From around the World Branches and groups from around the world report on their activities and special events. We invite contributions from everyone for Issue 17; don’t wait for someone else to tell us about your event! Reports may range from a couple of sentences to 300 words, and should be sent to Helen at nellifant@ymail.com. Accompanying photographs are especially welcome, preferably as separate graphic files. International Branch Twenty-three members of the International Branch from Canada, Netherlands, USA, Germany, France, Denmark and Spain, in addition to England and Scotland, attended the IB Meeting during the RSCDS Conference Weekend in Aberdeen on 3 November. These lunchtime meetings have become an enjoyable annual event, giving an opportunity for members actually to meet each other as they come from all over the world.
number of dancers join the IB as their second branch because they enjoy dancing in an international environment with dancers from many countries. In addition to the yearly meeting during the RSCDS AGM, the IB ‘meets’ via internet and at events everywhere where a number of members are present, such as the Paris Branch Easter 2012 Weekend in Beaune. The Branch has a quarterly newsletter with information and articles, not only about the Branch activities but the RSCDS generally.
Dorothy Rosemound and Amy Simon cut the Sydney anniversary cake
IB Lunch Meeting The meeting started with a toast to the memory of founder Chair, Susi Mayr, who died unexpectedly last summer. Over a tasty soup and sandwich lunch with a glass of wine, we discussed the upcoming IB Weekend and Ireland Tour aptly named ‘Make Merry in Kerry’. It will take place 17-20 May 2013 at the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney, and the follow-on dance holiday will run 20-26 May. We shall dance every evening, including Irish ceílí dancing with the locals as well as SCD. This event follows the highly successful and enjoyable 2011 weekend in Prague and dance tour of Bohemia led by Ron Wallace of San Francisco. The IB began its life in 2004, prompted by the enthusiasm of Susi Mayr, and now boasts 184 members from 27 countries. Its main purpose was to give a voice in RSCDS affairs to those who do not have a local branch or who may move frequently for work or other reasons. Many were previously Headquarters members. Now a
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2012 was Adelaide and District Branch’s Diamond Jubilee year, and the highlight was our Ball in September. With David South, Cathy Fraser and Duncan Smith playing, a great time was had by all. We were honoured to have a number of guests who had danced in the early days of the Branch, and dancers from South Australia were joined by a number of interstate visitors. Other activities of the Branch can be found at rscds-ib.org. An important initiative currently being discussed by the new Branch Committee is the formation of a Fund in memory of Susi Mayr to give scholarships and grants for young people to attend RSCDS affiliated workshops or schools anywhere. We hope it will be ready for launch at the IB weekend in Killarney in May.
Jerry Reinstein
Adelaide anniversary cake
For its 60th Anniversary last year Sydney Branch hosted a Ball and a Tea Dance, and our multi-talented members contributed greatly to the celebrations. Olivia Roberts used her artistic skills to devise the badge, Lindsay Benaud made the most delicious fruit cakes and Robyn King decorated them, as well as making amazing shortbreads. Our dancing year ended with the presentation of the Society Scroll to Margaret Sim.
Other Adelaide events included a ‘Come and Try’ Social which attracted both beginners and newcomers, socials for more established dancers and a Day School with New Zealand teacher Yvonne Gray. A number of Branch members attended Winter School, and Branch members took part in dance displays at a number of community events. Adelaide teachers and dancers also spent an enjoyable afternoon trying out some interesting dances for the Book 47 evaluation.
Pat Charleston
Caroline Donald
Australia
