SCOTTISH SOCIETY

Marlborough Express, Volume LXVIII, Issue 148, 25 June 1934, Page 7

SCOTTISH SOCIETY

DANCING COMPETITIONS. A POPULAR DEPARTURE. The first of a series of Highland dancing competitions, promoted by the Scottish Society of Marlborough, was held at the Masoiiic Hall, on ■ Saturday evening, and proved very pooular. "it is the intention of the Society to run these competitions regularly, and to give medals as prizes, in order to encourage young people in the art of Highland dancing.* The attendance of members and friends was very gratifying, close on 200 - people being present. The entries for the various classes were better than anticipated, a total oi 78 nommations being received for the eight classes. All the events were finaiised before 10.30 p.m., and there was no lagging between the various classes. Mr W. B. Wilson (the president of the Society), was in charge, assisted by the secretary (Mr Chas G. Whiteford), and an efficient committee. Owing to indisposition, Mrs J. J. McFarlane, the judge appointed for the competition, was unable to be present, but the position was filled by Mrs B. Smith, who proved herself eapable, her decisions in the various events being popular with the audience. A total of 17 medals and one cup were Qompeted for, all of which had been donated by members of the executive of the Society. , The foliowing were the results of the various classes: — Highland Fling (boys and girls under 8 years; nine entries) : Betty Vercoe 1, V. Adams 2, Joan Norgrove 3. ~ Highland Fling (girls under 14 years; 13 entries): Pearl Nicholas 1, Barbara Henderson 2, Betty Vercoe 3. Highland Fling (boys u#der 14 years; 6 entries): D. Lamb 1, Peter Thaine 2, Allan Cragg 3. Sean Truibhais (boys and girls under 14 years; 6 entries): Pearl Nicholas 1, Barbara Henderson 2, Betty Vercoe 3. Swcrd Dance (boys and girls under 14 years, 10 entries) : Betty Vercoe 1, Barbara Henderson 2, Heather Love O. Irish Jig (boys and girls under 14 years; 9 entries) : Jim Webb 1, Rex Cragg 2, Betty Vercoe 3. Salior's Hornpipe (boys and girls under 14 years; 7 entries): Pearl Nicholas 1, Betty Vercoe 2, D. Lamb

3. A special class for the Highland Fling (for boys and girls under 14 years who had never won a first or second prize in any Highland dancnig competition), proved very popular with the kiddies, a total of 19 entries being received. The result was as follows: Nan Rees 1, D. Lamb 2, Alfred Norgrove 3. An evenc that evoked much interest during the evening was the judging of the competitor with the most eorrect Highland costume. The prize for this was a handsome medal, and was won by Ian Wood, the judge being Drum-Major Henderson.

A handsome 'cup— to be called the Jamieson cup — for most points in the prmcipal classes was won by Pearl Nicholas, who had 10 points, the runner-up being Barbara Henderson with nine ■ points, f oilowed by Betty Vercoe with seven points. The president (Mr W. B. Wilson) presented the cup and the medals to the successful competitors, and took the opportunity to thank the people present for the interest they had shown in the competitions. He thanked Mrs Smith for judging for the events, and Drum-Major Henderson for judging the special event, as well as Pipers J. J. McFarlane and Alan Guild for piping for the dancers.