Helensburgh & District Highland Association

 Monthly Function Dance 30/1/15 

CEILIDH DANCE …..30^th JANUARY 2015

Despite the Arctic wind sweeping down from the North Pole on 30^th January, a brave contingent of seventy four dancers gathered in the Commodore Hotel for the first ceilidh of year 2015—and what a great night it turned out to be!!

The success of the evening was largely due to the music of the Burns Brothers Scottish Country Dance Band. In President Jim Brown’s introduction, we learned that lead accordionist John Burns is a Senior Champion. Accompanied by second accordionist, brother George Burns and drummer Alan Sutherland, he promptly proceeded to prove it with some great new musical arrangements, which were much appreciated.       The varied programme of dances was thoroughly enjoyed and   practically all of the dancers stayed till the last waltz.

At the first interval, coffee, tea and biscuits were available and the raffle was drawn shortly afterwards. The sum of £173 was raised on the evening and will be donated to charity at the appropriate time.

Vice President Jim Gray closed the evening with thanks to the band, hotel staff and donors of raffle prizes.

The next event will be held on Friday 27^th February at 8pm and will take the form of a Cabaret evening, when the guest artiste will be David Vernon, a well known, highly recommended virtuoso accordionist and comedian. The music for dancing will be provided by the ever-popular Stuart McKeown Ceilidh Dance Band, so an enjoyable evening’s entertainment is guaranteed.

And now--- a cautionary note.

During the remarks by both President Jim Brown and Vice President Jim Gray, it was explained that the present committee, responsible for the organisation of the various functions, is running three members short. The shortage will be compounded by May 2015, when another three serving members will be leaving at the AGM. This haemorrhaging is naturally, a serious affair and must be addressed. Members of the Association are therefore now asked to consider volunteering to join the committee by the time the AGM takes place in May.