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RSCDS Banffshire Branch events/SocialScottish Countrydancing Classes with a Difference Link to Summer Socials Link to Dance Diary

January to April 2025 Branch News January 2025 BRANCH NEWS RSCDS WINTER SCHOOL 2025 16th February to 20th February 2025 Three members of the RSCDS Banffshire Branch attended Winter School this year held in the Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry. Kate Strathdee, well known Scottish Country Dance Teacher, was on her 22nd Year at Winter School. The Winter School has classes for all levels of dancers and a superb programme of social events during the five nights of the School. One of the highlights was an afternoon session held by Jimmy Hill, RSCDS Teacher who taught “The Lancers and The Quadrilles”. Jimmy is an enthusiastic individual with a sound knowledge of this type of dancing from the 17th and 18th centuries. The event was very well received by all who attended. The finale is the Ball held in Blair Atholl Castle. The evening started with a warm welcome by a piper and a glass of wine or soft drink, followed by the traditional “Grand March” and then the “Traditional Eightsome Reel”. The five piece dance band was fantastic with uplifting music played by Ewan Galloway on first accordion for the first half of the evening and Jim Linday on second box. For the second part of the evening Jim took the lead. Ian Robertson, the Director of Winter School is an exceptional all round musician. His fiddle playing was fantastic along with Muriel Johnstone on piano/keyboard - all accomplished musicians. Ian did a wonderful job as Director. If you have not been at Winter School before, the dates for next year are : 15th - 20th February 2026. To find out more about the event – Here – RSCDS Winter School 2026 Gordon, Liz, Jim, Kate, Gary and Charly Liz, Gary, Kate and Gordon The impressive ballroom in Blair Atholl Castle Gordon, Liz, Jim, Kate, Gary and Charly 1/4 RSCDS Chair, Gary Coull and RSCDS Banffshire member along with Kate Strathdee, Charly Candia (Management Board rep for Banffshire Branch) and Jim Stott, Chair of RSCDS Aberdeen Branch CLASSES WITH A DIFFERENCE The Banffshire Branch introduced 'Classes with a Difference' following a Theme of the teachers' choice. The teachers try and choose dances that are not on the 'Rally/Social Dance programmes'. We are very fortunate to have 13 Dance classes across Banffshire/North East of Scotland, all taught by RSCDS Banffshire qualifited Teachers and Core Teaching Instructors. To find a dance class near your - check out all the dance classes available HERE DATE FOR YOUR DIARY Our next 'Class with a Difference' will be held on the 30 March 2025 in Arradoul Hall, Buckie. Full details of the event can be found here - BRANCH EVENTS Class with a Difference - 16th February 2025 - by Linda Thomas The dances were all entitled “Welcome to …” or “Trip to …” and included Having moved around quite a lot in her life, Linda Thomas chose as her theme the notion of Hello and Goodbye. Welcome to the Stagger Inn Welcome to Ayr A Trip to Tobermory (Drewry) A Trip to the Netherlands Welcome to Dufftown A Trip to Disney Welcome to Argentina A Trip to Somewhere Else A Trip to Timber Ridge A Trip to Lunenburg (the only dance to include the Hello Goodbye formation) Twelve dancers had an enjoyable afternoon with some interesting moments and lots of laughter. Classes with a Difference Sunday 26th January Theme - BEES & HONEY The weather was kind and we had a good turn-out of dancers at Spey Bay Hall, who were introduced to another of my interests – Beekeeping! We began with a round-the-room dance, “Johnnie’s Jig” as a warm up (I was introduced to beekeeping when John got our first colony of bees in 2010). Then a reel, “The Lonely Honeybee” (scout bee returns to the hive and gives her fellow workers directions to a good source of nectar). After that we went to the apiary to look after the bees as we danced “The Beekeepers Medley” and another reel “Beeswing”. Bees need plants, and plants need bees (and gardens and gardeners), so we danced “The Compleat Gardener”, “Cherrybank Gardens” and “More Bees A-Dancing”. “The Bees of Maggieknockater” took us back to the apiary for the honey harvest and “The Honey Moon” jig. Finally, when moving bees onto the heather, a beekeeper has to be a bit of a “Highland Rambler”, and so we ended a lovely afternoon. Report by Dianna Baillie CTI Teacher of Scottish Country Dancing The dances – Johnnie’s Jig, Sheila Gradon (St. Columba’s Book) The Lonely Honeybee, Dorothy Bell (RSCDS Belfast Platinum Anniversary) The Beekeeper’s Medley, Trevor Rayner (A Skye Collection 2) Beeswing, Roy Goldring (Graded & Social Dances 2) The Compleat Gardener, Irene Paterson (RSCDS Graded Book 3) Cherrybank Gardens, John Drewry (Bankhead Book 1 / RSCDS 30 Popular Dances 2) More Bees a-Dancing, Roy Goldring (Graded & Social Dances 2) The Bees of Maggieknockater, John Drewry (Canadian Book / RSCDS 30 Popular Dances 2) The Honey Moon, W.E. Allan (Miss Milligan’s Miscellany) The Highland Rambler, Roy Goldring (RSCDS Leeds Silver Jubilee / RSCDS 30 Popular Dances 2) Kate & Alice Dianna & Bill Members emjoying a break Kate & Alice 1/7 Link to you tube - 'More Bees a - Dancing below The dance is 'More Bees a - Dancing' by Roy Goldring. The music used was from track 4 Dancing on' Congratulations to Dr Anne McArthur life member of RSCDS Banffshire Branch Dr Anne McArthur , RSCDS Banffshire Branch member has been awarded the BEM in the King's New Year's Honours List. The Citation will read: Dr Anne McArthur Committee member, Royal Scottish Country Dance Society. For Services to Scottish Country Dancing and to the community in Portsoy. To listen to the interview by the Lord Liutenant, Andrew Simpson and Dr Anne McArthur on KCR Radio - click the link here Frank Thomson - Accordionist .The Banffshire Branch was delighted to see Frank Thomson receive the RSCDS Scroll of Honour at the Autumn Gathering in November, 2024. Frank has supported the Banffshire Branch over many years. He came to our rescue as the accompanist for the Dance Section of the Moray Music Festival in Elgin. He continued to be the accompanist for the next six festivals, the latter two run by the Banffshire Branch. When the Branch produced a dance and resource pack for children and young people to celebrate their 90th Anniversary, Frank gave of his time to record the music which is free to download from the website. He also composed some of the original tunes. Frank is our ‘go to’ person whenever we need a musician. We thank him for his support over the years and congratulate him on his award. Frank Thomson, Musician Frank's Scroll, Scottish Country Dance Link to Youtube found here Link to Strathspey Dance Server here Link to Dance Dictionary found here Wakefield Nursing Home, Portsoy Members of the Banffshire Branch danced at Wakefield Nursing Home on 26th February. The staff and residents gave them a warm welcome. Grace Henry, a former Branch dancer now resides there so it was a good opportunity for a catch up. Day School and Evening Dance with Angela Young - RSCDS Teacher & Scott Band The Banffshire Branch of the RSCDS was delighted to welcome dancers to the Portsoy Church Centre on Saturday 22nd March for a dance workshop and an evening dance. It is over a decade since the Branch had run a day of dance and the committee wondered if people would turn out. They need not have worried as over 50 people came through the door at 2pm for a wonderful afternoon of dancing. The teacher was Angela Young from Perthshire but really an Aberdeen Quine and the musician was Scott Band from Kirriemuir. The class was varied with all ages, even two youngsters, and all levels of experience, teachers to beginners. Angela was not phased. She opened the class with a round the room dance making the dancers think of patterns rather than steps then, it was on to Scottish country dancing. Angela had decided that the dancers should dance a number of dances in the two and a half hours. She began with the jig, Speirs Bruce, the Pole Star by Roy Goldring from the Scotia Collection followed by The Mairrit Man’s Favourite from Book 24. The first strathspey chosen was Bydand by John Drewry. Bydand means steadfast and is the motto of the Gordon Highlanders, the North East Regiment. Following a cup of tea and shortbread the dances chosen where A Time for Change, a 32 bar reel by Jim Rae and the strathspey, The Silkie Woman by Barry Pride from the Jacobite Book. Silkies are mythological creatures that can shift between seal and human form by removing or putting on their seal skin. The class ended as it started but with the dancers dancing rather than walking. A group of very happy dancers left the Centre at 4.45, some went home, some went to local hostelries and some had brought a picnic to eat in the Centre. The dance started at 7.30 and again over 50 dancers were present. Scott had brought in his drummer to help him. It was a happy group of dancers who took to the floor making it a lively and inviting atmosphere. Thanks go to the committee for their initiative and hard work to make the day a success. Anne McArthur Jennifer's Jig danced at the evening dance RSCDS Banffshire Branch - you tube channel click here Day School Evening Dancers Jim Stott Chair of Aberdeen Branch and Liz Bulloch - Vice chair of Banffshire Branch Day School 1/10

Celebrating 90 years of dancing RSCDS Banffshire Branch publications page 90th Annviersary dance book 90th anniversary CD 90th Anniversary dance book and CD Contents of book can be found here How to purchase a CD for £10 plus free book To order By post Send a cheque made payable to RSCDS Banffshire for the appropriate amount to Dr Anne McArthur, 24 Aird Street, Portsoy, Aberdeenshire, AB45 2RB Scotland To pay by BACS Sort code: 80 06 66 Account Number 00471060 For postage add the following costs: UK £2.00 EU £4.50 World £6.00

Scottish Country dance class, Spey Bay Spey Bay afternoon class Spey Bay Hall 2.00 till 3.30 pm Teacher Dianna Baillie NEW SESSION 2025 Thursday 09 January 2025 to 27th March 2025 Contact details Email address Contact phone number

Find out what RSCDS Banffshire Branch has planned to keep dancers busy during the Winter months. Our classes with a difference is suitable for everyone to come and join in the fun,fitness and friehship, SCD brings to everyone Autumn/Winter news 2024 Branch Dance 8th November 2024 Celebrating 95th Anniversary Established 1929 to present day The Branch dance was held in the Fisherman's Hall, Buckie on Friday 8th November dancing to Colin Dewar's Scottish Country Dance band. There were 8 sets on the floor with a number of spectators enjoing the music and the dancing. Gary Coull, Chair of the RSCDS and a member of the Banffshire Brnch cut the anniversary cake along with the Chair of the Branch, Alice Archibald. A thank message from Alice Archibald: I just wanted to say thank you to all those who contributed in any way to the very successful night of dancing at Buckie last night. I have not yet heard about the finances, but as far as enjoyment, friendship and energy goes it was a wonderful night. Mavis, thanks to you and your helpers everyone was welcomed with a smile, Anne, the cake was very good and sliced up well. The music was so very clear and crisp and all the callers were very clear and crisp too!! Isobel, the programme was very much up to your usual standard and really enjoyed by all. Linda, the catering was very good and everyone said how much they enjoyed being back to “normal “ dancing conditions. Gary, it was so good to have you there in your official capacity and the Branch feels honoured to have the “Chair” as a member. Thank you all again Alice Archibald Chair of RSCDS Banffshire Branch A link to the videos from the 8th November dance clic k here Photos here 'Being there' Our first of the Branch's Classes with a Difference was held in the Institute Hall Portsoy on Sunday 29th September 2024 Anne McArthur took the class on a trip around the world. The first dance was in memory of Malcolm Brown, 'Links with St Petersburg'. He made many teaching trips to Russia and died recently. It was over Europe and Asia to dance Jim Stott's 'A Trip to Japan' to celebrate a recent dancing school in Kamakura just south of Tokyo. 'A Flight to Melbourn' followed to the cultural city of Australia. Next stop was South Africa to dance 'A Trip to the Drakensbergs' the mountain range that lies on the east coast of SA. A 15 hour flight from Jo'burg took the dancers to Buenos Aires to dance 'Aberdeenshire meets Argentina' while thinking of our Branch's links with our Argentinian friends. It was right up the east coast of the Americas to Boston to go to Pinewoods to dance the 'Pinewoods Reel' from the Centenary Book then it was home to dance 'Anne of Portsoy'. 27th OCTOBER 2024 RSCDS Teacher Kate Strathdee The theme for the class was dance names synonymous with Robert Burns, who in around 1779 as a young man began attending country dancing lessons in Tarbolton. He writes: "In my seventeenth year, to give my manners a brush, I went to a country dancing school. My programme came about while researching the dance Linkumdoddie, devised by John Drewry this was the second dance on my programme.The title of this dance comes from the thatched cottage known as Linkumdoddie referred to in the Willie Wastle – Poem written by Robert Burns in 1792. The other dances on my programme were : TWA SPARKLING EEN (J8x32) 3C (4C set) Iain Boyd The title of this dance, Twa Sparkling Een, comes from The Lass Of Cessnock Banks - Song written by Robert Burns in 1780. CAULD KAIL (M-8x(S16+R16)) 3C (4C set) RSCDS Book 9 Strathspey On a tour of the Highlands around 1787 and arriving in the city of Bon Accord Robbie Burns wrote Cauld Kail In Aberdeen - Song MY SPOUSE NANCY (R8x32) 3C (4C set) Jim Taylor RSCDS Leaflet Dances 22 A song written by Robert Burns in 1792 MY WIFE'S A WINSOME WEE THING (J8x32) 3C (4C set) Tony Moretti Pinewoods Collection 2 A song written by Robert Burns in 1792 THE LEA RIG (S8x32) 2C (4C set) RSCDS Book 21 Robert Burns writes “To Meet thee on the Lea-rig, My ain Kind Dearie” THE DUSTY MILLER (J8x32) 3C (4C set) Border Book Another song written by Robert Burns in 1788.

80th Anniversary Branch celebrations/RSCDS/Banffshire/Branch RSCDS BANFFSHIRE BRANCH 80TH ANNIVERSARY 80th Annversary Dance in Buckie The Banffshire Branch Annual Dance on 13th November at the Fisherman's Hall in Buckie was rather special. The evening started with a drinks reception, giving plenty of time to catch up on news and gossip while, behind the scenes, there was some 'fighting with technology' before the 'slide-show' of the dancing at Balmoral could be enjoyed by all. The dance was very well attended by dancers from far and wide. As befits the Occasion, there were speeches, cake-cutting, a surprise presentation and press photographs. When the formalities had been completed and the dancing started, the music was ably provided by Colin Dewar and his band. Cutting the celebration cake is Jessie Stuart, Jean Mair and Anne McArthur at the 80th Anniversary Dance Anne McArthur presentation for the Branch Award 2009 Anne McArthur receiving her Branch Award in 2009 presented by RSCDS Chairman Alistair McFadyen Branch Award Presentation Amongst those present were RSCDS President Alistair McFayden and RSCDS Chairman - elect Ruth Beattie. Anne McArthur was honoured (and astounded) to receive a branch Award. Banffshire Branch Chairman, Gary Coull, read out the Citation and the award was presented by RSCDS President Alistair Mc Fadyen. A Branch award is not achieved easily. It is given in recognition of an extended period of dedication and commitment to the Branch and to Scottish Country Dancing. Other award holders are Jean Mair, Pat Lemmon, Jessie Stuart and Betty & Walter Rutherford. Everybody agreed that Anne well deserved her Award. She is a former Chairman of the Branch and the Secretary at the time of the Award. She was the driving force in the production of our 75th Anniversary Dance Book and the subsequent CD. she has spent many years teaching and encouraging children and adults. Anne's quiet hard work and dedication has put Banffshire on the RSCDS map.

Scottish Country dance class Mosstodloch Tuesday evening dance class Mosstodloch Speymouth Hall 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm 2025 7th January 2025 to 25th March 2025 New session Tuesday 16th September 2025 to Tuesday 2nd December 2025 2026 Session Tuesday - January to Tuesday 31 March Contact Isobel by phone click here For further information please contact Isobel Turner or Dianna Baillie Scottish Country Dancing is Fun, Fitness, Friendship Suitable for everyone Contact Dianna by phone click here Speymouth Hall, click here

RSCDS Banffshire Branch attending the RSCDS AGM November 2024 Autumn Gathering November 2024 The 'Ladies of Banffshire' attending the Autumn Gathering in Edinburgh 1st to 3rd November 2024 Gary Coull, Chair of the RSCDS, November 2024 Photograph Anne Taylor, Alice Archibald, Gary Coull, Wendy West, Linda Thomas and Anne McArthur Gary is a Banffshire member Frank Thomson, Musician Frank received the RSCDS 'Scroll of Honour' (nominated by the RSCDS Aberdeen Branch) from William Williamson (outgoing Chair) As Gary would say 'Bosies!!!!!! Congratulations from all at the RSCDS Banffshire Branch

Scottish Country Dance class Fochabers Wednesday evening dance class Bellie Hall, Fochabers 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm 2025 8th January 2025 to 26th March 2025 Scottish Country dancing Fun Fitness and Friendship The Bellie Scottish Country Dance class meets in Bellie Church Hall, Fochabers on Wednesday nights from 7.30pm until 9pm. Our teacher, Dianna, a very experienced dancer herself and has completed the RSCDS CTI Certificate We are a mixed ability class with some novice dancers and, recently, a few teenagers. All are very welcome. We like starting with a ‘round-the-room”dance which not only warms us up but enables us to change partners and get to know everyone. We use this time to practice the dance steps to the music. Dianna will also teach us some dances for up-coming rallies so that we don’t feel too nervous. All dancers have a very enjoyable even Contact Sandra by phone Contact Dianna by phone click here Contact Sandra by email

Scottish Country Dance class Buckie Contact Isobel by phone click here Scottish Country Dance Class, Buckie Arradoul SWI Hall, Buckie Isobel Turner, RSCDS Teacher The class is a social dance class for all mixed abilities, all ages. Everyone is welcome Scottish Country Dancing Fun Fitness and Friendship! Monday evening dance class Arradoul SWR Hall Buckie 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm 6th January 2025 to 31 March 2025 Next session dates 15th September to 01 December 2025 Trial start and finishing times from September to December 7pm to 8.30 pm 2026 Dates 6th January 2026 to 30 March 2026 Contact Isobel by email click here

RSCDS Banffshire Branch 90 years of Scottish Country Dancing Link to Branch Events/Calendar Link to Dance Diary Link to Summer Socials The History of RSCDS Banffshire Branch Established 1929 to present day Originally formed as the Buckie and District Scottish Country Dance Society at a Public meeting in Buckie on Monday 9th September 1929, the title was changed to the Banffshire Branch at the first Annual General Meeting. Those initial classes in Buckie soon spread when our first Dance Teacher, Mr John Duncan, accompanied by Miss Nen Watson and Mrs Jean Mair, taught classes at Forglen, Marnoch and Cornhill. The tradition has continued for the past 90 plus years. We welcome new members of all ages and abilities RSCDS Banffshire encourages Scottish Country Dancing throughout the historic county of Banffshire, and its surrounding area of North East Scotland. The Branch has over 40 members, including RSCDS certificated teachers who teach locally, nationally and internationally.The Branch holds an annual dance on the second Friday in November. There are also day schools , dance festivals, special demonstrations and support for local schools with Scottish Country Dancing . In addition, many of the local class groups organise their own 'end of term' and/or annual dance and welcome other dancers to join in. 75th Anniversary CD & Dance book here Children Resources here Publications - 90th Anniversary CD & Dance book here Balmoral visit RSCDS Banffshire Branch Anne awarded British Empire Medal (BEM) Balmoral visit 1/9 Link