Branch News
MSCDC Christmas Dance
The Montrose Scottish Country Dance Club held their Christmas Dance on 11th December. It was, once again, an excellent dance, enjoyed by everyone with Frank’s music keeping everyone up on their toes until the end of the evening.
This year the dance was special since it marked the retiral of Irene Farnell from the leading of the Wednesday dancing. Irene was thanked for all the efforts over several years ans received gifts.
The role has been taken over by Lorna Valentine
This year the dance was special since it marked the retiral of Irene Farnell from the leading of the Wednesday dancing. Irene was thanked for all the efforts over several years ans received gifts.
The role has been taken over by Lorna Valentine
Beginner Class 2017
The Beginner’s Class running in the main hall of the Old and St Andrews Church Hall, has again been very successful. We are grateful to Heather for taking this class and encouraging the beginners with her patience and well thought out lessons. Some of the pupils have already graduated to the Wednesday evening MSCDC class.
End of Summer Class Dance 2016
The end of Summer Class Dance, in the Old and St Andrews Church Hall on Friday 19th August with music by Johnny Duncan, was a great success. The hope to encourage dancers from groups in the area to come along and enjoy an evening with the beginner and summer class students was fulfilled with 73 dancers attending. The students were absorbed into the sets. See pictures.
Annual Dance 2016
The Annual Dance was held on Friday 3rd June, in the Old and St Andrews Church Hall. Approximately 74 dancers attended and thoroughly enjoyed dancing to the great music provided by James Coutts. This event was the most successful we have held in recent years and it was most encouraging to see so many people coming through the door. A big thank you to all who helped in any way to make this event the success it was.
2016 Beginners Class
The class ran in the Tom Long Gallery in the Old and St Andrews Church Hall on Tuesday evenings, well supported by experienced dancers, and with five enthusiastic new dancers coming along every week. Heather did a great job, as usual, in encouraging them and helping them master the steps and formations. The class will almost certainly run again at the beginning of 2017.
Hogmanay Dance 2015
A small crowd enjoyed a great night of dancing with a real party atmosphere. Deirdre Adamson played music to keep the feet light on the floor. The youngsters we had hoped might come didn't appear but there still was loud "choo choo"ing for the 'Flying Scotsman'. Stovies, cake and sweeties strengthened the inner man and woman for the second half.
Elizabeth Neill's creation 'Sea Dog Bamse' was performed by a set while the party began the process of digestion: an excellent dance that needs to be adopted more widely.
"A great night"
Elizabeth Neill's creation 'Sea Dog Bamse' was performed by a set while the party began the process of digestion: an excellent dance that needs to be adopted more widely.
"A great night"
East Angus Summer Class Dance 2015
On Friday 14th August students of the summer class and guests enjoyed a lively evening of country dancing. Johnnie Duncan provided the excellent music to keep the feet flying through an interesting programme of dances. Elizabeth's latest invention 'Sea Dog Bamse' tested some of the dancers but was thoroughly enjoyed. It is sure to be added to programmes all around the area.
2014 Classes End of Season Dance
Johnie Duncan played for the group - again two sets. Plenty of room to let rip to the good music! After a pocket supper the dancing continued and the programme of dances encountered over the summer was played out. A good night!
2014 Beginners Class and Improvers Class
About two sets were sustained through the classes, with mainly improvers attending. Elizabeth managed to get a break while Lorna led a few classes as part of her teacher's qualification requirements.
2013 Hogmanay Dance
A thoroughly enjoyable evening was had by a small and select band of dancers. Numbers again were low - but we had more floor to dance on!! It was good to have Deirdre Adamson back playing for us again and providing up-lifting music.
The guests tucked into a supper with stovies and traditional Hogmanay baking. Some were seen to have thirds and still were able to dance afterwards.
Tell your friends that they missed out on the best value, most enjoyable Hogmanay celebration avialable in the area and they must come along in 2014!
The guests tucked into a supper with stovies and traditional Hogmanay baking. Some were seen to have thirds and still were able to dance afterwards.
Tell your friends that they missed out on the best value, most enjoyable Hogmanay celebration avialable in the area and they must come along in 2014!
60th Anniversary Ball 15th November 2013
A small select and descerning group of dancers met to celebrate our anniversary. Frank Thomson's music and a spacious floor turned the flying feet loose to enjoy our special programme. The dances chosen to represent the local area and mark diamond celebrations were enjoyed very much. Many unusual features raised the dances above the ordinary and provided exciting dancing for the crowd. These dances should be more widely performed!
Three brand new dances were composed for the anniversary competition. The winning dance has been practiced and danced at the ball. The runner up dances will now be rolled out for enjoyment in the area.
In the meantime its back to 'owld claes an' porritch'.
Three brand new dances were composed for the anniversary competition. The winning dance has been practiced and danced at the ball. The runner up dances will now be rolled out for enjoyment in the area.
In the meantime its back to 'owld claes an' porritch'.
Angus Accordion and Fiddle Festival 2013
We had 12 dancers on Saturday 6th July for the Angus Accordion and Fiddle Festival in Arbroath and we danced between 12 and 2pm with a good audience with quite a number of people joining in. One or two of the dances were on the evening programme for the festival so they were happy to join in and get a practice. One couple returned on Sunday 7th July when we had 8 dancers and I think they danced in nearly every dance. We had a few ladies in the audience who came especially to watch, one of whom had been a teacher herself but now has to make do with spectating. Her favourite dance was New Scotland Strathspey and we danced it for her. We all enjoyed ourselves.
Report by Lorna Valentine
Report by Lorna Valentine
Location Dancing Day
Saturday 29th June dawned fair - thank goodness! - as the East Angus 'storm dancers' set out on a day of dancing with our roving musicians Tony Simpson and Avril. Beginning at Arbroath Abbey we danced 'Arbroath Abbey' and 'Never at Sea' before a very small but knowledgeable audience. Montrose High Street was well awake by the time that we performed 'John of Montrose' and 'Lochside' generating some interest from the passers-by. Setting up in St Ninian's Square in Brechin we had some competition from Thomas the Tank Engine at the Caledonian Station, but also a choice of concrete slab or grass surface for our dancing - neither has anything to recommend it. The dances performed here were 'Bruce Brymer of Brechin' and 'Brechin Lassies'. The squad gathered their strength and refueled at the North Muir in Edzell before setting about 'Edzell Arch' and 'Northesk' on another grassy sward. Next it was up the glen to stop at the Retreat, where a space had been cleared for us on their patio area - still the weather was warm bright and not too windy. The relevant dances here were 'Glenesk' and 'Across the Esk' ending with a repeat of Glenesk to allow two young Glenesk girls and our roady/photographer Jane to have a shot as well. Everyone retired to the restaurant for much needed cuppas and food and a chat about the day and lots of gossip! Hospitality and food at the Retreat were great. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day out thanks to our musicians, the good company and the beautiful day. Participants even said they might do it again - someday!
In the picture:- L to R Alan Duncan, Tony Simpson, Gladys Lumgair, Anne Harcus, Karen Anderson, Elizabeth Neill, Avril Abbot, Bob Harcus, Alison Duncan, Lorna Valentine, Iris Macpherson, Ron Craig, Heather Lockhart and John Macpherson. Not in the picture Irene Proctor, Russell Smith, Maureen Smith and Jane Taylor.
In the picture:- L to R Alan Duncan, Tony Simpson, Gladys Lumgair, Anne Harcus, Karen Anderson, Elizabeth Neill, Avril Abbot, Bob Harcus, Alison Duncan, Lorna Valentine, Iris Macpherson, Ron Craig, Heather Lockhart and John Macpherson. Not in the picture Irene Proctor, Russell Smith, Maureen Smith and Jane Taylor.
Dance Composition Competition
Three entries were submitted anonymously to be judged by Bunty Wilson. The three dances were titled "The Declaration of Arbroath Jig", "Coastrider" and "The Road to Scurdie Ness". The identities of all composers and the cribs will be released later in the year, while the winning composition "The Road to Scurdie Ness" by Bob Harcus will be practiced in preparation for the Ball in November.
2013 Annual Dance
The Branch Annual Dance was a great success. The number of guests was ideal to fill the hall but leave plenty space for a birl. Many new faces were present and people had travelled from far and wide to attend - thanks all! Franks music was lively and had the floor full all night. We might not be like Frank's celeb palls but we can have fun.
A plentiful and varied buffet was provided by branch members and quite a few second trips were made.
A great night was had by all.
A plentiful and varied buffet was provided by branch members and quite a few second trips were made.
A great night was had by all.
Completion of 2013 Beginner Class Arbroath
The class ran from September to April with a small number of learner and helpers. Heather Lockhart taught very enjoyable classes using less well known dances to use the variations. Everyone learned a lot from Heather's eye for detail.
Here the class is in full flight at the last class.
Here the class is in full flight at the last class.
Completion of 2013 Beginner Class Montrose
The class ran through from January to April with about a half a dozen beginner students and several stalwarts to help the class along. Classes were led by Elizabeth Neill and on occassions by other committee members. All the basics have been learned, many dances performed: now onwards - regularly enjoying country dancing!
Here some of the students with teacher and helpers.
Here some of the students with teacher and helpers.
Children’s Day of Scottish Country Dance 2013
This is an event for primary school children in Angus, which is organised by Andy Garret from Education Department along with, Active School Co-ordinators and members of Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, who help with volunteers to teach the dances, advise on the programme and contact musicians. The venues were Montrose Academy Assembly Hall, Reid Hall Forfar and Carnoustie.
Jamie McLaren was the Active School Co-ordinator for our area and members of the RSCDS East Angus Branch were invited in to help teach some of the classes in the Montrose and Brechin/Edzell school clusters whose day of dance was Thursday 12th March from 10-12md in the Assembly Hall at Montrose Academy .
Approximately 100 children attended from Ferryden, Lochside, St Margarets, Southesk, Borrowfield and Rosemount, in the Montrose cluster and Maisondieu from Brechin. Edzell participated in the classes but were unable to attend on the day due to another engagement.
The music for the morning was provided by Deirdre Adamson and the programme consisted of 12 dances. Gay Gordons, Dashing White Sergeant, Military Two Step, Highland Man’s Umbrella, Strip the Willow, A Reel for Jeannie, Miss Falconer’s Fancy, Virginia Reel, A Jig for Mrs Dunn, Simons Dance, Witches Reel and Flying Scotsman. Before each dance a different school was given the opportunity to demonstrate how it should be done. They all did this very well, as we all understand how nerve racking this can be, even when you know the dance well.
It was an enjoyable morning and nice to see the children enjoying Scottish Country Dancing and keeping the tradition alive.
This is an event for primary school children in Angus, which is organised by Andy Garret from Education Department along with, Active School Co-ordinators and members of Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, who help with volunteers to teach the dances, advise on the programme and contact musicians. The venues were Montrose Academy Assembly Hall, Reid Hall Forfar and Carnoustie.
Jamie McLaren was the Active School Co-ordinator for our area and members of the RSCDS East Angus Branch were invited in to help teach some of the classes in the Montrose and Brechin/Edzell school clusters whose day of dance was Thursday 12th March from 10-12md in the Assembly Hall at Montrose Academy .
Approximately 100 children attended from Ferryden, Lochside, St Margarets, Southesk, Borrowfield and Rosemount, in the Montrose cluster and Maisondieu from Brechin. Edzell participated in the classes but were unable to attend on the day due to another engagement.
The music for the morning was provided by Deirdre Adamson and the programme consisted of 12 dances. Gay Gordons, Dashing White Sergeant, Military Two Step, Highland Man’s Umbrella, Strip the Willow, A Reel for Jeannie, Miss Falconer’s Fancy, Virginia Reel, A Jig for Mrs Dunn, Simons Dance, Witches Reel and Flying Scotsman. Before each dance a different school was given the opportunity to demonstrate how it should be done. They all did this very well, as we all understand how nerve racking this can be, even when you know the dance well.
It was an enjoyable morning and nice to see the children enjoying Scottish Country Dancing and keeping the tradition alive.
Hogmanay Dance
A small attendance made ideal conditions for the Highland Rambler and no lack of space for all the dancing to the best of bands on CD. Ceilidh dances were inluded in the programme to make it more accessible for non-country dancers but it was the country dances that were most popular. A good supper of stovies and bakes was plentiful with the small crowd.
This is What Country Dancing Can Do for You
Many members of the Branch and friends of Isobel Lockhart enjoyed a great evening of dancing to celebrate her 90th birthday. - Yes 90!!
Isobel is a life long dancer, since school days and the Girl Guides, and is the best advert possible for the health-giving benefits of dance. She is busy in many activities and dances with several different groups through the whole year.
The British Legion Hall in Arbroath was the venue for the celebration on Friday 2nd November. Music was provided by the Inchcape Ceilidh Band who played a programme of favourites. New to many but appropriate to Isobel was "Rob's Delight" - Rob being her late husband.
A collection was made in place of giving presents and £260 were collected for Cancer Research.
Photo thanks to Jim Ratcliffe
Isobel is a life long dancer, since school days and the Girl Guides, and is the best advert possible for the health-giving benefits of dance. She is busy in many activities and dances with several different groups through the whole year.
The British Legion Hall in Arbroath was the venue for the celebration on Friday 2nd November. Music was provided by the Inchcape Ceilidh Band who played a programme of favourites. New to many but appropriate to Isobel was "Rob's Delight" - Rob being her late husband.
A collection was made in place of giving presents and £260 were collected for Cancer Research.
Photo thanks to Jim Ratcliffe
Dance at End of 2012 Summer Classes
The Summer Class season closed on Friday 17th August with a dance for the class attendees. Music this time was from CDs - so many excellent musicians played for us. Elizabeth was presneted with flowers as a small token of appreciation for the effort she made to help pupils of all abilities to improve their dancing.
Check out the Pictures page for more.
Check out the Pictures page for more.
Angus Accordion and Fiddle Club Festival
Over the weekend of 6th to 8th July the Angus Accordion and Fiddle Club ran a festival showcasing Scottish music at venues throughout Arbroath. A programme of events ran over the weekend and live music was provided in the bars of the town. RSCDS East Angus Branch was to perform country dance in outdoor locations but weather stepped it on the Saturday and drove the dancing into the Visitor Centre at the harbour. Several of the visitors in town for the festival joined in the dancing. The young dancer in the blue wellies (here in the Witch's Reel) was a real star: hopefully his enthusiasm will last and he will take a life-long interest.
On the Sunday the weather improved and some of the dancing moved outdoors. Again there were visitors and children who joined in to have some fun. The dancers enjoyed it and spectators liked it enough to watch the sessions all the way through.
On the Sunday the weather improved and some of the dancing moved outdoors. Again there were visitors and children who joined in to have some fun. The dancers enjoyed it and spectators liked it enough to watch the sessions all the way through.
End of 2011-12 Season Dance
Over 70 dancers attended the St Andrews and Old Church Hall to enjoy an evening of Scottish Country Dancing on 11th May. Frank Thomson's band as always played music full of expression to make it easy to swing through the dances. The buffet supper provide by members was quickly downed by the hungry dancers, who after a second cup of tea were ready to get back into the jigs and reels.
A good night had by all!
A good night had by all!
Tartan Day Dance 2011
A small heuch of dancers enjoyed the extra space in the Reid Hall on the 30th March. Great music was provided for this event, shared with Forfar Branch, by Nicol McLaren and the Glencraig Band.
Forfar Branch Annual Dance
Many of the East Angus membership attended the Forfar Branch Dance on Friday 10th Feb. The dance programme was very enjoyable with many dances that were unfamiliar and a couple that were a bit of a challenge. The buffet supper was generous and tasty and the hall is of course a very nice venue, and despite its size well filled with over 140 dancers. Jim Lindsay delivered marvelous music for the dancing.
Thanks to the Forfar Branch for an excellent evening.
Thanks to the Forfar Branch for an excellent evening.
Presentation of a Cheque to the Marie Curie Fund
Rosemary Nicoll, the Manager of the Marie Curie Shop in Arbroath, attended the Wednesday dancing on 25th January to receive a cheque for £113 collected from the raffle on Hogmanay.
2011 Hogmanay Dance
The annual Hogmanay Dance was held in the Old and St Andrew's Church Hall, with music by Deirdre Adamson. A smaller than usual but enthusiastic group danced to great music, enjoyed a very tasty supper and saw in the New Year in style. A similar but hpefully better ettended event will run for the 12/13 Hogmanay.
St Andrew's Day Ball
The Mechanic's Institute main hall provided a handsome and comfortable venue for the Ball. The evening started with a delicious meal catered and served by Jennifer Girdwood and her team. The tables were soon cleared and the dancing shoes were laced up tight ready for the fun to come.
Elizabeth Neill developed the programme with a mixture of ceilidh and familiar country dance and a few new and less familiar dances, which were quickly mastered by the guests.
Deirdre Adamson provided the music for the programme, keeping the seats empty while everyone was enjoying the dance.
The Ball over, the guests returned to the cold night outside, but feeling much warmer than when they arrived.
Elizabeth Neill developed the programme with a mixture of ceilidh and familiar country dance and a few new and less familiar dances, which were quickly mastered by the guests.
Deirdre Adamson provided the music for the programme, keeping the seats empty while everyone was enjoying the dance.
The Ball over, the guests returned to the cold night outside, but feeling much warmer than when they arrived.