The Archive

by Marilyn Healy

The archive of the RSCDS was officially established in 1978 when Alastair MacFadyen began to catalogue the books, leaflets, music, letters and films accumulated since 1923 and held in the Society ’ s ‘library ’ . Books, particularly of music, had been collected almost from the very beginning. Lady Dorothea Ruggles Brice, sister of Lord James Stewart Murray, the 9th Duke of Atholl and first Chairman of the Scottish Country Dance Society, presented a complete set of Niel Gow and Nathaniel Gow ’ s music to the library in 1925 and made further donations before her death in 1937. Since then there have been many gifts of music, whether in manuscript or printed books. On becoming archivist Alastair reported to the then Executive Council that the Society ’ s collection of music at HQ was possibly the finest collection of SCD music he had come across and something to be proud of. The collection has expanded further since then. But the archive holds more. Much of the material relates to the history of the Society itself, its publications and its recorded music. We also have records of the branches and over the years have received a sizeable selection of modern books of dances, but we would like to increase that holding. Since becoming archivist I have been reorganising the archive, in line with the recommendations made by Dr Alison Rosie, registrar with the National Register of Archives in Scotland, who visited the archive in 2005. I am expanding the catalogue and the aim is to put it into a database on the web later this year, so that members and researchers can see what we have and, just as importantly, what we do not have.

Who has access to the archive?

There seems to be some confusion about who can consult the archive. An archive is not a library and therefore it is not possible to ‘browse ’ or borrow its contents but Society members and researchers whether or not they are members of the Society - may access it by writing to the archivist indicating their area of research. Relatively few people do consult it, one of the reasons being they don ’t know what it contains, hence the work I am doing on the catalogue. When that exercise is finished I hope members will understand why it has taken so long!

Where are they now?

We have several photographs in the archive taken at Jordanhill College in Glasgow during the Jean Milligan Centenary Weekend in 1986. Several sets of young dancers took part in the celebrations but this picture is the only one where children can be identified. Do any of our members know which branch or group the girls came from? Can anybody identify any of the girls and is any of them still dancing? Do any members recognise themselves in the photograph? Visit the archive

Members who would like to see how the archive is organised and have an idea of what it holds can visit HQ on Thursday 17 November as one of the events during Dance Scottish. Anybody interested in coming along should contact Sarah-Jane Paterson at HQ for information of times and to book a place.

John Drewry catalogue of dances

A catalogue of all the dances devised by John Drewry has been compiled, with help from members from Aberdeen and on the Strathspey List, and we now have a copy of all his books of dances plus many leaflets. There remain, however, several ‘ collections ’ or leaflets of dances we do not have and in particular the quarterly collections issued between 1968 and 1988. If any members have copies of these that they could let us have it would be appreciated.

The Royal Wedding

Romance in St.Andrews

You cannot fail to have noticed that earlier this year Prince William married Katherine Middleton. The young couple had met while studying at St. Andrews University, and to celebrate the Royal Wedding St Andrews held a champagne breakfast. Among the many varied and exciting artists providing entertainment on three separate stages was a demonstration team put together by RSCDS St. Andrews Branch. The team performed a medley of dances, including a specially devised dance, Romance in St Andrews, and the ever popular Mairi' s Wedding. The local television station was on hand to record the event and the dancers featured in the evening news bulletins. I am sure everyone who performed on the day and the rest of the Society ' s membership would like to wish the couple all the very best.