Aug. 8, 2008, 9:20 a.m. (Message 53343, in reply to message 53253)
It may be of interest, and I apologise for coming to this late, but have been at St Andrews for the RSCDS Summer School, with additional holiday before and after. [Incidentally the classes were differently organised this year and I regard it as a significant improvement.] I was consulted by the Society about both the tune and content details for "Alan J Smith", when it was submitted by Bristol Branch for consideration for inclusion in Book 45. The Branch naturally informed me that it was their choice. May I add that the suggestion was made in class at St Andrews, in the year of publication, by our teacher , Christine Mair, that the dancing couple give nearer hands briefly as they come round together from turning the third couple and before they go in to the double triangles formation. I am thoroughly in favour of this and, as I said at the time, wish that I had thought of it for myself. Andrew Smith, Bristol, UK.