Tomorrow we dance - then we don't, for a while, then we will again... but the exact dates can't be predicted. That basically sums it up! We'll be in touch to let you know. :-)

Every time I sit down at the computer it seems that something happens 'off stage' and I have to get up and sort it out. Hence it's been weeks since I've had time to blether - and even now it's bit's and pieces put together in snatched moments. Like now.... see you in a minute.... anyway, I remember the UK as being damp, cold and (to be honest) pretty boring, but although it's definitely still a bit damp, it's not very cold and certainly not boring. A bit like Cyprus at the moment by the sound of things.
Meanwhile I've seen more of hospitals in the last 3 weeks than I have for years, accompanying others rather than attending myself, I hasten to add, and very impressive they all have been. In the meantime I've been kept up to date with Group happenings back in Cyprus. And as I predicted, it sounds like things have been ticking along without me - okay, it will have been different - but hopefully just as much fun. Either way 'times are achanging' as the song goes - rather more than ever before - so at all levels we have to just adapt, do our bestest to help and stay flexible! As far as plans go I hope to be back in Cyprus on Dec 9th, but we shall see what the weeks bring. Fingers crossed. Oh, must go.....

Lots to do... every time I think I've finished something, we need more, something changes or hoped for scenarios become less likely, planning, printing, practicing, and trying to think of all the things to be in place in case I'm not here - blethering takes a back seat - but it shouldn't entirely because it's still worth recording the excellent turn out for the dance classes. People are working hard and having a lot of fun while they do it. Both on Mondays and Tuesdays. The dances that are harder work are bringing the class together in a way that the simple ones don't, so well done to everyone trying to master 'The Bee's. ' it's the next level up from most of our programme so I'm more than happy you want to try, even if it takes a few more weeks work, and even if you don't get it sorted out in time for the ball, because there's nothing like a challenging dance to make the others seem simple! And we will still be dancing after the ball, it's a super one to have added to our repertoire for just the weekly dance nights, never mind a 'posh do'. Next week is the 'third Tuesday' so our usual UKCA venue isn't available, instead we move to a Wednesday slot at the PCFi hall - check the location HERE . Don't forget to let Irene know if you've 'made up' a table and therefore want to sit together - especially if people have bought their tickets separately.  (Tables are max 10 - but if you would like more then she'll make sure 2 smaller tables are placed close together) 

it's not. 
7 people had sent their apologies so I was well prepared with a couple of alternative dances to the published programme, in case we couldn't muster up enough dancers for a 4 couple set. Then who should walk in but some of our favourite  'swallows', hitting our shores well in advance of the ball so they can get a bit of decent practice in. It was great to see them. Then we welcomed several of our newer dancers who we don't see every week, as well as a couple of 'old time' regulars who can't always get to us either - and rather than struggling to make up one set we ended up with two for almost every dance. So yet again we had a great night, lots of fun but with a completely unexpected mix of people. I will never, ever get bored of this!

I know it's not just me, but it doesn't stop the shock of realising how much time has passed without me noticing- and adding to this blether, yet again.
At one level we are back to normal - dancing at the UKCA (okay, I know that reminds you of a song, you can stop humming it now) - but in lots of other ways, times are a-changing, (that should give you another tune to get rid of the first one!).
In the meantime a bit of light relief is welcome and we had a lot of fun at today's 'beginner's' class. Perhaps the dances weren't performed quite as written but although no-one seems to be very aware of it there are distinct advances being made. For a start we covered 5 very different dances during the session, not all of them easy ones, a quarter of the ball program at one fell swoop!
No-one is expecting a beginner to get up on the night and do everything perfectly by themselves, but with a bit of help they should be able to dance many of the dances on the programme. Well done too, to our brand new dancer who just picked it all up as she went along!
If you haven't been to one of our balls before, and would like to try it, it is definitely a good idea to come to the dance classes first. On the night however, despite having a chance to dress up in your poshest togs (don't worry if you haven't got anything too fancy, just make an effort to look smart) the evening is a super friendly one and although we don't walk through the dances as thoroughly as in a class, we do remind you how they go! The 'Tickets' contain  cribs of all the dances, as well as room for your own notes and a reminder of who you are booked to dance with (always useful ;-)) so it's worth getting them as soon as possible. (hard sell, what hard sell? it's actually the case!) I hope to see you at tomorrow's class, I know we'll be missing a few of our regulars :-( , but it will still be a great night.

We knew it would be soon, but it doesn't change the emotions. Her Majesty was the patron of the RSCDS and used to love Scottish Country Dancing herself (as did her mother) so let's hope she is back dancing with her beloved Prince Philip again. One of the most exemplary role models ever. She will be greatly missed. RIP

Different location
Different day
Same times
Next week we'll be dancing on Wednesday for a change, and revisiting the PCFi hall for one week only... at least for now.
The news is out now that the UKCA has been told they have to find new premises, so at some point we also have to make new arrangements - but that's for another day. 
The PCFi hall will be familiar if you danced with us a few years ago.
If you are heading uphill, it is on the left, almost opposite Tower Electrics on the road that leads up from the Tomb of the Kings Road at the Phuket Restaurant/ Kings hotel traffic lights. It's the same road that 'Butcher Boy' has relocated to. I hope to see you all there if you can make it - lets get the same atmosphere going as we had last night (don't forget you'll need to bring your own drinks to the PCFi though)

What a brilliant night!
Thank you everyone who turned up for our first night of the autumn season. If you enjoyed it even half as much as we did you'll have had a ball! Actually from comments at the end, I know you did. I wasn't the only one who could have danced another hour given the chance.
We welcomed to the session a fair selection of returnees, some who hadn't danced with us for many years, others back after only a few months, all of you fitted in so well, and danced so well too, you could have been dancing with us last week! On the first night back it's traditional to leave a little space for gossip and catching up - and there was plenty of that. I'm also aware that kicking our dance brains into gear can take a little longer than normal, so I didn't expect to get through the published program - and we didn't. But we did get through a really good selection of dances. They included several that required a bit of concentration and in some cases the learning of a completely new move. The Bourrel ( a teaching video can be found HERE )is a formation that looks much more complicated than it actually is - but is very pretty to watch as well as satisfying to do. 
Next week we aren't sure where or if we will have a class. The UKCA has had to move the 'PAWS' quiz forward a week so we can't use the room - we may be able to hold the class on the Wednesday at another venue - I will email those who's contacts I have and it will be publicized on this site of course - watch this space! (Oh, and the ball tickets are available. €20 for members, €25 for guests - please get your tickets early if you are intending to come, if we don't have enough going then we may have to cancel :-( - but we know it wont come to that :-))

Well we're off! Actually that could be taken in two ways, but what I mean is that we are 'off and running'. The first successful Monday class under our belt, (well done all of you) and now we are prepping for the first Tuesday session of the new season tonight. It's raining outside as I type, so it really feels like we are going into this fresh and new,  lets hope for a good night - see you soon.

This seems an inappropriate place to mention sad news but as a highly scattered group this may be the only way to let some people know that this week we lost a great friend. Don Nova passed away last night after collapsing suddenly a few days ago. His calm good sense and quiet humour will be missed enormously, as will his unflagging support for all that Irene and the St Andrew Group did. Most people will be quite unaware of the amount of work Don simply got on with, from sourcing miniature gin bottles, to sticking labels in diaries, researching information and organising sponsors, always, always turning up to meetings, helping decorate, and providing meticulous minutes and records for the rest of the committee. Despite laterally often being in pain and unable to dance he supported every event, always looking immaculate and fulfilling his role in the evening with style. He also baked excellent cakes! He will be truly missed by all who knew him and remembered with affection. Our sympathies go out to Irene and his family.