From around the World Thanks, as always, to those who have contributed to this section. The Editorial Board would still be delighted to hear from anyone willing to act as correspondent for Asia (outside Japan), mainland Europe or South America. Contact Helen, nellifant@ymail.com. United Kingdom Glasgow Branch 90th Anniversary Ball Over 150 Glasgow Branch members and their guests celebrated the Branch and Society 90th Anniversary with a Ball in the splendid surroundings of Glasgow City Chambers on 22 November 2013. As dancers mounted the elegant marble staircase to the ballroom, a sense of celebration was in the air. As well as Glasgow members, other guests had travelled from a wide area and one visitor from Canada made a special journey for the event. Important to record was the presence of nine previous Glasgow Chairmen, pictured below with the present Branch Chairman (Alan Munro), Society Chairman (John Wilkinson) and Society President (Dr. Alastair MacFadyen).
both the Branch and the Society over a period of many years. An enjoyable programme of dances followed including some from the recently published Glasgow 90th Anniversary book. Music by David Cunningham and his band added to the success of the evening. A fascinating exhibition of memorabilia included photographs and many items of information from the past, contributed by Branch members. Also on show was the unique and elegantly produced Hill manuscript published by Dr. MacFadyen in 2009.
Alan Munro
Country dancers from Hayes and District Scottish Association held a special dancing night on Friday 15 November, raising £75 for the BBC Children in Need appeal. They tailored their normal Friday evening programme to include a ‘bring and buy’ sale and used novelty music for some of their dances. Highlight of the night was dancing Ian Powrie’s Farewell to Auchterarder to the tune The Teddy Bears’ Picnic. Association President Mary Barry of Ealing commented: ‘It’s been a real fun night for us and wonderful that we have also been able to raise a little contribution towards the BBC Children in Need appeal; we’ve had plenty laughs tonight and some good fun dancing.’
Back, L to R: Jim Ferguson, Hamish Gibb, Iain Hutchison, Dr Alastair MacFadyen, Dorothy Paterson, Peter Knapman Middle: Les Lambert, John Wilkinson Front, L to R: Alan Munro, Margaret Weir, Ruth Beattie, Christine Traynor. Photo by Patrick Murray
John Wilkinson proposed the Toast to the Branch and also presented Dr. MacFadyen with a gift in recognition of his years as the President of the Society and Honorary President of the Glasgow Branch. Alan Munro reminisced on the contribution Glasgow members have made to the Society throughout the 90 years of its existence, highlighting the names of those who had held office and others who had given faithful support to the Branch and the Society. Ruth Beattie, immediate past Chairman of the Society, received a beautiful floral tribute from the Branch Chairman in gratitude for her services to
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The Rochdale Branch of the RSCDS celebrated its 70th Anniversary on Saturday 16 November, with a dance and celebratory cake at St. Aidan’s Church Hall, Rochdale, Lancashire. An evening of dances selected to represent the 70 years was enjoyed by the dancers who had come from clubs ranging from Manchester to Edinburgh.
Michael Nolan
Hayes club members Ron McCann, Brenda Manbauhar, and Michael Nolan put best foot forward
L to R: Pamela Millray (MC), Catherine Ternent (MC), John Colley (Branch President), Eric McCall and Kathleen Kearney (Committee members), with Ian Slater (musician) on stage.
Europe The Scottish Dancing Côte d’Azur Club held its Fifth Annual Winter Workshop on 16–17 November 2013 at The Mougins School near Cannes, and welcomed dancers from the UK, Germany and Italy as well as ‘locals’ from France and Monaco. We were fortunate indeed to have Linda Gaul from Pitlochry as teacher and Adam Brady from Dundee as musician. Saturday morning classes were followed by walk-throughs or a visit to Grasse, then an evening dance. More classes followed on Sunday morning with an informal dance in the afternoon. Linda’s choice included something for everyone, from simple old favourites to some newer and more challenging dances. Adam’s enthusiastic playing put a lift in all our steps, even on Sunday afternoon! We plan a similar event in November 2014. Nice airport and the venue itself are easy to access; we have arranged good terms with a local spa-hotel; and the normally clement weather is ideal for a short winter break on the Côte d’Azur.
Angela and Robin Hemmings
