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ABOUT US

Welcome to Ayr Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society.

Formed in 1933, we continue to offer classes, dances and special events providing fun, fitness and friendship for all our Members and visiting dancers.

We run classes throughout South Ayrshire for all levels over the winter months, whether you’re a beginner or have danced for many years. Social Dancing is held once a month and Introductory Classes run through the summer for 6 weeks. We are very lucky to have live music for all our classes. Our world renowned Summer Dancing is on Monday evenings from May to the end of August with music from several popular bands. We hold three Branch Dances throughout the year and a Half Day School every other year. Most dances and events are held in Troon Concert or Walker Hall which are easily accessible by road or rail.

Below is a short excerpt from a paper written by Miss J Galloway, Branch Secretary, in 1983

AYR BRANCH, 1933 – 1983 - By Miss J. Galloway, Branch Secretary.

As is generally known, the idea of forming a society for the preservation and popularising of Scottish Country Dancing first occurred to Mrs. Stewart (of Fasnacloich).

At that time (1923) Mrs. Stewart was residing at 3 Park Circus, Ayr. She discussed the proposal with Miss Milligan who adopted it with enthusiasm and so the Scottish Country Dance Society (as it was then) was born. Mrs. Stewart, as well as being Co-founder of the new Society, also became the first Secretary and, a little more than ten years later, was to become Hon. Vice President of Ayr Branch. Mr. R. T. Terras, the first Treasurer of the Society, also lived locally. Right from the beginning, therefore, Ayr was much involved in the Country Dance movement. It is a little surprising perhaps, that ten years were to elapse before we sought Branch status. However, on Wednesday, 4th October, 1933 it was decided to form a Branch in Ayr. At that time we were the only Branch in Ayrshire.

Miss Betty Macmillan was elected our first Secretary and Mr. Terras, Treasurer. We started with a membership of 66. Classes were held in the former Liberal Clubrooms in Sandgate, Ayr.

During the difficult War years the Branch was kept together by Miss Macmillan and a series of Committees. Classes continued until 1943 when they lapsed. In 1946, after a lapse of three years, classes resumed and have continued uninterruptedly ever since.

Ayr Branch first acted host to the Parent Society A.G.M. (or Autumn School as it was then called) in 1953. Since then, we have acted as Host Branch on many occasions

In 1956, we were delighted when Helen McKinnon (Mrs. Frame) was selected to go to Bavaria with the International Team and in 1960 when Margaret McQueen (Mrs. Troup) and Bert Jamieson went as members of the International Team to South Africa. 1971 saw us undertake our first overseas tour with a complete Team, when we went to Israel in connection with the Hapoel Games. Since then we have sent Teams abroad on many occasions. Several years ago we started Summer Social Dancing on Monday evenings from May to the end of August. These Summer Mondays have become an institution, being well supported not only by our own members but by those from neighbouring Branches and further afield, including overseas.

Over the years inevitably there has been sadness – regret when Senior Members decide to hang up their dancing shoes; sorrow when one of our members leaves our midst for ever. But entwined throughout the years of our existence have been the golden threads of laughter and good fellowship. Country dancing in Ayr Branch is a cheerful affair!

Ayr Branch has many assets but by far the main and overriding one is a loyal, enthusiastic and co-operative membership without whom the Branch would cease to function. All our members were highly delighted when in 1982 our very popular Hon. President, Mrs. Margaret Parker, was elected Chairman of the R.S.C.D.S.

To read the remainder of this informative and amusing article click here