Code

3 Dancing Dates Monday Nights 7:30 to 9:30 pm at the Scottish Cultural Centre EVERYONE WELCOME There will be two class levels: Beginner/Intermediate (Level 1) & Higher Intermediate/Experienced (Level 11) Classes resume January 8 & run until April 9, 2018 Fees: $78 per term or $7.50 Drop-in All dancers require RSCDS membership See our website: Teachers: Mary Murray (Level 11) Katherine Shearman (Level 1) Wednesday Nights 7:30 to 9:30 pm at the Scottish Cultural Centre PROGRAMME CLASS Classes resume January 10 & run to the end of May 2018 This year the Wednesday night class will review not only dances for upcoming socials, but will also offer a few special nights! Check the website Branch page or calendar of events for themes for our Wednesday Evening Dancing. These classes are open to all dancers who are familiar with the steps and basic formations of Scottish Country Dancing. To share the fun and introduce our teachers to everyone, different teachers are scheduled for each evening. COME JOIN THE FUN! Drop-in $7.50 Scottish Cultural Centre - 7:00 pm $12 (Students $10) Class starts at 7 pm and the dance is from 8 to 11 pm. No experience or partner required. We teach you almost everything! It s lots of fun with live music by our resident Ceilidh Band, Calanais. More Ceilidhs are scheduled for February 23, March 30, and April 27. EVERYONE WELCOME! Bring your friends and come join the fun! Scottish Cultural Centre - Bar 6:00 pm - Dinner 7:00 pm $60 Come celebrate the 259 th anniversary of his birth! It s the perfect event to introduce your non-dancing family and friends to Scottish Country Dancing. The evening includes a no host bar, a traditional Scottish meal with all the trimmings, a piper, a performance by the Vancouver Branch Demonstration Team, and dancing to some great music by the Tartan Players. Tickets, while they last, are available through your local club, online at rscdsvancouver.org OR burns@rscdsvancouver.org. See the November/December White Cockade for the dance programme. Dance notes are available on the website Events Calendar. 5 6

4 Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver Registration 8:30 am Workshop 9:00 am Dance 2:00 pm LOVE TO DANCE SCOTTISH PLAN FOR THE DAY Confederation Centre - 7:30 pm $ Albert Street, Burnaby - Music: Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra Once again the members of the Burnaby Club look forward to welcoming you to dance to an evening of dancing to the VFO s exciting music! To get to the Confederation Centre, take Willingdon Avenue one block north of Hastings, and turn right on Albert. The parking lot will be on your left and the building is to the left of the lot. This event is always very popular so register early. Brochures are available at your local club or online at rscdsvancouver.org/home/love-to-dance. If you miss the morning, join us in the afternoon for the dance. A fun programme, suitable for all dancers, and great music! Light refreshments only during the afternoon. For more information contact: Jean Wagstaff at or Fran Caruth at Programme (*easier dances) New Year Jig*...J...Book 51 MacDonald of the Isles...S...Haynes, Carnforth Coll. The Kissing Bridge*...R...Book 47 Pelorus Jack...J...Book 41 Lord Elgin s Reel*...S...Book 26 Flight to Melbourne*...R...Book 47 The Wild Geese*...J...Book 24 Miss Eleanor...S...Book 49 Bohemian Reflections*...R...Book 51 Sunshine and Sweetie s Jig...J...Book 48 The Minister on the Loch...S...Goldring, Magazine Dances The De il Amang the Tailors*...R...Book 14 Dance notes will be available on the Vancouver Branch website events calendar at rscdsvancouver. org 7 The Monday Night Reel...R...Rigby, Nine SC Dances Susanne s Strathspey...S...29 Social Dances Inchmickery...J...29 Social Dances The Whistling Wind...R...Book 36 The Paisley Weavers...S...A Third Book of Graded Georgie s Jig...J...Leaflet 32 Flowers of Edinburgh...R...Book 1 The Laird of Atherton...S...Kelly, San Francisco Coll. Vol 2 The Black Leather Jig...R...Selling, Delaware Valley Silver ********* The Jubilee Jig...J...Leaflet Dances 11 The Spirit of the Dance...S...Paterson, TAC 50 Anniversary Lady Sophia Lindsay...R...Leaflet 6 Chasing the Wild Goose...J...Brown, Unpublished Chasing the Eclipse...S...Gallamore, Highland Road Coll. A Capital Jig...J...5 Dances 2009 The Duke & Duchess of Edinburgh...R...Book 39 Sunday, March 18 MURIEL JOHNSTONE IN CONCERT Holy Trinity Anglican Church - 3:00 pm $ West 12th Avenue, Vancouver For everyone who loves music, both traditional Scottish and a variety of genres, please join us with your family and friends for an afternoon concert with Muriel Johnstone and guest. This is a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon and a great way to round off this special Heather Ball weekend. Tickets available online at heather-ball-tickets/ 8

5 Scottish Cultural Centre - 5:45 pm $80 Dancing News & Photos Simply Scottish on Salt Spring The RSCDS Vancouver Branch invites you to a weekend of dancing, listening and eating pleasure. The 2018 Heather Ball starts with a champagne reception at 5:45 pm followed by a full, hot supper at 6:15 pm, then dancing to some of the finest Scottish Country Dance musicians: After the dance mingle & enjoy a hot cider or shandy, and shortbread! Photos by Kerry McDevitt Below left: Richard & Catherine Bennett. Right (from left): Beth Armour, Fran Hillier, Mary Ann McDevitt & Jean Wagstaff enjoy a break. PROGRAM A Trip To Glasgow...J...RSCDS Leaflet The Paisley Weavers...S...3rd Graded Book The Irish Rover...R...Cosh The Nurseryman...J...Book 37 John McAlpin...S...RSCDS Leaflet Swiss Lassie...R...Book 39 The Right Way Up...J...A Reel For Alice The Silver Tassie...S...RSCDS Leaflet Two Peas In A Pod...R...J.Rae A Dancing Tour Vol. 2 ********** The Raven s Dance...J...Carnforth Book 5 Village Reel...S...Book 20 The Lass Of Richmond Hill...R...2nd Graded Book Best Set In The Hall...J...Book 46 City Of Belfast...S...Book 48 The Wind That Shakes The Barley...R...Eight S.C. Dances Duthie AND THE PRICE FOR THIS WEEKEND IS THE SAME AS LAST YEAR! Tickets available through your local club or online at See previous page for Muriel Johnstone in Concert on March 18th. 9 Even with the downpours, it was a lovely simply Scottish day of dance on Salt Spring. A warm welcome with coffee, tea and pastries awaited us Saturday morning. Everyone enjoyed the classes by teachers Elinor Vandegrift and Richard Bennett. It was then a leisurely afternoon to explore the Island or just relax. A Champagne reception preceded a delightful dinner prepared by the Secondary School Culinary Students. Then dancing to a great program with wonderful music by Mary Ross, Janette Polson and Ron Krug. We look forward to the next simply Scottish day of dance on Salt Spring. 10 Some dancers from the Vancouver area could not resist a photo op with Sean Connery. Photo compliments of Jean Wagstaff

6 The Lady Aberdeen Tea Dance A quote from Simon Scott at the Lady Aberdeen Tea Dance on Saturday, November 11th: We, from Gleneagles, are very pleased to be here for today s dance. We are all here to dance, and today to remember the unspeakable cost paid, by so many, in years past for our freedom. Let us enjoy the afternoon ahead and be truly grateful about who we are.. and about where we are. Over 180 dancers & guests filled the Scottish Cultural Centre for a great afternoon of remembrance, dancing and camaraderie. Many thanks to the Gleneagles SCD Club for all their hard work putting this event together. Above: Reel of the 51 st Division with men only, then everyone. Below right: The ever popular Dream Catcher. Below left: Gleneagles Chair, Norm Haug (left) & Doug Nelson were happy to take our money. Over $2,700 was raised for Doctors Without Borders. 11 Lady Aberdeen History Lady Aberdeen, as she became in 1877, when marrying Lord Aberdeen, the 6th Earl and 1st Marquess of Aberdeen. She was certainly a most significant figure of her time. Lord Aberdeen and his Lady, who had previously visited Canada, returned in 1893 to Rideau Hall in Ottawa, on his appointment as Governor General of Canada, and she as Vice-Regal Consort. This was when Governor Generals were still dispatched by the Monarch. Lord Aberdeen was the 7th Governor General of Canada since the founding of our Dominion in 1867, one hundred and fifty years ago. Hence our surroundings of our National flags this afternoon in In her own right Lady Aberdeen was a passionate, reform and democracy, advocate. She was President of the International Council of Women for forty years and founder of the National Council here in Canada as well as founder of the Victorian Order of Nurses in Canada and many other worthwhile causes. When she and her husband returned to Britain, Lord Aberdeen was appointed, for the second time, as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland where Lady Isabel Aberdeen continued her prominent, meaningful public work. Our Lady also Scottish Country Danced and would hold numerous balls and costumed events wherever they resided in their official or personal homes. Later in life Lady Aberdeen was made Dame Grand Cross in the Order of the British Empire. She received the Freedom of both Limerick and Edinburgh. She was the first woman to receive an honorary degree in Canada. Her name is on Plaques, Streets and Avenues across our land. She was named a National Historic Person with a Parks Canada plaque on Sussex Drive. There is another plaque on a bridge upstream from the confluence of the Gatineau and Ottawa rivers where she was rescued by Gatineau locals after falling through the ice. She funded a small church near the site in gratitude.together they wrote their memoir published in Born Ishbel Maria Marjoribanks Ishbel is Gaelic for Isobel. Lady Ishbel Hamilton-Gordon, Marchioness of Aberdeen and Temair died 18 April 1939 aged eighty-two. Mrs Thomas Bingham was indeed the original generator and founder of Scottish country dancing in Vancouver in the 1920s. She was the local president of the Council of Women, and, as a tribute to Lady Aberdeen, formed the Lady Aberdeen Scottish Country Dance Club. Mrs Bingham and that club began this annual tradition of a dance event each November 11th many years ago. I remember Mrs Bingham would stand so proudly at attention at the top of the hall in the old Vancouver Scottish Auditorium, wearing her best Sunday hat with the veil in front, for the singing of God Save the Queen, formerly God Save the King, and Oh Canada. Nellie McKenzie then ran both the Lady Aberdeen Club and this annual event in the following years. Eileen Bennett then took over, helped by her husband Ken, who in turn, ran this dance on his own, when Eileen died. We no longer have the Lady Aberdeen Club, so are very pleased that our Vancouver Branch is now the sponsor of this very worthy occasion which is run by different local clubs each year. Simon Scott 12

7 A Different Event Delta Borderers Dance On the evening of November 10th, 32 dancers staged a Scottish Country Dance Flash Mob at Circle Craft Christmas Market at the Convention Centre West on the waterfront. The surprise was planned for a time known to be when many people (mostly women) working in the city come to see the craft show. It started with two members of the Vancouver Branch Demonstration Team dancing in to the music of the Reel of the 51st Division. It gradually increased to two sets of Dem Team members and two sets representing the other Scottish Country dance clubs, all completing the dance. This was followed by a simple round the room dance when the group expanded to almost 40 dancers. The event was very well received by the customers and staff who watched two and three deep around the Flash Mob, some dancing, most smiling and many clapping hands to the music.the children in the audience were particularly animated so perhaps the seed has been sown for future RSCDS dancers. A short video clip of the event is available on the Branch website Event Photos page and Facebook page. Isobel James Many thanks to Dem Team Director, Kay Sutherland who organised & choreographed the Flash Mob! 13 Some of our dancers enjoying down the middle and back. Top: Alan Fairbairn and Barbara Fancy Middle: Sandy Caruth and Julie Smith Right: Kerry McDevitt and Carol Conley The Delta Borderers would like to thank everyone for attending our dance on November 25th. It was lovely to have dancers join us from the U.S., Vancouver Island and other clubs throughout the Lower Mainland. The food table was plentiful thanks to all the generous folks who brought something to share. A very happy time could be seen on everyone s smiling faces. With kindest regards to all. 14 The Delta Borderers Photos by Kerry & Mary Ann McDevitt

8 North Shore Children s Christmas Party The children's class had a lovely little party on December 2nd. They danced a couple of times for the guests, then everyone else joined us. Thank you Helen Hughes, Margaret Duff and Roz Kerr for their help with the food and drinks. And thanks to Pat and Drum Cavers. Santa was a great success! Pat Johnson Photos by Kerry McDevitt Photo by Margaret Duff The Gleneagles 54 th Annual Ball On Sunday 10th December, just over one hundred dancers gathered in the lavish Ball Room of the Vancouver Hotel for another grand Gleneagles Ball. Following an excellent lunch we collectively thanked Sandy Marshall for his fine piping leading us in for the dancing to come. For many years we have been so very fortunate to have our Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra supply the music that carries us across the dance floor through our eighteen, plus encore, dances. Members of Gleneagles thank everyone for joining us for this December, pre holiday Ball. We also thank Adrienne and the Gleneagles Committee for their dedicated work. I wish to thank all dancers and the RSCDS Vancouver Branch for the huge honour given to me at the ball. Branch Chair, Peter Richards, who presented me the Branch Award, has forwarded the citation sent to Edinburgh. I am very honoured indeed, and particularly touched by the last paragraph AFTER THE BALL IS OVER The Gleneagles Ball has now come to an end, Successful again, since its members expend Their time and their skill to ensure a fine ball For dancers attired to grace a grand hall. Its atmosphere energized, friendly, sincere Embraces attendees from points far and near, Drawn in by their genuine love of the Dance, Accepting its magic, embracing this chance. Cec Race - Deep Cove - December I am indeed richly lucky to have enjoyed a life long hobby that has thrilled my mind, touched my soul and moved my body. Thanks to all of you for sharing it with me. Sharing joy with others is indeed joy itself. Simon Scott 16

9 Events Further Afield Nanaimo SCD New Year's Ball Saturday, January 13, 2018 Dinner & Dance at the Nanaimo Yacht Club Music by Mary Ross To register: or call (250) For more information visit: Photos by Kerry McDevitt Above left: Kay Sutherland & Louise Murphy dance down the middle. Right: Katherine Shearman & Hela Lenz (Seattle) poussette. Below: Reel of the Royal Scots grand finale. And a good time was had by all. Thank you Gleneagles! Cec s poem (page 15) sums it up beautifully. Read the entire poem and see more pictures on the Event Photos page of the Vancouver Branch website. Orchard Pavilion, Sunnyvale Saturday, February 10, TH ANNUAL WORKSHOP & BALL FEBRUARY 16, 17, TEACHERS: Elaine Brunken, Jean Wagstaff & Tim Wilson WORKSHOP AND BALL MUSIC BY: Kathy Fraser Collins & Fred Collins with guests Judi Nicolson, Texas & Neil Barron, Great Britain 17 Contact: Ann MacDonald at or ann_mac@shaw.ca Website: 18

10 RSCDS Vancouver Branch Board Appointments Sally & Sandy Marshall Frances Caruth Alison Moen Kay Sutherland Louise Murphy Gail Urquhart Frances Caruth Mary Ann & Kerry McDevitt Fran Hillier Stewart Cunningham Mary Ann McDevitt Vancouver Area Events Calendar 2018 Wed. Jan 10 Bellingham Social Bellingham SCD Club Fri. Jan 12 Vancouver Ceilidh Dance RSCDS Vancouver Branch Sat. Jan 13 New Year s Ball Nanaimo SCD Club Sat. Jan 20 Branch Burns Supper RSCDS Vancouver Branch Sat. Feb 10 Welcome Dance Bellingham SCD Club Wed. Feb 14 Bellingham Social Bellingham SCD Club Sat. Feb 17 Love to Dance W/shop & Dance RSCDS Vancouver Branch Fri. Feb 23 Vancouver Ceilidh Dance RSCDS Vancouver Branch Sat. Mar 3 Burnaby Spring Dance Burnaby SCD Club Wed. Mar 14 Bellingham Social Bellingham SCD Club Sat. Mar 17 Heather Ball RSCDS Vancouver Branch Sun. Mar 18 Muriel Johnstone in Concert RSCDS Vancouver Branch Fri. Mar 30 Vancouver Ceilidh Dance RSCDS Vancouver Branch Sat. Apr 7 Glenayre Spring Dance Glenayre SCD Club Mon. Apr 9 Branch End of Term Ceilidh RSCDS Vancouver Branch Wed. Apr 11 Bellingham Social Bellingham SCD Club Sat. Apr 21 Deep Cove Spring Dance Deep Cove SCD Club Fri. Apr 27 Vancouver Ceilidh Dance RSCDS Vancouver Branch Sun. May 6 White Rock Spring Dance White Rock SCD Club Wed. May 9 Bellingham Social Bellingham SCD Club Sun. May 27 Whisky Tea Dance Ft. Langley Voyageurs Wed. May 30 June 6 & 13 Highland Games Mass Demonstration Dance Practice RSCDS Vancouver Branch Sat. Jun 16 BC Highland Games United Scottish Cultural Soc. Times, dates, venues and events are subject to change and/or cancellation. Please check the Branch website calendar for the most up-to-date information. Duncan MacKenzie ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org Frances Caruth tac@rscdsvancouver.org Francis O Farrell northshorechildren@rscdsvancouver.org Deadline for Newsletter Submissions The Vancouver Branch newsletter is published bi-monthly on the 1st of the month. The deadline for the MARCH/APRIL issue is FEBRUARY 10th. All contributions of letters, articles and photos are welcome. We will do our best to accommodate everyone as space permits. Contact Mary Ann editor@rscdsvancouver.org 20