<![CDATA[P3A St Andrew Group - Blethers]]>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 02:52:00 +0300Weebly<![CDATA[So we've started...]]>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 20:06:26 GMThttps://www.standrewgroup.com/blethers/so-weve-startedI've been a bit nervous restarting the classes - though not for any definite reason. I always worry that people wont enjoy themselves, or that I'll say something wrong, or somehow people's expectations wont be met but once I get a class started I just get on with it, and somehow it seems to work. At times I'm amazed by how patient people are as I sort myself out, but I suppose they're used to it! Anyway, first two sessions - a bit hot & sweaty but we managed; - not that many people but enough; slightly new room layouts - seemed to work, and as more people start to return the collywobbles will hopefully resolve.
Not much more to report except 'well done' to everyone who has joined us so far, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of  you soon. And if you are a little nervous before coming to the class - well you know you're not the only one!]]><![CDATA[Dancing re-starts tonight.]]>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 07:36:55 GMThttps://www.standrewgroup.com/blethers/dancing-re-starts-tonightAhhh... don't panic!
Thanks everyone who have said they are looking forward to restarting tonight, it really makes a difference to me - and thanks also to those of you who can't make it back yet, but have let me know that you hope to re-join us when you can (God willing). It stops me worrying about you - or at least I know exactly what to pray for when I do worry!
Those of you who aren't well, get well soon, those of you who are away - enjoy yourselves but hurry back ;-)
If there's anyone out there who wants to give the dancing a try, but just isn't sure about it - especially if you are 'solo' - gather your courage & come & join us; if you don't enjoy it it's one evening wasted, but if you do then it's fun, fitness & friendship for the rest of your life!]]><![CDATA[Sad News]]>Sun, 12 Jul 2026 14:35:00 GMThttps://www.standrewgroup.com/blethers/sad-newsFor those who knew him some sad news - Harry Fenwick, the group's first Chairman, recently passed away at the grand old age of 103.
​We send sincere condolences to his friends & family.
Harry was an amazing person and if you want to see a bit about the history of our group, and Harry's link to it, click History of our Group under the Blether's link on the website to read a copy of his talk a few years ago. ]]><![CDATA[Going backwards!]]>Sun, 12 Jul 2026 14:23:58 GMThttps://www.standrewgroup.com/blethers/going-backwardsI usually post here, and then to our Facebook page, but I seem to have done it backwards this time so see below my post from just after the June Jamboree ...
​It's taken a few days to recover - but what an amazing night we had at the June Jamboree last Tuesday.
We really missed everyone who couldn't make it - more especially because those who did make it had such a great time.
Thank you, as always to all the Elea staff.
The food was superb, even better than last year, if that is possible, and the staff were super attentive, in just the right way. Not only on the evening of the event, but when we turned up in the morning to decorate, everything was prepared as requested so we had the place looking 'ours' in no time (and many thanks to Doros, Fee, Grace & Jackie for their truly invaluable help).
And of course the weather was perfect - how lucky are we!
The dancing as usual was great fun - but this year there was hardly a gap between dances since the floor was so quick to fill and sets made up almost immediately. Well done to all the guests who had never danced before, or only once or twice and who didn't stop once they got going. We look forward to seeing you at the classes next season - or for those living further afield - I hope you remember how much fun you had and try to find somewhere to carry it on - because you were great!
The next dancing season here in Paphos starts on Tuesday September 1st for the social class, with the 'Beginners & Improvers' class restarting on Monday 7th September.
In the meantime have a great summer and although I only had time to take a few pictures last Tuesday both when setting up in the morning, and in the evening- and the quality is limited - but they are a good reminder anyway so here are a few to enjoy.
For more comments and the pictures from the night see the Past Events link either via the links on the website or HERE]]><![CDATA[Countdown time...]]>Mon, 15 Jun 2026 08:19:05 GMThttps://www.standrewgroup.com/blethers/countdown-timeWell here we are. Our final weeks of dancing before the summer break. 2 more Monday sessions and only one more Tuesday class before we hold our final dance celebration, AKA the 'June Jamboree', at the Elea (if we get enough people that is).  
If I'm honest, I am ready for a break, and that is despite being away myself for nearly 3 weeks ;-) - or maybe it's because of that.
It's so easy to drift away from things and forget how much you enjoy them - but you also need to recharge batteries from time to time.
P and I are lucky enough to be going to the RSCDS Summer School this year, it's a huge - once a decade treat - so I'll definitely recharge my 'enthusiasm batteries' there; and I'm more than a little chuffed to have been asked to lead one of the walk-through afternoons; I'm aware that, for the more renowned teachers in the Scottish Dancing world, 'walk-throughs' can be a bit of a chore, but at such an international event it's a real thrill to be asked. They can make a huge difference to a lot of people's enjoyment of the evening dances - and at the most selfish level, it gives me permission to spend time learning the dances myself - not that I really need much encouragement!
Re:- the June Jamboree - so many people are away, injured, ill or perhaps just not willing to pay that much (though it is cost price for the food and it's always very good), we have struggled with ticket sales - we are hoping to go ahead but we may have to call it off - if you haven't realised it's so close and have been dithering as to whether to come. Come! It's a genuinely lovely night whether you dance or not, and a few more bums on seats will ensure we go ahead. :-)  See the future events page for contact details if you are interested. And if you are away until the autumn - have a lovely summer and we restart on Tuesday 1st September. ]]><![CDATA[long time no dancee]]>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 17:08:26 GMThttps://www.standrewgroup.com/blethers/long-time-no-danceeI'm suffering withdrawal symptoms - I've been 2 weeks without dancing, however the end is in sight; I've benefited from the break - but I'm keen to get back, which is always the best type of holiday.  Thank-you to everyone who sent best wishes to my mother for her 95th birthday - she really appreciated all the cards and messages - not to mention the sunshine I brought with me to the UK from Cyprus! I'm back in time for next Tuesday's class so there are a few slight challenges on the programme compared with last week; but of course that doesn't mean we have to accept them.
It's now less than 3 weeks before our wonderful 'June Jamboree' signals the end of our dancing year. Don't forget to order your tickets. There is plenty of room since it's basically an outdoor event, but it's always best if we can have an idea of numbers, well in advance, when there is catering involved. Even if you can't make it yourself please let your friends know about it because it's not just a lovely night for class members, it is a fun and atmospheric evening for anybody.
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]]><![CDATA[June Jamboree dates published]]>Sat, 02 May 2026 17:51:32 GMThttps://www.standrewgroup.com/blethers/june-jamboree-dates-publishedIt's already time to start preparing for our summer end of season dance - our lovely June Jamboree is on Tuesday 23rd June. We use the amazing terrace of the Elea Golf Resort, where we enjoy a superb finger food buffet and then dance under the moonlight with the sea sparkling in the distance. Real Cinderella stuff - only hopefully everyone keeps their shoes on :-) Anyone can join us whether they have come to the classes or not; even if they don't want to dance a step, but just want to enjoy the food, company and atmosphere this is a really special night. Invite family and friends - they'll all have a magical evening. See records of our previous events at the Elea via Past Events and contact us for tickets any time from now on.
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]]><![CDATA[Warming up & welcome]]>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:45:31 GMThttps://www.standrewgroup.com/blethers/warming-up-welcomeWell the weather is improving and this week the Monday class clashed with a beautiful Cypriot Easter Monday so I was fully prepared for smaller numbers. We did have some apologies; but despite the missing few we ended up with a perfect '8'. We welcomed back a much missed returnee, as well as welcoming an enthusiastic and talented newcomer. Strange how things work out. It was good to have a reason to go back to basics and a bit of step practice is never wasted- our new dancer seemed to enjoy herself and promised to return for more, which is great for the group.
Tuesday was great fun too. Some of the dances were challenging, as we had returnees to this class too who hadn't done them before. A steep learning curve for some, but a real sense to achievement as they got them worked out. The request went out that they be repeated next week - as indeed they will be, all that hard work can't be wasted! Well done to everyone, I look forward to seeing the perfect versions next week!
]]><![CDATA[Happy (Cypriot) Easter. And, phew, the Tattoo is successfully shown]]>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 14:11:26 GMThttps://www.standrewgroup.com/blethers/happy-cypriot-easter-and-phew-the-tattoo-is-successfully-shownSo that's that. After a week of not feeling 100%, and struggling to get enthused by the event, Saturday's showing of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo was an excellent evening.
So often it's the case that the things you look forward to aren't as wonderful as you hope, but the events you aren't so bothered about end up being excellent. Click HERE, or go to 'Past Events', and click on the poster to see pictures from before and at the beginning of the evening (it was too dark to take shots later on during the show). This was a very successful evening with 33 attending, including several ex-dancers who now can't make it to the dance classes- thanks go to Gavin who organised the buffet and everyone else who helped, including John who very kindly assisted organising the tables in the morning. We had wondered if this was the sort of occasion people still wanted us to organise, but although not many current dancers were able, or interested, in coming, it proved itself to be a popular and highly appreciated by others - and the Tattoo was, as always, magnificent. 
Now onto the next challenge - June Jamboree anyone?​
]]><![CDATA[I blinked... and missed it...]]>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 19:36:16 GMThttps://www.standrewgroup.com/blethers/i-blinked-and-missed-itAnd now it's April - what happened to March? I blinked and it was gone, it's such a busy life we lead and there's so much going on; time simply flies I just can't keep up.
Happy Easter - for those of us celebrating this week, and Καλο Πασχα (Kalo Pascha ) to those of us celebrating next week. 
First off - thanks to everyone who has enquired how we are and sent their best wishes re. the hostilities yonder. To be honest we feel frauds because, although there was a bit of initial excitement, you honestly wouldn't know there was anything going on (though we know there is) it is totally carrying on as normal over here - unless you happen to be flying somewhere via Dubai of course.
The weather has been more of an issue, it's incredibly variable, which is reflected in the class numbers though we have never been without a set, sometimes even two. The classes themselves have been great fun - Monday's - supposedly 'beginner's' sessions have even sometimes morphed into advanced classes. The sessions are enjoyed just as much by more experienced dancers and sometimes they are the only ones there so we abandon the footwork and go for a few schiehallion reels & 3 couple set & links instead. 
As usual there are things being organised for the group beyond just the dance classes. Our next event is a showing of last year's Edinburgh Military Tattoo at the Phoenix Club next Saturday (11th April) - it's only €10, including a buffet meal, so don't forget to contact us and book a place if you fancy coming along, you definitely don't have to be Scottish to enjoy the evening; We'd appreciate knowing that you want to come by Wednesday though, as this gives the kitchen time to shop! 
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