Alice Murphy

Very sadly Alice Murphy died on 18th August but her husband Joe, her constant companion, soulmate and staunch supporter received her award at the AGM.

Alice joined the London Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society in 1956.  She danced in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme.  In 1964 she gained her Teacher's Certificate and, after a move to Cumberland, became an active member of the Carlisle & Border Branch teaching a range of classes.  She served as Chairman of the Branch and latterly Secretary for the second time.

Alice taught classes over the whole range at Summer School in St Andrews as well as acting as depute director.  Perhaps her greatest contribution to the Society has been in teacher training.  For over 15 years she successfully presented candidates for Teaching Certificate examinations.

Those dancers who were taught by Alice, saw her create a very happy atmosphere in her classes and marvelled at her innovative teaching.  As an adjudicator, particularly of young people's dancing, she showed great appreciation and humour and was always most encouraging. 

In 1987 Alice was invited by the Society to conduct a teaching tour of Scandinavia.  Her sound teaching led to many invitations to teach abroad.  In addition to teaching in various European countries she taught in the USA, in Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, and in Australia.

Alice first represented Carlisle and Border Branch on the Executive Council and later Western Australia.  She valued tradition, had a strong sense of purpose, a quiet dignity and elegance, a well-developed sense of fun and was a stalwart of the RSCDS.