This is a changing world, and it looks like even our little society may have to make changes in the near future- willy-nilly - though what the actual changes are is, of course, ultimately down to what the members wish to do - all the more important to come to the AGM next week! But all that is yet to come and the happenings of the last week is more than enough to fill a blether. Last week's class showed yet another increase in numbers both of old and brand new members- it was rather frantic with memberships, Burns' Night tickets and AGM business all going on at once, as well as welcoming brand new members and saying good bye to our lovely dancing visitors. 3 or even 4 sets up for some challenging dances were a bit much in some cases but even so we had a brilliant time and people really worked together to get the most out of the evening.
The main event of the week however was Burns' Night at the Elea on Saturday night, we had both regular attendees and the pleasure of new guests attending. Yet again we thank Blevins Franks and Campbells (shortbread) for some fabulous sponsorship and the Elea surpassed themselves with the presentation and quality of the food. Thanks of course also have to go the Doug, Don, Graham and Irene who all put themselves in the spotlight with excellent speeches and poems  and Doris our Chairman not only 'ran' the proceedings but also accompanied the sing song. We are a multi talented lot to say the least. The pictures I took on the night are all now available via the Past Events link above or click HERE. I still have images from the St Andrew Society Ball to upload (because I had to fly home so soon after the event) but I will hopefully get round to uploading them soon. I hope to see you all soon. Jx

Class numbers are already into  20+ and we had 2 or 3 sets up for most dances. It was an excellent night. We were again delighted to be joined by class returnees and more dancing visitors - not least because they had heard of the class back home in Scotland rather than just finding us via this website, so our fame is spreading! Thankfully they seem to have enjoyed their night with us and hope to return again next week before their holiday end. This week we had our second excursion to Bavaria and enjoyed it so much we went there twice! Well done to everyone in the class who have worked to master this highly popular, but potentially confusing, little dance - it's been worth taking a few extra minutes to teach it thoroughly. Our other 'new' dances also worked well and although we didn't finish the programme we managed more dances than last week and had great fun. I'm looking forward to the next class already. Jx

HELP! I need time, more time, lots more time so this is going to be a very short blether, because I really have to get on with everything else on my list (who am I kidding? I mean lists), 10 lines max and that's your limit :-). Tickets are now galloping of the shelves for Burns Night so hopefully you've got your name down if you are intending to join us. We need your money and your meal choices (& who you would like to sit with is often useful too, if you have a preference) - if you haven't received an e-mail regarding your meal choices contact me or Irene whichever seems easier for you. Money is mainly being collected on Tuesdays unless you've made other arrangements with Irene or Pete. We had an excellent 1st class last Tuesday, many were missing but it was great to welcome visitors as well as returning new dancers - & we got the chance to learn Trip to Bavaria at a reasonable pace - well done everyone who tried it. Now I better get on with the rest of the site... see you next week, and don't forget Monday classes at the UKCA are also restarting Jx

Like everyone else I've met recently I find it difficult to comprehend how quickly Christmas and the New Year has passed... and now it is 2020, and it's suddenly hit me that it's not only the festive season that's gone fast, but where on earth have the last two decades gone! So much has changed in the last 20 years and changes seem to be coming faster and faster, however I am personally a lot more optimistic about the world than I have been - the opposite to many people, I know - but last year wasn't a happy one for many and I'm certain 2020 is going to be much, much better. 
BTW. Warnings are going around to write the full '2020' on documents not just '/20' because the short version can be easily altered. I can't really imagine anyone wanting to do that, but no doubt someone will if given the chance.
The first class of '2020' is less than a week away and after a lot of deliberation I've finally got the programme onto the website, I'm very much looking forward to seeing everyone again and getting back into the swing of things though I know that the first class is always just a tad chaotic. We will hopefully have a couple of visitors who are on holiday here and at least one new dancer joining us too so it should be fun.
Thanks to everyone who has sent cards and greetings and I'm sorry that I've not been able to reciprocate so far, it's on the list but a way from the top ... limited time and stormy weather has kept me away from my keyboard and now I'm finally finding time to sit down I've an impossible amount of catching up to do - you'll probably get your cards around April!  Burns night is almost upon us, I'm working on the tickets and they will be available on Tuesday so don't forget your pennies, and Membership renewals are also due too - yours truly has just printed the membership cards so they better be needed :-) 
One final bit of sad news about Molly Elieson who (despite a serious heart condition) joined us dancing  every Winter and Spring up until 2015, apparently she passed away early last year - Barbara Reid forwarded the information after being contacted by Molly's son. Molly told me many times how much she enjoyed and valued the welcome she got whenever she was here and I'm proud that the class still has the reputation of being incredibly welcoming to visitors, returnees and newcomers - and I'm sure that will continue well beyond 2020. See you on Tuesday. Jx