From the Chairman
Education and Training Andrew Kellett
It is a privilege to be Chairman of the RSCDS. I see, hear and read about the fantastic work that you, our members, are doing to promote Scottish country dancing and to help the Society move forward. Hopefully, it does not usually seem like work, but every time you take to the dance floor or play a dance tune or share your enthusiasm for SCD you are helping the RSCDS achieve its mission of creating a vibrant, worldwide community of Scottish dancers and musicians. Some of you, I know, do work very hard on behalf of the Society. Teachers, branch committee members, my colleagues on the Board and Management Committees and many others give hours of their time so that we can all enjoy dancing and the RSCDS can continue to operate. To all of you, a very sincere thank you. Everyone involved in working for the Society knows it is important to plan ahead. Four years ago the RSCDS consulted widely on a Business Plan for 2017-20. That period is coming to a close and you can read how we performed against the Plan on the website: rscds.org/about/governance/legal-administrative At an Awayday in January the Board began work on a new Business Plan for 2020-24. We looked at the responses to the earlier consultative exercise and shared ideas with Committee members and staff. The draft Plan has been sent to branches for comment. It has four strategic aims: l To promote Scottish dancing globally as a fun and friendly activity l To help branches promote Scottish dancing in their area. l To provide appropriate support for Scottish dance teachers and musicians l To strengthen RSCDS governance and finance.
We all have a role to play. Beneath them are specific actions, some of which are still being developed. One of those actions is to ensure that we have people with the right skills and talents on the Management Board and Committees. A successful organisation has a strong leadership team, and it is especially important for the RSCDS in the next few years that we have a first-rate team in place. Some of the people we elect on to the Board and Committees this autumn will be leading the Society in our Centenary year. If you want to help the Society and you have something to offer, do think seriously about putting yourself forward. Alternatively, you could nominate, with their permission, fellow members whom you believe have the ability to work at Board level. You can read more about what is involved on page 5, or have a look at the website rscds.org/volunteering or drop me an email at chairman@rscds.org If that’s not for you, think about volunteering for your local branch. Many branch committees are under-strength, and I am sure they too would welcome an injection of fresh talent and ideas in time for the Centenary. The next few years will be an exciting time for the Society at every level, and we all have a role to play whether you are in the Board Room or extending a helpful hand on the dance floor.
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Anne Taylor This is my first report for Scottish Country Dancer since taking up my appointment in November. At this point in time I am still settling in, although I have served on the E&T Committee a few times. I am very happy to announce that the current Dancing Achievement Award (DAA) dances are now on-line on the website and although I have personally thanked the dancers who put themselves forward to be filmed, I take this opportunity to extend my grateful thanks to all those involved: organisers, teachers, dancers and musicians.
A new register of RSCDS qualified teachers The main task of the Committee has been to continue the work done on the Core Training for Instructors of Social and General Classes (CTI). The Committee felt that we should deliver this as soon as possible, and in order to do so, we have formed a sub-group who are looking at streamlining the CTI. We are also in the process of compiling a register of RSCDS qualified Teachers. This links in to one of our Strategic Plans identified in the Business Plan. Winter School took place from 16 to 21 February. From now on the Winter School Co-ordinator will undertake two years in post, which means that William Williamson will be Co-ordinator for 2021. Numbers for Summer School are improving. However, due to financial decisions which had to be made, we were late in advertising. Our early bird applications have, therefore, been extended. We have retained Junior Summer School and the Youth classes to be held during week 2. A Ceilidh dancing class with simple Scottish country dances has been introduced in weeks 1 and 2. Teaching Skills courses will be in weeks 2 and 4. The Musicians’ Course is in week 3 with the Class Musicians’ Course in week 4. All the above are, as usual, dependent on numbers attending. We also hope to offer you up-to-date CTI developments by giving explanatory talks during the four weeks of Summer School. We have good working relationships with national and international groups where Scottish country dancing takes place, whether it is the School Accreditation Programme, children’s classes and Medal Tests, adult classes, the DAA, Teacher’s Certificate classes, Examinations, Summer Schools and Winter Schools or just keeping in touch. We liaise with the Youth Services Committee and those organising Spring Flings and Fringes. There is no doubt that we are a National and International Organisation and we will try to help you wherever you are in the world. I would like to thank members of our office staff at HQ for being on hand when help is required. I hope to meet up with you in 2020/21. Please introduce yourself wherever and whenever we may meet.
