Helensburgh & District Highland Association

Dance Held at the Commodore Hotel on 25 January 2019

Despite a fairly dreich evening a respectable turnout of 64 members and 4 non-members were welcomed by President Neil MacLeod to an evening's dancing at the Commodore. Included in the numbers were a party celebrating a 50^th birthday.

The Iain Anderson SDB who had been scheduled to play on the night had regrettably had to call off but were ably replaced by the Donald MacLeod two piece band providing some excellent lively music, though with some little confusion as to the correct tempo for Saunter Together.

The raffle raised the sum of £112 and thanks go to those who contributed to the prizes as well as those who purchased tickets.

Our next event will be a dance and not a Ceilidh as originally advertised due to lack of interest in the latter and will be held as ever in the Osprey Suite of the Commodore on 22 February 2019 with music provided by the  Stuart McKeown Scottish Dance Band. All welcome.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hogmanay Ceilidh Dance 2018

Doors open at 8pm and the hall filled up fairly quickly, although not with quite the same urgency as witnessed on previous years!

This may have been due to the fact that at least half of those attending were not members of the Highland Association. However, without that influx of guests, we may have struggled to fill the hall.

Nevertheless, the night got off to a great start come 9pm, with a welcome from our 

President, Neil McLeod and music courtesy of the Stuart McKeown Scottish Dance Band, excellent as always.

The evening progressed well, with Piper Daryll Lynch giving a fine rendition of tunes straight after the Bells..

Shortly thereafter, we had the honour of our very own Jim Gray arriving at the door as our First Foot, issuing Good Wishes and Good Cheer, with the offer of a Dram for all present.

Dancing continued until 2am at which point farewells were said and Auld Lang Syne completed a very successful Hogmanay.

Thanks to all those members who assisted in the clearing of the hall after the event.

It was much appreciated!

Christmas Supper Dance Held at the Commodore Hotel on 7 December 2018

66 members and guests (including visitors from Australia) braved some pretty atrocious weather to attend the annual Christmas supper dance at the Commodore and were royally entertained by the inimitable Charlie Kirkpatrick and his band, with Charlie's patter as amusing (if weel kent) as ever.

President Neil MacLeod provided a welcome and dancing continued until an excellent supper was served by the Commodore staff. The traditional appearance of Santa and his vivacious elf assistant (ably played as usual by Ewan and Janette Howieson) was the highlight of the evening and was loudly welcomed by the party.

The raffle raised a total of £182 and thanks go to those who contributed to the prizes and, of course, all who bought tickets.

The second half provided more great music to dance to and included a spot dance. The President wound up the proceedings followed by the last waltz and the traditional Auld Lang Syne before the weary dancers departed, thankfully in somewhat less wet and windy conditions than on arrival.

Our next function will be the Hogmanay Dance at Geilston Hall, Cardross

More photos to follow>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

Monthly Function Friday 30th November 2018

Dance Held at the Commodore Hotel on 30 November 2018

Numbers were somewhat down on last month's dance with a total of 49 members attending together with 10 non-members including a Canadian ex-pat on a visit home with family members (who have indicated an interest in returning) and a couple from Alexandria (not the Egyptian city!). Ticket sales brought in a total of £492.

Notwithstanding the lower turnout a most enjoyable evening was had by all, dancing to some superb music by the Wayne Robertson Scottish Dance Band who fairly rattled through the programme.

The raffle raised £141 and thanks to those who donated prizes and, of course, those who purchased tickets.

The floor was in better condition than at the last dance after representation to the hotel management and, thankfully, tea and coffee arrived in suitably large pots after the problems of last month. It was noted, however, that there were insufficient tea bags in the pot for a decent cuppa.

Our next function will be the Christmas  supper dance on 7 December in the Osprey Suite of the Commodore Hotel with music provided by the ever reliable Charlie Kirkpatrick Scottish Dance Band.