FEBRUARY 2009
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SFU Pipe Band Celebrate at their Robbie Burns Dinner
VANCOUVER - The Simon Fraser University Pipe Band hosted their annual fundraiser and Robbie Burns Dinner at the Executive Plaza Hotel in Coquitlam on January 23.
The event was another huge success. Nearly 250 attendees were treated to performances by the Robert Malcolm Memorial Grade Three Pipe Band (RMMPB).
The Grade Three band is hard at work preparing to compete in the World Juvenile Championships in Glasgow on August 15.
Under the direction of SFUPB's Pipe Major, Terry Lee, Pipe Sergeant, Jack Lee and Lead Drummer J. Reid Maxwell, this Grade Three band has consistently won the aggregate trophy for the Highland games circuit in B.C. and Washington every summer.
They won both the Grade Three events in California last May when they attended the United Scottish Society's Highland games in Costa Mesa. They have won the Juvenile Championship in Scotland four times.
The attendees were also treated to a fabulous performance by the current and five time World Championship Grade One SFU Pipe Band.
GUESTS at the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band dinner were treated to a performance by the Robert Malcolm Memorial Grade Three Pipe Band.
The SFU Pipe Band is preparing to defend their title this year in Glasgow on August 15. The band will perform aconcert in Vernon, B.C. on July 10 as well as at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on August 12. They will be recording at both these concerts in preparation for their new CD release.
The audience was also well entertained by the favourite emcee, Jim Gallacher. All proceeds raised from the SFUPB Robbie Burns night goes toward the RMMPB. Mark your calendars for January 22, 2010, JIM GALLACHER raises a you don't want to miss next year's
glass to toast Scotland's Bard. Burns Dinner.
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Memorable Celebration for Burns Anniversary
VANCOUVER - On January 31 over 180 dancers, family members and friends gathered at the Scottish Cultural Centre to celebrate the annual Vancouver Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Burns' Supper.
Special guests included British Consul General Alex Budden and his wife Diane, as well as Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson and his wife Amy.
After savoring traditional Scottish fare and enjoying witty speeches, all danced to the rousing music of the Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra. The 250th anniversary of the Bard resulted indeed in a memorable, lively and delightful celebration. — Diane Coulombe
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VANCOUVER Mayor Gregor Robertson delivers a short speech at the Royal Scottish Country Dancing Society annual Burns supper. The new mayor was a special guest along with British Consul General Alex Budden and his wife Diane.
THE TAM O'SHANTER DANCERS
A Special Appearance by The Bard Himself
WHITE ROCK - On January 24 at the Star of the Sea, the Tarn O'Shanter Dancers thrilled their 300 guests with their presentation celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns.
The theme, "A Portrait of Burns" amazed the audience as Robert Burns himself attended the gathering relating some of his life's experiences, his poems and his music. His portrait came alive as he stepped out of a stunning gold picture frame decorated in Celtic knotwork.
The programme included the beautiful singing of Ainsley McCallum Reid, the rousing rendition of Scots, Wha Hae by Bruce Power and the lively dances performed by the Tarn O' Shanter Scottish Country Dancers. Scottish party dancing followed to complete the evening.
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