The Sarah Brown Memorial Fund will be used to support highland dance in Manitoba which was Sarah's passion. Sarah, a student of the McGregor Studio of Highland Dance and also friend of many MHDA highland dancers was recently involved in a fatal car accident. Sarah was also sister to Shawn Brown, a Lord Selkirk Boy Scout Pipe Band Alumnus. Cheque donations can be made to School of Scottish Arts, Inc. or Sarah Brown Memorial Fund and sent to c/o 3375 Vialoux Drive, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3R 0A5.
For more information, please contact School of Scottish Arts, Inc. c/o ballater@mts.net.
Further to This Fund....
Dedication Ceremony of “Sarah’s Swords”
On Saturday, June 6th, 2009, a special dedication ceremony of “Sarah’s Swords” took place at the beginning of the morning awards at the Forks Market during the Mid-Canada Championships and Competitions. Sarah Brown who was a student and assistant teacher of mine, passed away as the result of a vehicle accident on September 10th, 2007 at the age of 20 years. She was the Beloved daughter of Phil and Cyndi Brown, long time members of the Manitoba Highland Dancers’ Association and supporters of anything Scottish. She was sister to Shawn, a former member of the Boy Scout Pipe Band, 177 Air Cadet Pipe Band and currently with the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. During the many years she was a student of mine, I noticed that she naturally gravitated to the young dancers, especially the Primary dancers of whom she so dearly loved, and they her. In her soft spoken way, she was able to guide these Primary dancers along their first basic movements and steps for which they will long remember.
Sarah always loved the challenge of a good strong Sword Dance, executing her infamous split high cuts with grace and ease. All her dance mates would stand in awe as she, with no bother at all, would extend her little legs out the widest – always the winner in the split high cut pretend competitions we had in class! It is only fitting that in honour of Sarah’s name that the beautiful, white handled flat swords be used in the Primary Class at any and all competitions held in Manitoba. The swords are inscribed with Sarah’s name as well as, “Airson gaol air dannsa” which is “For the Love of Dance” in Gaelic flowing down each blade.
History tells us that the Sword Dance is a dance of victory. Each Primary dancer who is fortunate to dance over these swords will be victorious regardless of the competition and will be told one day all about the young, beautiful girl who won her victory in Highland Dance as well!
Gaelyn McGregor
2008 Sharing Scottish Spirit Honour Awards
MHDA has established an annual perpetual trophy called the “Sharing Scottish Spirit Honour Award” , in memory of Beth Gibbon and Marlene (Stephen) Treichel. It is in recognition of both a Pre-premier and Premier dancer who through their volunteer participation in MHDA Dance Outs has shown their dedication to our association and goal of preserving Scottish heritage through dance.
Beth Gibbon
Honourary Member Beth Gibbon, a member of MHDA since 1966, Mother of M'Liss Bunting, passed away Tuesday, Feb 17, 2009 from pneumonia and other complications. She was president of the association from 1973-1975. Beth also convened and co-convened the Tartan Tea on numerous occasions. Raised by Scottish parents, Beth’s love of all things Scottish kept her involved in MHDA long after her daughter had stopped competing. For more than 20 years, she took a keen interesting her daughter’s dancing students and their achievements. She continued to volunteer her time, scoring at the competitions, until recent years. She will be missed! Slan, Agus Beannacht Dé, Beth.
Marlene Treichel
Honourary Member Marlene Stephen (Treichel) (sister to Lynn Stephen and mom to Marnie Treichel Wilson and grandma to baby Fiona Wilson) passed away Tuesday, Jan 19, 2009 from cancer and other complications. She loved everything highland and was an amazing supporter of dancing and piping.
For years she was the Pipe Major of the Heather Belle Ladies Pipe Band. She was the President of the Manitoba Highland Dancers’ Association in earlier years, and most recently, the President of the Prairie Pipe Band Association of Manitoba.
She will be missed! God speed, Marlene.
Pre-Premier
Giselle Morrison is presented her awards in memory of MHDA Honourary Member Beth Gibbon by her daughter M’Liss Bunting for participation in 10 Dance Outs. Honorable Mention received by Pre-Premier Dancer runner-up Landen Miele for participation in 6 Dance Outs
Premier
Leanne Miele is presented her awards in memory of MHDA Honourary Member Marlene Stephen by her mother Mrs. Margaret Stephen for participation in 8 Dance Outs. Honorable Mention received by Premier Dancers: Caitlin Spellman, Gillian McIvor, Julia, Emma and Veronica Domke with a 5-way tie for participation in 5 Dance Outs.
