News in Pictures
21 year old twin sisters Niamh and Rachel Friel from Glasgow Branch successfully completed the Teachers Certificate at Summer School in 2008. They were presented with their certificates by Scotland's Minister for Culture, Linda Fabiani, at the Dance Scottish Week Reception in Coates Crescent. Congratulations to Niamh and Rachel. Are they the youngest fully certificated RSCDS On Friday 30 May, a Cedar of Lebanon, the tree to mark the retiral teachers and are there any other twin teachers? of the Earl of Mansfield as the Society’s President, was planted in the grounds of his home, Scone Palace, Perth. The Earl and Countess of Mansfield welcomed the new President, the Chairman, the Chairman-Elect and four past Chairmen to the ceremony. Bill Clement piped the party from the palace to the grounds to the tune “ The Earl of Mansfield”. It was a very happy occasion despite the very wet weather. The photograph shows our President, Dr. Alastair MacFadyen, and Chairman, Irene Bennett, with the Earl of Mansfield.
For the Scottish dancing fraternity, the highlight of Liverpool's year as European Capital of Culture was a Grand Ball held in the prestigious St. George's Hall. The sight of 350 people dressed in their finery - kilts and black jackets for the men and a beautiful array of evening dresses for the ladies, was something magical. The event was organised by the Liverpool and Wirral Branches, and Marian Anderson and her Band provided some wonderful music. David Haynes (Wirral Branch Secretary) Irene Bennett (RSCDS Chairman) Ian Black (Chieftain of the Lancashire & Cheshire Federation of Scottish Societies) and Margaret Palmer (Liverpool Branch and Chair of the 2008 Grand Ball Committee) were the first line of dancers in the Grand March.
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With winter approaching for most branches cartoonist Alistair Smyth reminds us of the dedication of our members. You can see other examples of Alistair's work at www.alistairsmyth.com and he will be contributing regularly to Scottish Country Dancer.
