NEWCASTLE AND DISTRICT RSCDS

Welcome to a new season of dancing

REMINISCENCE REELS

The AGM in May saw the launch of the Branch publication -
‘Reminiscence Reels’. This was initiated by a request to Branches from the Society’s Archivist to record members’ reminiscences of the early years. Copies can be obtained price Ł3 plus 75p postage from Chris Hiller.

Since its publication the following letters have been received:-

FROM ANDREW HALL
Having joined the Branch in 1956 at the instigation of my friend and colleague
Chris Blair I was delighted that John Cass persuaded me to buy the Society’s
recent publication Reminiscence Reels and which I have read with great interest.
Many of the names, events, places etc. evoked very happy memories of my early
years in Scottish Country Dancing and where, like others, I met my wife to be,
before moving from the North East.
I recall the wonderful Highland Balls at the Dental School with Tim Wright’s New Cavendish Orchestra with its massed ranks of fiddlers – the extreme weather at Otterburn Weekends and the riotous parties at the Carlisle and Dumfries Festivals.
From the 1963 Trip to Bavaria I particularly remembered the official reception at
Munich Town Hall where, in deference to our hosts, we felt obliged to east the
anaemic white sausages on offer. On one occasion, in the early years of Tyne Tees
TV Miss Milligan insisted on sitting in the studio to watch us demonstrate, I think
it was None so Pretty, which was certainly an ordeal for me and others.
All of the contributors to Reminiscence Reels are to be congratulated on their
frankness and wonderful recall of events, as is Irene Waters on her professionalism
in weaving together so seamlessly the disparate strands into a coherent whole.
This publication is I believe a very interesting reflection of the Branch and its
varied activities over a long period and is highly recommended.
Andrew Hall

FROM MARION PEUTHERER
For someone who has been Scottish country dancing in Newcastle for ‘only’ 18 years, Irene Waters’ Reminiscence Reels is a wonderful perspective of the early years of the Branch. From stories of dancers and dances, to musicians and events, this booklet captures the true spirit of SCD: pride in learning, practising and preserving the national dance and music of Scotland, fostering great friendships and, above all, having lots of fun. The Branch clearly owes its success today to a dedicated group of dancers and musicians (many who have been involved for decades) who give their time and
expertise to ensure the opportunity to dance continues to exist for dancers of all ages
in the Newcastle upon Tyne area. Thank you from the more recent members!
Marion Pertherer

MARILYN HEALY, Headquarters Archivist, has written direct to Irene and I quote from her letter:-

“I know how time consuming these projects are and that they need people with the interest, time and skills to see them through but I believe it has been a very worthwhile project. Rather than review the Newcastle Branch booklet in the CD and Book review page of Scottish Country Dancer it would be better if I feature it as one of the items in my regular ‘piece’ to perhaps remind/encourage other branches to do something similar, pointing out the different approaches that can be made. I hope the members of Newcastle Branch appreciate the time and effort you have put into this project and that they will also recognise the part the Branch has played in the Society’s post war development.”

FROM JOHN DOUGLAS
I have read “Reminiscence Reels” with great interest outlining, as it does so admirably, the history of “my” Branch from the personal memories of so many people.
It has been an enormous job for Irene Waters to interview, record, edit and produce such an entertaining account, from the ramblings of so many of us with memories going back to the 1950s, and the Branch should be greatly indebted to her for her patience and devotion to the cause.
One small error is apparently my fault. On page 52 the reference to the LP for Book 37 should of course be for Book 27. Book 27’s record was the first LP produced by Headquarters and Book 37 was not published until many years after Chris Blair’s untimely death in 1988.

Those of you who remember Jan and me may be interested to know that I have just completed five years (the maximum sentence allowed) as Branch Treasurer for the “BHS” Branch (the Berks/Hants/Surrey Border Branch). Jan has been Vice Chairman of the Branch and we are still attending a class on Wednesdays. Fifty-one years’ dancing, not quite so agile as it once was but still very enjoyable.
With good wishes to the Newcastle upon Tyne & District Branch. John Douglas

For those new members, John Douglas was Chairman of our Branch from 1977 to 1997. The dance ‘The Music Will Tell You’ was devised in his honour as this was a favourite phrase of John’s when taking a social class, certificate class, or at a dance.
Chris Blair was Vice-Chairman in 1974 until his death in 1988. Chris devised the dances Drumelzier and Hogmanay Jig.

P.S. I haven’t read the publication as yet, but plan to purchase a copy from the shop at our first dance of the season. Why not join me in purchasing a copy? Carol Sanderson, Editor

REVIEWS

CEILIDH

If you missed the Scottish Ceilidh on Saturday 26th April at Blackfriars Hall, Newcastle, you missed a treat. Over a hundred people of all ages from tots to silver tops, danced throughout the night to a fabulous young band called Last Orders. They have a long road ahead as musicians of quality, range and sound, and they are good looking too!
Some of the dancers were Scottish dancing enthusiasts and quite a number were first timers. All seemed to enjoy the dances, none of which were too taxing, and a lot of fun was had by all. The caller (Deb) was very clear and the instructions easy to follow.
The Thursday group put on a lovely display showing just how intricate the dances can be, and they pulled it off with no hitches - to their own surprise! That was when the audience could have a well earned rest. Then it was on to the funniest dance of the night, where you could change partners frequently and even change sex while racing around the hall looking for the next group of 3 couples or 5, or more. That was fun. My head is still spinning with the thoughts of that fun evening. Keep your eyes and ears open for the next one.
Jan Vasey, Lanchester Group

MIDSUMMER SUPPER DANCE ALNWICK 2008

It is always nice to drive out to Alnwick on a summer’s night for this dance and as usual the food was excellent. James Coutts provided the music to keep us dancing the calories off. It is a pity that more people didn’t attend, at times the hall felt a little sparse but those of us who did enjoyed the evening. Next year its Marion Anderson’s band and the date is the 20th June 2009. Thank you Sheila for all your hard work in organising this event. Carol Sanderson, Editor

OPEN AIR DANCING AT WALLINGTON

On both dates we were blessed with, not wall to wall sunshine, but at least dry
afternoons! It is difficult to reach a balance of dances for those who have never danced before and our more experienced members, but I think that was achieved on both occasions. We had enthusiastic participation from those just visiting Wallington for the day and although a bit short on member numbers the afternoons proved great fun if not hard work. Thank you to Robert for being so versatile! Carol Sanderson, Organiser

MEMBERSHIP NEWS

Membership Matters

Changes to Membership Cards

Sharp eyed members will notice that cards no longer have a serial number. We checked with HQ and found that the number no longer has a useful function. So it has gone!
We haven’t quite got rid of numbers though. Your branch reference and HQ reference numbers are still there, just in case we have database problems.

Donations

There has been a policy over the years of encouraging life members to make a voluntary contribution towards the cost of administration. To me, this is asking someone to pay a second subscription in addition to the one already paid, and I’m wondering if it’s a policy that should continue. A better approach would be to encourage donations.
Donations are important both to the branch and to the RSCDS centrally. They help fund new projects and initiatives to develop people into new roles (teacher, musician, coordinator etc). Unlike subscriptions, donations can attract Gift Aid (something we are looking into) so there are even greater benefits. And donations HAVE to be used to further the charitable aims of the Branch or Society – they shouldn’t wind up funding the central administration!
If you are interested in donating to the Branch or the Society, please contact the Hon Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer or any Committee Member.

Proposed Changes to Membership Structure

No longer have we got one set of changes out of the way but more get thrust our way! The Society is proposing a number of changes:-

· replace the Young Member category with “Student Membership”
· provide a reduced rate to people living at the same address
· extended membership to under 16s.

I’m very much in favour of the changes, which will admittedly create more work for myself but will create a fairer and more progressive system.
More information on the RSCDS web site.

Outstanding Subscriptions

Please, please, please save me having to write or phone – if you haven’t paid yet please do so ASAP!
Roger Malton, Assistant Treasurer 2008-9.

THE TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION SCOTLAND

The Association was formed in September 2006 in order to provide Scottish country dance teachers with an opportunity for continued personal development in their teaching skills. The association currently: -
Arranges two practical workshops a year; Provides opportunities where teachers can meet to exchange ideas and share experiences; Publishes four or five newsletters each year; Has an e-mail discussion group called TAS Forum; Provides support structures for new teachers including assistance with preparation for Unit 1 of the RSCDS Teachers’ Certificate.
Membership is open to all country dancer teachers and those leading groups who are members of the RSCDS. The membership fee is Ł5. Contact address: 3 Kerrow Drive, Kingussie PH21 1QS e-mail clarks@ukonline.co.uk