Highland Games 2008

Greetings, the B.C. Highland Games Piobaireachd Competition will be held in the Evergreen Cultural Centre on Pinetree Way, immediately south of Percy Perry Stadium.

WHAT: Fifteen (15) Pipers will compete 

WHERE: Evergreen Cultural Centre, Coquitlam, B.C.

WHEN: Friday, June 27th, 2008

TIME: 5:00 P.M. start

JUDGE: Peter Aumonier

OTHER: A great setting for piping and for listening!

    Free parking.

Things Scottish

Greetings, some titillating messages. Regards, the other Ron

1. A reminder about the B.C. Highland Games, Saturday, June 28th. Remember, it never - well hardly ever - rains on Highland Games.

Check out the website at http://www.bchighlandgames.com/

A special feature at the Games this year is: "Presentors at the Scottish Cultural Tent"

10:00 - PROFESSOR JAMES RUSSELL

            PRESENTING: LIVING ON THE EDGE – A STORY ABOUT THE PEOPLE OF ST. KILDA AN ISLAND OFF THE OUTER HEBRIDES THAT IS TODAY A WORLD HERITAGE SITE.

 11:00 – ELSPETH ANJOS

            PRESENTING: HAGGIS TASTING,  IF YOU HAVE NEVER TRIED HAGGIS HERE IS YOUR CHANCE, AS WELL, YOU CAN HEAR  ROBERT BURNS, ADDRESS TO A HAGGIS, PRESENTED AS BURNS WROTE IT BUT ALSO GIVEN IN MODERN ENGLISH.

            LIAM ANJOS – A CHAMPION IRISH DANCER WILL GIVE A DEMONSTRATION OF IRISH DANCING

 1:00 CHUCK DAVIS

             PRESENTING: VANCOUVER A VERY SCOTTISH CITY

            CHUCK IS A WELL KNOWN VANCOUVER RADIO PERSONALITY AND AUTHOR

 2:00 – A REPEAT OF THE 11:00 ELSPETH ANJOS PRESENTATION

 3:00 – RAY EAGLE

            PRESENTING:  EXPLOITS OF BONNIE PRINCE CHARLIE

2. A reminder about the CeltFest, July 5 to 12 at Malaspina University, Nanaimo, B.C. Website: wwwceltfest.ca

3. For those interested in Scottish hi-jinks, try these websites:

Holyrood Communications (magazine, news, conferences)

http://www.holyrood.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,10901/

A modern-day redesign of the bagpipe, courtesy Jean Hall:

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/46573/Bagpipe-redesign-goes-down-a-desert-storm

Highland Games

Greetings, a message from Embro, Ontario. Embro is north of 401, not far from Woodstock. The website is 

http://www.embrohighlandgames.ca/site/1399/default.aspx

Regards, Ron

Our family will be at the Embro Highland Games on July 1. We will have copies of the Sullivan Ross Collection of Pipe Music available.  Sullivan Ross (1828-1904) was one of the first bagpipers in Canada to compose pipe music; he lived in Harrington, Ontario his entire adult life.  He complied a large four volume collection of pipe tunes during his lifetime.  Some of the tunes have gaelic titles. Iain Millington compiled the 134 unpublished tunes from Sullivan's collection, including those composed and arranged by Sullivan Ross, in a single volume. This volume is being awarded as prizes in the piping competion at the Embro Games, July 1, 2008! This collection was recently reviewed in Scotland's The Piping Times and The Voice. 

 

 

David A. Ross

d.ross04@earthlink.net

 

Whisky & Dancing

Greetings to all. Here are messages about dances, and, about whisky tasting. Regards, the other Ron

1. Inverglen Scottish Dancers presents two Dance Around the World events:
WHAT: Dancers ages 3- 30 will be performing Highland, Scottish Country
and Step Dancing and a twist from around the world with the
Tinikling Dance, Dutch Dance, Hukilau and more!
WHERE: WJ Mouat Secondary 32355 Mouat Drive, Abbotsford
WHEN:  at 8:00 P.M. on Friday, June 20, 2008
COST: $12.00
CONTACT: Sandra at  InverglenDance@shaw.ca
 
WHAT: Children's Dance Classes in Kerrisdale and the Inverglen Scottish Dancers present An Afternoon of Scottish Delight.
WHERE: Kerrisdale Seniors Activity Centre  - West Boulevard  - Vancouver, B.C.
WHEN: at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, June 22nd
COST:  FREE
OTHER: Please come out to support the first performance by these wee Scottish country dancers from Kerrisdale ages 3 - 10 and the Inverglen Scottish Dancers. 
 
2. The Vancouver International Writers Festival presents the sixth annual A DRAM COME TRUE
WHAT: Single Malt Whisky sampling
WHERE: In a Shaughnessy heritage home – location provided when a ticket is bought.
WHEN: 7:30 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. on Friday, June 6, 2008
COST: $75.00
CONTACT: 604-681-6330, or, viwf@writersfest.bc.ca
 or, see website at http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/community/dramcometrue
OTHER: All proceeds benefit the Vancouver International Writers Festival. A tax receipt for a portion of the ticket price will be issued.

Scottish Parliament

Greetings. Last evening the Gaelic Society of Vancouver celebrated the 100^th anniversary of the Society. A grand evening it was!

Ron Sutherland was called on to propose a toast to the Scottish Parliament and did so in fine style. His introduction to the toast is presented below. An item that he did not mention in his talk, was brought to his attention later. Bus rides for seniors in Scotland are free – anywhere, anytime it seems. Ron is soon on his way to Scotland to, among other interesting activities, investigate the free bus issue and we look forward to his report upon his return. Think of it! A free ride anywhere in Scotland. If true, this benefit alone may cause a massive exodus of  Canadian Scottish seniors to Scotland. WOW.

TOAST TO THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT

When I received a call from Duncan MacKenzie asking that I propose a toast to the new Scottish Parliament, I thought this was something contrary to my usual attitude towards governments. A "roast" maybe – but a "toast"? However, the Scottish government is also quite different and most definitely worthy of a toast.

Their initial moves were startling:-

1. They increased teachers salaries by 20.4% - which reflects the Scottish priority on education. In the 18^th century Scotland was considered the best educated country in Europe, and indeed this was the reason that the Hudson's Bay Company employed Scots rather than English to work in Canada.

I had thought this meant the Scots would cherry-pick some of the finest teachers in England, but I have learned that the English University degree in education is not recognized in Scotland. Interestingly, our daughter's degree from UBC was readily accepted.

2. Social assistance for the elderly was no longer subject to a "means test" in Scotland.

3. Free tuition at Universities for residents of Scotland – another statement about the importance of education in Scotland.

All these independent changes in Scotland were noticed in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but not warmly endorsed by Westminster.

Last summer, an official from the Westminster Government had the temerity to write to Edinburgh, pointing out that they were the "Senior Scottish Executive", and they should not consider themselves as the Government of Scotland. Within weeks all the stationary and documents read, "Government of Scotland".

Recently, legislation has been introduced in both Westminster and Edinburgh about reducing carbon emissions. The European Union has criticized Westminster for foot-dragging on the issue, and praised the Scottish Parliament for having some of the most enlightened legislation in Europe.

Over the past year there has been an ongoing dispute with the Police Departments throughout Britain, which went to arbitration. The arbitration award outlined wage increases and suggested they be retroactive, but retroactivity was not mandatory. The Scottish Parliament  made the settlement retroactive, Westminster did not.

It is not just on the rugby pitch that the Scots and the English are competing.

I might add that the support for the Gaelic language has increased dramatically (Incidentally, all the signs in the Scottish Parliament building are in the Gaelic as well as English) – in fact, the Gaelic College on Skye is considered proportionately to be the best financially supported University in Scotland.

Please join me in a Toast to the Scottish Parliament, and their continued enlightened approach to the issues.

"Toast to the Scottish Parliament"

 

 

Bands & Dancing

Greetings, a message for those who like to travel and another for dance enthusiasts. Regards, the other Ron

Courtesy Craig Fulton:

Readers may be interested in obtaining some information about the

Quebec City International Festival of Military Bands which is one of the

events marking the 450th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City.

This event recognizes the Scottish influence in Quebec with bands such

as the Black Watch and the 78th Fraser Highlanders Pipe bands.  The Air

Command Pipes and Drums band from Ottawa and the 12 Wing Pipes and Drum

band from Shearwater will also be performing.   The Tattoo will take

place August 21, 22 and 23 at Quebec City's Coliseum.  Tickets are going

fast so pipe band aficionados should wishing to attend should book soon.

 

Website: http://www.fimmq.com/site/tattoo-show.html

 

Courtesy Sandra Crosby. The following notice is to advise that the starting date for children's dance lessons has been moved ahead from May 5^th to Monday, April 21st

**NEW** Children's Scottish Country Dance Classes

Mondays 6:15 - 7:00 for 5 - 8 year olds.

Mondays 7:00 - 8:00 for 8 - 13 year olds.

Old Community Barn - UBC  - 6308 Thunderbird Blvd.

Register: 604.827.4469  -  programs@oldbarn.ca

Information: Sandra Crosby 604.850.1605 or inverglendance@shaw.ca

Piobaireachd Club

Greetings. I am the bearer of great news! A premier Club meeting in North Vancouver.

Pipe-Major Alex Chisamore of the J.P. Fell Pipe Band has most hospitably arranged for 

use of the J.P. Fell Armory for an evening of the 'great music'. Regards, the other Ron.

WHERE: J.P.Fell Armory, 1513 Forbes Avenue (15th & Forbes), North Vancouver, B.C.

WHEN: Friday, April 25, 2008

TIME: 7:30 P.M.

FEATURING:  the top three at the 2008 Annual Gathering plus Jack Lee and anyone else who chooses to play.

James P. Troy who swept the professional level will play Hector MacLean's Warning.

Colin Lee who was second in the piobaireachd will play the Massacre of Glencoe.

Andrew Lee who was third in the piobaireachd will play I Am Proud To Play A Pipe.

Jack Lee will play Lament for Angus Campbell.

If coming across the Second Narrows Bridge, proceed to Lonsdale, take the Lonsdale Exit, turn left onto Londsdale,

proceed to 15th Avenue, turn right on to 15th and proceed to Forbes Avenue. The Armory will be there awaiting your arrival.

If coming across the Lion's Gate Bridge, turn left on to Marine Drive, proceed to Keith Road West

3-way corner of Marine/Bewicke and Keith Road West), proceed a block to Forbes Avenue, turn left

on to Forbes Avenue and proceed to the intersection of Forbes and 15th.

St. Kilda Tapes

Greetings, an invitation to a showing of St Kilda tapes. Regards, the other Ron

A  S P E C I A L   I N V I T A T I O N

 The Scotland Funds, the St. Andrew's Society of Vancouver,

and Alma Lee

 Invite You & A Guest

To Be Their Guests

 Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 6 pm

 The Caprice / 965-7 Granville Street

 For a Screening Of

 The St. Kilda Tapes

 And A Performance By Vocalist

 Alyth McCormack

 Fresh From Her Carnegie Hall New York Debut

 RSVP by return email or to kevin@publicityplus.ca

 The St. Kilda Tapes

On August 29, 1930, the last 36 inhabitants of Scotland's St. Kilda Island, one of the world's most remote human settlements, were evacuated, at their own request, to Morvern on the Scottish mainland, leaving behind a home and life that their ancestors had known for centuries.

 The Scottish Screen Archive has preserved deeply moving footage shot during this memorable departure.

 Using this material, and the voice of Norman Gillies, who participated in the evacuation as a five-year-old boy, filmakers Ewan and Alastair Meldrum have created a unique document that poses timeless questions: When you are forced or you choose to leave your home where does your journey stop? How do you know when you've arrived at your ultimate destination, and how do you balance what you have left behind with what you discover on your journey?

 A complex and subtle multi-media work, The St. Kilda Tapes features music and song by guitarist David Allison and well-known musicians and singers, including Ms. McCormack. The piece incorporates looping technology and experimentation with wonderful and distinctly non-Celtic instruments like the concert zither, Turkish saz and the Arabic oud.

 The St Kilda Tapes is a solo sister project to The Island Tapes.

 Alyth McCormack

Alyth was born and raised on the Island of Lewis of the north west coast of Scotland and after growing up within this culture and having being given the opportunity to perform since she was a nipper, she decided to hit the road, left home moved to the big city and began her singing education in earnest.

 She had a wonderful teacher, who gave her a great grounding and then the adventuring began. She toured in various bands and projects, Shine, Sunhoney throughout Germany, Spain, Italy, Estonia, North America, the Uk, Brazil, Ireland, Switzerland, Greece, Austria, Hungary, Norway & Sweden recorded with various artists, appearing on 16 albums to date, and in 2000 released her first solo CD An Iomall(The Edge) on Vertical records.

 "Alyth loves singing, and lets you know that without telling you. You can hear it in her voice. She may be from Lewis, sings (but not all exclusively) in Gaelic, and often performs with harp and fiddle - but she's not a folkie. Her musical education and influences are too wide to sit in that, or any other, ghetto, minimalists like Reich, the sweeping eclecticism of Adams, sophisticated rock, modal jazz and role models like June Tabor or Marta Sebestyen have taken her down a path where she can sing unaccompanied in a Hebridean hall one day and with a metropolitan fusion samba band the next.

 "She is at home on stage and brings to her music - whether with the close harmony vocalists in Shine or full jazz/rock rhythm section in Sunhoney - a still centre" (Norman Chambers / The List)

 Joining Ms. McCormack in Vancouver for this invitation-only performance will be Ewen Vernal from Capercaillie on bass, Jonny Hardie from Old Blind Dogs on fiddle and Briam Mcalpine form Unusual Suspects on keyboard.

 St. Kilda

An isolated archipelago 64 kilometres (40 mi) west-northwest of North Uist in the North Atlantic Ocean. It contains the westernmost islands of the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. The largest island is Hirta, whose sea cliffs are the highest in the United Kingdom.

 The Gaelic-speaking population probably never exceeded 180 and was never more than 100 after 1851. Although St Kilda was permanently inhabited for at least two millennia, and despite the inhabitants' unique way of life, the entire population was evacuated in 1930.

 The only residents are now military personnel. The islands are administratively a part of the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar local authority area.

 Reference Links

www.myspace.com/thestkildatapes

www.myspace.com/alythspace

 

Scotland

Greetings, the heat is growing around the fire that illuminates Scotland's homecoming year, 2009. Here are a couple of items that may interest some. Regards, the other Ron

1. The following from Leith Davis, SFU

The Royal Society of Edinburgh is organising a major one-day conference on Robert Burns and Global Culture in 2009. The conference will reflect on issues such as the global reputation of Burns, the translation and reception of Burns in world literatures, the influence of Burns on the image of Scotland abroad and the continuing celebration of Burns in global culture in statues, music and Burns Supper events. 

As Scotland's National Academy, the Royal Society of Edinburgh will host this conference on Scotland's national bard as one of a series of global events to commemorate Burns on the 250th anniversary of his birth. There will be contributions by leading Burns scholars from around the world and there will be plenty of scheduled time for discussion as well as a session on thelatest research on Burns. 

Sheena Wellington & Kirsteen McCue will perform at a musical lunch, and an optional Burns Supper with a leading after-dinner speaker is planned for the evening before the conference when there will be an opening lecture by Neal Ascherson. The leading Scottish composer Dr James MacMillan CBE FRSE will introduce a new piece with contributions featuring a performance by the Haydn Trio Eisenstadt at the closing concert.

For further information re the program and registration, go to http://www.rse.org.uk/events/index.htm#burns

2. The following courtesy Jean Hall:

This article can be found on http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/other/display.var.2193513.0.Call_goes_out_for_Scots_to_take_part_in_largestever_clan_Gathering.php

A call has gone out to clanspeople to take part in the largest clan gathering ever held in Scotland.

The Gathering 2009, of which Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, is patron, is being held in Edinburgh. Not since Sir Walter Scott's Royal Pageant in 1822 will so many clans have gathered in one location.

Holyrood Park will be the event's base for a weekend in July next year with members of Caledonian and St Andrew's societies from around the world.

 More than 100 clans and families have expressed interest in taking part and 80 have confirmed orders for tents. More than a third of the maximum 8500 "passports" which provide all the necessary passes to the gathering, including a seat at the historic pageant being held on Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, have been sold since they went on sale last month.

A spokeswoman said that the speed with which they were going was exceeding expectations and organisers wanted to ensure representation from right across Scotland.

Passports have been sold in the US, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Singapore and Romania and individuals and group bookings vary from clan chiefs to Los Angeles fire chiefs and German counts.

In addition to the ticket holders, it is expected more than 30,000 people will travel to Edinburgh to watch.

The Gathering 2009 is a signature event of Homecoming Scotland, a year-long Scottish Government initiative aimed at encouraging those with a passion or connection with Scotland to come home.

The 2009 World Highland Games Heavy Championships will be at the heart of the activities in the park and will draw the world's top "heavy athletes". There will be a strong focus on traditional Highland games activities, top international pipe bands, highland dancing, traditional and contemporary music, and a Taste of Scotland experience.

Another highlight is likely to be a 5000-strong clan parade up the Royal Mile and a historic Pageant of the Clans, on the Castle Esplanade.

Lord Sempill, co-director of the Gathering 2009, said: "As the Gathering is first and foremost a celebration of the contribution that the clans have made to the history and culture of Scotland, it is important that we make every effort to support this unique occasion."

The organisers say that the popularity of Highland games has been falling in Scotland and clan activity is nearly extinct. The opposite is true in some countries. In North America, clan membership exceeds 100,000 and more than 300 Highland Games and festivals are held a year.

Concert & Ceilidh

Greetings, a fund-raiser through entertainment, sponsored by the Moray, Nairn & Banff Association. The proceeds go toward promoting and assisting organizations within the ambit of the Scottish Cultural Centre in their efforts to preserve our culture and traditions. Regards, the other Ron

WHAT: Scottish Roots Concert & Ceilidh

WHERE: Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson (at 73^rd Ave.), Vancouver, B.C.

WHEN: Saturday, April 26^th, 2008

TIME: Doors & bar open 6:30 P.M.; entertainment from 7:00 P.M.

TICKETS: $25.00

CONTACT: Gisella at 604-591-7538, or, jackmellis@dccnet.com

OTHER:

Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Pipes & Drums

RCMP "E" Division Pipes & Drums

Vancouver Gaelic Choir

Royal Scottish Dancers

World Class Solo Piper & Dancer

Dancing with the "EARTHMEN" until midnight.

 

All welcome.

Tartan Day in Vancouver

Greetings, I apologize for being late reporting on Tartan Day  but I was having computer problems. Regards, the other Ron

 

The City of Vancouver has proclaimed April 6^th to be Tartan Day. The Proclamation was read by Mayor Sam Sullivan in a ceremony at City  Hall on April 4^th.

A great vote of appreciation to Todd Wong, aka Toddish MacWong of Gung Haggis Fat Choy, for getting the matter before City Council.

Those who receive my emails will realize that Todd is an energetic and dedicated exponent  of inter-ethnic culture exchange.

Coincidentally (took the lead from Sam Sullivan?), President Bush declared April 6^th , as  National Tartan Day.

However, there is a difference. The City of Vancouver's proclamation has a longer life.

 

 Motion regarding Proclamation of Tartan Day

 

Moved by Councillor Deal

Seconded by Councillor Louie

 

WHEREAS:  The City of Vancouver is known world-wide for its dedication to and support for multiculturism;

 

AND WHEREAS: The City of Vancouver takes various measures, including issuing proclamations, to stimulate pride in the diversity, harmony and enjoyment of the many cultures which collectively comprise the population of the City;

 

AND WHEREAS: Scots and the descendants of Scots have in the past and continue in the present to contribute to the building of a vibrant City of Vancouver;

 

AND WHEREAS: the historical enactment of the Declaration of Arbroath on April 6th  1320 A.D., the Scottish Declaration of Independence, is recognized as one of the first significant steps on the long journey to Scottish democracy;

 

AND WHEREAS: the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Ontario, Nova Scotia and countless municipal jurisdictions across both Canada and the United States have officially proclaimed April 6th as Tartan Day in recognition of the legacy that flows from the Declaration of Arbroath and in recognition of the contribution of Scots and their descendants to nation building;

 

AND WHEREAS: there are examples of other communities in Vancouver wearing tartans including the Singh tartan, the Irish Pipe and Drums tartan and the Gung Haggis Fat Choy tartan;

 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The City of Vancouver proclaim the date of April 6th to be TARTAN DAY "until tomorrow and so on forever".

 

Dinner & Concert

Greetings, two messages. Regards, the other Ron

 

1. What: The B.C. Pipers' Annual Dinner and the final round of the Piping Knockout competitions.

Where:  Scottish Cultural Centre 8886 Hudson Street (at 73^rd Ave.) Vancouver B.C.

When: Saturday, April 19, 2008

Time: Cocktails at 6 P.M., Dinner at 7 P.M.

Tickets: Seniors $40.00; other adults $45.00; children $25.00

Contact: Shaunna Hilder - 604-944-2311 for tickets.

Order of Events

After the Dinner and Piping, awards will be presented to the Knockout competitors; to aggregate winners of mini-gatherings conducted over the autumn and winter months; to the winner of the "Mary MacKinnon Service Award"; and, other awards.

 

2. WHAT: A Celtic Gala featuring the following performers-,

Shona le Mottée (Juno Award Winner)

Dedanaan Irish Dancers & Meredith Wilson

Charles McCandless, Celtic Balladeer

Delta Police Pipe Band

South Delta Secondary School Youth Choir

WHERE: South Delta Baptist Church, 56^th Street (left off Highway , Tsawwassen

WHEN: Saturday, May 31^st, 2008

TIME: 7:30 P.M.

TICKETS: $25.00, available after March 31^st.

CONTACT: 604-940-5040 for information. Tickets also available at:

Grapes 4 U, 150-4857 Elliott Street, Ladner

Flowers by Design, 5666-12^th Avenue, Tsawwassen

OTHER: This is a fund-raiser to help finance a trip by the Delta Police Pipe Band to the Monterey Games in California in July, 2008.

Fwd: Bits and pieces

From: Ron MacLeod <jrmacleod@telus.net>

Date: March 25, 2008 11:06:40 PM PDT

To: Undisclosed Recipients <jrmacleod@telus.net>

Subject: Bits and pieces

Greetings, Tartan Day will soon be upon us – April 6^th –  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 Ron

 

Two messages from the Gaelic Society:

 

1. What: a reminder about the next Ceilidh:

Where: at the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street (at 73^rd Avenue)

When: Saturday, April 5^th, 2008

Time: entertainment begins at 8 P.M.

Tickets: at the door

Entertainment: 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 Celebration

Where: Scottish Centre, 8886 Hudson Street (at 73^rd Avenue)

When: Saturday, May 3^rd, 2008

Time: 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 seen

Be 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 happy

As we wish you now to be!