Tickets are already selling well so, if you want to come, get yours soon through any committee member. They are £3 for dancers and £1.50 for spectators and children.

On Saturday 15th September The Scots Society of St. Andrews held its annual President`s Evening in Bromham Village Hall. This is always a splendid and very social evening starting off with a meal and carrying on with a programme of dancing and entertainment. The entertainment consisted of two short dance displays and some magnificent piping by Katherine, Donald and Andy. The music was provided by the excellent Peter Scatterty and George, as MC, kept the floor full of enthusiastic dancers. It`s wonderful how much energy can be found by people who are really enjoying themselves!

Langford W.I.

On Thursday 27th September the team were invited to the Langford W.I. meeting to provide the evening`s entertainment. As always with W.I. events the village hall was more or less full with ladies keen to enjoy their Scottish evening. They were on to the floor and raring to go at the first join-in session. Unfortunately, two of them slipped and fell which was not a good start. Luckily, however, neither was hurt, one carried on dancing and the other just sat down to recover. The rest of the evening proceeded smoothly with the usual programme of country dances, some piping by Andy and a display of Highland costumes described by Tony, not to mention a welcome break for refreshments.

Stoke Goldington picnic dance
A fine afternoon ideal for a picnic, tables and chairs set outside, a good view, lots of others to chat to, unfortunately rain earlier made the grass unsuitable for dancing so that was in the hall. Music was played by Ian Robertson on the accordion. Rita Scott’s childrens class performed a demonstration and joined in the dancing.

Leicester Branch Rutland dance weekend
A Friday and Saturday evening dance, workshops on Saturday and Sunday morning and farewell tea dance on Sunday. A mixed programme of Scottish, English, International and Playford tuition and dancing. We had a very enjoyable and sociable weekend. Camping and caravanning space was provided next to the village hall.

Cambridge Scottish Society
A well attended dance on the 22nd September in Girton. We enjoyed dancing to the music of Ian Robertson on his accordion. Shared refreshments.

NE Herts Reel Club, Hitchin Ball
This was held earlier than usual on the 29th September as the hall was not available on the normal date. A buffet supper was provided. Karl Sandeman and his band were on top form.

Cambridge RSCDS dance 20th October
A fairly easy programme with all dances talked through, a couple were walked through. We enjoyed dancing to Green Ginger. Refreshments were shared.

There is no theme as such for the programme, however dances have been chosen from several specific areas:

• Members request. In conversation with other Oakley dance regulars at Milton Keynes Stoke Goldington Picnic dance it transpired they would appreciate the opportunity to practise – Mrs Stuart Linnell and Caddam Wood
• RSCDS featured dances for this season – Festival Fling and Bridge of Nairn
• Dances we have been introduced to and enjoyed at other dances this season – Karin’s Strathspey - Leicester branch Rutland Dance weekend
  Foxhill Court - NE Herts Reel Club, Hitchin Ball
  Sands of Morar - RSCDS Cambridge branch dance
• To continue I have selected one dance from – Cambridge Scots Society dance - Wee Cooper of Fife
  Our September Social - Duke of Perth
• To reflect the international appeal of Scottish dancing – Plantation Reel
• All other dances are personal choices - Ian Powrie - the first dance that committed itself to my memory.
  Schiehallion - I know the dance and the reels, have made it to the top of the mountain, but need to practise the dance.
  Muirland Willie - a long time ago I was dancing this at Ely Maltings (Cambridge Scots Society) when I realised I was actually enjoying myself, I had finally learned enough to be happy Scottish dancing.

Web pages on the Bedfordshire Branch site: