Copy
February update and half-term
View this email in your browser

What a start to the New Year!

We were very nearly back to traditional numbers at the first Branch dance of 2020 on January 18th, and had a grand evening of dancing to the Neil Barron Duo.  Do come and join us at St Chad's for the next on February 15th - AT 7.00 PM. for another great night out with Alan Ross.  I hope to see you there (I'll be behind the hatch!), but also maybe even able to dance.
News and reminders
Dances and Family Ceilidh
White Rose Festival
Schools and Holidays 
Representatives and Newsletter
Further afield

News

 Reminder!  All Leeds Branch dances (except Family Ceilidhs) now start at 7.00 pm.  including our next dance on 15th February at St Chad's.   Ignore typo in Yorkshire Scottish Country Dance Diary!
Burns Night at the Chemic 2020
Our Musicians' Group took part in another successful Burns Night at the Chemic, Hyde Park on Saturday 25th (so actually on Burns Night for once).  Lee Davidson (who claims his family were actually Burns' neighbours) addressed the haggis, and the group of musicians was augmented as usual by other local English and Irish folk musicians.  Landlady Anna led the community singing of several Burns' songs.  In short, another great night was had by all.
Summer School 2020, 19th July - 16th August
Yes, really!  Now is the time to book for Summer School 2020 in St. Andrews - 10% discount if you book before Feb 29th.  Don't forget, it's for musicians and juniors too, with special weeks which include them!  As a St. Andrean of course, I'm  biased, but it really is a fantastic venue* and the teaching is superb.  Plus there are seemingly endless opportunities for collaboration, exchange and social dancing/playing. There are usually a few Leeds members at one week or another, so why not go with a friend?

*The Scottish east coast is dry and sunny - hence all the Airforce bases, but you may be so busy you don't notice the weather!
Dances and Family Ceilidh
Forthcoming dances: 
Need a lift?  Do ask a Committee member to arrange a lift to events if required.

An international Ceilidh

Friday 14th February 2020 - Valentines Day
Following our successful family ceilidh the band has asked us to support them at this international ceilidh. More information. Do come and support them! 
White Rose Festival

White Rose Festival
The programme for the day and the evening have now been published and we hope to see you all there. The music is Susan Macfadyen and her band. Add the date to your diary if it is not already there (11th July 2020) 
 Further details are on our festival website or sign up to our festival mailing list. 
Representatives and Newsletter

Representatives and Newsletter

Don't forget to give the Committee your comments and suggestions for classes, dances or improvements in the way things are run via your class representatives, who are:
Elisabeth Pugh - (Mon afternoon) Marion Walbank - (Mon evening)
Evelyn Davidson - (Tues evening)       
Elisabeth Pugh - (Thur afternoon Ilkley)
Alan Horsfall - (Thur evening Lidgett Pk)        Jill Woodman - (Thur evening West Park)    
The next committee meeting is on Sunday 9th February.  Send us your suggestions.

Your Newsletter needs you!
Please share your dancing stories, memories and wishes.  Articles from Branch members or friends are eagerly sought for the Leeds Branch Dancers' Newsletter - next edition will be May 2020  (you've just missed the deadline for the February one!).  Offerings to  Irene Dracup,  preferably by email, by mid April.  
 

Volunteers still needed!
The Committee would like to establish a rota of volunteers to help with serving refreshments at RSCDS events such as social dances and ceilidhs. You need only help out once a season if everyone mucks in - ALL are invited to join the pool of helpers, we're not sexist or ageist!  Please let Elisabeth Pugh (the new Catering Co-ordinator) or me know if you are willing to help.  Help is needed to prepare the refreshments before dancing starts,  to help serve during the interval and to clear up.  There's a dishwasher at St Chad's and Trinity, so very little actual washing up. Offers to help with just one of these  would be welcomed.   A reduced price ticket for the dance compensates you for the loss of a couple or so dances. 
 

There are still a few places left!
The 21st Winter School 16 - 21 February 2020 in Pitlochry.  This is a brilliant week of dancing and socialising in a relaxing and beautiful location. Dancers can also look forward to a formal Ball in the enchanting and historical Blair Atholl Castle!

In addition to the fun of daily Scottish country dancing there are many optional extras dancers can enjoy such as whisky tasting; a visit to the archaeological Scottish Crannog Centre; a guided walk around Pitlochry; a talk from the John Muir Trust as well as one from the Society’s Archivist, Alan Macpherson.

Spring Fling and Fringes - Two Cities: Toronto & St Petersburg
Deadline for a Scholarship is 15th February!
Workshops and Day Schools
The next events are the
Further afield
 
  • Newcastle Festival of SCD takes place on Saturday 8th February at Emmanuel College, Gateshead. 
    Competitions 9.30 - approx. 6.30
    Evening dance 8pm -11.30pm
    Price for dance: £12 RSCDS Members,  £16 non Members
    All welcome.   Evening Programme
    For tickets contact 07713708711, or email
     
  • Richmond Branch Spring Dance on Saturday 18th April at the Clarke Hall, Richmond School.
    Music: Marian Anderson and her band.
    Further information and crib
    Tickets from Jan Robinson
     
  • Sheffield RSCDS Social Dance on 7th March at Coal Aston Village Hall, Eckington, Coal Aston 
    Music: Martainn Skene
    Further information and crib
    Tickets from Norma Hutchinson
I hope to see you all soon, at class, at a dance or ceilidh.  

Best Wishes 
Evelyn
Copyright © 2020 Leeds Branch RSCDS, All rights reserved.


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp