AGM & Conference Weekend – An Event Open to All The AGM Conference Weekend is for everyone, and if you have never attended, the 90th anniversary celebrations are the ideal introduction, writes Membership Services Convenor Philip Whitley. Did you realise that anyone can attend any part of the AGM & Conference Weekend? Are you aware that attendance is not restricted to branch committees? Did you know that you do not have to be a member of the RSCDS to attend? Are you aware that there is just as much emphasis on the social aspect? Did you know that all dances are fully re-capped both nights? Did you realise there are two classes featuring the very best teachers and musicians in the Society? Are you aware that people of all standards from intermediate upwards attend the weekend and find it hugely rewarding? If you answered no to any of these questions, you are in the majority who have never attended and are missing out on a funfilled sociable event. If you enjoy the many facets of SCD there is no reason why you wouldn’t enjoy the weekend. Stella McIver from Lorne (Argyll) attended her first conference weekend in 2012 and would concur: ‘I was surprised at the friendly atmosphere – it was not as frightening as I thought.’ Michael J. Cameron, another first-timer, from Helensburgh, was bowled over by the enthusiasm of the dancers on Friday night, ‘which commenced with a veritable stampede on to the floor when the first dance was announced. A great evening’s dancing followed to the music of Frank Thomson and his band with superb melody and emphatic cadence.’ Michael was equally enthusiastic about the Saturday dance: ‘With a relatively straightforward programme enhanced by a buzzing atmosphere, the evening was a tremendous success, and we had the added pleasure of meeting with dancers from other branches both in UK and from abroad, all of whom expressed their delight and their firm intentions of repeating the experience next time around.’ The AGM & Conference Weekend is for everyone, whether you simply wish to dance or observe, or throw yourself headlong into everything it has to offer. There is possibly no other SCD event like it in the world, especially the sight of 500 plus dancers moving in time on the dance floor. If you have never attended, what better introduction could there be than attending this year – the year of the 90th anniversary celebrations of the Society? The final word goes to Stella who writes, ‘ If people think like me that this weekend is not for them they should think again and give it a go.’ For those of you who have never attended, what are you waiting for? We look forward to seeing ou at the 90th anniversary celebrations in Perth (see the insert that came with the magazine for more details).
Created by Margaret Edwards in the Highlands of Scotland, this quality accessory makes a unique gift.
ustomised by tartan, colour and decorative detail, each handmade scarf is as individual as the person wearing it.
C
Made from 100% pure wool, the two-in-one design is available in a range of tartans with a coordinating plain reverse. Tie with a decorative pin, wear simply knotted or draped over the shoulder.
Details and order at
www.scottishhighlandkilts.com
All photos by Stephen Hammond
www.rscds.org
9
