From the Chair by Ruth Beattie, Chairman
developing new strategies for the future and discussing a variety of issues currently facing the Society.
6 November 2010, the day I assumed the office of Chairman, seems a long time ago but I was pleased to hear and read reports of how much members enjoyed the AGM and Conference Weekend; thanks are due to all who were involved in its organisation. Immediately afterwards, however, it was time to move forward and progress the work of the Board and Committees. It was my pleasure to welcome John Wilkinson as Chairman Elect and I greatly appreciate his support and calm, co-operative approach in the many issues that confront us in managing the work of the Society. I was also pleased to welcome new Board and Committee members who have brought with them a variety of invaluable skills. We all came together at our Training Day in January and began the work of
Health and the advantages of Scottish country dancing were high on the agenda and the importance of developing a strategy which will highlight the benefits we as a Society can offer. We also initiated discussions on our structure and determined to look at this in more detail with a view to making changes. In these times of rapid communication, fluctuating demands and constantly changing expectations, it is essential that we adjust our approach accordingly. We must examine what we can and cannot do in a global context, bearing in mind that new structures could present legal implications that must be given serious thought and consideration, as they could have farreaching consequences for our future. I am confident, however, that with the kind of commitment and dedication apparent on the Board we shall move forward carefully with the tasks we have to undertake. I have been privileged in the short time that I have been Chairman to have attended a number of most enjoyable social events. Castle Douglas Branch celebrated its 60th Anniversary in November and I had the opportunity to meet many dancers from the town and the surrounding area. To my
delight, I was invited to present a Branch Award to Bill Little, who at 85 years of age has a long history of serving the Society. Just prior to the AGM, I attended London Branch’s 80th Anniversary Ball, where friendship, hospitality and happy dancing were to the fore. In January, together with my husband, I was invited to a weekend of dancing in Crieff, arranged by Falkirk Branch. It was a dancers’ dream held in elegant, comfortable surroundings with an impressive choice of events catering for all tastes. At the time of writing I have just returned from a short visit to Winter School in Pitlochry where meeting and sharing time with friends old and new epitomised for me how much our Society has to offer in connecting people from all over the world in fun and friendship. I was delighted to meet dancers whom I had met previously in Europe, Canada and Australia as well as dance with others who had travelled from all over the world to participate in the School. This now brings me to ask for your help and support. The Board has decided to open a Relief Fund for dancers and musicians in Queensland, Christchurch and Japan – please read more about this on page 5. Finally, wherever you may be and wherever you dance I wish you all well and I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible during my term of office.
Re-organisation of the RSCDS Finance Function by Elizabeth Foster (Executive Officer) Now that the Secretary/Executive Officer’s (EO) position is established, the 2010 AGM supported the Management Board motion to rationalise management of the Society’s financial affairs by: transferring operational financial management and other relevant general responsibilities from the GP&F Committee and Treasurer/GP&F Convenor to the EO; re-defining the role and responsibilities of the Treasurer; and establishing a new Finance & Governance Advisory Group (FGAG) to provide not only advice and support to the EO but also external scrutiny for the Management Board. Under the chairmanship of the Treasurer, this group met for the first time on 11 February, when it considered current financial accounting formats and the Risk Management Plan for 2011-12.
Membership & Subscription Fees 2011-2012 The basic RSCDS subscription fees for the year July 2011 – June 2012 are unchanged:
Category Adult single (25+) Adult single (25+) half year (new members only) Young adult (18-24) Youth (12-17) Adult joint (both 25+) (same Branch & address) Group affiliation fee
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Headquarters members 15.00 7.50 12.00 7.50 24.00 £35.00
Adult single (25+) 25.00 Adult single (25+) half year (new members only) 17.50 Young adult (18-24) 22.00 Youth (12-17) 17.50 Adult joint (both 25+) (same Branch & address) 40.00 In March, RSCDS membership cards are sent to Branches, who then distribute them to members.
Make a Donation The RSCDS would welcome donations and bequests from its members. Your gift will enable us to develop innovative projects to assist the Society worldwide and help keep Scottish country dancing a popular recreation. Your subscription funds today’s expenditure – your donation helps look after the Society's future.
