RSCDS Brighton Branch

Our Past Scottish Dance Events

This page lists RSCDS Brighton's Scottish dance events from 2011. Our past events 2006-2010 and our current programme are also online.

Hallowe'en dance, Saturday October 28th 2023, 7pm

An informal, themed Scottish dance to recorded music with MC Rod Burrows at Hurstpierpoint Village Centre Trinity Road Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex BN6 9UY. Bring a mug or cup, food if you wish to eat and utensils. A costume suggestive of Hallowe'en optional. Entry £5 (non-dancers £2).
Spooky printable programme and interactive programme for cribs and videos.

2023 Strawberry Tea Dance on Sunday 11th June

a scone with cream and a strawberry; available during the dance interval Cheerful Sunday afternoon Scottish country dance with recaps and a light tea of scones and jam with fresh strawberries and cream. At Angmering Community Centre, BN16 4FU. £6 (children and students £3) See interactive programme and A4 printable programme.

2023 Annual General Meeting, 12th May

Our AGM was followed by social dancing. Annual subs is no more than the HQ fee, as usual. Hall hire has gone up in price but we will not increase class fees.

2023 u3a Dance, Saturday 15th April, 7pm

Arun East u3a dance at The Barn, East Preston with cake, biscuits, tea and coffee available in the interval. £5 at the door but book in advance.

2023 Valentine Dance, 18th February, 7pm (Brighton)

Valentine Dance at the Knoyle Hall Knoyle Road, Brighton BN1 6RB.
Tickets £5 (£3). Beverages and biscuits provided in the break. See printable programme.

2022 Hallowe'en dance, Saturday October 29th, 7pm

An informal, themed Scottish dance to recorded music with MC Rod Burrows at Hurstpierpoint Village Centre. People brought food if wished and utensilsand costumes suggestive of Hallowe'en £5 (non-dancers £2). Spooky printable programme and interactive programme.

2022 Special General Meeting, Friday September 22, 7:30pm

A meeting before class where the current and planned banking arrangements were explained and agreed upon unanimously.

2022 Strawberry Tea Dance on Sunday 19th June

Cheerful Sunday afternoon dance with recaps and a light tea of scones and jam with fresh strawberries and cream. At Angmering Community Centre, BN16 4FU. £6 on the door, (children and students £3). See interactive programme and A4 printable programme.

2022 Challenging Afternoon Class, Sunday, 12th June

Afternoon class for experienced dancers, a challenging programme taught by Mervyn Short. With live music by Judith Muir.
From 2pm to 5pm at Mannings Heath Village Hall, RH13 6JU. Sponsored by Brighton Branch.

2022 Valentine Dance, 19th February

Hurstpierpoint At 7pm at the Hurstpierpoint Village Centre Main Hall again, with people bringing their own food etc.. Tickets £5/£2. See printable programme and My.Strathspey Dance List.

2022 Improvers' Afternoon of Dance, Sunday February 6th

Brighton Branch sponsored Scottish country dance class taught by Mervyn Short, with Judith Muir on the accordion. Held at 2pm at the Rawson Hall, The Street, Bolney RH17 5PF. Tap for the Flyer for Mervyn's Improvers' class.

2021 Annual General Meeting, 10th September

This was held in the usual way, followed by social dancing. Annual subs was once again no more than the HQ fee. We plan to start running dances from February (Valentine's dance) in 2022.

dances were suspended during CoVid restrictions.

2020 Annual General Meeting

Because of CoVid-19 restrictions the AGM was held in September using email. Members were asked under what conditions they would likely want to dance together. Seven members were ready to dance as soon as the government allows 10 people to dance together. Most members will wait until the risk of infection is removed by vaccination. A few would be happy with risks reduced by effective treatment or fast testing.

2020 Valentine Dance, 15 February 2020

a valentine's rose 7pm at the Hurstpierpoint Village Centre, BN6 9UY as last year. Tickets £5 plus finger food to share. See flyer and interactive dance list.

2020 Afternoon of Challenging Dances, Sunday 2 February, 2pm

Mervyn teaching a class Fran and Mervyn class for experienced dancers who know formations a chance to learn more interesting Scottish country dances. At the Rawson Hall Bolney RH17 5PF with Mervyn Short and Judith Muir (live music!) Entrance £5 See Fran's Report

2019 Beginners' Class, Sunday 27 October

dancers from Fran's flyer An afternoon class for beginners run by Mervyn Short with accompaniment from Judith Muir, who plays keyboard in the Craigellachie Band.
At Rawson Hall, Bolney RH17 5PF. Book by email to Fran. See Fran's Flyer and Fran's Report

2019 Hallowe'en dance, 26 October 2019, 7pm

Hurstpierpoint An informal, themed dance with MC Rod Burrows at Hurstpierpoint Village Centre Trinity Road BN6 9UY.
hallowe'en skeletons Tickets £5 plus finger food to share, with just enough in the way of gently spooky costumes and food. See interactive programme for cribs and videos or printable programme.

2019 Afternoon of Challenging Dances, 15 September, 2-5pm

At the Rawson Hall Bolney, a very popular programme of challenging dances for experienced dancers organised by Fran and taught by Mervyn Short, with dances from Imperial Book of Scottish Country Dances, Vol 2 included. See Frans's flyer and also Fran's report.

2019 Strawberry Tea Dance on Sunday 16 June, 3pmstrawberries

A cheerful Scottish country afternoon dance with recaps and a light tea of scones, jam, fresh strawberries and cream. At Angmering Community Centre, BN16 4FU. Angmering Community Centre Angmering railway station and bus stops for the Stagecoach Coastliner 700 bus are just the other side of the A259 (see map). Tickets on the door, £6 (students £3)
See interactive programme or printable programme.

2019 Annual General Meeting, Friday 17 May, 7:30pm

At the RSCDS Brighton Branch AGM (held at the Patcham Memorial Hall at 7:30pm) it was unanimously agreed to cease holding raffles at Branch dances.

2019 Valentine Dance, 16 February

Hurstpierpoint At NEW VENUE the Hurstpierpoint Village Centre Trinity Road BN6 9UY (opposite large free car park). Tickets £5 plus a plate of Finger Food.
See printable programme or cribs and diagrams.

2018 Christmas Ceilidh, Friday 14 December, 7:30

Patcham Memorial Hall Our "bring-a-friend" Christmas ceilidh was at Patcham Memorial Hall where we welcomed members of Preston Park U3A Scottish Country Dancing group and friends of branch members. a Christmas elf
There were some splendid contributions - amusing songs and poems, singing and other entertainments.

2018 Hallowe'en dance, Saturday 27 October, 7pm

church by Knoyle Hall An informal, themed dance to recorded music with Rod Burrows as MC. At the Knoyle Hall (St John the Evangelist) Knoyle Road, Brighton BN1 6RB. Tickets £5 (non-dancers £2).
hallowe'en skeletons Costumes suggestive of Hallowe'en added to the fun. Tap on the link for our spooky printable programme or try the interactive programme for cribs and videos.

Dances from RSCDS Book 52, 2 September 2018, 2-6pm

Mervyn Short introduced the dances from RSCDS Book 52 at Rawson Hall, Bolney RH17 5PF, £5, sponsored by the Branch. Mervyn said all the dances are good to dance, some more challenging than others - see Fran's Book 52 Flyer.

Afternoon Beginners' and Improvers' Course, 23 September 2018, 2-5pm

dancers from Fran's flyer Brighton Branch sponsored this afternoon course with Mervyn Short for those wishing to learn basic steps and formations or improve their Scottish Country Dancing Skills.
At Rawson Hall, Bolney, RH17 5PF, £5 - see Fran's Flyer.

2018 Strawberry Tea Dance Sunday 17 June, 3pm

a scone with cream and a strawberry; available during the dance interval A cheerful dance with recaps at Sunday tea-time with a light tea of scones and jam with fresh strawberries and cream. Held at  Angmering Community Centre in Foxwood Avenue, Angmering, Tickets on the door, £6 (students £3)
See interactive programme or printable programme.

2018 AGM, Friday 18 May, 7:30pm

RSCDS Brighton Branch AGM, at the Patcham Memorial Hall followed by a free evening of social dancing. We were delighted to give an RSCDS Branch Award to Chris and Lee Pratt for their long-sustained and outstanding services to Scottish country dancing in Crawley, Horsham and Sussex. Congratulations Lee and Chris!

2018 Valentine Dance, 17 February, 7:30pm

church by Knoyle Hall Valentine Dance at the Knoyle Hall Knoyle Road, Preston (Brighton) BN1 6RB.
a valentine's rose Tickets at the door for only £5 (£3 students and non-dancers). (Beverages and biscuits provided in the break.)
Tap for the printable programme or the Strathspey Dance Database programme for cribs, diagrams and videos.

2017 Christmas Ceilidh, Friday 15 December, 7:30

a Christmas elf Our "bring-a-friend" Christmas ceilidh was at Patcham Memorial Hall where we welcomed members of Preston Park U3A Scottish Country Dancing group and friends of branch members.
There were some splendid contributions including a bagpipe medley, amusing poems, singing and other entertainments.

2017 Hallowe'en dance, Saturday 28 October, 7:30

church by Knoyle Hall An informal, themed dance to recorded music with Rod Burrows MC at the Knoyle Hall BN1 6RB.
Tickets £5 (non-dancers £2). A 7:30 start as the hall was not available before 7 meant a shorter interval with tea, coffee and biscuits, some people brought their own food and drink. hallowe'en skeletons Costumes suggestive of Hallowe'en added to the fun. See printable programme or interactive programme and full instructions for Rod's Mixed Doubles. (If anyone finds a video for Mixed Doubles please let us know.)

Afternoon course for Beginners or Improvers, Sunday 10 September 2017, 2-5pm

dancers from Fran's flyer An afternoon course sponsored by Brighton Branch, organised by Fran Bramham, taught by Mervyn Short: basic steps and formations. Held at Clayton Village Hall, BN6 9PJ, £5. See Fran's Flyer.

2017 Strawberry Tea Dance on Sunday 18 June, 3pm

a scone with cream and a strawberry; available during the dance interval Our cheerful Scottish country dance with recaps, at Sunday tea-time with a light tea of scones and jam, fresh strawberries and cream. At  Angmering Community Centre, tickets on the door £6 (£3).
interactive programme with links to cribs, diagrams and videos or printable programme. We danced Mrs Stewart of Fasnacloich as a Strathspey.

2017 Valentine Dance, 18 February, 7:30pm

church by Knoyle Hall Our Valentine Dance this year was back at the Knoyle Hall (St John the Evangelist) Knoyle Road, Preston (Brighton) as the proposed residents parking scheme (controlled parking zone) was NOT be in operation.
Tickets £4 (£3 students and non-dancers), beverage and biscuits provided. See printable programme or interactive programme with cribs, diagrams and videos.

2016 Christmas "bring a friend" Ceilidh, Friday 9 December, 7:30pm a Christmas elf

A bring-a-friend Christmas ceilidh at Patcham Memorial Hall. We welcomed members of Preston Park U3A Scottish Country Dancing group, and Rodmell as well as friends of branch members. Besides ceilidh dancing there were highland dance displays, live music from the Bothwell Boys and many other entertainments.

2016 Teachers Class ... tap to see Fran's report on the weekend Class for Teachers, Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 November 2016

RSCDS Brighton was glad to use its Pat Harvey Scholarship Fund to support this weekend course for people who lead or teach at SCD club evenings. It was funded by our Pat Harvey Memorial Fund. The course was commissioned by Mid Sussex Scottish Country Dance Group and taught by Mervyn Short from 10am to 4pm each day at Albourne Village Hall, BN6 9DU.

All aspects of dance and music choices were covered. You can read Fran's report here (with photographs).

2016 Hallowe'en Dance, 29 October, 6:30pm   hallowe'en skeletons

A Hallowe'en witch Our second Hallowe'en dance, this time in the Dance Studio in Temple Gardens BN1 3AT. The entrance is opposite the main school buildings. Parking space is in the main school car park in Montpelier Road (B2122). See online programme for many video links to help you got to know the dances.

2016 End-of-Term Ceilidh, Friday 15 July

trumpet, from openclipart The last Friday class of the season was a bring-a-friend ceilidh. highlander from openclipart
We enjoyed some of Shirley's limericks, with a description of the town in question, and Rod playing the trumpet during the interval.

25th Anniversary Strawberry Tea Dance on Sunday 19 June 2016, 3pm

a scone with cream and a strawberry; available during the dance interval On the occasion of RSCDS Brighton Branch's 25th Anniversary, a cheerful Scottish country dance with recaps at Sunday tea-time with a light tea of scones and jam, fresh strawberries and cream at  Angmering Community Centre in Foxwood Avenue, Angmering, BN16 4FU.
Tap for the printable programme or the interactive programme with links to videos for the dances.

2016 AGM, Friday 13 May, 7:30

RSCDS Brighton Branch AGM, at the Patcham Memorial Hall. We welcomed Sally to the committee and voted to subsidise RSCDS HQ subscription for those paying at the AGM; it was followed by social dancing.

2015 Autumn Hallowe'en Dance, 31st October, 7pm - spooky as you like

Halloween witch An informal, themed dance to recorded music with Rod Burrows. At the Knoyle Hall (St John the Evangelist) Knoyle Road, Preston (Brighton) BN1 6RB. It is on bus routes 5, 5A and 747 and not far from routes 5B and 27.
hallowe'en skeletons Hallowe'en costume optional - but make sure you can dance in it!
Only £5 and bring a plate of spooky(?) finger food. The spooky online programme is available.

2015 End-of-Term Ceilidh, Friday 17 July

The last Friday class of the season was a ceilidh, an opportunity to bring a friend to sample the pleasure of Scottish country dancing, with a little finger food during the short break.

2015 Strawberry Tea Dance on Sunday 21st June, 3:30pm

A cheerful summer dance now held at Sunday tea-time, with scones and jam, fresh strawberries and cream, at Angmering Community Centre, BN16 4FU.
See online programme with links to videos.

2015 Annual General Meeting, Friday 15 May, 7:30

Twenty people attended the RSCDS Brighton Branch AGM at the Patcham Memorial Hall, with social dancing to follow.

2015 Valentine's Dance, 21st February, 7pm

A lightly themed dance to recorded music with Rod Burrows, for the first time at the Knoyle Hall (St John the Evangelist) Knoyle Road Preston (Brighton) BN1 6RB. The hall was recently redecorated and with new toilet facilites. It is on bus routes 5, 5A and 747 and not far from routes 5B and 27.
Only £5 entry (£3 for children and students) with a plate of finger food. online programme available.

2014 Christmas Ceilidh, Friday 19 December

Scottish country dancing is sociable, fun and keeps you fit About thirty scottish dancers and their friends came to our Christmas ceilidh at Patcham Memorial Hall. We were particularly pleased to welcome members of Preston Park U3A Scottish Country Dancing group. Between dances we were entertained by highland dance displays, live music and sketches from members. A small raffle and a little finger food in the interval added to the festive spirit.

2014 Autumn Dance, Saturday 15 November, 7pm

An informal dance with Rod Burrows to recorded music at Balfour Road Primary School, Balfour Road BN1 6NE, 7pm. £5 (£3 children and students) with a plate of finger food; online programme with video clips available.

2014 Strawberry Tea Dance, 4pm, Sunday 15 June

Our June dance with a light tea of scones and jam with fresh strawberries and cream in the middle was held on a Sunday at tea-time (4pm) this year, at Angmering Community Centre in Foxwood Avenue, Angmering, BN16 4FU.
See the online programme for the dances and links to video clips.

2014 AGM on Friday 16 May

Sixteen people attended Brighton Branch's AGM at the Patcham Memorial Hall at 8pm, with social dancing afterwards.

2014 Valentine's Dance, Saturday 15 February

a valentine's rose A lightly themed, fun dance to recorded music; Rod gave a recap for every dance held at 7pm at Balfour Road Primary School, BN1 6NE. The online programme includes links to videos of most of the dances.

2013 Christmas Ceilidh at Patcham, Friday 20 December, 7:30-10:15

Scottish dancers and friends enjoyed our Christmas ceilidh at Patcham Memorial Hall. Dances were fun with highland dance displays, songs, live music and sketches from members between dances and small contributions of finger food in the interval.

2013 Wee Ball, Saturday 2 November, 6:15pm - the last in the series

The English-Scottish Ball by andr0_0, on Flickr Our last Wee Ball in 2013 took place at the spacious Shoreham Centre at 2 Pond Road, Shoreham-by-Sea BN43 5WU, with its a lovely sprung floor. We enjoyed dancing to to the Craigeivar band who played with their usual uplifting lively enthusiasm.

Carol and Bob provided and excellent buffet. Tickets were £15 (children, students and non-dancers £7). See the online programme, including links to cribs and videos to help learn the dances.

Afternoon of Dance to Evaluate New Dances, Sunday 1st September 2013, 2:30-5:30pm

A chance to try out new dances submitted for the RSCDS book of dances book 48 and vote on your favourites. Among this succession of Strathspeys Rod added a quadrille!
At Angmering Community Centre, Foxwood Avenue, Angmering, BN16 4FU. Cost £3.

2013 Strawberry Tea Dance, Saturday 15 June, 7pm

Evening dance with a light tea of scones and jam with fresh strawberries and cream. At Balfour Road Primary School. Details in the online programme, with videos of the dances.

2013 Annual General Meeting, Friday 17 May

At Patcham Memorial Hall, followed by social dancing.

2013 Valentine's Dance, Saturday 16 February, 7pm

Dancing to recorded music, with recaps, in a lightly themed, fun dance at Balfour Road Primary School, Balfour Road BN1 6NE. See online Programme with web links to the dances on the Scottish Country Dancing Dictionary.

2013 Welcome Ceilidh at our new Patcham Venue, Friday 11 January, 7:30

Patcham Memorial Hall All Scottish dancers and friends were invited to our ceilidh to welcome ourselves into our new dance-friendly hall - Patcham Memorial Hall (shown right), Old London Road, Patcham BN1 8XR.
RSCDS members, their children, their friends and other relations all welcome and between the fun dances were songs, live music, and sketches.

2012 Wee Ball, Saturday 17 November, 6:15pm

dancing at a previous Wee Ball Dancing to Craigievar at the spacious Shoreham Centre at 2 Pond Road, Shoreham-by-Sea BN43 5WU, which has a lovely sprung floor and was such a success last year.
Tickets £14 (children and students £7) - see programme online with videos of the dances.

2012 Strawberry Tea Dance, Saturday 16 June, 7pm

a strawberry The Strawberry tea dance with recaps, suitable for beginners and children, at Balfour Road Primary School, BN1 6NE, with a light tea of strawberries and scones.
See programme.

2012 Valentine's Dance, Saturday 18 February, 7pm

At this informal dance with recaps, dancing to recorded music. The event starts at 7pm at moved to St Peter's Hall St Peter's Church West Blatchington BN3 7LQ.
Ticket price £5, or £3 for children and students, the raffle raising funds for the Pat Harvey Scholarship. See online programme.

2011 Branch Christmas ceilidh evening

This year we opened the invitation to include not just members but also friends and relations, including children. The ceilidh was the most well-attended for some time and a great success.

2011 Wee Ball, Saturday 19 November, 6:15 for 6:45pm

Dancing to the music of Craigievar, with MCs Kathy Lawmon and Pam Johnstone. At a new venue, the Shoreham Centre at 2 Pond Road, Shoreham-by-Sea BN43 5WU which has a large hall with a sprung floor, and was a great success. The car park behind the Shoreham Centre is best reached by turning up John Street from the A259 where it becomes Shoreham High Street.
We are grateful to Carol and Bob who provided us with an excellent supper and to Charlie our piper.
Ticket price £14 (£7 children). See Programme online and enjoy the dances on YouTube videos too!

2011 Strawberry Tea Dance, 18 June, 7pm

An informal Scottish dance suitable for beginners and children, with recorded music and a light tea of scones, jam, strawberries and cream. At St Peter's Church, West Blatchington BN3 7LQ.
The online Programme takes you to some dances on YouTube.

2011 Branch AGM, Friday 20 May, 7:30

Our Annual General Meeting was held at St Peter's Church West Blatchington, followed by social dancing.

2011 Valentine's Dance, 19 February, 7pm

At St George's church, BN3 7QR. Programme online with dances on YouTube. The raffle raised funds for the Pat Harvey Scholarship.

See also our past events 2006-2010 and our current programme