4/ HISTORY OF GROUP

HISTORY OF ST JOHN'S / STONNINGTON SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCERS

The Group was started as ST JOHNS SCOTTISH DANCE GROUP at St Johns Anglican Church Toorak in 1967, by Elspeth Pyper who was one of the first registered instructors in Victoria.

What began as a parish activity for the local youth, quickly grew into a hugely popular social activity and St John's was regarded as one of the best places in Melbourne to begin Scottish dancing.

She continued to lead and teach at St. John’s for over forty six years retiring in 2013.

Elspeth has also been responsible for instructing many of today’s SCD teachers.

Her dedication and enthusiasm have shaped and will continue to influence the group into the future.

After forty seven years at St. John’s Toorak, in 2015 the group has changed it's name to STONNINGTON SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCERS and is now based at St James Anglican Church in Glen Iris.

Day and evening classes are held each week

and in addition Group Socials and other events

(also attended by members of other groups)

are held several times throughout the

year.