Glasgow Seniors’ Group by Ruth Beattie
In 1998 Glasgow Branch held a Reunion for all its members. After the event it was very apparent how much everyone appreciated coming together, meeting again and having the opportunity to reminisce and hear upto-date news. Scottish country dancing was the common and enduring interest. Equally it became apparent that for many, once they were no longer able to dance, friends and contacts were lost and a large gap appeared in their lives. Following the Reunion the idea of meeting regularly led to the formation of our Seniors’ Group, initially on a trial basis. That was in 1999 since when the Group has met regularly in a city hotel. We have had some wonderful gatherings with most interesting speakers and uplifting musical sessions from many of our Society musicians. One of our very first speakers was George Lawson who gave us insight into his travels on behalf of the Society and his experiences of teaching, adjudicating and examining abroad. Gordon Simpson, Dorothy Paterson and John Renton gave us recitals which had the hotel staff stopping in their tracks to listen. They enlightened us with the fascinating historical backgrounds to the music they played. Ian and Heulwen Hall entertained us with piano and accordion taking us on an exciting musical journey through their own experiences of playing and dancing
Glasgow Seniors at St. Andrews with Schools Director John Wilkinson. together. Johan Maclean enthralled us with haunting tales of Gaelic mouth music; Christine Traynor gave us a most amusing rendering of poems by Pat Batt and we have heard dissertations on cultural issues. Most recently our new President, Dr. Alastair MacFadyen, gave us a fascinating talk. We have been truly privileged to have been entertained by many other guests too numerous to mention.
with time but the camaraderie generated by Summer School seems to go on for ever.” While we continue to promote the work of the Society we continue to retain the interest of many who have served it faithfully in different ways and who wish to offer their support where they can. That apart, I believe we have a duty to care for those who still want to keep in touch but who can no longer actively participate.
Our summer outings have also given us much pleasure. After our last visit to Summer School, where we were warmly welcomed by the Director, one of our members commented “some things change
A few years ago Glasgow Branch put forward a motion at the AGM to establish a “Friends of the Society” group similar to our own which was rejected. Would the Society like to think again?
Dancers in North America show there enthusiasm for Scottish country dancing and the RSCDS whenever they take to the road. These car registration plates were spotted there this year.
www.rscds.org
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