News from Coates Crescent By Michael Greenwood Branch Awards update Once again a number of Branch Awards have been presented to those individuals who have made a contribution to their branch or to Scottish country dancing in general. Listed below are the members who have received Awards since October 2014 – congratulations to you all! Belfast BHS Border Croydon & District Doncaster & District Forres Forres Leeds Leicester Los Angeles New York New Zealand New Zealand Orange Country, California Seattle Seattle Sydney Tokyo Toronto Twin Cities Twin Cities Twin Cities Vancouver Washington Windsor, Ontario York & N Humberside York & N Humberside York & N Humberside York & N Humberside
Ruth & Ronnie Barnes Eithne Noakes Thomas Dunsmore Patricia Dixon Neil M. Grant Margaret McKillop Alan Harrison Doris Buchanan Aase Hansen Thomas Marshall Iain Boyd Romaine Butterfield Shirley Saturensky Calum Mackinnon Edna Mackinnon Anne Kennedy Norikazu Arita Janette Todd Janet McKernan Joy Gullickson Roberta Williams Jean Wagstaff Fred Eustis Griff Evans Diana Edwards George Edwards Joyce Cochrane Rosemary Robins
The Society is pleased to announce the appointment of William (Bill) A Cant to the vacant post of Treasurer. To read more about Bill see page 7.
New Editor Welcome to Marilyn Healy as the new Editor of Scottish Country Dancer. Many members will remember Marilyn was the Society’s archivist from 2005-2012 and regularly contributed news about the archives and the material in it. We thank Rosemary Coupe for her work and commitment to the magazine and the fantastic issues she produced.”
Motion to AGM 2015 Following a detailed review of current operations and recent deficits, the Management Board has reluctantly decided that a further increase in the members’ annual subscription is needed. A motion proposing an increase of £2 to £20 will be presented to the AGM. Further details have been sent to Branch Secretaries to inform committee discussions.
Dr Alastair MacFadyen Dr Alastair MacFadyen died on 20th July 2015. Alastair would joke that he was ‘past everything’ – Branch, International day and weekend-school teacher; Summer School teacher and Director; examiner; archivist; co-author and author of the biographies of Miss Milligan and Mrs Stewart; Vice Chairman; Chairman and, until recently, President of the Society. Alastair will be missed. Many members have contacted Headquarters with stories about Alastair, wishing to convey their condolences and we would like to thank everyone who has been in touch. For an obituary, see page 29.
Archive Project Update The archive is now accessible online via the Society website. Orla O’Brien and Alan Macpherson have digitised a large number of items which are now available to browse. This will be an on-going initiative as we continue to receive new material. To access the archive online visit the News section of the website for login instructions.
Elections to Management Posts
For more information on the RSCDS archive see page 20.
Profiles of nominees for this year’s management elections are listed on the website. Elections will only be held where there are more nominations than places available. Convenor, Membership Services Committee (1 x 3 years) Convenor-elect, Education & Training Committee (1 year, + 3 as Convenor) Management Board (3 x 3 years, 1 x 1 year) Education & Training Committee (3 x 3 years, 1 x 2 years) Membership Services Committee (2 x 3 years) Youth Services Committee (2 x 3 years)
JMMF
Headquarters staff Gillian Wilson was appointed Executive Officer in August, assuming the role from Elizabeth Foster. To read more about Gillian see page 7. Caitriona Carson who has worked for the Society since August 2014, mainly on CLG-related matters has left for a permanent position. We wish her the best of luck in the future.
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Appointment of Treasurer
www.rscds.org
We would like to remind members that funds are available from the Jean Milligan Memorial Fund if you would like to hold an event or promote the Society in a positive manner. Submissions are accepted throughout the year and application forms and conditions are on the RSCDS website.
Website Throughout the past year we have continued to develop the website and a number of issues that have arisen are being rectified. Branches have been circulated with more detailed instructions of how to navigate the online database, update Member details, and establish a presence on Social Media. We are currently in the process of launching the Membership Renewal System that will make the process of subscription payment more straightforward. All feedback regarding the website is welcome as it will help us make it more effective and improve our understanding of what is most important to our members.
