From: Ron MacLeod <jrmacleod@telus.net>Date: March 25, 2008 11:06:40 PM PDTTo: Undisclosed Recipients <jrmacleod@telus.net>Subject: Bits and piecesGreetings, Tartan Day will soon be upon us – April 6th – so don't forget to wear a bit of tartan in memory of an historic occasion – the Declaration of Arbroath, 1320 A.D. This declaration was Scotland's Declaration of Independence. It has been hailed as a significant step on a winding, tortuous and long road towards the blossoming of democracy. If you want a copy of the Declaration, just email me and it shall be delivered. Regards, the other RonTwo messages from the Gaelic Society:1. What: a reminder about the next Ceilidh:Where: at the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street (at 73rd Avenue)When: Saturday, April 5th, 2008Time: entertainment begins at 8 P.M.Tickets: at the doorEntertainment: accordianist Sandy Black; musician Seumas Gagne; singer Doug Barr; Highland Dancers from Angus MacKenzie's School of Highland Dancing.Other: coffee, tea, scones, oatcakes and other delights. Wet bar.All welcome.2. What: the Vancouver Gaelic Society's 100th Anniversary CelebrationWhere: Scottish Centre, 8886 Hudson Street (at 73rd Avenue)When: Saturday, May 3rd, 2008Time: doors open 5:00 P.M.; Dinner 6:00 P.M.Tickets: $50.00 for adults & $25.00 for students. Order tickets from Murdo & Linda MacIver (604) 929-4781.Entertainment: an array of talent including the Royal National Mòd gold medal soloist Paul McCallum; Scottish accordionist and entertainer John Carmichael; and, the Vancouver Gaelic Choir.Other: dancing to follow the entertainment program.All welcome as long as there is space available.The following courtesy James Russell:A Scots Toast:May the best you've ever seenBe the worst you'll ever see;May the mouse ne'er leave your girnal (pantry)Wi' a tear drap in his e'e;May your lum be blithely reekin…………………..(chimney, smoking)Till ye're auld enough to dee;…………………….(die)May you aye be just as happyAs we wish you now to be!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Fwd: Bits and pieces
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Piping & dancing
Greetings, two items. Regards, Ron
I. British Columbia Pipers' Association – 76th Annual Gathering
Location: Simon Fraser University
Parking: all lots are free of charge, lots E and C are the best choices for location
Events:
1) Friday, March 21st
9 P.M. to 4:30 P.M.: Professional and Amateur Piobaireachd Competitions. Grades 1,2, and 3
Where: Academic Quadrangle for information re rooms where events are held.
Admission: free.
3 P.M. to 5:30 P.M.: Professional Side and Tenor drumming Competitions
Where: Academic Quadrangle for information re rooms where events are held.
Admission: free.
7 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.: Recital by Visiting Judges Pipers Alastair and Margaret Dunn and Drumming Judge Drew Duthart.
Admission: adults $12, youth (10-17) $10
Where: Images Theatre
2) Saturday, March 22nd
0900 – 1600: Solo Light Music Competitions. All professional and amateur grade solo piping light music. And amateur grade drumming.
Where: Academic Quadrangle for information re rooms where events are held.
Admission: free
From 5:30 P.M. to approximately 9:30 P.M: Pipe Band Competitions (Grades 5 through 1) followed by an Awards Ceremony.
Admission: adults $10 • youth (10-17) $6 • children $4
Where: SFU Images Theatre
Ceilidh, following the Awards Ceremony. Enjoy a pint or a dram and hear some impromptu performances by soloists and bands.
Admission: $5.00
Where: SFU Highland Pub
II. A Reminder, courtesy Diane Coloumbe and Sandra Crosby:
1). SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING FOR CHILDREN: WORKSHOP AND PERFORMANCE BY THE INVERGLEN SCOTTISH DANCERS
Where: UBC Community Old Barn, 6308 Thunderbird Blvd, UBC
When: Sunday April 6th, 2-3:30 pm
Details:
Ages 5 - 13 may register.
$7.00 per child. Tickets: 604-827-4469.
Maximum of 16 in the class.
Instructor: Sandra Crosby – RSCDS, TAC, SDC, SDTA, SOBHD.
This workshop will give your child an introduction to Scottish Country Dancing.
Begin to learn the steps for reels, jigs and strathspeys.
Your child will have the opportunity to view a performance by the world-renowned Inverglen Scottish Dancers. Instructor – Sandra Crosby will give a brief history of some of the dances.
Come join in the fun of the lively music of the jigs and reels and learn to dance with your partner in a light-hearted sociable atmosphere on a Sunday afternoon.
Children are requested to wear body suit and tights or blouse and skirt and non-skid slippers.
For more information on the Inverglen Scottish Dance School and Sandra Crosby: www.inverglenscottishdancers.com
2). SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING FOR CHILDREN
Where: Kerrisdale Community Centre, 5851 West Boulevard, Vancouver
What and when: classes starting on April 7th and running for 10 weeks: 3 to 4 years at 3 pm; 5 to 7 years at 3:30 pm; 8 to 12 years at 4:30 pm
To register your child/children: 604-257-8100.
3). SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING FOR CHILDREN
Where: UBC Community Old Barn, 6308 Thunderbird Blvd, UBC
What and when: classes starting on May 5th: 5 to 8 years at 6:15 pm; 8 to 12 years, 7 pm
To register your child/children, simply show up.
Diane Coulombe
Friday, March 14, 2008
Things Scottish
Greetings, some odds and ends. Regards, the other Ron
1. Visit the Falkirk Wheel, a Scottish engineering triumph. The Wheel replaced the locks that once connected the Clyde and Forth Canals. Go to Google and type in Falkirk Wheel, or, try http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZnhZcczQXE
2. Courtesy Elizabeth Rivers,
Seachd is now available on DVD via the internet. For the Gaelic version go to
3. Tartan Day is April 6th. An 'Gathering of the Clans' will take place on Parliament Hill in Ottawa at 12 noon, April 6th with pipes, drums, and dancing hosted by the Sons of Scotland Pipe Band, Canada's oldest civilian pipe band http://www.sospb.com
4. Courtesy Carolyne Main,
Re: A trip to sacred sites in northwestern Scotland.
A small group, not more than 8 under the leadership of Jeff and Kimberly Sayward who have studied and written about labrynths in the Uk for many years.
The dates are June 22nd to July 6th, thereby benefiting from being there at the time of the Summer Solstice. Places to be visited (starting in Glasgow) are Argyll, Iona, the Inner and Outer Hebrides (including Callinish and other monuments), the Orkneys and Findhorn.
Travel in a van, stopping at small hotels and B&B's
Two people needed to fill the bill.
If interested, contact Jeff at jeffsaward@gmail.com or Kimberly at klsaward@googlemail.com
5. An early alert re a party to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Gaelic Society of Vancouver, B.C. on May 3rd. More later but remember this date. It will be a grand party!
Meeting
Greetings to all. A reminder about the next meeting on Friday, March 7th
hosted by Bob and Mary McIlwaine, 3587 West 32nd Avenue, Vancouver, B.C.
James Beaumont's tune will be The Stewart's White Banner rather than the
Park Piobaireachd - which leaves the Park Piobaireachd for another piper.
Hope to see a good turnout. Regards, the other Ron. Whisky, fun and power
Greetings, a message about a ceilidh, a TV program, Isle of Eigg and whisky. Regards, the other Ron
1. Ceilidh
What: Gaelic Society's next ceilidh
Where: Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson (at 73rd Ave), Vncouver,B.C.
When: Saturday, March 1st, 2008
Time: 8:00 PM
Other: small door fee; entertainment, munchies, some dancing.
All welcome
2. The following courtesy Angus MacIssaac. A short movie entitled "The Wake of Calum MacLeod" will be shown on Bravo television at 4:30 P.M., Friday, February 29th. The movie was made in Cape Breton so should have a great dollop of Highland realism.
3. Life will never be the same on the island of Eigg again, and in this respect it can only be a good thing. Islanders have at last joined the 21st Century and will now be able to enjoy the little things we take for completely for granted. No doubt there will be a rush of electrical equipment being delivered to the island; appliances which the residents have not been able to use previously because their power was provided by expensive diesel generators and gas bottles.
The Isle of Eigg Electrification Project switched on for the first time on 1st February 2008, allowing power generated from renewable energy sources around the island to be supplied to all residents, through the new island-wide high voltage distribution network. The system will generate over 95% of the island's annual energy demand through a combination of Hydro Electric, Wind Power and Solar Energy, which is believed to be the first time that anyone has successfully integrated these three renewable energy sources. To ensure that constant power can be provided, a battery storage system has been designed which will compensate for short periods where energy from renewable sources is not available. Two diesel generators have also been installed to provide emergency back-up power, and to supplement the supply should the output from the renewable sources be lower than the demand.
4. Talisker Distillery in Skye is looking forward to increased interest from connoisseurs around the globe after one of its products was named "the world's best single malt whisky" in the industry's most prestigious awards event.
It was Talisker 18 Years Old that took the fancy of the judging panel — and the supreme title for the first time — in Whisky Magazine's 2007 Awards. A spokesman for Diageo, the distillery's owners, said that demand for Talisker was expected to rise sharply as a result. The award coincides with the retirement of Charlie Smith, manager at Talisker for the past three years, following a distinguished career in the whisky industry. Mr Smith was also manager at Dufftown, Cardhu and Glenkinchie distilleries.
He is succeeded by Willie MacDougal, a native of Aberfeldy who was site operations manager at Oban Distillery for six years prior to a brief spell at Blair Athol. His family has a long association with the industry and Mr MacDougal says he is "totally thrilled" to be taking over at one of the world's most famous distilleries. "Talisker is one of the most successful malts in the world," said Mr MacDougal, "though — or maybe because — the distillery's output is deliberately a good deal lower than some other top-selling malts. It's a distillery with massive heritage and an amazing future, with fans all over the world." He added that he also intended to improve his piping skills while on Skye. The Whisky Magazine judging panel's comments on Talisker 18 Years Old fully endorsed Mr MacDougal's enthusiasm for the brand. Dave Broom, one of the world's leading whisky commentators, described it as "elegant with fascinating balance between smoke and subtle sweet fruit. Ever changing in the glass and on the palate."
Edinburgh whisky dealer Keir Sword waxed even more eloquent:
"Warm, rich and attractive. Leather, pipe-tobacco, sweet sherry and polished oak on the nose, followed by a good creamy texture and a warming finish. A very attractive dram."
Various
Greetings, two messages today. All sated on haggis? Time for an oatcake and a cup of tea. Regards, the other Ron
1.
WHAT: CELTIC NIGHT (to help the Irish get a head start on St. Patrick's day)
WHERE: Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 HudsonStreet (at 73rd Ave.), Vancouver, BC
WHEN: Saturday, March 8th, 2008
TIME: Doors open at 6:00 PM; party at 8:00 PM
TICKETS: Adults $15.00; children 12 and under $8.00
OTHER: Music & entertainment by Skystone, Tartan Pride and The Vancouver Police Pipe Band
Silent auction: door prizes; dancing; refreshments
CONTACT: phone 604-576-1619, or, check the website www.tartanpride.ca
2.
VANCOUVER: SCOTTISH DANCE CHILDREN'S CLASSES
Where: Kerrisdale Community Centre, 5851 West Boulevard, Vancouver
When: starting on April 7th and running for 10 weeks: 3 to 4 years at 3 pm; 5 to 7 years at 3:30 pm; 8 to 12 years at 4:30 pm
To register your child/children: 604-257-8100.
UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA: SCOTTISH DANCE CHILDREN'S CLASSES
Where: UBC Community Old Barn, 6308 Thunderbird Blvd, UBC
When: starting on April 7th and running for 10 weeks: 5 to 8 years at 6:15 pm; 8 to 13 years, 7 pm
To register your child/children: simply show up or phone instructor Sandra Crosby at 1-604-850-1605
UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA: SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE WORKSHOP AND PERFORMANCE
Where: UBC Community Old Barn, 6308 Thunderbird Blvd, UBC
When: Sunday April 6th
Details:
Ages 5 - 13 may register.
$7.00 per child.
Maximum of 16 in the class.
Instructor: Sandra Crosby – RSCDS, TAC, SDC, SDTA, SOBHD.
This workshop will give your child an introduction to Scottish Country Dancing.
Begin to learn the steps for reels, jigs and strathspeys.
Your child will have the opportunity to view a performance by the world renowned Inverglen Scottish Dancers. Instructor – Sandra Crosby will give a brief history on some of the dances.
Come join in the fun of the lively music of the jigs and reels and learn to dance with your partner in a lighted hearted sociable atmosphere on a Sunday afternoon.
Children are requested to wear body suit and tights or blouse and skirt and non-skid slippers.
For more information on the Inverglen Scottish Dance School and Sandra Crosby: www.inverglenscottishdancers.com
Next Meeting
Greetings, good news. The next meeting of the Club will be on Friday,
March 7th.
James Beaumont will play The Park Piobaireachd #2.
March 7th.
James Beaumont will play The Park Piobaireachd #2.
Hopefully, he will be joined by a gaggle of pipers testing their tunes
for the Annual Gathering, upcoming March 21st & 22nd.
Bob and Mary McIlwaine will host the evening. Their address is 3587
West 32nd Avenue, Vancouver, B. C. (just east of Dunbar).
The usual starting time will take precedence over Highland time – 7:30
P.M.
James Beaumont is from Bo'ness, close by Falkirk, Scotland. James won
the Silver Medal at the Argyllshire Gathering in 2007. He has recently
moved to this area and, I believe, intends to make his home in Canada.
Come out and give James a warm welcome to the Club and to Canada.
Regards, the other Ron
Piping
Greetings, the semi-final round of the B.C. Pipers' Knockout is soon upon us. For those interested in an evening of piping, the Knockout is the place to be. Regards, the other Ron
WHAT: B.C. Pipers' Knockout (8 pipers & 4 drummers will square off)
WHERE: Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson (at 73rd Avenue), Vancouver, B.C.
WHEN: Friday, February 8th, 2008
TIME: Doors open at 6:30 P.M.; event starts at 7:30 P.M.
COST: Members $6.00; non-members $8.00
CONTACT: Ed McIlwaine at edward@cantrawl.com
OTHER:
1. Light Scottish dinners available; proceeds to the Vancouver Gaelic Society
2. Performance by the Maple Ridge Pipe Band
3. Bar service and 50/50 draw
ALL WELCOME!
Scots and all
Greetings, may the Bard's light shine on you this very special day. A survey to report and a reminder.
May your haggis never get cold. Regards, the other Ron
1. A survey on how you perceive yourself as a Scot. Ian C. MacLeod checked this out for authenticity and all seems to be as outlined.
Elizabeth Carnegie is a researcher based at Sheffield University who is conducting a survey on Scots around the world. You can participate by going to the website
(http://www.emits.group.shef.ac.uk/canada/) s
The survey format is easy enough to follow. The difficulty arises when you realize that you must now spell out what you have always taken for granted, that is, the influence of your heritage on your behaviour (if indeed, there is any impact). Ian put the matter well in correspondence with Elizabeth Carnegie when he wrote that he is a 5th generation Canadian with 100% Scottish ancestry who celebrates his heritage, but is completely Canadian – a thought I share although, in my case, my parents were the immigrants.
2. A reminder from Todd McWong about the Gung Haggis Fat Choy Chinese- Scots-Canadian deep fry Robbie Burns and lettuce rap the 10-course Haggis dinner on January 27th at the Floata Seafood Restaurant 180 Keefer Street, Vancouver.
Piper Joe McDonald, Poet George McWhirter, Blacksthorn Celtic band participate in a cross-culture fusion.
Time: 5 P.M. reception; 6:00 P.M. dinner
Contact: Call Todd Wong
h: 604-987-7124
c: 778-846-7090
email: gunghaggisfatchoy.com
This is a fundraiser for Joy Kogawa House, ACWW / RicePaper Magazine and Gung Haggis Fat Choy dragon boat team
Ceilidh
Greetings, a message from the Gaelic Society. Regards, the other Ron
WHAT: The Gaelic Society of Vancouver Ceilidh
WHERE: Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street (at 73rd Ave) Vancouver, B.C.
WHEN: Saturday, February 2nd, 2008
TIME: 8:00 P.M.
TICKETS: $12.00 (tickets at the door)
CONTACT: for information, Dolly Mackay at 604-575-7688 or dollymackay@shaw.ca
OTHER: Come and enjoy an evening with the award-winning Maple Ridge Pipe Band, 'Westwynds' Celtic Group and The Tam o'Shanter Scottish Country Dancers
All welcome.
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