contents Congratulations and messages

. . . page 2

Chairs Who, with their able committees, have directed our activities over the past fifty years. . . . page 7

Social groups Anecdotes written by members of the various groups, along with snap-shots over time. . . . page 11

The Music Makers With a bow and curtsey...... page 25

People, Places and Parties Then and now: Balls, Dancing in the Park, Flings, and more. . . . page 37

Connections Encounters with some extraordinary folk. . . . page 45

1 2 3 PREFACE

September 1957: Miss Milligan declares the Toronto Group a Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society.

What changes have occurred over the fifty years since then! Even our official name has changed - to RSCDS Toronto Scottish Country Dance Association. But one thing which has not changed is the joy and sociability (not to mention exercise, both physi- cal and mental) that Scottish Country Dancing provides to people of all ages.

We hope that this book pro- vides a record of past events, an insight into our history, happy recollections for many dancers, and, for newer danc- ers, connections to those who came before.

Onward to the next fifty years!

Jane E. Robinson Chair, RSCDS Toronto Association

4 5 RSCDS Toronto Association – the more recent history

Although RSCDS Toronto Association is commonly called Toronto Branch by many of its members, it has in fact gone through two name changes since it was first founded in 1957 as the Toronto Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society.

In 1992, the United Kingdom introduced charities legislation that affected the relationship between the Society in Edinburgh and all of its branches. If the Society was to remain a formal charity, it was necessary for it to reor- ganize the relationship with its branches. In essence, the Headquarters/Branch relationship had to be terminated and former branches were to become autonomous entities, referred to as local associations. It was also necessary for the Society to revise its constitution to reflect these changes, and this was completed in 1996.

As part of the reorganization, the Society produced a new model constitution for the local associations. The then Toronto Branch consequently developed a modified constitution in line with the model. The revised constitution included a name change, making us the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, Toronto Association. This was voted upon and accepted by our membership at the AGM on April 25, 1998.

During that same time period, we had seen rapid decline in our membership and many suggestions were forth- coming from our members on how to address the situation. One of the early papers, "A Publicity Plan," was pre- pared by Esther M. Goodfellow in April 1990. Subsequent papers and suggestions followed a similar pattern, but it was hard to enact and bring the suggestions to fruition. The suggestions of Esther’s plan included:

• prepare an information package • publicize events to increase public awareness • publicize and promote Branch Classes • seek other opportunities for increased public awareness • obtain tools to assist in pursuing the above • make the Branch more visible at cultural celebrations.

Discussion and working groups kept reinforcing these same themes until, in 2000, the Toronto Association Executive recognized that to achieve the objectives, we required professional help and funding. Professional help was brought in and a formal Business Plan was prepared. A request for a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation was submitted. To request the grant required the Association to go through another constitution change. Grants were only considered for incorporated organizations so we had to change and become an incor- porated not-for-profit organization in Ontario. The aims and objectives of the Association and the relationship with the Society remained the same. However, as part of the incorporation we had to register our name and we were not allowed to use the word "Royal" in our name without extensive petitioning. Consequently we proposed a name change to "RSCDS Toronto Association." The name change and incorporation were approved at a spe- cial General Meeting in October 2001. The Association was subsequently successful in obtaining a $95,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation payable over three years. With the aid of the grant, we were able to hire further professional help, purchase PCs and software, produce new advertising material and other documents and revamp our Newsletter, maintain better, more extensive records of our members and establish a flourishing Demonstration Team that is promoting awareness of the Association across our dancing area.

We now have many new members joining the Association each year and can look forward to a strong and healthy future as the RSCDS Toronto Association.

Keith Bark

6 1 CHAIRS

2

7 Chairs

Dr. Donald Fraser, 1957 - 1958 D. Iain Macfarlane, 1963 - 1965 By 1957, there were three groups of Scottish One of Calvin’s Social Group’s greatest Country Dancers in Toronto: at Falconer Hall, influences has been the inspiration of University of Toronto; Rosedale Presbyterian Iain Macfarlane, one of the finest Scottish Church; and Christ Church, Deer Park. When Country Dance instructors in North Jean Milligan came to Toronto, she visited America. Iain was born in Scalpay, Harris, the dancers and suggested that it was time to Scotland, and started dancing in Glasgow form a local Branch of the Society. Following with the "Life Boys" at the age of nine, her suggestion, Donald Fraser, Ron Smith along with his three brothers. "I did a lot and George Armstrong organised the Toronto of dancing, and had many responsibilities Branch in 1957, and Donald Fraser was elected with SCD in Scotland". the first Chair. . . . Continued on page 67 . . . Continued on page 67 (Full story on page 66)

George L. MacDonald, 1958 - 1959 George MacDonald, of the Gaelic Society, was elected Chair of the first RSCDS affiliated group in Toronto in September, 1955. This J. Reid McAlister, 1965 - 1967 arose out of a meeting at Moore Park House. The group, not having a certificated teacher, was not able to be a branch. . . . Continued on page 67

Professor Ronald Smith, 1959 -1960 Major Gil P. Rich, 1967 - 1969 "Sanskrit Smith" was a scholar, a poet, Major Rich chaired a committee in 1964 to a gentleman and a person of great warmth. organize the first Children’s Festival, held in "He was quite unique and quite a character," 1965. He also chaired a committee for a Gala comments Douglas Worling, his former stu- Day in May 1967, which in subsequent years student in East Asian studies. alternated between Hamilton and Toronto. He taught the children’s group at Rosedale . . Continued on page 67 Presbyterian Church for several years.

David N. Pogson, 1969 - 1971 Even after thirty-six years, time has not dimmed fond memories I have of my stint as Chair: Jean Milligan sitting in our best arm- chair, surrounded by smiling, doting committee Donald Sutherland, 1960 - 1961 members and others …the crowded Monthly Dances at Hodgson School …Branch Classes, attracting almost 200, who shelled out all of $8 per semester …the inter-branch Gala Days, when twenty-four teams really brought out the competitive spirit, . . . Continued on page 67

George C. Armstrong, 1961 -1963 Donald G. Pyper 1971 - 1973 George Armstrong, a pioneer of Scottish Country Donald Pyper was a member of the George dancing in Toronto, founded and taught the C. Armstrong group. Along with his Tartan group at Grace Church on the Hill in Toronto Ball committee, he was instrumental in chang- from 1961 to 1969, assisted by Toronto’s first ing the meal from a buffet to a served meal, Scottish Country Dance Teacher, Matthew which led to the ball’s continued success. As Sutherland. Matthew was one of a group of past Chair, he was also instrumental in the four Edinburgh dancers chosen to teach Scottish Toronto Branch’s participation in the Scottish Dances to The Queen, then Princess Elizabeth. World Festival Tattoo in 1973, the branch’s . . . Continued on page 67 largest undertaking to date.

8 Chairs

James Kynoch, 1973 - 1975 George Conolly, 1983 - 1985 During my tenure, Branch membership George was very good at thanking others for reached 1054 and the Tartan Ball attracted any deeds done for RSCDS, and many times had 660 dancers. To accommodate those num- thanked and praised Tony Hauth, chef in the bers, dinner was served as usual in the Royal York, for his excellent dinners, especially Concert Hall but the dancing was moved to dessert. After doing so once, he added, "But I do the much larger Canadian Room. At the 1974 love rice pudding!" From that time on, whenever Tartan Ball, I presented all the past Chairmen George was at the Royal York—George had rice of the Toronto Branch with illuminated pudding! Even after Tony had retired! George Scrolls proclaiming them as honorary life was very honoured. members of the Toronto Branch. . . . Continued on page 68 . . . Continued on page 67

David R. Grant, 1975 - 1977 Jack A. Millar, 1985 - 1987 In 1975, the Chair of the RSCDS, Toronto It was very rewarding over the years to serve Branch, David Grant, was contacted by the on the various committees that organized social Scottish World Festival Tattoo to see if the events through the year that so many dancers RSCDS would like to participate in the 1976 (young and not-so) were able to enjoy. My great- CNE presentation. After a meeting held with est pride was derived from being piped into the the leaders of all of the social groups, eigh- ballroom at the Annual Tartan Ball and sitting at teen of them agreed to provide a total of the head table, looking out over all the splendor twenty-eight teams. and tradition on display. . . . Continued on page 68 . . . Continued on page 69

Frances Gray, 1977 - 1979 Gordon S. Hamilton, 1987 - 1989 During my Chairship, the one hundredth A highlight of my responsibilities as Toronto anniversary of the Canadian National Branch Chair was to welcome Dr. Alastair Exhibition occurred. It was my privilege and MacFadyen, then Chair of the RSCDS, as Guest pleasure to represent the Royal Scottish of Honour at the 1988 Tartan Ball. Alastair Country Dance Society, Toronto Branch arrived in a severe winter storm and, on as a guest of the CNE. I joined the Earl of Thursday evening, conducted a class at Hodgson Caithness and his Lady, together with Donald School, which, in spite of heavy snow, was well Campbell, the president of the Clans and attended. Scottish Societies of Canada (CASSOC), for a . . . Continued on page 69 reception and dinner. . . . Continued on page 68

Dr. William Brunton Ramsay Stoddart, Robin Wood, 1989 - 1991 1979 - 1981 While Vice Chair, I suggested to the executive Bill was born in Galashiels in 1929, raised in that we should have a November Workshop. Ayr, and emigrated to Canada in 1946. He The idea was accepted and I organized the first and his wife Barbara Bates started Scottish two Toronto Workshops. In those first two years, Country Dancing in 1966 at the suggestion we had just over a hundred participants and of a neighbour, Mary Yeigh. To dancing, he I'm glad that the November Workshops are still brought an enthusiasm that he carried into being held. all aspects of his life. . . . Continued on page 69 . . . Continued on page 68

Alasdair Robertson, 1981 - 1983 I was Chair for the twenty-fifth anniversary Andrew Collins, 1991 - 1993 of the Toronto Branch, and there were many Anecdotes from my term as Chair of the RSCDS celebrations for that event. We did a publi- Toronto Association: cation made up of items from most of the • Witnessing the 512some. Mairi and I gave up Toronto area groups, about 45 at that time. our places on the field to ensure that all dancers The Tartan Ball was special for the occasion in the branch and from far and wide had the and Lieutenant-Governor John Black Aird opportunity to be a part of this record-setting and his wife were our Guests of Honour. event. I owe a debt of gratitude for the success By that time, Jo and I had been active in of the event to the late Esther Goodfellow. Toronto Branch for nearly twenty years, so . . . Continued on page 69 enjoyed visiting the various groups. . . . Continued on page 68

9 Chairs

Esther Goodfellow, 1993 - 1995 The only funny thing I can remember when Esther was on the Executive, was about two Keith R. Bark, 2001 - 2003 years before the 512some. I think Gordon This was a time of change and a new Hamilton was Chair. The executive had beginning. With the aid of a Trillium grant, "played around" with the challenge from we were able to purchase PCs for our the Vancouver Branch, who had danced a use, update our promotional material and 256some. Nobody on the Executive would restructure our organization. accept the responsibility of organizing this event. . . . Continued on page 69

Douglas Smith, 1995 - 1997 Steven Coombs, 2003 - 2005 An anecdote from my time as Chair related I think that there are two comments that I to the monthly meetings of the Executive would make about my two years as Chair of Committee. The meetings started at 7:30 p.m. the Toronto Association: and regularly finished around 9:30 p.m. This • I can't believe how quickly the two years was the only time I remember this happening passed. during my twelve years on the committee. • I visited (with a single exception) each of I was fortunate in having an excellent com- the Affiliated Social Groups, and thoroughly mittee during my term as Chair and a very enjoyed personally meeting all of the danc- efficient Secretary. ers and teachers.

May Macfarlane, 1997 - 1999 Ian Paterson, 2005 - 2007 As Chair, I had the opportunity to visit many Memories? January 2006. The Highlands of of the local social groups and join them for an Durham Burns Night. Shona and I arrived at evening of dancing. Being chair gave me an Utica after a three-hour drive through the excellent chance to spread the news to newer worst snow storm of the season. Despite the dancers about the many benefits associated gruelling journey, we enjoyed a wonderful with becoming a member. A special honour evening of dancing with friends. We had for me was being presented with a Toronto lots and lots of liquid refreshments, includ- Association's Honorary Life Membership at the ing a wee dram or two of fine Scotch, lovely annual Tartan Ball on February 17, 2001. food, and a nice helping (or two) of tasty haggis. . . . Continued on page 69

Ron Bell, 1999 - 2001 I will always remember Esther Goodfellow as my mentor, inspiration, and friend during my years on the executive. It was due to Esther that I became Vice-Chair. During my time as Vice-Chair and Chair, I was able to establish Jane E. Robinson, 2007 - the initial framework for the Association to apply successfully to the Trillium Foundation for funding to enable us to "Plan for the Future" and, in so doing, reorganize our Association. It was a great time of change with hard-working volunteers. I am grateful to have been a part of it.

10 3 social groups

11 Social Groups

She also knew that a meeting place for this new group could be made available at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, located in the centre of Aurora, close to the Yonge/Wellington intersec- tion.

Accordingly, Aurora SCD was born. The group meets for two hours every Friday at 10:15 a.m. Two sets are usually in attendance. The Aurora dancers com- prise people not only from Aurora, but

also from the Newmarket, Stouffville, Mary Rae, Bobby & Joyce Frew and Richmond Hill areas. Many of these dancers are also members of other York and Durham Region SCD groups and Calvin ASTA Beginner Class have a broad range of experience. At In the summer of 1957, led by Margaret The exact date of the first ASTA the same time, beginner dancers have Birnie, Ed Mason and Forbes Brown, a Beginner Class has faded with his- always been welcome group of fledgling dancers approached tory, but it is thought that Bob Blackie and quickly become the Toronto Branch of the RSCDS started the class at Ray Underhill socially involved. to secure the services of a teacher, School in Streetsville on Thursday Alex MacGregor. When he left a year nights, September 1988. In 1990, the Janette Todd is delight- later, he was followed by Matthew class moved to the Meadowvale West ed to be able to con- Sutherland, then Coll Black. In 1960, Church Centre and the night was also tinue sharing her con- Iain Macfarlane, who led the group changed to Wednesday. It was that siderable skills in this very successfully for twenty years, year that Mari Thompson started prac- setting, especially after became the new teacher. When he tice-teaching at the class for her prelimi- having taught (now retired in 1980, Frances Gray took on nary certificate. retired) the Petronella the job and has been the group’s teach- SCD in Thornhill for er ever since. The 1994/95 season brought another almost thirty years. change when the class moved to the Kinsmen Community Hall, Streetsville. . . . Barry Pipes Janette Todd In the fall of 1996 Barbara Bilawey (now Taylor) was invited by Bob to practise-teach at the class. Mari and Barbara continued teaching this class Bloorlea Bloorlea was formed originally as a after Bob Blackie’s death in 1998. After Beginners’ class in 1966 by Jessie receiving her full certificate in 1999, Bryden, assisted by Pat Carter. The Barbara became the teacher for the class continued until 1977, when Jess ASTA Class. moved to Orangeville. Mary Rae re- formed the group under the same The ASTA Class continues to dance name and taught it into the 1980s, in the Kinsmen Hall on Wednesday when she retired and Jess took over evenings September to mid-May. With the class once again. Barbara’s enthusiastic leadership the class has become a fun social event Ed Mason, Margaret Birnie, Forbes Brown, Douglas Smith In 1994, Jess handed the reins of each week, with a warm, welcoming the Bloorlea social group over to Mari atmosphere. The class numbers con- Thompson, and then Jess went on to For many years the group danced to tinue to increase to the point of nearly form the Monday morning class at the live music of a number of musi- outgrowing the hall. Westacres. Many dancers continued to cians, including Stan Hamilton, Ed . . . Tom Young attend both groups. Brydie, Angus MacKinnon, Elma Grech, Anna Robertson, Alex Jappy, Bobby Mari relocated the class from Bloorlea Frew, Larry Pichkol and Don Bartlett. school to nearby Bloordale United Now, however, like the rest of us, they Aurora Church. The class is a mixed group - have succumbed to recorded music. In September 2000, veteran RSCDS mainly intermediate dancers, but they Over the years, the Calvin Group have teacher Janette Todd began the Aurora willingly accept a few beginners or performed in Gala Days, demonstra- Scottish Country Dancers as a new day- "lapsed" dancers each year. tions at the CNE and SkyDome, military time group in York Region. An Aurora . . . Mari Thompson institutions, retirement homes and resident herself, Janette recognized that churches. the need for a daytime RSCDS dance venue in her local area, especially for retired folks and stay-at-home moms.

12 Social Groups

were several young mothers who came Scottish Country Erin Mills The Erin Mills group was formed in Dancing, but as their children 1972 by Irish-born Wesley Clindinning grew the mothers returned to and his wife, Brenda. The group partici- the workforce and now the pated in a mass demonstration of SCD class is mainly made up of in the 1973 Scottish World Festival at people who are retired. the CNE. This tradition has continued with participation in the "512some," a This is a small but enthusiastic demonstration which merited inclusion class, usually augmented by in the Guinness Book of World Records, some of the Erin Mills Tuesday and in the later attempt to double the night dancers. number at the SkyDome. In 1980, at . . . Deirdre MacCuish Bark Calvin Social Group – Teacher, Frances Gray (far left) Wesley’s invitation, Jean Hamilton took on the Friday class and continues in On Friday, September 23, 2005, they this role. were invited to dance at the eightieth anniversary of Calvin Presbyterian Don Mills The Don Mills Scottish Country Dance In the same year, a separate class was Church. The celebration included a buf- formed, Erin Mills (Beginners and Basic fet dinner and ceilidh. group was founded in 1960 by John Wevers. Several of the early dancers Technique), meeting on Tuesday eve- ning, with Douglas Stephen as teacher. Despite the many changes during their became teachers and later founded their own dance groups. Since 1990, Keith Bark has taught this fifty-year history, the Calvin group have class. continued to dance enthusiastically and to reach out to new dancers with great We first danced in St. Mark's Presby- terian Church and then moved to the In 1983, a children’s class was estab- kindness. lished with Betty Pellegrin as its first . . . Douglas Smith Norman Ingram School before our final move to the Banbury Community teacher. This later was renamed Centre in 1974. The Banbury Centre "Whigmaleeries" and has been taught had been the clubhouse for the IBM since 1989 by Keith Bark, assisted Golf Club and has a beautiful maple by Deirdre MacCuish Bark and Ishbel Christ Church Thomson. The group who meet at Christ Church floor which is ideal for dancing. It also United Church, at Truscott and Clarkson had an enthu- The original teaching staff, with the Road in Mississauga, are part of the siastic audi- addition of the late Jessie Bryden (of church’s Time Out program. Time Out is ence. Our music the Bloorlea Group), initiated the West "a morning of creative enjoyment and attracted the End Workshop, which caters particu- social interaction for men and women raccoons, who larly to the needs of less experienced of all ages." The program runs for eight used to watch dancers. They were also instrumental in weeks in the spring and again in the the dancers establishing a much-needed Hogmanay fall of each year. They offer a selection through gaps Ball, which continues to draw a full of activities for each eight-week ses- in the ceiling house each year. sion, with the morning divided into two rafters. . . . Gordon Hamiton sections divided by a twenty-min- John Wevers ute coffee break. Donalda McDonald taught until A Scottish Country 1987, when Dance class has Georgina Finlay took over. We were been included in sorry to lose her in 2004 when she had the program since to reduce her teaching load. Donalda the year 2000. McDonald has been teaching us for the Other choices over last three years. the years have Deirdre MacCuish Bark included Tai Chi, We dance at 120 Banbury Road every Bridge, Genealogy and Local History. Tuesday evening from 7:30pm to 9:30 and all dancers are welcome. For the last seven years, Deirdre . . . Peter Wood MacCuish Bark has taught the Scottish Country Dance class, which lasts about one hour in the second part of the morning. Until fairly recently there was also a child-care program, so that young mothers could take part in the Time Out activities, but that has been discontinued. In the earlier years there Wes Clindinning, Deirdre & Keith Bark, Jean Hamilton, Douglas Stephen

13 Social Groups

Erin Mills, Tuesday Class The Erin Mills Tuesday class was formed in 1980. Previously, beginner dancers had met on the early part of Friday evenings as part of the original Erin Mills group, but Douglas Stephen felt that they could benefit from a longer class on Tuesday evening. Doug taught the class for almost ten years before moving to Vancouver Island and passing it on to the present teacher, Keith Bark. Keith accepted the Fallingbrook Social Group – Teacher, May Macfarlane (5th from left) teaching responsibilities for the begin- ners’ class while working on his teach- ever practical, and welcoming visiting The venue changed several times from ing certificate. It continues to flourish as teachers from the United Kingdom, the the church to Regents Height Public a beginners’ class, but also has many United States, and other locations. School, then to Norman Cooke Public long-standing dancers. Many of the School, but the name "Fallingbrook" dancers also attend the Friday Erin Mills Wesley Clindinning and Douglas remained. Classes are now held at classes as well as other groups in the Stephen, both now living on Vancouver Westview Presbyterian Church in Greater Toronto Area. Island, were excellent teachers and East York on Friday evenings. Over organizers. Both the Tuesday and Friday the years, the Fallingbrook Dancers classes at Erin Mills acknowledge their have been asked to dance at church great contribution to Scottish Country affairs, civic centres, malls, seniors’ Dancing and do our best to follow their residences, Royal Canadian Legions, example and match their enthusiasm the SkyDome, Harbourfront, Word on for our favourite pastime. the Street, Canada Day, and Victoria . . . Keith Bark Day celebrations, to name but a few. The Fallingbrook dancers, along with other Toronto groups, participated in Fallingbrook the Scottish World Festival, which was I have been teaching the Fallingbrook held at the CNE in 1976. Since the group since 1987. This group of danc- Toronto Association established a demo ers has been in existence since 1958 team, any requests for dancers are now and must be one of the longest-existing passed on to them. I wish to thank groups in the city. The first teacher was Frances Gray for all her help in giving Ken Inglis, with Vi Knight acting in an me the necessary information to fill in administrative position. Classes were the blanks of the early beginnings of held in the church hall of Fallingbrook the Fallingbrook group. Keith and Deirdre Bark Presbyterian Church, Scarborough. . . . May Macfarlane Over the years the following teachers The class has been featured on televi- have taught the class – Ted Doran, sion both as a performing arts function Frances Gray, Don Robertson, Vi Knight and as a health and fitness activity. (who also served for several years Glenview Glenview started at Havergal College Many dancers have also performed on the Toronto Branch Committee as in 1979 under the leadership of Bill regularly at the Georgetown Highland Membership Secretary), Lalla Anderson, Stoddart. The original five couples were Games during the opening ceremonies. and finally myself. Gloria and Ray Fraser, Jan and Grady Several of the Erin Mills dancers have Jacobs, Sheila and Naish McHugh, served in key positions on the Toronto Mary and Alistair Stewart, and Mary Association Committee, including that and John Stirling. The group moved of Chair, and continue to support its to Glenview Presbyterian Church in activities. In addition, a number have 1981 and to Lawrence Park Community gone on to become teachers and serve Church in 1984 where, by 1993, on the Teachers’ Association (Canada) membership reached 103. The group as well as start new dance groups. flourished under Bill’s fine teaching, and it was his idea to have an elected Although the Tuesday class operates committee run the group. The members independently from the Friday class, formed many friendships, held many under the Erin Mills name, the tradition parties, and cherished joyful times such of co-operation and support continues. as ski weekends at King City, house The Friday class usually hosts the major parties after dances, and picnics with dancing and singing. Bill said, "Life is events, featuring live bands when- Don Bartlett Ken Inglis nothing but picnics, parties, and balls."

14 Social Groups

Alistair Stewart, a charter member, homes, churches, Parkwood Estate, Port says: "Our approach was to have fun. Perry street fests, and Highland Games. We were as concerned with what hap- Local residents are joined by mem- pened from the neck up as from the bers from Richmond Hill, Stouffville, knees down." That was the reason Ajax, Oshawa, and Newcastle for Glenview hosted ski weekends and classes taught by Carole Skinner every other non-dancing activities in addition Thursday from September to May. This to dancing. September, we will enjoy the teaching of Wendy Loberg. On Monday eve- Bill continued teaching until his sudden nings, many of the group get together death in 1995, when Robin Matheson to dance for extra practice in order to took over and continued for the next prepare for upcoming events or simply decade. Robin began dancing in for the fun! . Oakville with Bob Campbell. He got . . . Marjorie Mason his teaching certificate in Hamilton in Glenview Crest Presented 1965 and shortly thereafter moved to Toronto. After dancing with Iain Macfarlane at Calvin, Bob Millar Hillcrest at East York, and Betty Thompson Highlands of In September, 1975, a set of new danc- at Newtonbrook, Robin moved to ers arrived at a new class to be started Glenview. Durham by a very new holder of the RSCDS The Highlands of Durham Scottish Preliminary Teaching Certificate, Jean Country Dance group was formed in Noble. In January of 1976, the class the autumn of 1999 by Stewart Bennett moved to the Hillcrest Public Library, and Doug Moffatt as the result of North York, and became known as interest generated by the Highlands the Hillcrest Scottish Country Dance of Durham Games held each July in Group. The group eventually moved Uxbridge's Elgin Park. Classes were to larger premises at Seneca Hill Public started in Memory Hall, Utica (a small hamlet between Uxbridge and Port Perry), and the first teacher was Joan Reeves from Peterborough.

In 2005, the club was accepted as a social group within the RSCDS Toronto Association and it is truly a

William Stoddart social group where the fun of Scottish Country Dancing is essential. The group regularly hosts Hogmanay festivities, a Glenview regularly hosts party nights Robbie Burns Supper and Dance, and that are great fun, including theme a White Heather Ball in July. For 2007, nights with decorations. As well, we the date of the Ball has been changed to October 6 (Thanksgiving Weekend) celebrate Robbie Burns with a dinner; Jean Noble Hogmanay with a ceilidh, and guest and the location is the historic Trafalgar musicians accompany dancers for final Castle in Whitby, which boasts a won- nights. For a few years now, a large derful wooden floor. School, where they danced for many number of us have attended dance years. After another couple of location weekends in Kingston and Ottawa. The group spreads the joy of Scottish changes, the group became happily In the past, we have performed dem- Country Dancing by demonstrating at located at the Toronto French School onstrations for Sunnybrook veterans, many venues—nursing and retirement at Lawrence Avenue East and Bayview Belmont House, church functions, and Avenue. the Orillia and Fergus games. Over the years, the group have had many happy Hillcrest Dinner Dances, In 2000, Robin Wood (Branch Chair Burns Suppers, and ceilidhs, includ- from 1989 to 1991) and Donalda ing their thirtieth anniversary dance in McDonald began assisting Robin 2006. Some of the original members Matheson in teaching the class. Upon of the group still dance with them on a the latter’s retirement in 2005, Moira regular basis. A number of their dancers Korus completed the set of three who attend other groups, support Toronto currently share teaching responsibilities Association functions, and have served in rotation.. . . Nancy Matheson on the Toronto Association Executive. Carole Skinner

15 Social Groups

But most important, says teacher Jean Noble, the purpose is to enjoy dancing. In 1972, Betty also formed the A warm welcome awaits dancers any Newtonbrook Tuesday evening who would like to Children’s Group, join the happy dancers of the Hillcrest with the assistance Group. of Margaret Ann . . . Jean Noble Hunter, who taught with Betty part-time, and assumed full responsibility for the Humbercrest group in 2000. Dancing at Humbercrest United Church started in September 2006. We For many years, on had enjoyed two years of lessons at the Sunday clos- Swansea with teacher David Booz and est to St. Andrew’s musician Laird Brown. We thought it Day, November would be wonderful to continue danc- Midtown Social Group - Teacher, Isabelle MacPherson (back row, 4th from left) 30, Newtonbrook ing in our neighbourhood. Scottish danc- tapping. To enhance the dancing, the ers dressed in full "glittering gear" large gym hall has a lovely wooden We knew that Humbercrest United acted as ushers and greeters for the floor surrounded by red velvet drapes. Church had a gym floor that would church service at be terrific for dancing, so we arranged Newtonbrook. The group hopes to continue to provide to use it on Wednesday evenings. We Following the ser- great fun, great music, and great danc- have enjoyed excellent leadership from vice, the dancers ing to anyone who may be interested four teachers – Deirdre MacCuish Bark, were treated to and available during the day, at this Keith Bark, David Booz, and Vicky lunch and a party convenient, central location. Zeltins. They kept us on our toes with a with Betty and . . . Flora Crawford variety of teaching styles and a continu- her husband, Tom ous supply of new dances. Thompson. We welcomed new and experienced Newtonbrook Betty taught the dancers to our social group and we The group originated in Newtonbrook Newtonbrook have attracted a small but loyal group United Church in 1969, under the direc- group from of dancers in our first season. tion of Betty Thompson, who had been 1969 to 1987, dancing with the Petronella Group. when she invited We are planning to continue the Bob Watters, one of the original group Kathleen Kynoch, Humbercrest Social Group in September members, said that the dancers were who joined 2007 with Deirdre MacCuish Bark as told they could attend the 1970 Tartan Newtonbrook in our leader for ten weeks. We hope that Ball, but that they could dance only 1986, to share the you will join us!. teaching respon- three dances, one of which was The Margaret Anne Hunter . . Barbara Kalmuk Reel of the 51st Division. Not having sibilities. Finally, learned the entire program, the group in 2002, Kathleen assumed full respon- was not experienced enough to dance sibility for the class and is the current Midtown anything other than those three dances, teacher. The group was first conceived in and they were not to mess up a set of . . . Kathleen Kynoch December, 1999. This millennium proj- other dancers. and Donald Holmes ect was designed to provide daytime dancing downtown on a weekly basis. Nobleton Approval was willingly granted by the The group was formed in September of Toronto Association and, on April 5, 2001. The group meets in the upstairs 2000, they held their first dance class hall of the Nobleton Community Arena at Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre, which is on from September until May on Tuesday Bloor Street near the Spadina subway evenings from 8:00 p.m. until 10:00 station. p.m. It is a very social gathering with dancers coming in from Tottenham, The group is small, but loyal and Brampton, Alliston, Woodbridge, friendly. They have a total of twenty- Aurora, Schomberg, and a variety of two members, but the general weekly other communities. turnout is around twelve dancers. The dedicated teacher, Isabelle MacPherson, Maureen Richardson is the teacher of brings her own music to set their feet Tom & Betty Thompson the group. She has been dancing for

16 Social Groups fifty-one years, having started at the age of four, and has been teaching in a variety of capacities for thirty-eight years. David Wilson, from the South Simcoe dance group, takes the group on those few occasions when Maureen has a commitment, usually involving her career as an elementary school teacher.

All levels of dancers are welcome, and the evening is adapted to those in attendance. Dances for the Toronto Branch monthly dances, local balls and other special occasion events mentioned by the dancers are taught and/or reviewed. Some of the dancers also participate in demonstrations with dancers from the South Simcoe Group. Petronella Social Group - Teacher, Carole Skinner (seated, 5th from left) The new season starts on September 11, 2007 and newcomers are always down for SCD lessons. Ronald continu- welcome. When Royal Orchard Public School ously supported the Children’s group . . . Maureen Richardson closed, the group moved to Johnsview and was sure to make an appearance Village Public School, where they will at all their events. Major Gil Rich spoke celebrate fifty years of Scottish Country fondly of having over 30 students in Dancing in 2007. one class during his teaching reign. Petronella .. . . Barry Pipes Classes participated in competitive The group was formed in 1957, in Festivals, earning many trophies and Thornhill, under the leadership of Alan medals. The number of children danc- and Maureen Foster. Meetings were ing increased phenomenally, and the held at Thornhill United Church. In Rosedale standard of dancing was improving, 1964, the Fosters moved to California, The Rosedale Group at Rosedale the result of instruction given by (not and from then until 1970, Leslie and Presbyterian Church was one of in order and not all teachers listed): Elaine James were the group leaders. the founding groups of the Toronto Evelyn Watkins (née Clark), Sandra Following that, the group leaders and Branch, started in 1955 by Professor teachers included Lizbeth Rodger, Cathy Ronald Smith. He loved children, and Beattie (Shields), and Mary Rae. In 1974, was enthusiastic about having a class the group moved to Thornhill’s Royal for youth. In 1957, Anne MacLeod, Orchard Public School, shortly after (who received her Teaching Certificate which Janette Todd took over as their from Miss Milligan during Miss Jean teacher. Milligan’s first Canadian visit), assisted by Betty Anderson, started a children’s In 1992, Petronella entered a team group. Branch classes were also held to audition for the week-long Royal at Rosedale from 1958 to 1959, the Bank of Canada Seniors’ Jubilee at first taught by John Scott Gowans with Roy Thomson Hall. Since then, they Stanley D. McKee as the pianist. A have appeared every year, featuring a Candidate class was started in 1959 couple of dances devised, until recently, with Anne teaching, but both the by Janette Todd and Ella Allison. They Branch classes and Candidate classes perform several times during the week, eventually moved to other locations. entertaining daily audiences that usu- However, the bi-annual Candidate ally exceed two thousand people. adjudications are still held in the Great Hall and the Toronto Branch Executive Binns-Johnstone, Major Gil Rich, Miss In 2003, Janette Todd retired after near- Committee Meetings continue to meet Jeffray, Bob Blackie, Grace Harris, ly thirty years as Petronella’s teacher. at Rosedale to this day. Maureen Richardson, May Mitchell, Carole Skinner, returning to Canada Isabelle MacPherson, Grace Clarke, from the United States, took her place. In 1960 to 1961, Rosedale had both Ian McHaffie, Maureen Woodcock, As well as being a qualified teacher, adult and junior classes. Professor Wilma Clendinning, Peggy Weir, Mrs. Carole is a skilled deviser of Scottish Smith, though not a childen’s teacher, Billie Crichton, Betty Pellegrin, Anne Country dances, who has added lively would observe the children’s classes Meszaros, Lorna Larmour, Fiona (Noble) new dances to the group’s repertoire at and always encouraged the parents Philip, and Joyce Kite. Roy Thomson Hall. waiting upstairs to send their children

17 Social Groups

Lorna Larmour recalls that, as a youth, and, for a few years, a children’s class. teachers who taught technique and near the end of the dance season when He remained with the group until his dances every second week, and fill-in the weather became hot, and the tree retirement in 2004. Being awarded the teachers who taught only dances every outside the church wasn’t so big, danc- Award of Scroll was the crowning glory other week. Our group has a commit- ers entertained neighbourhood onlook- and a fitting end to his distinguished tee which organizes this as well as ers by holding classes on the lawn. career with Scarborough Scottish supplying a location and looking after Country Dancers. the finances. This system works so well that we still use it even though we now Under John’s tutelage, the Scarborough have a permanent teacher. group grew to one of the largest groups in the Toronto Association, with Carole Skinner taught for two years a wonderful demonstration team which from September 2003. She brought existed from 1973 to 1994. The team to us, all the way from Scarborough, participated in many activities such as her very casual style of teaching and Gala Day, Caravan and the CNE, as wonderful sense of humour and helped well as performing in nursing homes, mould us into the South Simcoe SCD. seniors’ residences and hospitals. Maureen Richardson took over from

In those halcyon early days, the fun and fel- Sandra Binns-Johnstone with Rosedale Team lowship enjoyed by the members of the club Today, Rosedale tradition contin- spilled over to include ues under the teaching direction of extra-curricular activities Moira Korus and Teresa Lockhart. such as bowling nights, Rosedale dancers continue to perform curling nights, car rallies, at Community events, nursing homes skating nights, golf tour- and attend RSCDS monthly and special naments and gala days. dance functions. Although we no longer partake in these activities, the same sense of enjoy- ment and camaraderie, synonymous with Scottish

Country Dancing, is still Margaret & John Christie (wall hanging made by John) shared by our present members. Our annual Christmas dance Carole in September 2005. Once again is one of the highlights of the season’s we have a great teacher and superb festivities and is attended by many dancer for our group. She teaches dancers from other clubs. every second week, with guest teach- ers coming from within our group and Scarborough Scottish Country Dancers other RSCDS groups. retain that enduring quality of fellow- ship in the dance set by Tom and John, We meet at Knox Church Hall in thanks to Donalda McDonald who took Alliston, from September until May on over as teacher in 2004. We look for- Friday evenings from 7.30 p.m. until ward to celebrating our 50th anniver- 10 p.m. Our dancers hail from all over sary four years from now. the area including Orillia, Nobleton, . . . Jean Quinn Tottenham, Queensville, Creemore, A Rosedale Team Mono Mills, Barrie, and Alliston. Ours is an active and welcoming group and our activities include a Christmas Scarborough South Simcoe Dance, a Spring Dance, and an always In 1961 Scarborough was little more Our Group was formed in September very well attended Valentine Workshop. than a wasteland devoid of any 2002 by Grace Graham and David We also perform demonstration dances entertainment, when Tom and Marg Wilson. It was strongly supported by at various times throughout the year. Cunningham moved here and founded the remaining active dancers from the the Scarborough group. Not only was former Orangeville Scottish Country All levels of dancers, including newcom- Tom the first teacher, but he was also Dance group, which had closed on the ers, are welcome. responsible for starting Dancing in the previous April. Park, in Edwards Gardens. Marg is still . . . David Wilson a valued member of the group. John The unique challenge of starting a class Christie took over from Tom in 1968 without a full-time teacher was solved teaching on Monday and Friday nights by having a roster of certified guest

18 Social Groups

After renting space in several schools, we danced for ten years at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (which gave us our name). Finances forced a move to Loafer’s Lake Recreation Centre and then (in September 1986) to our current location, Chris Gibson Recreation Centre.

Ann Campbell Marjorie Coulter

Between November 1986 and January 1999, we provided entertainment on thirty different occasions, for Burns Suppers, the British Show, seniors’ residences, a multicultural festival, and Canada Day festivities. Cathy McKeever, with her children . . . Paul Maloney and Ann Campbell South Simcoe St. Clement’s Children's I started the St. Clement’s Group on The South Simcoe Children's Group Saturday mornings in 1971, with a was born in September 2006, the small number of Children together offspring of the South Simcoe Group with a very able assistant Maureen in Alliston. We have twelve girls, ages Clockwise: Kathleen Stokoe, Fran Gamme, Rita Richardson. The group became more five to nine, including my two daughters, McQueen, Ann Campbell, Ena Watson, Marjorie Coulter, Rosalind Stokoe, Faye Simpson, Celia Stokoe established with much support from Holly and Sheena. We meet in the Village The first teacher was Margaret families of the Toronto Branch together of Hockley on Saturday mornings. The Dempster. The limited records for with Scottish Country Dancing being girls were all beginners in September and our first ten years show that George promoted in the local Schools at both have made great progress learning steps Douglas was the teacher in 1972-1973, lunch hour and after four programs. In and formations, and most of all, having and that David Izatt taught the group addition I spent much time and energy fun! Some of our favourite dances are The from September 1975 to May 1981. with numerous Brownie and Girl Guide Cumberland Reel, Mamie's Jig, and a few of James M. "Jim" Stephens and Jean C. companies in different areas. my own creation. Yeats taught from September 1981 to May 1983. Diana Hooper taught from The numbers grew during the 1970s Five girls attended the Children's Gala September 1983 to May 1985. And and 1980s to between 150 and 170, Day in March and had a terrific time. Paul Maloney has been our teacher ranging in age from five to eighteen They were inspired by the more experi- ever since. years. Janet Millar and Isabel McMillan enced dancers and were not at all shy (two Senior Teens) both obtained their about joining in. We would welcome Ann Campbell, a long-time member of teaching certificates, and our own more girls (and boys!) to join us for our our group and the Program Director daughter Elizabeth taught the seven- second season. of the Toronto Association, has writ- to-nine-year-old advanced class for ten over a hundred dances, including a number of seasons. Over the years My first year of teaching has been St. Andrew’s of Brampton (Book 37), several other young adults helped with a rewarding one seeing the children Welcome to the Ball (West Toronto Ball the kindergarten class. Meanwhile, progress - keeping our circles round, Jigs), and, to commemorate the presen- Maureen continued throughout all the our lines straight and standing still as tation to Jim Stephens on November 8, years with dedicated teaching and sup- posts! Not to mention dancing down 1997, The Award of Scroll. port, for which I owe her a great debt the middle and coming back! of gratitude. . . . Cathy McKeever We had wonderful Christmas parties St. Andrew’s of and took part in many events for both entertainment and competitive – far Brampton too many to list here! Marjorie Coulter (still dancing at ninety) brought Scottish Country Dancing to The time came when I wished to spend Brampton by placing an ad in a local more time with our family on week- newspaper to find out how many peo- ends and was fortunate to have a hall ple were interested in learning Scottish available at the church on Monday Country Dancing. Our first night of evenings. Over the years, the number dancing was November 7, 1966. St Andrew's of Brampton – Teacher, Paul Maloney of children declined so the class even-

19 Social Groups tually became an adult and teenage Later I was asked if I would consider and adapting dances to make the group. Now it has become a Social having a morning class for those not most of each performance. While the group made up of beginners and more wanting to come out in the evenings group strove to achieve a high stan- experienced dancers. and in 1984 the Tuesday morning class dard, performances were not without began. This has become a real favou- memorable moments: dancing on in rite, as before any dancing begins, reverent silence when music ceased coffee, goodies, and conversation in the middle of a dance or wardrobe take place. Over the years the Tayside malfunctions when the hoops of crino- Dancers have entertained at seniors’ lines disengaged. There was no reason residences, Burns Suppers, shopping to panic. Such challenges were quickly malls, churches, and Harbourfront’s overcome through a combination of Celtic Ceilidh. They have also partici- creativity, professionalism and good pated in the 512some, Tribute to the humour. Veterans Sunset Tattoo, and the Toronto International Festival Tattoo at the In addition to many civic and communi- SkyDome. Scottish Country Dancing is ty service functions, the Finlay Dancers a wonderful way to meet new people, performed at a broad cross section of St Clement's - Teachers, Grace Harris & Teresa Lockhart make friends, exercise, and have fun. events in Toronto as well as several No wonder we say "Happiness is outside of the Toronto area. Some of This is my thirty-sixth year with St. Scottish Country Dancing." the highlights are: Caravan, Carrasauga, Clement’s Church, and although I am . . . May Macfarlane Canada’s Wonderland, Moosonee and still connected we are just delighted Cochrane (Toronto Folk Arts Council), that our traditions and standards are to Epcot Centre, (Florida), CHCH, CTV, and continue in the very capable hands of CITY Television ("The Campbells" and Teresa and Rob Lockhart. The Finlay Dancers "Little Men"), Movies (Divided Loyalties . . . Grace Harris The Finlay Dancers started in the late and Prince Charming), The Opening of 1970s as an extension of the Weston the SkyDome, Ontario Place, Empire Children’s Group. It was established by Sandy Tall Ship (Scottish Studies Tayside Georgina Finlay for young dancers who Foundation) After receiving my RSCDS preliminary were no longer eligible to participate teaching certificate in March 1983, I in Children’s festivals. Membership immediately wished to pass on the grew to include young dancers from joys of Scottish Country dancing to the Greater Toronto area. Georgina others and formed the Tayside Scottish welcomed all young dancers as well Country Dance Group in East York. I as several novices, typically friends, am happy to say that many of the first girlfriends, boyfriends, or spouses. people who turned up to the first class They were quickly enlisted as active are still members of the Tayside Group, members. All that was needed was an and now my friends. I received my full enthusiasm to dance and enjoy a good teaching certificate in 1985. Classes time. were originally held at Selwyn Public School and later moved to Westview Georgina’s excellent tutelage and the Presbyterian Church, where we still support provided by the members of Georgina Finlay meet on Tuesdays. The Tayside SCD the group ensured that novice mem- Group have always welcomed begin- bers learned dances and the fine points Many performances consisted of a ners, and I am happy to say that the of technique quickly. It was not unusual single set, with extra members brought members are always more than willing for a novice to be asked to participate along to rotate into the various dances. to help and encourage new dancers. in a demonstration within a month At its peak, the group was able to field after joining! With many young danc- as many as four sets for gala perfor- ers of both genders present, it was not mances such as Epcot in 1989, 1992, hard to sustain this interest. 1994, 1999 and 2001 and Canada’s The group met on Sunday evenings at Wonderland. Weston Presbyterian Church. Additional practices were often held at St. Phillip’s The group’s repertoire included a Church. Many practices finished with broad cross-section of strathspeys, an evening at Georgina’s house on jigs, and reels: Ian Powrie’s Farewell Hillgarden Road to enjoy the generous to Auchterarder, The Bonnie Lass of hospitality offered by Georgina and Bon Accord, The Blooms of Bon Accord, Tom. MacDonald of Sleat, Mairi’s Wedding, and Nova Scotia. Under Georgina's direction, the Sunday practices were creative evenings, May Macfarlane & Ron Bell learning technique, and interpreting

20 Social Groups

Despite its passing, the influence of John Hurd, approaching retirement the Finlay Dancers will continue for from Trinity College, announced that years to come. Its members are active the 1989-90 session would be his last in other social groups, and remain year of teaching the Trinity group. He good friends, ensuring a strong bond was honoured at the May 26, 1990 between social groups in the Toronto Assembly. Vi Knight was the teacher of Association. Over ten members have the group until 1997, followed by Fiona earned their teaching certificates. Many Philip, who left in May, 2006, to pursue teach in children’s groups and social further studies. In September, 2006, groups in the Greater Toronto area, David Booz became our teacher. as well as teaching in Toronto branch "The Trinity Group was (in a sense) classes and workshops. As Finlay danc- founded by Miss Milligan," John Hurd ers and dancers as a whole, we owe says. "She examined me for my first Finlay Dancers a debt of gratitude to the generosity, certificate. When the exam was over Other demonstration dances, such as creativity, and enthusiasm of Georgina and she announced the results to us the Weston Medley, were devised by Finlay. one by one, she said to me, ‘Now, Georgina herself, frequently with the Professor Hurd, you should go and start creative assistance and observations of a group!’ Somebody must have told her members of the group. The creativity Trinity of my teaching title. She in turn thought is perhaps best illustrated in a perfor- The Trinity Scottish Country Dance of universities as natural sites for SCD mance at the Hamilton Gala Day, 1988, group was started in 1973 at Trinity groups. Left to myself, I might never which combined two RSCDS dances, College, University of Toronto, by John have taken that step, but inspired by one in a longwise set followed by one Hurd, Professor of New Testament at her command, I went about starting the in a square set then back again to fin- Trinity College. Most evenings since group that continues at Trinity College." ish in a longwise set. 1973 we have danced in the lovely . . . Joan Wood Seeley Hall at the college. In addition to demonstrations, the broader social aspects of the group The group welcomed beginning danc- were never neglected. In 1991, 1995, ers for the first three or four nights 1997, 2000 and 2000, members of the each fall. From the early days Trinity group attended St. Andrews Summer also had summer dancing with guest School. Murder Mystery nights held in teachers, one of the few groups to do 1995 and 1996 were also a resound- so. As well as participating in branch ing success as fund-raisers to help send activities, members of the Trinity group dancers to St. Andrews. took part in the CNE Tattoo of 1978, the 512some Reel at the CNE in 1991, Throughout its thirty-year history, the and the Guinness World Record attempt group continued to attract new mem- at the SkyDome in 1993. Members also bers and extended its interpretation participated in various demonstrations, Helen & John Hurd including Burns Day programs at the Royal Ontario Museum in1996 and 1997. West Acres In 1982 it was suggested that the The West Acres Group was started group hold an end-of-year ball. The in 1993 by Jessie Bryden at the West first Trinity Assembly took place in May, Acres Seniors Centre in Rexdale as part 1982, in the Music Room of Hart House, of the centre’s Social Club. The group University of Toronto, with Prudence meets on Monday mornings from Tracy as the Ball Chair. For many years 10:30 to noon and is open to retirees, the Bobby Frew Four provided our live seniors, and folk who don’t go out to music. From 1983 the Assembly was work on Monday mornings. We have a held in Strachan Hall of Trinity College very friendly, enthusiastic and welcom- ing group of about thirty-five men and Finlay Dancers with various group members chairing the committee. In 1996, for the first women with usually about three sets of "young dancers" to ensure that no time, the Assembly experienced a short- weekly. member was ever forced into retire- fall in its finances and in 1997 we held ment. Georgina joked about when you a joint "Toronto Assembly" with the Jessie, who had also taught the were forty you were no longer a young Calvin Group, still in Strachan Hall. This Bloorlea Group for many years and in people, but as we had birthdays after arrangement ended in 2004. In 2005 the early 1980s the Mississauga Group, this age the number kept going up. By we held our own Trinity Spring Dance. infused the dancing with so much fun, the time the Finlay Dancers disbanded great music, and social spirit that her in 2006, members of the group includ- dancers accomplished more than they ed two generations of dancers. thought possible and her end-of-season

21 Social Groups parties were not to be missed. Although she was a member of the committees Whigmaleeries Woodglen Whilst there had been a children’s inaugurating the West Toronto Ball and class in Mississauga under the tute- West End Workshop, she kept a very Children’s Group lage of Mary Morris in the 1970s, the The Woodglen Children's Group came low profile and was happiest teaching current class was established in 1983 into existence in 2002, at a suggestion her classes and spreading the joy of from Mark Derry, who was enjoying Scottish Country Dancing wher- taking Scottish Country Dance lessons ever she could, as well as shar- with the Woodglen adult class. Mark, ing her often hilarious memories the father of four daughters, felt that a of dancing with Jean Anderson’s local group for children would be great demonstration team. With the for the community. He and Betty Baker constant support of her husband, approached Sandra Scott, who agreed Ed, Jessie encouraged experi- to be the teacher. Betty and Mark then enced dancers from Toronto and co-ordinated the running of the group. elsewhere, as well as members The group dances for one hour each of the West Acres Social Club week on Fridays from 7:00 to 8:00 who had in most cases never prior to the Adult Group. Attendance danced before, to join in the over the following five years has aver- relaxed atmosphere on Monday aged about ten to twelve dancers. mornings. It worked!

On Jessie’s death in 2005, Nora Whigmaleeries at Carassauga, 1994 Sutherland took over the class and has tried to keep the same with Betty Pellegrin as its teacher. The spirit within the class – no pressure, group was subsequently renamed enjoy the dancing, the music, and the "Whigmaleeries" and has been taught people. Nora, incidentally, had been since 1989 by Keith Bark, later joined encouraged by Jessie in 1985 to take by Deirdre MacCuish Bark and Ishbel her teaching exams in order to take Thomson. over the Mississauga Group when Jessie moved back to Bloorlea. The children’s class has varied in size from its initial few children up to over five sets, and it continues to vary in size each year, depending on the current trend of youngsters. Woodglen Youth at 1995 Christmas Dance: Jemma Cuthbert, Elizabeth & Siobahn Derry, Amanda Scott The group has regularly performed demonstrations at seniors’ homes, the The group has successfully participated Scottish Pavilion at Carassauga, and the in yearly festivals, Burns Suppers, Georgetown Highland Games. The class Dancing in the Park, monthly dances, has also been featured on television a and, this past year, the Third Annual number of times. Youth Ball. The youth dancers also dance at Woodglen's afternoon tea. At one time, there were enough boys At their public performances, the for Bob Blackie to come and teach Woodglen children have a tradition them the Sword Dance of Papa Stour. A of dancing with the Woodglen men. It special set of lighter-weight swords was goes over well with the audience, the made for them by Jim Waugh, and the girls, and the Woodglen men. Jessie Bryden, Douglas Stephen, ?, ?, Wes Clindinning boys impressed many people with their .. . . Betty Baker performance of the dance.

Several of the early dancers have now The West Acres group participates grown into adults and attend adult Woodglen annually with a demonstration at the classes. We also have surprise visits by The Woodglen group was founded West Acres Social Club Burns Night, and former dancers returning home from by Vi Knight in the mid-1980s, at the end-of-season party has proved university or college, keen to see who Fallingbrook Presbyterian Church. They to be very successful. Some members is still dancing and to catch up on the grew in numbers and in quality through have also been part of the mass dem- gossip! Vi’s excellent teaching. Members from onstration at the Georgetown Highland . . . Keith and Deirdre Bark that time have many fond memories Games. of annual Burns Night Suppers at the . . . .Nora Sutherland church and many demonstrations in the community.

22 Social Groups

In the early 1990s, with the passing of Frank Knight followed quickly by Vi’s declining health, Vi asked the group to carry on as a committee-run social group. The founding committee, Betty Scottish Country Baker, Lisa Mitchell, and Jim and Liz Dancing promotes: Stark, responded to the challenge.

For the first few years, the group was taught by many excellent teach- 1. Good health through ers, including Lorna Larmour, Sheena vigorous exercise. Noble, and David Booz. For the past several years, the group has continued 2. Good manners - they are to flourish with the teaching shared by part of the format of the Sandra Scott and Deirdre Bark. A chil- dance. dren’s group was created in 2002. 3. Exhilarating gaiety Each year, from September to May, the group dances on Fridays, with through movement in time monthly "pub nights" held in mem- to stirring music. bers’ homes on the last Friday of the month. Woodglen has a tradition of Eleanor Reyes 4. Friendly co-operation of welcoming beginners. As well as con- both sexes participating tributing to the annual Burns Supper, together. this year, we planned and held our first Hallowe’en Dance and first Scottish Tea. 5. Self-control of mind and The members are deservedly proud of body. their accomplishments. As our group continues to thrive, we extend a warm welcome to all dancers to join us at 6. Satisfaction in physical any time for an evening of dancing and achievement. fun. . . . Ron Baker 7. Mental stimulus - there’s a lot to learn and the exercise stimulates the brain. 8. Happiness through the Vi & Frank Knight fulfilment of the natural desire to enjoy the exhilarating fellowship of others, and also to exercise one’s mind and body.

Excerpt taken from:

The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, Toronto Branch Silver Jubilee 1957-1982 edition.

23 50th Gala Day

Gala Day Programme

The White Cockade R32 Book 5 Miss Nancy Frowns J32 Book 14 Miss Gibson's Strathspey S32 RSCDS Leaflet The Whistling Wind R32 Book 36 The Glasgow Highlanders S32 Book 2 Intermission None So Pretty R40 Book 19 Bedrule S32 Book 33 Pelorus Jack J32 Book 41 The New Scotland Strathspey S40 Leaflet General Stuart's Reel R32 Book 10 Intermission Salute to Miss Milligan R32 Drewry Canadian The Duke of Atholl's Reel J32 Book 16 Gang the Same Gate S32 Book 36 The Laird of Milton's Daughter J32 Craigmyle, Bk 22 Maxwell's Rant R32 Book 18

24 4 music Makers

Bobby Brown and members of The Scottish Accent

Bobby Frew

Ian Powrie, Ann and Stan Hamilton

Jim McClennan, Elma Grech, Jean Anderson, Tom Cunningham

Bronek & Elma Grech The Jean Anderson Dancers

25 Music Makers

respect for the music and form of the When I was eleven, my mother Jean Day Anderson dance. Many in her class went on to enrolled me in Hughina Wilson’s become certified teachers; some were dance class on Saturday mornings at inspired to form active social groups of Fallingbrook Presbyterian Church. I their own. dropped out but returned several years later and this time enjoyed the dancing, The Jean Anderson Dancers, music, and sociability. created from the Lakeshore Group, performed their first Dancing was great; but professional show, "A Breath I wanted to play the of Scotland," at the Royal music, too. Hughina Alexandra Theatre in 1964. As gave me a copy of a demonstration team, they the Graded Book with became widely respected for music, and I set out to their expertise in all areas of learn some tunes on the dance and performed all over piano. I was struggling Ontario. to learn my first tune (a jig, Lord Cathcart) when In the early 1970s, when the first Jean Anderson, Bobby Brown's sister, Scottish World Festival was organized came along to the class. Jean told me at the Canadian National Exhibition to ignore the music written in the bass Bandshell, Jean was asked to choreo- clef, and she showed me what to do graph the entire show, which included with my left hand. You could say that the Jean Anderson Dancers (adult Jean got my left hand started on the and children) and highland dancers. right foot. Alex Jappy heard me play at In later Festivals, Jean, along with her Fallingbrook Church and introduced me Jean Anderson was one of RSCDS dancers, were joined by her brother, to Angus MacKinnon, who had a dance Toronto’s best-loved and valued teach- Bobby Brown and The Scottish Accent, band, the Scots-Canadians. Angus’s ers. She was born Jean Brown in the Cape Breton Symphony Fiddlers piano player suffered a heart attack Dennyloanhead, Stirlingshire, Scotland, (Bobby’s famous fiddle group), and during a performance in Hamilton. July 8, 1935. On February 5, 1955, she sister Christine Scott singing Scottish Shortly thereafter Angus recruited me married her childhood sweetheart, John favourites. They all played promi- – I was still in high school. Anderson. They immigrated to Canada nent roles in both the Bandshell and in 1956, first settling in Hamilton. Grandstand shows. Meanwhile (a good dance term), I progressed with SCD music. I learned To say Jean came from a musical fam- Sadly, Jean died, much too young, of many tunes by ear while dancing, and ily is an understatement. Her brother a heart attack at age forty-nine, in gradually acquired a small library of is none other than Bobby Brown and Toronto, in 1985, two days after her music, much of which is rare and no her sister, Christine Scott, was a gifted thirtieth wedding anniversary. Her pre- longer published. I started playing for singer, actress and entertainer. Jean mature death was a shock to her fam- dance weekends, workshops, and spe- began piano lessons at age four, and ily and the dance community. Jean is cial classes. later attended the Royal Conservatory missed by many. of Music in Glasgow. In Canada, Jean I was one of the founding mem- played piano for many Children’s bers of the Fallingbrook group, at Festivals in Hamilton and Toronto, at Don Bartlett Fallingbrook Church under the direc- TAC summer schools, and at many I was born in Toronto in 1947, and tion of Ken Inglis. I also danced with weekend workshops. Often at parties, grew up in suburban Scarborough. the Scarborough group, where Tom Stan Hamilton and Jean would play My great-grandparents came to four hands at the piano! And at dances, Canada from England, Scotland Stan would comment to Bobby, "Here and Ireland. My father was musi- son, that sister of yours is a beautiful cal but the strongest musical dancer". legacy is on my mother’s side where my grandmother was one Besides being an accomplished musi- of thirteen siblings, every one of cian, Jean was a lovely dancer with whom was a church organist. beautiful footwork and an excellent teacher of dance technique. She took As a youngster I took piano les- over teaching of the Lakeshore SCD sons for a few painful years. I Group from Sandy Bain in 1961, and rarely practised between lessons, taught there until 1978. Dancers from and my progress was slow. It was her classes contributed to the dance a relief when my parents allowed community in Toronto by producing me to stop. a high standard of dancing, and deep

26 Music Makers

Cunningham made me feel very wel- engagements in July and August. This Vancouver. In order to have a con- come. When I graduated from high still made for a busy schedule, since crete memory of our years together school, Tom helped me order a kilt each dance involved business arrange- we recorded "In Triumph" in April, and from Scotland in Cunningham tartan. ments and letters, musical arrange- a year later came together again to ments and practising, packing equip- record "Play Favourites". TAC Sound has In 1967 I contributed two dances to ment, travelling to the dance, unpack- subsequently re-published both these the Centennial Book – A Bonnie Lassie ing and setting up, playing, packing recordings on CD. and The Maple Leaf Flag and wrote the again, driving home, and putting the music for A Bonnie Lassie and for Susie equipment away. The musicians who I continued playing band engage- Ferguson Reel, another dance in the play for SCD have to love the music! ments without Alex for another four book. For the Scarborough group, I years. Sometimes I played melody on wrote Ruth Jappy’s Return to Glen Ravine Over the years, the band personnel piano, and often Ed Brydie joined us to – dance and music. I’ve written a few changed. Stuart Garbutt joined us on play lead on button accordion. Ed had dances since, and many tunes, but this second accordion, and Bill Colvin on studied SCD music with Jimmy Shand was the beginning. drums. Later Fred Collins played drums and brought a different style to the and Jimmy Darge second accordion. band. One memorable dance was TAC As a young adult, I most Summer School, 1978, when a enjoyed the Toronto severe thunderstorm took out Branch annual weekend the power just before the dance. at Geneva Park. What a The band that night was Jimmy party! I particularly recall Darge on second accordion, the kindness of Bob Don Williams on electric bass, Blackie, Ed Jones, and and myself on acoustic piano. Sandy Bain in including Enterprising dancers found me, and so many others, candles to light the hall, and in their social gatherings. Jimmy and I played unamplified Saturday evening after the for half of the dance until power ball was the highlight; the returned. musicians would gather and play, and people Meanwhile, sometime in the would sing, or dance, or 1978 to 1982 time frame, just listen. I learned a lot. the Calvin group asked me to become the musician for I formed my own band, their weekly classes. I gladly the Scotians, in 1972. I agreed. I supported teachers Iain was fortunate to have the Macfarlane and then Frances support of Alex Jappy on Jimmy Darge The Scottish Heirs Don Bartlett Gray until May 2004. accordion, Don Williams on bass guitar, and Bill Page on drums. Alex, in par- The Scotians had adventures, too. I Music has always been a hobby for ticular, was my partner in spirit. We all played some crummy pianos, including me, never a job. I have worked as worked enormously hard in the early two that fell apart in the middle of a an application programmer, project days, forming our own musical sound. dance – the same evening. An accor- manager, department manager and The first dance we played was April dionist fell asleep during the briefing assistant vice-president – always in jobs 28, 1972, for the Burlington Strathcona of a dance. Another time, the airline relating to computers. In 1971, I mar- group, taught by Arthur and Jean overbooked and informed us that one ried Cathie Williams, whom I met at a Douglas. The Toronto Branch, under of us couldn’t fly home. A rented ampli- 1968 Hamilton Branch Weekend. We the leadership of Don Pyper, graciously fier went up in smoke halfway through have two beautiful daughters, Elizabeth invited us to the November 1972 another evening. At a buffet dinner, we and Alison. They both danced from a monthly dance and the April 1973 AGM helped ourselves to some creatively young age. Cathie and I separated in dance. In our first year we also pro- presented mashed potatoes – we were 1980. In 1981, at TAC Summer School, vided music for the Fallingbrook group mistaken, it was a decoration made I met Elizabeth Ralston, known to (Ken Inglis), the Scarborough group of lard. We played the Calvin dance at many as "Ticker." Ticker and I married (John Christie), the George Armstrong Fantasy Farm on March 13, 1976 – the in 1984; we have two lovely daugh- group (David Grant and Bill Murray), the day after Elizabeth, my first daughter, ters, Jacquie and Lesley, and they also Calvin group (Iain Macfarlane), and the was born. danced from a young age. Since 2004, Islington group (Les and Elaine James), when I stopped playing regularly for as well as several out-of-town engage- The Scotians were in demand in the Calvin group, I have been choir ments. It was a busy year. Canada and the eastern United States. director at Grace Presbyterian Church in We played from Victoria to Fredericton, Scarborough. The Scotians usually played forty-five and in the New York and Philadelphia to fifty dances per year. We all had day areas, but I always preferred to play It was only natural that I should bring jobs, so I tried to reserve one week- in and around Toronto. In 1978, Alex together my interests in SCD music and end each month, and I rarely accepted and Ruth Jappy decided to move to computers. Using a MIDI keyboard and

27 Music Makers a computer, I created The MacClones, first Canadian musician to receive this and The Flying Scotsmen (1961-73) for a virtual band with a singular style recognition. His band is the first band transforming him into a professional – mine! I play lead accordion, second outside of Scotland to record for the musician. Playing with Hamilton, a accordion, piano, bass, drums, and RSCDS (Book 12). unique pianist, and with band member occasionally fiddle. With the MacClones Bobby Frew, a first-class accordionist, I resumed playing for occasional band Bobby’s father, John Brown, was a fid- taught him discipline, and the highest engagements in the late 1980s – in dler and his standards. Fredericton, Kitchener-Waterloo and mother, Jean Ottawa. In 1996 the MacClones played Day, was a The late 1950s for the first time in the Toronto area. graduate of and the 1960s Alas, The MacClones don’t help me Edinburgh were, says lift and carry the equipment, but they University, Bobby, the never complain, and they’re ready to an accom- "Glory Days" of play whenever I am. plished Scottish Country pianist, Dancing in When Bobby Frew’s band came to a professional Canada. The close, Jimmy Darge rejoined me on soprano, Flying Scotsmen second accordion. In 2002 my daugh- and teacher. would regularly ter Jacquie joined me on fiddle, and in Bobby’s play for 300 or 2003, my daughter Lesley joined me on aunts and The Scottish Accent: Kathleen Fraser-Collins, Fred Collins, Rob more dancers electric bass. The MacClone musicians uncles were Wolanski, Laird Brown, and Bobby Brown at a monthly gracefully drop out whenever there is a pipers and dance and close real person to play their part. The new pipe drummers and his uncle, John to 700 might attend the Toronto Ball. band is called The Scottish Heirs in rec- Day, had a Scottish dance band, the D- They also played for many of the social ognition of our rich heritage of Scottish Day Band. Dennyloanhead was a tiny groups’ dances and balls. music and the pleasure I find in passing hamlet, but musicians driving north that heritage along to my daughters. from Glasgow had to pass through it. A spur-of-the-moment phone call back Bobby’s father was also the owner of in 1973 paved the way for Bobby to The Crown Hotel, which became a pop- leave his daytime job as a sales man- Bobby Brown ular place to stop and when musicians ager and become a full-time profes- stopped, there was music. sional musician. Bobby was in Ottawa on business, when his friend, fiddler Bobby and his older sisters, Jean and Wilfred Gillis, phoned him to see if he Christine, all took piano lessons. He was interested in playing piano for the realized quickly, however, that formal pilot of what would become The John music lessons weren’t for him. "My ear Allan Cameron Show. Bobby jumped at was strong but my attention span was the chance, even though it meant trav- short. Of course, I read music; however, elling to Montreal. my ear is still my best friend." Bobby’s job on the show, in addition After immigrating to Canada at the to playing piano and accordion, was to age of sixteen, and not having a piano, arrange the music and write the charts Bobby found a small accordion at a for the musicians. Encouraging four store on St. Clair Ave (at a huge cost talented Cape Breton fiddlers - accus- of $35) and started to play. Starved for tomed to playing solo - to come togeth- authentic Scottish music, Bobby began er as a unified group was a challenge. Growing up in Scotland, Bobby Brown playing piano and accordion evenings Bobby earned the respect of all the would sit in his school classroom, look and weekends with a small country musicians on the show for his wit and out the window, and dream about band, while working days in Toronto. meticulous arrangements of the music. music: listening to music, composing In the early 1960s, he was visiting his music, playing music. Bobby says, "All friend Alec Martin, the drummer for In 1982, Bobby took The Cape Breton I ever wanted was to be in the Scottish Stan Hamilton. Martin persuaded Bobby Symphony Fiddlers and The Scottish music". to stay the night and play for Stan Accent band to Scotland, the group’s and Bobby Frew, who were coming first tour outside Canada. The tour Today, Bobby and his group, The to Martin’s the next day to rehearse. was a tremendous success, and along Scottish Accent, formed in 1975, are Hamilton says today, remembering that with subsequent tours, fostered musi- widely acknowledged as the leading meeting with Bobby, "When he hit his cal friendships between Canada and Scottish Country Dance Band in North first grace note, I knew right then he Scotland and thus a deeper understand- America. In 2004, The Royal Scottish had the soul for the music. He could ing of their shared musical heritage. Country Dance Society awarded Bobby follow a flea up the wall." its Award of Scroll for his role in pre- Never one to wear a single hat, Bobby serving and nurturing Scottish tradi- Bobby credits the years he spent as at this time was also playing with The tional music and dance. Bobby is the second accordionist with Stan Hamilton Scottish Accent, as well as composing,

28 Music Makers performing, producing, and arranging of Eaglemount, the Signature Dance, Ed Brydie for Scottish Country Dance, Celtic, and devised for the Gala by Jean Noble. The was born mainstream recordings. Throughout music, Jean Noble of Lossiemouth (Oor in St. his career, he has performed on over Lassie Frae Lossie) composed by Bobby Andrews, 120 recordings, including the landmark Brown. Scotland. album, "Memory Lane" (1989), which In 1939, preserves the music of Canada’s great For more than thirty years – and still he began Scottish Country Dance bands: Stan counting – Bobby’s music has brought playing Hamilton and The Flying Scotsmen; great joy to our hearts and an irresist- accordion Don Bartlett and The Scotians; Ed ible urge to dance. Long may it con- under the Brydie and his Scottish Dance Band; tinue! tuition of The Bobby Frew Four; and of course, Jimmy The Scottish Accent. Shand. Laird Brown During The band’s most recent recording, I was born just the late "Celtic Fire in the Music", is a double outside Toronto in 1940s CD collection celebrating their thirtieth Etobicoke, Ontario, and ’50s, Ed played for RSCDS classes, anniversary and featuring Bobby (first December 13, 1965. summer school dances, and Scottish accordion); Kathleen Fraser-Collins I had a great Celtic Country dances in Scotland and (piano); Laird Brown (second accordion); upbringing – there England. Don Wood (piano/bass); Rob Wolanski was always LIVE (bass/acoustic guitar); Fred Collins music being played. Ed emigrated to Toronto in 1954, and (drum); Warren Beesley (drums), in vari- I danced for a soon was playing in a group called ous combinations. number of years, "The Four Scots" (possibly the first orga- Country and Highland. I started piano nized Scottish band in Canada). Two Playing for the dancers, says Bobby, lessons when I was nine. I would play years later, Ed formed his own Scottish has always been a deep, emotional various other instruments through high dance band and as the field of SC danc- experience for him: the dancers’ school until I joined the Scottish Accent ing expanded, his band was in demand response to the musicians and the Band 16 years ago, taking my place throughout North America. They made music, and the musicians’ response to as Second Accordionist alongside my three records before retiring in 1970. the dancers, creates the magic of the father, Bobby Brown. music and the dance. In workshops, classes, and candidate exams, teachers I was asked if I had any memorable Fred Collins and students trust and respect Bobby’s dance moments and the one that sticks I was born in Dundee, Scotland, and as insights and vast knowledge of Scottish with me the most is dancing at the a young ten-year-old, my parents had music and dance. SkyDome/Rogers Centre, trying to set a me take piano lessons, which, unfor- Guinness World Record with the largest tunately, were not for me. Drumming When dancers gather at the Rameses RSCDS organized dance, the 1024some. was already my passion. When I was Temple on September 15, 2007 for the The pipes were playing, the dancers twelve, I joined the Boys' Brigade, 50th Anniversary Gala Dance, they’ll were on the field and the Dome roof learning pipe band drumming. I soon witness the debut of Mrs. Hamilton opened. What an incredible feeling! became a member of the competitive MacLeod Pipe Band in Dundee.

Ed Brydie SCD was becoming increasingly popu- Ed Brydie was well-known to danc- lar in Dundee during the late 1940s ers in the early days of the Toronto and early 1950s. One of the members Branch. He and his band often of our Boys' Brigade introduced me played for local dances. His band to country dancing and, after a short also appeared on CBC television period of time dancing, we decided, - at least, their music appeared. along with two other musical mem- The CBC programme, "On the bers of our Brigade, to form our own Town", televised a half-hour epi- Scottish Country Dance Band, called sode on Scottish Country Dancing, The Gie Gordons. It is important to note with jovial hosts Al Boliska and that at this time, in a twenty-one mile Don Ferguson, at Calvin’s Social radius of Dundee, there were twenty- Group, under the leadership of Iain three Scottish dance bands, of which Macfarlane. Ed’s music, and the twelve were radio broadcasting. We dancing, were great. At roll credits, were among those twelve. We were Ed and his band were thanked on playing seven nights a week (and held air, but they could not be shown full-time jobs) – six nights of country on camera or else they would and old-time dancing, with concerts on have to be paid Union scale! Sundays. Bobby Brown & The Scottish Accent

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There were a number of breaks from Early in high school, I made the dance bands during these years due career choice to be a music educator. to my managerial position with Shell I received a B. Mus from McGill, with Canada. I started playing with Bobby saxophone as my major instrument. in 1981 (of course, our association During my second year in Montreal, began with Stan, and now spans forty I went to see Bobby and The Scottish years) and continued until 1985, when Accent play for the RSCDS Ball. At the I moved to Vancouver. While there, my end of the evening he asked me to sit brother and I formed our own bath- at the piano and play. Little did I realize room and kitchen renovation company. that I was being auditioned and most Returning to Toronto in 1991, I formed of the rest is now history. I commuted my own percussion repair business from Montreal to Toronto for my last and in 1993 rejoined Bobby and The year at McGill and then transferred to Scottish Accent. Kathy and I are now the University of Toronto to get my "down on the farm" looking after hors- Education degree. I began teaching es, Highland cattle, our dog Huntly and at Sir Oliver Mowat in 1980, moved "our partridge in a pear tree." I continue to Winston Churchill as Department to repair percussion and tutor drum- Head in 1989, and then to Sir John A. mers at Kathy's school and also enjoy Macdonald in 1991. The early years When we first got started, my father putting together drum scores for the of teaching not only provided some had to help carry my drums, usually by local pipe band. excellent experiences but also intro- street car, to the gigs in Dundee. duced some great young talent to the field of Scottish Country Dance Music. During this time I also had the privilege Kathleen Fraser- On bass, Paul Langley, Rob Wolanski, of playing with bands such as Jimmy Jim Creeggan, and Chad Wenzel, and Shand and Angus Fitchet. In 1954, I Collins on drums, Warren Beesley. During my decided I needed a break from the I was born in Ste. Anne de Prescott, last twenty-nine years with Bobby and hectic pace and I set sail for Canada Ontario in a rural dairy farming com- The Scottish Accent, I have moved from for a "vacation." Immediately upon munity just one mile from the Quebec piano to bass to second box and back arriving in Toronto, I was recruited border, near the Scottish settlement of to piano, which is certainly my first love. by the Toronto Scottish Pipe Band. At Glengarry County. We grew up listen- their Christmas dance I met Ed Brydie ing to Scottish music, surrounded by I was involved with the Scarborough and The Four Scots. Early in 1955, Ed's old-time fiddlers, pipers, and Highland Schools Youth Choir for a number of drummer returned to Scotland and Ed dancers. Glengarry County – more spe- years as vocal coach, business manag- asked me to join him. In 1956, we were cifically Maxville – is host to the North er, and conductor, and was also Music approached by Matthew Sutherland to American Pipe Band Championship. A Director for the theatre company Stage play for a SCD at Rosedale Presbyterian highlight of our year were the concerts Centre Productions. I was fortunate to Church. I believe this was the first live and dances featuring the Stan Hamilton have a couple of excellent school choirs music for SCD in Toronto. We went on and Angus MacKinnon bands. I began who performed in the original Toronto to play at Bloor United for John Scott playing the piano by ear at age five, production of Joseph and the Amazing Gowans every week and for Hamilton and subsequently played with a num- Technicolor Dreamcoat and as backup Branch functions. ber of local dance bands: The Cousins for Barry Manilow. Five, Ron Clare and The Glengarians, At one of the Hamilton dances in and Sylvester MacDonald, and The I joined the Toronto Branch basic class 1957 we heard of a pair of musicians Clansmen. I was church organist for and took dance lessons with Bob Millar arriving in London, Ontario, from most of my public/high school years. I for a year and thoroughly enjoyed this Scotland - Stan Hamilton and Bobby was playing with Ron Clare in Ottawa time; however, I quickly learned that I Frew. During this period, I had moved when I first met Stan Hamilton and was not going to have much opportu- from the Toronto Scottish Pipe Band The Flying Scotsmen. It was during the nity to dance, given our hectic playing to the 400 Squadron Air Force as Lead years when bigger halls such as the schedule. In 1999, my drumming hus- Drummer. I eventually ended my "vaca- Chateau Laurier required at least ten band, Fred, and I decided to move back tion" and returned to Dundee in 1962 musicians and so Ronnie's band played to eastern Ontario. I have moved full where I joined the John Ellis Highland during the intervals for the RSCDS Ball. circle and currently teach music at my Dance Band. I played with him until my Stan's bass player, Don Wood, couldn't high school. I have found a new passion decision to return to Canada in 1964. make it that night and, because I could in the Great Highland Bagpipes and Fred From this time, my dance band drum- read music and had played a little bass, and I keep very busy with our farm. ming led me to a number of bands: I was asked to sit in. Can you imagine Angus MacKinnon, Stan Hamilton, both the thrill and the fear? I remember Don Bartlett, Alex Jappy (while in Bobby (Brown) asking for the bass to Jimmy Darge Vancouver), and, of course, Bobby be turned up and I desperately wanted Like the Toronto Branch, Jimmy Darge Brown and The Scottish Accent. the opposite. is celebrating fifty years of playing accordion music. Born in Toronto, he comes from a Scottish-Irish musical

30 Music Makers family. His father played modern and workshop, the musician has to be quick and his wonderful dexterity with the ethnic music on piano and accordion, to respond, quick to adjust. Depending accordion. His musical career started and Jimmy always knew it was going on your experience, that can be either at the age of five on the button key to be one of these keyboards for him. easy or very difficult. melodeon, taught by his father, and His mother, Ellen Darge, was a great at eight, Bobby advanced to the piano influence, accompanying her son to his "I was well trained by Bobby Frew accordion. weekly accordion lessons, begun in his and Don Bartlett, especially regard- early teens. ing tempo. Bobby Frew was a walking Bobby’s association with Scottish metronome. When he started a dance, Country Dancing began in 1955 in Modern music was Jimmy’s first love, but it was incumbent upon the drummer Ayr, Scotland, when he was asked to he became interested in Scottish Country to keep the beat steady. Fred Collins is play Lead Accordion with the Jimmy Dance music while listening to the one of the best drummers I have ever Hamilton SCD Band. Two weeks later, overseas bands of John Ellis and Jimmy heard in that field; he keeps the beat. at Castle Douglas, Ayrshire, came his Shand. In Canada, Stan Hamilton and The drummer is the rhythm keeper." SCD debut. Bobby had only six weeks Bobby Frew were important influences. to learn 24 dances - a nervous night- mare for a musician who never played Jimmy’s first Scottish Country Dance this type of music before. Entering the engagement was playing with Angus hall the night of the dance, a large MacKinnon, who encouraged the new poster of Bobby MacLeod and his band musician. Angus MacKinnon and the loomed largely on one side and Ian Scots Canadians were one of the three Powrie and his band on the other, two leading bands in Toronto in the 1960s. of the best SCD bands in Scotland. And The band played in Toronto, Kitchener, here was modern musician Bobby Frew St. Catharines, Boston, and New York. about to play Lead Accordion in a SCD band for the first time, following these Jimmy went on to play Second great musicians. Relying on his innate Accordion with Don Bartlett & the ability and preparation, he transformed Scotians, with whom he recorded In his initial nervousness to musical con- Triumph (1978), and Play Favourites fidence. (1979). For many years, he was part of The Bobby Frew Four, along with Like many other Scots of that genera- Jimmy Darge Cliff Flaherty, and Dave Ferguson. "My tion, Bobby emigrated to Canada in greatest influence was Bobby Frew, he 1957 with Jimmy Hamilton’s son, Stan, was strict but good." When The Bobby About two years ago, Jimmy formed locating in London, Ontario. John Frew Four disbanded, Jimmy rejoined his own group, The Reel Thing, with Middleton, a teacher from the Hamilton Don Bartlett. Recently, Don has formed Gordon D.S. Hamilton, and the two con- Branch, remembers how his father another new band with his younger tinue to play Scottish Country Dance met Bobby and Stan in the vestibule daughters, Jacquie and Lesley, named, music for RSCDS functions, and modern of McCormick’s Biscuits in London appropriately "Donald Bartlett & The music for other groups. where they were applying for a job. Scottish Heirs", with Jim on accordion. [Jimmy Darge thanks Joyce Frew for her After engaging the two in conversation, Jim has played for Branch classes, continued support and encouragement.] John’s father discovered they "were workshops, TAC summer schools, social not only fellow-Scots but also fellow groups and at Toronto’s Youth Ball. musicians and, in particular, Scottish Jean Hamilton and Jessie Bryden are Bobby Frew Country Dance musicians!" He promptly attributed to have been paramount to Bobby Frew was born in Terre Haute, invited them to his SCD class, and his Jimmy’s career, as they encouraged live Indiana, in 1928. His family returned home afterwards. Bobby sat down with music for their classes. to Scotland in 1937, and there he pol- his accordion, Stan at the piano – the ished his great love for Scottish music rest is history. Jimmy is a musician who gives a teach- er what he/she asks for. "A teacher will tell you what music they want you to play at the class, and I’ll play what they ask for. If a teacher requests the ‘original’ tune, even if it’s not a great tune, I play it, whether I like it or not. When a musician is asked to play at a function, there’s a lot of preparation involved. For example, once I get the teacher’s program, I have to arrange the necessary music, and if I don’t have it, I have to find it. Then I have to organize practices. And if the teacher changes the program on the day of the The Bobby Frew Trio – Bobby Frew in centre, on accordion

31 Music Makers

Bobby and Stan created their first dance as closely as possible. In addi- Toronto Branch classes (1967-1998); band, known as "The Clansmen", later tion, he composed a number of tunes Weekend workshops, including ISCDS changed to "The Flying Scotsmen" selected for new dances. He was well in Halifax, NS; Geneva Park weekends when the band realized a differ- known for his strict tempos – a feature (1979-1997), and Hamilton Branch ent meaning might be taken from greatly appreciated by dancers. Weekends (1976-2006). Her talents "Clansmen", particularly when play- are especially appreciated at Teacher ing in the U.S. They played for the Bobby and his music are revered by Candidate exams (Kingston, 1977 to Hamilton and London Branches, but, those who had the pleasure of dancing 1991, Kitchener, Brock and Waterloo) by 1964, the sheer number of Toronto to his playing. Scottish culture is richer and TAC Summer Schools (1983-2006) functions made them relocate to for his musical talent and creative con- where her confident and unobtrusive Toronto. They performed on stage and tributions. style helped many teachers and their television from Halifax to Vancouver candidates through the stress of Prelim and played for dances and concerts in and Full Certificate courses and exami- Canada and the United States, as well Elma Grech nations. as making six records. Mention the name Elma Grech, and a typical response is "Oh, Elma. . . she’s Elma has also played for the Australian such a sweetheart!" Well known and Winter School in Perth in 1984 while loved by teachers and dancers alike, on the "Aussie Fling" with Bob Blackie. Elma has devoted over 40 years provid- Subsequent "Flings" took her to Japan, ing music for Scottish Country dancing. Malaysia, and New Zealand. She has Christened Helen Mary Boyne, this love- played in St Andrews, Atlanta, Houston, ly petite lady was born in Aberdeen, and Kentucky. When she and Bronek Scotland. "Elma" was her parents’ go to Florida in the winter, she occa- affectionate name for her, combining sionally plays for Dunedin's weekly elements of Helen and Mary, and it’s dances and always for the Annual the name known by SC dancers around February Ball. Elma shares her distinct the world. talent generously and propitiously.

The Clansmen: Harvey Chapman, Bobby Brown, Stan Hamilton, Alex Martin, Bobby Frew She began playing piano at age seven and was taught Scottish Country danc- Joyce Frew ably assisted with admin- ing in school. She studied music with istration of the band. She had already Ann McCann, obtaining her A.L.C.M., been active in Scottish Country and was a pianist with the Aberdeen Dancing as a dancer, serving as Branch Department of Education. Secretary (four times) for many years, and then becoming Branch Vice-Chair. WW II brought together many strang- When Bobby and Joyce were married ers. Elma met and fell in love with a in 1967, Joyce resigned from her Board dashing young soldier, Bronek Grech, position. who served with the Polish 2nd Corps in Italy and Britain. They married April 24, In the late 1970’s, The Flying Scotsmen 1948, emigrated to Canada in 1956, and disbanded, and, in 1979, Bobby formed settled in Toronto where Elma worked his trio, which was expanded four as a librarian at The Globe & Mail. years later to become "The Bobby Frew Elma Grech Four". Many of their weekends were In the early 1960s, Elma attended the In 1983, she recorded "Elma’s Tunes", devoted to playing for dances and balls Blue Mountain, Collingwood Weekend, featuring Elma on piano, Fred Collins and for a growing number of Toronto where Stan Hamilton’s band was play- on drums, and Paul Langley on bass. area groups and other branches. His ing and met Bobby Frew. While visiting growing musical reputation led to her mother’s cousin in Toronto, she A beautiful singer, Elma sometimes requests from many places in the US met Isa Wright. Isa asked if Elma could entertains at ceilidhs. She and Bronek -North Carolina; Atlanta; Pawling, NY; play SCD music. Elma said "I’ll try," and are also dancers. Bronek was Vice-Chair New York City, and Washington, DC. began playing for George Armstrong’s of the Tartan Ball Committee when He was made an Honorary Member social group at Grace Church-On-The- Toronto Branch hosted the biggest of the RSCDS Washington DC Branch Hill, for seven years. "George Armstrong Tartan Ball ever – 650 of 800 Toronto for "Distinguished service to Scottish was a very good organizer. He orga- members attended the Ball, at a cost of Country Dancing". nized the first Granite Club Ball, the first $22 per couple. He remembers his first Spring Dance at the Island, as well as monthly dance: "I was very scared and Bobby had a rare feeling for the the Blue Mountain Weekend." next to me, in a nice white shirt and Scottish idiom, characterized by his skill grey pants stood a man. My first dance in arranging and playing selections for She has played for SCD functions was Mairi’s Wedding. The man said, dances. He played, wherever possible, in Toronto and elsewhere: the East "Don’t worry, you’ll do fine." I did, and I the original music for each dance and York group (1967-1982); Rosedale never forgot the dance and the encour- wrote and arranged selections to fit the Christmas dances (1981-1988); RSCDS aging man next to me (Iain Macfarlane)."

32 Music Makers

Coincidentally, Elma remembers danc- As an enthusiastic dancer for the past Stan took particular pride in choosing ing Mairi’s Wedding for the first time twenty-give years, there is none more tunes that suited the tempo and the with her partner, Professor ‘Sanskrit’ surprised or thrilled than I to now have dance. He composed, among many, Smith. "He took me to dance and I kept this opportunity to play for SCD. the music for Mary Hamilton and From saying, ‘No, no’ as he led me to top Scotia’s Shores We’re Noo Awa’. He couple’s place. Everyone was saying I am also most grateful to Bobby Brown researched, arranged, and recorded this way, that way, and this way, that for his encouragement and support in tunes that might otherwise have been way. I got to the end all right. Very nice my playing of SCD music. lost. His strathspey was incomparable, man. Played piano too." marked by a definitive lilt.

On one wall of Elma’s den hang certifi- James Stanley Stan was also a Scottish Country danc- cates of appreciation from admirers, er, having learned as a boy in Scotland. including TAC and Hamilton Branch, Hamilton He was a member of the Emmerson in appreciation of her dedication and James Stanley Hamilton was born New team, competing at the Kiwanis exceptional musical contribution, and Year’s Day, 1930, in Ayrshire, Scotland. Festival. He recalls how, after providing the joy she gives. Elma continues to His family lived across the road from piano music for more than 30 other play and will soon celebrate sixty years the cottage where Robert Burns was teams, he then had to "get up, shake of marriage to her dancing partner. born. His father, Jimmy, was an accom- up my bones, and dance – to a tape!" Dear Elma, Lady of all our hearts, we plished fiddler with his own dance His team won. thank you. band. "My father was my inspiration. Every night after supper he’d take out In 2005, Stan was awarded the RSCDS his fiddle. Not having the fingers for the Award Of Scroll in recognition of his Gordon Hamilton fiddle, I took up piano." Stan studied contributions, only the eleventh musi- About six years ago, I attended a classical piano at the renowned Ayr cian to receive the award. In the sup- Scottish Country Dance in Hamilton Academy. One day, his father asked, porting documentation, Emmerson’s where Peter Bush’s group was playing. "Here, you, with your high-fallutin’ son, Mark, wrote of Stan’s technical At the tea break, Peter indicated that he music, could ye no put a wee vamp to expertise: was interested in recruiting additional this!" Stan took up the challenge. Whether it is the vamp he provides in Friend and scholar Professor George solo performances or the chording by the Emmerson, who called Stan "the Neil second accordion and bass in his band, Gow of the piano" wrote: "Stan joined with Stan the harmonics and shaping of his father's Scottish dance band, and the tune are deliberately and skillfully rein- to this he brought that blend of con- forced. This can be heard today in Bobby scious and subconscious art which Brown’s performances, Stan’s prime pro- has enabled him to express the idiom tégé, and went well beyond the simple, lim- of Scottish music on the piano in a ited chording expected of the players and way that we believe is unique among bands of the early days. With Stan provid- Scottish pianists." ing the music, one could be assured that, with each new first couple, there would be One night in Ayr, Ann Riley, a young a new tune, new key, new energy and a Canadian teacher working in Britain, Gordon Hamilton redoubling of the set’s enthusiasm for the attended a dance where Stan was play- dance. ing. Ann says, "I fell in love with Stan’s musicians and invited anyone interest- music and, not so long after, I fell in For these reasons, Stan enjoyed a high ed to try out. I did and was soon play- love with the man." They married and, reputation with Miss Jean Milligan. ing keyboard in Peter’s band, "Sounds in 1957, settled in London, ON. Special". Over the next few years, we played at dances for Jean Hamilton’s With good friend Bobby Frew, who Erin Mills Group, and Margaret had also come to London, Stan Morrison’s Burlington Group. formed "The Clansmen" and, with their crisp rhythms and deftly More recently, I have teamed up chosen tunes, the popular band with Jimmy Darge – formerly a key travelled widely. Crossing into the member of The Bobby Frew Four for USA during the civil rights turmoil many years. We have enjoyed playing of the 1960s, they discovered together for the past few years in the "The Clansmen" was a title that Mississauga/Etobicoke area as "The had unfortunate associations. Reel Thing". Jimmy and I have played They changed the name to "The at dances for the Erin Mills Group, the Flying Scotsmen". Both bands Kipling Acres Group, and for the Clan gave us many beloved musicians, McLeod Society. including Bobby Brown, Fred Collins, and Don Wood.

33 Music Makers

and Alex played for Scarborough, then Alex and Ruth Jappy Donald started his own band, and Alex Alex Jappy was born in Buckie, in the played lead for Donald and continued northeast of Scotland, and came from with him until moving in 1978. They a very musical family. He played the played on many occasions for the Gala pump organ to accompany singing, Days, Branch Class parties, visiting then started to play the accordion at teachers, etc. age sixteen. While living in Aberdeen, he played for Scottish Country Dancing, These were wonderful years playing as well as Old Time. He emigrated to and dancing in Toronto and all the sur- Canada in 1952. rounding areas.

I became very involved in all the activi- While living in Toronto in 1960, Alex ties, and served on the Toronto Branch had a chance meeting with Bob Smith Committee for several years doing vari- of Toronto, who was actively involved ous jobs. I especially remember how, in in the SC Dance scene at that time. the first year, there were 650 dancers Stan Hamilton, piano – Ian Powrie, violin Bob told Alex of the newly forming at the Tartan Ball and my job was the Scarborough Group and introduced seating arrangements. I was terrified of "I was her fair-haired, blue-eyed boy," him to Tom Cunningham, who was making a mistake and having someone said Stan. "She always asked me to play the teacher of the group. Alex started end up without a seat. Of course, that when she was teaching or adjudicating playing for the group the first night it did not happen. in Canada." opened and, along with his wife, Ruth, continued to have a wonderful relation- Alex and I feel very happy to have Musicians Stan admired included Ian ship with the Scarborough Group until been involved during those years and Powrie (with whom he recorded an moving to Vancouver in 1978. album), Angus Fitchet, Jim McLeod, and we still have many wonderful friends that we made during those times. legendary fiddler/composer, Neil Gow. During those years, Iain Macfarlane of

the Calvin Group asked Alex to play for With Fond Memories When asked what was his most memo- them, which he did for several years. . . . Alex & Ruth Jappy rable performance, Stan said, "All of During this same time frame (1960s them!" but proceeded to describe one and 1970s), Ed Brydie was playing Hamilton Branch Weekend. "I put the classes for the Toronto Branch. He put Angus MacKinnon lid up on the piano and started to play. Alex’s name forward to the Branch, and Every time I hit a note, water came . . . As told by Don Bartlett soon Alex was playing two classes for Alex Jappy introduced me to Angus spraying out. It was like playing in a them on a Thursday evening. rainstorm." There had been a boister- MacKinnon, who had a band called the ous party the night before and some Scots-Canadians, one of the three lead- miscreants had dumped the piano into ing bands in Toronto in the 1960's. A the pool! Stan played on regardless. year or two later, Angus’s pianist had a heart attack while playing a Hamilton As this book was going to press, monthly dance. Angus recruited me to sadly, James Stanley Hamilton died, replace him. I was still in high school. September 4, 2007. His was a life of contribution and sharing the joy of Angus bought us all cummerbunds to music and dance. During the interview wear as a band uniform. He handed for this article, his lovely, gentle wife one to the drummer as he entered the Ann quoted a favourite poem, The Eve hall. By the time the drummer got to of Waterloo, by Lord Byron, that poi- the stage the cummerbund was miss- gnantly captures the spirit of the dance ing. We never found it. All of us, except Also during this time, Alex met Angus Angus, were grateful. and the fragility of life. MacKinnon, who wanted to start a band of his own, and he asked Alex There was a sound of revelry by night, We played once in Edwards Gardens to play with him. This took Alex to an on a night so humid that we received And Belgium’s Capital had gathered then even busier schedule of playing, but severe electric shocks from our equip- Her Beauty and her Chivalry, and bright enjoying every minute of it. Ed Brydie ment even though we were on a wood- The lamps shone o’er fair women and brave men; was actively playing with his own en platform. We couldn’t even put our band during this same time and he hands close to the equipment! A thousand hearts beat happily; and when asked Alex to play with him. As well as Music arose with its voluptuous swell, Scottish Country Dancing, they played Once we played a modern (not Scottish Soft eyes looked love to eyes which spake again, regularly for Old Time Dancing – Sons Country) dance on the evening of of Scotland/Cairngorm Club, etc. And all went merry as a marriage bell; the fall time change. The organizers

But hush! hark! a deep sound strikes like a rising wanted us to keep playing, arguing Donald Bartlett came on the scene, first that, because of the time change, we knell! as a dancer, then as a musician. Donald had to play an extra hour. Angus put

34 Music Makers up a big argument. When the organiz- wide variety of the musical genres he ers eventually paid Angus in cash, he Fred Moyes loves. Fred Moyes has played for many SCD was so angry that he threw the money events in the Toronto region. In 2006, back at them. We band members swal- In 1976, after watching a particu- he was the first musician to play for lowed our pride and went on hands larly brutal hockey game between the the annual Youth Ball and his music and knees to gather our pay. Philadelphia Flyers and the Toronto and personality energized the young Maple Leafs, Fred wrote a satirical song dancers – most of whom had never about violence in hockey. The CBC before experienced the magic of live broadcast his recording of the song and music. After the ball, Rhodes LoVecchio invited him to write more. A challenge and Gavin Keachey, from the Rosedale to write a song about John Turner’s res- Children’s SCD Group, went up to Fred ignation from the Trudeau government to shake his hand and say "Thanks resulted in a contract to write a weekly for the great music!" Fred was rather satirical song lampooning current touched by this, because Fred is a "peo- events, especially governments, at all ple person" and he cares passionately levels. National exposure led to guest about his music. appearances on radio and TV -- and an invitation to be the resident bard and Born in Aberfeldy, Perthshire, Scotland, musical wit of the Stephen Lewis NDP he listened to Scottish Country Dance provincial election campaign. music on BBC Radio Saturday evenings Bobby Brown and Angus MacKinnon as a child. His family danced in the In the mid-1980s, Fred won the Scots kitchen to recordings on 78s of Jimmy Perhaps the best(?) adventure with Magazine Song Contest. His winning Shand and Bobby MacLeod. At age Angus was the weekend we played the entry, The One and Only Scots Magazine, ten Fred bought a little accordion for Kitchener Ball Friday night until 1:30 was recorded by well-known Scottish ten pounds. At fifteen, he was playing a.m., immediately packing the equip- folk singer Alasdair Macdonald. in a local dance band. After two years ment and driving to New York City to In 1989, Fred retired from McMaster of National Service in the Royal Air play the Saturday Ball for the Jeannie University and made a dramatic switch Force, Fred switched to piano, which Carmichael Weekend, where Miss in vocation and musical focus. After made it easier to find gigs. Soon, Fred Milligan was teaching. Imagine six guys a few years of dedicated practice, he had his own band and they played in a station wagon towing a trailer full launched himself on a new musical venues around Perthshire and as far of equipment. We took turns – driver career playing Scottish Country Dance afield as Glasgow. He kept this band and conversation partner in the front music. He has played for SCD events together throughout his four years at seat, three guys lying parallel length- in many parts of Canada, the United Jordanhill College. It was there, in 1958, wise behind the front seat, and me, the States, Scotland, and Japan. Fred is well- he became a Full Certificate teacher of smallest, lying cross-wise at the back loved in Japan – he’s been there five Scottish Country Dancing. He’s proud to end. times! Some of his compositions reflect claim Miss Milligan as his examiner. the Japanese connection. His current That Saturday night, we decided the CD, "What You Hear Is What You Get", Fred’s chosen career was to be a col- equipment would be safer left in the includes Yamoto Hornpipe and Trilliums lege lecturer. From 1959 to 1969, he hall overnight. As we were packing taught a variety of stints in Scotland, up Sunday morning before the class, Nigeria, and England. In Nigeria, while Jimmy Darge surveyed the stage and teaching at Ahmadu Bello University, saw a lovely bouquet of flowers, appar- Fred formed a dance band trio of fac- ently unwanted. Just as he brought ulty members, often playing for dances them out to the car, Miss Milligan at the Faculty Club. While in England, arrived. Seeing Jimmy, she called out, at Bedford College, he played piano in "Young man, those are my flowers," a local pub and occasionally at a late- whereupon Jimmy quickly held them night casino. out to her saying, "I was just bringing them to you, Miss Milligan". In 1969, Fred moved to Canada to join the faculties of Social Sciences and, Angus put the band on a plane to fly later, Medical Sciences at McMaster home. He stayed Sunday night with Fred Moyes University, Hamilton. For the first year his sister in New York. That night the in his new country, Fred played little, sound equipment was stolen from his & Cherry Blossoms. (A second CD is in but in 1970 he began playing piano in trailer. the works.) Maintaining his connections the Airforce Club in Dundas. The follow- with teaching and Scotland, Fred regu- ing year he engaged a singer, another In 1972, I formed my own band – The larly plays at the RSCDS Summer School Scot, and formed an entertainment duo Scotians. [For that story, see the article at St. Andrews. known as The Singalongs. With this for- about Don Bartlett.[ mat, Fred played for dances, weddings, As Fred says: a life of great variety, but etc., which gave him chances to offer a one with an unbroken musical thread.

35 Music Makers

"East Coast" embellishments, it gave When Don retired in 1994, he explored Rob Wolanski Don a grounding in traditional music. other musical venues, including a coun- Double Bass, (BFA: York) try music band, several studio projects Don's family moved to London, Ontario and a folk band, John Prince & A Piece Rob Wolanski has been a member of where his father met Stan Hamilton, Of The Rock. When once again the lure Bobby Brown & The Scottish Accent recently arrived from Scotland. They of the traditional reels and jigs called, since 1986 and is seen, and heard, became good friends. Stan was a regu- Don rejoined The Scottish Accent, alter- at many SCD events. Rob is also lar visitor, entertaining the family on nating between bass, piano, and occa- active in other genres and aspects of piano while Don often enjoyed Ann, sionally guitar. "I missed the band while musical performance. Currently, he Stan’s wife’s, hospitality after school. I was away. I missed the music and how plays Principal Bass for The Hamilton Bobby takes the strict, rigid parameters Philharmonic Orchestra and sec- In early 1966, Stan suggested Don audi- of the SCD music and makes it interest- tion bass for the Canadian Opera tion on electric bass for his band, The ing with his innovative arrangements Company. He also works regularly Flying Scotsmen. Stan saw enough to and a willingness to allow the band to take a chance and Don joined Bobby explore new ideas. He makes it as inter- Frew, Fred Collins and, of course, Bobby esting as humanly possible. I’m glad I’m Brown. His first dance was the Island back." Fling at the RCYC. Don says "If I played three right notes that night, it was a Don continues to play with The Scottish miracle. I was soooooo nervous." Accent and he and his wife Nadine can be found at workshops and dances Don and Bobby Brown became fast whenever and wherever the band is friends, a friendship that continues to playing. this day. "He taught me how to play the piano. He taught me the Scottish vamp style. Everything I had played up to that point was just chording with three note triads. Bobby taught me music!"

Don joined Bobby in forming the Scottish Accent Band in 1976. Don con- tinued as the piano player until 1978 when he moved to Philadelphia. The band continued to evolve with several with Opera Ontario, Chamberworks fine musicians lending their talent, most Music Ensemble, Sinfonia Mississauga/ notably, Kathleen Fraser-Collins who Mississauga Philharmonic, The continues today. Chamber Music Society of Mississauga, The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir Returning to Canada two and a half Don Wood Orchestra and The Elora Festival years later, Don filled in for the Scottish Orchestra. He played in the orchestra of Accent if a sub was needed, and eventu- the Toronto production of The Phantom ally rejoined full time as the bass player. of the Opera. Teaching positions He returned to piano when Kathy took include double bass instructor at Brock on second accordion. He also played a University, double bass coach for the couple of dances on second accordion Musical Notes Niagara Youth Orchestra, the Claude when the weight Watson School for the Arts, and Earl of the instrument "Bands based in Toronto, led by Stan Haig Secondary School. finally got to her. Hamilton, Bobby Brown, Bobby Frew, Over the next decade, Don trav- Angus MacKinnon, Ed Brydie and Don Don Wood elled throughout Don Wood began playing Scottish North America, Bartlett, all of whom played for North Country dance music in September, playing bass and 1966, while still attending high school. American RSCDS dances, no doubt piano, and toured In spite of being a guitar player in a Scotland with accounted for Toronto’s membership Rhythm & Blues band, he was exposed Nadine Deacon the band and to Scottish music through his father, Bill, the Cape Breton Symphony Fiddlers reaching 1200 or more in the mid- a fiddle player. in 1992. At the 1993 Montreal Branch 1970s, the largest Branch in the Society workshop, he met the love of his life, Born in Nova Scotia, Don grew up lis- Nadine Deacon. They married in 1995 at that time." tening to his father play reels and jigs, with Bobby Brown, who takes credit for then eventually accompanied him on introducing them, acting as Best Man. . . . David Grant piano. While the music had all the usual

36 5 people, places and parties

37 People, Places and Parties

film was played at one of our theatres Sandra Binns- as a fill-in. But I have not had the plea- sure of seeing it yet! Also at the CNE on Johnstone music day, the Branch demonstration I feel very blessed to have been a part team performed on stages positioned of the Scottish Country Dancing family around the grounds, and we always in Toronto, starting out as a Highland had good audiences. dancer at age nine, influenced by my mother (a member of the Daughters of At Maple Leaf Gardens we performed in Scotland in Canada) and my grandpa, the 1963 Easter Seal programme, with a "Gordon Highland," to move into Tommy Hunter and Juliette, the singer, SCD. At age sixteen in Jimmy LeFevre’s to a full house. group I met Georgina Finlay, Noreen McLennan, Coll Black, Jack Geddes, Valerie Fisher, Jon Allen-Friend I thought I had experienced all, over my Alec MacGregor, and Sandy Bain, so years with SCD, then Bob Blackie called I had the best of the best to guide that "some of the teenagers enjoyed me to ask if I would look after the me through. I remember travelling by the bushes there," to which David Grant spare dancers required to be on hand streetcar to Bathurst and Bloor, where replied, "You’re bringing some spice for the 512some at the CNE. That was in the church lower hall Coll Black into this, Gracie!" In 1971 the dancing a terrific experience—but then came the taught me the correct positions so that was moved to Sunnybrook Park, then SkyDome and again I was asked to be I would be accepted on the demon- back to Edwards Gardens in 1996, in charge of the spares. Wow, what a stration team. And so I continued on where it has been held ever since. trip! Again I felt honoured to be part of a journey with friendship, wonderful the 1024some which almost happened. experiences, and happy memories all the way. Demo team in 1960s SCD has been a wonderful hobby and Toronto Branch formed a demonstra- pastime, from demonstrations to teach- I danced on the Toronto Branch team tion team in 1963 under the direction er of both adults and children, enter- at the opening of the new Toronto City of Isabelle MacPherson. Between June ing my teams into the Festivals, then Hall—a stage quite high in front of the 22, 1963 and July 18, 1967, there were adjudicating at festivals, then travelling building, TV coverage and lots of fire- 87 dancers involved in 104 performanc- North America to teach at workshops. I works. Hundreds attended — quite an es. Highlights were the opening of the feel deeply that the core value through- honour. "New" City Hall in 1965, Expo 67, and out is to practise and preserve country dances as danced in Scotland, staying true to the traditions of the steps and formations, maintaining good manners and spreading friendship and happiness wherever we go to dance or teach. As we age, the feet and positions can be difficult, but wherever possible every- thing else should be present. We should feel proud of our ability to still be danc- ing with joy and helpfulness.

Dancing in the Park McLeod Scottish Country Dancers According to Isabelle MacPherson, who Kathy Sheilds, Barry Walker, Susan Doe, Alex Wylie remembers it well, Dancing in the Park the CNE grandstand "Nation Builders began on a Tuesday evening in 1963 at Show" under the Canadian Folk Arts Edwards Gardens. It was organized by Council in 1964 and 1965. Tom Cunningham, who was instructed . . . Isabelle MacPherson by park authorities that dancing would be held in the pavilion only, with no amplification of music and no dancing Geneva Park on the grass. The dancers must have In the early 1960s, George Armstrong, Opening of new City Hall, 1965 impressed the powers that decided, the founder and teacher of the Scottish however, because the next year they Country Dance group at Grace Church were allowed to do both. In 1969 the At the CNE Grandstand for the Folk Arts on the Hill, Toronto, invited dancers to dancing was transferred to Toronto Festival, my partner Bob Millar and I Thornbury for a day of dancing, picnic Island, which caused transportation represented our group in the opening and barbeque, followed by a dance in problems at times. One night the band number, with special choreography— the evening. A full weekend workshop missed the ferry, but caught the next what a thrill and honour! The complete was organized the following year, held one so that the evening merely got off show was filmed by the National Film October 6 to 9 at the Blue Mountain Ski to a late start. Grace Harris remembers Board and the CBC, and apparently the Lodge in Collingwood. Accommodation

38 People, Places and Parties was somewhat Spartan, but the 115 started. Traditionally, too, guest dancers who attended the classes and teachers were invited. In 1969, Miss the social events were very enthusias- Margaret McLaren from Scotland taught tic about the idea of a Toronto Branch at the weekend and was the Guest of Workshop Weekend. Honour. In 1973 a similar invitation was extended to Miss Milligan. As she was unable to attend, Mrs. Mina Corson came in her place and accepted, on her behalf, an Honorary Life Membership in the Toronto Branch and a specially bound copy of The Glasgow Assembly. Bob Campbell of Oakville composed the dance medley in honour of Miss

Milligan on the occasion of the fiftieth At the Tartan Ball anniversary of the RSCDS. The dance medley was demonstrated at the week- end by a team of dancers trained by No ease for the Chair Bob Millar. As Chair of the 1989 Tartan Ball, the Royal York graciously provided Mairi Many dancers have enjoyed work- and me with the luxurious Queen shop weekends at Geneva Park over Mother’s Suite. At the conclusion of fes- the years. Geneva Park, another dance tivities in the Hospitality Suite around devised by Bob Campbell, was included 2:30 a.m., we retired to our regal suite. on one of the ball programmes for the At 3:30 a.m., the ever jovial Bob Blackie 40th anniversary of Toronto Branch. called from the front desk in search Betty & David Grant of his Prince Charlie Jacket. I met him [Editor’s note: At the time of printing, the down at the Hospitality Suite. With Bob Soon after, Iain Macfarlane, chairman Geneva Park weekends are no longer held.] happily on his way, I returned to the of the Branch from 1963 to 1965, blissful surroundings of the suite. At learned that the YMCA was planning 4:45 am the silence was broken by the to build a lodge on their property at Tartan Ball shrill tone of the fire alarm. Geneva Park and decided that it would In 1993, the Tartan Ball Committee be an ideal location for a Branch week- invited John de Chastelain to be the As co-ordinator of the monthly dance: end. Plans were made and the week- honoured guest at the ball, and we In March 1998, late on Saturday end advertised. Iain and Reid McAlister, featured this in our marketing. More afternoon as I loaded the coffee urns who were in charge of arrangements than 20 Ottawa people bought tickets into the car, a light icy drizzle began for the workshop, visited Geneva Park and local people who knew him made to fall. Around 6 p.m. Bobby Brown several times during the summer of sure to get theirs early. Then he was called to inquire if we were cancelling 1963, with mixed feelings of excitement appointed Canada's Ambassador to the dance, as there had been freezing at the progress of the construction and the United States. Very nice, but could rain for most of the day in Brampton. apprehension that the facilities would he still come to the ball? As chair, I I informed him we were going ahead was the chief worrier, and because we had not had much rain. Geneva Park, 1982 the most relieved when we By the time I drove to Forest Hill got an answer back to our Collegiate, the roads were shrouded in query that yes, he would ice. As I descended the hill to the Forest come to the Ball. Hill kitchen, I was forced to turn the car into the curb to avoid skidding into the The US Presidential wall and gas main at the bottom of the Inauguration had been a hill. few weeks earlier, and his wife wore the beautiful gown she had worn there. Bobby Frew, Elma Grech, Bob Blackie, Mary Murray, Sandy Bain John also wore what he had worn at the Inaugural Ball not be ready in September. The build- - formal Scottish evening dress. Some , ings were indeed ready, 124 dancers of the press corps had commented on attended, and Geneva Park has been his kilt and wondered why he wasn't in the location of the Toronto Branch "evening attire." He told them that he Weekend since then. was wearing the only evening outfit he owned, and that he planned to wear it The weekend continued to be held at every formal event he attended in in the fall, renewing interest in danc- Washington. ing before Branch classes and dances . . . Alison Booz Andrew Collins

39 People, Places and Parties

Dinner conversation was lively, the she was held aloft by pure exuberant meal delicious but, in truth, my but- joy. It was so much fun! As soon as terflies were not hungry! We retired to the dance finished we did it all again the lounge while the grand ballroom – faster! was prepared. Then two-by-two, we marched in to the pipers' wail. This, the The highlight, of course, was Bonnie Grand Parade, was like a dance forma- Stronshiray. I found Jane Pratt and led tion itself. Under a ceiling sparkling her to the floor, seeking my customary with fairy lights, we marched in twos. middle position. She was not having Marshalls divided us alternately left and that! She pulled me swiftly to the top right, to circuit the room. We met and of the room where we joined a set joined hands to march 4 across, then with Keith, Anne, Pascal and others Tartan Ball, 1989: Hon. Pauline McGibbon with Sandy Robertson 8 across, until seamlessly, we formed 4 unknown to me but all very good. Jane Despite the weather, the evening was long lines of dancers. "O Canada" was danced perfectly, and gently, subtly, a resounding success, with one of sung. Jubilee Jig, was briefed, and Bobby guided me through. It was an honour the highest attendance counts. As the Brown gave us a chord. Gentlemen and inspiration to share that with gra- crowds made their way out to the park- bow; ladies curtsy; and suddenly . . I as cious lady, Jane Pratt. ing lot, they found their cars covered 1st man cast, set to 3rd lady. . . in a layer of ice. One car had slid side- What a night! And little did I know then ways against Bobby Brown’s van. With that three years later, Jane would play a little elbow grease and ingenuity, we a role in my courtship of my future managed to separate the vehicles with- wife, and that Anne, my first Ball com- out any noticeable damage. panion, would sing at my wedding. But . . . Andrew Collins that’s another story. . . . Rob Lockhart West Toronto Ball The 2003 West Toronto Ball was my first formal ball. What glorious anticipa- tion, and what fearful anxiety afflicted my friend Anne Thorne and me as we entered Rameses Temple. We marvelled at the audacity of our enterprise (we were, after all, beginners). The room slowly came alive -- ladies arriving in ball gowns in a rustling sea of colour, men in kilts, all faces beaming.

We were invited to fortify ourselves with Marie and Forbes Duncan and their friend Jane Pratt, a lady of almost ninety years. Jane had visited Woodglen one evening and I danced with her; she was good. I guessed her age to be seventy. During "pub" time Mike Mandel and Heather Peacock at their 1st Ball at the Bakers’, I had a good blether with Jane. My first ball was heavy on Anne and I did okay on the first dance, my mind. She said, "I’m going". When then it was every dancer for him/her- I complained Bonnie Stronshiray was self! I tried to choose strong partners, impossibly complicated, she said, "Och, but everyone was forgiving and helpful. no. Laddie, you’ll just have to dance Anne gathered kudos for her prow- Bonnie Stronshiray with me!" Then ess, her gold stars richly deserved. added, "But you'll have to identify your- Sometimes my brain seized, but, gratify- self, because I can’t see so well." ingly, I was occasionally able to correct my partner. Reel of the Royal Scots with Pleasant mingling over, pipers struck cheerful Anne Munn was fast, furious up a march and led us to our table. fun! Anne M. kept wanting to pass left Steve Coombs (new High Heid'gion of shoulder instead of right when flying the dance society) bade the company from 1st to 2nd corner - she never welcome. We toasted The Queen. Then stopped laughing. On the furious "circle a young lady named Lisa said a lovely 6-hands round", she laughed as her grace invoking the Lord's blessing upon feet barely touched ground - she had the gathering – by God, I needed that! the support of her partners but I think

40 41 trips . . . Farewell Ball was a special treat Bob Blackie’s with Ian Powrie playing in the band. The next day, on the Fabulous Flings plane to Canberra, we became . . . Milly McConnell terribly bedraggled when the plane made a sudden drop When my two sisters and I heard that and our drinks were spilled all a group called ASTA was hoping to over us. Refills were expensive, sell the last few seats on their second so Bob, learning a lesson from trip to Australia and New Zealand, this experience, from then on we immediately phoned Bob Blackie always showed up with a bottle of "Feeling Better". We never

bought another drink on a Summer School, New Zealand plane again. Social Group, and enjoyed dinners with On another trip, the Hawaiian Fling, we the other Toronto dancers whom they had a whist drive, and when the game had met in Christchurch, namely, Jane ended, Bob decided that we would put Robinson, Margaret and Heinz Rieger, on sketches our final party. I organized Elizabeth Hannah, and John Kennedy. our participants into "A Short History of the Hawaiian People." With the only At the 2006 New Zealand Summer male in the group cast as the dancer, School in Dunedin, our cultures blend- and his mother-in-law, who was on ed as twelve Canadians and seven holiday from England, paired up with Australians, including Rod and Denise, me as Yankee sailors, we entertained gathered for dinner to celebrate New Milly McConnell everyone with great enthusiasm. Bob Year's Day. loved it! and thus became some of his regular "Flingers". However, when my twin After the Summer School, Ken grandchildren were born, we took over and Glenna visited Tasmania and the job of being their "nanny" until they The Wide World danced with the Tasmanian group in went into nursery school so that we did of SCD - A Devil Launceston. miss out on The Malaysian Fling. of a Link with Plans are now underway for Denise This first trip took us to Perth for their and Rod to visit Toronto in October winter school where we were billeted Tasmanians 2007. While experiencing the fall with local dancers until the Winter . . . Ken Adamson & Glenna MacDonald colours and hiking on the Bruce Trail is a priority, they hope to attend the This short story is Monthly Dance and the White Heather about a special rela- Ball, to visit some of the social groups, tionship that devel- and to gather over dinner with the oped between danc- many friends they have made among ers from Ontario the Toronto Association dancers. and Tasmania; Scottish Country While both New Zealand summer Dancing was the schools were memorable, the lasting common language. effect of the summer school experi- ence is the relationships that have been In 2002, at the formed or strengthened. If The Happy New Zealand Meeting is on the October program, it Summer School in will have special significance to the Christchurch, we Ontario/Tasmania link. Toronto dancers formed a friendship with a Tasmanian Dancing Vacation . . . Lisa Mitchell Winter School, Perth, Australia couple, Denise and When one thinks of Prague, one Rod Comrie. This doesn't usually think of Scottish School began. Then we moved into friendship was strengthened in 2004 Country Dancing! But that idea was Jewel House with the New Zealanders, when Rod and Denise attended TAC dispelled when Dvorana, a dance who taught us Maori dancing. The in Waterloo, danced with the Calvin company in Prague, hosted "A Scottish

42 dancing Country Dancing Week Workshop" and On Monday morning we boarded several sightseeing events and special The Spirit of the train to make our way south for evenings. It was a fabulous week of the show at the arena in Cochrane. dancing under the expert teaching of the Dance visits The stage consisted of a riser set on Ron Wallace from California leading Northern Ontario oil drums in the centre of the arena. nine sessions and Veronica Fergusson . . . Andrew Collins To say the least, it was flexible and of Munich joining him for the remain- bouncy. After witnessing a member of ing sessions. We have all danced A Trip to Bavaria or the Ukrainian dance team fall through A Trip to Gatlinburg. In 1986 the Finlay the stage, we decided to dance on the After a two-day stop in Amsterdam (for Dancers joined a group of folk dancers concrete floor. sightseeing and a canal cruise), Valerie under the auspices of the Toronto Folk Walker and I arrived at Prague's mod- Arts Council for A Trip to Moosonee. We departed Cochrane late in the after- ern airport, August 2. After registration The journey began in the parking lot noon, stopping in New Liskeard for a and dinner, we were straight to the at the church on the corner of Jarvis supper break (near the giant statue of opening social dance evening. It was and Bloor, where the teams of dancers a cow – you are after all briefly back fascinating to dance Joie de Vivre, Seann boarded buses on Friday evening of the in farm country!), and at Huntsville Truibhas Willichan, and Corn Rigs with August long weekend. We were joined to drop one of the Highland dancers. Scottish Country Dancers from all over by two Highland dancers, a piper, and Weary from the adventure, we spilled the world! The majority of these danc- the parents of one of the Highland off the bus into the parking lot at Jarvis ers were not Scots living abroad, but dancers. and Bloor at midnight and melted into native to their own country, and want- the night. ing to learn Scottish Country Dancing. As daylight turned to twilight, the buses thundered up Highway 400 and Highway 11. Our bus stopped at the side of the highway south of Huntsville to pick up one of the Highland dancers. We arrived at our motel in Cochrane around midnight.

On Saturday morning, we boarded the Polar Bear Express for the trip to Moosonee. The train proceeded north through the poplar forest, rattling along at a leisurely pace and stopping at will to take on and drop off passengers, Our days included lessons, tours, excur- canoes and other freight. After a five- sions, cultural performances, dinners hour ride we arrived in Moosonee. and dancing. Our final day of the workshop was morning lessons, free On Saturday evening, all of the Folk The "Fuji Fling" – Japan, 1986 afternoon, and a "Czech pub" evening. Arts Council dancers marched down the Our dancers invited the Czech danc- main street in Moosonee to the skirl ers to try Scottish Country Dancing of the piper, drawing an enthusiastic and after quick briefings from Ron or crowd to the show at the high school. Veronica, we all danced together! How On the Sunday we performed across we wished that night would last! the river in Moose Factory. Our perfor- mances included MacDonald of Sleat, Considering the broad range of danc- and Ian Powrie’s Farewell to Auchterarder. ing abilities, we covered a lot of dances during the week. The time went so We were billeted co-ed in the gymna- quickly, but we learned so much, about sium of the Moosonee High School. Europe, about techniques of good danc- Tired from a long day, the gymnasium ing, about the joys and fun of Scottish fell silent. At 7 a.m. the lights came on Country Dancing. just as one of the leaders of another folk group emerged from the showers wrapped in a towel, to the enthusiastic applause of all in the gymnasium.

Elizabeth Watt & Elma Grech in Tokyo

43 Rules of Etiquette for Dancing

Adapted from the Boston Weekly Magazine, 10/12/1903.

1. Admittance 50 cents, refreshments included.

2. The music to consist of a fiddle, a pipe and tabor and a hurdy- gurdy (NB: no chorus to be sung until dancing is over).

3. To prevent spitting, no gentleman to chew tobacco or smoke.

4. No scissors or gimlets are to be brought either by ladies or gentlemen unless their pockets are whole.

5. No whispering to be allowed - if anyone shall be found to make insidious remarks about anyone’s dancing, he or she shall be put out of the room.

6. Long beards are forbidden, as it would be very disagreeable if a gentleman should happen to put his cheek beside a lady’s.

7. Those ladies who have not white cotton stockings and black morocco shoes will not be admitted under any pretence what ever. Two old ladies will be provided to examine all who enter.

8. No gentleman must squeeze his partner’s hand, nor look earnestly upon her, and furthermore he must not even pick up her handkerchief, provided it were to fall - the first denotes he loves her, the second he wishes to kiss her, and the last that she makes a sign for both.

. . . From The Puget Scot April-May 1991.

Compare with: "The Etiquette or The Ball Room as it Particularly Relates to Country Dancing" (by Thomas Wilson, The Complete System of English Country Dancing, c. 1820)

Gentlemen are not permitted to enter the Ball Room in boots, spurs, gaiters, trowsers, or with canes or sticks; nor are loose pantaloons considered proper for a Full Dress Ball.

Two Ladies, or two Gentlemen, cannot Dance together, without permission of the Master of the Ceremonies; nor can permission be given while there are an equal number of Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is the duty of the Master of the Ceremonies alone to direct the band; and for the band to obey no other person.

No Dance ought to be performed twice the same evening.

Snapping the fingers, in Country Dancing and Reels, and the sudden howl or yell too frequently practised, ought particularly to be avoided, as partaking too much of the customs of barbarous nations; the character and effect by such means given to the Dance, being adapted only to the stage, and by no means suited to the Ball Room.

44 6 Connections

45 Connections Encounters with Miss Milligan

of war. Miss Milligan had been a found- "I must mention that Miss Jean Milligan ing member and a collector of dances was my lecturer at Jordanhill College and music for that Society. When Mr. – where I learned my first few dances. Diack introduced Miss Milligan and She was a wonderful inspiration to the Mrs. Stewart, they decided to co-found early dedicated dancers who started a new Society and to continue the the Society with such enthusiasm. complex task of collecting and publish- She came over many times to North ing Scottish Country Dances. Not to be America and other countries and it was left out of the endeavour, Paterson’s her spirit that made us all feel we had Publications agreed to back them to achieve the very best. She used most financially by publishing a book of 12 of her money, travelling to ensure a dances with music. The inaugural meet- strong vibrant happy group of danc- ing was held on November 26, 1923, ers. She was staying with us on her last and, by 1952 the Society’s patron, "world trip" when she was ninety-two Queen Elizabeth II, had conferred the and still had a wonderful personality." "Royal" title. . . . Catherine Macfarlane

Through the years, Jean Milligan took a personal hand in ensuring that the One of my early experiences play- Miss Milligan Mrs. Stewart aim of the Society – to preserve coun- ing piano was accompanying a class try dancing in its correct form – was in 1968 in Hamilton taught by Miss upheld. But, beyond that, she believed Milligan. Miss Milligan made a mistake: in the joy and enthusiasm expressed by she added an 8-bar figure to a 32-bar dancing from the heart. She was con- dance. I covered up by adding 8 bars to Scottish Country sidered a formidable lady, but, beneath the tune, and Miss Milligan noticed the that exterior, was a friendly, enthusias- music wasn’t aligning with the dance. Dancing tic person with a remarkable sense of She asked me, graciously but not too humour. quietly, from the other end of the . comes of Age hall, to play the music in "the proper . . . Taken from the following documents: sequence." I suggested she had made "Spring in the Step", Internet an error in the dance. She immediately JEAN C. MILLIGAN "The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, retorted, "I don't think so!" My heart AND YSOBEL STEWART Toronto Branch, Silver Jubilee, 1957-1982". was in my boots! As tactfully as pos- sible, I pointed out the specific problem, Jean Callander Milligan was born in whereupon Miss Milligan announced 1886, and lived in the West End for "From the waist up, I’m forty. From the to the class, "I've added an awfully nice most of her ninety-two years. Despite waist down, I’m Methuselah." (at ninety) wee bit to the dance, but ‘Homer has suffering from poor health as a child, "...whether you dance in a ball room or nodded’. My apologies to our redoubt- Jean possessed enormous energy and a barn, the main thing is to have fun..." able pianist." enthusiasm, coupled with a love of all "… And, remember, the one thing I will . . . Don Bartlett forms of dance. It is little wonder, then, not have omitted – it doesn’t matter that she decided to train as a physical who is in the class – I must have the education teacher. social graces. I don’t care about feet. Sorry – I don’t worship feet. I could “...whether you dance Ysobel Stewart had danced Scottish slay all those people who say to me, dances all her life and was sad to see ‘Miss Milligan, I don’t like girls in long in a ball room or that by 1923 they were almost for- dresses, we can’t see their feet’. You gotten, or, when danced, were done shouldn’t be looking at their feet. You a barn, the main thing roughly and incorrectly. Taking with should be looking at what their feet her a collection of dances, she visited made all this (indicating torso and is to have fun...” Mr. Diack of Paterson’s Publications, head) do. This worship of feet worries hoping to get some of her dances pub- me dreadfully." lished and seeking advice about how to . . . Dr. Jean Milligan form a Society. Mr. Diack knew of Miss Milligan, and of her earlier involve- ment in a pre-World War 1 group – The Beltane Society – formed in Glasgow but disbanded because of the outbreak

46

Connections It’s all Relative then seventeen years old, decided to Group for thirty-two years, and has Georgina Baulcomb join them because "there was noth- taught candidates’ classes and trained On November 1, 2006, St. Andrew’s ing else to do." Dancing must have many teachers. Fiona, while parenting of Brampton celebrated their Fortieth quickly become a passion because, by Gavin and Jillian, continued to teach Anniversary. I was lucky enough to 1961, she had joined Iain Macfarlane’s the Trinity Group. Colin has taught chil- be part of the celebration, along with advanced class. dren, beginners, and intermediate danc- my three daughters and three grand- ers in Weston, and Association classes daughters. It was wonderful for me to While dancing at Grace Church on for two years. Sheena has moved to look around the room and have three the Hill, Jean met a dashing young Guelph, Ontario, with Ian, Liam, and generations of my family dancing in the dancer, Michael Noble. He began to Joshua. And the fourth generation has various sets. dance when he was seven years old, in just been spotted on the dance floor at Peterhead, Scotland. Michael also came the children’s Gala Day in March. With During the mid 1970s, I had seen the from a dancing family, as his mother, three generations of dancers in their Brampton Scottish Dancers at a demon- Betty, was an active member of the family to inspire them, they will surely stration and, having Scottish heritage, Branch. By 1966 Jean and Michael continue. immediately wanted to become part of were married, and had become the . . . Jill Smith the group. I was surprised when two second generation of a dancing family. of my teenaged daughters also joined. The third generation arrived with the Although my girls are married and birth of Fiona, in 1972, and Sheena, in Nicoll/Skinner Family have families of their own, they all con- 1974. Babies or not, Jean never stopped Three Generations of Dancing in tinue to dance. Susan and her daughter, dancing, completing both her prelimi- –We have the dubious dis- Karlene, join me on Wednesday nights Toronto nary and full teaching certificates, and tinction of having three generations in Brampton, while Rhonda and her starting the Hillcrest Group in 1974. of our family as current members of daughter, Mary, have joined a group in Later, she joined Frances Gray to train the Toronto Branch of the RSCDS. We Thornhill. On special occasions, Lynn, as an SCD teachers’ tutor and began have been involved with dancing in my third daughter, and granddaughter her first candidates’ class in 1996. the Toronto area since immigrating to Allison, come out to dance. Canada in 1966. As a family we have As Fiona and Sheena grew up, they been dancing with the Toronto Branch Being part of St. Andrew’s of Brampton learned to dance, first with Georgina for forty of its fifty years. for thirty years not only gave me Finlay, and then with Betty Thompson. the opportunity to share my love of When Fiona decided to become a Our history with Scottish country Scottish dancing with my daughters and teacher in 1995, she won a scholarship dancing goes back before Toronto, to granddaughters, but I also made special to St. Andrews in Scotland, where she Scotland. My father, Rod Nicoll, started friendships which will last a lifetime. completed both levels of her teaching dancing with the Boys Brigade in . . . Georgina Baulcomb certificate. Not to be outdone, Sheena Dundee Scotland in 1950; my mother, completed her preliminary certificate Muriel Nicoll, like myself, was taught Four Generations of with her mother, Jean, as her tutor, country dancing at school as part of the in 1998. Jean remembers that musi- physical education training. I have to Dancers cian Bobby Brown reminded Sheena say I don’t remember much except one Those of us who are celebrating the to instruct him by saying "Ready and dance that seemed to stick: The Duke of Fiftieth Anniversary of the Toronto …." so many times, that she bought a Perth was my favourite and I loved it. Association in 2007 may wonder T-shirt to wear to class which said "GO" who will be around to celebrate the on one side and "STOP" on the other. My parents, as new immigrants, joined Hundredth Anniversary in 2057. There’s Fiona went on to teach children’s and the Scarborough group and danced a chance Gavin and Jillian Philip (now adults’ classes in Toronto, and Sheena with them Monday evenings. My father aged seven and six), and Liam and married Ian Beir and moved to England, became Chair of the group and my Joshua Beir (now aged two and one), in 2000. In 1998, Fiona married mother still dances with them today. the grandchildren of Jean and Michael another dashing young dancer, Colin They were very active members, trav- Noble, will be there. Philip, with whom she had completed elling with the group on a number of her teacher training at St. Andrews in trips, including the first Bahamas Fling Jean’s parents, Winnie and Hamish Scotland. Colin’s parents, Joan and Alex with Bob Blackie and Stan Hamilton. Falconer, the first generation of danc- Philip, and his brother Derek, were all My first introduction to dancing in ers, began Scottish Country Dancing active members in the Toronto Branch. Toronto was Dancing in the Park at when her father was posted to With both daughters married, the Edwards Gardens. One of the first Singapore in the British Air Force. Later, fourth generation of dancers became a dances done was The Duke of Perth and they moved to Montreal, and then possibility. I thought, "This is great! I know how to to Toronto, in 1959. They danced at do this stuff." Little did I know… St. Paul’s Church, and then at Calvin While her parents are no longer with Presbyterian Church. Jean, who was us, Jean has now taught the Hillcrest We quickly became immersed in the

48 Rhonda & Sue Baulcomb Baulcomb family

Fiona & Jean Noble

Sheena Noble

Fiona Noble

Hamish Falconer (Jean Noble's father)

Nicoll / Skinner Family at Tartan Ball, 2004

Nicoll / Skinner Family at 1024some, SkyDome Jean Larmour

Lorna Larmour

Paddy Ann & Ian McHaffie

Gordon McHaffie

Samantha Mepham

John & Margaret McGibbon, Laurie & Samantha Mepham

Amanda Scott

Alison Booz Barbara McNutt Eagles, Suzanne Dubeau, David Booz Sandra Scott (née Williamson), David & Margaret Williamson Connections dance scene in Toronto. I started train- Toronto area. Both girls danced with ing as a Highland dancer, and joined and adored Jean Noble’s girls, Fiona Lorna Larmour I began dancing, not because I chose my parents on Monday evenings. By and Sheena. I now have two of the to, but because it was something that this time, my Dad was dancing with the moms from those days dancing at my both my mother, Jean Larmour, and Jean Anderson Dancers and performed Petronella class on Wednesdays. Three my aunt, Anne Meszaros, did. My earli- with them regularly. He later danced generations of our family danced at the est memory of dancing was my first with the McLeod Dancers under the 1024some at SkyDome, something my class. My father dropped me off in the direction of Grace Harris and then the girls still talk about. Rosedale Church basement hall and Petronella dancers under the direction promptly left the building. Being a shy of Janette Todd. He performed with I managed to return to Scotland for my gal of about five, I cried buckets for the these groups throughout Ontario and preliminary teaching certificate when entire class. danced twice with the Scottish Fiddle Amanda was six. What a wonderful Orchestra when they toured southern experience. When it came time to teach As time went on, dancing became a Ontario. One of my dad’s favourite my class, I had a room full of friends. great way to escape my three brothers stories is hosting a dinner for the Fiddle As the last group of the afternoon, the and Saturday morning chores at home Orchestra with a backyard full of fid- examiner decided that I should first and spend time with my beloved aunt dlers sitting round the pool eating teach my lesson (last sixteen bars of a (also one of the teachers). I waited for mince and tatties. dance), then give the group a treat and my aunt to finish her class, followed by teach them the whole dance. Most can- coffee time with the other teacher and My love of Scottish Country dancing didates would collapse into a puddle finally, lock up the church. In so doing, continued to grow. I managed as a on the floor, but the dancing gods have I learned how exciting the church was teenager to visit Summer School at St. always been good to me and the dance to explore. The basement was a dank Andrews two consecutive summers, I was given to teach was The Duke of dungeon to be feared, while the sanc- and that cemented the love that still Perth. Karma or fate, we had a great tuary was a special silent place where grows today. As well as improving my time. A few years later I managed to one skipped swiftly down the aisle to dancing skills, I managed to make life- obtain my full certificate with the San the upper balcony, then watched and long friends with Bob Blackie, Georgina Francisco Branch. waited for nothing to happen. Finlay, Bob Millar, John Moss, David Mackendrick, David and Betty Grant, I presently teach three classes in the At coffee time, I observed the discus- and many friends in Scotland. I didn’t Toronto area, two with very active sions of adults. I learned what they know at the time that the dancers from demonstration teams. Petronella per- admired in the talented dancers and Toronto were keeping an eye on me for forms annually at the Seniors' Jubilee what was required to meet with the my mom and dad while I was far away and I manage to come up with some adjudicators’ satisfaction at upcoming from home. very interesting choreography to suit competitions. Unfortunately for me, I the huge stage. My mom is still active was too young and awkward to ever As a family we were very involved in the dancing scene. She dances at fit in with the talented older dancers with many dance events, participating several groups, is a member of the whose class I was misplaced in. I was in numerous Caravans and Scottish Toronto Demo team, and is very active destined to sit on the sidelines, listen World Festivals. I met my husband of with other activities of the branch, at coffee time and wander the church thirty years, Duncan Skinner, at Scottish and is always ready to lend a hand. after my class. This must have satisfied Country Dancing. My first attendance Unfortunately, my dad is now confined me for a long time, as, at seventeen, a at the Tartan Ball was as Duncan’s to a wheelchair, but he continues to teacher was needed for the little ones date. At the time, he was Treasurer of promote SCD and the Toronto Branch and I somehow fitted the bill. the Branch and I got to sit at the head every chance he gets. I have a new table. Nothing like starting at the top! granddaughter, in Tucson, Arizona, but I took dancing more seriously from that We both danced on Bob Millar’s dem- I can assure you she is a dancer. When moment on. My greatest enjoyment onstration team and continued the tra- I visit, she comes to class with me and came later, dancing with Georgina dition of excellence in country dancing. spends the evening skip changing up Finlay. I also went on to achieve my It seemed only natural that, when the and down the hall. Who knows? By the Teachers Certificate in 1999. time came, our children would dance. time Toronto Branch is seventy-five, we may have four generations dancing. My reasons for dancing have changed Our oldest daughter, Fiona, started over the years and it is only now that I dancing with Janette Todd when she Happiness is Scottish Country Dancing. understand why I have continued. I've was not quite two. She didn’t actually been chasing a ghost. Not the kind con- dance at first – she sat in the corner . . . Carole Skinner jured up from the church basement but watching, then later that evening that of my mother. She had died long taught the class in its entirety to my [Editor’s note: Rod Nicoll died in May, 2007. before I started dancing and I have mom and dad, including corrections We will miss him at the Fiftieth Anniversary no memory of her. I had always heard on footwork. "Granddad, you’re not celebrations.] what a wonderful dancer and person closing your T’s" was often heard she was. Perhaps dancing is my way from the family room. Amanda joined of feeling close to someone I always Betty Thompson’s class when she was should have known. just over two, on our return to the

51 Connections

child that danced too quickly and did "McBooz" Family Paddy Ann McHaffie not follow the music, was diagnosed The McHaffie family have been Scottish with "Samanthaitis". Those years were Country Dancers for years. Ian and Scottish Dance always fun! It was easy for us to connect with Paddy Ann attend many Toronto Scottish Country Dancing. One Sunday Association events and Ian is also a The teacher after that who still is the at church, Betty Thompson asked me teacher. Ian’s father, Gordon, danced current teacher is the lovely Moira why my children weren’t coming to into his nineties, for many years at Korus. If you ask anyone in our group, dance class, and I didn’t have a good Glenview and then, after retiring to the they will tell you that poor Moira puts answer. The following Saturday morn- country, at Pretty River. For Gordon’s up with a lot on those early Saturday ing I delivered Alison and David (Booz) ninetieth birthday, Ian wrote a dance, morning practices. Now we're not the to the church, dance shoes in hand. The Pretty River Strathspey, and Stan devils incarnate, just a bunch of teen- They enjoyed the dancing but after a Hamilton wrote the music which agers awakened early on a Saturday couple of years they were finding Betty Bobby Brown played. A framed, auto- morning is all. For me, though, the best a bit strict, and they opted out. graphed version is a prized possession. part of Scottish Country Dancing isn't The dance was demonstrated at the only all the classes and the great teach- Fast-forward twelve years to a Monday Glenview Dance at the Royal Canadian ers. It's the social events where you get night in November 1983, when Alison Yacht Club. to meet other people younger or older turned up at Betty’s adult class and who have the same interest as you – came home all smiles. Betty sent her At the dance, Gordon asked Paddy Ann dancing. I've met great dancing friends to Summer School in August, where to dance MacDonald of the Isles, which who have shown me immense support she met a lot of nice people and had he felt he could manage. Unfortunately, outside of dancing. a wonderful time but not much sleep. he made some errors and was quite It took Alison another six months to embarrassed and angry at himself that Dancing has always given me peace entice me to class, and a little longer he had not achieved his usual standard. of mind. Whether I have an exam the – and a gift of ghillies – to lure David His comment was, "I'm never going to next day or I had a huge fight with my back. For a while people were congrat- dance any of these new-fangled dances dad, when I'm dancing, I'm thinking ulating me for getting my adult children again!" And he hasn't. about nothing else but dancing. to dance. Well, no, it was the other way . . . Samantha Mepham round. Ian adds: "My father's first memory of Scottish Country Dancing was when he [Ed. note: Samantha turned 16 this sum- Some years later Alison introduced was six years old. He and his little six- mer while enjoying her first trip to St. David to Suzanne Dubeau and immedi- year-old chums danced the Eightsome Andrews Summer School in Scotland. Her ately they discovered their shared inter- Reel to his mother’s piano playing in mother, Laurie, started Beginner Classes est in ballroom dancing. SCD followed the dining room." in the fall and attended her first West End shortly for Suzanne. Ball. Laurie’s parents, John and Margaret [Editor’s note: It was because of his parents McGibbon have been SCD for many years.] We four now have a long list of work- dancing at Rosedale Presbyterian Church, shops, Tartan Balls, Summer Schools, taught by Professor Ronald Smith, that executive meetings and candidates’ Ian himself "caught the Scottish Country classes behind us, and a huge store of A Family Affair Dancing bug."] When one member of the family gets wonderful memories such that we can’t infected with SCD, it spreads to the imagine what life would have been like entire family. Not just the current gen- without Scottish Country Dancing. Samantha Mepham eration or the immediate family, but Okay. . . so I started dancing when down to future generations and to the It was even responsible for my mar- I was about 3? Oh my, I can't even extended family. riage a year ago, sort of. Although remember, probably because Scottish Doug doesn’t dance, he does live near Country Dancing has been a part of When I came to Canada from Scotland Shawnigan Lake, convenient for a visit my life for as long as my life and that's at the age of seven, my mother, before Summer School in 2005. Now about 13 years. I started and plan to Margaret Williamson, was determined we are settled in a new (to us) house in finish dancing at Rosedale. that we were not going to lose our heri- beautiful Qualicum Beach. At events in tage. Every Saturday morning, we were Victoria, Vancouver, Nanaimo and even My first teacher was Lorna Larmour, dragged off to Scottish Country Dance in my local dance group I keep seeing probably my favorite (but I loved them lessons. My sister was a natural, but people I have met dancing elsewhere. all). Lorna became more like family to me, it wasn't two left feet I had, it was Maybe Scottish Country Dancing is a me, always teasing me, but still keeping three! But persist I did, and soon it was part of the glue that keeps Canada me and my footwork in line. me who was dancing all over the place together: it works for our family. and eventually ended up teaching. My next teacher was Fiona Philip, I love . . . Barbara McNutt Eagles her to death. Fiona is the first ever to I can clearly remember doing a dem- diagnose my disease of dancing too onstration at the Highland Games in fast (don't worry that was only when I Lindsay, with three generations of was younger). What was this disease dancers in one set. The entire set was you may ask? "Samanthaitis". Yes, any

52 Connections made up of one family! What a won- activities that we participated in was Scarborough, and that it was the first derful experience and opportunity to square dancing – how hard can that be time she ever danced The Irish Rover. bring whole families together and have for dancers? Well, when you have six Since her partner was Uncle Ken Inglis fun doing it. dancers in the set (one of whom was (A SCD teacher), she thought, "That’s a teacher) who try to do an allemande okay – Uncle Ken will know the dance Then there is the family that keeps or a promenade as they were taught, and I just won’t worry about it." When growing – the Scottish Country Dance it just doesn't work. Total confusion their turn came, Uncle Ken went blank. family. Dancers have become close – when we did an allemande, we were We never moved! I didn’t dance The family friends and adoptive parents. doing a promenade and vice versa – or Irish Rover for years after that. I have gained another "mother" over at least that ís what we were told. As . . . Sandra Scott, the years, as have many others who a result of the hilarity this caused, we danced with our group. We have even were asked to demonstrate Scottish [Ed note: Sandra's parents, Margaret and on occasion been known to call her Country Dancing! David Williamson and Sandra's daugh- Mother and her husband Dad. You ter, Amanda Scott, are/were all Scottish know who you are. “Scottish Country Dancing truly is a Country dancers.] Ring of Friendship.” I can recall going on a family holi- day, with another family, who also Sandra remembers attending her happened to be dancers. One of the first ball at age twelve or thirteen in Extraordinary Folk Award of Scroll Recipients nominated by Toronto are:

1984 Bob Campbell (nominated by Toronto and TAC) 1992 Iain Macfarlane 1998 Bob Blackie 1999 Betty and David Grant 2000 Frances Gray 2004 Georgina Finlay 2005 John Christie 2007 May Macfarlane

Related to Toronto:

1983 John Wevers (nominated by TAC) 1994 Arthur and Jean Douglas (nominated by Hamilton) 1997 Jim Stephen (nominated by Florida North) 2004 Bobby Brown (nominated by Kingston) 2005 Stan Hamilton (nominated by London) 2005 Ruth Jappy (nominated by Vancouver)

53 Award of Scroll Recipients

Bob Campbell

Esther Bob Goodfellow Blackie

Bobby Brown

David & John Christie Betty Grant

Frances Gray

Georgina Finlay

Iain Macfarlane

Ann & Stan Hamilton

John Wevers May Macfarlane

Jim Stephen Ruth Jappy

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Award of Scroll. My husband, Neil,

Bob Blackie Georgina Finlay and I travelled to Troon, Scotland, to Laird of the Dance – Few dancers Georgina attained her Preliminary receive the Award of Scroll and to have invoke fonder regard than Bob Blackie. Certificate at St. Andrews in July, 1959, it presented by the Earl of Mansfield, He was a marvellous dancer. A decade and her Full Certificate in Toronto in the President of the Society. As a recipient after his passing, the exemplary power fall of 1959. of the Award of Scroll, I was invited to and grace of his Strathspey are still be Guest of Honour and speaker at the quoted by SCD teachers to inspire danc- In 1955, Georgina formed an adult 2001 Toronto Association Tartan Ball. ers today. Glenview’s Alistair Stewart class in Weston, and taught it for two This was a magical night and one I will says, "Bob Blackie cheated at dancing, years at a cost of twenty-five cents per always fondly remember. The Toronto because his feet never touched the person, per class! Adult classes resumed Association presented me with a beau- floor!" in 1973. In 1978, Doug Stephen joined tiful painting of a Scottish Highland Georgina and taught a Beginners’ class. scene. The Globe & Mail said: Classes continued until 2001 when Bob Blackie had a sweet nature. A short, Colin Philip took over the teaching. This year 2007 marks my forty-first round, cocky little robin of a man, he trav- Jack Millar and Sandra Scott assisted year of teaching Scottish Country elled the world cajoling Swedes, Hawaiians Georgina’s Children’s classes. Dancing. For the last twenty-seven and Japanese to join him in his passion for years, I have been teaching the Calvin Scottish country dancing, and introduced Georgina is still teaching. In the fall Scottish Country Dance group, one thousands to the reel, the jig and the stately of 2006, 18 very enthusiastic children of the founding Social Groups of the strathspey. made up a Children’s class at Weston Toronto Branch/Association. This Social Memorial Public School. She also Group is also celebrating its fiftieth Blackie organized popular overseas formed an Old Time class in 2006, anniversary in the year 2007. "Flings" – group trips to exotic places. and they meet at Weston Presbyterian Always the gracious, jovial host and Church. guide, he’d "wow ‘em" with choreo- John Wevers graphed SC dances and exuberant [Please read the group history of the Finlay [An interview with Professor John Wevers Highland Flings. He was invited by Miss Dancers for a fuller description.] and David Grant at his home in Toronto on Milligan to St Andrews, but was thwart- April 5, 2005.] ed by prior commitments. With Bob, there was always a chance of a ceilidh, David & Betty Grant John Wevers was the former Chair and David Grant was Chair of the Toronto a wee nip of "feeling better" and a a founding member of the Teachers’ Branch, 1975-1977, when the member- nicely turned out Pavlova. Association (Canada). He was one of ship was over one thousand, and he the first to receive his full Teaching and his wife, Betty, worked tirelessly In the 1970s Caravan enlivened Toronto. Certificate from Miss Milligan during her to promote Scottish Country danc- Blackie imagineered the Perth Pavilion, first Canadian visit. He later chaired a ing. During David’s term of office, he a beacon of merriment and dance that committee appointed to draw up the established a "Family Night". Childrens' became today’s ASTA Social Group. In first Constitution of the newly desig- dances had been held previously but at 1978, Bob choreographed a presenta- nated Toronto Branch. It was decided varying times. Family Night continues tion for HM Queen Elizabeth. He helped that the various social groups should to be one of the best attended events. organize the 512some at the CNE. retain autonomy and that individuals should then become Branch members. They were guests at the CNE for the Bob taught at classes, workshops both In 1960, he established the Don Mills 1976 Scottish World Festival where in Canada and worldwide, was Chair of Group. He received the Award of Scroll massed SCD was presented for the the Teachers’ Association (Canada) for in 1983, said to be the first Toronto second time. David was Chair-Producer three years and initiated the first TAC Branch member to do so. Summer School. and Bob Millar was coordinator of the event. John Wevers was born in the United Robert Blackie died too young, at 62, States to Dutch parents, and Dutch David and Betty were annual partici- a victim of asbestos used in his HVAC is actually his first language. People pants in the RSCDS Summer School at business. 900 people attended his often asked him, "How come you’re St Andrews. They were joint recipients funeral at St Andrew’s church. The a Scottish Dance Teacher?" "Well, of the Award of Scroll for their contribu- RSCDS Scroll was awarded posthu- somebody’s got to teach the Scots their tion to Scottish Country dancing. mously. "The Toronto Branch of the culture," he would tease. Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, in recommending Bob for a Scroll of "In 1957, Miss Milligan was in Toronto Honour, have highlighted his achieve- Frances Gray and she wanted some people who [First woman Chair, First Canadian Teacher ments in Canada and his unstinting were devoted to Scottish Country Candidate examiner, served six years as work to bring the joy of the dance to so Dancing to spread the gospel. I was Secretary and Branch Chair, 1977-1979.] many." Perhaps we’ll never Strathspey one of five dancers who went through as Bob Blackie did, but we can all be, the preliminary certificate. Then, two The Toronto Association submitted like him, joyful Ambassadors of Dance. months later, she returned and we my name to the Society in Edinburgh were granted our full certificates. in the year 2000 for the prestigious

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"I danced with a group, mainly Dancing. I think that the emphasis on in search of dresses suitably formal but University of Toronto professors, at children’s groups is good, because you allowing freedom to dance comfort- Falconer Hall, and the leader of that get them enthusiastic and when they ably! These were the "glory days" of the group was Donald Fraser, the first Chair grow up, they’re potential members. Toronto Branch and as such, merited the of the Toronto Branch. I taught the But it has to be through members who attention of people of prominence. group at Don Mills at the IBM Country enjoy it and bring their friends." Club for well over thirty years. The first The Guest of Honour was usually the group I taught was at Glenview Church current Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, prior to moving to Don Mills. Georgina Jean Hamilton representing the Royal Scottish Country Finlay took over the group when I [Ed. note: Jean Hamilton’s involvement Dance Society’s Patron, Her Majesty retired. with the Toronto Branch over the years is Queen Elizabeth the Second. well known. Her many roles include orga- "I taught a demonstration team, mainly nizing the Ceilidh Demonstration Group, Protocol was adhered to very strictly from my group in Don Mills. We were a working with the Erin Mills Hogmanay but this added to the elegance and the bit out of the mainstream of the branch dance committee, she helped initiate the tradition of the event. A small dais was but we were loyal, though we didn’t West Toronto Workshop, and she has been placed in the ballroom, where the hon- really take part in the running of the actively involved in the West Toronto Ball. oured guest and party could observe dances or the branch. I was far more Jean has taught Branch classes, served on the dancing in progress after the formal active in the Teachers’ Association the Teachers’ panel, and taught at out-of- dinner. It was not unknown for the when I succeeded Bill Clarke, and I con- town workshops. She has taught the Erin band and dancers to bid farewell to the tinued as Chair for about eight or nine Mills Friday group for over twenty-five Guest of Honour with a rendition of years. years. In 2007, Jean received the Award for "Will Ye No’ Come Back Again?" as the Outstanding Volunteer.] party left the ballroom. "Miss Milligan always said, ‘I expect my teachers to keep up the standards,’ We were fortunate, as new arrivals We have happy memories, in particular, and so we would get together. At first, in Canada in July 1966, to join the of the Hon. Pauline McGibbon, who Hamilton and Toronto were the only Lakeshore Group in the Fall of 1966, participated in several dances, having active ones, and the teachers formed and to be introduced to and instructed been " tutored" by Frances Gray, and TAC in order to do precisely that. in the delights of Scottish Country of hurrying to the foyer with a small Dancing by the late Jean Anderson, group of admiring dancers, to "wave "When I met Miss Milligan, I heard half-sister to Bobby Brown and an her off" as she left the Royal York Hotel. about how in 1923 she and Mrs. excellent and prominent teacher. Stewart of Fasnacloich got together in The Honourable Lincoln Alexander, Glasgow and weren’t sure how it would Like many of today’s dancers, we sub- too, was a gracious and impressive all work out. Miss Milligan had a pres- sequently joined additional groups head table guest. Gordon was Chair of ence that was unusual, you know. I had and benefited from the experience the Branch at the time and both of us the scariest time, as nervous as a cat. and expertise of many, including Jess were very nervous and anxious that I’d gone through doctorate examina- Bryden (Bloorlea and Mississauga), all would go well. His Honour drew me tions, but in front of that lady, man I Bob Blackie (the Lothian Dancers), Bob aside before we assembled to enter was scared as a kid - I was all shaky Campbell (Oakville), Wesley Clindinning for the dinner, and murmured that all trying to teach in front of her. (Erin Mills) and Les and Elaine James eyes would be directed at him and that (Islington). I could relax. He had quite a sense of "Scottish Country Dancing cuts across humour! When invited by Gordon to all levels of society. It was a wonderful It was a few years before we felt confi- address him as Gordon rather than form of getting away from your own dent enough to attend the Tartan Ball, Mr Hamilton, he declined, saying that work and your own group. I’d be tired an event of some magnificence which Gordon might then be tempted to on arrival and afterwards I wasn’t tired drew great numbers of dancers and, for address him as "Linc." We were very anymore because I completely relaxed me, necessitated visits to bridal salons unsophisticated but, fortunately, these with the group. They were my friends very important people were also very - a wholly different kind of friends. "human." They weren’t all Scots either; didn’t matter, it’s for anybody. They let loose It seems, of recent years, that, as our in a new environment, and that was numbers have dwindled, so, too, has the strength and the glory of Scottish the opportunity to share our premier Country dancing." event with the lieutenant-governor of the day. Professor Wevers received the Award of Scroll in 1983, the first North American Many tire of the expression "Those dancer to do so. When asked what he were the days!" but we certainly appre- thinks is needed to attract more people ciated being part of them and feeling to Scottish Country Dancing, he said: that the RSCDS Toronto Branch was rec- "It has to be done through members ognized and acknowledged as a pres- who are excited about Scottish Country ence of value within the community.

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When Jenn was with Grace, the D. Edgar Hanson Children’s Festival was a Big Deal. Grace Edgar Hanson was a member of the had kilts and blouses for the girls and, Toronto Branch from its inception until in May, 1984, Jenn’s group, the McLeod his death on February 26, 1991. He enjoyed dancing in Toronto and in Bairns, danced Lamb Skinnet. They won other cities. He was ninety-two years a medal – I'm not sure which. Grace old when he died and in his will, dated was very particular about how the girls some years prior, he left a substantial looked and I recall that after they were bequest "for the purpose of the promo- dressed, Grace inspected them. Another tion, display and dancing of Scottish mom and I were in charge, with strict Country Dancing." This was a generous instructions to keep the girls from run- ning around and to ensure that when Kristen Simmons, (née Wilby) 2nd from left. gesture, and a portion of the bequest Grace Harris holding trophy has enabled the Toronto Branch to pur- their time came to dance, they looked chase a new sound system, which will perfect. provide excellent music production at Our Mrs. Harris future dances to be enjoyed by Edgar’s Grace was especially fussy that the Our parents sat beside Grace Harris in old friends and all new dancers. white socks were clean and unmarked the Toronto Orpheus Choir over forty and that the laces on the ghillies were years ago. My mother discovered Grace tied tightly so they wouldn't come taught a children’s dancing group at undone during the dance. Rosedale Presbyterian Church. So, back in 1966, my sister Pamela Catricala (nee Grace insisted that parents should not Wilby) and myself, Kristen Simmons (nee let the girls put on their socks until Wilby) started dancing. moments before the dance and that Every Saturday morning my parents the moms must tie the ghillies. I think would bring us to dancing, where there we moms were more stressed than the were different classes for different ages. girls but Grace was right – the children My sister would have been seven, but looked great – much better than some I was only five. Mrs. Harris was not too other children’s groups who didn't have Edgar Hanson was a museum-quality restorer of sure of letting me start lessons, feeling Chinese lacquer decorations on furniture. Grace's experience. I seem to recall that I was too young. However, start I did. Grace's group was one of a few that And after that first year, I received an even had the dancers all dressed alike. award for the youngest dancer who Grace Harris excelled, and I went on to become one Sooner or later, I think all parents with Since our daughter was learning Scottish her best students. daughters decide to give their child Country dancing, my husband and I dancing lessons. Many of my daugh- also took beginner classes at Hodgson Grace was usu- ter Jennifer's friends did ballet but, School. We enjoyed it, but we decided ally our teacher, with a Scottish surname, her father that with two busy careers and two but sometimes and I decided she should take Scottish young children, we really didn't have Major Rich Country Dancing. We were told Grace time to dance weekly, so we dropped taught us. Colin, Harris ran the best children's program in out. However, I returned to Scottish Grace’s husband, the city so we enrolled her for Saturday was there every mornings at St. Country dancing when I discovered that Saturday morn- Clement's Church. my second husband, George, was a ing. He was I don’t remem- Scottish Country dancer from the 1970s. devoted, as he managed the music with ber much about We joined the dance once more, with records playing great jigs and strath- the class – we Grace’s St. Clement’s social group. speys. He was a valuable part of our his- dropped Jenn off tory together. and then picked We still enjoy her up an hour dancing at It was quite a social time, as whilst we later – but I know St. Clement’s children danced, the parents would sit that she enjoyed Monday eve- on the sidelines and visit. It became it. At Christmas, parents and siblings nings, now such a happy family time. Over those were invited to a party to watch danc- under the exu- years, one made many friends. ing, sing carols and enjoy treats. In the berant leader- fall of 1985, Grace moved her classes ship of Teresa As the years went on, the St. Clement's from Saturday morning to Monday Lockhart – who dancers would enter the annual Festival nights. Monday was the night Jenn's Girl rarely inspects Jennifer competitions. Different age groups Guide group met and so, reluctantly, Murray, our socks. entered different teams. We were very Jenn traded her ghillies for tap shoes. Children's competitive and were successful in She's now thirty-one and isn't dancing …Garlene Boyce Festival, receiving many awards. This was quite but perhaps one day. . . 1984 memorable.

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Dancing in the Park first drew us to learn Scottish Country Dancing. The Bob Millar, Artiste Bob Millar, with his artistic talents, East York group was very near to embarked on an early successful career where we lived, so we joined there. as a costumer, creating costumes and Bob was a marvellous teacher. I only characters for the Santa Claus Parades. learned after his death last year, After beginning a civil service career, in talking to people, that he was a he pursued his passion for Scottish member of the National Ballet until Country Dancing. In the mid-1960s he injury forced him to retire. But it started the East York group and taught showed in his superb dancing and there until 1982. As a teacher, he made technique. His teaching style was sure everyone knew exactly what was wonderful (I am a retired teacher expected of them and his great sense myself). I can remember he taught of humour made dancing fun for all his the pas de basque by telling us to students. think of jumping over a log – thump, thump – and then jumping back. Bob After we had mastered the foot encour- movements, he suggested we do the aged his same on the spot. Pamela & Kristen dancers to attend Bob always had a smile on his face, branch and corrected us with such phrases Mrs. Harris had her own children in classes as 'the other left'; but he was deadly dancing, too. Her girls, Elizabeth (Binky) and was serious about proper technique, eye and Colinne, would eventually assist a Branch contact, proper 'handing' - the social teaching with their mom. class aspects of the dance. teacher Grace Harris was a wonderful teacher himself. Each evening we started with 30 min- and a real perfectionist. She expected He sup- utes of step practice to loosen up and you to work hard, but always insisted ported iron out any wrinkles. Then we would on celebrating the social aspect of the get to dancing. I'll always remember Scottish Country Dancing. She has a Branch our first Tartan Ball. In the days before Bob Millar real finesse in her teaching that’s visible and par- we were so politically correct, my wife when you watch her students dance. ticipated and I were warned (not by Bob) that in many events. He was also a regular Bratach Bana ( which in those days We all love Grace Harris. She has attendee at St. Andrews, Scotland. He often ended the ball) was the group's become an important part of my life, became one of the pre-eminent teach- favourite dance, and therefore, if we and that of my sister Pamela. Our par- ers and for over thirty-five years was were not sure we could handle it, we ents remain close friends. Today, in well known for his keen eye for detail, should sit it out so as not to ruin it for my forties, I attend an adult class on timing, and exactness as well as his the East York sets. The first year we did, Monday nights at St. Clement’s Church. own grace. He was known not just in but we worked very hard the next year, Some of us dancers have a long his- Toronto, but across North America and and to this day it is my favourite dance. tory with dance, some have a couple internationally. During his passionate of years experience, and we also have pursuit of excellence, he touched and We joined Bob and many other mem- some brand new to dance. For me, it’s influenced so many people and this bers of the group at the dance school just social. How lovely that my parents passion will continue through the many in Fyfe, Scotland, at St. Andrews in made that one important decision, to he convinced to become teachers and 1973. For them it was an annual trek. start us in Scottish Dancing Classes with who are now influencing others. a woman named Mrs. Grace Harris. It happened to be Miss Milligan's 50th anniversary. It was a wonderful experi- . . . Kristen Simmons . . . Kathleen Kynoch ence, and another example of Bob's enthusiasm and inclusiveness. It was [By happenstance, Kathleen Kynoch met mainly through his encouragement that Bob Millar Elma Grech, a fellow Aberdonian, on the we made the trip. subway on her way home from work. Remembered Kathleen had attended many dances and I was saddened to learn of Bob's death Back in the early 1970s, my wife (at concerts in Aberdeen, without knowing last year. On the 50th Anniversary of that time) and I had the great good that Elma was the musician. Elma men- the Toronto Association, it is fitting that fortune to join the East York Scottish tioned she was playing piano for a great we remember Bob and all the wonder- Country Dance Group. I say good for- teacher, Bob Millar. After dinner that same ful teachers who over the years have tune because it was led by Bob Millar. day, Kathleen, and James in his "tackety added so much to our enjoyment of I could not have asked for a better boots," began a lifetime of Scottish Country the dance. teacher. Any good technique I still pos- Dancing.] sess and all of the enjoyment I get from dancing is due to his tutelage. . . . George Boyce

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Richard Arthur Simon David Arikado: Dick Simon was a WW II veteran who "I am very grateful" Teachers’ Chain served as an officer on the frigate HMCS Stonetown in the North Atlantic. David Arikado was an enthusiastic He claimed he suffered hearing loss member of RSCDS for over 50 years. Miss Jean Milligan, when a large gun exploded. He worked He danced with John & Margaret co-founder of the RSCDS, was Teacher Candidate at the Toronto Star for 45 years as an Christie in Scarborough from the mid- Examiner for . . . Editorial Artist and retired in 1975. ‘60s to the 1990s. He also danced with Among his acquaintances at the Star other groups. Even when he stopped were Ernest Hemingway, Gregory Clark, dancing regularly, he would come Gordon Sinclair, and Gary Lautens. to Scarborough’s end-of-season and Christmas events. When younger, he One of Dick’s drawings, a sketch of would go with the Scarborough Group Scottish dance partners turning by on the Caribbean trips they used to the right hand, is on the cover of The organize. Miss Isabelle MacPherson, Canadian Book of Scottish Country Dances who taught the Teacher (December 1977) by John Drewry. This David took beautiful photographs of Candidates, including . . . book also contains the Drewry dances, many dance activities, including Gala Salute to Miss Milligan, a tribute to her Days, Children’s Festivals, and the work marking the Golden Jubilee of the Tartan Ball. He used to hand out print- RSCDS, and Glayva, in which Drewry ed copies to those he had captured on created and introduced the Espagnole film. Some of his photos appear in this progression. Dick drew original dia- 50th Anniversary book. Below, is a let- grams of Scottish Country dances to ter David recently sent to Margaret and help visual learners figure out where to John Christie. Mrs. Frances Gray, who taught the Teacher Dear Margaret and John, Candidates, including . . . Over 2-1/2 year I have missed news of Scottish Country Dance since I moved into Yee Hong geriatric. Total of 375 Chinese and 25 Japanese residents. They take good care of us.

In a way, using wheel chair and lost way of conversation. Over fifty years of Scottish Mrs. Jean Noble, who took over the Teacher Country Dancing kept me alive for 93 Candidate class as Frances years. I am very grateful for many people Gray became an Examiner. I dance with and your superb teaching. I Jean taught the class which send $1000 donation to Toronto Scottish included . . . Country Dance Society Headquarter. Dick Simon . . . Your sincerely, David Arikado

go when learning the dances. He, along Mrs. Teresa Lockhart with his wife Mary and daughter Lynne, (née Kowalczyk), started dancing at Hillcrest in 1976, who was ajudicated for her but at the end of 1992 he had stopped Preliminary Certificate by dancing because of lower back trou- Frances Gray, and received her Full Certificate in 2007. bles. He was born in Montreal on April Teresa is teaching . . .. 7, 1910 and died in Toronto on October 5, 2004, in his 95th year.

. . . Donald Holmes

David Arikado Miss Hannah Stein, who would like to become a Scottish Country Dance teacher one day.

59 Connections memorable moments Margaret Birnie Sometime in the early ‘50s, I attended a military occasion in a Toronto Armoury and, being of Scottish ancestry, was captivated by a display of men Scottish Country dancing. I wished I could learn something like that! In 1954, I travelled to London, England, to work, and dis- covered that the church I attended, St Columba’s Church of Scotland, had a Scottish Country Dance group. Eureka!

Of course I joined and had my "basic training" there. On occasion, some of the Scots on the Palace staff attended – they danced with great abandon and much heuching !!! (In 2005, when visit- ing London, I had the pleasure of danc- ing again at St Columba’s and meeting two people I remembered from 50 years before.)

When I came home to Toronto in Anne Bishop and friends dance at Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh. 1956, I was unable to find a SCD group the Ross Bandstand. My friend Elaine in Toronto but, interestingly, it was two daughters, with Jean Anderson's and I (I am on the left) caught the cam- suggested to my minister at Calvin demonstration team at the Royal Alex, eraman's eye from the Scotsman news- Presbyterian Church that a group Massey Hall, and the CNE Bandshell. paper as we danced down the middle should be started there. So in the fall of and up. It was a wonderful experience 1957 we started, under the benevolent Jessie formed the Bloorlea Group and we were delighted when we were triumvirate of Ed Mason, Forbes Brown in 1966 and obtained her teaching invited back the following year to and myself. The Calvin group became certificate at an early TAC Summer dance in front of Prince Philip – after part of the Toronto Branch (as the School in Kingston, 1974. She taught which he presented us with medals. Association was then known), and are Bloorlea until 1995, with only a brief active to this day, celebrating 50 years interruption when the family moved to with a dance this spring. Orangeville and, on their return, a few Forbes Brown years with the Mississauga Group. After Forbes Brown was a founding mem- I moved out of town and, though I’m her "retirement" she formed the West ber, along with Margaret Birnie and Ed Acres Seniors Social group in 1996 and not a certified SCD teacher, I’ve taught Mason, of the Calvin group in 1957. the group at Pretty River for about taught there until a week before her He has been a member of branch and death on February 28, 2005. 23 years. I’ve been on a Social Group social group executives and demo Executive, a demo team and, wonder- teams. He enjoyed meeting such a fully, I’m still dancing! She was on the founding committees diverse group of dancers and shar- for both the West Toronto Ball and ing the fun of making huge mistakes. the West End Workshop – both events I believe RSCDS Toronto has helped Sometimes a dance would simply come all groups to continue by promoting have continued successfully for over to a ‘stand-still’ because we laughed twenty years. Scottish Country Dance to the public, so much." A special memory is of the and by encouraging dancers to join Kitchener Ball sometime in the early Jessie loved the traditional dances and in The Dance. They are the glue that 1960s at the Walper House. "It was an holds us together. music, particularly those recorded by exciting event – good group, great ball, the Canadian bands: Stan Hamilton, excellent music. A number of dancers Bobby Brown, Bobby Frew and Don came from Toronto and we just had a Bartlett. The Bloorlea Christmas and Anne Bishop terrific time." Country Dancing is one of the most end of season party programmes were popular entertainments in Princes Street always familiar and dancer-friendly. Gardens, Edinburgh, during the summer Jessie Bryden Her sparkle, enthusiasm, and encour- season. This picture was taken in July Jessie Bryden danced all her life, as agement introduced many people to 1964. My team, from the Northfield- a child and as an adult, with various the joy of Scottish Country Dancing. Duddingston Community Association, groups in Edinburgh and, after emigrat- She is missed. . . .Nora Sutherland was invited to give a demonstration at ing to Canada in 1957 with Ed and her

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So there I am, almost every Saturday, This year, four of the teens headed off Frances Gray doing my best in the kitchen. I love it! to Summer School at St Andrews. In 1994, I was invited by RSCDS There’s such a positive energy to the Headquarters to sit the examination place with great kids, interesting and But, I've learned, there are a few storm to become an examiner of teacher helpful parents, and two dedicated, clouds in the sunny history of Rosedale. candidates which I successfully accom- high-energy teachers. Parents help and It was once a thriving adult group but plished. Since then, I have had many hang out in the kitchen as well, and schisms developed, groups spun off, experiences which I could relate … one you know what happens in kitchens, dancers dispersed and, sadly, only the in particular stands out. people talk. Parents are an amazingly children remain. Some kids have feel- diverse, accomplished, and creative lot. ings about the church... they think it's We were in Ottawa on the Examination We have shared much laughter, and "creepy" – do they sense ancient con- Tour in 1995. During a break in the sometimes tears, in the kitchen. Some flict? Personally, I love the place, but examination process, one of the can- of them danced at Rosedale as kids, I've had occasion to seek out nether didates approached me to ask if I was some have been bringing their kids for regions of the basement and "creepy" the mother of Cameron, Duncan and years. Sometimes I leave kitchen tasks is a pretty fair description. However, Donald, and I replied, yes I was. She to a parent as I am dragooned to make we've discovered treasures in dark then said that she had danced with my up a set; often a few parents get cheer- corners. There were heavy boxes of sons when I was teaching SC dancing fully press-ganged as well. reel-to-reel tapes and SCD records. The in Lima, Peru! At that time she was a old Rosedale record player was there, schoolgirl home on holiday to Lima I don’t know the whole history of too – not a flimsy Seabreeze portable from Scotland where she attended Rosedale, nobody does, but almost but something more substantial, Swiss- boarding school. All of this had been everybody who is anybody in Scottish made and built like a Russian tank. It's twenty-four years before! Country Dancing seems to have taught amazingly heavy (and it still plays!). there or attended there. Lorna did both. What a lot of work for those slender This just goes to show what a world- Rosedale teachers of long ago! Today, wide family of dancers we are, all When Rosedale has a Ceilidh day, the you can put your entire collection of brought about by the two co-founders parents turn out and participate joy- Scottish Country Dance music on an of the Society: Miss Jean C. Milligan ously. Tables are loaded with home- iPod and carry it in your pocket. What (Dr.) and Mrs. Stewart of Fasnacloich. baked goodies and treats. The best will music be like 50 years from now? I have taught and examined through- treat, though, is to see the faces of the Will there still be dancing at Rosedale out Canada, USA, Australia, Peru and little ones light up when they dance Presbyterian? And, who will be helping Scotland (St. Andrews) and the cama- with their dad, or show Mom how to out in the kitchen? raderie and friendship never cease to reel! I remember the grandfather of . . . Rob Lockhart amaze me. two "new" dancing teens visiting from Europe, not speaking much English, During the last several summers, I have no experience of SCD – and yet there been teaching at the Thistle School in he was, a big grin on his face, dancing North Carolina, always a fun week, and Dashing White Sergeant with his grand- during "off hours" from classes, I have daughters. Bravo! had the pleasure of golfing with Bobby Brown of The Scottish Accent which It’s been wonderful, too, to see the kids sometimes can be quite hilarious, but grow up – so fast! We all improve with always great company and most enjoy- age (don’t we?) but Scottish Country able—good golf, good times. dancing helps youngsters develop, not just the graces of the dance, but quiet self-confidence and an easy ability Rosedale to be comfortable in a social setting. The View from the Kitchen – My fian- The Rosedale youth dance at concerts, cée, Teresa, was teaching children at Miyuki Ikuse, Moira Korus, Teresa Lockhart, Theresa Malek seniors' homes, festivals and tea parties. Rosedale, assisting Lorna Larmour and Moira Korus. I wanted to help, Moira & the Three too – not as a teacher, but I Stooges could make juice and wash dish- es and just be generally helpful. Back in 2000, I was picking my mother Lorna warned I was about to up at her friend Mary's house. I stopped "get sucked into the Rosedale to say hello to her niece, Moira Korus, vortex". Indeed I was, and it’s and learned Moira had just started been a merry whirl. Lorna left taking a Scottish Country Dance class. to start a family, Teresa became Little did I know that this would make a Certificated Teacher, and now a dramatic change to my life and to the she and Moira run the group. lives of a couple of friends. Teresa and I married in 2006 – at Rosedale Presbyterian. The next week I started my first class with Keith Bark; Moira was in the next Evelyn Watkins with one of her Rosedale teams.

61 Connections room for the more advanced class. It When I walked in the social group On exam day, the 16 designated was a wonderful class and by the time door for the first time, I was greeted by dancer-stooges tried to act like it was the November workshop came along, I some of the very same people I had just another happy Sunday afternoon persuaded a friend, Teresa Kowalczyk, as David directed the warmup and to join me in the beginner class. To taught pas de basque. He then lined my surprise she agreed to give it a try us up against the wall, demonstrated even though she was adamant she "set advancing" and counted aloud could not dance. By December she for the group to dance towards him was hooked and we set out to pre- for eight bars. He immediately singled pare for the monthly dance, feeling me out with some kind phrase like, "I we must practice all the dances to not don't think you've got that set advanc- look foolish. I had a dinner party that ing quite right." He demonstrated it would be followed by a walk through again and went through it with me. He of all the December monthly dances. had us all repeat another eight bars Unfortunately, there were only 7 in the Alicia & Daniel Tarasick – meanwhile everyone tried hard not set. I invited our tenant, Miyuki Ikuse, to crack up because, of course, every- to join in the fun and quickly taught one in the room, except the examiners, her the basic steps. met when I was a beginner at nine! Of knew I was his mother. course, I did not remember the people In January, 2001, Moira started the who seemed to know me well. I was Someone asked me afterward whether Teachers' Candidate classes and Teresa, encouraged to go back to the Monthly I had flubbed my pas de basque on Miyuki and I started attending the dances and when I did, again, I had the purpose. Well, no.... Every so often my Sunday practice classes, where I started same problem – many knew me but I feet just tangle on that step. referring to us as "the three stooges". didn’t know them. Nevertheless, they all made me feel welcome and very I just tried a pas de basque advancing A lot has happened since then: both comfortable. I always thought it was and it may be time to ask for another Moira and Teresa have their Teachers’ interesting to have so many friends for private lesson. Certificates and are teaching both so many years and not even know it. . . . Barbara McNutt Eagles youth classes and adult social group classes. Moira's husband, Stefan, has It was a good opportunity to be able become one of the most enthusiastic to contribute something to the Fiftieth Jo Robertson dancers around. Miyuki continues to Anniversary Book and to the lives of I’m sure that someone will have told dance and is one of the most beautiful many reading it. you about John Christie’s Scarborough dancers around. Teresa met a charming . . . Daniel Tarasick group and its various social events. dancer, Rob Lockhart, and they wed in Sandy and I remember going on at 2006. least two car rallies, which were fol- The Examiners lowed by dinner, and an evening of Dancing has become a important part dancing. They were great fun and we of all our lives but my fondest memo- Missed the Joke were always made to feel very wel- ries are of that first year when we were come at their events. Moira and the Three Stooges. And yes, In 1999, my son, David Booz, took his Ann Campbell has written a dance examination for the full RSCDS teaching Our children, Sheena and Alasdair, about us, called Moira and the Three certificate following months of Sunday remember fondly an evening of out- Stooges! afternoon tutorials door skating at the Cedar Arena, now . . . Theresa Malek with Jean Noble. known as Cedarena, under fairy lights. Each Sunday we The skating rink is in a sheltered valley would show up and was described as a "magical place." Interesting Times as willing stooges: The skating party went to Margaret and The most interesting times I have had, His loyal mother, John Christie’s for refreshments after- and the most interesting people I have his sister Alison wards. A wonderful evening! met are when I am Scottish Country Booz, and his Dancing. Barbara McNutt sweetie (Suzanne). Several of the Calvin dancers used to The whole process go to Tally Ho near Huntsville for a win- I started dancing when I was nine was quite pleasant, with Bobby Brown ter weekend. There was skiing nearby years old, and my parents took me to providing the music for a great group and some of us used to snowshoe. We the Toronto Monthly Dances so I could of people. always danced in the recreation hall on meet the people and see how much the Saturday night. On one memorable fun they were having. Everyone I talked Alison, with her preliminary certificate, weekend, it was 40 below zero the to was very interesting and heartily was ineligible to stooge for the exams, whole time, and the men spent most encouraged me to get into dancing. but Barbara and I were happy to sup- of their spare time starting their cars. I continued to take children’s classes port everyone. The question was: did Some of the Calvin dancers continue until I was about sixteen when I joined David want us to be stooges during his to enjoy a dinner and theatre outing to an adult group. exam."Sure, why not?" he said. Niagara-on-the-Lake.

62 Connections

groups. She started teaching chil- Janette Todd dren in 1974 at various elementary Evelyn Watkins Janette Todd first picked up Scottish I became a member of RSCDS Toronto schools, including Henderson Avenue Country dancing in her native St. Branch in 1959, having spent five years and Bayview Glen, as well as Toronto Andrews, Scotland, where country as a member of the Hamilton Branch, Waldorf School, and Havergal Junior dancing was part of the curriculum at at which time I danced with the Scotia School. She entered many teams in public school, and hasn’t stopped. Her Dancers team, led by Bill Clark, former many Children’s Festivals; one year, she first teacher, Miss Irene Grant, now Mrs. teacher of the Hamilton Branch. entered 16 teams at one Festival, that’s Caithness, was "an exquisite dancer, 128 little girls! she had a way of inducing ungainly little girls to feel as though they were Janette taught the Bayview Glen 1966 floating with her. I always aspired to be adult group which disbanded and Miss Grant". The two still keep in touch. became the Royal Orchard Petronella Georgina Finlay and Janette both group. Janette taught the Petronella danced at Madras College when Miss group from 1977 to 2002 when she Grant taught Phys Ed. bequeathed the group to Carole Skinner. Petronella celebrates its 50th "Life for me has been filled with danc- year on October 13, 2007. She also ing. During the 1940s, I was a stooge taught the Richmond Hill Church group for aspiring students at St. Andrews and currently teaches a group at St. Summer School and it was then I Andrew’s Church in Aurora. Besides decided that I too would teach. I was dancing "wherever they need entertain- very fortunate to have Miss Milligan ment", her dancers performed at the adjudicate both my Preliminary and Full Toronto International Festival Tattoo Certificate. No one was more surprised at SkyDome, and regularly participate than me when I passed both the first in the Seniors’ Jubilee show at Roy time. SCD has opened many doors to a Thomson Hall. lifetime of meeting fascinating people and a great deal of fun. Oh, those Janet says Scottish country dancing dancing weekends when I truly was makes for a "very social evening. It’s in a magical place! Luckily, I had an John Scott Gowans & Evelyn Watkins great exercise and you certainly don’t understanding husband and four chil- receive the Bank of Nova Scotia Trophy have to be Scottish to do Scottish dren who allowed me to escape from country dancing." She has met people being "an everyday housewife". I did a short spell of teaching children's from the United States, China, Africa, classes at Rosedale with John Gowans Australia and Japan who are avid fol- Besides being a member of Grace around 1961-64, after which time I lowers of this form of dance. Harris’ McLeod Dancers "for many decided to start children's classes of my wonderful years", Janette taught the own at Leaside Presbyterian Church. Janette’s family included three genera- Advanced Branch class for two years, These Leaside teams were introduced tions of country dancing, with her three was a guest teacher at Workshops in to the Kiwanis Music Festivals, which daughters and granddaughter Kirsty. Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa, while helped tremendously towards Scottish teaching her many children and adult Dance Festivals which were soon to fol- low in the Hamilton and Toronto areas (run by the branches).

I continued teaching until 1975 (as well as teaching the Branch Beginner and Advanced classes until 1987). Upon retiring from teaching the children, I was approached by the Toronto Branch to adjudicate these festivals, and did so for a few years, after which I retired from teaching.

Janette Todd

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bility. I especially liked Stan Hamilton’s Hughina Wilson records – they were the best. I learned Miss Milligan that Stan’s band played Toronto awarded me my – wow! Hughina took us to Children’s Teaching Certificate, Festivals, which were well attended, The Key to and I taught with stiff competition and tense nerves. Scottish Country Romance: We competed with teams taught dancing for fifteen by Evelyn Clark, Major Gil Rich, and years: 3-1/2 hours Betty Thompson. Stan McKee or Stan every Saturday Hamilton played piano; Iain Macfarlane 1. Bobby & Lisa Brown at Fallingbrook adjudicated. Presbyterian Church. It all started 2. Fred Collins &Kathleen when I was asked to put dancers into A couple of special memories: We a Christmas concert. Knowing it would Fraser-Collins danced at Calvin with 20 sets of danc- be impossible to get boys, I said, "Sure ers. That was crowded! I remember – if I can get four girls and four boys to getting "the eye" as, kilted, I carried 3. Mairi & Andrew Collins make a set." To my surprise, four girls Hughina’s suitcase into the Hamilton and five boys arrived. YWCA. And I attended my first Tartan 4. Stan & Ann Hamilton Ball with Susan Thomson, a friend from Hughina’s class. 5. Margaret & Forbes Brown

6. Bobby & Joyce Frew

7. Margaret & James Dudley

8. Nigel Keenan & Hughina's first team Lourdes Genosa

From this unexpected beginning, we grew to have four age groups. The 9. Maggie & Doug Kean youngest learned rhythm and easy for- mations. Older students learned more 10. Bunty & Gord Mitchell difficult formations, but especially how to work as a team, how to mix, with 11. Jo & Sandy Robertson the focus on sociability. My policy was no jeans – wear what you like to class 12. Fiona & Colin Philip but wear a dress or kilt in class. Our standard was high; Fallingbrook danc- ers won various medals and trophies. 13. Patricia & Tom Young

Of all my dancers, I’m especially proud 14. Michael & Barbara of "my boys" – Andrew Collins and Don Bartlett. Andrew achieved his Teaching Taylor Certificate and was the youngest Chair Don Bartlett & Susan Thomson, Tartan Ball of Toronto Branch. Don’s band plays 15. Teresa & Rob Lockhart across North America. 16. Joan & John Reeves These things, and more, make it all very worthwhile.

Don Bartlett adds:

My mother made me attend Miss Wilson’s SCD classes when I was elev- en. I dropped out at first, but returned a couple of years later. Hughina took me under her wing and I came to enjoy the dancing, the music, and the socia-

64 Romance Through Dance - 1 3 2

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65 The Full Story

Dr. Donald Fraser, having completed his Ph.D. in Physiology in 1950, moved to London and later Glasgow where he met some young ladies who persuaded him to get involved in Scottish Country Dancing. He was only there about a month but the interest in Scottish Country Dancing had been created; once he started Scottish Country Dancing, he seldom square danced again although he had previously taught it for several years at Limberlost Lodge, Muskoka and danced at U of T during his undergraduate years.

Donald returned to Canada in 1952. His girlfriend Sally Miller worked at Simpsons where her boss was Matthew Sutherland who, together with his wife Annie, formed a group in Earlscourt Hall on Lansdowne Avenue in the fall of 1950. Matthew told Sally he had done Scottish Country Dancing in Scotland and wanted to start another group in Toronto. She introduced him to Donald Fraser who was quite interested in all kinds of dancing and had also recently done Scottish Country Dancing in Glasgow.

Relying on Donald’s university connections, they discovered they could use Wymilwood, the old Georgian building on University Avenue immediately south of the Planetarium. They were able to reserve space there once every two weeks (Sally said that she didn’t want to put her social life on hold every weekend.) It was Matthew Sutherland, Sally Miller, and Donald Fraser who started this group with two sets of dancers (some of whom were junior faculty members and their wives). One of them, Charles Dunn, a scholar in English poetry, had some familiarity with Scottish Country Dancing, but the remainder were totally lacking in experience. Matthew Sutherland was a precise, pernickety fellow, and his dancing was equally exacting. His teaching was exigent; consequently, Donald Fraser had to interpret Sutherland’s instructions so that his colleagues and friends would remain interested. They didn’t pretend to be precise like Sutherland who also liked to attend their class. His wife Annie always went with him and sat on the sidelines, but she never danced.

This group of Scottish Country dancers in Toronto became rather large, including Claude Bissell and his Scottish wife Christine who had dance experience, but there was no place for her to dance in Toronto. When she learned about the group, she asked to join and brought her Canadian husband with her. He had problems with the Poussette because he could never remember on which foot to begin. One day, he wore two left run- ning shoes saying, "Well, I can’t go wrong now." After Bissell became President of the University of Toronto, the group frequently danced at the President’s residence in Rosedale, ending with his retirement in June 1971.

The second group formed under the guidance of a member of the original group, Ronald Morton Smith, "Sanskrit Smith." He was renowned at the University and in the city for always wearing a kilt, regardless of the weather. He was also a precise dancer and established a group, principally university colleagues, at Rosedale Presbyterian Church in 1955. For the first time, Toronto had the situation of people dancing more than once a week and in more than one group.

George Armstrong, who began with the original group but was an inexperienced dancer started a third group at Christ Church, Deer Park. These were not competing groups created by division or dissension; rather they were created because people wanted to dance more frequently and in different areas of the city.

Georgina Finlay, a member of the original group, created Toronto’s fourth group in Weston in 1955.

Jean Milligan heard of us and came to visit our group. She wasn’t invited to Canada by us, but she did come to visit us. By the time she came to Toronto, there were probably three groups—the original group which met at Wymilwood, the group at Christ Church, Deer Park, and the one at Rosedale Presbyterian Church. Miss Milligan danced with our group, and taught. She seemed to enjoy dancing with us, although she did think that we needed to tighten up our technique.

It was during her initial visit that Miss Milligan suggested these groups form a Branch. Ron Smith, George Armstrong, Donald Fraser, and Georgina Finlay organized the Toronto Branch in October of 1957. Donald Fraser was elected President. When Sally developed Parkinson’s Disease in 1968, Donald stopped dancing because he always saw it as a family event.

66 Chairs – continued

Continued from pages 8-10 , Chairs Professor Smith left a bequest of $10,000 to Cathie Macfarlane, a student of Miss Milligan Toronto RSCDS to be used for children and at Jordan Hill Teacher’s College, has served Dr. Donald Fraser, 1957 - 1958 youth. many roles for the Toronto Branch. She was the Toronto Branch’s first treasurer, a member James Stoddart was elected Vice Chair, . . . Written with help from Iain Macfarlane and of the Branch Executive, a member of Social Lindsay Kilmer Secretary, Isa Wright (Wilson) Ian McHaffie Treasurer, and Matthew Sutherland Teacher- Group Executive, a Branch Demo Team mem- ber and a Social Group Demo Team member. Advisor. George Armstrong, 1961 - 1963 After moving to Toronto from Scotland, the Recognizing the need for various social activi- first few years were difficult ones and friends George L. MacDonald, 1958 - 1959 ties, George organized dances in the Granite were hard to find. One day, Cathie found "A second meeting is being held in the Club twice a year beginning in 1962, and, a note left on a table, "Scottish Dancing at attempt to form a Branch of the Royal in 1964, "The Island Fling". He also orga- Rosedale". She went with her sister that eve- Scottish Country Dance Society ...on Monday, nized the first Branch Weekend, held at the ning and her life changed. November 14, 1955.… Further discussions Blue Mountain Ski Lodge in Collingwood. will be held regarding the possibilities of He produced the first five long-playing Stan Cathie was part of the demo team that per- becoming a Branch and it is planned to show Hamilton & The Clansmen records. In an formed for the opening of the New City Hall training films on dancing sometime during Annual General Meeting Report, George stat- in Toronto, September 13, 1965 in front of an the evening. If you have any friends who you ed: "If you will give your Branch your whole- audience of 50,000. think may be interested, by all means bring hearted support, we can put on functions David Pogson, 1969 - 1971 them along. We are looking forward to see- that no other Branch in North America can Putting on such classics as Ian Powrie’s, Angus ing you again." . . . An RSCDS notice equal since none of them has our number, MacLeod, Hebridean Weaving Lilt, Brig o’ Doon, resources or facilities. However, if you choose Bratach Bana and others … the bubbling Professor Ronald Smith, 1959 - 1960 to withhold your support or give it elsewhere, excitement of the children at their Festival, Ronald was born in Galashiels, Scotland in our success can only be partial." 1916 and died in Toronto at the age of eighty. the intense, anxious faces as the results were He achieved a Master of Arts Degree from Three other members of the Armstrong Group announced. became Branch Chairmen: Donald Pyper, St. Andrews University, followed by a further And who could forget playing host to exam- David Grant, and Bill Stoddart. degree in East Asian languages from Oxford iners from Scotland and the vivid memory of University. He worked throughout the war the Geneva Park Weekends? in military intelligence. He came to Canada Iain Macfarlane, 1963 - 1965 How well, too, I recall one committee meet- in 1955, and was appointed Professor with He came to Canada with an extensive back- ing when it was proposed to increase the the Department of East Asian Studies at the ground in the RSCDS, Edinburgh, and many Tartan Ball ticket by all of fifty cents to $10. University of Toronto, lecturing on Sanskrit. years of teaching instruction. The ensuing discussion generated such heat "Sanskrit Smith" was easy to recognize as Arriving in Canada, Iain wanted only to that at one point I thought clan warfare was he always wore the kilt, complete with sgian dance, with no other responsibilities but strap- about to break out! dubh, and usually with "plimsolls" (gym ping on his ghillies and dancing till dawn. shoes), even in the most inclement weather. However, after attending one of the Festivals, Perhaps most of all, I remember with grati- His wife once lamented that she wished he complained to his wife, Cathie, about a tude, the dedication of committee members, Ronald would acquire a pair of trousers, if questionable adjudication. Cathie told him he teachers and many others who did so much only to hang in the closet. During his first had two options: "Keep quiet, or get involved for us all. The list is too long to name names; Canadian winter, as the mercury plummeted, and fix the things you don’t like." sadly, some are no longer with us. Memories. Professor Smith was asked how he felt. "It’s a Yes, lots of them. Taking Cathie’s advice led Iain, the man who wee bit cold around the ears!" did not want to get involved, to teach the James Kynoch, 1973 - 1975 On December 11, 1955, Ronald formed the Calvin social group for 22 years; act as the This award was initiated by Don Pyper, Rosedale Scottish Country Dance Group at Toronto Branch Chair from 1963 to 1965; who was Chair 1971 - 73. Don sought Miss Rosedale Presbyterian Church, one of the first initiate Geneva Park, a weekend workshop Milligan's counsel regarding this matter. such groups in Toronto. His love for Scottish for dancers that ran successfully for over Social Group Shields were first suggested by music and his enthusiasm for the traditional thirty years; write New City Hall, one of the Ted Doran and fourteen shields were on dis- dances inspired many to join, some of whom dances performed for the opening of the New play for the first time at the 1974 Tartan Ball. went on to serve on different Board positions. City Hall; and concurrently conduct highly Many of our original dancers had their first successful Branch and Candidate classes. He Monthly dances used to be held at Hodgson introduction to SCD from Ronald. organized the first Toronto Children’s Festival Public School but were moved to Forest Hill Collegiate to accommodate the increasing Two years later, in 1957, the Toronto Branch with 16 teams competing from the Toronto membership; 355 dancers attended the 1975 of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society and Hamilton areas. January dance. was formed and Professor Smith served as Iain also gave the Tartan Ball its present Chairman from 1959 to 1960. name. He encouraged his beginners to attend The Geneva Park Weekend attracted a record 183 dancers in 1974. In 1966, Ronald married Helen Bryan and the Ball, BUT, mainly to observe and only to together they shared forty happy years. dance three dances he ensured they learned! In 1973, the Toronto Branch appeared for the This philosophy helped raise the number of first time at the Canadian National Exhibition. For many years (and still thriving), a Children’s ball attendees. Ian McHaffie, a highly respect- About 200 dancers from Toronto area social Dance Group met at Rosedale Church and ed RSCDS teacher, was inspired by Iain. "He groups participated. The social group teach- Ronald would be there each Saturday morn- was an excellent teacher and dancer, giving a ers chose the dances, devised the choreog- ing to give encouragement and support, and superb example of what he wanted you to do raphy, and prepared their dancers for public often act as mentor to many of the young in terms of footwork, phrasing, and putting performance. people of whom he was so fond. things together." In 1975 I had the honour of entertaining and Rosedale held a party in 1980 to celebrate One of the ideas Iain was instrumental in escorting Miss Milligan in Toronto during her Ronald Smith’s twenty-five years of continu- forging was a non-competitive liaison with examination tour of that year. I also accom- ous teaching. Three of the dances he devised other local Branches, a "let’s help each other modated and entertained Mina Corson, Bill were published: The Reivers, Make Up the and not offer competing events" philosophy Hamilton, and Derek Haynes, visiting teach- Quarrel, and The Rosedale Reel. – something we need to reestablish today. ers from the United Kingdom.

67 Chairs – continued

It was a privilege and honour to serve as ficult on astro turf that had soaked up the Dr. William (Bill) Brunton Ramsay Stoddart Chairman of the Toronto Branch. I was sup- rain "like a wet bath mat." Since every Bill received part of his SCD Teaching ported by a loyal and hard-working com- performance required much waiting before Certificate from Miss Milligan, and always mittee. We were fortunate to be in office actually dancing, Jean remembers striking expressed his admiration that her love and during the best of times financially and with up an acquaintance with the Golden Helmets dedication saved another aspect of Scottish a vibrant membership. from the Ontario Provincial Police and hav- culture from disappearing. ing a great time joking around with the men. He was a keen supporter of TAC and of the Dancing had its special rewards! David Grant, 1975 - 1977 Toronto Branch of the RSCDS, serving as Chair David asked for $1,000 per night for the four from 1979 to 1981. He taught at Glenview Frances Gray, 1977 - 1979 performances, and, to his surprise, the CNE for 16 years and was President of the St. Afterwards we went to watch the Scottish agreed, not knowing that the teams would Andrew's Society of Toronto at the time of World Festival in the stadium. We were driven have danced for free. This was an incredible his death in 1995. For several summers he there in a horse-drawn landau with all the windfall for the Branch social groups, who taught at Mainewoods Dance Camp. were paid $120 for each team participating. pipe bands already in position on the field. The balance went to the Branch. One of the big events of the evening was the The focus with most SCD teachers was tech- mass demonstration of the RSCDS Toronto nique and dance etiquette; Bill’s focus was The event was held at the CNE Grandstand Branch dancers, which was a tremendous having fun. He emphasized not what hap- before an audience of about twenty thou- success and very well received by the pub- pened from the knees down but what hap- sand. Bob Millar was appointed the dance lic. For this event we, as a Branch, received pened from the neck up. He analyzed dances director, while Stan Hamilton and the Flying $5,000, which was divided amongst all the and then would explain them for the linear, Scotsmen and the 48th Highlanders provided Social Groups who participated, on a pro visual, and other learning-styled dancers. His the music. David was asked to invite Miss rata basis. group was run democratically by the mem- Milligan to come as a guest of the CNE to bers for the members, where the teacher was In those days we had a membership of officially open the Tattoo, and she agreed; appointed and the executive elected. however, surgery on her ninety-year-old more than 1,200 dancers. Immigrants from knees prevented her from attending. After Scotland were still arriving in Canada and He and long-time friend and colleague, consulting David, the CNE then invited Lord there was great interest in our Society. While Professor Alistair Cameron Stewart, designed Strathspey, the chief of the Grant clan, to the numbers have declined since then, a database for the growing index of SCD perform the honours in her place. Scottish Country Dancing is still an important recorded music. Bill took his LP collection and part of many people’s lives in Toronto. created the original Ramsay Index, aimed at This was a busy week for David and Betty non-computer people, publishing it himself. Another anecdote, involving the entire Grant: attending the Scottish World Festival Many people knew him only through the Committee when I was Chair, stands out. Ball, dancing at the CNE, and, also entertain- Ramsay Index. It is the hope of TAC that the One Monday night, during a Branch meet- ing Lord and Lady Strathspey for lunch at new edition (Ian McHaffie and others) will ing, we were all upstairs in the boardroom the Royal Canadian Yacht Club, the home of help dancers throughout the world enjoy the when Professor Ronald Smith, who held his the one and only original Island Fling. Lord spirit of dance as much as Bill did. Bill and Scottish Country Dance class downstairs that Strathspey, impressed by his surroundings, Alistair also discussed how "we were all get- evening, opened the door, put his head in remarked that the clubhouse was much bet- ting on" and explored possible SC dances that and said, "Would you lot shut up?" We were ter than Cowes, the home of the Royal Yacht could be adapted to walking rhythmically all immediately silenced for a few seconds Squadron. while maintaining the joy of movement. by this outburst; then we burst out laughing Jean Noble and Grace Harris, who were when we realized what he really meant was: Bill was a garrulous public speaker and not among the dancers, remember a terrible Would we lock up the church when we left! known for short speeches. At his retire- thunderstorm one night before they danced. ment from the Chair at the Tartan Ball in This made the performance extremely dif- 1981, when it was time for him to give his last Chair’s speech, the audience pushed themselves away from their tables to settle comfortably for a long good-bye. Bill got up, thanked the head table, and then said, "I wish to thank you very much for letting me be Chair," and promptly sat down. The entire hall was stunned. Bill got the last laugh.

Alasdair Robertson, 1981 - 1983 At Christmas and at the end of the dancing season, we were often out dancing four or five times a week. As I recall, there were over a thousand members in the Toronto Branch. Toronto just edged London, England as the largest branch. We had four active bands and our group, Calvin, had both Stan McKee and Donald Bartlett as our pianist during those years. Of all things I have done over the years, danc- ing, especially Scottish Country dancing, has always been a pleasure and an escape for Jo and me.

George Conolly, 1983 - 1985 After he became quite ill, Tony came to the house with his rice pudding.

68 Chairs – continued

How many times did we have fun and games ple showed up for the workshop. Through mundane type of magic that takes people’s ideas after the ball… after a dinner… after a meet- the workshops we raised enough money for and aspirations and lets them become reality ing? "Refreshments" were usually included. Alastair's airfare and expenses. (with no apparent effort). That kind of magic is After an especially late night, George and usually compounded of GREAT effort, perspira- I toddled off to our Royal York room. Out Andrew Collins, 1991 - 1993 tion, hours, days, weeks, and months of work, came the keys and after much quiet laughing At the 1993 Tartan Ball, I shared the podium patience and diligence on the part of someone and trying each key, we were still standing in with John de Chastelain and Iain Macfarlane, else. Often the only magic is the ability of others to the hall. Trying not to waken the smart ones two gentlemen of stature in their own right, take it for granted. How often that someone else sleeping, he decided to check each key under for the presentation of the Award of Scroll to has been you. I hope that everyone who cherishes one of the lights—not too much later, it was Iain Macfarlane. Although Iain did not bring the memory of our achievement at the Dome will discovered we were on the wrong floor. A his ghillies for the evening, he could not tell you – THANKS!" very quiet retreat. …Norma Conolly pass up the opportunity to dance Glasgow Highlanders. Ian Paterson, 2005 - 2007 At the end of the evening, despite sev- Jack Millar, 1985 - 1987 At the 1992 Tartan Ball, our Guest of Honour, eral offers of hospitality, we decided to head I used to think: How joyously unique – here Lieutenant-Governor Hal Jackman, arrived home, having commitments for the following I am, a Canadian, born of Irish Immigrant with his guest for the evening, the Honourable morning. Although the roads on the return parents, with no Scottish ancestry, Chair of Barbara McDougall, Secretary of State and journey were snow-covered to centre-bare, the RSCDS Toronto Branch, one of the largest Minister of Foreign Affairs, accompanied by we were moseying along at a reasonable branches of the Society at the time. her adjutant. Thanks to my contact with her pace until we reached the Markham Road sister at work, I was able to ensure that the Among the many grand memories of danc- and Highway 407 junction. For the next hour bar in the suite for the pre-ball reception ing, none could top the thrill of participating and a half we found ourselves stuck in traffic stocked her favourite cocktail. The minister in the Mass Scottish Dances performed by behind a line of snow ploughs! The total all- was impressed. members of the Toronto Branch (and many round trip to Utica took us nearly five and a near-by affiliates) on the field of the CNE At the 1992 St. Andrew’s Ball, the Colonel half hours! The moral of this story? In Canada Grandstand, with the Mass Regimental Pipes of the 48th Highlanders, unaware that the during the winter, when invited to join friends and Bands from around the world performing Guest of Honour was an avid Scottish Country who live a long way from home, either refuse Military Tattoos nightly for tens of thousands Dancer, asked me to escort General John de all forms of liquid refreshments, or be sure to of spectators. Chastelain for the evening. Nothing could pack a "Port-a-Potty" for the trip home! have been easier. Gordon S. Hamilton, 1987 - 1989 He taught a second class in Mississauga Esther Goodfellow, 1993 - 1995 on Friday evening, again well attended. On Esther missed an Executive meeting, and next Saturday, Alastair, an excellent speaker and, morning she received a phone call to tell her Collective Memories of course, an expert dancer, was a well- she had been unanimously chosen to head [Compiled from discussions with Donald received Guest of Honour at the Ball, attended up the organizing of the 512some. She said: Fraser, Coll Black, Sandy Bain, Noreen by 500 dancers. The Society’s Bulletin of that "See what happens when you miss a meet- MacLellan, and Georgina Finlay – all of year carried a photograph of Alastair shovel- ing." Of course she loved challenges, and the whom danced in the early 1950s.] rest is history. ling snow outside our house in Mississauga, The first class in Toronto was held at where he stayed during his visit to Toronto. On August 17, 1991, after a ninety minute Earlscourt Legion Hall on Lansdowne In 1988, Toronto Branch members joined delay and under threat of rain, following Avenue, taught by Matthew Sutherland Frank Reid and his band on Friday, September Esther Goodfellow’s phenomenal powers in the fall of 1950. Georgina joined the 9, for a dance at the Royal York Hotel, fol- of organization, and with John Christie’s class in December, 1952. Other original lowed by a dinner and dance on the Saturday admirable choreography and direction, the members included: Annie Sutherland, evening. Furlongs Travel of Sevenoaks, Kent, 512some was a memorable success. 512 Coll Black, Isa Wright, Jim & Essie organized these two events, as part of a ten- dancers, representing the Toronto Branch of Stoddart, Lillie Stephenson, Margaret day holiday entitled "Canada 1988." Toronto the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, Rogerson, Isa Stirling, Jean & Sandy dancers and those in the Furlong Group from marched onto the field of the Grandstand at Storrar. By 1954, Donald & Sally Fraser, all parts of the UK met and mingled, renewed the Canadian National Exhibition and danced Pierre Bastien, Gordon Scott, Noreen and made new friendships as they shared an eightsome reel together. It took sixteen MacLennan and Ann & Vic Scott had the dance floor and enjoyed a program of months of planning for seven minutes of per- also joined. old favourites. formance and a new world record for quan- tity in Scottish Country dancing was set. Shortly thereafter, the Falcolner Hall Group was formed by Donald Fraser, Robin Wood, 1989 - 1991 In 1993, Esther attempted to dance a with teaching assistance from Matthew Also while Vice Chair, I suggested we invite 1024some at the Tattoo in Toronto’s Sutherland. Dr. Alastair Macfadyen, the Chair of RSCDS, SkyDome. The effort was mammoth, the In 1953, Georgina recalls taking part in to be our Guest of Honour at the Tartan Ball evening spectacular, but the record of the a demonstration (directed by Matthew and to conduct one or two workshops while 512some remained. Chair Bill Stoddart wrote Sutherland) at the Gay Gordon Scottish in Toronto. He was most willing to accept to Esther: our invitations but informed us that he could Society’s social function, Woodbridge, only arrange an absence from his teaching "It is hard for me to find words with which where she met Jim Lefevre. He formed duties at Jordanhill for less than a week. to express my admiration for your skill, your a demo team at Bathurst United Church Nevertheless, he was willing to teach both on patience, your unflagging enthusiasm, your and some early members included Jim, the Thursday and Friday nights. I made the boundless optimism, your graciousness, your per- his sister Jean, Sandra Binns, Coll Black, arrangements for the Thursday Workshop sistence, but perhaps most of all your charm, Fred and Ken Inglis, and Georgina. dignity and sympathy.… The sheer magnitude of in the central part of the city and Gordon Coll received his Prelim and Full cer- your energy and will is mind-boggling. You are a Hamilton, the chair, arranged for the Friday tificates at St Andrews Summer School, wonderful woman and I count myself privileged Workshop in the west end. The number of 1957. Noreen and Sandy received Prelims to know you. tickets were restricted to 128 for each work- on Miss Milligan's Examination Tour of shop. Both were sold out. On Thursday, we The world is full of people who believe in magic. 1957 and Full Certificates, along with had a horrific snow storm, yet over 100 peo- Not the fairy prince type of magic but the more Georgina, on MM's return in 1959.

69 Name the Teacher...

1 2 3 4 5

11 12 13 14 15

21 22 23 24 25

31 32 33 34 35

41 42 43 44 45

1. George Armstrong 10. William Stoddart 19. Colin Philip 2. Jack Millar 11. Sandra Scott 20. Barbara Taylor 3. Jean Hamilton 12. Jean Anderson 21. Bob Blackie 4. Bob Campbell 13. Sandy Bain 22. David Booz 5. David Grant 14. Keith Bark 23. Wes Clindinning 6. Bob Millar 15. Sandra Binns-Johnstone 24. Steve Coombs 7. Miss Jean Milligan 16. Ian McHaffie 25. Tom Cunningham 8. Douglas Stephen 17. Jean Noble 9. Carole Skinner 18. Ian Paterson

70 Connections

6 7 8 9 10

16 17 18 19 20

26 27 28 29 30

36 37 38 39 40

46 47 48 49 50

26. Jessie Bryden 35. Frances Gray 44. John Hurd 27. Lorna Larmour 36. Moira Korus 45. Coll Black 28. Isabelle MacPherson 37. Kathleen Kynoch 46. Vi Knight 29. Deirdre MacCuish Bark 38. Anne MacLeod 47. Janette Todd 30. Betty Thompson 39. Robin Matheson 48. May Macfarlane 31. Georgina Finlay 40. Bob Waugh 49. Donalda McDonald 32. Noreen MacLennan 41. Grace Harris 50. Teacher-yet-to-be 33. John Scott Gowans 42. Diane Hooper 34. Betty Grant 43. Margaret Anne Hunter

71 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The committee for this Golden Jubilee book consisted of Teresa Lockhart, Rob Lockhart, Isabelle MacPherson, Jill Smith, Judy Williams, Vicky Zeltins, and Jane Robinson. The Fiftieth Committee are indebted to the members of the Twenty-Fifth Committee. A special note of thanks goes to Donald Holmes. Many hours were spent to produce a book we hope you will enjoy. Thanks to all those people who contributed material to the book, but I particularly thank the Committee for their dedication and hard work. Congratulations on a job well done. The original art illustrating Corn Rigs is the work of the late Dick Simon (see page 59). RSCDS Toronto gratefully acknowledges the St Andrew's Society of Toronto for their generous donation of $1000 towards the cost of this book. . . . Jane E. Robinson, Chair, RSCDS Toronto

72