DanceScottish.ca

Branch Award 2009

 
Marjorie Coulter

In 1966 Marjorie Coulter, who was an active member of the Toronto Branch, decided it was time to bring Scottish country dancing to Brampton, so in November of that year she started a group at St Andrew’s church. Marjorie is now over 90 and as of this year is no longer dancing, but St Andrew’s of Brampton continues.

Over the years Marjorie was the “den mother” of the group.

They did demonstrations in seniors’ homes, at the Brampton Canada Day celebrations, and at Georgetown Highland Games, calling themselves the “Marjorie Coulter dancers” and practising for all these demos in Marjorie’s basement. St. Andrew’s of Brampton also took part in the 512-some. Marjorie made sashes for those who did not have them, and always had supplies, such as safety pins, for the other dancers. She even made shoe bags, many of which are still in use. She has decorations for the hall for every occasion, St Andrew’s Day, Burns night, whatever, and she did all the decorating herself, arriving an hour before the dancing was due to start to set everything up. On ordinary evenings there were (and still are) tartan cloths for the tables and bands for the ladies dancing as men – all made by Marjorie.

Marjorie has kept photograph albums and scrapbooks over the years to remind herself of Branch events and of Brampton events and she helped the Toronto Association with these for the 50th anniversary when she lent them to the 50th anniversary committee. The 50th anniversary book is full of items from her scrapbooks, including a photograph of Marjorie with Miss Milligan.

We are pleased to honour Marjorie for all she has done for Scottish Country Dancing and hope her legacy will long continue.