PIPING AND DANCING ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND INC.
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News:
27 Dec 2008 - Marlborough Dance Development Trust Calendars available
Dance calendars are now available as fundraising for Marlborough Dance Development Trust. The development trust was set up through Marlborough Dance Centre for all different dance forms to support dancers travelling to competitions.
Calendar $15 each.
Contact details (03) 5778636 0r 021 778634 Email by clicking here
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27 Dec 2008 - Wishing Xmas and New Year wishes
With 2008 coming to a close, may 2009 bring much success and achievement in anything you do.
There are some exciting projects and events happening in the dancing world for 2009 and we will keep you posted with progress. Safe travels for those travelling, and best wishes to all dancers, teachers, adjudicators and supporting parents and friends for a happy and healthy 2009!
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27 Dec 2008 - PIPING AND DANCING ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND (INC) - AUCKLAND CENTRE CENTENNIAL LUNCHEON - 1908 - 2008
Auckland Centre celebrated the centennial of the Association on Sunday 24th August 2008 at Sorrento in the grounds of Cornwall Park. The day was one of those incredibly wet spring days. Evidence of spring was seen in the abundance of lambs, the thousands of daffodils through Twin Oak Drive and new bright green growth on the trees.
A video showing snippets of pipers and dancers of the past (1953) was placed at the entrance to Sorrento, while inside a display of static photos and other memorabilia of past and current members led many of those present down memory lane. It was a unique opportunity to remember those that had "gone before" and how they and those present at the luncheon had added to the historical tapestry of the Association.
Before the start of the luncheon the Auckland Centre President Mr Lewis Turrell MBE welcomed the attendees and spoke of some anecdotal happenings of the past. The national President Kay Grout expanded on the centennial theme by emphasising that the Association is a traditional organisation that over the past 100 years has contributed and continues to contribute in so many ways to our present day society….our knowledge, skills and talents are and have been seen at competitions and at many community functions.
Everybody at the luncheon had contributed to the success of the Association and of that success they could be individually proud.
Members present were encouraged to continue to be involved and to support the local centre as we move through into the Association's second century.
The centennial cake was piped in by Lewis. It was beautifully decorated with the logo of the Association and was cut by the Patron Mrs Phyl Topp QSM.
The event was enjoyed by all and gave everybody an opportunity to celebrate together 100 years of piping and dancing.
By the end of the luncheon the sun had come out - a suitable end to a truly memorable occasion.
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27 Dec 2008 - GLAMIS CASTLE - Scotland's Countryside Festival September 2008 - memorable dancing experience for NZ Adjudicator Mrs Carol Jahnke
Abbrev. version - Full article available in NZ Piping & Dancing Assn of New Zealand publication Scotia Pacific
I was privileged to be invited by the Scottish Official Highland Dancing Association to adjudicate at their dancing competition at the Scottish Country Festival, held at Glamis Castle, while privately visiting Scotland in September of this year. The S.O.H.D.A. is the oldest remaining "specialist" association of its kind in Scotland, and an examining body was founded in 1947 by well known teachers and dancers of that decade that has grown into a steadfast body of Dancers, Teachers, Associate Teachers, Pipers, Parents and interested members. Throughout each year the SOHDA members participate in Highland Dancing events at many of the top summer Highland Games, plus regular monthly indoor competitions throughout the winter season. Most of these regional competitions culminate in annual Championship events, which, like all of their dancing events, are open to all dancers throughout the world regardless of which dancing organisation they belong to.
PDANZ President Mrs Kay Grout accompanied me to the competition where we were made very welcome by the Vice President, Jean McKirdy and committee. Alex McGuire picked both of us up by car from the Aaron B & B and drove us to Glamis Castle. The day was extremely windy and very chilly however this did not deter the 80+ competitors. The other Adjudicator was Kirsty Campbell and the Piper for the dancing, Mr Bruce Campbell.
One of the delights was the Beginners Babies Reel, similar to NZ's Reel o'Tulloch. The little lassies were delightful natural smiling, with the odd giggle to one another. Considering the weather conditions the competitors battled the high wind and danced their very best and enjoyed themselves.
We were delighted to be presented with a Challenge Cup from the SOHDA to celebrate the Centennial of the Piping and Dancing Association of New Zealand. At the AGM the Council of PDANZ have decided the Cup will be presented along side the NZAHND trophy to the overall winner of our NZC 18 yrs & over Dancing, and will be competed for the first time at Invercargill, Southland, being held 27th - 29th March 2009.
Truly a memorable experience. If you wish to compete in Scotland, contact can be made through the Associations web site www.sohda.org.uk. Glamis Castle competition is held in September; however many other SOHDA competitions are held during the year, throughout Scotland.
Photos: L to R: Photo 1 - SOHDA Past President Mr Alex McGuire and Mrs Carol Jahnke, Photo 2: Dancers competing at either side of board with Mrs Carol Jahnke adjudiating one set in background, Photo 3 - Mrs Carol Jahnke with PDANZ President Mrs Kay Grout receiving the Challenge Cup presented to them from SOHDA, Photo 4 - Trophy winners for the day.
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10 Dec 2008 - 2009 Mazda Foundation National Young Performer awards information released
The 2009 Mazda Foundation National Young performer awards will be held in Invercargill over the weekend of 16-18th October and again feature a Highland and National Dancing section.
There are some slight changes to the criteria for dancers nominations - the most significant being the removal of the specific 85% mark to attain to be able to be nominated. This is a change across all art forms and is now the adjudicators discretion as to a sufficient standard being attained to competently represent a society at the awards.
The full criteria and associated information booklet of the awards weekend details can be found under the 'Forms' section of this website (see menu to left)
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3 Dec 2008 - Auckland Highland Games
The 33rd Auckland Highland Games were held at the Three Kings Reserve on Saturday 22 November 2008.
The day was sunny and bright and the many activities of Highland Games were enjoyed by the hundreds who flocked to the venue. The grounds are very attractive, surrounded by trees with major arterial roads flanking two boundaries.
There were displays of haggis hurling, Highland cattle, caber tossing, tossing the sheaf, running races as well as re-enactments of two historic battles by the Scots against the Vikings and the Romans.
The Piping and Dancing Association were delighted as usual to add Highland and National Dancing and Solo Piping to the scene.
The adjudicator for the piping was Mr Mervyn Appleton. The adjudicators for the dancing were Miss Natasha Gowan and Miss Elizabeth Houghton of Auckland. Pipers were Mr Josh Bosher, Mr Brian Switalla and Mr Lewis Turrell MBE.
The day ended with a Closing Ceremony which included the Massed Pipe Bands with all the dancers joining in with a massed Highland Fling.
Results can be viewed by clicking here
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20 Nov 2008 - Xmas party at Marlborough Highland Dancing
Competitors having a photo taken with Father Xmas and Piper Noel Frater at the conclusion of the final dancing competitions for 2008. Dancers look forward to this competition all year as at the end of the day Father Xmas arrives and they all receive a present!
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10 Nov 2008 - THE LORNA COOMBES MEMORIAL CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITION
On the 1st November 2008 the Auckland National Dancing Teachers and Judges Association held The Lorna Coombes Memorial Championship Competition at the Sir Peter Blake Memorial Hall on the North Shore. Adjudicators were Gaye Reid of Hastings and Lynette Mitchell of Dunedin. The pipers were Les Stephenson and Allan Murgatroyd.
Photo 1: The competitors, the judges and pipers.
Fortunately Hugh Kearns, formerly of Scotland and Lorna's grandfather, was able to attend to present medals and certificates to the Under 10 Years Highland Fling Centennial Award winners.
Photo 2: Lorna Coombes grandfather with Centennial competitor winners
Emily Jones was awarded the Lorna Coombes Memorial Quaich for the Competitor Most Deserving of Encouragement by Lorna's aunt, Ellen Kelly of Banchory, Scotland.
Photo 3: Lorna Coombes aunt with the winner of the Memorial Quaich
The competition was well supported by local dancers, particularly the senior dancers, who had just returned from the New Zealand Highland and National Dancing Championships Under 16 Years and Under 18 Years in Palmerston North where they had achieved considerable success.
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10 Nov 2008 - Summer School forms now available for download
Auckland Summer School - 12 - 16 Jan: Tutors: Mrs Elizabeth Smith (CHCH), Mrs Pamela Fleming (AKL), Miss Kimberley Burnside (AKL)
Hawkes Bay Summer School - 23-25 Jan: Tutor: Mrs Christine Morris (Palmerston North)
Christchurch Summer Fling: 22-25 Jan: Tutors: Mrs Robyn Simmons (Blenheim) Ms Jan McKerrow (Warkworth), Mrs Kimberley Mavor (Oamaru), Mrs Julie Hawke (CHCH)
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1 Nov 2008 - Highland Piping Society of Canterbury's annual Labour Weekend Solo Piping competitions
The Silver Chanter Solo Piping Championship weekend has built up a first-class reputation over the last 32 years.
This year we welcomed two judges from Australia. Both these gentlemen are very well known to the piping fraternity. Malcolm MacRae, originally from Australia, lived in Scotland where he was a very successful competitor. Malcolm and his wife have recently shifted back to Australia however they still currently spend part of the year in Scotland. As a senior judge in Scotland, Malcolm adjudicates on the benches at the highest level. Roy Gunn, who resides in Australia but is a kiwi at heart, was a regular competitor around the boards in New Zealand and Scotland. One of life's true characters, Roy won the Silver Chanter at these competitions in 1985.
The two key events winners were the following:
Silver Chanter - Ian Lyons (Melbourne), Harrison Hawke, Ross McCrindle (Scotland)
Clasp (for previous winners): Stuart Easton, Richard Hawke, Ian Lyons
For a full list of results - go to the results section
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27 Oct 2008 - New Champions announced after a full weekend of dancing!
New Zealand Under 16 Champion: Isla Maples - Auckland
Runner up New Zealand Under 16 Champion: Charlotte Payne - Auckland
New Zealand Under 18 Champion: Emma Cropper - Rangiora
Runner up New Zealand Under 18 Champion: Rachel Crampton - Blenheim
From left to right on platform: Rachel Crampton, Emma Cropper, Isla Maples, Charlotte Payne
Special thanks to pipers for the weekend
left to right: Rob McNabb, Nik McNabb, Stephen Allison, Noel Frater, Peter Menzies.
Ranking and Results will be posted on the Results page.
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28 Oct 2008 - Upper Hutt Highland Gathering
Upper Hutt basked in sunshine for the annual Highland Gathering, held the weekend before Labour weekend, hosted by the Upper Hutt Highlanders in partnership with the Upper Hutt City Council. For latest press coverage click here
The large crowd was treated to a full day of Highland Dancing, Solo Drumming and Solo Piping competitions, Pipe Band display, Clan Gathering tents, Strongman events, childrens games and rides.
Development Scholarships were awarded to Piper - Alwyn McCallum, and Dancer - Adrienne Morris.
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Open Highland Dancing class competitors for the day
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Clan Arthur hosted the clans for the day |
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Most points winners for Piping: Left Donella May (B
grade), Alwyn MacCallum (C Grade), Callum Fraser (D Grade) with Judge
Robert Sinclair
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Keeping it in the family - the Fraser pipers...Douglas, Father Craig and Callum |
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Drumming competitors
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Most points for Juvenile Drumming: R. Gus Potter, with
Judge Glenn Miller
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17 Oct 2008 - NZ Championship countdown - 1 week to go...
Wellington Centre are hosting the NZ Under 16 and Under 18 champs in just under one weeks time. Over 120 dancers will be busy preparing, practising and polishing their dances before converging on Palmerston North ready for Friday commencement of the Labour weekend gathering.
The championship gathering is being held over 4 days at the Regent Theatre in Palmerston North. Dancing commences at 1pm with the first championship dances commencing shortly after.
Judges for the weekend are: Lynda Duncan, Jackie McBride, Rachel McDowell, Adele Swanson, Barbara Tait, June Wright.
Friday hosts the following championship dances:
Saturday:
Sunday:
Monday:
Best of luck to all dancers competing for the weekend in all classes.
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5 Oct 2008 NZ Solo Seal awarded to Anna Millar
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NZ Academy of Highland & National Dancing hosted the Solo Seal examination
late September in Christchurch, combined with their annual conference. Solo
Seal is the most prestigous and highest examination within the Academy of Highland
& National Dancing in New Zealand with only a small number of people having
reached the required standard to achieve a pass. There are a panel of 3 examiners
for the examination and each candidate must obtain 2 from 3 passes from the
examiners in every dance performed.
This year saw 4 candidates who performed 4 dances and it is exciting to note that Anna Millar from Blenheim (far left on photo) passed the examination this year. This tops of a good dancing year for Anna as she recently placed 2nd overall in NZ at the 18&over championships held in Dunedin.
For more information check out the NZ Academy of Highland & National Dancing website.
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14 Sept 2008 - Piping & Dancing Assn Centennial Dinner plans in Otago Centre
The upcoming P&D Assn Centennial celebration Dinner is being held in Dunedin, on 18 October in conjunction with the AGM of the NZ P & D Assn, and is being organised and hosted by Otago Centre. If anyone is interested in attending the tickets are $50 which will include a beautiful dinner, refreshments and entertainment. Tickets can be accessed through Mrs Enid Weir, Centre Secretary for Otago Centre. Brochure and details are available by clicking here.
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14 Sept 2008
NZ Piper Greg Wilson has had considerable success in recent weeks on the Scottish Piping circuit - winning the Clasp competition at the Northern Meeting in Inverness held early September, for the third time in his piping career. It is arguably the most coveted prize in the solo piping arena.
For more details and full results click here.
Fiona Manson won a 5th placing in the Northern Meeting Gold medal Piobaireachd competition held on day one, whilst Greg won the A Grade MSR on the same day.
Other competition results through from the Scottish Games saw Greg featuring regularly again in the prize list in every event at Braemar, with 2nd placings in the March, Strathspey & Reel and Piobaireachd events.
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1 Sept 2008
Marlborough/Nelson P&D Association are hosting their AGM on September 13th 2008 at 1-30pm.
To be held at Pelorus Bridge Cafe.
Any queries - please contact Ali Millar
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24 August 2008 NZ Pipers abroad summary
NZ's own Fiona Manson heralded success yesterday in the senior events at the Lonach Highland Games, winning the composition contest, 2nd in the March and 5th in the Piobaireachd events. Fiona also placed 6th in the Piobaireachd event at Crieff Highland Games last Sunday, the day after the World Pipe Band championships. Week prior at the Perth Highland Games Fiona placed 4th in the Open Piobaireachd, and early August Fiona competed at the Aboyne Highland Games scooping some top prizes also in teh senior events: 4th Piobaireachd, 3rd March, 1st Strathspey&Reel.
The result of the month to date is from the Dunvegan Medal (Piobaireachd) held early Aug with Tracey Williams posting a superb 2nd placing and Fiona a close 4th. Tracey had previously placed 3rd in the Piobaireachd event at the Killin Highland Games late July.
Well done to both ladies, representing NZ well this year in the Highland Games circuit around Scotland.
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7 August 2008
US Virginia Tattoo Dancing Team opportunity
Huge opportunity for Senior dancers to apply to be part of a 24 strong team to travel in April 2009 to the USA to perform at the Virginia Tattoo.
Janet Allison (NZ Dance Manager) has been invited to coordinate and lead a team of NZ Highland dancers to perform at the Virginia Tattoo - from 23 April to 4 May 2009.
Application forms are available from your Centre OR you can download a copy here.
Completed application forms can be sent to tattoo2009@vodafone.co.nz or posted to Tattoo2009, c/- 63a Harbourview Road, Melling, Lower Hutt.
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9 June 2008
COLLEEN COLE MNZM
Members and Councillors of the Piping and Dancing Association of New Zealand will be delighted to learn of the awarding of a Queen's Birthday honour to one of our own - Colleen Cole of Lyttelton. She has become a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Scottish dance and culture.
We congratulate her on this marvellous achievement and give a summary of her contribution to our Association at a national level as she has also given of her time and talents to the Canterbury-West Coast Centre and to encouraging and supporting the development of young dancers in her local area for many years.
From September 1985 to September 1989 Colleen was the national Secretary-Treasurer of the Piping and Dancing Association. In that position she coped with the financial and secretarial obligations of a Secretary-Treasurer, corresponded with members and conscientiously fulfilled all the tasks associated with this position.
Colleen has represented the Canterbury/West Coast areas for 12 years from October 1996 to this year. These councillors attend meetings twice a year and contribute to the smooth running of the organisation nationally.
Colleen has been a member of the Piping and Dancing Association's Executive from 12 October 1996 to 15 September 2001 and from 14 September 2002 to 2008. Her vast knowledge of the complexities of the organisation at all levels has made her contribution an invaluable part of the Executive.
As well as being involved with the Executive, Colleen volunteered to undertake special responsibilities within the Association in order to promote its interests. She was Coordinator of Statistics, Permits and Competitions from13 September 2003 to 15 October 2005 and our Championship Convenor from 15 October 2005 to the present time.
Colleen has ably represented the Association as a dancing adjudicator for many years.
The Association is very grateful for her contribution for over more than 30 years. Another event to celebrate in our centennial year!
Our best wishes are extended to Colleen and her family over this special time.
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2 June 2008
The first of the 2008 NZ Championship competitions are finished and Champions announced.
Other Group Events most points are as follows:
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31 May 2008
Dunedin is hosting the NZ Championship competitions for Highland Dancing 18 & over, and Open Piping.
Record entries for the 2008 Competitions - over 70 in Piping and over 175 in Dancing.
The competition was opened on Friday evening with a rousing song from Mayor Peter Chin, dignatories, adjudicators and other officials gathered on stage with the 18&over championship dancers.
Go to the results page for updates.
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29 May 2008
Notification is attached for this years Ceilidh run by the Auckland National Dancing Association Teachers & Judges Association, to celebrate the memory of Auckland dancer Lorna Coombes. The funds raised are used for prizes and scholarships at the Lorna Coombes memorial competition being held in November 2008.
Ceilidh - 21st June, 7-11pm, held at Bayview Primary School, Bayview Road, Glenfield, Auckland
Click here to view flyer and details.
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28 May 2008
Best wishes to all competitors for this weekend's Piping & Dancing centennial celebration NZ Championship event being held in Dunedin.
There are record entries in the dancing competition which features the NZ 18&over championships.
Also held at the same competition is the NZ Open Solo Piping Championships which will again feature many of NZ's top players.
Be sure to check back on the news and results page for updates and results listings.
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May 2008
South Auckland Centre held a luncheon to celebrate 100 years of Piping and Dancing at Fahy's Motor Inn and Family Restaurant in Tauranga on 3 May 2008. The Executive of the Centre were joined at the celebration by the President and Secretary of the Piping and Dancing together with Life Members of the Centre and past and present members. The cake was cut by Kay Grout and Don Winwood who has been a member of the South Auckland Centre for over 60 years.
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Kay Grout and Don Winwood cutting the cake
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South Auckland Centre Executive:Front Row L to R Kerryn Ferguson (SAK Secretary/Treasurer), Eula McLeod (SAK President) and Lois Keenan (SAK Vice President) Standing: L to R Kay Grout (P & D President), Lyn McCorquindale, Verna Dougherty and Carol Jahnke (P & D Secretary/Treasurer) |
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| Life Members: Front Row L to R, Charlotte Winwood, Don Winwood and Val Killery; Back Row L to R, Lois Keenan and Eula McLeod. | Photo of Attendenees: Sitting Rae Decke Front Row L to R Lois Keenan, Shona Bromley, Charlotte Winwood, Don Winwood and Val Killery Second Row L to R Carol Jahnke, Dianne Rosenbrook,Kerryn Ferguson, Peggy Southee, Lynn McCorquindale, Carolyn O'Kane, Eula McLeod, Christine Paul, Dianne Sligo, Kelly Cox, Jeanette Wallace, Kay Grout. Absent from the photo was Verna Dougherty. |
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11 May 2008
Auckland National Dancing Teachers & Judges Assn (Inc) celebrated our 50th Jubilee last year.
Two special events were held in November 2007 - the inaugural competition for the "Lorna Coombes Memorial Championship Competition" was held on Saturday 3rd November at the Raye Freedman Theatre in Epsom and then on Sunday 4th November a Jubilee luncheon was held at Beauford's in Totara Park, to mark the milestone of 50 years since incorporation. Many past and present members attended the Jubilee luncheon, reminiscing over fond memories. "An Anecdotal History" covering 50 years was pondered over by all with some chuckles at the photo's of a decade or so ago!! The jubilee cake was cut by NZ Academy President Annetta Cowie who spoke of the importance that Teachers & Judges Clubs played in the history of Highland and National dancing in New Zealand.
To open the competition Gordon Coombes piped the judges and competitors onto the stage and the competition was formally opened by Morag Coombes. It was a very special day for us all to remember Lorna and her love of Highland Dancing.
The judges were Annetta Cowie (Dunedin), Adele Swanson (Gisborne) and Linda Gray (Feilding)
Age group cup and scholarship winners can be found by clicking here.
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Competitors for the day
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Adjudicators and T&J
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Winners
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Cup winners
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The Lorna Coombes memorial Quaich winners presented
by Mrs Morag Coombes
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Auckland Teachers & Judges
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Piping in of the Jubilee Cake
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Jubliee Cake being cut by NZ Academy President Mrs Annetta
Cowie
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T&J through the years (a)
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T&J through the years (b)
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T&J through the years (c)
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23 April 2008
PIPING AND DANCING ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND Inc WELLINGTON CENTRE NOTICE TO DANCERS
NZ Championships Under 18 years & Under 16 years
24th - 27th October 2008
Due to other functions being held in Palmerston North, over Labour weekend 2008, it is recommended that competitors make their accommodation bookings early to avoid any disappointment. Anne Couchman Wellington Cente Secretary
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7 April 2008
NOTICE TO DANCERS: TARANAKI CENTRE COMPETITION TO BE HELD
11th OCTOBER 2008
The Inglewood National Dancing and the Thistle Society of Taranaki are amalgamating with the Taranaki Centre and holding their allocated NORTH ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS on one day:
11th OCTOBER 2008.
Please support this competition to help make this a great day for Taranaki
For further information contact the Taranaki Centre Secretary.
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7 April 2008
SOUTH AUCKLAND CENTRE ? NOTICE OF CENTENNIAL LUNCHEON
"The South Auckland Centre of the Piping and Dancing Association is holding a Centennial celebration luncheon on Saturday 3rd May 2008 to celebrate 100 years of Piping and Dancing in New Zealand. The luncheon is being held at Fahey's Motor Inn and Family Restaurant, Greerton, Tauranga at 11.30 am with lunch at 12 noon.
All past members of the Centre plus anyone interested is invited to join with us for this celebration.
Cost $16.90 per person, $14.90 Seniors (65 +)
Anyone interested should contact Eula McLeod, 15 Deanwell Avenue, Hamilton, phone 078434062, for further information or to confirm a booking no later than 22nd April 2008.
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7 April 2008
With the approval of Piping & Dancing Assn of NZ please note the following changes to North Island Championships for Thistle Caledonian Society Inc. in Palmerston North.
Sunday 8th June 2008
Saturday 13th December 2008
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25 March 2008
A Fabulous Scottish Fling.
Tuesday 22 April, 10am?4pm. Inspiration Station, Level 4. Free entry, except for the 11am activity. A Fabulous Scottish Fling. Celebrate New Zealand's Scottish heritage with a family day of festivities, 'muckle fun', and a soaring Scottish castle that you can help build from boxes.
The Scots in New Zealand celebrates one of this country's most widespread migrant groups. It's hard to imagine New Zealand without them.
Level 4. Free entry. Click here for more information.
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25 March 2008
The first of the NZ competitions hosting P&D Centennial awards was held at Easter at the Hastings Highland Games.
Centennial Award Winners are from left to right:
Other results from the Easter Highland Games can be found under 'Results'.
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25 March 2008
Photo taken of the Highland Dancing competitors on Sunday 2 March at the 100 centennial celebration of the Kowai Sports Day at Sefton.
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11 March 2008
The International Arts Festival is in full swing in Wellington and there is some amazing dance coming up.
Every year UNESCO invites the world to celebrate International Dance Day on and around 29 April.
DANZ (Dance Aotearoa New Zealand) encourage you to take this opportunity to promote dance of all styles, International Dance Day activities can range from simple promotion of your regular class through to special events. Please let us know what you are planning so DANZ can give International Dance Day and dance higher visibility. Email danz@danz.org.nz
You can also promote what you do through a listing in the NZ Dance Directory or an advert on the DANZ website.
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23 January 2008
Next year marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of our national poet and cultural icon Robert Burns, whose message of friendship and 'Auld Lang Syne' lives on. And Burns is the inspiration behind our year long celebration of some of Scotland's great contributions to the world: Golf, Whisky, The Enlightenment and Innovation, Burns himself and our rich culture and heritage. Whether you have Scots ancestry or simply a passion for our great nation, 2009 will be an exceptional year to visit Scotland.
A programme of inspirational events will run throughout 2009, complementing the vast range of world-class attractions already offered in Scotland to our guests. From the world's biggest ever Clan Gathering in Edinburgh to Celtic Connections in Glasgow and from the Open Championship at Turnberry to the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, there's something special for everyone.
Click on 'Homecomings 2009' for more information
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