NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE AND DISTRICT RSCDS

 

NEWSLETTER

Autumn 2009

Welcome to a new season of dancing

 

John and Patricia Cass after being presented with their gifts

in appreciation of the founding and organising of the

Newcastle Festival for Twenty Five Years

 

MESSAGE FROM OUR SECRETARY

 

Hello and welcome to another new season of dancing.  It seems no time at all since

we were preparing the newsletter last August!  We hope you have all had a good

summer and you are full of enthusiasm and ‘Joie de Vivre’ ready for another year

of dancing.  There is a good programme of functions coming up with a variety of

venues and bands so we hope there will be something to suit everyone.

As most of you will know our Branch was founded in May 1950 so it will be our

60th  Anniversary in 2010.  Although maybe not so important as 25, 50 or 75 years

we are planning some special events to mark the occasion.  One of these will be a

60th Anniversary Ball in the Lancastrian Suite at the Federation Brewery building

next to the Metro Centre on Saturday 26th June 2010.  Colin Dewar’s band will

provide the music.  Put this date in your diaries now and tell all your friends as we

hope to  attract dancers ‘Frae A’ the Airts’.  Look for more information (price,

programme, menu etc.) in the next newsletter.

We realise that there are many members who will not attend this function as they

no longer dance.  So that they will not feel left out we hope to organise a get-

together/reunion meal somewhere fairly central that they can attend.  If anyone

can recommend a  suitable venue please let us know fairly soon so that we can

make a booking.  I am sure members will be able to offer transport to anyone who

needs it.  (One never knows, this could be the start of many such events for non-

dancers to keep in touch with friends.  Do think about it!)

We also hope to have some commemorative items for sale during the year.

When you receive your membership calendar please enter the dates of functions

in your diary/calendars at home straight away to avoid double bookings.

Best wishes for a year of happy dancing with all your friends.

Sheila Trafford (Hon.Secretary)

 

PROGRAMME UNTIL JANUARY 2010

 

12th to 19th SEPTEMBER DANCE SCOTTISH WEEK

 

Sheila Trafford will host a Taster Session at MORPETH – St. George’s Church

Hall on SATURDAY 5th SEPTEMBER 2 – 4 p.m.  Admission Free

 

Carol Sanderson will host a Taster Session at HEXHAM – Lockhart Room, Moot

Hall (just off the Market Place) on WEDNEDAY 16th SEPTEMBER 7.30 p.m.

to 9.30 p.m.  Admission Free

 

Please encourage anyone who may be interested in having a go to come along to one

or both of the Taster Sessions.  Please help us publicise these events.

 

SATURDAY 3rd OCTOBER at HARRATON  -  First Dance of the Season.

Music by Lindsay Weir.     Convenor  -  John Ferguson

Programme

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SATURDAY 10th OCTOBER at BLACKFRIARS  -  CEILIDH

Music by Last Orders.     Convenor  -  Roger Hall

Details are enclosed with this Newsletter.  Please come along and bring some friends.

 

THURSDAY 22nd OCTOBER  -  FORMATIONS CLASS

at Gosforth Parish Hall (opposite the Gosforth Metro)

Teacher  -  Peter Avery

Please let Peter (on 07900215036) or a Committee Member know if there are any

Formations/special dances etc. you would like to be taught.

 

FRIDAY 13th NOVEMBER at WALLSEND MEMORIAL HALL  -  

HIGHLAND BALL

Music by Robert Whitehead and the Danelaw Band.    Convenor  -  Peter Avery

Details and an application form are enclosed with this Newsletter.  Please support this event.  We appreciate that there were teething problems last year at this new venue but these have been rectified and together with the programme, super floor for

dancing and Judith Whitehead’s catering I am sure we will have a most

enjoyable Ball.

 

SUNDAY 15th NOVEMBER  -  DANCING FOR PUDSEY BEAR    A FAMILY DANCE in the KNOTT MEMORIAL HALL, HEDDON ON THE WALL 2.30 p.m. to 5 p.m.  

Music  Recorded.      Convenor  -  Carol Sanderson

Dances will be simple and involve some ceilidh dances.  Please encourage any families whether they already dance or not to come along .  It is a lot of fun.

 

SATURDAY 5th DECEMBER at WALLSEND MEMORIAL HALL

Music by Michael Philip            Convenor  -  Christine Belcher

Programme

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please note that cribsheets in a large print are now available on the

Branch Website for all dances  -  www.rscds-newcastle.org

 

LOOKING BACK AT HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2008/2009 SEASON

 

NEWCASTLE FESTIVAL SILVER JUBILEE

 

The 25th anniversary of the Newcastle Festival of Scottish Country Dancing was

celebrated on the 14th February 2009 at Emmanuel College, Gateshead.  It was

organised by the originators, John and Patricia Cass, who were presented with

an engraved quaich and a bouquet of flowers to mark the occasion.

 

Everyone present on the day will remember it for the happy atmosphere and the

numerous celebratory touches.  A letter conveying good wishes from Her

Majesty The Queen,  patron of the RSCDS, and a letter of congratulation from

the Lord Mayor of Newcastle were displayed alongside photographs and other

memorabilia.  Programmes also contained an interesting resume of the history of

the festival.  A splendidly decorated cake took pride of place on the trophy table

and silver-themed flower arrangements enhanced the stage.  Silver balloons and

ribbons added festive touches to the usual tartan drapes, and chocolates and

commemorative key rings were widely distributed.  Refreshing Festival Fizz

(non-alcoholic, of course!) was served during the evening.  The competing

Teams represented many parts of the UK and overseas.  The dancing was of an

extremely high standard throughout and the adjudicators, Graham Donald

and Helen Russell, had some very difficult decisions to make.  The International

Team won the display section with a highly entertaining tribute to St. Valentine,

which skilfully incorporated a toast in honour of the day.  

 

A former Branch secretary and past president, Mary Cooper, was piped in to present the Maurice Cooper trophy to the team with the highest marks overall – this year to Newcastle ‘B’ Team.  A full list of results, as well as photographs and videos of the festival may be viewed on the Branch website.

 

The Branch president, Mike Barlow, introduced Alex Gray, the Society chairman, who had travelled from Edinburgh to be present on such a special occasion.  He recalled his happy association with Newcastle and wished the Branch every success in the future.

 

220 smiling, energetic people attended the evening dance and the Marian Anderson Scottish Dance Band provided some amazing music.  The fantastic atmosphere was a fitting conclusion to a truly memorable day.

 

Special events such as this require many months of preparation by the organisers and could not take place without a large number of willing helpers.  A close investigation would reveal the following stalwarts:-

 

THE PUBLICISTS:  those who design, produce and distribute flyers, posters, programmes and copy for commercial publications and broadcasts, the photographers who provide an excellent audio-visual record of the day.

 

THE TICKET SELLERS: dance teachers and club leaders who sell tickets in advance and are replaced on the day by two efficient people who continue the work and attend to general administration and lost property.

 

THE WELCOME TEAM:  a rota of four people on duty in the foyer throughout the day to greet and direct visitors.

 

THE DECORATORS:  those who arrange chairs and display tables; position notices; inflate balloons; put in place flowers, cloths and tartan banners; collect and display memorabilia and man the Branch shop selling Society items.

 

THE FRONT OF HOUSE TEAM:  the MCs who ensure that everyone knows what is happening by making clear announcements; the providers of recaps who give confidence to dancers during the evening.

 

THE REFRESHMENTS TEAM:  on duty throughout the day and evening to ensure that nobody goes thirsty.  This year 1200 drinks were supplied to visitors and helpers.

 

THE SOUND TEAM:  a skilled and dedicated group, ensuring that all cables

and electrical equipment are safely installed.  Their careful monitoring of

balance, volume and sequence of music underpins every section of the

competitive dancing.

 

THE MUSICIANS:  accomplished individuals and groups who rehearse for long

periods in advance and who give magnificent support to dancers on the day.

Top of page

 

THE SCRIBES:  a team of six who concentrate intently on recording the

comments of the adjudicators, then transfer these to the adjudication sheets which are signed and presented to the dancing teams at the end of the day.

 

THE CATERERS:  two hard-working branch members who produce delicious

homemade fare to fortify helpers at lunchtime and at the end of the competition.

 

THE FIRST AID PERSON:  an essential presence to provide qualified

assistance in case of accident or injury.

 

Additionally, there is all the overlapping help given by many Branch members

in moving furniture, collecting rubbish, dismantling equipment, cleaning and

tidying at the end of the event.  Sincere thanks must go to every one of them

for their contribution to the great success of the Newcastle Festival.

Christine Belcher

 

THE SHOW  -  REELS, RANTS AND REIVERS

 

This was the title of the Show which took place on two consecutive nights in

early April, one at the Royal Grammar School, Newcastle and the second at the

Queen’s Hall, Hexham.  Newcastle and District RSCDS played the major part

in these cheerful and colourful evening displays.

 

In Hexham the elevated seating enabled an excellent view of the dancing.  The

men’s kilts and jackets and the ladies’ long white dresses and later, tartan skirts

made a kaleidoscope of colour for the energetic country and highland dancing

as they made full use of the stage.  Footwork, timing and covering seemed

immaculate.

 

This was a first for Hexham and the audience proved enthusiastic. The hardworking band of fiddles, accordion, whistle and Scottish small pipes kept up a brisk pace for the large complement of adult dancers and a girl’s team, who performed most competently in their red tops and tartan mini-skirts.  Star turns were Deb Lees and David Hind in a dance duet and Shona Harper in her alter ego as a superb clog dancer.  Dances included an all men’s team starting Reel of the 51st Division, (as it would have been danced in the POW camp) to McDonald of Sleat, the Foursome Reel and Bonnie Lass of Bon Accord, finishing with a grand finale of Dashing White Sergeant.  After the more formal dancing before the interval the second half took an informal ceilidh approach, with some dancers not performing sitting at the back of the stage watching.  This looked very natural and added interest.

Also in the performance were the North Tyneside Pipe Band, the Teviotdale ladies choir, folk singer Simon Howarth (of the Queen’s Hall), a song from Bryony Bainbridge, a fiddle and small pipes duet and Northumbrian pipers.  Mike Barlow and David Pryer were M.C.s.

 

Thanks must go to Deb for so much hard work in planning and producing such a

high level of dancing by all.

Ros Blaylock

 

ST. ANDREWS SUMMER SCHOOL 2009

 

After about 40 years of dancing and many years of thinking about it, we finally went to the Summer School at St Andrews.  And it was great!

We had several worries –

· Would our legs, knees, ankles etc stand a week of dancing?

· Had we missed the deadline for booking?  

· How would we get on with others on the course?

· Would Swine Flu get us before we got there?  

 

Our fears were unfounded. Because of the way the days are structured our joints survived and we didn’t need to avail ourselves of the services of the resident masseuse!! Late bookings weren’t a problem and we were able to register for our choice of classes. We found everyone to be very friendly, and about a third, like us, were there for the first time. And so far, we haven’t succumbed to Swine Flu!

 

The course is based in University Hall, and most do stay there, however we decided that its more communal living had less appeal to us than the en suite rooms of New Hall, five minutes’ walk away.  The rooms were on the small side, but comfortable and well equipped.  The food was great, with lots of choice and it was fortunate we spent the days dancing to work it off. Quite a number of dancers also chose to stay at New Hall, so we didn’t feel isolated.

 

The main classes were in the morning.  We had a pleasant walk through St Andrews in the sunshine to the various venues (it gave breakfast time to go down) and three hours of dancing, punctuated by a coffee break which gave us a chance to get to know the rest of the class and sample delicious shortbread at various church halls. There were optional Highland and Ladies Step classes for the second half of the mornings.

 

The teachers were excellent, the first half of the week with one, then a change for the rest of the week.  I don’t know if it was deliberate, but the styles of the teachers inour experience tended to be very different.

 

We had expected afternoons to be relatively free.  Although we could have avoided dancing, we did get involved in additional practices, taster classes, and  stooging for the teachers’ class. The dancing in the evenings varied greatly in character, from the confines of the Common Room in University Hall to the wide open spaces of theYounger Hall and the Town Hall. It was very pleasant walking back to New Hall after an evenings’ dancing.

 

So if you are have ever wondered about going to St Andrews, don’t hesitate, do it! You’ll meet some lovely people from all over the world, have excellent teaching, and have a thoroughly enjoyable time.

Roger and Marjorie Hall

 

GRANTS, SPONSORSHIPS AND SCHOLARSHIPS FOR MEMBERS

 

The RSCDS provides grants and scholarships to enable young dancers, musicians and prospective teachers to attend events such as Spring Fling and the annual Summer School at St. Andrews.  Details of the criteria etc., are available fromHeadquarters  or the RSCDS website – www.rscds.org  The Newcastle upon Tyne and District Branch  also makes scholarship funding available to Branch Members who are under  25 years.  Criteria are similar to those for Headquarters.  If anyone is interested  please contact our Youth Co-ordinator – Carol Sanderson.

Roger Malton

 

TEACHERS’ MEETING  -  SUNDAY 11th OCTOBER 2009

 

A meeting will be held on Sunday 11th October 2009 from 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m

for all teachers in the Branch or anyone interested in teaching to attend.  The aim of the  meeting is to discuss and agree a calendar of events to encourage new dancers.

A  personal invitation will be sent to all current teachers in the Branch but if you

have any queries please speak to either Deb Lees or Carol Sanderson.

 

ARCHIVES

 

If anyone has any memorabilia, books, music etc., which they no longer wish to

retain, we would be pleased to retain this on your behalf.  Please speak to

Irene Waters, Veronica Thomson or Sheila Trafford.

 

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

 

From the 1st July 2009 young people can join the RSCDS from the age of 12 and couples living at the same address are entitled to a reduction if they share their copy of the magazine.  If you have not yet paid, please do so as soon as possible – it saves me having to send out begging letters! The rates for this year are:-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can if you wish pay by direct electronic transfer (sort code 30-94-19, account 0275470) but do let me know by e-mail or phone

 

Although we still have a healthy membership, we have seen a decline over the last few years, due largely to an ageing membership who are no longer able to dance.  We must continue to attract new people into Scottish Country Dancing if we wish to maintain a healthy position.  The branch class at St.  Andrew’s Church every Wednesday caters for people with little or no experience  (phone 0191 217 0496) and the forthcoming ceilidh on the 10th October is intended to bring new people into dancing, hopefully to join a class or come to one of our dances.  Please tell your friends!

Roger Malton

 

· We are sorry to learn of the death of Raymond Taylor, who was for many years Treasurer of the Tynedale Country Dance Club and who will be remembered by many as “the man at the door collecting your ticket money at the Hexham Dances”.

 

· Congratulations and best wishes to those who have special birthdays this year, in particular Christine Belcher, Susan Cameron and Margaret Railston.

 

· Congratulations and best wishes to our young people who have taken

           examinations this year and may be going off to University.

 

DANCE VENUES OF THE PAST  -  AND FUTURE

 

The last few years have seen a decline in the number of venues suitable for running dances.  Some have had their dance floor area reduced, some have been converted toother uses and some have simply priced themselves out of the market.  It is, therefore, good to report that two old venues could, with support, be returned to thedancing community.

 

Seaton Delaval Hall is situated close to Blyth and Whitley Bay.  My memories areof performing rapper sword dance at their medieval banquets but I gather that therewas also some Scottish Country Dancing.  Negotiations are under way for the hall and estate to be purchased by the National Trust who intend to develop it as aPerforming Arts Centre. Some funding has already been secured but contributionsare still welcome

 

The Rotunda Building of the Spanish City, Whitley Bay is being restored – and the floor of the Empress Ballroom is still intact!  This would be a great venue for a large dance event! An organisation called Culture Quarter has been campaigning to keep the ballroom as a community resource.  Visit  www.culturequarter.org for more information.

Roger Malton

 

DUNDEE MASTER CLASS

 

Dundee University Scottish Dance Club has organised a series of Scottish Dance Master Classes for this year.  I attended one on the 14th March in which well-known Edinburgh teacher, Pat Houghton, took us through our paces in ‘Footwork, Phrasing and Flirting’!  Each of the master classes focuses on a different area of techniqueand is an interesting alternative to the whole ‘Day School’ approach.  The session was very intensive but since it only lasts for a couple of hours, I was still walking at the end and was still remembering what I had learnt (well, almost). Other Clubs and Branches around the country organise similar events and it is well worth seeking these out if you enjoy dancing away.

Roger Malton

 

R.S.C.D.S. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AT PERTH  -  6th to 8th NOVEMBER 2009

 

Christine Belcher, John Cass,  Roger Hall, Roger Malton, Carol Sanderson, Veronica Thomson and Jean Wright will be representing the Branch.  They will give brief reports from the various sessions in the next newsletter.

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