The Mulben Scottish Country Dance class welcomed 9 visitors from South East Queensland, Austrilia at their regular Summer Social on Wednesday 19th August in the lovely Boharm hall in Mulben.

 

There was a superb atmosphere on the dance floor with music provided by Susie Simpson on accordion.  The Banffshire Branch funded the musician and  the live music was very much appreciated by everyone.  Kate Strathdee provided a great programme of dances with five sets on the dance floor.  A light supper was served by the Mulben Committee at the interval which was very much appreciated by everyone.

 

We had a special guest, Gary Coull, Chair of RSCDS who started off the class in Mulben 25 years ago!!! The regular attendees were delighted to see Gary on the dance floor.

 

The History of the connections with the Australian visitors  - report by Alice Archibald

I first met the Graceville Class in 2014 when I was staying with my big sister who had been dancing with them for years. They made me very welcome and was honoured to be asked to teach a couple of dances.  I chose The Moray Rant and Joe Fosters Jig as 3 Couple sets fitted our numbers.  

The class decided to come to St Andrews Summer School in 2018 and I joined them there  - a super time was had by all.  They then did a short tour round Scotland and I was lucky enough to join them on Arran - how lucky was I.  

I had booked flights to Oz in 2020, but that was cancelled but I went back in 2023 when I attended South East Queensland Branch’s Centenary Ball held in the  Brisbane Town Hall - a night to remember in a beautiful building. 

My last trip was in 2024 when I again was made so very welcome at the Graceville Class in- really lovely people.

Alice

Happy Dancing