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Farewell, Anne Noble

Our dear Anne Noble died on July 5th, 2005. She was a longtime steadfast member of the Branch, and brought many new people into Scottish country dancing. In recent years, failing health limited her ability to dance but never dampened one iota her overflowing enthusiasm for Scottish dance and its music.

The tour-de-force behind Crossland's Scottish and English dances, for several decades she led two dance sessions there each week. Every newcomer to the community was personally encouraged to participate. "With her friendly outreach she could teach anybody to dance, even octogenarians who protested that they couldn't possibly. She saw dancing not only as good physical exercise and fun, but also as a mental and a social stimulus," writes Betty Scattergood.

Born and raised in England, Anne came to the US as an exchange teacher right after the War, marrying Lindsley Noble, the brother of her teacher-exchange partner. They lived in Washington, D.C. except for a few stimulating years spent in Panama. They retired to Pennsylvania in 1971, and took up Scottish dancing at the encouragement of Robert Hunn.

We will always remember with gratitude and affection the passion of her commitment to country dancing, to RSCDS, and to all of us who joined her in the dance.

August 6, 2005

Greetings:

On behalf of the Delaware Valley Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, I would like to express our sadness at the passing of Anne Noble, but also our profound gratitude for all that she brought to Scottish Country Dancing in this area.

In 1977 I was a young dancer, and I participated in a Scottish Dance teacher training class with Anne. I happened to be pregnant at the time, and that child has just turned 24, so Anne's participation in the dance has been of great duration. I remember her absolute devotion to the enjoyment of the dance and to the traditions associated with it. She was proud of her Scottish heritage and was generous enough to share it with others.

As Denny Kilp, branch secretary wrote to me: "Anne was the heart of Scottish Country Dancing at the Kendal-Crosslands facility at Kennett Sq. She planned tea dances, demonstrations, Robert Burns celebrations, St Andrews events, etc. to the delight of the residents and guests at Crosslands. She was a strong, strong advocate of the goals and philosophy that define the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society."

Anne was part of the Delaware Valley Branch teachers committee until her eyesight no longer allowed her to drive to the meetings. She was an example of dedication and involvement to those of us who were privileged to know her.

As a final contribution to Scottish Country Dancing, Anne has asked that memorial donations be given to the Scottish Dance society. Anne Noble will be very much missed, but her love of the dance will live on through her dedication and energy.