Autumn Gathering 2023

On 3rd November 2023, Scottish country dancers arrived at Kelvin Hall in Glasgow for the 2023 Autumn Gathering, continuing a year of celebrations as the Society marks its centenary year. 

The weekend got underway with a dance on the Friday night, attended by over 300 dancers. The programme for the evening was compiled by Hawaii Branch with music provided by Ewan Galloway's Scottish Dance Band. Dances included Trip to Timber Ridge, J. B. Milne, Polharrow Burn and Follow Me Home.  To mark the centenary, a ceilidh was held with music and calling from John Carmichael's Ceilidh Band. Around 50 dancers enjoyed this family-friendly addition to the Autumn Gathering weekend, with great fun and laughter present on the dance floor.

The interval of the Friday dance saw a demonstration from Glasgow Branch, led by Carol-Ann Knox. 

On Saturday morning, attendees gathered for an informal Meet the Board session, to discuss issues, ask questions and share ideas directly with members of the Management Board. The Executive Team and Committee convenors were present and with the event open to all members, not just delegates, it offered a great opportunity to get together. 

After this session, dancers could attend a class, led by Andrew Nolan, accompanied by Angela Young.

At 2pm, Chair William Williamson, Chair-Elect Gary Coull, Treasurer Lizzy Conder and Chief Operating Officer Jon Berridge made their way into the Main Sports Hall, led by a piper to start the 94th RSCDS AGM. The AGM provided a summary of the Society’s activities over the previous year and you can watch the full recording on our You Tube channel. 

You can view the presentation slides here.

Treasurer Lizzy Conder presented a report on the Society’s financial situation. More details of the accounts can be found in the Trustees Report.  

The following motions were brought to the meeting:

7.1 Membership subscription

“The Management Board proposes that for the year from 1st July 2024, the basic full annual subscription shall be increased to £28 per annum, with other membership subscriptions based pro-rata on this amount”                                                           

The above motion passed with the following votes: FOR - 178; AGAINST - 64; ABSTAIN - 0

7.2. Amendments to RSCDS Articles of Association

"The Management Board proposes updates to the Articles of Association as outlined on the Agenda and sent in advance to delegates.’’

The above motion passed with the following votes:

FOR - 230; AGAINST - 8; ABSTAIN - 2

7.3 Amendments to the wording of RSCDS Rules and Procedures

“The Management Board proposes updates to the Rules and Procedures as outlined on the Agenda and sent in advance to delegates.” 

The above motion passed with the following votes:

FOR - 230  AGAINST -  8  

After delegates cast their votes online, the following candidates were elected to the Management Board and Youth Services committee:

Management Board - Heather Cowan, Evelyn Redmond and Eileen Yates join the Management Board for a term of three years. Clare Grycuk joins the Management Board for a two-year term.

Youth Services Committee - Lucy Philipps and Beth Fairbairn join YSC for a term of three years.

Elections were not required for the Membership Services Committee with Jeremy Hill joining as Convenor Elect.

Elections were not required for the Education and Training Committee with Gail Inglis joining the committee for a term of three years.

During the AGM, we were delighted to confirm the recipients of the 2023 Scroll of Honour

Sue Duckett (Cheshire Branch)

Ken Martlew (Herts and Borders Branch)

Trish Nicholls (Sydney Branch)

Yoshiki Oyama (Tokai Branch)

Trish Nicholls was presented with her Scroll by her local Branch; William Williamson presented Ken Martlew and Yoshiki Oyama with their scrolls at the AGM. Congratulations to all recipients.

A wine reception was held from 7pm on Saturday evening prior to the Ball getting underway.  Attendees enjoyed a demonstration from Youth Branch, devised by Abigail Brown and the winners of the 2023 Virtual Festival were announced by one of the evening's MCs Heather Cowan. 

The programme for the Ball was devised by Glasgow Branch who are also celebrating their centenary, with music provided by Luke Brady's Scottish Dance Band. A varied programme included dances EH3 7AF, The Scallywag, Good Hearted Glasgow and Duke of Perth.

On Sunday morning, attendees were welcomed to a panel discussion on Ideas and Best Practice for Encouraging Members. This was very well attended and encouraged a wide variety of discussion on the varying ways to increase membership and retain new members. The session was recorded for Branches and can be viewed on the Branch and Group Guidance page here (you need to be logged in to view this session)  A huge thank you to all the panellists for their presentations and hard work in putting this discussion together. 

The final event of the weekend was a dance class led by David Queen with music by Susan MacFadyen.

We would like to thank all the RSCDS members, the Autumn Gathering working group, RSCDS staff and Kelvin Hall in Glasgow for organising such a brilliant event that was enjoyed by hundreds of dancers, musicians, teachers and delegates. Thank you to Tunnocks for providing the delicious teacakes and wafers for the interval break.

A date for your diaries - we look forward to seeing you next year at Meadowbank Stadium in Edinburgh from 1st to 3rd November 2024.