AUGUST 2024 OUTREACH

Added on 20 September 2024

Happy Returns to Golden Girls – Wednesday 28th August   We were delighted to be invited back to give a demonstration to the Neilston Ladies Group at the end of August.  They very kindly offered us lunch first which we were pleased to accept, so, after being treated to homemade soup, sandwiches and cakes, the room was rearranged so everyone present had a good view!   The programme consisted of some favourite dances with a nod to the time of year and history of the area starting with Happy Returns followed by Shiftin’ Bobbins, Summer Assembly, Friendships, Highland Rambler and Postie’s Jig.  To give the dancers a break, Sheena gave us an entertaining poem on ‘Summer in Scotland’ which was met with much hilarity and the afternoon was finished off with some audience participation accompanied by some familiar waltz tunes played by Billy.  The afternoon came to a close in traditional Scottish fashion with everyone joining in Auld Lang Syne and was voted a great success with lots of thanks and happy smiles as the ladies left for home.   As usual, my grateful thanks to volunteer dancers, Douglas, Ina, Ken, Liz, Susan, Sheena, Jane and Anne and our accordionist Billy without whom none of this would have taken place.

The sun shone at Westerton! – Saturday 31st August

A joint team of members of the Westerton Beginners/Improvers and St Joseph’s General classes was pleased to return to give a demonstration of Scottish Country Dancing at this year’s Westerton Gala Day.  As we were dancing outside on grass, we were relieved that the weather on the day was dry, warm and sunny – a welcome break from the rainy conditions we had experienced over the previous weeks.  Our dance programme included some class favourites including Granville Market, Shifitin’ Bobbins, Summer Assembly, Highland Rambler and Postie’s Jig.  As last year, we had a stand which was visited by a good number of people, some of whom seemed genuinely interested in joining one of our classes – we live in hope!   The team did a great job of showcasing all that is good about Scottish Country Dancing and I am grateful to all the dancers for attending both the practice and on the day, to Muriel for hosting the practice, Billy our accordionist for the uplifting music and Marion for assisting with the stand. 

Anne Murray