Belfast Branch

Belfast Branch 70 Years Old

2016 marked 70 years of Scottish country dancing in the Belfast area. Branch activities included a weekend school, a children’s day school, a teacher training workshop, and events to encourage the public to participate and appreciate the health and social benefits of Scottish country dancing. The St Andrews Ball on 2 December was enjoyed by dancers from Europe and as far afield as North Carolina and Australia. The programme began with a Grand March and included Young at Heart from Belfast’s new anniversary book. Superb music was provided by Marian Anderson and her band and a delicious supper was served during the evening. On 3 December a Gala Evening in the Titanic Suite commenced with a reception, with the Lord Mayor of Belfast welcoming everyone. The RSCDS Chairman, Helen Russell, addressed the company and presented the Branch Chairman with an Anniversary Certificate. Later in the

From left to right: Elizabeth Cameron MBE (Hon President), Helen Russell, Brian Kingston (Lord Mayor of Belfast), Aileen Patterson (Branch Chairman), Joan Madill (Branch Secretary.) evening a video was played, showing were entertained by MC John Wilkinson members’ reminiscences and memorable and a local singer. Some dances from the moments and people in the Branch’s history. new book were performed by local dancers, The Lord Mayor was presented with the accompanied by Marian Anderson and her first copy of the Platinum Anniversary band. There was then an opportunity for Book of Dances, specially devised and all to enjoy dancing in the magnificent published by the Branch, together with a surroundings before the evening concluded CD of the accompanying music, arranged with Auld Lang Syne with the 260 present and recorded by Marian Anderson. Guests circling the Titanic suite.