As all users of Surrey schools, we are being hampered by the teachers’ strike. This is majority causing problems regarding an Open House we advertised and scheduled at Walnut Road Elementary School 16152 – 82nd Avenue, for September 25th.   This is where we meet Thursdays 7:00-9:00 p.m., to dance a wide variety of dances from around the world. We have an instructor. No partners or costumes are required.

Funding for the support materials distributed regarding this open house came from the City of Surrey’s Cultural Grants Programme for Capacity Building. We were kindly linked by the Arts Council of Surrey to this programme.

A concern regarding this Cultural Grants Programme is that City staff do not seem to have an integrated data base. The City of Surrey funds from taxpayers’ monies; but, they do not link their festival organizers to the data base showing those receiving funding; or, it appears so, since we have not been asked to the Fusion Festival or the Cultural Days happening at the Newton Cultural Centre. Since ours is a multi-cultural mandate, this is where we should have a presence.

Our fiscal year is September 1 – August 31st and as Cash Flow Statements have been completed for this fiscal period, an AGM is being scheduled.

During the period of September 7/13 to September 6/14 (per attached), we

  • Held two open houses
  • Held four workshops
  • Participated in the first Lyrids Folk Festival
  • Performed at ten events (some with honorariums and some as service to community)
  • Taught students to perform at their Cindrich School’s 20th Anniversary
  • Attended a table at Fleetwood

We have a web page www.surreyfolkdance.org

We are one of the five folk dance clubs operating on the Lower Mainland and we attend joint events: summer evening dancing at Stanley Park, collective dance parties, workshops, BBQ’s, festivals.

Dancing is good exercise for the body and mind. Come and try us out. Information has been left on each of the chairs.

Submitted by Annie Kaps, Treasurer