Scottish Cultural Centre: ‘Are We Ready to Call it a Day?’
By KEN ROGERSON
VANCOUVER - On February 28 the Moray Nairn & Banff Association of British Columbia presented their annual “Clooty Dumpling” night. In years past, this was a big event and Scots and non-Scots flocked to the Scottish Cultural Centre to sample this very fine Scottish dish and to enjoy the music and dancing.
After January's great successes where over 1,000 people were fed and entertained, the Moray Nairn & Banff executive had hoped they would continue to have a large gathering.
Unfortunately, less than 100 people turned out for the formerly very popular evening.
Can you imagine the disappointment for this small group of hard working volunteers? Unfortunately, it seems to be the trend that local Scots will only support what they consider to be main events, such as Hogmanay and the Burns Suppers. The Moray Nairn & Banff is not alone as the Gaelic Society of Vancouver is also suffering from lack of support.
Both these societies are completely run by volunteers who give their time and effort to keep the Scots and their heritage alive and together. So is it time to give up to what appears to be the inevitable? Do we call it a day and go into retirement? Do we disappoint those 1,000 people who admitted to having a fabulous time in January. Will there be no more New Year and Burns parties at the Scottish Cultural Centre? The Scottish Societies cannot continue to survive in this city without your support.
So what to do? If you have any ideas or comments, or wish to get involved, e-mail me at: therogersons@telus.net, or write to me care of The Celtic Connection at #741 - 916 West Broadway, Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 1K7.
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