Editorial

We chose a picture from Summer School 2019 for the front cover of this issue to remind everyone of the great enjoyment we derive from Scottish country dancing in the hope of better times to come.

The last issue was meant to be my last as Editor, but when nobody came forward, I agreed to edit this issue. I can now definitively say that this is my last issue! We are delighted to announce that Fiona Grant of Bristol Branch will take over as Editor. Fiona has been dancing all her life and is a well-respected teacher. Many members will know her. One little-known fact about her is that she used to live in Africa when her parents were working in Nigeria. John Drewry wrote a dance for them: Out of Africa in Greenburn Book 3.

This issue may in future be known as the Covid issue, for obvious reasons. We put out a call for all branches and groups to write in and tell us how they have been coping. The response was tremendous and Caroline Brockbank has collated them into the 5-page section Dancing Around the World. Thank you to everyone who wrote in. In the midst of all the uncertainty and worry of the past 6 months the shining lights have been the Dance Scottish at Home e-newsletters, podcasts and the Summer Celebrations. Ian Muir, Angela Young and Peter Knapman have been our Lockdown

Heroes (page 17) along with all the teachers who taught the online classes and all the musicians who have kept us entertained on YouTube and Facebook. Angela and Ian give us a fascinating insight into all the work they have done on our behalf, yet again showing that our great strength is the volunteers from among the membership. There is also an article celebrating the efforts of the musicians, The Cheering Keys of Lockdown. On top of all this work, Ian Muir took the time to write a 3-page article as outgoing Music Director, which I am sure you will find extremely interesting.

Sadly, we have received more obituaries for this issue than any other and they take up two whole pages, but it is right and proper that we pay tribute to the contributions made by those members who have passed away.

As Editor, I am acutely aware of the repercussions of the Management Board’s decision to send out this and the last issue electronically. We have three letters objecting to that decision. Reading a 32-page magazine online is not easy; on a tablet or phone, it is impossible without printing it out. One member from France points out in her letter the difficulties for non-native speakers of English reading a foreign language online. Of members who received the last issue by email, we know that 30% did not open the attachment. Prior to the Lockdown, only 633 members had specifically asked for a digital copy. This is part of the bigger issue of communication with members and I hope everyone will make their views known in the survey that accompanies this issue. A printed copy is sent to the 1563 members who have not provided an email address plus the 880 whose emails bounced back in the Spring. If you would like a printed copy of this or the Spring Issue, please email the office.

I would like to thank Caroline Brockbank, Jean Martin, and Helen McGinley for all their work and support, and our designer and typesetter, Dougie, at It’s all Good in Grantown on Spey for his patience, good humour, and professionalism. Stay safe and re-join your Branch!

Jimmie Hill, Edinburgh