CountryScottish Dancer

Young dancers P8

Dance Scottish Week P11

Interview with our President P16

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2 www.rscds.org Editorial Contents

News from Coates Crescent 4 Changes and developments at Headquarters From the Chair, Management Board and Committees 6 News and comment from Irene Bennett, Welcome to this issue of Scottish Country Dancer. Putting the Alex Gray, the Convenors and the Schools Director finishing touches to the magazine highlighted for me the number of Young Dancers 8 members who have contributed to its pages. Thank you to all of and the results of the Dance Scottish Week competition you. With articles and photographs from all over the globe, covering RSCDS Conference Weekend 10 dancers of all ages and experience, from the President and Chairman A look back at the Society's AGM and Conference to the newest members, Scottish Country Dancer brings home to us Dance Scottish Week 11 the reach and diversity of the RSCDS. If you feel that your branch Events large and small or your corner of the Scottish country dancing world is under- The RSCDS Archive 12 represented in these pages, please get in touch. I shall be interested The Duke of Atholl, our first President in what you have to say and I shall try to include something from A tribute to Jean Milligan 13 you in the next issue. I am particularly pleased to see the return of Celebrating her life and work a letters page this time. The Society is changing and the pages of In my opinion 14 Scottish Country Dancer is one forum where you can air your views Ian Brockbank (Edinburgh) offers some views about what is happening and where we should be going. A Weekend in Tallinn 15 On the subject of change I have written elsewhere about the Society The International Branch weekend in Estonia AGM. It was a good deal less cosy than we have come to expect. Dr Alastair MacFadyen 16 There was real edge to some of the debates. Yet the Conference An interview with our new President weekend as a whole was remarkably friendly and everyone seemed From around the world 18 to be having a great time, especially on the dance floor. Serious Reports from our regional correspondents challenges lie ahead, most obviously financial, and key to resolving David Young 22 them are underlying questions about the Society's role, the The life and times of this 18th century composer and dance collector relationship between HQ and branches, what we as members expect Reviews 24 from the Society and indeed what the Society can reasonably ask of New recordings and books us. From my experience of the Conference I am co nfident that the Scottish Branches Conference 25 social spirit, co-operation and friendliness that characterise Scottish Feedback from the conference in February country dancing will see us through the difficult decisions we must Overheard on the Web 26 take so the Society can continue to thrive in future. Some recent postings on the internet Letters to the editor 27 What will you be doing in Dance Scottish Week in September? Considering it was our first attempt, DSW 2007 was very successful. Obituaries 28 The more branches and members that get involved next time the Day School Diary 29 better it will be. High profile events generate the most publicity, Cover picture: Dancers at the RSCDS Conference Ball but you don't have to think big. If you are not organising something Photograph by Fraser Band, www.fraserband.co.uk yourself, join in with someone else. If you cannot get to a dance recruit a new member or just send a donation to HQ, your branch Editor Contact Andrew Kellett [email protected] or club. Whatever you do will have a positive impact. Editorial Board Advertising Elspeth Gray, Jimmie Hill, Linda Gaul For most readers summer is just round the corner, but whatever Pat Houghton, Jean Martin [email protected] season it is dancers are packing their bags and heading off to exotic Publisher locations for holidays that often involve a reel or two. I have heard The Royal Scottish Country D ance Society about members who claim to have performed the highest, the 12 Coates Crescent, Edinburgh, EH3 7AF lowest, the biggest or just the silliest Scottish country dance. I hope Website Telephone E mail www.rscds.org 0131 225 3854 [email protected] to run a feature next time on dancing in unusual places and Graphic Designer circumstances. If you think your group might qualify do, please, let Its All Good me know. Photographic evidence will be much appreciated. The Haughs, Cromdale, Grantown on Spey, PH26 3PQ [email protected] Happy dancing, wherever you are. Printer J Thomson Colour Printers Ltd 14-16 Carnoustie Place, Glasgow G5 8PB The next issue of Scottish Country Dancer will be published in October 2008. Please send your contribution to the editor by 1 August. Royal Scottish Country Dance Society - a registered Scottish Charity no. SC016085

www.rscds.org 3 News from Coates Crescent Elspeth Gray brings you up to date with some highlights from Headquarters Elections to management posts Opposite are the results of the management elections at the AGM, and a full list of the Board and Committee members for the current year. It was Distribution and Database disappointing that we had so few nominations last year, and members are The online database was rolled out to strongly encouraged to consider putting Branches in October. There have inevitably themselves forward for election – see the been a few teething problems, but these Chairman’s remarks in this edition for have mostly been ironed out. What this some encouragement! means for Branch members is that their Branch Secretary has password-protected, Posts available for election this year are: secure access to the names and addresses G Chairman Elect (for two years, followed by of their Branch members only, and can two as Chairman) amend and update them online. Changes G Management Board members: 4 vacancies made then synchronise with the database for 3 years, 2 vacancies for 2 years held here at Headquarters. So, if there is Piper Jurgen Munz outside Headquarters during G GP & Finance Committee members: 2 anything that needs to be changed – this Dance Scottish Week vacancies for 3 years can include choosing to have only one Board or the relevant Committee. G Education & Training Committee members: magazine delivered to your address if you Given that each Board member may have 3 vacancies for 3 years, 2 vacancies for 2 have more than one member in the up to twelve Branches for whom they act years household – please let your Branch as “liaison” – and many of them also have Secretary know.The Editor would be grateful full time jobs – it is clearly not possible for G Membership Services Committee members: not to receive emails about distribution, as it each of them to enter into extensive 2 vacancies for 3 years, 1 vacancy for 2 years is not his responsibility: your Branch dialogue with each Branch. However, we Nomination forms will be available on the Secretary, or Headquarters, should be your hope that when Branches receive the website on 11 April. You need: a proposer, points of contact. Reports of the MB meetings (the schedule seconder and 10 additional signatories; a Branch Secretaries – please don’t hesitate for mailing these was sent to Branch short profile outlining your experience and to let us know if you have any queries! Secretaries at the end of February) Branch what you would bring to the post you are Committees will consider the Reports and applying for; and a photograph! Applicants Branch anniversaries pass any comments back – either via for Management Board posts, who become Happy anniversary to the following Headquarters or to their MB contact. trustees of the Society, will be required to Branches, all of whom have reached major Members should be aware that the MB sign a disclaimer, confirming that there is “milestones” this year. Congratulations to meeting Reports are also available on the no reason why they should not be charity all, and we hope you have lots more years website. Let your Branch Committee know if trustees. Forms are to be returned to of happy dancing ahead! there is anything in them that you have Headquarters by 12 September; candidate strong feelings about! profiles and voting papers will be sent to 25th Cincinnati, Mid-Argyll, Orange Branches on 26 September, and the profiles County, South Argyll,Wirral Subscription fees 2008-09 are also made available on the website.And 50th Cheltenham, Montreal At the AGM in November 2007, it was in November 2008, it could be your name 60th Bath, Kirkcudbright, North agreed to increase the member’s on the “elected this year” list! Ayrshire, Stonehaven subscription fee. For information, here are 75th Ayr the rates that will apply with effect from 1 AGM delegates July 2008: At the AGM last November, there were 55 Branches and communication Branches who were not represented by with the Management Board Branch members £ delegates and did not send apologies. This (MB) Basic subscription 15.00 is disappointing – and worrying. The AGM Since January 2006, each Branch has been is where the major decisions of the Society given the name and email address of one of Half year subscription are made, and we need to have Branch the Management Board members, as a point (new members only) 7.50 delegates there, contributing to the debate. of contact for raising any issues of particular Some overseas Branches may have been importance. This means of communication Under 25s (20% discount) 12.00 unable to find UK-based members to act as their delegates. For that reason, we would is in addition to existing channels via HQ members Headquarters. The MB member’s role is to encourage any Branch that would like to facilitate communication between the Basic sub (£15+£10 administration) 25.00 find regular delegates to let us know at Board and Branches – it is not to act as a Headquarters, and we would ask any UK or representative of the Branch. Board members Half year subscription (£7.50+£10) 17.50 Europe-based members who would be will be glad to listen to any concerns, prepared to volunteer as delegates for an Under 25s (£12+ £10) 22.00 suggestions or ideas that may be passed to overseas Branch to let us know. We will do them and, if appropriate, pass them to the Affiliation fee 35.00 our best to match you up.

4 www.rscds.org Election Results, and Management Board & Management Committee Membership Election results The results of the management elections at AGM 2007 were as follows: Members of Management Board Roderick McLachlan ...... 3 years Andrew Smith ...... 3 years Convenor of Education & Training Committee Helen Russell ...... 3 years Members of Education & Training Committee No nominations were received. The following people were co-opted following the AGM: Ann Dix (examiner) ...... 1 year Lucy Smallwood ...... 1 year Convenor of General Purposes & Finance Committee Craig Jackson, HQ staff member, dancing with Irene Bennett, RSCDS Chairman, at the ball to launch William Whyte ...... 3 years Dance Scottish Week Members of General Purposes & Finance Committee Annual Conference Weekend with effect from 1 April 2008. New prices Sue Duckett ...... 3 years will be displayed on the website on that Aad Boode ...... 3 years and AGM 2008 Peter Wright ...... 2 years Just a reminder that the ConferenceWeekend date, and of course members can check any changes with Headquarters. Convenor Elect of Membership Services Committee dates for this year are 7-9 November. Pam Gillies ...... 1 year, then 3 as Convenor Booking forms will be downloadable from the Could you help? Members of Membership Services Committee website on 11April, or can be requested from The next issue of the magazine will contain Jacquie Riddell ...... 3 years Headquarters any time after that date. a questionnaire which we hope as many The following person was co-opted following the AGM: members as possible will complete and Anne Carter ...... 1 year RSCDS Shop Prices return. We would like to hear from any Full Management Board and Management Committee membership for Nov 2007 – Nov 2008 is therefore as The last price review took place several years members with professional skills in market follows: ago, and resulted in many prices being research who would be willing to assist in Management Board (Secretary Elspeth Gray) decreased. Economic reality dictates that either/both design of the questionnaire and Irene Bennett (Chairman & Convenor of MB) now is the time to bring our prices more into evaluation of replies. Please contact Elspeth Alex Gray (Chairman Elect) Jim Healy (Convenor, MS) line with current market conditions. For that Gray at Headquarters if you are interested Helen Russell (Convenor, E&T) reason, a number of prices will be going up in offering your help – thank you. William Whyte (Convenor, GP&F) Roy Bain Pat Houghton Wilma Brown Craig Houston Alan Carr Roderick McLachlan Neil Copland Jeff Robertson Allana Creighton Roz Scott-Huxley Christina France Andrew Smith Jimmie Hill Pia Walker General Purposes & Finance Committee (Secretary Shona Coyle) William Whyte (Convenor) Aad Boode Nigel Nicholson Sue Duckett Ross Robertson George Flett Peter Wright Education & Training Committee (secretary Craig Jackson) Helen Russell (Convenor) John Wilkinson (Schools Director) Jayne Brown (Youth Director) Ann Dix Deb Lees Louise Fordyce David Queen Bruce Frazer Di Rooney Janet Johnston Lucy Smallwood Membership Services Committee (secretary Jill Petri) Jim Healy (Convenor) Pam Gillies (Convenor Elect) Marilyn Healy (Archivist) East Angus Branch has been awarded £3,800 traditional Scottish culture coupled with Mo Rutherford (Music Director) from the National Lottery Fund to help run healthy physical activity to the next Luke Brady Jean Martin Scottish country dance festivals for local generation." The photograph shows dancers Anne Carter George Meikle Rhona Chalmers Jacquie Riddell primary school children in March 2009. from Southesk Primary School, members of Branch Chairman, Mark Noble, said, "This is a theActive Schools team from the local council (Note: The Chairman and Chairman Elect may attend great boost for our efforts to pass on and members of the Branch Committee. any Committee or other meeting, without a vote)

www.rscds.org 5 From the Chair

Irene Bennett, Chairman

An Appeal for Donations At the 2005 AGM the Convenor of Finance Management Board observed that it would become“increasingly and Committees difficult to cover annual expenditure with annual income.” Since then our current The current management structure of the expenditure has exceeded our annual Society was agreed at the 2001 Annual income. We need to consider alternative General Meeting in Perth. The new ways of raising income and cutting costs. It Dance Scottish Week structure was designed to enable any will take time for the Society to benefit from As soon as Summer School 2007 was over, member of the Society to stand for the increased annual subscription, agreed at many of us were involved in preparations for election to the Management Board or any the 2007 AGM. the first Dance ScottishWeek last September. Committee. Members have not risen to Our present position has heightened my I didn’t know what to expect but I was not this challenge since, at the AGM last awareness of the content of the literature disappointed by the variety of events and November, there was an election for only circulated by other charitable organisations activities which many Branches held. My one committee and a shortage of to which I subscribe. Most of them ask, hope is that this will become an annual event members standing for the other annually, for donations in addition to the and Branches will share ideas and learn from committees and the board. subscription. each others’ successes and failures. It was If the reason for this is an apprehension about I would like to think that many of you pleasing to meet some members who had not knowing whether your talents match the would be prepared to make a donation at travelled from far off places to join in events work of a committee, do talk to present this challenging time. I know many in Scotland. The colouring competition for members and find out what is involved. One members have great affection for our children engendered a lot of enthusiasm (see certain way of discovering how the Society Society and it would be gratifying if you page 19). I had hoped more people would really works is to join a committee. This can were prepared to give a little extra this year. take the opportunity of visiting Coates be a rewarding experience. As a registered charity the Society can Crescent during the Open Days as this was Please consider making a contribution to reclaim tax on a donation made by Gift Aid the first chance members had been given to the work of the Society by putting your provided the donor is a UK taxpayer. The drop in. Information about Dance Scottish name forward at the next elections. I am form and information regarding Gift Aid is Week 2008 is on page 11. certain you would find it worthwhile. on our website under “Money Matters”. News from the Management Board

by Irene Bennett (Chairman) and Alex Gray (Chairman Elect)

The Management Board has met twice since increased subscription income and cost have been tested by one Branch and are theAGM, in November and February.We are saving measures identified, we believe that with CRBS for approval. pleased to report that progress has been it is possible to achieve a break-even made, as outlined below, in the areas operational budget. At the April meeting the Members’ Forum 2007 causing concern at the AGM. Additionally, updated budget position will be reviewed Issues raised at the Members’ Forum are two working groups have been formed, and and consid-eration given to further possible being addressed by the relevant comments are invited from members on the measures. committees. We will be reporting progress topics they will be considering (see below). Governance: The Society's lawyers have and responses on the website. reviewed the Society's compliance with the Update on AGM Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator Working Groups Annual Budget: The projected loss for this (OSCR) requirements and no major tasks Membership: Since the AGM, a number of financial year (2007-08) was about need to be undertaken immediately. Work Branches have sent comments on the £150,000 and that for 2008-09 around on documenting procedures is on-going.The membership structure.A working group has £120,000. The Board has carefully reviewed first batch has been approved, effective been set up and will be pleased to receive the projections and taken into account the March 2008. The second batch will be views from members and Branches. Please partial effect of the increase in subscription presented for review in April for approval at address any comments to ‘Membership in 2008-09. the June Board Meeting. Working Group’. 2007-08: Only minor changes could be Central Registered Body in Scotland Branches Conference:The Scottish Branches achieved as it was over half way through the (CRBS): Contact has at last been made with conference has been a successful innovation financial year. We have identified some appropriate people in the CRBS and a and a working group has been set up to measures to reduce the loss slightly. meeting has been held to clarify how the consider whether this can be extended into 2008-09:We have discussed many possible process has recently changed and to identify regional conferences worldwide. Views on measures at the two meetings, and decided how to make the process of registration of this are also welcome from members and to concentrate on measures that could be those working with children in Scotland Branches. Please address any comments to implemented relatively quickly. With the effective in future. Our new draft procedures ‘Branches Conference Working Group’.

6 www.rscds.org From the Management Committees

(where numbers permit – see below) numbers in the other classes are likely to musician to join the staff list for Summer drop in the second lesson.Whilst this is the and Winter Schools? Education and case at present, it will seem more obvious in Training Apply to be Depute Director of Summer future because those classes will be in the School? Helen Russell, same venue for both sessions. Apply to be Co-ordinator ofWinter School? Convenor, provides At the time this issue of Scottish Country an update from her Why not… Dancer goes to press there are insufficient numbers to be able to run Advanced Committee. think about standing for election for the Highland and Advanced Step classes in Education and Training Committee? If you some weeks. Winter School have the skills, time and commitment and Winter Schol 2008 in Pitlochry was most you are interested in the work of the Core Dances enjoyable. Thanks are due to Johan Maclean committee, which covers Examinations, and her team. The Winter School Co- Jim Healy, Convenor of Schools, Youth and Teacher Development, Membership Services, ordinator for 2009 is George Meikle, who why not consider standing? comes with many innovative ideas. The reports that following his success of Winter School has opened a The Dancing Proficiency announcement at the AGM debate about how we can enhance it or Assessment in Perth in November a extend it. I would like to hear your In a previous issue I wrote about the revised selection of core dances ideas or views. My e mail is Dancing Proficiency Assessment Level 1. has been compiled.As it says in the forward [email protected] or you can Levels 2 and 3 of the Dancing Proficiency to the booklet: write to me at HQ. Assessment are now also available. Further The selection of dances has been made with I do receive letters and other commun- details and the complete syllabus are a number of objectives in mind. Among ications about Winter School applications available on the RSCDS web site or can be them are: and the waiting list, in particular. No system requested by contacting Headquarters. to provide inexperienced dancers with a is perfect, but we do try to ensure that the I would urge branches and individual manageable repertoire of dances which process for application is fair and dancers to participate in this scheme, as it appear on dance programmes; transparent. Applications are dealt with on is an excellent opportunity to analyse and to provide teachers and dancers with a a strictly ”first come, first served” basis. improve your standard of dancing. structured list of dances containing the Because of the popularity of the event, even principal formations of Scottish country a delay of 24 hours in returning your Summer School Classes dancing; application may result in your being put on John Wilkinson, Schools to provide programme devisors with a the waiting list. Despite this, many overseas Director, announces some common base from which a part of any dancers do attend the course every year and changes at Summer dance or ball programme can be there is a significant turn-over in dancers, School this year. developed in order to encourage with several “first-timers” each year. Traditionally, with the inexperienced dancers. Winter School 2009 exception of Introductory The full list is available on the website and and Intermediate classes, a booklet of the selection will be included in 26th February – 3rd March 2009 the pattern for the whole week has been to the pack given to new members If you wish to be sent an application form attend a chosen class for the first lesson for Winter School 2009, please send a (9.30 to 10.45) then change to a different Money Matters stamped addressed envelope to venue and different teacher for the second William Whyte, the new Headquarters in May 2008, if you have not lesson (11.30 to 12.30). Convenor of General Purposes already done so. Obviously no stamp In 2008 dancers will attend both first and & Finance, is aware that the required for overseas members. second lessons with the same teacher and very large deficit forecast for Application forms will be posted to overseas in the same venue from Monday to 2007-08 came as a surprise members on Monday 16th June and Kto U Wednesday inclusive. Dancers then move to many members and branches. He told and European members on Friday 20th to a new venue and have a new teacher for Scottish Country Dancer that the manage- June. The forms will also be available to first and second lessons from Thursday to ment team recognises that it must improve download from the RSCDS website at Saturday inclusive. the flow of financial information in future by, midday on Monday 23rd June. among other measures, making the accounts Advantages Applications will close on Friday 18th July, more user-friendly and providing them earlier. Better continuity for the teacher and but will not be processed until September. The Society does a great many more things the class Please note that applications will be today than it did some ten years ago, and it handled at Headquarters only, they will not Better opportunity to monitor progress and is vital that we are serious about making and be accepted at Summer School. to review individual performance with a adhering to budgets. Branches and members midweek change where appropriate. If your application is unsuccessful, you may will be kept up to date on the financial choose to be placed on the waiting list. Fewer conflicts with fellow teachers position via the Management Board reports Less movement between venues (which appear on the website) and there will Did you know you could… By reintroducing Highland and Step classes be a detailed article on the financial situation Apply to be assessed as a teacher or as a in the second of the morning sessions in the next issue.

www.rscds.org 7 Young Dancers by Jayne Brown,Youth Director

You can read about Spring Fling 2008, which has just been held in Glasgow, in the next issue. I am now looking at options for Spring Fling 2009 at a venue in Scotland. Another in the series of workshops for young dancers (16 - 35) will be held in Hexham, Northumberland on 17 May 2008 and there are plans for further workshops in Edinburgh and London later in the year. Details are available through Headquarters. I am also looking fo r volunteers, especially young adults, to help write and put together a youth newsletter. Dance Scottish Youth Demonstration Team in Glasgow.

Seven teams from Aberdeen, Aylth and Perth took part in the annual David Findlay Rosebowl Competition for junior dancers organised by Dundee Branch and held in February 2008 at the Blyth Hall, Newport, Fife. The Adjudicator, Anne Taylor from Aviemore, commented on how well all the children danced and how nice they all looked.

The Lochvale Dancers, one of the successful teams at the Edinburgh Festival in February 2008

8 www.rscds.org Dance Scottish Week Colouring Competition

One successful feature of Dance Scottish Week 2007, which most adult dancers will not have been aware of, was the colouring competition, aimed at raising awareness of country dancing and the RSCDS among children of 12 years and below.The picture was sent to all branch secretaries for copying to children’s classes and local schools. 460 children took part with prizes for the four winners and certificates of commendation to 16 more. Large number of entries Although all branches had been circulated, the majority of the 460 entries came from Scotland with significant numbers from Ireland, England, France and Canada. The entries split into two groups: children who attend SCD classes and children whose sole contact with SCD is through their primary school. Boys versus girls One interesting phenomenon was the complex cultural association between kilts, tartan and football in the minds of the many Scottish children, particularly boys. Many show football team loyalties, all in green, or blue, or red and black.Two Glasgow primary schools sent in 83 entries. Of these 32 children depicted the dancers in team colours – green and red; green and yellow; green and orange; green and purple.With green being the dominant colour, we assume they were Celtic supporters! Interpretations What was fascinating about the entries was the very wide range of interpretation. Children from SCD classes normally coloured the tartan sashes and kilts in a conventional way, while other children coloured them in one colour or in rainbow patterns. Some children coloured boys’hose in a single colour while others coloured them as diced hose with different colours for the flashes. Lessons learned The original picture was designed as an idealised view of a children's dance.The black and white picture served as a template, onto which children could project their own ideas. The most revealing entries show children adding details of their own and contextualising the dancers within their own world. The use of brilliant colour and careful detailing express a fundamentally positive engagement with the picture, with some children clearly placing themselves within the dance. The confident depiction of tartans and Highland dress show an easy familiarity with these symbols of Scottish cultural identity, while the imaginative crossovers with football give an insight into the cultural nuances of specific areas of modern Scotland. The winners Congratulations go to Francesca Hall (aged 7) from Berwick upon Tweed, Sophie Alexander (aged 8) from Newcastle upon Tyne, Beth Ross (aged 9) from Forres, and Charlotte Craw (aged 11) from Aberdeen. Special mention must be made of some of the excellent efforts from some of the schools: Pitcorthie Primary School in Dunfermline; Ecole Elementaire in Méaudre, France; Monreagh National School in County Donegal; St Bride's Primary, Garrowhill Primary, and Chirnsyde Primary in Glasgow. Dance Scottish Week 2008 This year details of the competition will be available from HQ in good time for Dance Scottish Week. It will be available via branch secretaries and will be available on the website.

Winners from top to bottom: Francesca Hall, Sophie Alexander, Beth Ross and Charlotte Craw

www.rscds.org 9 RSCDS AGM and Conference Weekend The Editor reports on an eventful weekend. Photographs by Fraser Band.

The Earl of Mansfield, and welcomed Dr Alastair MacFadyen into the office, appreciation was extended to our Headquarters' staff and election results were announced. In fact there was only one election as most of the Committees had more places than candidates. There was one more motion to debate: Glasgow Branch winning the support of the meeting in demanding that the Management Board takes action to speed up the processing of disclosure certificates, a matter of great importance to Scottish Branches with children's classes. Of course the Conference Weekend is far more than an AGM. It's an exciting cocktail The Conference Ball. of dance and discussion, a chance to meet up with friends at almost anytime of the day A few minutes later Lawrence was back on or night and a motivating experience, when side with his Board colleagues and was you realise, once again, just how many joined by Jim Healy, Convenor of members all over the world are giving up so Membership Services, and Alex Gray, much time to make the Society a success. Chairman Elect, in proposing a £5 increase As usual the dancing was tremendous fun in the subscription. They argued this was from the opening Ball with David necessary because of inflation and Cunningham and his Band, through the improved services, but many delegates informal dance with Marian Anderson and especially among those speaking on behalf her Band, the meticulous class under the of Branches outside the UK, were not tuition of Mervyn Short and an entertaining convinced. The strength of sterling, the workshop led by Malcolm Brown. The distance from Scotland, the difficulty of Members' Forum, carefully choreographed recruiting members and concerns over by Bristol Branch, attracted over 120 budgeting were cited as reasons for a more participants keen to share views on RSCDS Irene Bennett, RSCDS Chairman, with Councillor Willie Wilson, Depute Convenor of Perth & modest increase but, with the Board schools, publications, publicity, finance and Kinross Council, who welcomed members to the promising a coherent strategic plan and a vision. There was more constructive chat on Conference Ball. reliable cost base, the motion was carried the Sunday morning with specialist groups "Extraordinary" was the word most by 175 votes to 62. on music and youth, plus a meeting for the frequently on the lips of delegates at the This was heady stuff, but the remainder of International Branch. There was even an conclusion of the Society's AGM in theAGM held at the Bell's Sports Centre in excursion to Scone Palace. November 2007. Indeed it was. No one Perth followed a much more traditional The entire weekend was a triumph of could remember an attack quite like the script. Scrolls of Honour were presentedto organisation, and congratulations from one one launched by Lawrence Boyd, the very worthy recipients, the Society gave a tired but elated member to everyone who outgoing Convenor of General Purposes standing ovation to its outgoing President, helped to make it a success. and Finance, on his fellow members of the Recipients of the Society Scroll of Honour 2007 (left to right) Masako Okada Naitoh (Tokai) Elinor Management Board. He reported that the Vandegrift (Seattle) David Cunningham Snr. (Membership Services) Kathleen McAdam (San Francisco) RSCDS was heading for a £150,000 loss at Fiona Turnbull (Richmond) Helen Frame (Ayr). May Macfarlane (Toronto) was also awarded a Scroll, the end of the year, and he warned that w hich was presented locally (see page 21). unless urgent steps are taken to rectify the position "insolvency looms". He blamed the Board's inability to deliver on risk management, poor governance and an absence of leadership. The meeting listened in stunned silence. This was not the sort of language delegates had come to expect at the usually ever so polite gatherings of the Society. The meeting could only guess at what the rest of the top management team, sharing the platform with Lawrence, thought about these stinging criticisms as the agenda didn't give them the opportunity to reply.

10 www.rscds.org Dance Scottish Week 2007

Tasting Scottish country dancing in Guildford during Dance Scottish Week 07 Conceived at the Scottish Branches together with others in the UK and some Typical of the week was the experience Conference in 2006, Dance Scottish Week further afield, including Houston (Texas) of Berks/Hants/Surrey Border Branch in burst into life in September 2007. Its aims New Haven (Connecticut) Ottawa and the south of England who combined with were to promote greater awareness of Hawaii. Guildford SCD Club in holding a taster Scottish country dancing, to provide a afternoon. Catherine Smith writes:- publicity platform for branches, to encourage new dancers and to increase "We wanted to give people of all ages the membership of the Society. Many branches opportunity to find out what we enjoy seized the opportunity with enthusiasm and about Scottish country dancing without imagination that ensured the success of the first having to sign up for classes or brave project. The week was endorsed by Linda visiting an established group. We made good use of the publicity material from Fabiani, Scottish Minister for Culture, "It's HQ, which we thought was first class, by important that this aspect of our culture and adding our own details. On the day the heritage is accessible and appealing to all hall was filled with about twenty ages and to people from all backgrounds. newcomers of all ages, including several Scottish country dancing is something that children and some young adults, and a anyone can take part in and enjoy." willing band of more experienced dancers DSW 07 was timed to coincide with the Headquarters in party mood for Dance Scottish from throughout the Branch and the start of the dancing season in the Northern Week Guildford Club. They formed a happy Hemisphere. It opened with a high profile, mix, who coped admirably with the varied formal reception and ball in the splendid Dance Scottish Week selection of dances and enjoyed the surroundings of the Surgeons' Hall, 12 - 20 Septemb er 2008 whole afternoon. Material about Scottish Edinburgh, but most of the events were Ruth Beattie (Glasgow Branch) has told country dancing and information about all definitely informal and targeted at first Scottish Country Dancer that preparations the clubs in the area was available, and timers. Thanks to careful planning and are underway to make the next Dance several new dancers have been enthused commitment by the organising branches, Scottish Week even bigger and better. to give it a go. Preparation was hard work newcomers were surprised how quickly they Receptions have been arranged at HQ from and, at times, daunting but the result got into the swing of things and some 6.30 - 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday andWednesday, made it worthwhile. Without a doubt we enrolled in classes on the spot. There was and at 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday you are have put ourselves a bit more on the map dancing in shopping centres, parks, village welcome to go along to Edinburgh Branch's in our area and this has led to a noticeable halls and schools. There were come and try "Come and Try" night at South Side increase in membership for the local club. sessions, taster sessions, trial evenings, open Community Centre or to the Dunedin So, thanks for the idea, we would certainly classes, beginners classes, workshops, Dancers evening at Morningside Parish encourage other groups to take the ceilidhs, family nights, bring-a-friend nights, Church. On the first Saturday of the week opportunity to fly the flag and good luck welcome dances, joint dances with local Glasgow Branch is holding a memorial with DSW 08." clubs and with English and International dance for George Lawson and Duncan dancers, plus charity events, coffee mornings Maclean, and on the second Saturday the "Scottish country dancing is and exhibitions. Headquarters threw open Branch is inviting members and non- something that anyone can its doors, and the week was rounded off with members to an afternoon of dancing at the a dance in the impressive setting of St magnificent Kelvingrove Art Gallery and take part in and enjoy" Andrews in the Square, Glasgow. Over forty Museum. What has your branch planned? Linda Fabiani, Scottish Minister for Culture Scottish branches were involved in the week, Together we can make a real impact.

www.rscds.org 11 The Archive Alastair Aitkenhead and Robert Mackay lead a sing-along at Winter School Marilyn Healy has been delving into the archives at Coates Crescent and (left) at Blair Castle, ancestral home of the Dukes of Atholl.

Research Committee. Whilst not officially on the Music Committee in the early days, he attended some of its meetings and was influential in the selection of music. In The last issue of Scottish Country Dancer October 1924 he was one of the examiners included an interview with Lord Mansfield, at the first Teacher’s Examination, held in who stepped down as President of the Glasgow: the others were Miss Milligan Society last November after 30 years. Lord and Mrs Stewart. He was assiduous in Mansfield was the Society’s sixth President. attending meetings and chaired almost "Swing low, sweet chariot" The first was Lord James Stewart Murray, every AGM until the year before his death. who became the Duke of Atholl in 1942, Lord James was the third son of the 7th followed by the Countess of Elgin, Major Duke of Atholl. His father was a fluent General Lord Thurlow, Lord Macdonald and Gaelic speaker who ensured that all his Jean Milligan as ‘caretaker’ President for children were brought up with a good one year from 1976 until the appointment knowledge of that language. The family of Lord Mansf ield were patrons of traditional Scottish music Lord James Stewart Murray was President and dance and were steeped in highland of the Scottish Country Dance Society culture, history and dress. He danced all his from 1924 until his death in 1957. At the life, having been taught highland dancing by first Annual General Meeting he was also “Dancie” James Neill of Forfar, who had also elected Chairman, a post he held until been dancing master to H.M. Queen 1927 and again in 1933-36. He Elizabeth, the Queen Mother and was represented the Society at the meetings of knowledgeable about the history of Scottish "Coming for to carry me home" the Scottish Official Board of Highland country dances. He once recounted to Bill Dancing until a few months before his Clement that, as a child, he had come down death. He was also Chairman and from his bedroom and hid in the minstrel’s President of Perth Branch c.1932-38. gallery at Blair Castle to watch his father Although he sent his apologies to the teaching country dancing to his guests. It inaugural meeting in Glasgow on 26 was at a similar house party during a November 1923, Lord James was very shooting season in the early 1870s that the active in the early days of the Society. Eightsome Reel evolved and was dedicated With his sister, Lady Dorothea Ruggles to the Atholl Highlanders, the only private Brice, he was a member of the first army in Europe.

The Duke of Atholl (Lord James Stewart Murray) dancing at the Royal Caledonian Ball in London in 1954. (Photograph courtesy of Jane Anderson, Archivist at Blair Castle)

"I looked over Jordon and what did I see?"

"A band of angels"

12 www.rscds.org Celebrating the life and work of Dr Jean Milligan 2008 New Year's Honours Congratulations to two long serving and Peter Clark reports on a fitting tribute to Miss Milligan held last year dedicated members of the Society who in Glasgow. received the MBE in the New Year's Honours List. Bill Clement ofThornhill, Dumfries-shire was recognised for services to piping and Scottish country dancing. He joined the RSCDS in 1947 and was on the Summer School staff teaching country and Highland dancing for over forty years. He piped and danced for the International Team throughout Europe and later taught piping and dancing in Japan, Australia and North America. He was RSCDS Chairman from 1996 to 1998 and masterminded the Society's 75th Anniversary celebrations. The award came as a complete surprise. He told Scottish Country Dancer, "I was delighted to receive this great honour especially as I have had so Irene Caithness and Irene Bennett with one of the dancers from Garscadden Primary in front of the much pleasure from all my teaching, and plaque commemorating the life and work of Jean Milligan. piping and dancing have been so much part (photograph by Brian Lochrin, University of Strathclyde) of my life. Many pipers have received an On 14 September 2007, within Dance year during Summer School, so it was fitting MBE over the years, but I think this Scottish Week, The Faculty of Education at that Mrs Irene Caithness was invited to is the first time that an Honour has been the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow unveil a commemorative plaque that was given specifically for services to Scottish organised a gathering to commemorate the mounted on a stand on the stage. The country dancing." life of Jean Milligan, co-founder of the Jordanhill site is due to close next year, and RSCDS. About sixty Branch representatives the plaque will be re-located to a Peggy Spouse of attended along with past Chairmen of the permanent home on the John Anderson Duns, Berwickshire was Society. Professor Andrew Hamnett, Campus of the University. The stage recognised for services Principal and Vice-Chancellor, welcomed curtains opened to reveal a team of young to the community. She everyone to the CrawfurdTeaching Complex dancers from Garscadden Primary School. received news of the at Jordanhill where Miss Milligan had been They danced The Reel of the 51st Division MBE award on her a lecturer in physical education. and Lady Catherine Bruce's Reel beautifully birthday prompting double celebrations. The opening address was given by our to the fiddle music of Gordon Simpson. This Peggy was a founder present Chairman, Irene Bennett, who was followed by a demonstration from the member of Duns and District RSCDS recalled some of the major landmarks in Glasgow Branch team who delighted the Branch in 1953 and her work for the Jean Milligan's life. Women had dominated audience with a medley of The Earl of Society was recognised by the award of a the Society in its early years, but to the Mansfield, Miss Milligan's Strathspey and scroll in 2004. Over many years Peggy has delight of Miss Milligan the situation The New Virginia Reel. been deeply involved in her local changed partly as a result of the Robert MacKay then spoke of Jean community and, in addition to her regular introduction of Scottish country dancing to Milligan's love for Scottish music and her teaching, has given dancing lessons for male students at Jordanhill PE College in the association with the pianists Susan Inglis Hunt and Reivers Balls.As an adjudicator at 1930s. Her inspiration, drive and and Winnie Carnie in selecting tunes for children’s festivals her gentle manner enthusiasm for this form of dance led to an dances. The revival of Scottish country encouraged and fostered a love of dancing ever-increasing membership of the Society dancing did much for the promotion of in many. All those who have been and the formation of Branches throughout Scottish traditional music. For many of us privileged to have been in one of her the world. In the 1950s and 60s visits by the phrases, "The music is the stimulus of classes either at Branch level or at Summer the International Team to festivals spread the dance" and "Dance with your soul" school benefited from her great knowledge the popularity of Scottish country dancing encapsulate Dr Milligan's vision to see and love of Scottish history, tradition, even further. What had been a tradition in Scottish country dancing performed well in language and dancing. Her clear the doldrums became a flourishing activity. the ballroom. instructions were often sung to the tune Miss Milligan was honoured with an The event concluded with a vote of thanks honorary degree in law from the University and rhythm of the dance. Peggy is a from Dorothy Paterson, Glasgow Branch. regular and popular reader for the Borders of Aberdeen in 1977, the year prior to Everyone agreed it had been a memorable Talking Newspaper and has actively her death. occasion at which to recall the participated in the work of Chest, Heart Dr Milligan was a very close friend of the achievements of such an important figure and Stroke – Scotland. Caithness family and visited them each in the development of our Society.

www.rscds.org 13 In my opinion by Ian Brockbank (Edinburgh) Salmonfield Poacher and many, many others. By the way, The Minister on the Loch (along with this issue) exemplifies the paradox of restricting ourselves to the RSCDS-published canon. For a programme I recently helped compile, we were stuck for a strathspey, so I proposed it. No joy: we already had our self- Alan Paterson’s DanceData database (at 17th assigned quota of two non-RSCDS dances. I February) contains 13,408 dances. This is far would be allowed it now. more than anyone can ever get through in a lifetime, and yet people keep on writing more I am delighted to see Membership Services (you will find some along with this republishing dances like this that have stood magazine). Do we really need more dances? the test of time. I’d love to see this extended. What is the purpose of a new dance? Well, Rather than publishing new dances,how about there is always the hope of crafting the next collecting the most popular existing dances Mairi’s Wedding or Montgomeries’ Rant. and republishing them to give them the More prosaically, many dances are written to benefits of accessibility and universality mark a significant occasion: weddings most mentioned earlier? Maybe this way“published frequently, but also birthdays, anniversaries, by the RSCDS” would come to be the gold and other gatherings (two of the dances with standard which meant a dance was liked, not this magazine were written for the Festival just by a single committee on a single dance- through, but by thousands of dancers around Interceltique in Lorient, France last year). In The author dancingwith Linda Fabiani, Scottish similar vein, dances are written for special Minister for Culture. the world over a period of years. So how would the committee decide which people, either renowned (The Inimitable every dance in the catalogue (even if they Derek, Miss Johnstone of Ardrossan) or can get hold of the instructions). How do you dances are most deserving of republishing? personal friends. If these become popular, it’s find the best? They would need access to a central clearing a lasting tribute. If not, at least it makes house to track what people were dancing and Some of the responsibility lies in the hands someone feel wanted. what they thought of each dance. This could of the devisors. Once crafted, a dance needs expand to capture new dances; if instructions Then there is the moment of inspiration: the to be tried out on real dancers, and honed to were also available, dancers could use the figure that goes wrong on the dance floor, perfection (or quietly abandoned). Only the suggesting an interesting variation; a best should be distributed more widely. If recommendations to find new dances to try, lyrical/driving/uplifting tune that’s begging there’s no particular spark, it won’t catch on and feed back their comments in turn. to be danced to; a sudden thought of “what anyway, and it will steal attention from the There are elements of this out there already. if…?” Several of my dances are the result of unknown delights that dancers should be Dianna Shipman collected ball programmes sitting in the dark with a sleepless child.The finding. If a devisor publishes just their best, and collated the popularity; these ratings are intellectual challenge of fitting movements innovative work, dancers will start to look for available on the Grand Chain web site. She together into a complementary whole other examples of their work. Roy Goldring’s stopped in 2000; Campbell Tyler from South passes the time like a sort of dancing name is always a hallmark of quality; he must Africa has recently started collecting crossword puzzle. have been particularly good at filtering. Either programmes to update the listings. Lara After attending folk festivals across Europe, I that, or he was an absolute genius whose Friedman-Shedlov runs the Eight by Thirty- have come to the conclusion that it is this every dance was perfect. Two web site where devisors can submit new process of experimentation, trial and error, We could restrict ourselves to dances dances for sharing and comment.The Donalds and continual evolution which distinguishes published by the RSCDS.There are arguments have obtained permission to publish many of Scottish country dancing from many of the in favour of this approach: the dances are the dances in their collection on the Scottish folk dance forms on the continent. Other readily available, known around the world Dance Archives web site.There are various dance styles are more a type of historical re- and have been through a vetting process. sources of cribs, Paul Bond’s CardCribs and enactment, with little or no change over However it’s no longer guaranteed that Charles Upton’s Minicrib being possibly the time, whereas Scottish country dancing is a everyone knows every RSCDS dance, and best known. DanceData lists every dance living tradition, still developing. It may not despite the best efforts of the Publications known to Alan (along with tunes, recordings, resemble the Scottish dancing of the Committees through the years, not every publications, figures and links to the nineteenth century (as historians like to point dance in an RSCDS book is a winner – when instructions where available).The Grand Chain out periodically), but 84 years of tradition still did you last dance Sally’s Fancy, for example? events listing allows dance programmes to be seems pretty good to me. Anyway, I dance On the other hand, there are many popular submitted.We just need a central point to tie because I enjoy it, not because it’s traditional. dances which haven’t been published by the it all together. So new dances are a “good thing”. However, RSCDS.The aforementioned Mairi’s Wedding, Addendum: just as I was putting the the sheer number of dances out there now of course. The Irish Rover, The Highland finishing touches to this column, exactly the makes it hard to find the gems among the Rambler, Peat Fire Flame; the list goes on. same proposal came up on the Strathspey mediocre, the unremarkable, the downright There are excellent less well known dances: mailing list. Maybe an idea whose moment undanceable dances. No-one has time to try The Cuckoo Clock, Reel of the Puffins, The has come?

14 www.rscds.org RSCDS International Branch Weekend in Tallinn by Bernie Hewitt

second half of the dance. Keith Smith and James Gray showed just how effective a fiddle/piano duo can be and then, for the second half, all the musicians played together under the leadership of John White. Another TV station recorded some scenes and a couple of interviews which appeared on the Tallinn evening news the following day. Sunday morning had all the survivors back into the main university hall for another class. All three teachers took turns, and the musicians rotated in and out as required. And that was it, apart from yet another ceilidh that evening which was thrown open to anyone who wished to come along. This, the IB’s first foray in to the world of organised events was a spectacular success. There are many reasons for this: hard work, foresight and planning, excellent teachers and musicians, good publicity ensuring maximum James Gray combines the role of musician with making up the set. attendance by enthusiastic dancers, the venue, with its relatively cheap Nearly eighteen months of hard work and evening). MCs Margaret Lambourne and accommodation and transport links, and the planning came to fruition over the last Stephanie Robertson did a superb job of sheer hard work of the very energetic local weekend in September 2007 when the controlling both two separate line-ups of group superbly orchestrated by Eike Albert- International Branch held its first ever musicians (one for each half of the dance) and Unt. It was most definitely not like running a weekend of Scottish country dancing in a hall full of eager dancers. The following normal branch event, in known territory with Tallinn, Estonia. Over one hundred and fifty morning saw the usual collection of stiff legs known venues and personnel. There was also dancers and musicians took part, travelling to and red eyes, but after a short walk to Tallinn the problem of keeping on top of the finances Estonia from seventeen different countries. University classes got underway with teachers with three different currencies being used. Even before the dancing started on the Friday Jessie Stuart, Susi Mayr and Patrick Chamoin, Apart from a couple of short visits by IB evening, many of the participants had taken and musicians Keith Smith, James Gray, committee members relatively early on in the full advantage of their trip to spend a few days Andrew Lyon, John White and Bernie Hewitt. planning stages, this was all set up by email, sightseeing, all superbly orchestrated and run A different teacher/musician combination with the occasional frantic international by our Estonian hosts. One team of dancers was used for each class to expose the dancers phone call as the time got closer and closer. and a couple of the musicians also performed to as many different styles as possible. IB committee members arriving well before at the annual event of theTallinn Scottish club the weekend proper got underway was also (a slightly odd institution as it has no Scottish a major factor in ensuring its success. members) with a demonstration of The Estonian hosts deserve a special vote of Schiehallion, and then got most of the guests thanks from all IB members who took part in (including the British Ambassador and his this event. Their hard work really paid off – wife) up for some simple ceilidh dances with meeting everyone individually at the airport, a bit of help and advice from Jessie Stuart.The organising (and leading) the sightseeing following morning saw another small group trips, the welcome packs everyone received, of dancers performing live on Estonian helping out with the Estonian language – breakfastTV, and being accosted in the street all these are the little details which on the their way back to the hotel by people made this weekend so successful. Someone, who had seen the broadcast and wanted to somewhere in (maybe) two years willl have say how much they had enjoyed it. Six of the seven IB committee members. Left to to pull out all the stops to reach the same right: William White, Stephanie Robertson, Susi The weekend proper kicked off with a guided Mayr, Bernie Hewitt, Margaret Lambourne standards. It is also worth noting the tour and a meal in the Old Town section of (Chairman) and Pia Walker. interest in all things Scottish the IB visit Tallinn. We then moved to a dance in the raised in Tallinn, and there are at least five Matkamaja Hall. The programme was based The Saturday evening dance was held in the new members of the local SCD group as a almost entirely on requests from branch main hall of the University. Very different direct result of the media coverage the members, (as was that on the following styles of music were used for the first and weekend generated.

www.rscds.org 15 Interview with Dr Alastair MacFadyen

Jimmie Hill made the 200-mile round trip from Edinburgh to interview Dr Alastair MacFadyen in his home in the village of Newton on the shores of Loch Fyne in Argyllshire. Alastair has filled many roles within the Society with great distinction: teacher, tutor, examiner, adjudicator, committee convenor, Archivist, Summer School Director, Chairman, and now Honorary President.

Can you remember any difference in heard dance music in the distance. That dance style between these older dancers reminded me of the fun I had had and so I and RSCDS-taught dancers? went back to Summer School. But I well I do remember that the ladies particularly remember something that happened to me danced in a much easier and more relaxed in Spain. I was in Barcelona on my way to a style - lower on their feet. They didn’t skip country dance event in Cannes. I was up around in the same way that we skipped early in the morning having a look around around.We all seemed to get along quite the city. I remember standing outside the happily together. Of course the country Cathedral as Mass was ending. The people Dr Alastair MacFadyen dance repertoire was more limitede as w coming out got into a circle and began to were only up to about Books 16 or 17. dance the Sardana, the traditional dance of Did you grow up here in Newton? Catalunya. Everybody joined in, but the I was actually born six and a half miles So does this mean you went to school in police were watching. At that time it was over the border in Cumberland – a product Carlisle? illegal to congregate in the street and the of the diaspora! My grandparents left Yes, and then to university in Liverpool. I police dispersed any crowd, but they left the Newton and decided to settle in went there because I had an interest in dancers alone. It was the first time I realised Cumberland. My grandfather was Gaelic- Spanish history. One of the history lecturers just how significant music and dance and speaking, so I grew up hearing a lot of from Liverpool had come to the grammar song can be in keeping alive a sense of Gaelic music. My family were members of school and talked to us about his speciality, national identity – precisely what we’re the Carlisle and Borders Branch of An which was Spanish diplomatic history. That doing in the RSCDS. Comunn Gàidhealach. My grandfather appealed to me. So I went to Liverpool to actually taught their Gaelic class. study history and in the first year I took When did you take your teacher’s certificates? What is your earliest memory of Spanish as well. After my BA, I did my MA, I think it was sometime in the early 60s. I dancing? and then I was inv ited to do my PhD. I had several years in Spain, working in the did my Preliminary Certificate with Florence Well, I have a very vague memory of my diplomatic archives at Simancas near Adams and my Full Certificate with Mina grandfather coming to the house when I Valladolid. After that I taught at a Boys’ Corson. Many years later Florence Adams was about six. I knew I was going to be sent Grammar School in Leicester, before told me that when Miss Milligan was to something. I wasn’t very aware of it at coming up to Jordanhill. examining me for my Preliminary the time, but he showed me something that Certificate she suggested to her that they I think must have been the pas de basque. You must have known people there just give me both certificates! Florence There were other adults there and I think before you came. Adams told her she could not do that! they were showing me the formation of a Oh yes, I came to Jordanhill in 1966, and set. What they were doing was preparing had already met many of the Glasgow How involved were you in Glasgow me for the children’s class run by the people. I had been going to Summer School Branch? Carlisle Branch of An Comunn. There were since 1955.That was my last year at school, I knew so many people there that it was hundreds of children. We were taught by so you can imagine how nervous I was more like coming home. I settled in very Mrs Ethel Double. She enthused us and arriving for the first time, but I had a whale quickly. I became involved in the Branch some of my classmates are still dancing of a time. People were so kind to me – committee. I taught for about 30 years in today. Two of us were in this year’s Senior particularly the folks from London. As a the branch – every class except the Class at St Andrews! Her daughter, June, is young man, the whole Summer School certificate class. I enjoyed teaching the dem still a regular at Summer School. Mrs experience was absolutely tremendous. group enormously.We put on concerts and Double’s own dancing pre-dated the There was such joy about the music, the had trips abroad. formation of the Society. When she taught dancing and the company. me in the 50s, she also taught step dances When did you start teaching at Summer and some of the basic Highland dances. Did you dance when you were in Spain? School? That was my introduction to the richness of No. I actually thought at that point that my It was still in Jean Milligan’s time, so it Scottish dance.And at An Comunn’s annual country dancing days were behind me. I must have been the early 70s.I had a lot of Highland Ball, I danced with many dancers remember being invited to the Anglican help, especially from the musicians. I was whose dancing pre-dated 1923. As I got chaplaincy in Madrid and, of course, at that greatly encouraged recently when I was older, I was very lucky to be taught by time it was the only non-conforming down at the Dunoon group. They had a another great teacher, the late Jack church allowed. There was a policeman dozen fiddlers playing for them.As dancers, Johnstone of the Carlisle and Borders outside who asked you who you were and we don’t realise the huge amount of work Branch of the RSCDS. why you were there. When I was there I to get all the sets ready to play for an

16 www.rscds.org evening’s dancing. I’m just back from other reason is that I had a very personal their own dancing. Today the Old Tyme Winter School where they had some conviction that after more than thirty years dancers are doing their own thing, but now excellent musicians. It was such a pleasure of teaching, it was an appropriate time to they are adding more long-wise country in Glasgow working with Muriel More as make way for younger teachers. I have dances to their repertoire. They will now pianist.When Muriel played for a class, she always been very grateful to my early dance couple dances for half the evening, never took her eyes off the dancers. She teachers. Although I do miss the teaching, I and set dances for the rest. There is a great was a dancer herself. I’ve seen her standing am very well compensated by the variety of dancing going on in Scotland up at the piano and directing a set that enormous pleasure I derive from attending today, much of it outside the RSCDS. was in trouble at the same time! classes now taught by those whom I have Do you think that country dancing Absolutely incredible! taught and encouraged. would have died out if the Society had What highlights can you remember from Many people associate you very much not been formed? your years as a Summer School teacher? with the Archive. It’s impossible to know, but we do know that I thinkit would be the certificate class. For Yes. Jean Milligan died in July, 1978 and that there were fewer country dances appearing me it’s the one that brings the most autumn I was asked to start organising the on dance programmes in the early years of pleasure and joy in that you see the results archives. It’s something that is very close to the century. By the 1920s there was only a at the end of the two weeks – both from my heart. The historical dimension of our handful left. The only strathspey was The your own teaching and their efforts. The dancing has always intrigued me. But the Glasgow Highlanders.There were still people other high points were the years when we work I’ve done which I value most was my keeping them going – the professional dance were celebrating our jubilees. The ceilidhs teaching. It’s through our teaching that we teachers, some of whom were not pleased were always something to look forward to. ensure the future of the Scottish country at all when the Society was formed. Their And when I was there first, there were dance. But I am very proud of my work on families had been teaching country dances different ceilidhs in the different halls.There the Archive. I stillthinkthereismorethat for generations, so they wondered why we was no one big ceilidh. Naturally, you could be done to make it more widely needed Miss Milligan? But some of them invited people from other halls to your accessible. It would be good to get it on to came and joined us – John ‘dancie’ Reid for ceilidh.When I became Director of Summer the official ‘Arcon’ list of archives – the example. There is a story that Miss Milligan School, I felt it was very important to make standard reference list. was adjudicating at the Arbroath Musical sure that new people got a warm welcome. Festival. She gave 99% to the professional Of course there are a lot fewer rules and You are also known for your biographies dance teacher’s team. He was outraged that regulations now than there were when I of Mrs Stewart and Miss Milligan. Miss Milligan should come and deprive him first attended – a good thing! Yes, I wrote the two biographies, the first of 1%! with Florence Adams. That was very Is our current repertoire sustainable? What do you remember most about your interesting because some of Miss Milligan’s time as an examiner and adjudicator? students who had been members of her The simple answer is that it is the dancers I think it was turning up in some very after-college class were still alive at the who will decide! They always have. Dancers remote part of, for example, Australia, and time – the class she used to try out the wanted slow airs and we have responded.At the end of the 18th century the dancing realising how much my visit was dances in Book 1. It was interesting to hear masters wanted to keep the Minuet going appreciated. I was most aware of this if I their comments on how that went and who but the dancers said “No, we want the had to present s omeone with the Society’s was there. Both Mrs Stewart and Lord James country dances.” So the Minuet Scroll of Honour. It was the fact that their were there. One lady mentioned that it disappeared. That is what is happening to work over many years had been recognised. seemed that Miss Milligan always deferred the strathspey today. The dancers will This very often gave as much pleasure to to them. She always recognised their decide. If a branch puts on more slow airs the group as to the Scroll recipient. On the dancing background – particularly Mrs than strathspeys on a programme, they are other hand, the reception could be rather Stewart’s. cool! Maybe the feeling was, “Why do we responding to their dancers. The strathspey need this guy to come all the way from So you must have known Miss Milligan that we know today had a very short life at Scotland?” I well remember one evening – for a number of years.? the end of the 18th century, but, again, it in a place which shall be nameless. I Yes, she called me ‘the boy’. She could never was the dancers who decided they didn’t announced that I would be teaching that remember my name. She often forgot want it!You see it today towards the end of year’s new book, whereupon the Branch names and would just refer to a man by the a dance when time is running out. The MC chairman took it out of my hand, waved it name of his tartan. Mine mystified her – will announce that “We’ll only do the about and announced, “He tells me he’s Maclean of Loch Buie! It still intrigues me strathspeys in 3-couple sets once and to the going to be teaching this new book! I just how this organisation got going – 27 people bottom to get them over quickly”! History hope it’s better than the ones we’ve had in turning up and suddenly ending up with is repeating itself! recent years!” thousands.When I was chairman we peaked You were involved in the Scottish at about 30,000 members. Traditions of Dance Trust, weren’t you? Many country dance teachers and examiners seem to start a second career Moving on to country dancing itself, was The Trust developed out of two conferences when they retire from their day job and the country/ceilidh split always there? organised by the Arts Council. There was a feeling that traditional dance should be go on the international circuit. You Oh, yes. I was a country dancer, who came promoted.The objectives of the STDT were didn’t. Is there a reason for that? up here to Argyll on holiday. If I had gone to quite clear: to promote all forms of Scottish There are two reasons. In about 1994 I was a local dance with my pumps, they would traditional dance; to foster research and afflicted with the very painful problem of a have thought I was mad! I never thought conservation of materials; and to found a heel spur which made dancing very difficult. much about it at the time. But, of course, national dance archive and research centre. I felt that I could no longer teach, adjudicate the RSCDS never had a monopoly of the What interested me was the research and or examine as effectively as I wished to do. country dance. For example, we never That has now resolved itself, thankfully.The included the gentry. They continued with continued on page 18

www.rscds.org 17 continued from page 17 From around the world Interview with Dr Alastair Alan Twhigg has joined our team of MacFadyen correspondents to represent North America - West Coast, taking over from Rosemary Coupe. Thank you Rosemary and thanks archival side because there never had too to Elaine Arthur for co-ordinating the contribution from been that much interest within the Australia in this issue. RSCDS in research. I had had a hard time persuading the Society of the a“dumbing down” of the St.Andrews Ball importance of an archive – and longer Africa programme, ostensibly to attract more to get them to agree on a budget. In the Correspondent: Terry Lynne Harris participants, the dance programme STDT I saw an opportunity to do [email protected] appears to have returned to its previous something very worthwhile to bring to Pretoria Branch’s 35th anniversary ball in glory, thanks to the courageous efforts of people’s attention that in this wee October last year was a rip-roaring success! country of never more than 5 million we dancing Chieftain, Richard McKeown. The constant rain that evening did nothing had this rich, rich heritage of traditional There are hopes that the ball might return to dampen the dancing spirit.The live music dance. One day I hope there will be to the splendid ballroom of the Inter- provided by Muriel Johnstone, Keith Smith some kind of national dance archive Continental Hotel, following its brief exile centre. It wouldn’t need any of us to give and Bill Clement added to the success and in the multi-purpose room of the Hong up our collections, but it would involve enjoyment of the event. Kong Football Club! some kind of internet access to them all. Finding suitable venues for dance events amidst some of the most expensive real Thinking of your legacy to country dancing, how do you see The Manual? estate in the world remains a challenge. IWell, I feel it was a worthwhile thing to Fortunately, some hidden gems still do. We have to think of the people who remain.TheAviation Club, which sits at the are miles from anywhere, struggling to edge of the former Kai Tak Airport, has teach our dances. The Manual does give survived the airport’s redevelopment and them some help. But of course I its clubhouse has provided a wonderful invariably get a question from someone combination of dance floor, clubby The Reel of the 51st Division at the Pretoria who says they looked in The Manual and Branch Ball hospitality and nostalgia. And if you feel it said nothing about it! If The Manual like a breath of air between dances, you says nothing about a particular issue it Many Happy Hours, Pretoria Branch’s can spill out onto the old runway without is because we couldn’t agree! illustrated 35th anniversary book of worrying about passing 747s! dances, is now available. It contains 39 Sometimes I wonder if we have not Studies of global English estimate that dance, including dances by Iain Boyd, become too technically demanding, there will soon be more people using putting people off by the demands we Malcolm Brown, Duncan Brown, the late English as a second language than as their make of them. I know that when I Roy Goldring and Pretoria Branch native language. On the face of it, this trend trained I was never expected to follow a members. Each dance has music, mostly sounds like good news for Scottish country set pattern of teaching, but today there original tunes, arranged for piano. Muriel dancing. Yet in some parts of the world, is a danger that lessons can be too Johnstone and Ken Martlew composed many of the local population are interested predictable. some of the music, with branch member in learning about international dance and teacherWouter Joubert providing the Have you found the Presidency traditions, but would prefer to use their rest. For more information about onerous? mother tongue. During the Christmas break, the book, look on the branch’s website So far, not at all! I’m just doing what I local dancer Stephen Li, fresh from his www.rscdspretoria.za.org/ have always done – dance with people; teach er’s certificate course in St. Andrews, sit and listen to people; talk to them! CampbellTyler (CapeTown) is taking a group held a Scottish country dance workshop in And when I was Chairman I had to chair of dancers to Scotland in May. They’lel b Cantonese, where he introduced a group of the AGM because that was when Lord dancing at various venues around the Hong Kong Chinese dancers to the delights Mansfield was a government minister in country and will end their trip by hosting a of Scottish country dancing. Workshops in Northern Ireland. My main ball in an 18th century country estate with the local language could prove to be a step constitutional duty is to chair the AGM its own private ballroom, in the vicinity of so until there is a constitutional change, in the right direction as far as attracting Coldstream on 23 May. MarianAnderson and new dancers is concerned. I may still have to do it! I first came into her band, who played at the Cape Town ball contact with the Society at the age of 6, in 2006, will provide the music for the ball. Australia so to be asked to be its President was a great honour. Correspondent: Elaine Arthur (on this occasion) Asia [email protected] You have given a lot to country Correspondent: Arthur McNeill The 32nd AustralianWinter School was held dancing. What has it given you? [email protected] It is the simple enjoyment of dancing to in Canberra from 30 September to 7 music – the heavenl y partnership of The social events of Hong Kong’s winter October with 180 participants. Our teachers music and dance. season (St. Andrews Night, Hogmanay, were from far and wide: Marjorie Burns, etc.) have proved to be almost as McLaughlin, San Diego; Eric Finley, Scotland; popular as ever. After years of witnessing Doug Mills, Christchurch; Susie Pugh and

18 www.rscds.org If you think about it, you can see how the Keith Smith. It is usually full on the very day title came about! booking-forms are sent, so prepare a fall- Correction back plan! In Issue 5 page 6, a statement was made The Caledonian Society of Brussels organizes that Adelaide would be hosting the annually a St Andrews Ball, a Spring and Australian Winter School in 2009. This is Autumn Fling Ceilidh Dance, and Burns an error. Sydney will be hosting the Supper. A group for children meets at Australian Winter School in 2009 and weekends, with a Children's Ceilidh planned Adelaide in 2010. for June. A score of young dancers and musicians, have formed an ”International team” for the The junior class at the Australian Winter Newcastle festival in February.A challenging School. Photograph courtesy of www.Morrisonphoto.com reason to meet across borders! The team- mates train when attending events in Lyon, Trish Nicholls, Sydney; Sandra Carroll, Budapest etc… A four-day gathering was Canberra; and DeniceWalter fromTasmania. held in Lausanne after Christmas. Working We had a great line up of musicians, all from hard AND having fun, well done! Australia, Chris Duncan and Catherine Strutt from Newcastle, Kate Scott, Niall Howe and Paris Branch holds an International weekend Tony Hill, Bob McInnes and Polly Garland. in a different French town every fourth year for Easter. “Reeling in Reims” 2008 is fully Denice Walter reports: booked, with Mary Murray (teacher),Angela Last year's Spring Ball in Frankfurt Young (pianist) and MarianAnderson’s band. LEOPARDS AND TIGERS IN CANBERRA! Forget about rainy days, save money for I had no idea that Australia, let alone Europe April and June, two inspiring months! Canberra, had leopards and tigers, but on Correspondent: Christiane Orgeret Monday 1 October 2007 at 9.00am there [email protected] Ian Robertson on the accordion will play for the Geneva Spring Dance on April 12th. was a room with ten very eager but perhaps Most European groups seem to fall into the unsure leopards and tigers. Of course what same pattern: a weekly or fortnightly class, On 18-20th April, an International Dancing I am really talking about is the 32nd the melting pot in which the matter of SCD Weekend in Kiev with Ken Martlew and AustralianWinter School where each dance takes form; the more experienced members class was named after native orchids of meet for classes at advanced level, social Black Mountain in Canberra. The juniors’ dancing or a dem team, often once a month. class had ten young girls and was named after the Leopard and Tiger native orchids. Special events, week-ends, day schools, balls, etc… are attended not only by the local At the Ceilidh the children performed an members, but also by their“neighbours”: the original item named SCD Teacher’s Lament. nearest group or branch is usually about a when they enjoyed showing what could be 2-hour drive away, so the few who get done with literal translations of some of our involved in this visiting exchange soon formations. On the following nights the realize that whether they go to Zurich,Turin children excelled and showed what they or Monaco, they meet familiar faces in the really had been learning. Wednesday night dancing-hall: some become quite addicted was fancy dress and had the theme ofAussie to travelling! Icons, Myths and Legends and the girls danced Ian Powrie’s Welcome to Canberra Large-scale celebrations draw more people which had been devised 30 years ago when from afar, as do well-established annual Kiev Dancers Ian Powrie visited the city. They also did an events, especially when they involve live Australian Bush dance, called Ned Kelly. It music, a rare treat for us. The limitations of Barbara Manning will be “your chance to fitted in so well with the theme of the night time, money and distance thus draw a kind visit the newest country on the SCD map, that it had to be shown. On Thursday night of map: the geography of SC dancing in discover its glorious capital and meet young the girls danced a circle dance Dianne Europe could be seen as a series of and friendly dancers from Ukraine and Murdoch’s Promenade and then to show formations, a metaphor of the dance… Russia!” something different again the girls did a September saw the first International As one of the oldest German SCD groups, five-person dance Noughts & Crosses. Branch week-end, jointly organized with the the Frankfurt Club celebrates its 45th Devising a dance was a great team activity Tallinn (Estonia) dance group. See page 15. anniversary this year and will hold its 40th and learning experience for the children, In Germany, Rechberg’s weekends have been annual Spring Ball on 19th April, with Keith especially as the dance had to be for five running every autumn since 1971, always Smith playing with local musicians Christine couples to suit class numbers. This was well-attended by approximately 100 Moos and Anselm Lingnau. challenging, but they came up with a dancers from Europe and overseas. The The 20th Montpellier ball will certainly draw wonderful dance with great formations dance venue offers a spectacular view of the its usual 100 to 120 dancers to the South of and imaginative ways of having five beautiful countryside. Dates for 2008: 24 - France: music by Ian Robertson’s band and a couples dancing most of the time. The 26 October; teacher: Patricia Houghton, special anniversary cruise on Canal du Midi dance was titled The Tigard Orchid Reel. musicians: Robert Mackay, Muriel Johnstone, on June 14-15.

www.rscds.org 19 The Scots Bonnet, in North Brittany, France, held in a public hall where 140 dancers School, and - as expected - the Society’s will host their annual ball on 21 June, “with enjoyed themselves in comfortable decision in November 2007 to increase its guests from Bridport, Jersey, Guernsey and temperatures! fees by 50 % gave rise to a great deal of Paris joining in the fun." MCs at events in Japan usually have a walk- discussion, and indeed some dissension. Many members of the Branch feel very Nothing much happens in July and August, through for all dances.When a Grand Chain strongly about the fact that - being so far so let’s all meet at Summer School! is bei ng walked all dancers count aloud the number of bars. For example, "Each(1), away from Scotland - most of us in New knee(2), sun toe she(3 & 4), go(5), lock(6), Zealand will never be able to take full South America advantage of the benefits, which are Corrrespondent: Marcella Galve available to UK and Europe-based [email protected] members. BASCDancers have organised a number of The matter of “proxy” voting not being social events in the last two months of allowed at the Society’s AGM also caused 2007. In November we held The Happy concern. New Zealand Branch was entitled Meeting, an assembly in which we danced to have some 20 votes at the AGM in and shared the yearly work with our guests. November 2007, but only seven delegates We named this event after the dance The w ere able to attend. If the Branch had 20 Happy Meeting, which was included in the votes at the AGM, it would have not programme. At this party it was a great changed the result, but at least the wishes honour to receive Catherine and Peter from of all Branch members would have been the Manchester Branch. We thoroughly conveyed to the meeting. We do have enjoyed the evening. proxy voting at our Branch AGMs and it works quite well. As it is customary we closed the year with Our dancing season gets underway again in a Ceilidh. This time we are grateful to February/March and we have Summer many of our dancers who showed their School in Christchurch (The Garden City) to talents at playing music, singing, writing look forward to at the end of this year. and dancing as well. We also played a musical bingo trying to test our knowledge North America - East Coast of SCD musical tunes. Black and Yellow Night at the New Zealand Correspondent: John Middleton BASCDancers wants to invite all those Branch Summer School in Wellington. [email protected] visiting Buenos Aires to join us on a Friday As usual, at this time of year, the eastern part evening from 7.30 to 10.00 pm at Callao nana toe hatch(7 & 8)!" Only in a Grand of North America is seeing huge differences 56, 1st floor. It is always enriching to share Chain does this occur; never in other in weather. Scottish country dancing goes some time with dancers from abroad. formations. Nobody knows the reason for this. Perhaps dancers wish to be sure of on, however, unless very sudden drops in temperature cause a flash freeze and black Japan giving one hand per 2 steps of bars 3 - 4 and of bars 7 - 8. Some people think it is enough ice on the roads. Groups throughout the area Correspondent:Tom Toriyama to count in one's head! have been involved, as usual in January, with [email protected] practising for, and performing at, numerous functions that occur around the 25th in A SCD Festival organised by Tokyo New Zealand celebration of Robert Burns. Folkdance Federation was held on 2 Correspondent: Marjorie M Crawford Over the past 25 years, Little Rock,Arkansas, September and 453 dancers enjoyed classes [email protected] has welcomed the New Year with their and social dancing for the whole day. They Yet another New Zealand Branch Summer regularly enjoy SCD as a part of School (our 51st) has come and gone. Over International Folkdancing; it is useful for 200 dancers registered for the nine-day increasing the SCD population in Japan. adventure, and Hogmanay saw some 400 Teaching and MC-ing were conducted by dancers in Wellington College Hall! Society members. The venue temperature It was great to welcome Helen Frame back was 28°C (82°F). to New Zealand. Helen taught the Very At the AGM Weekend in Perth Masako O Advanced Class, took a General afternoon Naitoh became the second Japanese dancer class, and also conducted examinations - to be presented with the Scroll of Honour. we kept her very busy! We were also On 11 November 165 dancers celebrated delighted to welcome George Meikle, who this honour and the occasion ended on a took the Musicians’ Course in the high note with dancing to live music with afternoon, and played for Helen’s classes in Akiko Kasama's Trio, which consists of the morning. The entire School was treated keyboard, fiddle and drums. to a full evening’s dancing played for by Usually there are no heating facilities in George and his Musicians’Class; and on elementary school gyms. On 6 January Final Night, the Class joined our resident Tokyo Branch's NewYear Dance was held in band (Peter Elmes’ Trio) for the first half of such a place. Electric heaters were provided the evening - it was simply magical! So we for the musicians but the 100 dancers had kept George very busy too - even at the to generate their own heat. Saitama “after-match” functions! The RSCDS tartan as worn by the Toronto Branch Branch's NewYear Dance on 20 January was The Branch’s AGM was held during Summer Demonstration Pool

20 www.rscds.org Twelfth Night Revels. This has been a the different groups. This loose structure marvellous event with Scottish country has helped keep us all in communication dancing combining with other forms of and has minimized friction over the years dance to dispel any thought of gloomy since the establishment of the Branch in the winter. Last year was the last edition of the mid 1960s. We will celebrate the 40th Revels. However, it was replaced with a anniversary of our Branch weekend from weekend workshop in mid-January that, 31 October to 2 November at a scenic from all accounts, was a great success. seaside conference center called Asilomar, As we look forward to spring, one of the first near Monterey. events to be announced is the Loch Norman In addition to the usual C hristmas and Games Weekend. This is one of the major Hogmanay parties, we enjoyed a special events in the calenda r of the Carolinas event at the Tween Party traditionally Branch, occurring in mid-April with theAGM hosted by the Lafayette Class, which has of the Branch being part of the Weekend. been in continuous operation since the And talking of AGMs, much activity is going founding of the Branch. The class’s senior on at the moment in the Hamilton -Toronto instructor, Kathleen McAdam, received the area with planning for the 50th.Anniversary Society’s Scroll of Honour at Perth last celebrations of the Teachers' Association autumn, and the Tween Party was expanded (Canada) – TAC, as it's known popularly.The to become a local celebration for Kathleen. principal celebrations will be held at May Macfarlane (Toronto Branch) accompanied It included a meat-pie supper, Waterloo, Ontario, in August in association by her daughter after receiving the Society's Scroll demonstrations by several youth groups, with the 50th AGM. The TAC has come a of Honour at the Tartan Ball. very long way from its humble beginnings as which have been Kathleen’s special area of a group of 11-12 teachers from the interest, reminiscences, special guests, and a report on dancing developments for such a dance and tune commissioned in her honor. Hamilton -Toronto area meeting for mutual broad area, and while I’ve contacted discussion of dancing questions. Another West Coast Branch, Orange dancers I know in some of the other groups County, will be celebrating its 25th Burns had it right when he wrote in Tam to get information, I encourage all readers in anniversary on 3 May with a special ball o'Shanter that, "hornpipes, jigs, strathspeys western North America to send me news featuring Muriel Johnstone and Keith Smith. and reels put life and mettle in their heels". about your groups. May you all long continue to enjoy the many, Vancouver, British Columbia will also be an My home Branch is quite far-flung, many benefits of Scottish country dancing. exciting place for dancers in May. The compared to many that I’ve visited.The San weekend of 9 – 11 May will see a North America - West Coast Francisco Branch has about 400 members and extends north from the city about 70 combination of three events: the Pearl Correspondent: Alan Twhigg kilometers to Santa Rosa, south over 100 Holmberg Workshop for Teachers and [email protected] kilometers to Monterey, and eastward to Musicians, featuring Lesley Martin, Maureen Greetings from California! I’m the newWest Livermore. Our only immediate neighbor is Rutherford, Neil Copland and James Gray; Coast correspondent, based in the San the Sacramento Branch to the northeast. the Thistle Ball with Neil Copland’s Band; Francisco Bay Area. I’ve been a dancer The various classes and social groups are and Youth Weekend West. locally for almost 30 years, teaching for the fairly autonomous, handling their own Finally, I’ve received word that the Seattle last 25, and have had the opportunity to finances and logistics; the Branch Executive Branch’s Fort Worden weekend September visit a number of the Scottish dance groups Committee is responsible primarily for our 12 - 14 will include an impressive line-up in western North America, though I can’t large annual events and the schedule of of talent, including Eric Finley on the say I know them all well. It’s a challenge to monthly social dances hosted in rotation by teaching staff. Meanwhile in Scotland

Piper Jim White leads Kirkcudbright Branch into their 60th Anniversary dance. George Meikle and Gordon Simpson relax over a tune at Winter School.

www.rscds.org 21 David Young: Copyist, Collector, and Composer by Rosemary Coupe (Vancouver) like role himself. When James Oswald published his Curious Collection of Scots Tunes, containing traditional tunes in Young and His Patrons classicized settings, the name ‘Mr. David While the scene described is imaginary, Young, Schoolmaster in Haddington’ these men were indeed linked by a series appears on the list of subscribers together of patronage networks and by a common with those of the Duke of Perth, Walter aim: the production of work which was McFarlane, and William McGibbon. both ‘aggressively nationalistic and After Culloden, Young returned to aggressively fashionable’, in David Aberdeen, where he again took an active Johnson’s words. An example is the role in the musical community. In 1748 he magnificently ornamented manuscript became one of the seven founding written by Young and commissioned by the members of theAberdeen Musical Society. Duke of Perth, entitled A COLLECTION of The group included gentlemanly amateurs Countrey Dances. Written for the use of (the Professor of Medicine at King’s College his Grace the Duke of PERTH. 1737. By and Professor of Divinity at Marischal Dav. Young. Following the political Union College) and musical professionals (the of 1707, the Edinburgh upper classes had organist Andrew Tait and the dancing taken up the English fashion of country master Francis Peacock). All played an dancing with enthusiasm, but the dances instrument; Young is recorded as a violin The original instructions for The Collonel, one of in this manuscript are set to popular player.According to the rules of the Society, Young's dances reconstructed in RSCDS Leaflet Scottish tunes. A second section of the they met to play for their ‘mutual 33. Reproduced from the original manuscript held manuscript is called A Collection of the entertainment’. When Peacock published in The Bodleian Library, University of Oxford (MS. Best Highland Reels. Written by David Don. d. 54, fol.7r) Fifty Favourite Scotch Airs in 1762,Young’s Young, W.M. & Accomptant. It gives violin name appears again as a subscriber. Let us imagine a concert of the Edinburgh settings for 45 pipe tunes, many with pages Musical Society in the late 1730s. of variations in the classical style. Young as Collector and Editor Professional and amateur musicians are Three years later, Young produced another Young’s dance manuscripts are remarkable playing together for their mutual enjoyment. handsome manuscript, called A Collection for several reasons. They are the earliest Today’s piece is William McGibbon’s latest of the newest Countrey Dances Perform’d surviving Scottish country dance variation on a traditional Scottish tune, in Scotland, Written at Edinburgh by Da. manuscripts except for the informal written in the fashionable classical style. Young, W.M. 1740. This contains a further Holmains manuscript. They are the only McGibbon himself plays leading violin. Also 48 dances, and musical settings ‘adapted to Scottish sources of their period to include playing are Charles McLean and James theViolin, or Hautboy, and for the most part music as well as dance instructions. Their Oswald, both classic ally trained musicians within the Compass of the German Flute’. decorative flourishes invest the dances who will soon publish collections of Scottish These ‘newest’ country dances are again with dignity and splendour in the same tunes in classical settings. Significantly, paired with traditional tunes, including way that variations may give dignity to a Oswald is a former dancing master. eight from Young’s own collection of simple tune. A supporting violinist isWalter McFarlane, a Highland reels. Since the orchestra at the Young himself played the role of a collector clan chief spending the winter in Edinburgh. Edinburgh Assembly Rooms in the 1740s and editor. Differences in style and McFarlane collects material related to included four violins and two oboes, Young terminology within each manuscript (for Scottish history and culture, and is also an designed his settings for practical use. example, sometimes the 1740 manuscript amateur musician. With him is the young The year 1740 was busy for DavidYoung, as refers to ‘couples’ and sometimes to ‘pairs’) Duke of Perth, newly arrived in Scotland he was also carrying out a major indicate that he obtained the dance after a childhood spent at the Jacobite court commission for Walter McFarlane, an instructions from other sources. However, in St. Germain. Both these men are anthology of music entitled A Collection of his musical knowledge enabled him to Jacobites, and the Duke of Perth will lose his Scotch Airs, with the latest Variations. develop a consistent system for showing life to his politics in 1746. Written for the use of Walter McFfarlan o the phrasing of the dances. His prefatory The last member of the circle is a that ilk. By David Young, W.M. in Edn. This note to the 1740 manuscript reads, ‘Note professional man of many parts. David collection’s two surviving volumes contain THAT in the following Figures, the Young graduated from Marischal College, a staggering 535 tunes, including 45 of the Directions for dancing the first Strain of the Aberdeen, in 1726 and now teaches at tunes in Young’s two dance manuscripts. Tune play’d twice over, begin always with Haddington Grammar School just east of They range from minuets and song tunes to red Print Capitals; and the 2d strain with Edinburgh. He is a fine copper-plate scribe reels with Gaelic titles, and the variations small red characters.’ Since most of the and a music copyist. Like other 18th-century are attributed to McGibbon, McLean, Forbes accompanying tunes have two repeated writing masters, he also calls himself an of Disblair, and ‘D.Y.’ or DavidYoung himself. four-bar ‘strains’ (AABBAABB), this means ‘accomptant’ or accountant—he keeps a So here Young is not merely a copyist but that the first words of the first and third neat ledger.Young has other talents: he plays one composer among others. eight bars are in red upper-case, and the the violin, has a knowledge of pipe music, Also in 1740,Young’s interest in furthering first words of the second and fourth eight and like the other musicians he composes the cause of Scottish music led him to bars in red lower-case. The 1737 elaborate variations to Scottish tunes. cross the class divide and adopt a patron- manuscript uses the same system in a

22 www.rscds.org slightly rougher form, as though Young reappear in later books and manuscripts. were in the process of working it out. Most are song tunes, such as O’er Bogie or My Own Kind Dearie, and the pacing of the Young’s Dances song may indicate the speed of the dance. How Scottish are the dances? Their music Instrumental reels are more common in the and titles are Scottish, of course, and 1740 manuscript as they became more Scottish terms are used rather than English popular in the assembly rooms. SoYoung’s ones:‘reel’ rather than ‘hey’, and ‘sett’ rather settings provide a fascinating snapshot of than ‘foot it’. The figures themselves would the musical culture of his day. be danced at assemblies throughout Britain: hands around, hands across, figures of eight, Young as Cultural Mediator crossing, casting, leading down and up. Young may be best described as a cultural However, as the Fletts have shown, one mediator—a mediator between oral and striking repetitive pattern suggests that a written culture, between popular tradition Scottish identity was stamped on the and the fashionable urban world, and country dance very soon after it became between Scotland and England. In creating popular in Scotland. The figure we now The title page from Young's 1740 manuscript. a repertoire of dances and music for the know as ‘set and turn corners’ occurs Reproduced from the original held in The Bodleian Duke of Perth,Young was helping to form Library, University of Oxford (MS. Don. d. 54, occasionally in English sources of the fol.7r) the Duke’s identity as a young man living period, but very frequently in Young’s on the borders of the Highlands (close to a manuscripts: 27 times in his 1737 published creative adaptations of 36 Gaelic-speaking area) but also belonging to collection and 31 times in his 1740 dances in the 1740 manuscript, changing the cosmopolitan world of Enlightenment collection. Fifteen dances in the 1737 entire sections to make the dances more Edinburgh.The Duke himself acted out this manuscript end with ‘set and turn corners’ interesting to modern dancers. paradox. His work as an ‘improving’ followed by ‘reel with corners’, as if the landlord who planned the town of figu res of a traditional threesome reel were Young’s Achievements Callander and encouraged small industry embedded in the country dance. Much Young’s most original achievement may be allied him with the Enlightenment ethic.At later, in 1827, Boulogne classifies dances his collection of Highland reels. It first the same time, as a Jacobite and a Catholic, with this sequence as ‘Scotch Country records in written form many core tunes of his values were deeply conservative. And Dances’ and those without it as ‘English’. the Scottish music and dance heritage, while he prided himself on the family title Can we know that Young’s dances were including The Duke of Perth’s Reel, The conferred by James II, he was also known popular throughout early 18th-century Reel of Tulloch, Gille Callum and for his ‘overfondness to speak braid Scots’. Scotland? To a degree we can, since about Tullochgorum. Young’s birth and In some ways,Young’s work resembles that 25 of the dances described byYoung occur upbringing in Aberdeen brought him in of his friend Francis Peacock, who also also in other 18th-century sources (the touch with Highland culture, and his worked to connect oral to written culture English publisher Walsh’s Caledonian musical expertise enabled him to create in the Scottish arts. While Peacock Country Dances and the Holmains, McGill violin settings of pipe tunes. Those tunes observed Highland dancers and included and Bowman manuscripts). Many more of for which he composed variations also have detailed descriptions of Highland steps in his tunes, with different dance figures, titles with illuminated lettering, the visual a manual written for urban students,Young appear in the volumes of Walsh’s equivalent of the decorated tunes. studied the music of the Highland reels, Caledonian series contemporary with his John Purser writes that Young’s variations bringing them into a classical context. Both manuscripts; these tunes were traditional for The Reel of Tulloch show ‘the also saw dancing as an art of polished and fashionable at the same time. extraordinary exuberance with which the society, with Young recording the ‘newest’ Would the dances have been performed in Scots took up the violin’. They also show country dances of his day and Peacock a style approximating our own? Definitely the excitement Young sensed within the imparting elegance and social confidence not – while many of the tunes are in music. He may have wished to interest the through the discipline of dancing. common time or 6/8 time, 9/8 time also ‘civilized world’ in Highland music by Even though David Young’s music and occurs often.A few tunes are in 12/8 and a presenting it in a refined form, or perhaps dance activities probably just filled times few more in the‘old hornpipe’ time of 3/2. show that Highland music could hold its of leisure in his school-teaching career, So dancing steps would indeed be flexible own in the concert hall. If so, the enormous they show that the patronage system of and simple. popularity of Highland reels in the later 18th-century Scotland could lead to Can the dances be reconstructed and 18th century proved him right. worthwhile collaborative work. Young’s performed in modern style? Most of their Even in the tunes accompanying his relationship with the Duke of Perth and recurrent figures are still familiar. However, dances, Young was probably recording Walter McFarlane was symbiotic: their we now take 6 or 8 bars to perform some tunes he knew as a practising fiddler rather needs and interests shaped the projects, figures, like reels of three, which required than copying from a written source. His are and Young’s expertise enabled him to only 4 bars in the early 18th century. One the earliest surviving versions of many create a repertoire reflecting each man’s way to address this problem is lengthening tunes, and even when earlier versions exist, identity. His work also r eflects the spirit of the dance, as the RSCDS do in they do not match Young’s note for note. an era in which Scotland was becoming reconstructing three Young dances in Since country dancers throughout Britain more cosmopolitan and more self- Leaflet 33. In 1960, Jack McConachie loved Scottish tunes, many of these tunes consciously Scottish at the same time.

www.rscds.org 23 Reviews

Vallin Suite, CD and Music for Book Book One 30 and 3 Foss Neil Barron's A Tribute to dances Scottish Dance Derek Haynes This CD was released by the RSCDS in 2007 Band, Linden John (SPCD004) and was recorded by David Cunningham and Morris Available from his band. The band has kept the same line Available from [email protected] www.streaming-pictures.co.uk up since their 1995 recording for Highlander Although the title may suggest a reference Music for 17 Scottish Country Dances Music and consists of David Cunningham on to some geographical location, the term recorded live at Lockerbie Town Hall by accordion, Neil Galloway on 2nd accordion, "Vallin" is in fact derived from the deviser's musicians Nicol McLaren (Lead Accordion), Graham Berry on keyboard and Ian and his wife's first names. The Vallin Suite Gordon Howe (Fiddle), Stephen Provan Adamson on drums. The CD replaces the project was initiated in 2004 and will be (Piano) and David Bell (Drums). 1981 LP of Book 30 released by Bobby completed by the end of 2008, then As a teacher who relies on recorded music Crowe and his Scottish Dance Band. In comprising five booklets of dances and four for class, and as a long time admirer of the addition to the music for Book 30 the CD CDs, each featuring a different dance band. late devisor, Derek Haynes, this CD is a also includes music for the 3 Hugh Foss John Morris's motivation behind the “must” for my collection. Dances (Fugal Fergus, John McAlpin and realisation of this venture is a charitable one; all proceeds are donated to the local The musicians have selected six jigs, seven Polharrow Burn) published with issue 4 of hospital in Stockport, Cheshire reels and three strathspeys from the Scottish Country Dancer. Volume 1 of the series consists of twelve Carnforth Collections and also included the The new recording has kept faithful to the moderately difficult dances,ten of them ever-popular The Clansman from RSCDS original tunes for the first 32/40 bars of each devised by John Morris and one each by Joan Book 32. dance but then the subsequent tunes are a Bradbury and the late Roy Goldring. In The dances provide for two couple, three good mix of both traditional and modern addition to the traditional choreographic couple, four and five couple “work”, and the compositions. I particularly liked the set of repertoire, some unusual modern more unusual figures include crown triangles, Irish tunes provided for the jig Collichur which formations and variations of traditional men’s chain, divided knot, overlapping included the well known Belfast Ham and figures have been used. The terminology allemandes and tandem reels. Burnt Potato. The strong strathspey tune The Duke of Edinburgh will ensure a good strong differs from that typical of RSCDS In all but one, the musicians have used the lead lilt in the setting and travelling steps of the publications. However, it should not be too tune suggested by Derek and matched it with dance Hame Came Our Gudeman. difficult for the experienced dancer to compatible tunes, producing lively inspiration Many of the tunes, as well as showing the deduce its meaning from the context. for each dance. I found it extremely unusual dexterity of David Cunningham’s fingering, Nevertheless, I should have welcomed that the composers of the tunes were not are also bright and will give the dancers a precise instructions for the less well-known listed, and would suggest that this be remedied good lift. This is especially true of The formations as I feel the wording used leaves if the opportunity occurs. Highland Lass and The Bawk. Well known some room for misinterpretation. Seventeen tracks recorded on a single CD tunes such as Smith’s the Gallant Fireman The first dance booklet is complemented by makes for very short intervals between tracks, (usually played for MacDonald of the Isles) J. a CD with music by Neil Barron and his and the smattering of applause which is heard Scott Skinner’s Blin’ Jamie (which builds to a Scottish Dance Band. The recording covers after some final chords serves only as a brief crescendo) and Jim Johnstone’s Bessie Bell’s all dances from volume 1 and three from reminder that this was a live recording, and Reel and Fergie’s Jig are some of the great volume 2 of the collection.A fine mixture of could have been omitted. However, to have tunes on this CD. traditional tunes and modern compositions music for so many of Derek Haynes’ dances is What I like about the CD is the strict tempo (including some of Neil Barron's own) has a definite bonus. which makes the phrasing of the first 16 been arranged for this album.The tempi are I would like to have seen included a short bars of The Guidman of Balangigh easier and just right, jigs and reels have a lot of lift and paragraph about the late Derek Haynes and his allows the movement to flow without being the strathspeys are strong and make you many contributions to Scottish country too hurried. The set chosen for this dance want to dance and really stretch forward.As dancing, particularly for those of us in overseas also had a“seaside” feel rather like the tunes there are no specified original tunes, most branches who never had the opportunity to for Pelorus Jack which make the transitions of the Vallin sets can be used for other meet this accomplished devisor. in this dance easier. To sum up there is a dances. However, in five cases, the chosen This CD is a timely and valuable tribute warm, harmonious feel about this CD which lead tunes are in fact the name tunes or in music, which I highly recommend, both I hope will make the less well known dances suggested original tunes for traditional for teaching purposes and for listening in Book 30 become more popular and dances published by the RSCDS. I personally enjoyment. How memorable it must because the tempo is spot on those prefer to use them for the dances they are have been to participate on this occasion teachers, like myself, who teach without the traditionally associated with. But then, of when the dances were enjoyed and the luxury of live music will have no need for a course, this is exactly what can be done. music recorded! variable speed player! To conclude: a commendable "joint venture"! Jean Hamilton, Toronto Anne Thorn, Helensburgh Karin Schnabl, Rechberg, Germany

24 www.rscds.org The Scottish Branches Conference by Frank Thomson (Aberdeen)

of examiners; review of the medal tests; and a revised sch ools pack. The discussion groups were stimulating, (some might say controversial!) with the salient points being brought back to the plenary sessions. Jean Martin summed up the day’s proceedings and noted that, as last time, communication was the key and emphasised the need to publicise what we do well not to focus on the negative. Irene Bennett, RSCDS Chairman, addresses the Conference. Finally we must applaud all those involved It was 9 February of a leap year, on the way forward. 42 of the 44 Scottish in the day’s proceedings – speakers, board approaching St Valentine’s Day and branches had held events for Dance members, discussion group leaders, and representatives from 24 Scottish branches Scottish Week. Improvements suggested branch delegates, particularly Ruth Beattie gathered in the Cluny Centre, Edinburgh to for the 2008 events included more and who was the main organiser of the event - declare and debate their love and passion earlier publicity, greater support from all volunteers. As a musician I continually for Scottish country dancing! Headquarters, particularly w ith advertising see the passion in the eyes of the dancers. It’s imperative that we keep the RSCDS After an introduction and welcome from material, and attempts at a local level to healthy for existing and potential members. Irene Bennett, Jimmie Hill gave us feedback attract a celebrity to help with promotion. on developments since the Dunblane Improving our profile is vital, as is the Conference. The main accomplishments involvement of the RSCDS at such events Scottish Country Dancer readers were were: a Marketing Officer,LizFraserhad as Homecoming Scotland 2009, the impressively successful in identifying the been appointed, albeit for only one day per Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014 Summer School party-goers (including week; a Dance Scottish Week had taken and other national and local festivals. Liz Bobby Watson's dog) featured in issue 4. place in September 2007 and another was considers that there should be less So here's another challenge. planned for 2008; and what was happening emphasis on the tartan image of SCD and This photograph was taken in the Quad at in Scotland was still on the agenda of the more on fitness, the joy and fun of dancing St Andrews during Summer School in Management Board. The figures Jimmie and friendship. c.1947-50. Four sets are dancing what produced on the health of Scottish In the sessions which followed we heard appears to be a Foursome. Inevitably branches were most informative. These had about the priorities of the RSCDS several of the dancers have their backs to been gathered from the results of returned Committees, including publishing and the camera and unfortunately the faces of questionnaires and when I deducted what I dissemination of dances and provision of three of the dancers are competely knew to be the case in Aberdeen the figures music; the development of the website, hidden, but how many can you recognise? weren’t so rosy! Jimmie then went on to possibly including a forum for members; We think we can spot Tibbie Cramb and identify the major issues faced by the reprinting older books in A5 volumes (6 Bill Ireland. Can you do better? Management Board: financial and time books in each); making best use of our constraints; the Scottish/International reserves; making savings to reverse the question. trend of declining income; review of the Marketing next, with Liz Fraser giving us a examination system as a result of the clear picture of her observations and views Examiners’ 2007 conference; appointment

www.rscds.org 25 Overheard on the Web

Chris Ronald (New York) keeps a close eye on the Strathspey List and shares what he finds there with readers of Scottish Country Dancer

musicians drop off to sleep one after “accessory” tales. Here are a few: another, and the dance ends with a thin “I was dancing with someone I know quite sound of a lonely weary player? If this is well, we pulled a very tight turn... apparently the kind of thing that the reader of The Reel a little too tight, since his kilt pin became is used to, then hardly surprising that he caught in my tights (stockings etc)! Trying would like to see fewer strathspeys on a to extricate ourselves became very dance program.” interesting for the rest of the dance!” It seemed also that the dirge-like quality of “It's not just those dangling or pinned-on some strathspey tunes was noticed mainly accessories that are dangerous. The when a dance had eight repetitions. This diamond rings one of the ladies in our set Soporific strathspeys? may help explain the growing preference for was wearing last night caught and cut the set dances with three or four, or perhaps In a recent issue of The Reel (the London back of my hand. ” five, repetitions. Branch magazine), a reader said he found Something great about SCD few strathspeys worth dancing, and “most While recognizing that a band or an MC has bands can’t play them”. For him, a to take many factors into account in To finish, here’s a comment from one of the strathspey was just a breather between deciding on a tempo for any given occasion, younger contributors to the strathspey list: faster dances, and he seemed to think that there was support for slightly faster “One of the things I love most about SCD, most dancers likewise regarded strathspeys strathspey speeds: around 34 bars per and indeed all social folk dancing, is the “as second best”. minute was suggested. It was felt that, at freedom, acceptance and far greater lack of this speed, the step would be easier, but the Subscribers to the ‘Strathspey’ list did not awkwardness than you get in most dance character of the steps and figures would be agree that there should be fewer settings. Fewer people worry about preserved. In an aging dance population, it strathspeys on dance programmes, but they whether they're dressed right, or whether was thought that a faster tempo - one that did understand why there might sometimes their dance moves impress, because, on the entailed somewhat less muscle control and be complaints. It was pointed out that it whole, fewer people are there to impress, stamina – should, in theory, be welcome. was not easy to dance a strathspey well – unlike those of my peers who go to night with the “necessary combination of clubs and the like. I can dance with a 7- strength, precision and grace”. year-old or a 70-year-old, and no one worries, I can dance with someone else's Mastering the strathspey style was judged wife, fiancee, mother, sister or daughter, and to be even more difficult now than in the it's all fine, and I can even dance with past. It was pointed out that strathspeys another man and all's well. We're there for have slowed down considerably over the the enjoyment and social side as much as last century. A hundr ed years ago, James we're there to dance it right and do it well, Scott Skinner played them at around 47 if not more so - once you stop enjoying it, bars per minute; the RSCDS guideline in the there's no point. I know that for many of 1950s was 42 bars per minute, and the us on this list, me included, doing it "right" latest RSCDS Manual suggests 30 bars per adds to enjoyment, and that's fine, but minute. Some recordings have strathspeys knowing all the right moves, dressing even slower than 30 bars per minute. "Nice to meet you" at the ball in Edinburgh to launch Dance Scottish Week 2007. properly, and so on, are not essential. That's There seemed to be a consensus that this what's so great and allows newcomers to fit slowing down process had gone too far. in so much quicker than they might.” Several dancers suggested that the older Accessory accidents strathspey tunes were never intended to be A dancer shared this warning about 25th January 2008 played as slowly as we play them today. ‘’accessories”. “One of our dancers who One said,“Many tradition al strathspeys are was wearing rather dangly earrings moved exciting to dance to, especially if danced to into a strathspey allemande, slightly tilting the original tempo, not the slow dirge that her head to let her partner raise her arm. some strathspeys are set to. At the same Unfortunately this resulted in said dangly time, there are many good modern earring hooking into her sash brooch, with strathspeys, or 4/4 non-strathspeys, song the result that she had to complete all eight tunes, airs, that are equally inspiring.” slow bars with her head cocked to one side Another dancer added: “Does anyone in a very awkward, but extremely amusing remember a recording of Dalkeith's to the onlooke rs, angle.” Strathspey, where it sounds as if the Other dancers chimed in with their own

26 www.rscds.org Letters to the Editor

So this is your chance to make a special would be the footwear. At theAGM Ball I saw impression the next time you ask for a dance. and danced with lots of very lovely ladies, all Yours sincerely, beautifully turned out in gorgeous dresses. Stephen Webb They were a delight to the eyes, from top to…… ankle. The standard of dress was Musicians' Forum Sexuality and impressively high, right down to the feet, but Dear Editor, Scottish Country Dance not including them. In the past,right up to the RSCDS changing things, the footwear was I attended the Musicians' Forum at the Dear Editor, chosen to go with the outfit, for both Conference Weekend and thought it was An exciting new development for the gentlemen and ladies. Now, men and women superb! AngelaYoung did an excellent job as promotion of Scottish country dance is the wear the same, more or less. director. Her quiz challenging us to "spot the formation of the Gay Gordons, a London dance" by playing its original tune and then based SCD group for gay men and lesbians All the pictures that I have seen of the 17th, naming the band was a great idea. It made us and their friends. The convention in Scottish 18th and 19th centuries show the men in think but it was very light-hearted at the country dancing has been that opposite shoes with heels, and the foot somewhat same time. The subsequent discussion on sexes dance together. Women may dance pointed, but not as fully as we do now. The tempi, alternative tunes and compatible keys together, when there are more women than philosophy then was not to overdo things,and was very informative indeed. men, but this is seen as an inferior the sort of point that you get wearing a light The only negative aspects of the forum arrangement. Apart from in special shoe would be just right for them. The ladies were the lack of time - one and a half hours circumstances, such as regiments and would wear shoes that were dyed to match was too short - and the poor attendance, prisoner-of-war camps, it has been very rare their ball-gown, and I think they would have a surely, "Music is the stimulus of the dance." for men to dance together. It is an open heel, though not very high. Sincere thanks for organising such an secret that some regular dancers are gay, and informative event and well done Angela! this has been acceptable, provided they take I don’t know why,or when,the RSCDS changed partners of the opposite sex. But now some the specification for footwear; perhaps some Yours, gay people wish to use dance to celebrate reader could tell us – there are some very Laura Jane Rintoul their sexuality, rather than hiding it.The Gay knowledgeable people out there! But the best Gordons give them this opportunity. result would be if the ladies at least,but I hope May I have the pleasure? The main achievement of the group has the men also, were to take a little more pride Dear Editor, been to introduce Scottish country dancing in their footwear, and wear something more I have been re-listening to a tape recording of to a number of people, mainly gay men, appropriate for a Ball. who would not otherwise be enjoying it. a talk given at Summer School by Jean Yours sincerely, Milligan in 1977. She recalled a visit to New Also some who danced occasionally are Zealand three years before, and whilst there now dancing more. The group holds a Robert Lambie she described the Society as “A tree whose weekly social class, open to all including trunk was in Scotland and whose branches beginners; and regular dances, which are The last issue were all over the world. The leaves were the very popular. Since September 2007 there Dear Editor, members and the more members the RSCDS has also been a weekly intermediate class, Congratulations to you and your team on the had, the more beautiful was the tree”. attracting about 20 people each week, led October magazine which continued the Visit Summer School today and members by an RSCDS trained and certificated excellent standard set by Jimmie Hill. Taking come from all over the world. Many have teacher. And Gay Gordons are now being up a couple of John Wilkinson's points about English as their mother tongue – so it is welcomed at dances of more traditional only natural to invite them to dance in groups, such as London Branch. Summer School 2007, I do feel the fees are English, but what of the rest? Should we As far as I know the Gay Gordons is unique, reasonable for what is on offer, a quite superb not extend the same common courtesy to although I am told there are gay ceilidhs in week of hard work, fun and friendship. those for whom English is not their national Edinburgh and Glasgow. There must be a However I do feel strongly that the social language and inv ite them on to the dance need for such a group in other large cities. dance programmes should include more floor in their own tongue? Yours popular dances than was the case last year. English: May I have the pleasure of this Daniel Capron This leads me to largely agree with Fiona dance? Grant's piece on the increasing complexity of French: Puis-je avoir le plaisir de cette Footwear at Balls many modern Scottish country dances. I danse ? would respectfully suggest dance club Dear Editor, German: Möchtest Du mit mir tanzen? committees should ensure that programme Italian: Posso avere il piacere di questo I write for Dance On magazine in the guise of compilers balance newer complex dances with ballo? an eighteenth century dancing master looking old favourites,and not too much rarely danced Spanish: Puedo tener el placer de esta at the present dancing scene, and in the same material from earlier books. danza? role I shall mount a hobby horse and ride out. Yours sincerely, Japanese: 踊って頂けますか? I think that the first thing a dancing master Phonetic: Odote ita dake maska? would notice, looking at a dance nowadays, John Buckle

www.rscds.org 27 Obituaries FORTHCOMING RSCDS EVENTS entering the period of tremendous popularity and growth which it was to enjoy 79th Annual General Meeting and Roy Goldring for the next 30 years. For the dancers in the Conference Weekend 2008 area, the arrival of a Scottish country dance Roy was born in pianist of Stan’s calibre had a tremendous 7 – 9 November 2008 south west England impact. His knowledge of, and his Location: Bell’s Sports Centre, Perth where he spent his adherence to, all that was best in the childhood. When old traditional music of Scotland was legendary. All RSCDS members welcome! The enough he was drafted into the armed Stan had an instinctive ability to feel music programme for the weekend will be: forces. It was during this time that he was and to know what tunes would most happily flown to Egypt and vowed he would never Friday – Ball go with others within a set. Indeed, Miss fly again. He stuck to this vow only Milligan, when teaching in this area, Saturday – morning class; members’ relenting to fly to Canada and Norway inevitably asked for Stan as her accompanist. discussion group; Society AGM; evening recently to teach dancing in these His intimate knowledge of Scottish music, a dance countries. His return to civilian life saw him tremendous sense of rhythm, his wonderfully in the Civil Service and moving about the Sunday – dance workshop; musicians’ stimulating arrangements and an ability to country. In Birmingham he met and workshop produce sets where the tunes moved married Doreen. When in Surrey they took smoothly from one to the other are what set Full details and booking forms will be up Scottish country dancing after trying the Stan Hamilton apart. available from the website on 11 April English version first. More moves to 2008, or contact HQ. Please note that we Newcastle and Harrogate and two sons He was always a supporter of the RSCDS are looking for volunteers to help with the later, he finally came to Ilkley and joined the and its aims. His love of Scottish music, his Leeds Branch. willingness to sif t through collections for various sessions – you can put your name new material, and his ability to transmit this forward in the booking form. The Ilkley Club started life in the Goldring knowledge to his band members so that lounge and when the evening institute class something magical could be expected to was in danger of being closed for lack of a happen on any given night was, I believe, Winter School 2009 qualified teacher, Roy and Doreen went to largely responsible for the tremendous Summer School to obtain their certificates. 26 February – 3 March 2009 explosion that Scottish country dancing Subsequently he became a committee enjoyed in this part of North America. Location: The Atholl Palace Hotel, member and chairman of the Leeds Branch. Stan’s contribution was recognized by the Pitlochry Along with his interest in Scottish Country RSCDS in 2005 with the award of the dancing, he played golf. listened to music Society’s Scroll of Honour. Co-ordinator: George Meikle from classical to jazz and amassed great See page 11 for information on how and knowledge in works of art. We who were fortunate enough to have been able to dance to the great Stan where to apply. In the thirty years Roy lived in Ilkley, he Hamilton sound consider ourselves to have emerged as one of our greatest creators of *Late news* - as a pilot for 2009, there been very, very lucky. dances and it is in this respect that we will will be a limited number of places for non- all, and future generations too, remember John Middleton dancing partners. him. His knowledge of music helped him to marry his dances to some wonderful tunes. Lily Keith (Hunter) His dances are great to dance – not too Generations of Physical Education teachers, Spring Fling 2009 complicated but always with some new who trained at Dunfermline College of formation and extremely danceable. There Dates: to be confirmed (usually Friday- Physical Education and many of whom Sunday over last weekend in March) are not many programmes that do not carried our particular form of dance furth contain at least one of his dances. of Scotland, will be sad to learn of the Location: to be confirmed Thank you Roy for the wonderful legacy you death of Lily Keith. In addition to her Co-ordinators: Jayne Brown (Youth have left us in Scottish country dancing. ability as a dancer and teacher, Lily was Director) with a local team. Brenda Burnell capped for Scotland for both netball and hockey, going on to captain the Scottish For people aged 16-35. Stan Hamilton Women ’s Hockey Team. She, however, Full details will be announced on the J. Stanley Hamilton wasn’t a ‘jolly hockey sticks’ type: she did website whenever known; application have boundless energy, but she was slender (Stan) was born into a forms will be available from the website or and a very graceful dancer. She taught SCD musical family in from HQ in December 2008. Auchencruive, near at all levels in Aberdeen and Edinburgh, at Ayr, Scotland. Stan weekend schools and at Summer School. played the piano from After her husband Bill died, Lily returned to Summer School 2009 an early age, became Aberdeen and once again became a an accomplished stalwart of theAberdeen Branch, becoming Dates: 19 July – 16 August 2009 performer, and even- an Honorary Vice-President of the Branch Location: University Hall, St Andrews tually joined his father’s dance band. He in 1993. John Drewry’s jig, Twa Rogueish emigrated to Canada - London, Ontario - in Een, written for Lily in 1967, is a most Co-ordinator: John Wilkinson 1957. At that time, Scottish country appropriate and lasting tribute to her. Come for any one or two weeks of the dancing in Southern Ontario was just Jean Martin four, as resident or non-resident. Readers will be sorry to learn that Muriel More (pianist) died recently. An obituary will Further information and application forms appear in the next issue. from website or HQ in December 2008.

28 www.rscds.org Day school diary Entries for April '08 to July '09 Compiled by John Sturrock. For contact details regarding these events please refer to branch or club websites. Issue 7 will cover day schools and workshops from October '08 to December '09. Please send details to [email protected]

31 Flying Ghillies Scottish Country 03 – 05 Weekend Course, Hamburg, April 08 Dancers,Workshop, Dayton, Ohio, Germany Pat and Peter Clark USA Arthur McNair, Laura Russell 12 New Zealand Branch, Rangitikei 03 – 05 Argyll Scottish Dancing Group, Region, Day School June 08 Weekend School, Somerset Val Mitchell, Damon Collin 06 – 08 Chicago Branch, Weekend Anne Smyth School, Beloit, Wisconsin, USA 03 – 05 Marhamchurch Scottish Dancers, 12 NW Craven Branch, Day School, Weekend School, Bude Ingleton Rebecca Blackhall-Peters 07 – 08 Thistle & Shamrock Dancing Linda Gaul, Eric Finley 12 – 13 RSCDS Tutor Training Course, 16 – 19 Autumn Course, Kuckucksnest, Reigate, Surrey Club, Weekend School, Essen, Germany Deb Malton Schluchtern, Germany 18 – 20 Ottawa Branch, Workshop, 12 – 15 Central Germany Branch, Carola Fischer Ottawa, Ontario Mary Murray, 17 – 19 Hamilton Branch, Weekend, Ian Souter, Jean Noble Weekend School, Schluchtern, Germany Sue Porter Dunkeld, Scotland 18 – 20 Kyiv Scottish Country Dance 24 – 26 Rechberg International Weekend, Club, Weekend School, Kiev, 20 – 21 Scot Dance, Weekend School, Aviemore, Scotland Ian Barbour Schwabisch-Gmund, Germany Ukraine Ken Martlew Pat Houghton 23 – 30 Dance Week, Chateau de 19 Day School, Sigmaringen, 25 Exeter Branch, Day School, Germany Catherine Schmid Passieres, Chichilianne, France Avril and David Quarrie Woodbury Marilyn Watson 26 Argy ll Scottish Country Dancing 25 Sheffield Branch Day School, Group, Day School, Crowthorne 27 – 29 Highland Mist Scottish Country Hope Valley College Andrew Deborah Draffin, Bruce Frazer, Dancers, Weekend, St Louis, McConnell MO, USA Jean Noble Kathy Lawmon 25 Herefordshire Branch 1/2 Day 28 – 29 Silver State SC Dancers, School, Hereford Janet Johnston May 08 Weekend Workshop, Truckee, 2 – 3 Isle of Islay Branch Weekend 31 – 02/11 Asilomar Weekend, Asilomar, CA, USA Elaine Brunken California, USA Fiona MacDonald July 08 2 – 4 Toronto Branch, Youth Weekend Nov 08 06 – 13 Queensland Branch, 33rd 2 Cologne Branch, 1/2 Day School, East, Peterborough, Ontario Australian Winter School, North Cathy Bertice, Rebecca Roman, Cologne, Germany Palm Beach Bill Zobel, Noelene Helmut Biesenbach Colin Philip O’Connor, Avis Harrison, 2 – 4 Central Iowa Branch, Weekend, Mechthild Timmoms, Ann 15 Norwich Branch, 1/2 Day Ames, Iowa. Kennedy, Mary Davidson Workshop, Wymondham, Norfolk Susie Petrov, Callum Pasqua 09 – 13 Summer Course, Kuckucksnest, 2 – 5 Far North Queensland SCD, Schluchtern, Germany 19 – 23 November Course, Kuckucksnest, Weekend School, Cairns, Schluchtern, Germany David Queen Eric Finley Australia 20 - 17/08 RSCDS Summer School, Duncan Smith, Mara Dobrini 22 Seattle Branch Teachers' Workshop St Andrews, Fife Mary Murray 9 – 12 Munich Scottish Association, Aug 08 A dvanced Weekend, Munich, Dec 08 10 -17 TAC Summer School, Waterloo, Germany Eric Finley 27 – 04/01 Christmas Course, Gemund, Ontario, Canada 10 London Branch, Musicians Day Germany Janet Johnston, Geoffrey Selling, Rudi Spagele, Carola Fischer School, London Gordon Simpson Val Mitchell 16 – 17 Isle of Skye Branch, Weekend Sept 08 28 – 05/01 New Zealand Branch, School, Portree Linda Gaul Summer School, Christchurch 12 – 14 34th Fort Worden Weekend, Port Iain Boyd, Nicky Hawkins, 16 – 18 New York Branch, Pawling Townsend, WA, Canada Weekend School, Hopewell Margaret McMurtry, Susie Pugh, Eric Finley, Ruth Jappy, Marjorie Katharine Hoskyn, Heather Junction, NY Jean Martin, McLaughlin, Geoffrey Selling Bill Zobel, Muriel Johnstone Byers, Debbie Roxburgh, Wendy 13 Lochaber Branch, Day School, Jaeger, Graham Donald 16 – 18 Kelowna Scottish Country Fort William Margie Stevenson Jan 09 Dancers, Weekend Workshop, 20 Ayr Branch, Day School, Troon BC, Canada Pat Coyle, 17 – 18 EMO Dancers,We ekend School, Rebecca Blackhall-Peters 20 NW Craven Branch, Day School, Essen, Germany Whittington 16 – 18 Duns & District Branch, Feb 09 May Weekend 27 Manchester Branch, Day School, 21 Oxfordshire Branch, Day School, Margo Priestley, Les Lambert Levenshulme Maureen Haynes, Headington, Oxford Pat Houghton, Pat Houghton 17 – 18 Clivis, Weekend School, Turin, Eric Finley, Dennis Tucker Italy Avril and David Quarrie 27 Tamburin, Day School, Denkendorf, Mar 09 Germany Daphne Scobie 17 St Andrew’s Church, Day School, 14 Leicester Branch Day School Brussels, Belgium Oct 08 Mervyn Short Pat & Peter Clark 03 – 05 Ottawa Valley Workshop, Ottawa April 09 23 – 25 Peterborough SCD Society, RuthJappy, Malcolm & Helen 30 – 03/05 Dance Course, Vienna, Austria Weekend, Lakefield, Ontario Brown Graham Donald, Susi Mayr Marie Ziccarelli 03 – 05 Saskatchewan Branch, Weekend July 09 31- 01/08 Weekend School, Bremen – Workshop, Manitou Beach, 28 – 01/08 Nova Scotia Branch, Lesum, Germany Karin Schnabl Canada Elinor Vandegrift, John International School, Windsor, 31 Swilcan SCD Group, 1/2 Day Middleton Nova Scotia Ron Wallace, Gary School & Ball, Utrecht, 03 – 05 Oslo Branch, Weekend School, Thomas, Norah Link, Merrill Netherlands Jaap Hellinghuizer Oslo, Norway Bill Zobel Heubach, Keith Smith

www.rscds.org 29 The Roy Goldring Celebration Dance Saturday 21st June 2008, 7.30 - 11pm

The Sports Hall, Gateways School, Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LE Dancing to Colin Dewar and Band Tickets available generally from the 1st April 2008 RSCDS proposes world-wide seminar. on a first come first served bases The Management Board is sponsoring a world-wide seminar Tickets £8.50, Full time education £3.00, Under 11 £2.00 on issues of Scottish Country Dancing, for dancers, teachers, and musicians, especially those outside Scotland. Further information from Don Andrews The event, named Kaleidoscope, will be held in the Geneva 18 Braithwaite Village, Keighley, BD22 6PX area (Switzerland) over the weekend of 3-5 July 2009. It is Email [email protected] rscds intended as an international forum to promote ideas and www.rscdsleeds.org.uk Leeds Branch generate discussion on a range of topics not usually covered by SCD workshops and will include: keynote speeches, breakout sessions, panel discussions, ample opportunity to speak with the Chairman, Convenors of the RSCDS Committees and MB members, and for networking among participants, an exhibition of SCD-related goods, published proceedings, a Saturday evening dance and on arrival an evening for meeting and infor mal discussions.

Call for papers Would you like to share your views (conventional or controversial) about SCD? Do you have a special area of interest or expertise from which you think others might benefit? Whatever it is - from "Six ways to teach pas de basque" or "How to be an effective MC" to "Electronic resources for SCD" or "A sociological view of the global SCD community" - we want to hear about it.

Sponsorship Some branches may wish to sponsor or support the event and have the ir logo associated with it.This is encouraged to make the event cost as accessible for as many of those interested as possible. To request further information about Kaleidoscope, comment on the outline given above, or submit a proposal for a paper, please contact [email protected] All Set A two-in-one, Multimedia CD In the In the CD player computer Music for Dances, steps, 10 dances, formations. with or without Interactive learning calling, plus with printable Auld Lang Syne. instructions, video demonstrations and £15.99 animations. Free P & P See, try and order on our website: www.scoteesh.co.uk Scoteesh Productions T: 01887 820197 E: [email protected]

30 www.rscds.org www.rscds.org 31 St Andrews Shoemakers Ltd (James Senior), Unit 3, Newark Industrial Estate, Glenrothes, Fife, KY7 4NS tel/fax: 01592 779000 tel: 0870 7542 104 fax: 0870 7542 105 email: [email protected] website: www.standrews–shoemakers.com