Winter 2008

Girls from Darlington, Hexham and South Shields with their Medal Test Certificates presented to them by Mike Barlow, President of the Branch

REVIEWS

DANCE SCOTTISH WEEK - SEPTEMBER

On the normal Wednesday evening when the Hexham class meets, an “Open Night” was held - free for anyone attending (established dancers and those who had never been to a Scottish country dancing class before). A small advert had been placed in the Hexham Courant. We had done this before and didn’t hold out much hope of any response. Normally we are only a group of one set plus two or three that hoped to grow.

Little was I to know that I was to end up with three sets that evening, all very keen and enthusiastic and yes, a mix of men and women. I had to admit to thinking that the hall must be double booked when I saw them coming up the stairs. However, they were soon made to feel welcome and the regular class members took them under their wing, so to speak and everyone was soon dancing some of the easier dances although not correct technically.

I am delighted to have to say that the majority have kept coming and seem to be enjoying the challenge of learning the steps, the formations and then pulling these together in the dances. It can be frustrating; you feel like banging your head off the stone walls when the dance collapses in hysterics but then when it goes well there is that great sense of satisfaction for all concerned. We are now a bigger group and hope we can maintain that growth and grow even bigger.

Carol Sanderson, Hexham Class Teacher

INFORMAL DANCE – HARRATON, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER

Having only been a resident of Newcastle for ten days, it was with some trepidation that I decided to go along to the ‘informal dance’ being held in the awesome sounding Washington! However, having met a friendly bunch at the previous Thursday evening’s class in Gosforth, I decided it would be worth a try! I was armed with a map and details on how to find the hall, but following a map alone in the dark is no easy task! Luckily I had my new ‘best friend’ – Sally the Sat Nav to guide me there!

Having been successfully guided to my destination, I purchased a ticket and introduced myself to two lovely ladies from Morpeth, who immediately made me feel very welcome and introduced me to several other members. Our music for the evening was provided by Gary Donaldson and his band, who played at an excellent tempo! I was a little concerned that I only recognised a handful of dances from the extensive programme, however my anxiety was short-lived as the dances were talked through and some were walked through. Everyone was very accommodating and willing to help out when I attempted a new dance – soon I was enjoying the evening very much!

Half-time brought a very welcome cup of tea and a chance for a chat. Then it was back on the dance floor for more reels and wheels! Would I go to another RSCDS dance? Most definitely – it is a great way to get some fun exercise and meet people who have the same passion for Scottish country dancing!

Lorraine McSweeney

HIGHLAND BALL - NOVEMBER

When Carol asked me to pen a few words about the Highland Ball at its new venue, I though O.K., but can I find anything to write that had not been said on the night?

The “MEM” hall, with its incredibly “dancer-friendly” floor, is a very impressive building. The seating arrangements worked well, Robert and friends provided their usual high standard of music for our pleasure, and Judith’s catering was, if anything too comprehensive. That is a compliment, NOT a criticism. (I loved the Christmas Pud.)

One small point concerns the lack, at one period, of heating, but that was soon sorted.

All in all, a delightful time was, I believe, had by everyone, and I am certain that next year’s event will continue to maintain the excellent reputation of our Branch Highland Ball.

Doug Lumley

DECEMBER DANCE - BLACKFRIARS

I had persuaded at least eight members of my class to come along to this dance, a few had been last year and enjoyed it so much that arms did not require too much twisting. At least half the programme had been practised and I ensured that no one had to travel to Blackfriars on their own. There was some anticipation and one or two a little nervous not wanting to spoil the dance if they went wrong for others but once the music started and the dance announced they were on the floor. Much to my dismay even for the ones they had not practised or even heard of (you feel responsible for your class)!

They certainly enjoyed the evening and I don’t think will take much persuading for next year’s December Dance. They were grateful to all those who guided them through the evening, especially those people who they had not met before. Thank you from them all.

Carol Sanderson, Hexham Class Teacher

YOUNG PEOPLES EVENTS

PRESENTATION OF MEDAL TEST CERTIFICATES

This took place on Sunday 19h October at Moorside (the only place I could find a hall between Hexham and Darlington). The afternoon was used for practising dances for the Newcastle Festival - you may be in for a surprise!! We were delighted that our President Mike Barlow and his wife Maureen came along to watch and to give the girls their certificates and medals. The group are pictured on the front of this Newsletter.

Carol Sanderson

FAMILY DANCES HAVE BEEN HELD IN SEPTEMBER AND NOVEMBER

"On the afternoon of Saturday 15th November we once again joined Carol Sanderson at the Heddon on the Wall Memorial Hall for the Pudsey Bear dance, raising funds for Children in Need. The children were in high spirits and keen to demonstrate their growing knowledge of dancing. They were particularly motivated by the thought of the Pudsey Bear biscuit at half time that they had recalled from the previous year! The younger dancers were ably supported by the more experienced dancers throughout the afternoon and everyone had a good time.

"I liked all the dances, especially The Flying Scotsman. It was fun - when is the next dance?" Rachel, aged 6.

"I liked the Pudsey Bear biscuits and my packet of crisps." William, aged 3½.

Our thanks to Carol and her team of helpers who organise and run the dances for children. The next generation of dancers in this area are certainly an enthusiastic bunch!

Brian & Marion Peutherer “(ages withheld!)"

P.S. £126.20p was raised for Children in Need at the Pudsey Bear Dance.

79th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE SOCIETY IN PERTH

Five delegates from the Branch attended the above held 7th-9th November.

Chairman’s welcome and reading of message from Her Majesty the Queen.

Society Scrolls of Honour presented to: Elspeth Piper (Melbourne);

Tom Toriyama (Tokyo); Linda Gaul (Pitlochry); Jean Martin (Aberdeen); Jean Noble (Toronto); June Scott (Inverness).

Appointments

President – Dr Alastair MacFadyen

Vice-Presidents – Hon. Peregrine Moncrieffe of Moncrieffe, Earl of Elgin and Kincardine KT, CD.

Annual Activities’ Report

Main Points:

Helen Russell: Creation of a pre-candidate course being considered

Jim Healy: Medal tests to be updated

Elspeth Gray: Elizabeth Foster appointed to new EO post of Secretary, beginning 1st December 2008. Elspeth Gray to focus on member and branch communications

The report was accepted unanimously.

Trustees Annual Report and Accounts

William Whyte

The overall deficit of £139,433 was a significant loss. Reasons:

Schools did not cover operational costs

Magazine costs: extra £15,000 - £25,000

No major donations received

Deteriorating tax situation re VAT

JMMF used to fund activities, investing in future. Remit expanded to include

Recording for Books not yet covered.

Investment Portfolio: Unrealised losses calculated at £33,000. Further losses expected because of recent financial turbulence.

Action Taken

Schools, membership services and magazine costs all reviewed and amended to produce a breakeven budget. VAT consultant engaged - has already saved £20,000 from Summer School costs and has implemented a 2-year rolling budget of +/- £10,000, excluding salary and other costs. The additional EO will add £20,000 to this year’s costs. VAT consultant will be paid according to results: the more saved, the more he will be paid.

Mr Whyte responded in detail to questions from the floor regarding expenditure and staffing.

The accounts were adopted unanimously.

Following the election of Auditors and confirmation of Alex Gray as Chairman, the election of Management Board and Committee members took place:

Chairman Elect – Ruth Beattie

Management Board: 3 years – Lynne Bryce, Alan Muir, Lorna Ogilvie

2 years – Lindsay Rousseau, Isabel McMillan

1 year – Bernie Hewitt

Education/Training: 3 years – Anne Smyth, Anne Dix. Graham Donald

2 years – Sue Porter, Malcolm Brown

General Purposes: Marjorie Hume, Robert McColl

Membership Services: 3 years – Anne Carter, Bill Austen

2 years – Helen Beeney

Motions

Aberdeen Branch’s amendment to the Management Board’s proposal to extend the range of membership was carried by 164 votes for to 105 against.

New Zealand’s proposal to attain fuller representation by permitting individual delegates to exercise the voting rights of up to 3 delegates was passed with the necessary 2/3 majority. The Management Board’s amendment to the New Zealand proposal 12.3 was carried. The Board will give extensive attention to the problem identified and produce a full report by June 2009.

Next AGM: Perth, November 2009. John Cass and Christine Belcher

YOUTH CO-ORDINATORS FORUM

The Youth Forum on the Sunday morning facilitated by the Youth Director Jayne Brown (Castle Douglas Branch) saw Youth Co-ordinators from various parts of the country and abroad along with a group of “young people” discussing the following issues:-

 Youth workshops including Spring Fling

 Medal Test Assessments

 New Initiatives and ideas of what is happening in your area

The young people present were happy with the way the workshops and Spring Fling were being run, but disappointed that there were not more photographs. They also raised the question of communication which seems to be the greatest problem. A great deal of discussion took place on the costumes for the youth team. There was also a request for a “young person” to represent the views of the youth in Scottish country dancing on all the Society’s Committees.

The Medal Test Assessment group felt that these were in general excellent, but some amendments were suggested and were to be taken forward. These included candidates showing steps and formations outside the dance, a revision of the set dances, the addition of a Grade 6, teachers not being in the room with candidates, examiners not examining at the same venue more than twice.

New initiatives - attracting children when there are so many activities available to them is extremely difficult. After school clubs and lunch time clubs were seen as opportunities. An evening for introducing the teaching of Scottish country dancing to children in school was suggested using the Dance Scottish video as a basis.

Homecoming 2009 celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns was seen as a focus for dance events, not only for children but also for adults.

Carol Sanderson, Youth Co-ordinator

top

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

NEWCASTLE FESTIVAL OF SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING

EMMANUEL COLLEGE, GATESHEAD

SATURDAY 14th FEBRUARY 2009

In February 2009 the Newcastle Festival of Scottish Country Dancing will achieve its 25th anniversary and we hope the Branch will wish to join in the celebrations. It began in October 1984 as part of a general festival of arts and culture run by Newcastle City Council but was considered worthy of repetition and became an annual Festival from February 1986 onwards.

It has become an increasingly popular competitive event within the world of Scottish Country Dancing and entries are now being received from all over the United Kingdom and from abroad - a far cry from the initial Festival which had local entries only and lasted an hour and a half, thanks to a lengthy speech from the adjudicator Duncan McLeod. (Not so today - no more than 10 minutes)

The initial concept of this Festival was that it should be a friendly event and this has proved crucial. In our opinion, the Festival’s success is largely due to the welcome Newcastle Branch gives to participants. We have always believed in generous hospitality and have been blessed with a very large number of volunteers who “willingly” give of their time and expertise to maintain the ethos we regard as so vital. Although organised and directed by my husband John, this has been a combined effort on the part of many Branch members, on and off the Committee, for which we should be justly proud. Our thanks to you all!

NB. Marian Anderson and her Scottish Dance Band will play for the evening dance from 8 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. Hope to see you there!

Patricia Cass

APPEAL - If you have any photographs or memorabilia from past Festivals could we please borrow these? Maureen Barlow and John Cass are putting together a collection for display at the Festival. Thank you.

FORMATIONS CLASS - 19TH FEBRUARY 2009

A Formations Class will be held at Gosforth Parish Church Hall (opposite the Metro Station, Gosforth) on this date from 7.45 p.m. to 9.45 p.m.

Teacher: Peter Avery.

If you have any formations which you would particularly like to have Peter

teach please let him know prior to the class. Tel. No. 0790 0215036

SATURDAY 14th MARCH 2009 - INFORMAL DANCE IN THE

MEMORIAL HALL, PONTELAND

Music by: Alan Ross and his Scottish Dance Band

The programme is as follows:-

Hooper’s Jig Cape Town Wedding

The Saltire Society Reel Sueno’s Stone*

The Silver Grey Midnight Oil

Gothenburg’s Welcome* Balmoral Strathspey

Dancing in the Street College Hornpipe

Fair Donald Yan Tan Tethera

The New Ashludie Rant Neidpath Castle

John of Bon Accord Ray Milbourne

Mrs. Milne of Kinneff The Nurseryman

Rest and Be Thankful The Cuckoo Clock

Extras: Minard Castle, White Heather Jig, Annan Gold

* Will be walked through.

SATURDAY 21st MARCH 2009 - DAY SCHOOL

WESTFIELD SCHOOL, GOSFORTH

Teachers: Ann Dix of London and Jim Rae from Lockerbie.

SHOW - ‘REELS, RANTS AND REIVERS’ - 3rd AND 4th APRIL 2009

ROYAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL AND QUEEN’S HALL HEXHAM

The Branch is taking to the stage again with a fast moving feast of dance, music and song from the North East of England and North of the Border.

We are putting on two performances of our Show. The first is at the Royal Grammar School Performing Arts Centre in Newcastle on Friday 3rd April. This is followed by a second performance at the Queen’s Hall in Hexham on the 4th April. We hope you and your friends will support us and come along to one of the performances - please see the enclosed booking form. Come and be stirred by the sounds of the Northumbrian and Scottish pipes, dazzled by the dexterity of the fiddlers, delight in the intricate patterns and steps of Highland and Scottish Country Dancing and be enchanted by traditional music and songs.

Roger Hall

SATURDAY 18th APRIL 2009 - INFORMAL DANCE AT BRINKBURN,

SOUTH SHIELDS

The programme is as follows:-

Jennifer’s Jig Maxwell’s Rant

Baldovan Reel Aird of Coigach*

Wisp of Thistle Annan Gold

Clutha J.B. Milne

The Tattie Bogle The Hazel Tree*

St. Columba’s Strathspey The Dream Catcher

Across the Esk The Earl of Mansfield

St. John’s Jig* The 51st Travellers

The Gentleman Argyll Strathspey

Cadgers in the Canongate Uilliam Dona (Wicked Willy)

Duke of Perth

Extras: The Byron Strathspey, The Starry Eyed Lassie, Reel of the 51st Division

* Will be walked through.

FRIDAY 15th MAY 2009 - BRANCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - WESTFIELD SCHOOL, GOSFORTH (Elmfield Road entrance)

As an early reminder, the Branch AGM will be held on Friday 15 May 2009. The meeting to take place at Westfield School, Elmfield Road, Gosforth – the venue for the Day School in 2008 and again in 2009. As usual, there will be dancing after the meeting. This is a really important event in the Branch calendar – it is your opportunity to raise issues in a formal setting with the Committee and an occasion to consider the future development of the Branch. There will be vacancies on the Committee, so please consider whether you have some time to spare to help with the running of the Branch.

Veronica Thomson

FOR SALE

In 2008 St. Chad’s Scottish Dance Group at St. Chad’s Church Hall, Durham Road, East Herrington published a selection of the dances which members had devised amongst themselves. With a small grant from the Community Chest they were able to have this printed as THE HERRINGTON COLLECTION. Some of these dance very well and have become known. Copies have gone to New Zealand, San Francisco, Wales, California and even Inverness. One evening a large moth decided to enter into the dance – hence a dance entitled the Moth-Ball, showing that anyone (or anything)

Can join in Scottish dancing! Copies of this booklet can be had by ringing 0191 5220517 and a small donation would be welcomed.

Doug Smith, Chairman, St. Chad’s Scottish Dance Group

LETTERS

If you were at the AGM you may remember being shown a drawing of a proposed new Branch logo. As I recall, there was no support for this from the floor and some powerful arguments for rejection. So why has it replaced the familiar two dancing couples on tickets?

Perhaps this is an appropriate time to remind members how we acquired our logo and the purpose it serves.

A logo is a trademark, an identifying symbolic representation of the purpose/ethos/ activities of an organisation – in our case Scottish dancing in the Newcastle area. The design therefore should be distinctive and convey these concepts clearly to everyone. To promote the ‘brand image’ the logo must be used consistently - having more than one reduces effectiveness - and on every item. So the design must also be simple and adaptable to small and large scale reproduction (tickets, letterheads, posters, etc.) to engraving on glass or metal (badges and other souvenirs) and embroidering on clothing.

Professor Ian McCallum (founder member, past Chairman and President for many years) commissioned the drawing of the two dancing couples from Miss Irene Stewart way back in 1958. This, with the addition of the Branch name, fulfils all the above requirements. As far as we know, Newcastle was the first Branch to own a logo. In 1971 Vice Chairman Chris Blair commissioned an alternative design (a Group of dancers in a circle) from Branch member Peter Sanderson. This was used on the back cover of The Newcastle Collection and other items for a while but proved unsatisfactory as a logo as the fine detail was too intricate for small scale use. More recently (2004) the committee held a competition for a new design. There were no entries and no-one could suggest anything better than we already had.

Is the latest design an improvement? Consider: The Angel is a Gateshead icon (a trademark zealously guarded by the Council in view of a recent £1m valuation of a 4ft. model and sales of miniature souvenirs); he is neither dancing nor wearing a kilt. The letters RSCDS are meaningless to anyone outside the Society, as is the significance of the Society logo. Adding the words Dance Scottish merely begs the question: what is the connection with the other bits and pieces? The design is fragmented, lacks clarity and is too complicated to be fit for purpose. Adopting it is change for change’s sake – and for the worse.

So why has this device been foisted upon us? Why ask for members’ opinion at the AGM and then reject it? Or had a decision already been made? The Newcastle RSDCS committee would not be the first to have to bow to public pressure and withdraw an unpopular replacement logo.

Irene Waters

RESPONSE FROM THE BRANCH CHAIRMAN

I agree absolutely with Irene that our logo should symbolize Scottish dancing in our area. The dancing couples symbolized dancing in the 1950s when it was produced. It now presents a very out-dated image with little link to where we are now and it has no direct link to our area. In fact the Committee feels it presents an elitist image which we are trying to break down in order to slow down and reverse the decline in branch membership. We thus strongly disagree that it ‘fulfils all the above requirements’. The symbol on the recent dance tickets is a variant on those shown at the AGM. It is put forward as a possibility because as yet no-one has produced any alternatives. We have used the dancing couples on tickets for our formal occasions (i.e. the Highland Ball and the Festival) but the Committee is very keen to develop an appropriate logo for general use that we can agree on at the AGM.

What is your view on the latest possibility which pairs a clear North East symbol with the Headquarters logo? If you think it is not yet right, please submit new proposals to us. We strongly believe that we need to move on from our original logo. Merely criticizing attempts to move forward is unhelpful. We have a lot of talent in the Branch and I hope it can be used to develop a new logo that we can all agree on.

Peter Avery

BOOK REVIEW - DON’TS FOR DANCERS

Whilst browsing through Waterstone’s Bookshop recently, I came across this little mauve coloured book, a reprint of an original by “Karsinova”. Though first published in 1925, many of the “don’ts” still ring true today – though nowadays we would probably turn the language around to make it a book of “do’s” rather than “don’ts”. I have no idea who Karsinova was, but he or she must have been a most perceptive observer of the ballroom and of ballroom etiquette. Many of the comments have a surprisingly modern feel and are as applicable today to Scottish Country Dancing as they were to the ballroom in 1925. It’s difficult to select a quote which fully captures the spirit of the piece, but here goes…

“Don’t be afraid of unknown partners. If you expect difficulties your mind will be sure to react on your body and difficulties will arise. Have confidence and difficulties will all vanish”.

“Don’t use technical terms when asked to explain a step to anybody. Technical terms are excellent for textbooks but quite unnecessary when a practical demonstration can be given”.

“Don’t grouse at the band, even if it is not up to the level of Jack Hylton’s. Make the best of it. Don’t blame the music every time you get out of step. This will only irritate your partner and help you not at all”.

And finally

“Don’t allow the muse of the many twinkling feet to monopolise all your thoughts and energies. Never lose sight of the fact that this is merely a relaxation and not an all-absorbing interest. Otherwise you will deserve the reproach that good dancers have mostly better heels than heads”.

Food for thought perhaps. The book can be ordered on line from www.acblack.com, price £2.99. ISBN is 978-1-4081-0989-2.

Roger Malton

CLASSES

The Branch Class will recommence on Thursday 8th January at of Westfield School, Elmfield Road, Gosforth 7.30 p.m. to 9.45p.m. If you require any further details please telephone John Ferguson on 0191 2576882 or Deb Lees on 0191 2170496.

North Shields: This class is now meeting on Tuesday evenings at St. Columba’s United Reform Church (Social beginners welcome) 7 to 9 p.m.

Contact: Kathleen Gordon - 0191 2527465

MEMBERSHIP NEWS

We were sorry to learn of the death of Lady Glenamara on the 23rd September 2008, aged 95. Lady Glenamara who lived in Corbridge joined the Branch in 1950. She was Headmistress of Ravenswood School and the wife of Edward Short a former Labour MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central.

Our best wishes go to Pam Scott following her recent operation and hope that it will not be too long before she is back on the dance floor.

We wish Kirsten Ferguson good luck as she embarks on gaining her Teachers Certificate for Scottish Country Dancing Part 1 in Aberdeen.

Our congratulations and best wishes go to Ian Thompson and Cara Strachan who were married in Edinburgh on the 1st November 2008. Ian was a member of Maureen Barlow’s childrens class at Ponteland and then went on to dance with Newcastle University and the Branch until he moved to Scotland.