Published by the LONDON BRANCH of the ROYAL SCOTTISH SOCIETY www. rscdslondon.org.uk Registered Charity number 1067690 Dancing is FUN!

No 260 MAY to AUGUST 2007

ANNUAL GENERAL SUMMER PICNIC DANCE MEETING In the Grounds of Harrow School The AGM of the Royal Scottish Country Saturday 30 June 2007 from 2.00-6.00pm. Dancing to David Hall and his Band Dance Society London Branch will be held at The nearest underground station is Harrow on the Hill. St Columba's Church (Upper Hall), Pont Programme Harrow School is 10 to 15 minutes walk east along Street, London, SWI on Friday 15 June 2007. The Dashing White Sergeant ...... 2/2 Lowlands Road (A404) and then right into Peterborough Tea will be served at 6pm and the meeting will The Happy Meeting ...... 29/9 Road to Garlands Lane, first on left. The 258 bus from commence at 7pm. There will be dancing after Monymusk ...... 11/2 Harrow on the Hill tube station heading towards South the meeting. The White Cockade ...... 5/11 Harrow drops passengers just below Garlands Lane – it’s AGENDA Neidpath Castle ...... 22/9 about a 5 min ride. The same bus travels from South 1 Apologies. The Wild Geese ...... 24/3 Harrow tube station also past Garlands Lane. (Note that 2 Approval of minutes of the 2006 AGM. The of the 51st Division ...... 13/10 the fare is £2 now for any length of journey.) Taxis are 3 Business arising from the minutes. The Braes of Breadalbane ...... 21/7 available from the station. Ample car parking is available 4 Report on year's working of the Branch. Napier’s Index ...... 45/8 on each side at the foot of Garlands Lane and the dancing 5 Treasurer's Report and Statement of The Eightsome Reel ...... 2/12 area is located on the grass just beyond the car parks. For Accounts. The New Rigged Ship ...... 9/7 those with computers and the appropriate program, the 6 Appointment of Honorary President and Cape Town Wedding ...... 39/4 post code is HA1 3DY. Dancers are welcome to arrive Honorary Vice-Presidents. The Ladies of Dunse ...... 26/11 with picnics from 1pm onwards. 7 Appointment of Officers and Committee Seann Truibhas Willichan ...... 27/9 Admission to the dancing: £7.50 (£6 in advance). of Management. Hooper’s ...... MMM 2 Dancing children £1.50. Young Children free. 8 Appointment of Auditors. Mr. Iain Stuart Robertson ...... 42/1 9 Election of Branch Delegates to the The Silver Tassie ...... L 1. Tickets (and map if requested) in advance from Jeff Society AGM. Good Hearted Glasgow ...... Knapman Robertson, c/o Marrett, Maytrees, 3 Church Road, Tarring, 10 Any other business. The Montgomeries’ Rant ...... 10/1 West Worthing, West Sussex, BN13 1ET. Please enclose a Note: Nominations for the appointments at 6, 6”x4” s.a.e. Cheques payable to RSCDS (London Branch). 8 and 9 above will be taken from the floor at If the weather appears doubtful, the decision to relocate to the adjacent Sports Centre, will be made at the meeting. 1.00pm on the day. Jeff Robertson, 020 7730 9633 daytime, email: [email protected]

COMBINED SOCIETIES Demonstration Team at Newcastle Festival. DANCE See page 6 A joint event with Chelsea Reel Club, Little Ship Club, London Club, Photo: Michael Nolan St.Columba’s Dancers and the Scottish Clans Association of London. Saturday 12 May 2007 In this Issue: 7.00-10.30 pm. St. Columba’s Church Hall, Pont St. SW1. 3,4 Branch News Nicol McLaren and the Glencraig Band Joie de Vivre ...... 39/2 6 Youth The Royal Yacht Britannia ...... 43/3 9 Are you a good Monymusk ...... 11/2 The Craven Jig ...... L.2006/1 MC? Shiftin’ Bobbins ...... Clowes 10 Families Day Gang the Same Gate ...... 36/4 Airie Bennan ...... Foss Colour photos Jean Martin of Aberdeen ...... L.2006/2 11 24 March La Tempête ...... 2/1 Branch Dance Seton’s Ceilidh Band ...... Fordyce Colour photos Bratach Bana ...... Drewry Wisp of Thistle ...... 37/4 12 The Adamsons The Wild Geese ...... 24/3 of Fife The Clansman ...... 32/8 Margaret Parker’s ...... 31/3 15 Ian Powrie’s Farewell to Auchterarder . Hamilton Belle of Bon Accord ...... Drewry 16,17 Letters The Montgomeries’ Rant ...... 10/1 18 & Back Page Admission £7.50 members of all Dance and participating groups; Other Events £8.50 non members, Children £2.00, members’ children admitted free

Issue No 261 will be with UK based members by 1 September 2007 unless delayed in the post. Contributions for that issue should be sent to the Editor, Wilson Nicol, 14 Great Woodcote Park, Purley, Surrey CR8 3QS, 020 8763 4173, or preferably by email to [email protected], to arrive by 4 August. (Issue No 262 will arrive by 1 December 2007). The opinions expressed by contributors in the Reel do not necessarily reflect the official position of the RSCDS, nor of the Branch. Page 1 ROYAL SCOTTISH CHAIRMAN’S SOCIETY AGM 2007 COUNTRY DANCE COMMENTS The AGM of the Society will be held in Perth on SOCIETY 3 November 2007 during the Conference Caroline Hamilton has very kindly taken over the weekend. Patron - H.M. The Queen South East Dance diary from John and Ann The London Branch will elect its delegates at the King. Please help her to make it as Branch AGM on 15 June. Please advise the comprehensive as possible with your timely Secretary, Pamela Ellam, if you would be willing HEADQUARTERS: submission of dance details. Look at the website to be present at the Society AGM as a Branch 12 Coates Crescent, Edinburgh, EH3 7AF. and see the month’s Branch and Society events in delegate. Delegates are required to vote as Tel: 0131 225 3854; Fax: 0131 225 7783, calendar form; Meryl has also established a directed by the Branch Committee. There will be e-mail: [email protected]. notice board – is there anything that you think a small contribution towards the travel expenses www.rscds.org. would be appropriate to add to it? Don’t forget but all other arrangements are the responsibility the feedback form – your comments can even be of the delegate. Application forms for function LONDON BRANCH anonymous! Largely thanks to the website, the tickets during the Conference weekend 2-4 Marlborough classes have visitors and new Hon. President November will be available from April from the Mary Stoker members regularly – we are looking at ways of accommodating them as well as providing for Branch Secretary or from the Society website. Hon. Vice-Presidents: those who started at the beginning of the year – This is a great opportunity to meet a lot of Mary Barker, Stella Booth, Ellen Garvie, we do not wish to turn anyone away! dancers from all over the country/world, attend Jenny Greene, Marie Jamieson, Our March dance was a splendid mixture of two lovely dances and see the Society at work. John Laurie, Owen Meyer, Rosemary Tilden. This will be the Earl of Mansfield’s last AGM as experienced and inexperienced dancers – the Chairman: President, and will be marked in an appropriate Marlborough classes had danced the dances in Rachel Wilton, class but some came with trepidation none the way. The Members’ Forum will be held in the 31 Kemsing Road, London SE10 0LL. less and expressed much appreciation of the same format as in 2006. Tel: 020 8858 7729. encouragement they received; that step from e-mail: [email protected] class to dance is a crucial one – some new Vice-Chairman dancers have been made to feel unwelcome and NEWS FROM Jeff Robertson, have not returned; if we want more dancers we C/o Marrett, Maytrees, must give them every encouragement and that HEADQUARTERS Marketing Officer 3 Church Road, Tarring, West Worthing, certainly appeared to be happening at that dance. W Sussex, BN 13 1ET. We are looking forward to three events – the Following an excellent response to the advertisements, interviews had been held for the Tel: 01903 230997. Combined Societies Dance in May when Nicol e-mail: [email protected] McLaren and the Glencraig Band will delight us Marketing Officer post, and Liz Fraser with 20 with their music (read about him on Page 3 of year’s experience, has been appointed. She lives Hon. Secretary: Reel 259). At the end of June we shall be doing in Nethybridge. Pamela Ellam, all we can to provide sunshine, but not too much! Website 10 The Drive, Acton, London W3 6AA. Tel: 020 8992 8178. in Harrow for our Garden Dance with David Hall Development work on the website is ongoing, the and his Band (there are not many trees so bring e-mail: [email protected] next stage being the ability to place shop orders your hats and sun umbrellas) and then to online. Hon. Treasurer: celebrate David’s return to the UK he is also Simon Wales, playing for us in September, with a Big Band The Society Magazine Flat 6, 86 Worcester Rd, Sutton, sound – will it be different/better/just as good? Jimmie Hill has notified his intention to stand Surrey SM2 6QQ. Tel: 020 8643 0952. Be there and find out. down as Editor of Scottish Country Dancer after e-mail: [email protected] Are you content with what your Committee has the next issue; he has been working full time provided this year? Would you like more, or less, since the beginning of January and had much less SUB-COMMITTEES or changes? Come to the AGM on June 15th and time to devote to the magazine. Notes of interest Youth: ...... Andrew Kellett, Angela Young make your contribution; we would like to know. in the editorship would be invited. There would Tea, discussion and dancing are all on offer. Put be a Chairman’s letter to Branches between Classes: ...... Moira Strutt, Lena Robinson, the date in your diary (see Front Page). editions of the magazine. Stewart Murray Day School: Margaret Catchick As the summer commences, many different Issues Outside dancing events are available as you can see from The Working Group is considering a major event Dances: ...... Rachel Wilton, Margaret Catchick, the Events pages, both indoors and out of doors; to showcase RSCDS as the umbrella organisation Angela Young, Stewart Murray non dancing friends and family might enjoy our open air dancing in Kensington Gardens at the for SCD, and will present more detailed Demonstrations: . James Fairbairn, Angela Young beginning of September (see opposite); more proposals to the next Board meeting. Publicity: ...... Jeff Robertson, Rita Marlow*, experienced dancers will be delighted that it is General Purpose and Finance Committee Wilson Nicol, Meryl Thomson, Rosalind Zuridis nearly time for Summer Tuesdays, and many As many requests for funding from JMMF were Open-air Dances: ... Simon Wales, Jeff Robertson dancers from all over the world will be looking of an educational or training nature it was agreed Membership: ...... Owen Meyer* forward to meeting and dancing at the Society that GP&F should consult other committees for Summer School at St. Andrews. So take your recommendations on applications received. Bookstall: ...... Ian Anderson* shoes wherever you travel to this summer – and Membership Services Committee Central Council of Physical Recreation:...... happy dancing! Marie Jamieson*, Simon Wales Rachel Wilton The Committee is continuing to consider the possibility of making dance instructions available Hon. Archivist: ...... Iris Anderson* on line, but also publishing them, without music, S E Branches: ...... Andrew Kellett, Simon Wales EDITORIAL in volumes of perhaps 4/5 books each. Combined Societies: ...... Rachel Wilton A senior editor recently Education and Training Committee Branch Website ...... Meryl and Ian* Thomson confided that the most The Committee will discuss the issue of payment important feature in an to teachers and musicians at their next meeting. *Indicates a non-Executive Committee member. organisation’s magazine is Jeff Robertson Website the letters page because it www.rscdslondon.org.uk allows members to air their concerns and thoughts. In DISTRIBUTION OF Objects of London Branch that respect we seem to be doing well! Just as THE REEL To advance the education of the public in the important though is the role of the AGM: so, Help is needed in distributing The Reel. The London area in traditional Scottish Country members, come along on 15 June and use this ideal person would live within 12 miles of our Dancing, in particular by: additional opportunity to air your views, and printer in Watford and be able to deliver a bulk a) preserving and furthering the practice of participate in the running of your Branch. package to Central London (eg. Pont St) and traditional Scottish Country Dances; We have said it before but have no qualms another package to Leatherhead whence copies b) providing or assisting in providing instruction about repeating the message – Dancing is Fun – are despatched to subscribers. A car or other in the dancing of Scottish Country Dances; thanks primarily to our excellent musicians. vehicle would be an advantage. Please contact c) promoting the enjoyment and appreciation of Without good music dancing would not be half the editor as soon as possible. Scottish Country Dancing and Music by any as good! suitable means.

Page 2 THE BIG BAND SOUND OPEN AIR DANCING DANCE SCOTTISH Start the new Season with a Bang Saturday afternoons 8 and 15 September 2007 Saturday 22 September 2007 2.00-4.00 pm WEEK 7.00-10.30pm Kensington Gardens 7-15 September 2007 St. Columba’s Church Hall, Pont St. SW1 (by the bandstand, near the Round Pond) Social dances, Classes, Balls, Open air David Hall and his Band Nearest underground stations: Queensway and dances, Country Dancing, Ceilidhs, High Street Kensington The Duke of Atholl’s Reel ...... 16/3 Reeling, Something for everyone, every Dancing to the music of Kafoozalum The Ladies of Dunse ...... 26/11 day of the week The Braes of Breadalbane ...... 21/7 Each afternoon we will have live music and an Dance Scottish Week is an international initiative The Swilcan ...... 23/8 MC to guide us through a programme of popular by the Society in Edinburgh. It runs from Friday The Flowers of Edinburgh ...... 1/6 dances and easier dances for beginners and 7 to Saturday 15 September, 2007. The London Culla Bay ...... 41/2 children. Branch will be participating with two open air Miss Allie Anderson ...... L. 16 Everyone welcome. dances in Kensington Gardens (near the Miss Milligan’s Strathspey ...... L. 19 Bring your friends and have a picnic. bandstand by the Round Pond) from 2 to 4 pm on The Hamilton Rant ...... 22/2 Entrance is free. Saturday 8 and 15 September, and a list of all Good Hearted Glasgow ...... Knapman functions in the South East during that period can The First of September ...... Dix be found on the Branch website www. rscdslondon.org.uk A page has now been set up Seann Truibhas Willichan ...... 27/9 KENSINGTON for the Dance Scottish Week. It can be reached Major Ian Stewart ...... 35/4 GARDENS either by clicking on a button on the index page Fife Ness ...... 4 for 78 On two Saturdays in September the sound of or by visiting www.rscdslondon.org.uk/html/ The Robertson Rant ...... 39/8 Scottish airs floats out from the bandstand in dance_scottish.html Muirland Willie ...... 21/9 Kensington Gardens over that open green space The launch of Dance Scottish Week will take Cuillins of Skye ...... 4 for 78 place at Surgeons Hall in Edinburgh on 7 The Reel of the 51st Division ...... 13/10 in central London drawing families with children, tourists from Brazil, dog walkers and September for invited guests. There will also be a Admission £7.50 members, £8.50 non members, their dogs (or, if you are a dog, your human), ball that evening, for which tickets can be Children £2.00, members’ children admitted free lovers, joggers, skateboarders, cyclists, school purchased at £25 from Headquarters at 12 Coates children on an outing, idlers and the whole Crescent. Cheques payable to RSCDS with applications. During Dance Scottish Week, assortment of human kind to be found there on a headquarters will be holding open days to meet DAY SCHOOL sunny afternoon in September. When they the Chairman and staff. Tea and coffee will be Advance Notice approach they see that the sound emanates from available and members can enjoy an interesting Saturday 13 October 2007 not one but two music men, a bearded display from the archives. Lady Margaret School, Parsons Green, accordionist (oot an’ oot an’ oot an’ in) and a In Glasgow there will be an informal dance at London, SW6 clean-shaven fiddler (up an’ up an’ up an’ doon) the Church of St. Andrews in the Square on Teachers: ...... Linda Gaul (Pitlochry) on the platform, and as they start to tap their feet Friday 14 September from 7.30 to 11.30pm. Graham Donald (Newcastle) to that Scottish beat they notice that there is also Tickets for this event are £10 from Flora Frame, Irene Edgar (London) an energetic man in a highly-coloured kilt, wired 19 Kilmardinny Crescent, Bearsden, Glasgow, Musicians: ..... George MacLennan (Edinburgh) for sound, exhorting the assembling crowd to get G61 3NP. Please include a stamped addressed Phill Jones (Sheffield) up and Dance Scottish. (Astute readers of The envelope and a cheque payable to RSCDS Barbara Manning (London) Reel will have recognised Peter Jenkins and Rob Glasgow Branch with your application. Plus a choice of optional classes Dorothy of Kafoozalum; and Simon Wales at the end of the afternoon taking a break from counting the Branch SOUTH EAST DANCE pennies). Musicians Workshop led by: ...... Keith Smith Various members of London Branch are there See separate notice in next Reel for further DIARY 2007 –2008 as well to invite, bully, cajole or press-gang Diary season! How would Scottish Dancing in details. bystanders to dance and help Simon put some the South East function without the annual Evening Ceilidh order into potential chaos as the tyros, some Diary? So let’s have the information for 2007/8 Ceol na h’Alba timid, some bold, put their best foot forward in please. The content, format and timing will be as the Canadian (Progressive), Flying usual: Classes to suit everyone. DON'T MISS IT!! Scotsman, Virginia Reel or even, as their Day; Date (dd, mmm yy); Venue (town – and Full details in the next Reel confidence builds, an Eightsome Reel. hall as well if this is somewhere special); Band, This goes on for two hours between two and recorded or type of event (e.g. a day school); four o’clock relieved briefly by the Dem Team Contact name and telephone number, plus email ADVANCE NOTICE performing a short display to the piping of and website addresses if available. Roger Huth or Neil Esslemont. The pipes carry Please would you reconfirm any of the coming Branch Dances 2007-2008 even further and result in a new surge of amused season’s dances that are already on the Branch At St Columba’s unless otherwise stated or wary on lookers. website: http://www.rscdslondon.org.uk 13 October ...... Ceol na h-Alba. On a good afternoon, forty or fifty We use a code to indicate certain features of Ceilidh at Parsons Green following Day School unsuspecting park goers, who set out with no some events. Please therefore say if it is – in the 17 November ...... Frank Reid such intention, will have been persuaded to afternoon, a ball, children’s dance, suitable for 15 December ...... Colin Dewar the less experienced, in the open air, a special dance at least once and many, finding that they 12 January 2008 ...... Strathallan supper (e.g. Burns Night), tickets need to be can do it, are moved to ask how, where and Burns Supper/Ceilidh Dance booked in advance, or a special anniversary when they can they do more. With foresight, 15 March ...... Kafoozalum celebration. Family Dance afternoon propaganda is to hand on a table by the Please send details for the Diary to Caroline 10 May ...... Musicians/ Gordon Simpson bandstand and a few are recruited for classes Hamilton at the address given below; or send Musicians Day followed by dance starting later in the month. The rest drift on, them by email to [email protected]; PARKING – there is no congestion charge on a some briefly uplifted by the experience with a email messages will be acknowledged once Saturday and after 6.30pm on-street parking is vague idea it might be nice to do some more, received. free and available. some time, some where, while others are now The Diary is provided by the London Branch convinced that they do indeed have two left feet free of charge. It will be distributed with the and vow never to be tempted again. But September copy of the Reel to all London Branch COMMITTEE AFFAIRS whatever the outcome for individuals, the members in the London area. Others, including The London Branch Committee next meets on 17 otherwise forlorn bandstand has been put to rare any who may subscribe to The Reel but do not May (note change) and 18 June. Items for use, a corner of the park has been animated by live in the London area, can get a copy by discussion should be sent to the Secretary, the swing of kilts and the lilt of springs and sending a s.a.e. the Editor. Pamela Ellam, at least two weeks before the another bright tile has been added to the mosaic Input by the end of June, please. meetings to ensure inclusion on the Agenda. of London life. Caroline Hamilton James Fairbairn 31 Boundary Road, Eastcote, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 1PW.

Page 3 CLASSES Come to class, meet old friends, make new ones, improve your dancing and have fun!

Class Day Time Location Teacher / Musician ELEMENTARY Wednesday 6.30 - 8.00 Marlborough School, Sloane Avenue, SW3 Rachel Wilton / Jean Harrison POPULAR S.C. DANCES Wednesday 8.00 - 9.30 Marlborough School, Sloane Avenue, SW3 Lindsey Rousseau / Ian Cutts TECHNIQUE Wednesday 7.15 - 9.15 St. Columba’s Church Hall, Pont Street, SW1 Gaynor Curtis / Ken Martlew DEMONSTRATION Tuesday 7.15 - 9.15 For details contact James Fairbairn, 07930949599 Angela Young / Sandra Smith GENERAL Wednesday 2.30 - 4.30 St. Columba’s Church Hall, Pont Street, SW1 Jeni Rutherford

Term started week beginning 16th April 2007 and ends during the week beginning 14th May. Enquiries about classes: 020 8748 6711, or email [email protected].

RSCDS TEACHERS’ SOUTH EAST CLASSES SOUTH EAST REGION CERTIFICATE LIST TEACHERS’ London Branch will again be publishing free of PARTS 1 AND 2 charge, the list of classes on offer in the south ASSOCIATION (SERTA) Four candidates have completed Unit 4 – the east. Please send or confirm details of your class, Workshop held on Sunday 28 January 2007 portfolio – successfully. The candidates for Unit venue, day, time, standard and contact name and at Micklefield School, Reigate. 5 and Units 2 and 3 will be doing the teaching telephone number to: Simon Wales, Flat 6, 86 part of the examination on Sunday 3 June at Worcester Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM2 6QQ or Oddfellows Hall, Richmond. Several people have email: [email protected]. This was the second meeting of the group, led by already offered their services as part of a This list is distributed in the same way as the Brenda Burnell (Leeds) with musician Ken volunteer class but the more the merrier! Dance diary (see page 3), and information is also Martlew (Hemel Hempstead). The title of the day Please contact Rachel Wilton Email posted on the Branch website, so please make was ‘Looking at Steps and Formations’. [email protected]. Tel 020 8858 7729 if sure the information we have on your class is up Warm up – instead of introducing one of her you would like to be added to the list. to date. own, the group was asked to contribute their own; several were tried; we were warned about ‘older knees’; everyone liked the walking SUMMER CLASSES WINTER SCHOOL 2008 sequences; the stretches were interesting too. Since term ends on Wednesday 16 May, Summer If you wish to be sent an Application Form for As we started the first of our step practices Classes start on Wednesday 23 May and this year Winter School 2008, please send a stamped Brenda pointed out that we should always there are five. They are at Marlborough School, addressed envelope to HQ to arrive by the end of analyse our steps and formations before our Sloane Avenue from 7.15-9.15pm. Each one has May, 2007. Application Forms will be posted as classes. We were asked what we were looking a different teacher and a different musician. If follows: [i] to all overseas addresses excluding for in skip change of step – a skip not a hop; you know the teachers, you know it will be a Europe:- Monday 18 June; [ii] to all addresses in think about the name – something we all do as good evening; if you don’t, come and experience Europe and the UK:- Friday, 22 June. we breathe – is it? something new. These are General Classes, Application forms will also be available to Brenda then split us into two circles which we everybody is welcome, no need to register download from the RSCDS website on Monday, continued to do throughout the day and we were beforehand. Cost: £5.00 per session. See article 25 June (from noon UK time). Applications will encouraged to watch each others’ performance, on page 5. close on Friday, 20 July, but will not be to make comments, thus reinforcing our Teachers are: Ken Martlew, Davinia Miln, processed until September. However, receipt of observation techniques. When we danced Jeff Robertson, Carole Stoker, Don Ward. your application form and deposit will be formations, such as set and turn corners, set and acknowledged. half wheels round and back, we were asked what Musicians are: Ian Cutts, Peter Jenkins, If your application is unsuccessful, you may we looked for and talked about the problems we Ken Martlew, Sandra Smith, Angela Young. choose to be placed on the waiting-list. (Please were encountering in our own classes, a useful Enquiries: Moira Strutt, note that applications will be handled at discussion with Brenda and each other. [email protected] Headquarters only.) One of the formations Brenda was eager to see was the allemande; all present did it correctly to Brenda’s delight; but we were encouraged to SHETLAND DANCE WORKSHOP watch it in our classes, no ‘draping’ or ‘hanging washing out to dry’. Back in 2000 the Branch ran a very successful tandem. Fortunately the ladies lead on each After a ‘business lunch’ in groups, talking Shetland Dance Workshop and it is a mystery occasion so disaster was avoided. The key to teacher to teacher we started again at 2.00pm in why we hadn’t organised one since, so we put success was to keep the set incredibly small, strathspey time, step practice, formations, that right in March. Again we chose Cecil Sharp just as if we were dancing in a humble Shetland including change of step and direction which was House as our venue in the hope of attracting a croft of the nineteenth century. a joy to watch. We repeated some of the wide range of folk interested in traditional After lunch we tackled a series of quadrilles. formations, adding the rondel and the tournée; dancing. Mats Melin came once more to lead Nothing too complicated, but with an eight bar points that were stressed included timing, which the dancing, this time from his new base in birl appearing at regular intervals heads as well hand to use, no backing in to place, may the arch Limerick, and we welcomed back Ian as feet were spinning by the end. We cooled be broken or not, bend the knees not the back to Robertson to provide the music on both down at the end of the day with a delightful go under, dance out to the sides. These comments and . A pity then that we didn’t , where each couple took it in turn to may seem elementary, but some of us tend to get the same number of dancers as we did seven dance through a tunnel made by the other teach in isolation and these remarks are very years ago but never mind, those who came had couples (perhaps it was as well there weren’t helpful. We then danced an all round poussette in a terrific time. many more dancers on the floor after all!). We quick time, the modern way and the ‘old’ way. We started with the Boston Two Step, the concluded by giving heartfelt thanks to Mats Brenda thought the modern way was best, but national dance of the Shetland Islands, but this and Ian. Not only was Mats a very capable and how many of us even think of the foot changes was an altogether more vigorous dance than the patient teacher, his knowledge of the traditions when we are dancing and demonstrating, it has Boston Two Step most of us are familiar with behind the dances made it an informative as become automatic for those who have been today. Then we moved on to a variety of well as fun day. Ian played superbly, and it was dancing for a long time. Shetland Reels. Mats showed us a range of really good to have him back at a Branch event. Our afternoon seemed to fly by and we finished individual steps we could use in between the Let’s hope we don’t have to wait another seven by dancing The Longwise Eightsome. All this reels, some gentle some energetic, and then he years for a day such as this. Maybe we could try content, plus the added benefit of hearing about took us through several versions of the Reel. All some Hebridean dancing next time. Miss Milligan’s sayings and teaching methods involved three couples performing a variation of Andrew Kellett which are still valid and valuable, it was a very a reel of three with each couple dancing in (Continued on page 5)

Page 4 (Continued from page 4) the haggis as well as performing our own country informative and interesting day and we all felt we and highland displays and getting the audience to had had a good day of learning and dancing. participate, which they did, mostly with a will. Our appreciative thanks were given to Brenda One consultant told us half way through the and to Ken, and also to Irene Edgar who had event, “This Scottish dancing thing will never arranged the hall and refreshments. catch on, you know”, but was silenced by a few Dorothy Pearson. Croydon Branch. statistics about London Branch’s activities and the 20,000 plus membership of the Society world It was decided to hold the next workshop as a wide. In any event, we have been provisionally Teaching Skills session on Sunday 30 Sept. 2007 booked for next year but in some less exotic in Hemel Hempstead, led by Helen Russell. The location. structure of this sort of day dictates that numbers will be limited. Application forms will be sent to AUDITIONS those on the database in June. If you would like We will be running auditions again in your name added to the database please contact May for dancers interested in joining the Mike Johnson on 01491 873026 or Team. The dates are 8, 15 and 22 May at [email protected]. 7.15pm at Kensington and Chelsea

College, Wornington Road, Potential Tutors’ Course London W10 5QQ. Webb Stephen There has been a suggestion that a weekend Please contact Angela Young on 07976 course for teachers who would like to consider as I was spending all my time on learning my 353608 if you intend to come. becoming tutors to run Teaching Certificate music and didn’t have any time for anything Courses should be arranged in South East else. The theme for our summer concert was England. Potential tutors must hold Teachers’ In December we were invited for the first time appropriately enough entitled “Dance in Music”, with a huge range of music including Mairi’s Certificate Part 2. to a Christmas party in sheltered housing in Wedding! I realised all I had to do was to turn Please contact Mervyn Short if you are interested Gravesend where we entertained the residents this musical evening around and create a programme on 01903 715068 or [email protected]. and their guests for the evening to much of dances with songs for their tunes. appreciation. Other engagements have been a From having taught the class some years display at the Branch Christmas dance and a previously I remembered it as being very DEMONSTRATION return to a family morning at Morley College. sociable, encompassing a wide range of Michael Nolan and Sin See have joined the ability and a great deal of hilarity, with some of CLASS ACTIVITIES Team by invitation. the more experienced dancers helping beginners SPRING 2007 We have as ever been enthusiastically through dances that may have been a little tricky supported by a variety of musicians and I would for some, with the end result not necessarily being Our return to the Newcastle Festival in February like to thank our class pianist Sandra, Peter quite as the dance was written! Therefore, I aimed to after a year’s absence was once again fruitful, Jenkins and Rob Dorothy of Kafoozalum, pipers pick relatively simple dances, perhaps a little with the ladies’ team winning their section Neil Esslemont and Roger Huth and not least unusual, which were nevertheless fun to dance convincingly, dancing for the first time in their Angela Young who often plays the Branch and that would be as good to dance if you new long white dresses, relieved by a dash of the keyboard for us as well as dancing (though not were experienced as not. What a challenge! ‘old’ Society tartan. They made a fine sight, and yet at the same time). We warmed up with a dance written especially to we are grateful to team member Anna Twinn for James Fairbairn another of the pieces we sang in the concert designing the new dresses. The adjudicator Peter “Tequila Samba”. From there I chose dances with Clark will not I am sure mind being described as recognisable songs as their tunes, and gave some of ‘quite traditional in his outlook’ so we were THE GENERAL CLASS the stories about each song to make it an interesting especially pleased that ‘ladies wearing tartan evening for everyone. below the waist’ did not count against us! The WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT? The dances I chose were: ladies’ team also won the overall trophy for the The Student’s Perspective, by Stephen Webb • The Isle, from The Graded Book, which has for highest aggregate points on the day. The mixed Last year I attended the general class that runs in the its tune, Bonnie Dundee. team danced well and were placed second equal summer with a different teacher and musician on • Ha! Ha! The Wooin’ o’ it, which is a great song with Alba, Newcastle narrowly taking the each evening. Arrangements aren’t always finalised all about Duncan Gray, who tries in vain to marry honours with a fine performance. The at the time of advertising so who is actually teaching his sweetheart Meg only to be rejected. Finally, adjudicator’s notes indicate that we continue to and who is playing on which night isn’t known until when she is on her deathbed and fading away, meet high standards, whatever our placing in the close to the evening. The Wednesday I was invited having realised that she should have said “Yes”, competitions. to teach I had the special treat of both David Hall Duncan gives in and asks her again. Miraculously For the display section we were joined by a and Judith Smith to accompany me. But it is from recovered, she says “Yes” and finally all is well! number of occasional team members including the point of view of a student I write this. • There’s nae luck aboot the Hoose, a song with Joan Desborough, George Ferrier, Andrew Nolan During the year the London Branch of RSCDS run disputed authorship written in about 1770, very (now studying medicine at Edinburgh), Christine a number of classes catering for different levels. popular in its time about how miserable everything Bell from Aberdeen, Ellen MacDuff and Michael However, a General Class for dancers of all levels is is when the man of the house is away at sea, Nolan (now a full-time member of the Team). additionally run on Wednesdays for 5 weeks from • Finally, we danced The Frisky, which has as its Thank you to all of them. Their presence allowed when the other classes finish. This allows those tune the Humber Jumber, an old children’s singing us to field a total of 20 dancers and to put on finishing a course to dance with others of different game with unusual words. No-one I have asked has what we thought was a varied and powerful levels but still within the framework of a class. The been able to tell me anything about the game itself display. However, this section was won by less experienced will gain in confidence being with so if anyone out there knows a bit about this I would Edinburgh with a quite traditional medley of those of more experience. I think that the inclusion like to hear from you! Society dances, very well executed. Their pianist of this class fulfils a useful transition role from Jeremy played the for the class and ensured class level to level or even from class to outside left at the end of the afternoon and our own that every tune he played for the evening came from dance. Angela Young sight read at very short notice to a song, not to mention singing for the Tequila Samba and Humber Jumber! play for their reprise in the interval during the The standard of teaching is always good and I like it because the style of teaching and music varies evening dance. So, as ever, London was closely The fun of this class was in telling the stories from week to week. Even though I have been behind the words and in some cases singing them associated with success. Our display was filmed dancing for a while I found that I could still gain a by David Hind from Newcastle Branch and can as well as dancing the dances. I was helped lot from these classes and recommend them to all enormously by the goodwill of the more competent be viewed on the internet on YouTube (type who can find the time. dancers so that the less experienced were able to Newcastle Festival). See also page 7. The Teacher’s Perspective by Grace Hill enjoy the evening too. If anyone is considering The team continues to be in demand for a coming to the general classes this coming summer I was asked to teach one of the 2006 general classes variety of events, including the usual then have no fear you will have a lot of fun, less way back in April and having looked at my diary I appearances for the Construction Trades at the experienced dancers will have friendly support thought I ought to be able to manage the 28 June. As Savoy Hotel and Phyllis Court in Henley for their from experienced dancers and experienced the weeks flashed by I realised I had given myself a respective Burns suppers. In a new venture, we dancers will enjoy being able to help while difficult task. Some of you may know that were invited to Warrington in February to put on hopefully getting something from the class at the Jeremy and I sing in a local choir and our final an evening’s entertainment for a group of same time. concert of the season was the weekend before my Accenture consultants. That included addressing class. I started to worry about what I should teach I, for one, thoroughly enjoyed taking the class.

Page 5 SPRING 07 BRANCH FAMILY DAY, This year the Society’s Spring Fling was held in FOCUS ON Oxford from 30 March to 1 April. For residents LONDON the accommodation was the Youth Hostel located 24 MARCH 2007 YOUTH next to Oxford Station. Although basic, our needs were catered for as we spent most of the With Angela at the helm, the Branch Family CHILDREN’S CLASSES weekend dancing, and that was all that was Day was a lot of fun and hard work! See The Branch children’s class will be held on required. pictures on page 10). Held in the large bright Saturdays 19 May, 9 June, 14 July, 10.30 - The weekend started with the Ceilidh on Friday hall of St Columba’s Church of Scotland, Pont 11.30 am at St. Columba’s Church Hall, night, which was great fun and The Karl Street, the day began with a beginners’ class at Pont Street, SW1. Sandeman Band was brilliant. On Saturday 11am. A warm welcome was extended to lots of Teacher:...... Angela Young morning there were classes for beginners, children and accompanying grown-ups with Musician: ...... Jean Harrison intermediates and advanced. Angela Young took coffee and squash to hand. However, Angela £2.00 per child per class (including drink). the advanced class, with Ian and Meryl Thomson wasted no time in getting anyone of any age Adults welcome to stay. Newcomers playing, which I thoroughly enjoyed. In the who was keen to learn straight onto the dance always welcome. afternoon there was a choice of Ladies Step, floor and into a circle. With Jean Harrison on The Branch is also running a class Highland and Quadrilles. I opted for Ladies Step. the piano, Angela took everyone through the continuing into the Summer Term in Aston It was a really enjoyable class. Angela taught basic steps, before setting the children free to Clinton, near Aylesbury, Bucks. Miss Alison Little, with Jeremy Hill playing the run the length of the hall with their skip change Mondays 4.15-5.15 pm. keyboard. Then there were walk-throughs for of steps. Once satisfied with the basics, Angela Teacher:...... Joan Desborough those that wanted them. In the evening the dance was really great to the excellent band, Green soon had the children mastering the steps of For details of this class please contact Ann Ginger. Sunday morning started with a combined several dances including Prince of Orange, Robertson on 01296 630682. beginners and intermediate class and an Leap Year and Rabbie’s Reel. It didn’t seem to advanced class. The morning finished with one matter how much anyone had danced before, FAMILY DAY big class for choreography, putting together they all looked very professional and, more Saturday 17 November known dances, e.g. for a demonstration. This was importantly, extremely happy! St.Columba’s Church Hall, Pont Street, a really interesting class again taken by Angela Before we broke for lunch, we said good-bye London SW1 and thank you to Jean. The Invercauld Band with Green Ginger playing. We were initially 11.30am-1.00pm arrived and started to set up as the children shown how to do it and then over to us. In groups Children’s Class (Admission £2.00) we were given a list of dances to choose from tucked into pizza, crisps and ice-cream. Some All children welcome to join with children and once each group had decided what they were children left after lunch but a large group stayed from the Branch class. going to do, they had to dance their on for the afternoon. Their number quickly At the same time there will be a special choreographed dem to the rest. The weekend grew with a stream of new-arrivals, many of gentle introduction to Scottish Country concluded with a communal lunch. whom had travelled a fair distance. They also Dancing for the grown ups to help them All in all it was a great weekend and I included some very experienced dancers. join in at the afternoon dance. thoroughly enjoyed it. Well done Alice and team Angela grabbed a microphone, took to the stage 1.00pm for organising it! and soon the party began! Other than the most Lunch (£1.00) will be provided for all Catriona Bennett delicious tea break (home-baking with hot-cross dancers. buns), and a short respite when we were treated 2.00-4.30pm to a demonstration of MacLeod’s Fancy, the Dance with Frank Reid and his band dancing continued until 4.30pm. The dancing YOUTH (Admission £2.50 including light seemed to get faster and (for some of us) more refreshments) SCHOLARSHIPS complicated, but the children remained unfazed, Dance programme will appear in the Thanks to some generous donations the Branch constantly changing partners and learning yet September Reel has been able to set up a Youth Scholarship Fund more dances. The verdict from my two Whole day ticket £5.00 in memory of Bill . The scholarships are exhausted but happy children …. “We loved it!” Everyone is welcome for all or part of the to support young dancers attending summer, And the next Family Day will be on Saturday winter or youth schools or taking their teaching day. Dances in the afternoon will be talked 17 November at St Columba’s from 11:30am. I through. certificate. Anyone who wishes to apply for hope to see you there! funding should contact the Branch Secretary. Emma Geidt

CHILDREN’S MEDAL TEST RESULTS Congratulations to all the children who entered the RSCDS Medal Tests at St. Columba’s on 3 March. Everyone passed. Some did really well and achieved a credit (*) and some even managed a distinction (#). Above all it was good to see so many children trying their best and enjoying their dancing. Marilyn Watson was an excellent assessor, encouraging the children and giving helpful advice to the teachers. Many thanks to Marilyn, to the teachers and to the parents who brought their children to the tests. There will be another opportunity for children to take the Medal Tests next year.

Cambridge Children’s Scottish Megan Hill * Grade 2 Hannah Cutting # Country Dance Class Alice Rigby * David Allwright * Lucy Cutting # Introductory Megan Rigby Fiona Thomson Lily Ferrara # Grade 2 Molly Wilson Emily Hirst * Chloe Farrer Paige Holland # Josephine Schoenburg * Ryan Evans * Grade 3 Max Moore # Grade 2 Bethany Heron Philip Cresswell Lucy Parsons * Ebryl Nicholls * Rebecca Hall Amelia Cant Anna Tholen # Grade 2 Alice Grosser Katie Jones * Hannah Nutsford * Steven Dawson # Emily Kidd St Johns Scottish Country Katie King # Agnes Taylor * Dancing Children’s Class Grade 4 Florence Moore # Madeleine Taylor Grade 1 Maddie Burrows Amy Moughton * Ellie Thompson David Allwright # Amelia Draffin # Danielle Reynolds # RSCDS Milton Keynes Branch Sarah Allwright # Becky Hall # Grade 4 Children’s Class Becky Boer * The Upland Dancers, Claire Dawson * Grade 1 Megan Brackstone * Bexleyheath Nancy Moore # Bethany Fuller * Poppy Simpson # Katie Farnes Robyn Jenkins * Introductory Jonathan Heron # Evie Booker #

Page 6 RSCDS dances had been compiled for us to quick practice at the hotel, we headed over to the WINTER SCHOOL exercise our brains over the weekend. Some were college where the Ladies Open section was just relatively easy – Cuba Ally for Culla Bay – but starting. Out of the 8 ladies teams, London I attended my second Winter School in Pitlochry others were testing. Did you know that ‘a haggled convincingly scooped the silverware with a this year and again thoroughly enjoyed the long sign whorls’ was an anagram of Glasgow deserved 94 marks. Next on the programme was weekend. I have heard it said that Winter School Highlanders? the mixed section which was hotly contested by is just ‘Summer School for grown-ups’ – no The weekend flew by and suddenly it was time 11 teams. The London team danced May Yarker’s communal washing facilities! But there is a to get dressed up in our posh frocks for the ball at Strathspey and Inverneill House flawlessly but totally different atmosphere – it is like a large Blair Castle, the family seat of the Duke of were narrowly pipped by Newcastle’s own team house-party and is a much more inclusive event Atholl. We danced to the wonderful music of by just one mark. than Summer School could ever be. We all stay Muriel Johnstone and Keith Smith in the grand Then came my turn – as one of the newest at the Atholl Palace, a 4* hotel situated at the top Ballroom whose walls were hung with weaponry, members of the Dem team, I hadn’t expected my of a hill just outside Pitlochry with wonderful armour and antlers – a truly stunning venue. A first demonstration to be in front of a packed ‘in views of the River Tummel and surrounding portrait by Sir Henry Raeburn of Niel Gow, the the know’ audience, and against six other teams. countryside. The rooms are extremely famous Scottish fiddler, hangs at the back of the We were last on and we danced a selection of 8 comfortable, the food was delicious and plentiful stage, and his chair and fiddle are also displayed traditional, as well as modern dances all expertly and the staff very pleasant and helpful. there. choreographed by Angela Young. Every one of us Winter School, for those who do not know On waking up on Tuesday morning we were enjoyed performing the intricate joins between much about it, started on Thursday 22 February greeted by a complete change to the landscape – the varied programme – one minute 6 ladies were with a warm welcome from Helen Russell, the snow was gently falling and turning everything dancing Jean Martin of Aberdeen to the gentle lilt Director, followed by a wine reception and white. A rather magical end to a weekend in of the piano and the next, all twenty of us were dinner. There were about 150 dancers at Winter which we danced and danced; ate, drank and were winding our way through the Craven Jig. The School and we were divided into four classes merry; met new and old friends; took advantage display, in all its glory, can be seen at www. based on ability and were taught by four of the lovely grounds for gentle walks; and all-in- youtube.com (enter “London RSCDS” in the experienced and gifted teachers – Helen, David all had a thoroughly good time. Thank you to search box) The audience gave us a rousing cheer Queen, Mervyn Short and Bill Zobel with music Helen Russell and her team for making it such a and applause at the end although it was the provided by five top class musicians – Muriel memorable experience. Edinburgh team which came top with a traditional Johnstone, Robert Mackay, George Meikle, Peter Maureen Campbell medley of jig, strathspey and reel. Nevertheless, Shand and Keith Smith. Each teacher and the London ladies also added the Morris Cooper musician were excellent and brought something trophy to the collection for gaining the highest of their own personality to the classes. One of the NEW KID ON THE overall score of the day. We all retired back to the most enjoyable aspects of Winter School is this hotel for a post festival party, followed in the wee variety of teacher and teaching. Each group had BLOCK small hours by a well earned rest. two mornings of classes within the hotel and two The Newcastle SCD Festival from a newcomer’s I’ve had a really warm and encouraging in halls in town – a brisk 20 minute walk away – viewpoint. welcome to the Demonstration Team and can giving us the opportunity to explore the sites and As a raw recruit to the London Demonstration honestly dispel any of the ‘elitist’ or ‘stuffy’ shops of Pitlochry afterwards. Team it was with a mixture of excitement and myths that may be around – far from it. The There was social dancing each evening in the nervousness that I set out, in February, with 19 emphasis is not just about good dancing but on hotel followed by a soirée in the spacious lounge other members of the London Demonstration what Scottish Country Dancing should be about at which the musicians entertained us while we team, to Emmanuel College, Gateshead for the having fun. They have made me feel part of the rested our weary legs and sipped our favourite 23rd Newcastle Festival. team from the start and my dancing has improved tipple. Entertainment was also arranged for the We all gathered on the Friday night for pre- immensely for it. Thanks to Angela Young for her afternoons – Muriel gave an informative talk competition drinks and a bite to eat at a local teaching and musical expertise in the run up to the about music, David Normand-Harris shared his restaurant and then an early night in preparation festival. great knowledge of the history of the kilt and for the following day. Keen not to be the last one in I hear that Highland Dress with us and a group of musicians On the Saturday morning, we were joined by auditions for Dem Class members (especially from Strathallan School played and sang with two more London Team members who had come men) are taking place on 8, 15 and 22 May. enthusiasm and skill. An anagram quiz of 24 especially from Scotland to help out and, after a Michael Nolan

Page 7 A FIVE-COUPLE very TRAVELLERS short h DANCES: istory TALES Last August I escaped the heat of the South East Dances for five couples began appearing in the From the late 1970s, John Drewry turned his of England and travelled north to Alnmouth in middle 1960s. The first two were written by mind to devising five couple dances. In the Northumberland for a superb week of Scottish Hugh Foss: Earlstoun Loch (a reel) and Airie strathspey Scotch Mist, for example, he used his Dancing and walking. The brochure said Bennan (a jig) published as Glendarroch own newly-invented formation “corners pass and “reasonable level of fitness required”, despite Sheets 1 and 2 respectively. A letter by Hugh turn” in a five couple set. Drewry’s dances are lacking this, a good time was had and knowing Foss in The Thistle issue 18 (April 1964) often designed around the symmetry of the five- how to party was a useful skill. suggests how the idea of a five-couple dance couple set. In Ballynaree (Bankhead 1), for Travelling could not have been easier; check may first have occurred to him. Discussing the example, both pairs of end couples dance a out the rail website, book in advance for cheap standard 8 x 32 dance, he points out how unfair petronella in tandem while the 3rd couple dance deals. I was there by midday, and down to the it is when couples have to sit out or when fourth a pattern around them. beach to enjoy a paddle in the sea. T-shirt and and fifth couples are limited to one turn each. As Hugh Foss pointed out in 1964, many shorts every day, only one occasion to don the Then he proposes his solution: familiar three-couple dances may be danced in a waterproof jacket. Some dances can easily be modified to suit a five-couple set if the 1st couple can slip down to The daily format was delicious breakfast, five-couple set. Lamb Skinnet is one. I know it is 3rd place at the end of their first time through. morning workshops with coffee break; packed easy because at a Ball once I devised the method While corner figures lend themselves particularly lunch on the terrace, choice of short or not so after the music had started and everyone in the well to the five-couple set, three hands round, short afternoon walk with refreshment, dinner, set caught on almost immediately (perhaps they three hands across, and reels of three across may dancing, relaxing in the bar. Wednesday was the had all done it before). 1st couple dance be adapted to the five-couple set if the four day off to do your own thing. Everything was normally the first time except that they slip to dancers in the middle dance a reel, circle, or optional, no black mark for non-attendance, only 3rd place and 2nd couple start from top place. hands across for four, as in Drewry’s The Black concern that you were OK. Then and thereafter there are always two couples Black Oil. Our “leader” Angus had a very relaxed dancing. Cauld Kail, Speed the Plough and The Another do-it-yourself way to create a five- approach to the holiday, which was just as well Reel of the 51st Division are other dances that couple dance for display purposes is to have the when he tried to improve our technique there can be treated this way. The last named ends top two couples mirrored by the bottom two, who were a few groans and he did not dwell on the with ten hands round the second and subsequent start on opposite sides of the set. Simple matter for too long, and was happy to take times. traditional dances like Petronella, De’il amang requests for dances we wanted to learn. He was Foss’ last three examples are three-couple the Tailors and Miss Ogilvie’s Fancy may be assisted by Geoff another keen dancer, and dances with corner figures done on one diagonal, handled in this way. expert route planner, it was essential that the then the other (setting to and turning corners, And then, of course, come all the new walks ended near an ice cream van or a watering “hello-goodbye setting”). In each case the ending possibilities of the five-couple dance in a square hole. can be modified by the first couple crossing set ... On the walk along the beach to Bamburgh down or dancing to 3rd place instead of finishing Reprinted with permission from Vancouver Castle, the fittest lady with us decided to do her in 2nd place. This is a recipe for the five-couple Branch magazine The White Cockade April interpretation of “Chariots of Fire”, and Angus dances which Foss proceeded to write within a 2007. was first in line to offer to look after her year or two of his letter. They make use of what rucksack and outer garments. Geoff had found a Mary Brandon calls “floating corners”: the 4th dance to fit the scene and those not too couple, having stepped up to 3rd place, function MEMBERSHIP embarrassed danced “Bamburgh Castle” in the as corners for the active couples both above and car park. Membership of the RSCDS and London below them. One evening the serious walkers joined us for Branch costs £14.00 per annum for UK based Derek Haynes, followed the same recipe with members (£14.50 for Europe; £16.50 ceilidh/barn dancing, by 10.00pm they were his Black Mountain Reel, published as a elsewhere). Current members of other tired; we carried on, dismissing the myth that we Glendarroch Dance Sheet in 1968. This Branches can join London Branch for £4.00 were wimps. On Thursday we “dressed up” to contains two corner figures: diagonal reels of per annum if they live in the UK (£4.50 in the admiration of other guests and staff. four with corners and turn corner, partner, corner, Europe and £6.50 elsewhere). Audience participation was the name of the partner. In 1974, Mary Brandon wrote Balgeddie London Branch membership brings benefits game for the final night ceilidh with the walking Reel containing balance in line with corners. The including The Reel, while Society membership group, when those talented, or not, contributed parallel diagonals make these dances look very includes the annual dance publication, The to a fun evening. Our group demonstrated a effective. Scottish Country Dancer. strathspey we had learnt in the morning, All these early five-couple dances have another Membership applications and enquiries faultless of course! feature which makes them useful in a class should be sent to the Membership Secretary, This year it’s Derwentwater, and you’ve setting: they can be danced by any odd number Owen Meyer, 50 Bunby Road, Stoke Poges, guessed, I’ve booked my room already. of couples. The “double W’s” or double double Bucks SL2 4BP. Tel: 01753 643461. Marian Mitchell triangles of Earlstoun Loch for example, can be [These Scottish Country Dancing holidays multiplied ad infinitum. Dancing “Black available at beginners, intermediate and Mountain Reel” in a nine-couple set would advanced levels, with or without the walking certainly test the stamina of the dancers, but SUBSCRIBE TO THE REEL option, are offered by HF Holidays Ltd; imagine those four parallel diagonals! (When If you are not a member of the London Branch brochure request on 020 8905 9388, www. numbers are low, these dances can also be done order your copy of The Reel from hfholidays.co.uk. Ed.] in three-couple sets.) Rita Marlow, 17 West Farm Close, However, this is not true of Hugh Foss’ Ashtead, Surrey KT21 2LH, brilliantly conceived Polharrow Burn, published tel: 01372 812821, as Glendarroch Sheet 18 in the late 1960s. For e-mail: [email protected] BRANCH BOOKSTALL the first time, Foss has the dancers travel The annual cost for individual subscribers is At your service throughout the set rather than staying in an upper £4.50 if resident in the UK, £5.00 for other Books and CDs for Scottish Dancers or lower “box.” European residents and £7.00 if resident Mail order from Ian Anderson, In his three last Glendarroch Dance Sheets, elsewhere. There are special rates for bulk 104 Whitedown Lane, Alton, Hugh Foss returned to five couple dances with orders. Remittances in sterling please, payable Hants GU34 1QR. the strathspeys Lochskerrow, Loch Doon Castle, to RSCDS (London Branch). Tel: 01420 84599 and Cairnsmore of Carsphairn (Sheets 56, 57, e-mail: [email protected]. and 59). These dances have the same progression 10% reduction on RSCDS publications and as the earlier ones (the couples ending in order recordings bought by members. 24153), but Foss accomplishes the progression Want to advertise in The Reel? Please state your Branch when ordering. with a simplicity concealing great ingenuity: Contact Jeff Robertson, tel: 01903 530750 N.B.: The Bookstall Stocklist is available on eight steps of a reel of five in Loch Doon Castle or Tel: 01903 230997. Email: [email protected]. the Branch Website. and eight steps of a Grand Chain for ten in Lochskerrow.

Page 8 “Will you MC our next dance, please?”

In the Southeast we are lucky to have a large Timekeeping is just as important. You know let them know the supper arrangements, number of Scottish Country Dance clubs and when to start and finish. You know the length of compliment them on their music. They want to societies within easy reach, so on a Saturday the programme. Six dances an hour, or ten in enjoy their evening too. If they are happy and night how do you choose which dance to attend? ninety minutes is comfortable, but watch out for relaxed they will play their best music. Any Is it the band, the programme, the venue, the an unusual number of 3x32 or indeed 8x40 criticism of the band should ideally wait to the refreshments or, perhaps most importantly of all, strathspeys. Note the length of time it is taking to next committee meeting. Niggling on the night is the company? Whatever is the deciding factor for make up sets. Can you afford to give people the not going to help anyone’s mood, least of all the you, it is certainly not the MC. Yet he or she can time for a decent conversation between dances or band leader’s. If something is seriously awry have a decisive influence over the success of the do you have to hurry things along? “I’m sorry, with, for example, the tempo you will have to say evening. For an hour or so at the Branch Day we are not going to get another three couples. something but tactfully, and be sure of your School back in October about twenty Would you mind joining the set above so 4th and ground. Dance a bit yourself, seek views from experienced, novice and potential MCs met to 5th couples will get one turn each”. Apologies other people, don’t act on a few isolated share and discuss some of the key characteristics for annoying the purists, but if there is a danger grumbles alone. With recorded music you have of a good MC. We were helped by Dave Hall, of running out of time you cannot wait for the much more control over the tunes and the tempo. who was able to give a band leader’s perspective, floor to be cleared before announcing the next John Laurie played us a number of recordings to and John Laurie, who has spent many years dance. Be stingy with encores. Feel the pace of highlight different tempi. Clearly he puts a lot of MC’ing the Monday night dances at St. the evening first and in any case bands won’t be thought and preparation into choosing the right Columba’s to recorded music. playing their best sets early on. If dancers know music to suit the programme and the occasion. Some clubs ask their MCs to devise the they have to raise the rafters with their cheers Think about what you are going to say in programme, and increasingly MCs are called welcoming everyone at the start and thanking upon to re-cap the dances, but generally MCs are appropriate people at the end. Be succinct. A expected to do nothing more than announce the light-hearted or humorous comment every now next dance. Easy, anyone can do it and too often and again is fine, but keep things flowing. If anyone does. A poor MC can spoil an otherwise there are announcements to be made about other promising evening, but a good MC, whilst not events choose an appropriate point in the single-handedly making the dance a success, can evening. Don’t keep interrupting the dances for enhance everyone’s enjoyment of the event. yet another rendition of “Happy Birthday to There is much more to being a good MC than you”. Adapt your style to suit the circumstances. just announcing the next dance, so the next time For your voice to carry in a large hall you will you are invited to act as MC what should you be have to speak more slowly, and for a ball you doing? Our discussion group came up with the might want to adopt a slightly more formal tone following thoughts. but don’t be solemn. On the other hand you Communication is vital; with the band, with the might want to dispense with the microphone and dancers, with the organisers and with the get off the stage for an informal ceilidh in an stewards (line counters). Be sure when the dance intimate setting. Ask a friend at the far end of the starts – does 7.30 mean 7.30, or sometime before hall whether you can be heard clearly. If not 8.00 when enough people have drifted in to think about your pronunciation and the pitch of create a decent atmosphere? And when it your voice, or you may be too close or too far finishes, is 11.00 the time to stop the music, the away from the microphone. Some MCs prefer time to leave the hall or just enough time to Stephen Webb radio microphones. They can be useful but squeeze in Auld Lang Syne? What time is the Owen Meyer in MC mode at Gerrards Cross generally the MC is better doing his job from the interval – is it half way through the programme, stage where s/he can be seen as well as heard. when the kettle boils and if the kettle hasn’t and applause to get an encore it will add to the Should an MC join in the dancing? There is no boiled do you put in an extra dance or follow on atmosphere. If there is plenty of time, slip in an reason why not, providing it doesn’t slow the with the next dance on the programme, and how extra dance rather than encore every jig and reel pace of the evening. It kills the atmosphere if you long does it last? You should warn the band well for the sake of it. Critics of pre-booking dances excite everyone with “Here we go with the Reel in advance so they can have another piece of will thank you for it, but agree well in advance of . . .” and then have the band wait while you cake and go to the loo. A gentle reminder to the with the band leader what the extra will be and totter down the steps and look for your partner on band and the stewards that the next dance has choose something straightforward and popular. the floor. Likewise if everyone is clamouring for five couples won’t go amiss, likewise if there are Whatever you do, don’t commit the cardinal sin an encore and you are nowhere to be seen. If you two chords at the start. Acknowledge the line of including an extra only to discover later that want to dance find a sympathetic partner, a set counters. Just a “thank you” will do to let them you are running out of time and you have to omit near the top of the room and avoid being 1 or 4 know you appreciate them having counted their a dance from the published programme. couple. You will miss the first and last eight bars. line quickly and efficiently, and once the first Be aware of space. Are the dancers making Even if you are an experienced MC and men have sprinted back to place let everyone, maximum use of the floor, are the sets at the certainly if you are a novice, you can learn a lot and especially the band leader, know you are bottom squashed while those at the top have by watching and listening to other MCs. How do ready to begin. Check beforehand if the dancers ample room, would it help if chairs were pushed they add to the occasion, what comes across well might find the floor slippery, and if so what is the under the tables, is it time to make up another and what doesn’t. Pick up ideas and tips, but policy about “Slip Stop” and similar products? column? In particular don’t be afraid to marshal don’t slavishly copy. When you are the MC it It is helpful to tip off the band leader about the making up of square sets. “Would the couple will be your personality that comes across. Put dances you are likely to encore, but the decision who’ve just come on to the floor mind going some energy into it and show that you are to do so should be spontaneous. You will know right into the middle, there is plenty of room enjoying the music and the dancing. Be from the dancers’ reaction whether a dance (or there to start a new set.” Stay alert. If one set is confident, be clear and remember your place in perhaps more precisely the music) warrants an getting into a mess, go and help them, or better the scheme of things. Don’t get in the way; encore. If so let everyone know immediately, still ask someone else who is competent but not a encourage and enthuse. Think of yourself less as with a gesture as well as a word (because you bully to lend a hand. If everyone is getting into a a Master (or Mistress) of Ceremonies and more may not be heard for the applause) so people mess, stop the music, offer some advice and start as a facilitator. If everyone has a great night you don’t start wandering off the floor. This is the again. If the band play an extra turn, let them will have done a good job, even if no one thanks time to impress everyone with your knowledge know that this is the last time through. If they you for it. of the dance’s origins or your acquaintance with stop short, apologise to the last couple; but unless We covered a lot of ground in our hour long its devisor, while the band are turning over to a an encore is demanded, it isn’t worth keeping discussion and we hardly touched on recapping new page of music, not before the first run everyone on the floor just for one turn. If the and calling, which these days are important skills through of the dance. Generally dancers don’t band drops eight bars, don’t panic, they will for an MC to possess. At the forthcoming Branch want to hear a lecture on the history of a dance probably recover brilliantly without any help Day School on 13 October there will be an just after they have waited for the sets to be made from you, but if you think it is necessary when opportunity for anyone interested to join a up and are anxious to get on with it. A word or the last turn starts ask for an extra eight bars at discussion on those topics. In the meantime if two about a dance might be appropriate, but the end. you get the chance to MC give it a go. Enjoy it remember the dancers haven’t come to listen to Look after the band. Offer to get them drinks, and it’s likely that everyone else will too. you. Andrew Kellett

Page 9 Picture P 24 Ma s Family Da Branch D

Left: Angela keeps the children spellbound

Above left: Everyone can benefit from a reminder of the pousette in the Petronella. Above: Claire with daughter Imogen showing what fun SCD really is! Above right: Catriona Bennett, one of the dem team, helps out by giving a guiding hand. Left: Angela Young teacher and MC for the Family Day with the Invercauld SD Band (Lilian Linden, piano; Dave McAllister, fiddle; Kevin Street, accordion). Right: The Cumberland Reel, an old favourite with the young!

Left: A hall full of youngsters and their parents enjoying the Family Day. Right: Jeremy, his daughter Zoë with Jessica her best friend and Andrew all relaxing together, between dances.

Page 10 Pages rch ay Dance t

Right: Dem Team Allemande at Newcastle Festival Henry Nolan Nolan Henry

All pictures by Stephen Webb except for the above

Far left: Our London Branch Chairman, Rachel Wilton, socialising during the interval.

Left: Mary Robertson and Margaret Catchick greet the guests as they arrive, ably assisted by Henry Nolan.

Below: Peter Knight and Marion Morris take a break.

Left: Lindsay Jenkins, Lindsey Rousseau and Renata Stankova.

Left: Caroline Allcock and Lynton McLain dancing The Hollin Buss

Right: Donald Walker crosses Heather Edwards up in The Sailor

Page 11 THE ADAMSONS OF FIFE… A dancing empire

For a period of almost seventy years Alexander Circassian Circle and the Waltz Country Dance. father and son and the ball would commence Adamson and then his son William dominated They also taught solo step dances such as the with a children’s session, followed by the adults’ the dancing scene in East Fife. In the course of , but these invariably only to their Night Ball. The children’s event saw simple their overlapping careers they taught at young pupils. social dances like Petronella and Rory O’More, approximately 72 places over a long swathe of It is important to appreciate that country followed with step dances such as the Clog land from the Firth of Tay down to the Firth of dances and, indeed, reels, were not regarded as . At 9pm the Night Ball began: Forth and then inland as far as Perthshire and particularly national, just part of the whole Adamson, playing his fiddle, would lead the Kinrossshire in the west. Their headquarters was ballroom curriculum, square and circle dances Grand March onto the floor. the town of Kingskettle, not far from Cupar and being ranked on an equal footing. Indeed, if one Veletas, , two-steps and waltzes, and located roughly in the middle of the area. studies the country dances in William dances like the Lancers and The Dashing White Alexander Adamson (1859-1939) was origi- Adamson’s répertoire, (e.g. Corn Rigs, Sergeant would be interspersed with a few nally a miner but studied dancing enthusiasti- Cumberland Reel, Haymakers Jig) they are, country dances and with reels which would cally and started teaching in 1879 at the age of almost without exception, disappointingly demonstrate the bravura setting steps taught by 20. He continued until 1927. His son William simple dances with few figures and might not Mr Adamson. There would also be demonstra- was taught by his father and joined the family have offered much competition to whirling tions of solo dances such as the Highland Fling firm in about 1897: his career continued well waltzes and intricately patterned square dances. and the evening would always finish with a into the modern era, for he only retired in 1953. From the 1870s those square and circle dances Foursome Reel followed by the Reel of Tulloch, We have a very vivid account of how father had begun to oust reels and country dances from often repeated again and again. and son conducted their business, due to urban ballrooms, and, although this was not so In the country dances one would see the interviews conducted with William Adamson in apparent in rural areas, by the first decade of the dancers moving with the lilting chassé step in the 1960s: the details he gave were of his own 20th century the same was beginning to obtain vogue at the time. Travelling down the middle working life but he was at pains to point out that in the villages of Fife. William himself remarked and back was frequently performed with he taught in a very similar fashion to his father. that he “didn’t go in for many Country Dances casually linked arms, often followed by a William Adamson travelled back and forth because young people were trying to get more circling ballroom-hold waltzing poussette. If a from Kingskettle each day, often covering 18 modern dances”. dance required turning, as in the Quadrille miles each way. Originally he travelled by These modern dances now included the newest Country Dance, couples would frequently do it bicycle, then progressing to a motorbike and close couple dances: the Foxtrot, the Quickstep with a close ballroom hold, using chassés and a eventually using a car. His work pattern was and the Tango, all clearly very appealing to pivot step. Similar closeness would be seen in a thus: he held five evening classes each week, teenagers and young adults! dance like Royal Albert where three dancers quite often in widely separated venues. Classes Mr Adamson did, however, continue to teach interlaced their arms, facing inwards and pivoted ran for 14 weeks, with a small ball halfway country dances, especially to his juveniles, right around in a lively “basket of three” through and a Grand Ball at the end. The up to his retirement in 1953. Ballroom holds, linked arms, waltzing evenings were divided into a first half from Interviews with William provide considerable poussettes… all these details speak of the new 6-7.45pm (for the juveniles from 5-13 years of insights into the steps he taught. For quick informality and the mingling of new and old age) and a second lasting from 8-10pm (for the tempo dances there existed during the era of the styles of dance in late nineteenth and early 20th “adults”, i.e. teenagers). Adamsons, the chassé step and the hop one and Century country dancing. Prior to the start of the session William had two step. For country dances, in common with It seems that William Adamson’s later career cycled round the neighbourhood, pinning up many other teachers, they taught the chassé step and fortunes went into something of a decline notices in village halls and shops and in farms in as the correct travelling step. Its main and this is hardly surprising. Although the SCDS the very rural spots. On the Friday before the characteristic was a gentle lilt between the right had, since 1923, been reviving interest in first week he would put a notice in the “Fife and left chassé movements. The hop one and country dancing and, in the 1950s and the 1960s, Journal” This publicity clearly worked, for his two for country dances was much less common. Jimmie Shand’s successful band would propel classes frequently numbered over 100, testifying However, it seems that either of the above steps Scottish music onto the national scene, the to the appetite for dance instruction amongst the could be used for reels. golden era of the successful rural dancie was rural population. In terms of quick setting, Mr Adamson taught over well before William’s retirement in1953. Dancing masters in the cities had their own a version of the pas de basque for country With thanks to Isobel Livingstone, who was premises, but William always had to find his dances and reels, but for reels he also taught taught by William Adamson. venues. Schools and local halls were preferred, other quick setting steps. There were in Rosalind Zuridis but if they were not available barns or granaries existence over Scotland a staggering variety on the farms were called into service. Granaries (about 19) of these steps, including the pas de in Fife were raised above the cart shed and had basque and backstep with a hop from Benbecula, BRANDED GARMENTS good wooden floors, which fortunately acquired the double shuffle taught by James Muir of A range of garments including Tee Shirts, fitted a smooth surface, due to grain being constantly Motherwell, high cutting all over the Western Ladies Tees, Polo Shirts and Sweatshirts is scooped across them. If necessary, William Isles and mainland Scotland and, most available sporting the Branch logo. These would add his “slipperine” (a substance similar spectacularly, the flying shuffle and pirouette- garments are offered in a range of colours and to French chalk) and, if obliged to use barns out from Banffshire. Adamson’s own répertoire sizes and children’s sizes are also available. with stone or concrete floors he would apply included the triple spring side cut and the pas de Order forms are available from Jeff Robertson candle scrapings to lend them a suitable basque and balance steps. on tel: 01903 230997; 020 7730 9633; glassiness. Such meticulous preparations According to most authorities country dances [email protected], or from the Branch website: indicate the typical perfectionism of a dancing in strathspey tempo seem to have been rare in www.rscdslondon.org.uk. master! 19th Century ballrooms and we have As has been remarked before, rural dancies correspondingly little information about the These quality garments are modestly priced as occupied an important part in the social fabric of Adamsons’ teaching of strathspeys. There were follows, postage and packing being charged at that era: one might define it as having a two standard travelling steps (both step, close, cost as appropriate:- stabilising and controlling influence on the step, hop), mainly used for Scotch reels, and any Tee Shirts £9 young people. Emphasis on decorum was the strathspey setting seems to have been principally Ladies Tees £11 overarching element of William’s teaching the Common or the Highland . Polo Shirts £15 methods. His strict code of etiquette was always Although the reel setting steps as described Sweatshirts £16 followed, no matter whether in a village hall or a above were all about polished footwork, the There are two logo styles, a discreet embroidered stone-floored barn. One interviewee commented general consensus seems to be that for country logo on the left breast for Sweatshirts and Polo on the required behaviour at a dance: “After the and other ballroom dancing this was not the Shirts and a larger version incorporating our dance you had to take your partner back to her case. Teachers with a hundred or so pupils in a website address, for printing on the backs of Tee seat, no’ throw her away like a hot potato!” class would probably have been happy that Shirts and Ladies Tees. Like other dancing masters of their time, both pupils just mastered the figures, although in On light garments the logo will be as above, father and son taught a wide range of dances: smaller classes footwork was emphasised more. but with a gold crown and silver lettering on the Scotch Reels, Country Dances, Square Dances One might conclude by imagining one of Mr darker garments. Please continue to support your such as the Lancers, Circle Dances like the Adamson’s end of term balls around about 1910. Branch. , and round the room favourites such as the The music would invariably be provided by Jeff Robertson

Page 12 BILL CLEMENT HIGHLIGHTS BOOK REVIEW Bill Clement has been a major figure in piping and dancing in Scotland for longer than many Violin Making in Scotland 1750-1950 of us have been alive. He is past Chairman of the RSCDS. His letter in the last Reel has by DAVID RATTRAY stimulated him to put pen to paper to reminisce the last half century. Published by The British Violin Making Association. Price £100 plus UK Postage & I will always remember watching Miss Packing £9.00 Overseas rates apply Milligan’s reaction to this proposal. It took a Violin books have long been a favourite subject little time, but eventually she said ‘Yes, we must for publishers. Ranging from learned treatises on do this’. So it was agreed that the feet should the making and restoring of instruments and never be turned out more than in 1st position: bows, to biographies of the great makers and heel to instep and not over in the pas de basque. detailed histories of their instruments, as well as In the Strathspey setting and travelling steps, the studies of imitations, copying, deception and knee should no longer be turned out at right resultant fraud that priceless instruments can angles. This was in my view a major change, and provoke. if I have a concern it is that members have not Not least among violin books, however, have been told the reason for this change; nor have been numerous publications of the ‘coffee table’ members been encouraged to dance in outdoor variety, containing beautiful photographic shoes at a ball. I was aware that Miss Milligan reproductions of instruments by the great Italian, found it a difficult choice whether or not to agree German, and other makers, with sometimes with the Edinburgh proposal being so keen on the rather scant detail of the instruments themselves! style she had developed and its footwork Such is the apparent desirability of some of these precision. I believe she came to see the logic of sumptuous publications that they (like the the argument in widening the appeal of country Stephen Webb Stephen instruments they depict) have become sought dancing and so agreed to accept the proposal. after in their own right by collectors and others, Bill’s legs seen here at the Lyon 20th Anniversary Once I asked Miss Milligan what shoes she celebrations in 2006. Look at his shoes! there presumably being a profit to be had over wore when in evening dress. She said she always time. Indeed not very much time, as it is not wore heeled shoes on such an occasion. I then Footwear to the Fore unheard of for such gems to sell at violin said ‘Why do you not tell members this?’ She did auctions for well above the cover price whilst In my last letter to The Reel I touched upon the not speak to me for a week! still in print and available at the published price! dilemma of footwear for Country Dancing. For the ladies the appropriate footwear are Such could well be the fate of this stunning Ceilidh dancers and Reelers wear outdoor shoes evening shoes, suiting their ball gown, such as all publication by David Rattray, a Scot, who has but the RSCDS prefers soft shoes (pumps – or the ladies in the Royal party wore at the created a volume which combines authoritative baffies as DG MacLennan described them). Society’s 50th Anniversary Ball. All the men in maker’s comments with considerable detail of In the army we danced both Highland and the Royal party were wearing their buckled the majority of the instruments. Biographies of Scottish Country Dancing in pumps which were evening shoes, including the President Lord makers and the history of the violin making trade made for us by the regimental cobbler, but junior Macdonald and vice-president Sir Iain (art) in Scotland over two hundred years from officers always did Scottish Country Dancing in Moncreiffe. 1750, with maps showing locations of the various outdoor shoes. I have often discussed this with London workshops. Entirely convincing in its academic So of course it was not a surprise when I Branch President, Mary Stoker, who is someone rigour this book also illustrates the beauty of the attended my first Atholl Ball on 1 October 1947 I respect greatly, but she is adamantly against violin by means of outstanding photography by to find everyone dancing in outdoor shoes. dancing in evening shoes, saying it would be the author, Clarissa Bruce, and others. Consequently, I was most interested in the views dangerous, and someone could quite easily be Of interest to makers, players, historians and of DG MacLennan in the Spring of 1950 as hurt. In the face of that I have cited the Atholl booklovers of all nationalities, but above all to mentioned in The Reel No. 259. At this time most Ball where over many years I have never known Scots the world over, this volume is a Edinburgh Branch members danced in outdoor of any accident. Mary’s views concur with those conversation piece of some substance and a shoes at Balls. In 1946 four members of the of most members of the Society: it grieves me tribute to Scottish Craftsmanship. It is essential Edinburgh Branch were invited to Holyrood that they should hold such a narrow outlook. reading for lovers of ‘the fiddle’ with dimensions Palace one evening when Mrs Florence Lesslie, On a related issue, many dancers do not seem to analyse, history to ponder over... and for an Edinburgh Branch Teacher and Society to realise how to control or adapt their style of everyone, illustrations to drool over! Examiner, taught Princess Elizabeth and Princess dancing, even in pumps, when the floor is It might be advisable to buy two copies, one to Margaret Mrs Stewart’s Strathspey. Mrs Lesslie crowded. I believe that dancers should be taught study and one to ‘keep for good’ (as we used to writing about that evening said: ‘We also danced how to control their dancing in different say). The Duke of Perth more than 20 times through situations. James (Glen) Edgar and hardly a skip change in sight! I danced an Bill Clement (no...not the one on Page 207!) Eightsome, Foursome and Tulloch with the King, and later there was a Sixteensome. Altogether a Additional Information marvellous night’: all of this in heeled evening Karen Stoerkel Matthew Hardie, Sound of a Craftsman. The Box shoes. It was this diversity of footwear that with John and Fiddle, January 1988 www.boxandfiddle. brought matters to a head at the RSCDS Summer Nicholson com/matthew_hardie.htm. School Staff Meeting in 1950. enjoying the dancing at the Matthew Hardie, Edinburgh Stradavari. Hershey One has to be aware of how the Society taught Reading Ball in Violins. reel and strathspey setting and travelling steps February www.hersheyviolins.com/news/2006/0223.php prior to this time. The pas de basque was quite Source of books on Violins:- www.thestrad.com/ Highland with the heel of the working foot well OrpheusMusicShop over the instep of the supporting foot. The BVMA Publications Information:- Please email Strathspey travelling step was danced by John Topham on [email protected] website brushing the sole of the foot coming through www.bvma.org.uk. turned out at right angles, in order not to break the apron of the kilt – exactly as was said in army Highland dancing. In the Strathspey setting step, BRANCH BADGES second position was very Highland, and finishing Alison Spiers The Branch Badge is based on the rectangular the step with the knee turned out, again so that Reel masthead logo and is available in a smart the kilt apron was flat. A PLEA FROM THE enamel and polished finish. These are modestly All this I appreciated very much since it was so priced at £4.00 and are available from Jeff close to Highland, but some considered it quite ARCHIVIST Robertson on 01903 230997, 020 7730 9633 or inelegant for ladies. With that background, the Please will everyone who sends me information [email protected] or from Ian Anderson at the Edinburgh teachers and examiners proposed at for the archives, label it with place and date and, Branch Bookstall on 01420 84599 or the Summer School Staff meeting in 1950 that if photographs, the names of those pictured. [email protected]. our steps should be changed or adapted in order Without these details I am unable to use such Please continue to support your Branch. that they could be danced comfortably in either material. Jeff Robertson pumps or heeled shoes. Iris Anderson

Page 13 A CHRISTMAS ALTERNATIVE When attending the Rechberg International weekend in Germany for the first time in 2000, I was chatting to some dancers from Gloucestershire who mentioned a Christmas break devoted to Scottish Country Dancing. I was unable to pursue the idea at the time but early in 2006 it was mentioned again when I was attending a dance in Leeds, and this is how I came to be at the Ramada Hotel in parkland close to the attractive riverside town of Bewdley, Worcestershire from 24 to 28 December, along with over 50 fellow dancers from various parts of the U.K. After a sherry reception and dinner on Christmas Eve we adjourned to the hotel Ballroom for a programme of 14 dances to recorded music from ‘all the best bands’ who played for us during our holiday. Walk-through classes on the mornings of Christmas Day, Boxing Day and 27 December enabled us to tackle the more demanding dances on the evening programmes, and of course on Christmas Day the options of attending church services and hearing the Queen’s Speech were available for those who wished to do so. Christmas Lunch was included on 25 December and all participants were asked to take a small wrapped gift for redistribution by ‘Father Christmas’ to a fellow dancer of the same sex. Shielburn Associates From Christmas Day, evening dancing began at For ALL Scottish recordings – 6pm with a break for dinner from 7.30 to 9 pm and around 20 dances were programmed on each At bargain prices! of these evenings. Our able MCs were event organiser Joyce Gorvett (Cheltenham) on 24 10 CDs for £100 (post free - UK) December, Noel Watson (Ilkley) of course on E-mail [email protected] Christmas Day, Avis Harrison (Leeds) on Boxing Day and Derek Latham (Lancashire) on 27 Tel: 0118 969 4135 Fax 0118 962 8968 December. Most dances were familiar to 1 Renault Road, Woodley experienced dancers and for those of us who had not done them for some time it was good to Reading RG5 4EY reacquaint ourselves with the delights of The Just listen to our own label releases! Elephant’s Stampede, Golden Gateway Reel, The Toll House, The Dancing Master, The Recumbent http://www.shielburn.co.uk Stone, Aird of Coigach and Osgood Mackenzie of Inverewe, amongst others. If the prospect of Scottish Country Dancing next Christmas appeals to you, coupled with good food and friendly company in delightful surroundings, please contact Mrs Joyce Gorvett, 17 Nourse Close, Leckhampton, Cheltenham, Glos GLS3 ONQ or [email protected]. John Buckle Northallerton, North Yorkshire.

VALLIN COLLECTIONS 1,2 & 3

each book contains 12 Scottish Country dances £3.00 each plus p&p

these dance books are being augmented by a series of CDs, the first is now available.

CD – the VALLIN SUITE One

“excellent choice of tunes, beautifully played by NEIL BATTON & his Scottish Dance Band” £13.00 each plus p&p

contact: L.J. Morris 0161-439-3814 email: [email protected]

net proceeds donated to Stepping Hill Hospital

Page 14 BANDS SCHOTTISCHES Some modern Scottish country dance devisors performed. The second half of the dance THE FRANK REID SCOTTISH appear to be under the delusion that the term comprising either the schottische (as described DANCE BAND ‘schottische’ is a synonym for ‘strathspey’ and by Victor Sylvester) or alternatively in some Broadcasting band for Scottish Country Dances, are misusing it in the title of longwise country dances four bars for eight ‘step-hops’ turning Reeling, Ceilidhs and Weddings. Any size of band dances to strathspey music. It is incorrect to use clockwise. One very popular version merely from one to seven with PA to match from 100 to the term used for a distinct variety of round the combines these two parts and comprises two 2000 watts. Particularly interested in any ideas for room couple dance for a country dance. Hence it bars of common schottische setting followed by expansion of ceilidh market. The Granary, Park is worth considering the origin of the term and six bars for twelve step-hops (see also The Lane, Finchampstead, Wokingham, RG40 4QL, its present usage. Thistle). [email protected]. Tel/Fax: 0118 932 8983. According to Vuilliers and Richardson it was Highland Schottische THE INVERCAULD SCOTTISH in 1856, that Markowski devised the original This dance dates from 1855, when it was DANCE BAND ‘Zorn Schottische’, but there is evidence that originally known as ‘The Balmoral Schottische’, Scottish Dance Band (3 or 4 piece) for Dances, this dance was introduced to the Victorian Court and is the only surviving Scottish schottische. Ceilidhs, Reels, Weddings & Parties. Contact in 1855. The schottische is not as fast or as For many purist Scottish country dancers it is Lilian Linden, 01252 629178, Mob: 07879 lively as the polka. The rhythm of the music is probably the only round the room dance for 633766, [email protected]. CDs £12 each very pronounced and although superficially couples which does not meet with a measure of (+ £1.00 UK p&p) www.invercauldband.com. similar to a strathspey it is a development of the disapproval. In true schottische fashion it polka, slowed down to about 40 bars per minute, comprises four bars which are characteristic of KEN MARTLEW which used to be the traditional speed for the dance followed by two bars of common strathspey-reel music. A typical schottische tune Solo pianist / RSCDS teacher / MC schottische step and two of step-hops. is ‘The Keel Row‘. or Duo with BARBARA MANNING Effectively the first four bars comprise a bar of a It was devised as a dance form in Germany typical Highland (fling) step followed by a (violin/piano) where it is also known as the ‘Rheinlander‘ or A highly-experienced, versatile combination for common schottische step, repeated contra. The ‘Bavarian Polka‘; although some authorities your Day School / Dance. first and third bars should correctly be described incorrectly describe it as of Scandinavian origin. European languages, will travel anywhere. as a ‘rigadoon’ step. The dance is performed by German and Scandinavian schottische music is Enquiries: 01442 261525 [email protected]. couples in a circle round the room, all rather different to Scottish music. ‘Schottische’ progressing counter-clockwise, however, there is a German word, but as French and Italian are are at least eight different variations in the M Scottish S the more accepted languages for music many c N manner in which the dance is performed in B I composers (including Beethoven, Chopin and Country A Dance different places. Two of these one published by B I Schubert) wrote schottische music but Maclennan and the other traditionally performed c N mistakenly translated the title into ‘ecossaise’. M Band S in Silbury include a promenade and do not The word ‘ecossaise’ is used in France for a conform to the traditional eight bar pattern of a Contact: Mike McGuinness Tel: 020 8398 6799 country dance in which each man has two ladies or Tel/Fax: 020 8546 0075 (business hours) schottische. as partners: similar to ‘Confess’ published by In the Western Islands, the ‘Highland Playford or ‘The Swedish Dance’ published by Schottische’ is known as the ‘Stealing Dance’ SCOTCH MIST CEILIDH BAND Chivers. This naturally causes confusion with and is usually performed as a ‘gentleman’s Internationally acclaimed 5-piece Scottish Ceilidh the term ‘ecossaise’ or ‘ecossoise’ which was excuse me’: any man may interpose himself Band with a suitable line-up for Scottish Ceilidhs, used to indicate a country dance in which the between another couple and continue the dance Reeling and Highland Balls for Clubs. M.C./caller first couple dance on the opposite sides of the with the lady of his choice. This custom is also available if required. See us, hear us and contact set. us on our website www.scotchmistuk.co.uk or followed in parts of North America, where the In Slovenia the ‘Shotish’ or ‘Cotich’ is a style dance is known as ‘Tag’ (see also The Thistle). telephone Bandleader Chris Ransom on 01843 of folk dance, which is named after the 821446 for further details. schottische and danced to the same music, the Haugh’s O’Cromdale In 1689, the troops of King James II, under the THE HIGHLANDERS best known one being the ‘Srotesh’; but these folk dances are performed using a variety of command of Viscount Dundee (Graham of Scottish Ceilidh and Reeling band consisting of Claverhouse), defeated General Mackey at the professional musicians; includes PA sound system different steps which do not resemble those used battle of Killiecrankie. In 1690, Sir Thomas with monitors, etc. Musical line-ups: From 3-piece in Schottisches elsewhere. Livingstone ambushed and defeated the army of to 8-piece, with MC/Caller available whenever Daniel gave the following description of ‘The King James II, under the command of General required. Recommended for Reeling, Balls and Schottische’: Ceilidh Events such as weddings, private and The Schottische Buchan, at the Haugh’s O’Cromdale in corporate parties, etc. Excellent client references. This dance is commenced in the same Morayshire. Rather surprisingly, this dance Please contact Bandleader: Donald Ross, position as the waltz, counting sideways one, which would appear to commemorate the battle 020 8203 0626 or 020 8203 5076, e-mail: two, three, four, by moving the left foot then was not known in Morayshire prior to the 20th [email protected]. www.thehighlanders.co.uk. commence four gettes, turning round twice in Century. It has been suggested that the dance the same time; this may be varied at was composed at the end of the 18th Century but KAFOOZALUM COUNTRY DANCE pleasure. this appears to be unlikely as the dance incorporates mid-19th Century figuring. The BAND In these instructions the term ‘gette’ or ‘jeté’ has music entitled ‘Haughs O’Cromdale’ was known Music for Scottish Country Dancing anywhere, the correct meaning of a spring onto one foot. in the early 18th Century as ‘New Killiecrankie’ anytime. For further details and availability, please However, his instructions are not particularly and had previously been published under other telephone Peter Jenkins on 020 8581 0359, e-mail: clear by modern standards. A better description is [email protected] or our Ceilidh website given by Sylvester, who indicates that the titles. at www.kafoozalum.co.uk. Schottische is performed by taking a ballroom The dance was collected in Galloway, and was hold and, on bars 1-2, setting with the ‘Common well known in the Dalbeattie District of Schottische’ setting step (the man commencing Kircudbrightshire. It was devised in an attempt SOLOISTS with his left foot, the lady with the right) turning to adapt the ‘Highland Schottische’ to a country halfway on the hop at the end of each bar; dance formation. According to the detailed PETER JENKINS followed on bars 3-4 with four step-hops (i.e. on description published in The Thistle only the Solo accordion for workshops, classes, day schools each bar jeté onto one foot and hop on it, then first eight bars should be performed as published and ‘smaller functions’. Tel: 020 8581 0359, jeté on to the other foot and hop on it) turning by the RSCDS; the dance then concluding with e-mail [email protected]. twice round. This is identical to bars 5-8 of the the ‘Highland Schottische’ to progress. This is Highland Schottische (below). an easier version to perform. In Dalbeattie the dance was performed slightly differently, by FIONA McGEE A schottische or ‘rheinlander’ as danced on the continent is an eight bar sequence, moving on the schottische steps, making a turn Harpist for functions, weddings etc. 07814 135281. at the end of bars 10 and 12, and travelling on www.fionamcgeeharp.co.uk. performed in a circle round the room, which can be divided into two parts. The first four bars are bars 13-16 so that the dancers poussette one and steps which are characteristic of and peculiar to a quarter times round each other. the particular schottische which is being John W. Mitchell

Page 15 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Lost the plot or what? The Logo is Upbeat Strathspey Tempo Hemel Hempstead London Hove, Sussex Dear Wilson, Dear Wilson, Dear Wilson, Have we lost the plot? One might ask, who is The new RSCDS logo is a punchy, light- Many thanks for the latest copy of The Reel making up the social dance programmes these hearted imperative, encouraging people to not which arrived today. Irene Spooner’s letter refers days? And can they be considered social? It only dance, but to choose Scottish dance, be it to the speed at which Strathspey music is played. seems that the content of dance programmes has ceilidh, country or Highland. As consumers we As far as I have been able to establish: changed from the past! They consist mainly of are encouraged to “buy British” – as dancers, to Strathspey-minuets were originally danced at approximately 30 bars per minute whereas 3C, 4C or 5C Dances where all dancers are “dance Scottish.” And does it really, really Strathspey-reels were performed at about 40 bars dancing virtually at the same time! For these it is matter whether our title is lower or upper case? per minute. During the nineteenth century the not possible to avoid couples sitting out when To my mind lower case looks more youthful and only dance which included any music in numbers on the floor aren’t exactly right. Then up-beat and it’s the up-beat youth we are trying Strathspey time appears to have been “The there is the Set Dance, this too is quite popular – to attract! Glasgow Highlanders”, which was originally a two minutes of complex dancing and can mean Yours sincerely, medley, 16 bars of country dance in Reel time several dances of this type on a programme, the Rae Walker followed by 16 bars of Highland Strathspey. encore of which should be an opportunity, led by It is doubtful whether any Strathspeys were the MC, to let those sitting out join in! Begging The New Logo danced until they were revived by the Society and and borrowing is also a useful device to avoid Brighton published in Book 2 onwards. Strathspey music couples sitting out, but this it seems is not Dear Wilson was of course still being played and it must have commonly employed either. And for 5C in a 4C I would like to express my disagreement with been a natural mistake to play the music at 30 set asking the last 2 couples to dance the dance those who do not like the new logo, because it is bars a minute instead of the original 40 bars a once each never seems quite fair to me. ungrammatical or change was unnecessary. minute. Making the dance set numbers up, as quickly First, I don’t believe the old logo was that good, Yours sincerely, as possible can cause an MC to overreact with and second I think it was time for a change. John W. Mitchell zeal to press dancers, genuinely wishing to take Until I read the letters I had no idea the crown a break, into taking part. One of the great was meant to be ghillies, it was not recognisable benefits of having live music should be the How Sporty Are We? to me. The fonts and styling were old-fashioned. flexibility it gives to the MC who is running the Hemel Hempstead timing and order of the function. The MC can If I thought about the logo at all I considered it Dear Wilson, ask the band to play a dance 5 times, or even 7 fussy and unattractive. The logo needed to be Over 10 years ago when Atlanta was on times for some 5C dances! Sadly, this discretion revised because branding and marketing are everyone’s lips, a well-respected member of The is, it seems not called on too much, with couples important, and the old logo was not fit for the Society flippantly remarked at the Branch AGM, that wish to dance still having to sit out for lack purpose. It did not inspire people outside the cult what others had been thinking, namely, that SCD of numbers. since it did not grab their attention nor make it should be an Olympic sport! And now that The strathspey is unique to SCD and as such it clear what the organisation is about. The new London 2012 is to become a reality it might be an is to be nurtured but this is in danger of dying logo is more modern and unlike others I find the appropriate time to rekindle this thought. out on programmes as there appears to be a strapline ‘Dance Scottish’ clear and intriguing. I It is true that The RSCDS is quite rightly general reluctance to include too many of these have no problem with the Society promoting all always looking for ways to enlarge its family and in an evening’s dancing. Programmes these days Scottish forms of dance, indeed I think a greater bring SCD to the wider public and to compete at are composed mainly of reels and inclusivity is to be welcomed. international level for medals would certainly sometimes even in pairs with just token My only regret is that the crown was not raise its profile! We regularly see from written strathspeys and those, often being of the 3C dropped entirely. accounts and photographs (Reel 252) that our variety – mainly I assume because a full 8x32 Yours sincerely, demonstration team competes at a high level and strathspey lasts 8½ minutes and one can fit 2 Susanna Hawkins with success. So competition for cups or other reels in, in that time or they may, as we age, be awards is already in place. A culture of social considered too demanding! White Dresses dancing to set rules is the basis of our learning. The seemingly forgotten Round the Room or Market Harborough The term social is as much part of the rules as 2C Dances together with 3C repeated dances in Dear Wilson. excellence in styling and technique. We also now longwise sets are I feel more social as is the How well I remember those “elegant” demon- see the examination of candidates for the teacher’s certificate being required to meet a very separate ceilidh dance within the dance stration white dresses (see Jean Taylor’s letter). exacting standard of assessment. So competition programme. An established repeated dance in jig As a member of the Dem team in the early and attainment at a high standard in all aspects of time, that doesn’t have many setting steps in it 1970’s I was given what seemed to be acres of dance is becoming a necessity. Some might say should, I believe, start the dancing programme material and a pattern. It was the only time I that the time is now ripe! proper off in the first half and, what is becoming have cried over making anything, but it was more popular, a strathspey after the meal Is it possible then? Is it too national to be an worth it, they were elegant. No doubt the dresses interval in the second. My preference however, international sport? Well, Curling has been an have changed many times since then. before that is to start each half off with a Olympic Sport since 1924! To be accepted as a After a break of some 30 years I have started Scottish Waltz as a warm-up dance. Some DanceSport alongside Synchronised Swimming, dancing again and have been made very dances such as The Irish Rover and General Rhymic Gymnastics and Ice Dancing it is Stuart’s Reel have great tunes but have very welcome at Market Harborough. It is still fun required that the International Olympic little partner interaction and as such I feel, and thankfully a few of the “old “ dances remain Committee under their Charter, grant the RSCDS should not appear as a last dance. The ideal last to save the brain cells being overtaxed with all the status of a recognised federation. The RSCDS dance for me would not be a Square Dance, a the new ones. could alternatively, join the International Set Dance or 3C, 4C or 5C Dance but a well- With happy memories of dancing in London, DanceSport Federation to which this status is known repeated reel, or even jig, in longwise Kay Dickens (nee Bannerman) already granted. The second requirement is that form with a circle as the finale. the sport is practised in 75 countries on 4 If we are not careful in the organisation of our Shetland Dance Workshop continents. It has always been said by dancers that dances both before and on the night we are in Croydon from Moscow to Capetown and from London to danger of making dances a feat of memory Dear Wilson, Toronto one can always find SCD taking place, so where partner interaction becomes secondary I should just like to say how very much I 75 and 4 may not be such an impossible goal to and an indifference or even lack of consideration enjoyed the Shetland Dance Workshop on 18 achieve! To be a medal sport the IOC must between dancers results. Different functions March at Cecil Sharpe House. It was interesting, receive the medal programme for voting on, at have different appropriate programmes but they very well organised and really enjoyable. The least 7 years before the games begin so alas, it is should always, in my view, still contain the two instruction and music were both excellent, not possible for London 2012! essentials of being well balanced and above all enabling everyone to enjoy the tuition and By using the staging of the Olympics in GB in have dances chosen which are social in form. knowledge acquired: a most enjoyable day. six years time as its trigger, should we promote the long-term aim of SCD as a DanceSport? Happy dancing, Jacquie Bull Happy dancing, Stephen Webb RSCDS Croydon Stephen Webb

Page 16 LETTER TO THE EDITOR OBITUARY Reelly Interesting Elma (Helen Margaret) Taylor 1911-2007 Cheltenham Elma was born in Dundee. With a classics schoolmaster father she Dear Wilson, had no difficulty in gaining a place at the University of St. I have been a reader of the Reel for many years Andrews at the age of 16 where she read French and German. and find it informative and interesting: issue 258 While a student at St Andrews she entered a competition for play- was no exception. writing for which she wrote ‘Glencoe’. She won; James Michener, I particularly agree with the Editorial Comment the American author, came second! on the new logo. This pathetic version of the Following secretarial training she moved to London and joined brilliant ‘crown and ghillies’ symbol is the Ministry of Information where she led her own Unit. Elma was presumably inspired by political correctness – quite a wordsmith: while with the Ministry she was noted for one can only hope that the change did not replying to official letters in verse! In 1940 she volunteered as an actually cost the Society money. Let us have the Air Raid Warden. During the Blitz, with talented friends (singers, original back, please – and soon! dancers and musicians), she regularly organised concerts in the Other items in this Reel merit comment. Like Underground to raise the spirits of the Londoners who sought John Reeve, I started dancing in 1951 at the refuge on the Cambridge University Strathspey and Reel Club Episode platforms each night. so we may have some mutual acquaintances. In It might have been a great romance, A natural dancer those days the Club’s logo was a dancing thistle You really never know, since childhood, called Hamish and there was a mascot I might have been his Juliet, Elma soon found representing it used to decorate halls for Balls. And he my Romeo kindred spirits among Elma at the Hyde Park Ball in 1950 [Hamish has crept in elsewhere – look at the We might have loved a deathless love, the dancers at Fetter Youth Section border on page 6 Ed.] The logo No everyday affair, Lane, where the Corporation Hall had long been a appeared on ties, notepaper and the Club booklet Or known some tragic ecstasy, meeting place for exiled Scots in London. In time she of dances which contained only one Strathspey, Some grand divine despair. became a member of the RSCDS, gained her Teaching Jenny’s Bawbee, which couldn’t be danced I saw him coming from afar, Certificates and appeared regularly in the Demonstration because nobody knew how to do the Allemande! Our eyes an instant met Oh, he was handsome dark and tall. Team under the tutelage of Isabel McLennan whilst her The RSCDS books had at that time reached the expertise in Highland dancing sprang from the class run by midteens. Book 13 contained The Reel of the 51st How could a maid forget. But he alas, was borne below, Jack McConachie. Elma was petite, light on her feet, ‘like a Division bringing with it a lot of history and While I sped swiftly on. feather’ as Jim McGregor, known by many in London at some controversy as the first modern dance Our escalators met and passed. that time, described her. published by the Society. Its usual tune, the My great romance was gone. Drunken Piper is very distinctive and I would There followed many years of demonstration certainly also recognise the original tunes for (Helen Margaret (Elma) Taylor c1933) dancing in many venues both at home and Minard Castle and Autumn in Appin, and feel abroad, notably at the Albert Hall, the Festival that using them is important. Hall during the Festival of Britain and Central For demonstrations it is clearly important to ORPINGTON & Hall for Jimmy Shand’s annual visits to London present teams attractively but why the vogue for for Accordion Day. During these years too, Elma increasingly theatrical and eccentric outfits? For DISTRICT was a regular and popular participant at the St. a change from white dresses why not adapt some CALEDONIAN SOCIETY Andrews’ Summer School. In the mid-1950s traditional styles of earlier centuries such as the ‘70th Birthday’ Leonid Massine, who had long wanted to devise Aboyne and Flora Macdonald styles? a Scottish ballet, was anxious to incorporate The Society has been promoting social contact Bill Clement’s letter about Strathspey tempo Highland dancing in his production. During the and friendship between Scots and non-Scots over the years was interesting too – one has to preparations Elma taught the girls of the corps de since it’s foundation in 1937. Scottish culture remember what type of dance is being done to ballet of the Royal Ballet the steps which were and tradition colour many of the society’s the music of course. I can remember Jimmy then choreographed by Massine in his ballet activities, but our main interest is Scottish Shand making a practical comment about his ‘Donald of the Burthens’. Country Dancing. records when we danced to his band in She was a staunch supporter of the RSCDS We are proud to report a thriving Beginners’ Birmingham in the 1960s, to the effect that the London Branch, serving as a member of the Class. We have made concerted efforts to recordings were being bought for listening not committee for many years, and was editor of The promote Scottish country dancing not only by dancing. We also have to remember the Reel in the early 60s. writing numerous articles for local newspapers, limitations of the 78rpm records: in my After retiring from the civil service, Elma but also by contacting Residents’ Cambridge days turning over the 12” record moved to Edinburgh. Her later years were Associations. We also wrote to the Director halfway through an Eightsome Reel required darkened by the gradual onset of complete of Public Health for our area, and successfully speed and skill not to break the flow of the dance memory loss. Devotedly supported by her late persuaded her to promote Scottish Country nor the record. A greater problem was how to brother’s family, she died peacefully in a Dancing as an aid to good health. Subsequently deal with Strathspey records which had 2½ or 3½ residential home on the 14th March. posters advertising our classes were sent to 58 turns. John and Louise Armstrong Doctor’s surgeries. Despite sarcastic predictions Keep up the good work on the Reel! from various quarters, this campaign resulted in a Happy Dancing Her last dancing performance in London was at considerable number of new HEALTHY dancers Jennifer Shaw (née Smith) Age Concern in the Albert Hall in November joining our beginners’ class. No crutches and no 1987 when I had the honour of partnering her! Zimmerframes! Editor At the upper end of the scale: our recently THE ISLE OF ARRAN formed Advanced Technique Class, held each month in a local Gym, has proved to be not only WEEKEND beneficial but also immensely enjoyable. Our The Isle of Arran Weekend of Scottish Dancing Elma teacher has firmly rejected requests to cover up is now full. Anyone wishing to be placed on a demon- the full height mirrors which extend the length of waiting list please contact Christine Hastie at strating a one side of the Gym!! ‘set’ [email protected] or 01342 712529. Our classes are as follows: dance, Beginners/Improvers: Mondays 8-10pm at St. Miss Paul’s Church Hall, Crofton Road, Orpington. Forbes in about FOR SALE Social Dancing: Thursdays 8-10pm at Petts 1951. Man’s black kilt jacket (Macnaughtons of Wood Memorial Hall, 100 Petts Wood Road, Pitlochry), 42” chest £40 ono. Black Watch Petts Wood, BR5 1LE. She is tartan trousers (Keith Scott of Dundee) 38” Classes are under the supervision of qualified accomp- anied here waist, 29” leg £15 ono. Please contact Helen Scottish country dancing instructors. For further details call Pam on 01689 873511. by piper Henderson, Eastbourne, Tel: 01323 483487. Peter Elisabeth Leishman Quinn

Page 17 DANCE EVENTS (more on Back Page) CHISWICK SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE FIRST INTERNATIONAL BRANCH LONDON HIGHLAND CLUB WORKSHOP CLUB Midsummer Magic Tallinn, Estonia Forthcoming attractions to be Sunday 8 July 2007 28-30 September 2007 held at St. Columba’s Church An open air dance at Chiswick House, London W4 Teachers: ...... Patrick Chamoin, Hall, Pont Street, London SW1 Bring your own picnic at 5pm; Susi Mayr, Jessie Stuart dancing from 6.30pm till dusk Musicians: ...... James Gray, Bernie Hewitt, Fridays: Upper Hall 7.30-10.30pm N.B. Gates shut at 10pm Andrew Lyon, Keith Smith, John White Saturdays: Lower Hall 7.00-10.30pm Ian Robertson and Angela Young Three-day sightseeing programme available unless otherwise stated Programme: Flowers of Edinburgh, Pelorus before the workshop. Saturday 5 May ...... Karl Sandeman Jack, Silver Tassie, John of Bon Accord, Good Details: [email protected] or Pia Walker, Saturday 2 June ...... Craigellachie Hearted Glasgow, Johnny Walker, Miss 7 Tarvit Gardens, Cupar, Fife KY15 5BT. Saturday 1 September ...... tba Johnstone of Ardrossan, Tribute to the Borders, www.rscds-ib.org All dances will be talked or walked through The Piper and the Penguin, Joie de Vivre, on request Drumelzier, The Reel of the Royal Scots, GERRARDS CROSS SCOTTISH COUNTRY For further details contact: Frank Bennett on 020 Napier’s Index, The Belle of Bon Accord, DANCING CLUB 8715 3564, e-mail [email protected], or Jennifer’s Jig, Highland Rambler. Extras: J. B. New Year Ball and Supper Roger Waterson on 020 8660 5017. You can also Milne, St Andrew's Fair, MacDonald of the Isles. Saturday 5 January 2008 telephone our “Dial-a-Programme” service on Programmes with cribs and directions £3 in Chalfont Centre, Chalfont St Peter SL9 0RJ 020-8763 8096 to hear our programme, or leave advance (sae and cheques to Chiswick SCDC) The Craigellachie Band a message. Everyone is welcome at all our from: CSCDC, c/o Kay Senior, 27 Flanchford See the Programme in the next Reel functions, so please come along and join us for Road, London W12 9ND, tel. 020 8743 9385, an enjoyable evening. Please visit our website at [email protected]. www.londonhighlandclub.co.uk for the latest RICHMOND CALEDONIAN N.B. No programmes available on the day. news and programmes of our dances. SOCIETY Also see: www.chiswickscottish.org.uk 70th Anniversary Ball Saturday 20 October 2007 LONDON HIGHLAND CLUB Summer Ball 7.30-11.30pm HAYES & DISTRICT SCOTTISH Saturday 2 June 2007 Queen Charlotte’s Hall, Parkshot, ASSOCIATION St Columba’s Church, Pont Street Richmond upon Thames Annual Ball 7-11.30pm Ian Muir & The Craigellachie Band Saturday 3 November 2007 Craigellachie Enquiries: Jennifer Shaw 020 8977 4304 Craigellachie Band Programme: White Heather Jig; Bratach Bana; e-mail [email protected] Programme and details in the next issue. The Dream Catcher; Kelloholm Jig; Angus www.richmondcaledonian.co.uk Enquiries: Margaret Wallace tel 020 8560 6160, MacLeod; Miss Milligan’s Strathspey; Postie’s email: [email protected] Jig; Black Mountain Reel; Autumn in Appin; visit our website: www.hayesscottish.org.uk. RSCDS BERKS/HANTS/ Machine Without Horses; Minister on the Loch; SURREY BORDER BRANCH The Weathercock; Grand March and Buchan Eightsome Reel; Scotch Mist; General Stuart’s LEICESTER BRANCH R.S.C.D.S Saturday 19 May 2007 Reel; Ian Powrie’s Farewell to Auchterarder; Annual Ball May Ball John McAlpin; Rev John MacFarlane; Pelorus Saturday 17 November 2007 Music by Neil Copland Jack; Cherrybank Gardens; Clutha; Hooper’s Jig; Civic Centre, Braunstone Leicester. Emmbrook School, Wokingham RG41 1JP Flower of the Quern; The Reel of the 51st Iain MacPhail and his Band Contact: Margaret Williams, 01256 320015 Division. Extras: West’s Hornpipe; Rothesay Alan Brown, Joe Hornsby and George Darling 16 June 2007 Rant. Tickets: £12 inc. supper. Summer Open Air Dance, 2-5pm Dances will not be walked through at this Contact: Mrs. Doris Buchanan 0116 2415857, South Hill Park, Bracknell RG12 7PA. dance email: [email protected]. We are hoping to promote Dance Scottish Week Tickets: (Including finger buffet refreshments) at this event. LHC Members in advance £10.00. Contact: Fiona Albinson, 0118 9789181 Non Members in advance £12.00. S E HERTS SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE Details of events on www.rscds-bhs.org.uk. SOCIETY All classes on door £13.00. Summer Dance Highland or evening dress preferred. Saturday 30 June 2007 All enquiries to Frank Bennett 020-8715 3564, MEET THE DANCE DEVISOR [email protected] Lower Farm, Cottered, Herts 6-9pm Were you unable to get tickets for the Tribute or Roger Waterson 020-8660 5017. If wet, Village Hall, 6-10pm. to Derek Haynes event in Lockerbie this year? Tickets: £4 from Maureen Ainsworth Following on from the sell out of all the 01279 434342. tickets for both the workshop and the dance RSCDS BRIGHTON BRANCH Summer Ball Beating The Retreat Streaming Pictures will be launching a series of Saturday 16 June 2007 Sunday 2 September 2007 dance events in locations around the UK, Reception 6.30pm and Dinner 7.00pm. Hertford Castle Grounds 2-5pm. entitled Meet the Dance Devisor. The format will be as for the Tribute to Derek Haynes, a Admission free (charity collection) Dancing until 11.15pm. workshop in the afternoon where a devisor will Hove Town Hall, Norton Road, BN3 4AH SE Herts Annual Ball teach a selection of their dances, and an David Hall and his Band Saturday 17 November 2007 evening dance with a mix of dances including Programme: Grand March followed by Hooper's Castle Hall, Hertford. 8-12pm. some of the devisors dances. Jig, Miss Johnstone of Ardrossan, The Byron Marian Anderson All the venues will be of a high standard Strathspey, Major Ian Stewart, Crossing The Tickets: Maureen Ainsworth 01279 434342 with sprung dance floor for maximum comfort Line, Miss Gibson's Strathspey, Spiffin', The and a top class band to dance to. Reel of the Royal Scots, Autumn in Appin, The The first event will be on Saturday 15 RSCDS OXFORDSHIRE BRANCH Dancing Master, John of Bon Accord, St. September in the splendid Spirella Ballroom in Columba's Strathspey, The Rothesay Rant, The Open Air Summer Dance Letchworth Garden City just off the A1 in Saturday 25 August Cuckoo Clock, The Minister on the Loch, Father Hertfordshire. The devisor for this occasion Connelly's Jig, Anniversary Reel, Mrs Milne of 2.30-6.30pm. will be Moira Stacy and the band is The Kinneff, White Heather Jig, Mairi's Wedding. Wolfson College Lawn (indoors if wet) Marian Anderson SDB. Marian will also play Extras: The Bees of Maggieknockater, The Piper Tickets £3 including tea and biscuits for the workshop. Contact: Trisha Rawlings, on 01869 340830. If you would like more information or want and The Penguin, Neidpath Castle. All dances recapped. Highland dress preferred. Annual Ball to book now call Iain or Sue on 01387 810958, or to book your place and pay online visit Tickets £18 (including supper and wine) from Saturday 27 October Bill Power, 84 Holmes Avenue, Hove, Headington School, Oxford www.streaming-pictures.co.uk Iain Hale BN3 7LD. Tel: 01273 731927 Ian Muir and the Craigellachie Band [email protected]

Page 18 OTHER SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE ORGANISATIONS ABINGDON SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLUB Dancing most Mondays, GUILDFORD SCDC meets at Onslow Village Hall, Wilderness Road, SANDERSTEAD URC SCOTTISH DANCE GROUP. Dancing Tuesdays 8.00 - 10.15pm, Sept to June at Northcourt Centre, Abingdon, nr Oxford. Guildford most Mondays at 8.15pm from September to April. Teacher Paul 8.00pm Sanderstead URC Hall, Sanderstead Hill, S. Croydon. Details: All welcome. Details/map: www.geocities.com/abscdc or Rowena Fowler, Plummer, 01483 236946. Graeme Wood, 01883 627797 or [email protected]. 01865 361129. HAMPSTEAD & DISTRICT SCOTS’ ASSOCIATION Dancing on Tuesdays ST. ALBANS & MID HERTS CALEDONIAN SOCIETY. Dancing most ADDLESTONE & DISTRICT SCOTTISH SOCIETY meets Wednesdays Sept. - June from 8.00 - 10.00pm in Elderkin Hall, Trinity Church, Fridays from October to March. Group meets at Homewood Road U.R. 8.15 - 10.15pm September to May at the Brook Memorial Hall, Methodist and United Reformed, 90 Hodford Road, Golders Green, Church Hall, Sandpit Lane, St. Albans at 8.00pm. Details: Mrs I. Ottershaw, KT16 0HG. Details from Val Clack, 01932 845869. London NW11 (Entrance in Rodborough Road). All welcome. Details: Smallwood, 26 Gresford Cl, St. Albans, AL4 0UB. Tel: 01727 760878. ALDRINGTON (HOVE) SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE GROUP meet Miss Joan Burgess, 503A York Road, London SW18 1TF. 020 8870 6131. ST. ANDREW SOCIETY (LONDON). The Wimbledon and District Scots’ every Tuesday 8.15 to 10.30pm, September to June. Details from John HARPENDEN SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING CLUB meets every Association. Dancing Tuesdays 8.00pm at Wimbledon Community Steer, 57 Hangleton Rd, Hove, E. Sussex BN3 7GH. Tel: 01273 416893. Tuesday at 8.00pm at Lourdes Hall, Southdown Road, Harpenden. Centre, St. Georges Road, Wimbledon, SW19. Details: Miss Alison Classes on Thursdays from 8.00pm. Details from Phil Bray, 25 St. Olams Raffan, 2 Erridge Road, Merton Park, London, SW19 3JB. 020 8540 BERKHAMSTED STRATHSPEY & REEL CLUB meets Tuesday evenings, 1755. www.geocities.com/standrewsoclondon. September to May. Garden dances June and July. Contact: Linda Close, Luton, Beds LU3 2LD. Tel: 01582 617734. Godbold, Alize, Shootersway Lane, Berkhamsted HP4 3NP. Tel: 01442 HARROW & DISTRICT CALEDONIAN SOCIETY. Classes Wednesdays ST. COLUMBA’S CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, Pont Street. Scottish Country 866651, www.berkhamstedreelclub.org. 8.00 to 10.00pm, Orley Farm School, South Hill Ave, Harrow. Details of Dancing most Mondays from Sept to May, 7.15 - 10pm. Admission free except for six ‘Band Nights’ when tickets cost £7 inc. supper (Burns BOURNEMOUTH BRANCH RSCDS meets every Friday at St. Mark’s New these and other activities from Sheena Henderson, 92a Kenton Road, Kenton HA3 8AE. Tel: 020 8907 6581. Night £10). Beginners welcome and there is a step practice usually on Church Hall, Wallisdown Road, Talbot Village, Bournemouth. Newcomers the third Monday of the month. Further details: Bob Harman: 020 8642 and Beginners 7.15 - 8.45pm. Improvers/Advanced 9.00 - 10.30pm. HAYES & DISTRICT SCOTTISH ASSOCIATION meets Fridays 8-10 pm, 7192, [email protected]. Weekly children’s classes. Technique class by invitation – alternate September to July in Hayes, Middx. Beginners and experienced dancers Wednesdays. Details from Margaret Robson, 24 Upper Golf Links Rd, welcome. Details: Margaret Wallace, Tel: 020 8560 6160. ST. JOHN’S’s SDC WOKINGHAM: meet every Thurs 8 - 10.15pm Sept to Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8BX. Tel: 01202 698138. June at St. Sebastian’s Hall, Nine Mile Ride, Wokingham. All standards HERTSMERE REEL CLUB. Monthly dances on third Saturday (exc. Aug & welcome. Sue Davis 01344 774344, 2 Larkswood Dr, Crowthorne. Also BRIGHTON BRANCH RSCDS. Classes for beginners, intermediate and Sept) 7.30 - 11.00pm, Tilbury Hall (URC), Darkes Lane, Potters Bar. Childrens’ Class Sats. 9.30 - 11.00am at the Parish Hall, Crowthorne, advanced, country and highland, adults and children. Details from Ray on Details: Mary Fouracre, 171 Dunraven Drive, Enfield, EN2 8LN. Tel: 020 Deborah Draffin 01344 776831. 01273 684417 or Bill on 01273 731927. www.rscds-brighton.org.uk 8367 4201. ST. NINIAN’S SCOTTISH DANCERS, Luton meet every Wednesday, BRIGHTON & HOVE SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLUB meets HESTON & DISTRICT SCOTTISH ASSOCIATION. Thursdays 8.15 - September to July 8.00 - 10.00pm at St. Ninian’s UR Church, Villa Thursdays 7.30 - 10pm at Balfour Junior School, Balfour Road, Brighton. 10.15pm. September to July, tuition followed by social dancing. Also Road,Luton, Beds. Contact: Pat Hamilton, 01462 671156 or Sheila Details from Carol Catterall, 01273 564963. monthly Saturday dances and ceilidhs. All at Heston Methodist Church Harris, 01525 875060. Hall. Details from Mrs Rosemary Mitchell, Tel: 01784 254401. CAMBERLEY REEL CLUB. Dancing every Tuesday 8pm at St. Paul’s SEVENOAKS REEL CLUB meets every Tuesday from September to May, Church Hall, Church Hill, Camberley. Details from Rhoda Finch, 20 JERSEY CALEDONIA SCD GROUP. Contacts: Helen McGugan, La Pelotte, 8.00 - 10.00pm at Kippington Church Centre, Kippington Rd, Redcrest Gardens, Camberley, Surrey GU15 2DU. Tel: 01276 681820. La Rue a Don, Grouville, Jersey JE3 9GB Tel/Fax 01534 854459; Alan Sevenoaks. Details: Penelope Fisk, Sunnybank Cottages, 15 Maidstone CAMBRIDGE & DISTRICT BRANCH RSCDS. Classes for all grades. Nicolle 01534 484375, [email protected]; or Brenda Gale 01534 Road, Riverhead, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 3BY. Tel: 01732 457327. 862357. Details from Alison Gundy, 92, Devonshire Mews, Devonshire Road, SHENE SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE GROUP meets every Wednesday Cambridge, CB1 2BB; tel 01223 303603. ISLE OF THANET SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCERS meet Wednesdays from mid-September to May 8.30 - 10.30pm, in Barnes. Further September to June at Holy Trinity & St. John’s C. of E. Primary School, St. CHELSEA REEL CLUB meets once a month from Sept to April in St. Columba’s information: Donald Miller, 39 Lauderdale Drive, Richmond, TW10 7BS. John’s Road, Margate. Beginners 7.00 - 8.00pm. General 8.00 - 10.00pm. Church, Pont Street, SW1. All welcome. Instruction given. Dancing to live 020 8940 8573. Details: Mrs Linda McRitchie, 60 Bradstow Way, Broadstairs, Kent. 01843 music. Details Ruth Hewlett, 020 8749 5471. [email protected]. 869284. SIDCUP & DISTRICT CALEDONIAN ASSOCIATION. Dancing on CHELTENHAM BRANCH RSCDS Advanced class Mondays 7.30 - 9.30pm. Wednesdays from 8.00-10.15pm throughout the year at Hurst LEICESTER BRANCH RSCDS meets Thursdays, Holy Cross Centre, General class Thursdays 7.30 - 9.30pm. Bettridge School, Cheltenham. Community Centre, Hurst Road, Sidcup, Kent. Details: Terry Boorman, Wellington St., Leicester. Beginners, Intermediates, Advanced Classes Also a Beginners class. Details: Margaret Winterbourne, 01242 863238. 15 Old Farm Road West, Sidcup, DA15 8AG. Tel: 020 8302 2974. 7.30 - 8.30pm, then Social dancing until 10pm. Contact: Mrs Doris CHELTENHAM SCOTTISH SOCIETY. Dancing most Friday nights 7.30 to Buchanan 0116 2415857, [email protected]. SOMERSET BRANCH RSCDS Beginners and General Class at Keinton 10.30pm from October to end May, at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Mandeville School Mon. 7.30-9.30pm. Experienced Thurs. at Monteclefe LONDON HIGHLAND CLUB meets regularly at St. Columba's, Pont Street, Cheltenham. Details: Mrs Doreen Steele, 45 Dark Lane, Swindon Village, School, Somerton 7.45-9.45pm Children’s Class Charlton Mackrell SW1. Some major functions held at other London venues. Details: adverts Cheltenham, GL51 9RN. Tel: 01242 528220, [email protected]. Reading Room 2.30-4.00pm Sats. Highland class Kingsdon Village Hall in The Reel or contact Frank Bennett, 12 Lingfield Road, Worcester Park, 2.00-4.00pm Suns. CHISWICK SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING in the Upper Hall at St Surrey KT4 8TG. 020 8715 3564. Dial-a-programme service: 020 8763 Michael & All Angels Church corner of The Avenue and Bath Rd. W4 (nr 8096. www.londonhighlandclub.co.uk SOUTH DORSET CALEDONIAN SOCIETY. Dancing at St. Edmund's Turnham Green tube), Sundays 7.30 - 9.30pm. Beginners and Church Hall, Lanehouse Rocks Road, Weymouth, Dorset, Wednesday, MAIDENHEAD SCOTTISH DANCING CLUB meets every Tuesday 8.00pm experienced dancers welcome. Details: 020 8743 9385 (afternoons). 7.30 - 10.00pm. Details from Miss Valerie Scriven, 13 Fenway Close, at St. Mary's R.C. School, Cookham Road, Maidenhead. First Tuesday in Dorchester Dorset DT1 1PQ. Tel: 01305 265177. CIRENCESTER SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLUB meets most the month is Social Dancing Evening. Details: Jane Courtier, 16 Ostler Gate, Wednesdays 8:00 - 10:00pm September to end June at the Bingham Maidenhead, Berks SL6 6SG, 01628 628372. maidenheadscottishdancing. SOUTH EAST ESSEX SCOTTISH SOCIETY. Dancing Fridays, 7.30 - Hall, King Street, Cirencester. Details Mr A.E.L. Bush, Lake View House, org.uk. 10.30pm, St. Peter’s Church Hall, Eastbourne Grove, Southend (near Withington, Glos. GL54 4 BN. 01242890454, [email protected] the hospital). Tuition 7.30 - 9.00pm. Details from Mrs Edna Carroll, MAIDSTONE (COBTREE) SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE GROUP meets 01702 428974. CLAN DONNACHAIDH SOCIETY: Robertsons, Reids, Duncans etc. The every Wednesday 7.30 - 10pm at The Grove Green Community Hall, London & Southern Counties Branch has attractive programme of events Maidstone. Details from Jane Masters, 251 Robin Hood Lane, Blue Bell SOUTH EAST HERTS SCDS. Classes in Hertford, Sept to May: Inter/Adv tailored to meet members’ preferences. Details: [email protected]. Hill, Chatham, Kent ME5 9QU. Tel. 01634 864007. Tues 7.45pm, Sacred Heart School, Ware; Beginners Thurs 7.30pm. Millmead School, Hertford. Demonstration Alt. Mons 8.0pm. St John’s CRAWLEY SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING CLUB meets Thursdays 8.00 MARKET HARBOROUGH SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE SOCIETY. Hall, Hertford. Details: Mrs Maureen Ainsworth, 01279 434342. to 10.00pm September to June at Milton Mount Community Hall, Milton Dancing at Fairfield Road School, Fairfield Road, Market Harborough. Mount Avenue, Pound Hill, Crawley. Details: Mrs Pip Graham, 57 Milton Tuesday 7.30-10.00pm. Details: Mrs Connie Elphick, “Lazonby”, 9 Little SOUTHWICK SCD CLUB meets Thursdays 8.15 - 10.15pm at Southwick Mount Ave, Pound Hill, Crawley, W. Sussex RH10 3DP, tel: 01293 882173. Lunnon, Dunton Bassett, Lutterworth, Leics LE17 5JR. 01455 209446. Community Centre, Southwick, W. Sussex. Details: Brenda Hinton, 01273 595017. CROYDON & DISTRICT BRANCH. Branch classes – general, incl. MEDWAY AND DISTRICT CALEDONIAN ASSOCIATION. Dancing beginners, with technique: Purley (Fri). Advanced/very advanced (Wed) Thursdays 8.00-10.15pm at St. Mary’s Island Community Centre, SURBITON & DISTRICT CALEDONIAN SOCIETY. Dancing every Coulsdon. Other classes in the area: Beginners: Reigate & Selsdon Chatham. Beginners welcome. Many other activities. Details: Miss Kate Thursday at 8pm. September to June at St. Mark's Church Hall, Church (Tues), Gen: Reigate (Mon), Purley (Alt. Tues), West Wickham (Fri), Penny, 133 Broom Hill Road, Strood, Rochester, Kent ME2 3LQ. 01634 Hill Road, Surbiton. Details: David Horwill, 32 Wolsey Road, Sunbury- Advanced: Reigate (Thurs). Details: Dorothy Pearson, 01737 551724. 716644 on-Thames, Middx TW16 7TY. 01932 784866. surbitoncaledonian.co.uk. EALING SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLUB meets Thurs. 8 - 10pm. MEOPHAM SCD CLUB meets every Monday evening from September - THE SCOTTISH CLANS ASSOCIATION OF LONDON meets at St. September to May at St Andrew’s Church Centre, Mount Park Road, June at 8.15-10.15pm at the Village Hall Meopham. Details from Mrs Jane Columba's Church, Pont Street, London SW1, every Tuesday from Ealing, W5. Details: Rena Stewart, 56 Meadvale Road, Ealing, W5 1NR, Whittington. 5 Coldharbour Rd. Northfleet.Kent.DA11 8AE, 01474 359018. October to end of May for Scottish Country Dancing, 7.00 - 10.00pm. tel: 020 8998 6419. Details: Tom Symington, 020 7834 7151 or 020 7828 6792. MID SUSSEX CALEDONIAN SOCIETY. Events throughout the year at EPPING FOREST SCOTTISH ASSOCIATION Details from John Tanner, various venues. Members of SASS. Classes held before St. Andrews/ TUNBRIDGE WELLS BRANCH RSCDS. Beginners, General and Tel: 020 8504 1632. www.efsa.org.uk, [email protected]. Burns. Contact David Anderson, 8 Tindal Close, Burgess Hill, West Advanced classes on Mon, Tues, Thurs, 8.00 - 10.00pm at St. Augustine’s School, Wilman Road, Tunbridge Wells. Details: Colin EPSOM & DISTRICT CALEDONIAN ASSOCIATION. Dance classes, Sussex, RH15 0LB. 01444 244854, [email protected] Simpson, 21 Culverden Avenue, Tunbridge Wells TN4 9RE. Tel: 01892 including beginners, (September to March). Many other activities MILTON KEYNES BRANCH RSCDS. Mixed ability class Mondays 8.00- 532712(eve) 01732 377407(work). including frequent informal dances. Details from Brian Burgess, 72 10.00pm. Bradwell Village Hall, Milton Keynes. Details: Jan Jones, 52 Seymour Avenue, Ewell, Epsom, Surrey KT17 2RR. Tel: 020 8786 7452. Aintree Close, Bletchley, Milton Keynes. MK3 5LP. 01908 378730, WALLINGTON, CARSHALTON & DISTRICT SCOTTISH ASSOCIATION hold weekly adult Classes for, Intermediate and Advanced levels on FARNHAM SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING CLUB. Dancing every [email protected] Monday evenings. Details from Mrs Maggie Westley, 56 Mount Park, Tuesday at 8.00pm, September to May at the Memorial Hall, West Street, NORTH HERTS REEL CLUB. Dancing most Wednesdays 8.00 - 10.00pm. Carshalton, Surrey SM5 4PS. Tel: +44 (0) 20 8647 9899, Farnham, Surrey. Details from Mrs Annette Owen, 47 Beauclerk Green, from September to May at Roecroft School, Stotfold. Informal Saturday [email protected]. www.wallingtonscottish.org.uk. Winchfield, Hook, Hants RG27 8BF. Tel: 01252 845187. Dances. Details: Mrs Jennifer Warburton, 17 Victoria Road, Shefford, WATFORD & WEST HERTS SCOTTISH SOCIETY. Dancing Class at FELTHAM & DISTRICT SCOTTISH ASSOCIATION meets Tuesdays Beds. SG17 5AL. Tel: 01462 812691. Bushey Community Centre, High Street, Bushey WD23 1BJ. Thursdays 8.00pm, September to mid July at the White House Community Centre, NORTH KENT SCOTTISH ASSOCIATION. Dancing 7.45 - 10.00pm. most from 8.00 - 10.00pm. Details: Stuart Kreloff, 60, Tunnel Wood Road, The Avenue, Hampton. Instruction by Mrs Margaret Henderson. Details Wednesdays at Barnehurst Golf Club. Beginners welcome. Details: Bill Watford WD17 4GE. 01923 492475, [email protected]. from Pam Black, 0208 894 9399. [email protected] MacFarlane, 26 Lewis Road, Istead Rise, Northfleet, Kent DA13 9JG. Tel: WAVERLEY SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLUB meets at Holy Trinity FLEET SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE SOCIETY dance on alternate 01474 832801. Church Hall, Winchester, every Thursday from September to the end of Saturdays at various venues in the Fleet, Hampshire area, from 7.30 - ORPINGTON & DISTRICT CALEDONIAN SOCIETY. Dancing every June, 8.00 - 10.00pm. Details: Mrs Pat Mumford, 02380 252570. 11.00pm. September to May. Full details from Julia Anderson, 54 Little Thursday 7.45-10.15pm. at Petts Wood Memorial Hall. Classes Mon evgs Green Lane, Farnham, Surrey GU9 8TB. Tel: 01252 726138. at St. Pauls, Crofton Road, Orpington. Details: Mrs. P. J. French, 20 WEMBLEY & DISTRICT SCOTTISH ASSOCIATION Mondays 8.00pm. Dance Class. The Church of the Ascension, The Avenue, Wembley, GERRARDS CROSS SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLUB meets at Beaumont Road, Petts Wood, Orpington, Kent, BR5 1JN. 01689 873511. Middx. Details: Mrs Pam Crisp, 19 Compton Place, Watford. WD19 Memorial Centre, East Common Road, Gerrards Cross on Tuesdays 8 - OXFORDSHIRE BRANCH RSCDS. Dancing on Thursdays throughout the 5HF. Tel: 0203 078 0018. 10pm end of September to May. Details: Mrs B MacKenzie Ross, Blythe year in Oxford. Details: Patricia Rawlings, 29 Frances Road, Middle Muse, Misbourne Ave, Chalfont St Peter SL9 0PD. Tel 01494 874604. Barton, Chipping Norton, Oxon OX7 7ET. Tel: 01869 340830. WINCHESTER BRANCH RSCDS Classes Tuesdays 8.00 - 10.00pm. Club night (all abilities) Wednesday 8.00 - 10.00pm. Both evenings GREAT MISSENDEN: THE LUCY CLARK SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE READING ST. ANDREW’S SCOTTISH DANCING SOCIETY. Dancing at St. take place at St. Peter’s School, Oliver’s Battery Rd North, CLUB meets Thursdays 8.00pm, Oldhams Hall, Church Road, Great Andrew’s URC, London Road, Reading from 8.00- 10.00pm. September Winchester. Details: Wendy Mumford (teacher), 20 Blendon Drive, Missenden. Details: Dick Field, Stonefield House, Clappins Lane, Naphill, to May, Tuesdays (elementary) and Wednesdays (general). Details: Rita Andover, SP10 3NQ. 01264 363293, [email protected]. Bucks HP14 4SL. Tel: 01494 562231. Cane, 45 Beech Lane, Earley, Reading RG6 5PT. Tel: 0118 975 7507, WITHAM & DISTRICT CALEDONIAN SOCIETY. Dancing every GREENFORD AND DISTRICT CALEDONIAN ASSOC. meet at the British www.scottishdancingreading.org. Wednesday 8.00 - 10.00pm. The Centre, UR Church, Witham, Essex. Legion Hall, Oldfield Lane, Greenford. Visitors welcome. Tuesdays 8.00 - RICHMOND CALEDONIAN SOCIETY meets at the Oddfellows Hall, Details from Mrs Rita Gorrie, 14 Coleridge Road, Maldon, Essex CM9 10.30 p.m. Details from Mrs P. Crisp, 19 Compton Place, Watford, Herts Parkshot, Richmond, every Wednesday evening at 8.00pm from mid Sept. 6DH. Tel: 01621 854006. WD19 5HF. Tel: 0203 078 0018. to end of May. All welcome. For information contact 020 8977 4304.

Page 19 Above: The participants at the very successful Spring Fling RSCDS BRISTOL BRANCH in Oxford. See article on page 6. 45th Anniversary Picture by Sasha Velichko SAPPHIRE BALL with Buffet Saturday 19 May 2007 Clifton High School (Girls) Ceol Na H' Alba Mondays at Potten End MC Peter Wright Village Hall 8-10pm. Tickets: £18. Details: Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 2QG Andrew Smith 0117 9629533 Enjoy better dancing! Advanced Class 2nd & 4th Mondays Intermediate Class 1st, 3rd. & 5th. Mondays (General Class 2nd & 9th July) Encouragement for Certificate candidates PETRONELLA Teachers: ...... Joan Desborough, Mail order only from Ken Martlew, Debbie Parren 181 Bourn View Road, Netherton, Barbara Martlew, Jane Rose Musician: ...... Ken Martlew Huddersfield, HD4 7JS. Enquiries: 01442 261 525, Telephone 01484 661196 [email protected] Berkhamsted S&RC, Kilt Pins, brooches, sashes, Watford & West Herts SS Dancing shoes, Books. Price list on request e-mail jean. House of Tartans [email protected] Kiltmaking Specialists

Kilts and Outfits Quickly All woven tartans including London Branch 75th Anniversary CD place names available. Hand sewn kilts, Charlie and Argyle Where else can you hear, on one CD, most of the bands who jackets, sporrans, buckle/ belts, play regularly in London and the South-East? ghillies, hose, sgian dubhs, dirks, shirts, etc. Good discounts Repairs and Alterations Pipers and Highland Dancers available Come and meet the experts Visits by appointment please

Kiltmakers & Highland Outfitters This compilation CD of music for dances recently published in Stan & Pat Wallace-Pope the London 75th Anniversary book, includes six different A.B.A.T.D. Highland Branch bands and one track by a piper, each band having its own 89 Alexandra Road unique sound. Peterborough PE1 3DG Available from the Branch bookstall for £12 or buy the book Tel: 01733 310628 and CD together for just £15 plus postage. [email protected]. Hurry while stocks last!

Published by the RSCDS (London Branch) Page 20 Printed by Cassio Graphics, tel: 01923 237088