JAMES CROWE 1930-2011
Jim sadly passed away last month. We will remember him for his enthusiasm for dancing, both country and highland, over the years.
(Majority responses are shown in bold) | For | Against | Replied |
1. Are you in favour of the RSCDS Branch continuing as it is? | 15% | 62% | 65% |
2. Are you in favour of disbanding the Branch and setting up a new group? | 92% | 8% | 65% |
3. Would you become a member of a new non-RSCDS group? | 93% | 7% | 75% |
4. OR would you join another RSCDS Branch? | 44% | 56% | 80% |
5. Would you be willing to serve on the committee of whichever group? | 40% | 60% | 75% |
6. Do you agree that the Ball cannot continue with the current size of committee? | 69% | 31% | 65% |
7. Do you think that a non-RSCDS group would encourage new membership? | 54% | 46% | 65% |
8. Do you wish to see the following functions that the Branch currently runs continuing? | |||
Annual Ball | 73% | 27% | 75% |
Oakley Social Dances | 100% | 70% | |
Oakley Supper Dances | 92% | 8% | 65% |
Ceilidh | 100% | 60% | |
Advanced Class | 100% | 65% | |
Highland Class | 100% | 65% | |
Demonstrations | 86% | 14% | 70% |
COMMENTS
1. Ball should not rely on 3 Committee members. Others could and should help.
2. All groups suffer from low members and an aging membership. Cost not the problem.
3. Need to get dancers to support events.
4. RSCDS no longer cost effective to members.
5. Need to get more members into Advanced class for demos.
6. Insurance for non-RSCDS group may be different.
7. Funds may have to go to RSCDS HQ if we disband the Branch.
BRANCH FUTURE
If we close the Branch with no alternative.
Losses | Gains |
---|---|
No Oakley dances | No committee problems. |
No advanced class | No problems with food for the Ball. |
No Highland classes. | No hassle with RSCDS paperwork. |
No demonstrations incl. | Dance for All. No hassle with RSCDS finances. |
No support for Scots Soc. | Presidents Evening. |
No Ceilidh. |   |
No support for Children in Need. |   |
No Ball. |   |
All our funds. |   |
Conclusion:- The losses greatly exceed the gains.
If we close the Branch but replace with Non-RSCDS group.
Gains | Losses |
---|---|
All events would continue i.e. | We still have to have a committee. |
Oakley Dances | No advertising as an RSCDS group, i.e. poorer status. |
Advances Class. |   |
Highland Class. |   |
Demonstrations incl. Dance for All. |   |
Support for Scots Soc. Presidents Evening. |   |
Ceilidh. |   |
Support for Children in Need. |   |
Ball if we want it. |   |
No Ball food problems if we didn`t want a Ball.
No hassle with RSCDS paperwork.
No hassle with RSCDS finances.
Keep our funds.
Cheaper membership of group & possibly resulting in increased membership.
Keep our charity status.
Could have affiliated RSCDS status.
Conclusion:- The gains greatly exceed the losses.
Discussion
I believe the reason we are discussing the disbandment of the Branch is driven by the Committee`s problems. We are having difficulty in getting new committee members to replace those who have to leave it. This has highlighted the catering problems with the Ball. The few committee members, in particular the lady members, are having an increased load to provide the standard of catering we are used to. The branch membership is also falling. In my opinion this is possibly caused by the high membership fees with little to show for it. The Oakley dances are not very well attended but are still enjoyable evenings. The Ball is well attended and enjoyed by both our own members and our visitors. Catering has been first rate but at a cost to our few ladies. The branch has been running for 38 years. A tradition we would be sorry to see disappear.
I believe it would be a dreadful step to disband the branch with no alternative. The branch may not survive but Scottish dancing MUST!!
George Chairman.
Peatfire Flame | R | Bell Rock Reel* | R |
The Nurseryman | J | Locomotion No. 1 | J |
Kilkenny Castle | S | Garry Strathspey | S |
Polharrow Burn | R | Highland Rambler | R |
Follow Me Home | J | Jennifer`s Jig | J |
Butterscotch and Honey | S | Belle of Bon Accord | S |
Reel of the Gordon Highlanders | R | Mrs MacPherson of Inveran | J |
*The Bell Rock Reel was devised by Jim Crowe and will be danced in his memory.
This page was updated on 7 September 2011.