1986 - 1996

The third decade of the Ottawa Branch continued to reflect the popularity of Scottish Country Dancing. Average membership was 250, with 12 active classes per week. All the regular activities established in previous years carried on with enthusiastic attendees and dedicated volunteers - socials at Parkdale, summer dancing and of course the Jones Falls weekend. The annual Spring Balls were normally held at the Chateau Laurier to the music of the Bobby Brown band. 

There were a few unique events this decade though! One was the awarding of RSCDS's Scroll of Honour to one of our founding members, Margaret Macwaters in 1988. This international award is the highest RSCDS accolade and she was only the third Canadian recipient. She and the Branch were thrilled!

During this period the demonstration team, under the direction of Charlie Inglis, was very active and came to be known as the Ingleneuk Dancers. Besides appearing in many local events such as Canada Day celebrations, they also staged a performance called the Scottish Ramble that was a celebration of Scottish music and dance. It was a big hit and had many repeat performances.

On the technology side, the Branch was moving with the times. The 1990 January issue of the bulletin was proudly proclaimed as the first one to be produced on a laser printer and personal computer using Pagemaker. The October 1993 issue had the first request for any member who had an 'electronic mail address' to send it in. They also alerted members to an internet service called 'Strathspey' that was an information exchange for Scottish country dancers.

But the biggest event of the decade by far was the celebration in 1991 of the 25th anniversary of the Branch - the silver Jubilee. Months of planning resulted in a wide range of activities: 

• A special logo, designed by Shirley Crockatt

• A cook book - The Brunch Cookbook, created by members. (If anyone has copy, please let our Archivist know!)

• A book of dances - 25 Dances for 25 Years, a compilation of dances devised by members.

• A special presentation of the Scottish Ramble called the Jubilee Ramble at the Centrepointe Theatre.

• A Branch history book -  The Extended Family: History of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Ottawa 1966-1991 compiled by Eric Clyde.

• A new chain of office for the Branch Chair. (Yes, this is the origin of the chain of office we see at the AGM every year!)

• A very special spring ball - the Jubilee Ball was held at the Skyline Hotel (now the Delta Hotel). It was a gala evening with 'everything silver' and over 250 attendees.

• The last event was a homecoming weekend in November, the Jubilee Weekend with workshops and a dance which drew many friends and former members. It was even attended by the chair of RSCDS, visiting from Edinburgh!

Sources: Ottawa Branch bulletins - 1986-1996, The Extended Family: History of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Ottawa 1966-1991. Compiled by Eric Clyde

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