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Welcome to a new year of U3A activities beginning with our Monthly Meeting on Thursday September 3rd - PLEASE NOTE our new meeting place - the Boys Brigade Hall in Crimon Place, where we shall have more space to accommodate our growing membership. We are fortunate to have a talented team of Group Leaders and Committee members whose commitment to our U3A is greatly appreciated. And we invite YOU to join in and participate in our many and varied activities, sharing interests and knowledge and enjoying the social opportunities and pleasure these give.
Remember " anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. “ Henry Ford Which puts me in mind of our previous Chairperson Pat McConnachie's comment in the Spring Newsletter: "Stay young always , in the theatre of your mind". And I should like to thank her for the opportunity of being Chair! - a challenge! and for her example, belief and encouragement to me to undertake it. Sue Dingle
It has been said "there are no passengers on spaceship Earth, only crew" which suggests the ethos of the U3A - "by the members for the members ". It is YOUR U3A - EVERYONE can contribute ,so Welcome Aboard!
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On Friday March 6 we were delighted to welcome back to Aberdeen Gary Hart who gave us a most interesting seminar on the workings of the Houses of Parliament. He talked about the extra devolved powers for Scotland following upon the Referendum in September 2014 and how they would be implemented. A group of about 45 U3Aers were there to listen and participate and the consensus was that they had had a very enlightening morning as the pictures below show.
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“The hotel was excellent, the guides charming and informative and Hildesheim, Goslar and Hameln were interesting but quite different towns with long histories.” Twelve members of Aberdeen U3A visited Lower Saxony, Germany in July 2015. We flew to Hannover and then went by taxis (…."the driver, completely un-restrained by any sense of speed restriction on the autobahn, hurtled along through rain and water spray.”) to the Van Der Valk Hotel located on the market square in Hildesheim. Local guides were arranged in each of the towns we visited along with a bus trip into the Harz mountains from Goslar and a trip on the River Weser– along with the musical “Rats” in the market square in Hamelin. http://www.hameln.com/tourism/piedpiper/musical_rats.htm. In Hildesheim we learned …“of the very ornate historical looking buildings (which) were no more than 30 years old. Historically true to the original facades with modern interiors.” Using trains between the towns and prearranging tours and a local bus to visit the Harz worked very well – though the first couple of days were very warm and we were seeking shade wherever we could. The hotel was comfortable and staff were very welcoming. There was free time and some members of the group also visited Schloss Marienburg, Goslar (for a second 4
time), the UNESCO World Heritage Fagus Factory in Alfeld and/or the Roemer und Pelizaeus-Museum in Hildesheim. “Even the hiccups went smoothly”. The holiday was not without its hiccups: the taxis did not turn up to greet us at the airport on arrival (but a few phone calls and we were looked after) and when we returned to Hannover airport we discovered that our flight had been cancelled – so we enjoyed an afternoon in the Herrenhauser Gardens in Hannover, and a cocktails “happy hour” during our short stay in a luxury hotel (.."the interior design concept of which had been drawn from Craiginches Prison”) courtesy of British Airways – a bonus holiday! “Dinner was accomplished over a great deal of chat and was fortified by extra intake of table wine.” The group worked well together and it made a very enjoyable holiday for everyone. A very interesting part of Germany and to be recommended not least for the friendliness of everyone we met there.
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About 70 members were we had heard a range of interesting present in St Mary’s Hall on Thursday lectures at the Monthly Meeting where 4 June 2015 for the Annual General average attendance was between 90Meeting and they listened patiently to 100 . Some of the topics were the Past, the various reports from the Treasurer, Present and Future of Rubislaw QuarChairman and Groups Coordinator ry, Scottish Gemstones the work done about the activities of the past session. by the charity Homestart and a beautiIt had been a busy year and there were ful presentation of Scottish landscapes now 233 memby a local phobers and 21 tographer. groups. The Wendy Lowe Painting for was thanked for Pleasure Group putting togethhad been ably er an interesting led by Ron Basselection of tion and will be speakers. The taken over by International Margaret BradLunches and ley in Septemother social ber. There are events like the now two ScotChristmas Party tish Heritage and New Year’s Groups and two Lunch were Outgoing Commitee Poetry Groups much enjoyed due to popular by members. demand and all the other groups ap- An event by the Parliamentary Outpeared to be doing well. Group Lead- reach Service led by Mr Gary Hart talkers were thanked for their hard work ing about the proposed constitutional and enthusiasm. changes in Post Referendum Scotland The Treasurer, Kathleen had attracted a large audience . Cordiner, was able to report that the Pat intimated that the finances were in a good state with a venue for the Monthly Meetings was to healthy surplus . This allowed the Sum- change from St Mary’s Cathedral Hall mer Outing to Innerpeffray Library in to the Boys Brigade Hall in Crimon Crieff to be heavily subsidised. The Place as of the first Monthly Meeting outgoing Chairperson, Pat McCon- on Thursday September 3 2015. This nachie said that throughout the year was because the present premises 6
were really too small for the increasing number of members. All details will be given in the newsletter which will be sent out in mid August. Pat McConnachie thanked all the people who had helped at the Monthly Meetings including our First Aiders who are ably led by Betty Fowler. She also thanked Keith Tansley who had done a grand job as Newsletter Editor and Erica Watson who has been Website Editor for several years and now wished to stand down and will be replaced in due course by Enid Knutton. The new Committee was elected and Susan Kirkwood will continue as Secretary, Kathleen Cordiner as Treasurer, and Wendy Lowe, Sally Dickson, Keith Tansley, Ann House, Derek Melloy will be ordinary Committee Members. As
no one had come forward to take over the position of Chairperson, Sue Dingle kindly put herself forward to be elected as Acting Chair in the interim. Freda Middleton, Lizann Carwood and Pat McConnachie stood down from the Committee and Pat thanked Freda for all her help in organising the kitchen at every monthly meeting which she had done so ably with the help of Sally Dickson and Freda had also co organised the International Lunches with Louise Sutherland. Lizann had served in a multitude of roles - Vice Chair, Treasurer, Social Secretary and Groups Coordinator and was thanked for all her help and support and great good humour over the past few years. The meeting concluded with an afternoon tea and the opportunity to chat.
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It is a scenic drive from the outskirts of Aberdeen to the Buchan coast, and all the better if the weather is good. Fortunately the sun shone for our outing to Gardenstown, or Gamrie as it is known. We were privileged to have Gunilla’s friend, Eleanor Hepburn as our guide. She is a great ambassador for her native village, and went out of her way to welcome us and tell us about Gamrie. After an outdoor lunch at the excellent cafe in the village, Eleanor took us on a walking tour, pointing out where various shops, etc had been, though sadly now closed. We went along the seafront to Seatoun, which in the past housed generations of fishing families, and to the harbour, once filled with a fleet of 50 fishing boats. We heard interesting accounts of past events, such as a huge storm which washed away some seafront houses. Gamrie’s population suddenly increased in 1953 after a great storm destroyed most of the neighbouring fishing village of Crovie, which clings to the coast around the headland. Up on the hill above Gamrie bay are the ruins of the Church of St John the Evangelist, built to commemorate the defeat of a party of marauding Danes at the Battle of the Bloody Pits in 1004. Eleanor and her late husband dedicated years to assembling a large amount of material for the Gardenstown Heritage Centre, located in the old Salmon House at the harbour. The large collection of photographs, etc give an excellent account of the history of the village during the previous two centuries. Eleanor’s great-grandfather is pictured coming from the harbour carrying a “fry” of fish. Her mother is in several photos. One features her as a young woman with her friends, smiling as they set off to Yarmouth for the herring gutting. The work was seasonal, and though very hard with long hours, there was great camaraderie among the workers. The fishing fleet 8
followed the annual migration of “the bonnie shoals of herring”, starting off in Lerwick or Stornoway, then moving down the east coast to Yarmouth and Lowestoft. Over a cup of tea in the kitchen of the Centre, Eleanor demonstrated how the gutting quines bound their fingers with cotton rags as a small protection against cuts and hacks. The brine in which the herring was packed in barrels would get in and cause wounds to sting and fester. An experienced fish-gutter could gut and pack 60 herring in one minute! Run by volunteers, Gardenstown Heritage Centre is open over the summer months, Monday to Friday from 2 to 4pm. Gamrie is well worth visiting! Helen Oram
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On Wednesday 17th June 46 of us set off at 9.30 am for a visit to the Library
of Innerpeffray. We arrived at the Visitor Centre in Crieff at 11.45 am where we all headed for the Restaurant for lunch. We were leaving at 1.30 pm so this gave us time to browse round the main shop and the Caithness Glass shop (there was also a glass making demonstration). The sun
was shining so several of us took the opportunity to stroll around the grounds. We then headed for Innerpeffray which was approximately 7 miles from Crieff along a picturesque country road. On arrival we were warmly welcomed by Lara Haggerty who explained the layout before taking us first to view the chapel where the first li-
brary and a school was founded in 1680 by David Drummond, 3rd Lord Madertie and brother-in-law of the great Marquis of Montrose. The original library was up twisty set of stone steps. We then headed on to today’s library, which was in a separate building. Lara gave us an interesting and informative 10
talk about the history and contents of Library. She covered the History of the inception and explained about much of the contents. We then got the chance to view the old books in the collection which were wonderful to see, many of which were open so that we could read some of the contents. One of the most interesting items was the “borrowers’ ledger), recording every loan made from 1747 until lending ceased in 1968, scrupulously handwritten by generations of librarians. We were fortunate to get a beautiful day so we could wander in the very peaceful grounds which overlook the River Earn.
Our visit was finished off with tea/coffee with home bakes served in the old schoolroom. On return to the coach we discovered that our departure would be slightly delayed by a large flock of sheep coming along the narrow road. Another photo opportunity! Our journey home was very pleasant travelling via Couper Angus – and the only rain we had was while we were in the coach! A super day was had by all with an opportunity to widen our knowledge and see some of the lovely Scottish Scenery.
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Aberdeen Branch Meetings Meetings take place at
1st October 2015 Hilary and Mike Gordon "First steps in Nepal" -----------------
starting with announcement of notices at 13.30. The presentation by the Guest speaker begins next, followed by tea and biscuits.
5th November 2015 Duncan Skinner "It`s amazing what you learn along the way" from Chief Financial Officer of PSN, a global enterprise, to director of Glencraft, a local social enterprise company.
Diary dates
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3rd September 2015 Rev Ewen Gilchrist, Cults Kirk. "Wedding belles and Bacon rolls" -----------------
3rd December 2015 Christmas Party -------------
1. Start out along HUNTLY STREET heading North. 2. After 100 metres turn right onto SUMMER Street heading North. 3. After 100 metres turn right onto CRIMON PLACE heading East. 4. You will reach your destination 8 metres along CRIMON PLACE.
Boys Brigade Hall, Crimon Place Aberdeen .AB10 1RX
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NB. Unless otherwise stated all classes will meet at the Northern Arts Club. 8, Bon Accord Square.
Group Coordinators report As I stated in the AGM Report our 21 groups are faring well. All groups are advertised herein so I shall limit my report to extending an invitation to those members not attending a group to browse the interesting possibilities of joining a group this session. " It is always the season for the old to learn" noted Aeschylus ( 525BC ).If you do not want to stretch your legs with the Walking Group you could stretch your mind with many of the other groups - but remember Einstein's words - A mind that has been stretched will never return to its original dimension! This is my final report as Group Co - Ordinator and I encourage any member out there who has expertise / enthusiasm to form and LEAD a new group to please contact the new Group co-ordinator, Derek Melloy ,who will be happy to help I am sure. Happy learning to all. "
Art Appreciation 14.00 on the first Wednesday of the month. (See Text) Trish Rodbourne
Sharara Crichton
Meetings take place on the second Monday in each month from 2.00 - 4.0 PM
Sue Dingle
"We paid our last visit to The Art Gallery in February before it closed for a major renovation. In April our guide Fiona showed us around a new exhibition at The Maritime Museum entitled "New Balls, Please", based on a famous painting of a tennis match. At the meeting at Northern Arts in May, we were entertained to an illustrated talk on the fascinating work of French installation artist Daniel Buren. For our last meeting in June we are visiting the Edinburgh Art Galleries for the day, taking in the sights of the city. The group will continue from September, meeting on alternate months at The Maritime or Northern Arts."
Come and enjoy being creative within a relaxed setting with some guidance in drawing and painting techniques and lots of support. This is for all levels of ability and experience.
Margaret Bradley
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Book Group 13.30-15.30 second Friday of each month. Christine Michie Trish Rodbourne
Every Tuesday afternoon at The Belmont Filmhouse Cinema. May Martin
2 to 4 on the third Tuesday of the month. John Wood
The book group has about a dozen members attending each meeting. The books are suggested by the members who give a short presentation before a general discussion. In May some of us went to the Music Hall to hear a very entertaining talk by A.L. Kennedy who read from her upcoming book. We will have an informal meeting in July to plan our list for next session.
Our aim is to see interesting films which are different from the usual multiplex fare, i.e., independent, foreign, documentary films. We meet in the foyer before the start of the film. Concession membership cost £5.00. Afterwards we meet in the café downstairs to dicuss the film. E-mail notifications are sent to group members with details of the forthcoming weeks chosen film. This is an informal group with no pressure to attend every week.
The group will debate 3 or 4 items in the news in some depth. Each month we will decide on issues for the following meeting but retain some flexibility in case something of import arises. It is also hoped that we can to look at current affairs in the wider context perhaps including TV documentaries and historical issues that keep reemerging in every generation. There will be some expectation that group members will have given the issues some thought before the next meeting.
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11 o'clock every third Wednesday: Inn at the Park, 3 Deemount Terrace .There is parking and a no. 17 bus stop near entrance.
Come along and join our lively debates on a wide and varied number of topics. All welcome, just let group leader know if you wish to attend by the Monday as Hotel needs to know numbers.
Sheila Noble John Wood This group has continued to grow. We enjoy our meetings where we have listened to a very wide variety of musicmostly on audio discs. This session we have chosen to make a chronological journey in music. We started generally thinking about the early developments of music and have since been tracing the history of European music through 19.00 - 21.00 Monthly on a the Renaissance, Baroque and Classical eras. We move at a Tuesday evening by arpace which suits the group, being prepared to spend longer rangement on a topic when interest so dictates. In the New Year we shall move on from the later Classical to the Romantic era. Venue: Erica’s home. Please phone for directions. Notes are usually provided. Sometimes group members make contributions by bringing CDs and introducing their Erica Watson choice. New members will be made welcome.
French Time: 14.00 - 15.45 second and fourth Mondays of the Month. Margaret Murray Lorraine Sim
The French Conversation Group is currently running at full capacity and there is a short waiting list for vacancies. A basic knowledge of French is required as the class is conducted mainly in French. We usually start each meeting with a short revision of a grammar point, but the main emphasis is on conversation based mainly on topical items of French news and culture. All of this is done in a supportive, friendly atmosphere. 15
First and third Tuesdays of the month starting at 10.00 Advanced Group 11.00 Intermediates 12.00 Beginners. Pat McConnachie Susan Kirkwood
The Advanced Group uses film, internet and text to widen vocabulary and expand conversational skills. The Intermediate Group uses the Advanced German Berlitz Course and other material. The Beginners Group is flexible, using Logo 4 as a textbook but covering all the basics in many different ways. The aim is to make language learning an enjoyable and fun experience. In July 2015 some members of the German Groups visited Germany and hopefully this will be repeated in 2016. The new sessions start on Tuesday, September 1 2015.
International lunches are a great way for members to get to know other members a little better. Occasionally we do Fourth Thursday of alterhave an evening meal, usually nate months. Various venheld on the last meeting of the ues Sign up at monthly Group. Venues are publicised at the main meeting meetings where sign up sheets are available and we will Freda Middleton endeavour to find new venues at reasonable prices. Louise Sutherland
Mah Jong Scrabble 14.00 - 16.00 every first and third Monday. Val Nesham Kathleen Cordiner
Come, help build the wall & let dragons & winds draw you into this intriguing, enduring & enjoyable game. Beginners soon pick up the traditions as they play, but, be aware, it can become addictive! Fascination & fun, not stress & strain - is Mah Jong for you? The Mah Jong group is currently fully subscribed but please indicate your interest for a possible future opening. Scrabble is now up & running and new members are very welcome. 16
Practical philosophy, trying to make it relevant to our lives, will continue to feature in Subjects as diverse as Medical Ethics, Free Speech or Science and Religion.
time: 14.00 - 16.00 fourth Wednesday each month. Bob Sutton Morag Tamisari
Group One. On the third Thursday of the month. Group Two. On the fourth Tuesday of the month 2pm-4pm. Sue Dingle Sally Dickson
nb NEW TIMES 10.00 – 12.30 second and fourth Thursdays of the Month. Helen Oram: Anne Murray:
Due to demand we now have TWO Poetry Groups. We extend a warm and friendly welcome to those who wish to join us. Poetry is a life enhancing activity, one filled with surprises, pleasure,instruction and, often, full of fun and laughter as well as emotion - all good for the soul! We are relaxed and friendly groups who enjoy sharing our knowledge. We study aspects of our history, sing or listen to Scots songs, dip into poetry, legends, etc. We will be delighted to welcome you along to join us. This session will look at some of these topics. The Picts; Standing Stones; The early Kingdoms of Scotland; Aberdeen History; The Jacobites; Mary, Queen of Scots; The Drovers; The Irish/Scottish connection; St Kilda.
now has a second group. Group 2 will meet 10.30-12.30 the third Thursday of the month.
Scottish charity no. SC031940 www.u3a.org.uk/aberdeen 17
Shakespeare We meet on the second Tuesday of the month. 2-4 pm. Enquiries to. Sue Dingle
14.00 - 16.00 - 2nd Wednesday of the month. Enid Knutton NB "withheld numbers" are not usually answered.
Walking The walks will now be on the SECOND Saturday of the month.
Walks take place on the 2nd Saturday of the month from September to June. This may change as a new leader is now running the group. David Thomson
Shakespeare Play reading Group. We are an informal and friendly group who meet to enjoy reading, acting and discussing Shakespeare's plays and times. We welcome new members.
The Travel Group welcomes members who like travel whether themselves or watching other peoples' adventures. The talks are informal and usually accompanied by a slide show plus a cup of tea/coffee, a biscuit and a chat. If anyone (outside the Group) has been on/or is embarking on trip to foreign climes perhaps they might offer to give us a talk/slide show (help given) even if they don't wish to attend the Group regularly
The Walking Group was set up in September 2012. Group members are sent details of the next walk by email and they also appear on the website. Walks range from 3-7 miles. Some are arranged to be accessible by bus but lifts can be arranged for those without cars. New members who like to walk are made very welcome and after the walk we usually go to a nearby cafe for tea and cake.
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1.
Which fruit is the cordial grenadine primarily made from?
2.
What type of musical instrument is a goombay?
16.
What was the nationality of Lazlo Josef Biro, inventor of the ballpoint pen?
17.
Which singer held a gladiolus in his first appearance on BBC TV's Top of the Pops in 1983?
18.
Which US spacecraft was launched from Cape Kennedy in October 1968?
19.
Which British singer's real name is Thomas Woodward?
20.
Sinclair Lewis was the first American to win a Nobel Prize for what subject?
3.
What is the US state capital of Vermont?
4.
Blepharitis is the medical term for the inflamation of which part of the body?
5.
The 2003 film Lost in Translation is set in which city?
6.
Who discovered the Victoria Falls in 1855?
7.
Ailurophobia is a fear of what?
21.
8.
Who wrote the novel The Cider House Rules?
What is the legislative assembly of Spain called?
22.
9.
In golf what is the name of a score of one stroke over par for a hole?
Who painted The Rake's Progress?
23.
A pelisse is what type of garment?
10.
Who invented the centigrade thermometer in 1742?
24.
Which English Queen was executed on 19 May 1536?
11.
What does DVD commonly now stand for?
25.
A boyar was a member of the aristocracy in which country?
12.
What is the name of the casino on the reservation of the Mashantucket Pequot tribe in Connecticut?
26.
What are the five events of the modern pentathlon?
27.
Artist and musician Chris Sievey is better known as whom?
The Taj Mahal is on the bank of which river?
28.
Glen Moy and Autumn Bliss are varieties of which fruit?
In which year was British Summertime first introduced?
29.
What was the pseudonym of French dramatist Jean-Baptiste Poqueline?
30.
On which city were the 1912 Summer Olympic Games held?
13. 14. 15.
Exodus, the second book of the Bible, recounts the departure of the Israelites from which country?
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U3A Aberdeen Committee Vice Chairman Groups Coordinator
Sue Dingle
Derek Melloy
Susan Kirkwood
Membership Secretary Records Kathleen Cordiner
Treasurer
Assistant Groups Coordinator
Social Events Coordinator
Alistair Struthers
Wendy Lowe
Image not
Committee Anne House
Minutes Secretary Sally Dickson
Enid Knutton
Erica Watson
Keith Tansley
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