AN ORGANISATION FOR THE OVER 50s
Little did I suspect six years ago, when I contacted
the Folk Club Group Leader to ask if I could come
along, that I would be writing to you now as the
Executive Committee Chairman.
But, before I go any further, I would like to take this
opportunity to thank our previous Chairman, David
Bowman, for steering the committee through some
very difficult times.
I imagined that I would be taking over the controls in calmer waters. Who would have predicted that the OiR could be brought to a halt by a virus that few were even aware of its existence.
Many of the group leaders have taken the initiative of staying in contact with their members using various online platforms like “Zoom” and “Skype” and even the old-fashioned telephone. A grateful thanks to those group leaders from the committee. Some group leaders have gone to the extent of having regular online group meetings. Congratulations to all who have embraced technology like this, good fun, isn’t it?
Also, a sincere thanks from the committee to Betty McDonald and all the contributors to
her Daily Chat emails, which are sent every day to all those who request them. And a great
success it is too!
But the days of 60 members piling into the history group, or having to find extra chairs for the Folk Group audience will be a distant memory for now and for the foreseeable future. “These days are passed now, and in the past, they must remain” goes the song and we must all look to the future of social distancing and how we, that is all of us, will manage it. We, as a committee, in order to cater for social distancing, have discussed many options over the past weeks such as:
1. Group sizes must be curtailed, meetings may have to be by invitation to control numbers.
2. The 2-hour group meeting may have to be broken down into 2 x 1-hour meetings with enough time for changeover. The presentation would be restricted to 55mins.
3. There may be no tea/coffee break. but it may be acceptable to bring your own.
4. Would there be a requirement for a one-way-system, in one door and out another?
5. The numbers would be dependent on the size of the venue. A square metres/person rule may need to be applied.
6. It may be possible for some groups, who previously met on a fortnightly basis, to
meet weekly if hall letting was made available.
All of this, of course, is purely theoretical at the moment and until we enter into discussions
with the organisations who let the premises to us, we can only surmise.
One thing is certain, and that is, nothing is certain, changes are on the way and these
changes will have to be embraced by all in order for us stay safe and allow our OiR to
flourish. The support and safety of the membership is at the uppermost in our thoughts, so
stay safe and keep in touch.
Arnie Green (Chair)
Hello everyone – I hope you are all managing to keep your spirits up during
this very anxious and unprecedented time. As Arnie said in his “update from
the chair” the committee are meeting regularly and as we gradually east
out of lockdown, it is hoped that some groups will be able to commence in
a phased way. Of course each group will have to be assessed individually
to see whether acceptable conditions can be put in place to comply with regulations – the
most important factor is to ensure everyone can meet in a safe environment.
The summer issue of the newsletter is a very much scaled down version of what is usually
produced – the fact that groups have not been able to meet has obviously impacted on any
activities they can share with the wider OiR members. However, that doesn’t mean that
everything has stopped. Group leaders have really stepped up to the mark. They have been
absolutely amazing in the way they have kept in contact with their members - virtual meetings,
telephone calls, emails, youtube – the list is endless – and we are all very grateful for the many
hours and the huge effort they have made to ensure that everyone is kept in the loop –
especially those who live alone or are self-isolating.
Betty McDonald has sent a daily chat via email and will notch up her 100th
message on
Saturday 27th
– an extraordinary achievement – and she’s also hosted several “virtual wine
tastings”. Avril Lees is keeping her photography group on their toes by giving them
“homework”, Ann McLanachan’s group are still keeping in contact and producing amazing art,
Barrie Southwood has held zoom meetings for his walking groups and Tom McCrorie has
organised a youtube video with a combination of musicians entertaining folk club members
every week. These are just a few examples of how the Group Leaders are helping to keep the
OiR community involved.
The “lockdown” talks have also been a great success with between 50 – 60 members taking
part on a Tuesday afternoon via zoom. The talks are largely thanks to John Rattenbury who
has spent endless hours ensuring that members and speakers are able to access the
technology .
I’ve said many times before that this is not my newsletter – it’s not up to me to write the
articles – I’m only the facilitator for your views so please keep them coming. We want to hear
about your individual experiences as well – how have you coped during lockdown? Have you
tried something new? Share it with us all – we look forward to hearing from you.
Margaret Rollo Editor
The Tuesday afternoon illustrated talks have been a great success, with
more than 50 attendees at each talk.
We use Zoom for the meetings and you can join between1:30pm and
2:00pm. The meetings start promptly at 2:00pm so get in early as you
won’t be able to join after that time.
Individual microphones are muted at 2pm for the duration of the talk, which lasts from 20 to
30 minutes.
After the talk there is an opportunity for a few questions, and the meeting is closed with an
OiR music video from Airplay. If you would like to receive connection details for these talks,
contact the office on [email protected] for more information.
June 30th Travel in Eastern America by David Bowman
July 14th The Best Medicine by Meg Steel
July 28th The Maryborough Saltpan Cottages by Arnie Green
August 11th The Deserted Wife – Elizabeth Graeme Fergusson (1737 -1801) by Ken
Nairn. An early American poet and described as the most learned woman
in America. This talk looks at her marriage to Hugh Fergusson of Ayr and
the implications of finding both his grave and his will to
While the office has been closed following Government guidelines, our office manager
Margaret Fagan has been working from home and can be contacted either by telephone or by
email Tuesday to Thursday between 10.00am and 2.00pm
Email : [email protected] Telephone : 01292 260086
John Rattenbury
Folk Club leader Tom McCrorie has compiled a video every week with musicians and
others providing music, poetry and amusing stories for the enjoyment of members of the
club. He is happy to include any OiR member who would like to receive these videos.
Please email Tom if you would like to be added to the mailing list
In our group we have been keeping in touch by WhatsApp, it has worked very well. We
start as usual on a Friday at the set time, we all check in and tell what we are each doing,
what mediums we are using and what success (or failure!) we are having with each and
things like what brushes we are using.
There’s a mix of blether and chat or someone may post a photo of something they need
help or advice on, but as we get near the end time we all post a photo on the WhatsApp
page of our work, whether complete or not, for critique and comment, just as we would
have done at our meetings.
We also share websites and other info. that will help us in our art. The members are keen
to keep going, as it means we can all keep in touch on how we all are. Any members of the
group who don't wish to be included on WhatsApp get a phone call to check up on how
they are. This is some of the work we have created and shared recently.
Hopefully we can all get back to normal come the Autumn. We plan to be painting through
the summer too. Why not join us?
Keep well everyone and Take Care.
Anne McLanachan
Socially Distanced Croquet has been underway in England for around 4 weeks. In Scotland,
following the First Minister`s statement play has resumed following the Guidelines issued by
and displayed on the SCA (Scottish Croquet Association) Website. Play has resumed at the
Auchincruive Croquet Club following these guidelines and in accord with those issued by
the Scottish Sports Council and NHS Scotland for outdoor activities for sports such as golf,
tennis, petanque and croquet.
In accord with the above and provided it has been agreed with the OiR committee, the
Croquet group intend to begin play in a numbers limited basis. Only players from two
households will be allowed at any time on the lawn ( a minimum of 288 square yards) and a
2 metre distance between players will be maintained at all times. Facilities for cleaning and
disinfection of all facilities will be on hand.
The OIR Croquet Group at Auchincruive had about 20 participants in the 2019 season and
played 26 weeks from mid-April to mid-October. Giving over 1000 hours of player
participation. During the winter there is a monthly meet-up and lunch in local hotels.
Beginners are always welcome and a simple form of croquet known as Golf Croquet is
played on the Thursday `Club` afternoons. This can be learned in five minutes and all
equipment is supplied. New players from the OIR `family` are always welcome. Anyone
interested could phone Malcolm Smith (01290 700284) or email: [email protected].
Malcolm Smith
A Zoom meeting was held on May 26th, when we should have been going to Auchinstarry on the Forth & Clyde canal. The next zoom meeting will be on July 7th. The walks will resume as soon as possible and will probably be local ones to start with. The walking weekend in Oban has been cancelled due to the demise of Caledonian Travel. Our deposits should be returned in due course.
Barrie Southwood
Zoom meetings were held on May 22nd, when we should have been in Paisley and June 5th
.
On the latter date, two short video clips were shown of possible walk destinations. There
will be further zoom meetings on the dates show below. The walks will resume as soon as
possible and will probably be local ones to start with
.
Barrie Southwood
Friday Walking Group - Provisional 2020 Programme
Date Venue Meet at Notes
June 19th Zoom Meeting 3pm
July 3rd Zoom Meeting 3pm
July 31st Zoom Meeting 3pm
Zoom meetings were held on April 25th
, when we should have been in Moffat and May
30th, when we should have been in Glasgow. On the latter date, two short video clips were
shown of possible walk destinations. There will be further zoom meetings on the dates
show below. The walks will resume as soon as possible and will probably be local ones to
start with.
Barrie Southwood 07766 755836 or [email protected]
Saturday Walking Group - Provisional 2020 Programme
Meet at 11am unless otherwise stated
Date Venue Meet at Notes
June 27th Zoom Meeting 3pm
July 25th Zoom Meeting 3pm
August 29th Zoom Meeting 3pm
September 26th tbc tbc
October 31st tbc tbc (Lunch??)
November 28th tbc tbc (Lunch??)
Like all Group Leaders who are able, I have been giving my wonderful group weekly fun ‘Missions’ to do. Every Sunday, I send out an email with a subject for them to photograph. These entries can be as diverse as they like as long as they have been taken during this period of Lockdown. They have to be submitted on Wednesday, the day we would usually meet, for all members to enjoy. I’m always mindful that some of the group cannot go out as yet so the subjects chosen includes all. On Monday I post an email containing a ‘Dingbat’ or quiz for those who want to have a rest from Photography at this time. We also have recently started Zoom calls, which to date have been entertaining. It’s so lovely to see each other. It’s so important to keep the contact going. All members of the O.I.R. have had not only the benefit of classes of all sorts, wonderful friendships have been formed. We have to keep checking in on one another while we are separated from family and friends at this time. Never regret a day in your life good days give happiness bad days give experience worst days give lessons and best days give memories Keep well everyone, keep smiling and stay safe
Avril Lees (Leader)
Exercise Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Examples of the members work
NHS rainbow colour photos
Since the last newsletter, we are sad to learn of the death of the following members and former members
Eddie Uriarte Mary Thom Joe Kane James Blyth Dave Cossar May Kelly Etta Uriarte Norma Gledhill
Our thoughts are with their families and friends.
By way of marking a new year and a new century, OiR commemorated the new
Millennium with various projects and activities.
I was requested to compile a special booklet describing what went on in the
various groups, and the range of interests catered for by our organisation. I in-
terviewed every Group Leader and wrote a short piece on each group, while Jak
Henderson, our intrepid peripatetic photographer took each's leader's photograph. A copy of
this book was then distributed to each member.
At the April AGM (membership 1671) an oak lectern made by OiR's Woodworking Group. was
handed over to South Ayrshire's Depute Provost, John Cree, by Matt McLellan, the Group Leader
and also an Executive Committee member.
A Millennium Theatre Show took place on Sunday, 18th June, when performers from five local
groups, came together to present a superb memorable evening's entertainment to a packed
house of OiR members. The tickets for the show cost £2.00. The local groups were Ayr Amateur
Opera Company, Ayr Compass Club, Ayr Fort Players, Ayrshire Philharmonic Opera Society and
Ayr Players.
South Ayrshire Council asked if a group of volunteers from OiR might assist in the National
Spring Clean 2000 and a large group of members manned the bin bags and picked up a huge
collection of rubbish at various sites around the town.
On Friday, 23rd June, OiR presented three rowan trees of various specious to the Provost of
South Ayrshire. Oir's Chair, Reg Wright, and the Gardening Group Leader, John Lucas, made the
presentation to the Provost on behalf of OiR.
A Cookbook created by OiR's Calligraphy Group - beautifully scripted on each recipe page, and
collated by the Group Leader, Joan Colquhoun, was produced to commemorate this special year.
We set up a table at the entrance to the upper hall of the Auld Kirk Halls at the Coffee Morning
that year to sell the books - I was the sales person and was suitably clothed in a chef's apron and
hat for the occasion. I can't remember the price of the books - it might have been just £1.00.
Various other groups also had special group lunches to celebrate the year. A group of us from
the Tuesday Walking Group got together under the leadership of Gus Armour and hired the "MV
Glorious" with a skipper from Girvan Harbour, to take us over to Ailsa Craig. The boat was also
putting down lobster creels that day. Nine of us spent four wonderful hours that June day
exploring Ailsa Craig - even to the Trig Point on the summit. After a very happy afternoon we
sailed back to Girvan in the company of live lobsters in the creels around our feet.
Amy Kinnaird
As previously mentioned Betty McDonald has sent out a daily email every single day.
Originally it was aimed at people who lived on their own but the list of people wanting to
join soon included couples as well and she ended up with more than 90 households on her
list. Here is an example of one of her emails from 17th May
Good morning to you all and welcome to our Sunday “miscellany”. (I’m just trying to go a
wee bit upmarket.)
Let’s start with something cheery – a birthday celebration! And not just any birthday, but a
100th
birthday! So I’m sending love and best wishes to Jim McIlwraith, who reached the
milestone just last month. Jim was a member of the steering committee which helped set
up OiR over 30 years ago and then served as OiR Ayr's first Chairman. He is still on top
form, both physically and mentally, and was disappointed that his birthday celebration,
with family and friends had to be cancelled.
I met Jim and his wife, Marjorie, more than 45 years ago through the bridge club and
visited them when they lived in Racecourse View, overlooking the Old Racecourse. They
lived in a very modern house, which I, as a young woman, thought was FAB. They moved
to Dollar a few years ago, to be nearer their family. However, he still keeps his eye on the
OiR, going through the newsletter with a fine tooth comb, and I get an odd email from
Marjorie to find out the latest news. We better make sure we’re maintaining the standard!
And just another wee bit of information in connection with Jim and his family that I’m sure
will be of interest to some of our readers – Tom Mathers and Jim Haran, to name but
two. Jim and Marjorie’s son Euan is the proud owner of Robertson’s of Pitlochry, a
specialist whisky shop with an excellent reputation, based in Pitlochry. (If you’re interested
check it out on tripadvisor.)
This is maybe somewhere for your “when this is over” list. However for the real whisky
connoisseurs, or for those who can’t wait for release, Euan is running a Self Isolation
Whisky Festival on 30th May. (Details on the shop’s website.)
Now, on to Gordon’s quiz. Just the one quiz today after yesterday’s teaser. Cryptic
(sometimes very cryptic!) clues to places in Scotland (answers on last page).
1. Us currency 2. Mother and baby are fine
3. Chef on the cheap 4. Going away
5. Shoot spouse but not in the east 6. For light, light it
7. Mick Jagger finds rest here 8. Doctor, I presume
9. Harold did this at Hastings 10. Cranium stuck in rabbit hole
I’ve been hearing from one or two of our readers so I’m intending to share some of their
thoughts with you today. Following on from last week’s VE Day celebrations, Amy
contacted me.
“On 8th June 1945 I was still a pupil at Coylton Public School----as it was called then. I was
in the Qualifying Class - now P.7 D.G. Smith was the Headmaster – his title in those days.
We did not have any particular celebrations in school , but we were all delighted with the
news in the village.
What I do remember, as a celebration, was that the villagers were all invited to a VE Fete in the grounds of "The Cushats" mansion house. As far as I remember, I think that we walked there from Coylton, about 2 miles. The house belonged to Group Captain David McIntyre and his wife and family. The name will be well remembered in Prestwick. We had some games, and some races to run and we received a bottle of lemonade and a bag of "cookies". I think that the fete actually took place later in the summer, but I do remember we had sunshine. "The Cushats" was the Dower House of Sundrum Castle, and is not far from the castle as the crow flies. Yours truly went on to 1st Year at Ayr Academy in the August -"Respice, Prospice" Thanks, Amy and for those of you who are incomers to the area, check out Group Captain David McIntyre’s story online. If it hadn’t been for him, there would have been no Prestwick Airport!
Anne, who is Group Leader of the Friday Art Group,
had sent some pictures of the view from her home
in Mauchline with a story that she had been
inundated with a bull and cows who were making a
bid for freedom. I said it was a shame she hadn’t
managed to get a photo of the bull, but it seems
her neighbour had.
In the photo, that’s Anne’s house in the background, she tells me “The Bull is the one with
the horns, nearest the front window”. Now although I am very much a “townie” I do come
from farming stock and I know you can’t tell it’s a bull by whether it’s just got horns. It’s got
to have other things as well, but obviously you can’t see that in this picture!!!
Pat Weston also sent a picture from her garden.
She said “After you wrote about enjoying the scent of
plants so much, I thought of you when I took a photo of
what I used to call a yellow azalea in the garden – as it
has a lovely scent especially in the evenings.”
The photo she sent was titled Rhododendron
luteum and when I googled it I discovered that its
common name is yellow azalea. Looking at the picture I
could imagine its lovely fragrance.
However, I am a bit confused, it’s an azalea but it’s called Rhododendron luteum. So what
is the difference between a rhododendron and an azalea?
I’m sure the real gardeners amongst us will already know, but if you’re like me, here are a
few general pointers.
Rhododendrons and Azaleas are both from the Rhododendron family. Rhododendron is a
genus (group) of plants with common characteristics, whilst azaleas are a sub-group within
this genus, rather than being a genus of their own. Hence the name. All azaleas are
rhododendrons but not all rhododendrons are azaleas. In general, Rhododendrons are
evergreen, Azaleas are deciduous.
Azaleas are small to medium sized shrubs with many, smaller stems whilst rhododendrons
tend to be larger plants with fewer stout stems.
Rhododendrons produce large, bell-shaped flowers in clusters whilst azaleas blooms are
smaller and either tubular or funnel-shaped. If you're very keen on detail you'll also notice
rhododendrons have 10 stamens whilst azaleas only have 5.
As a child, I was very seldom in a car as my family didn’t own
one, but sometimes, on a Sunday, my aunt would take us “out
for a run” in her car, Doris the Morris. At this time of year, we
would go to Bargany “to see the azaleas”.
Not the most exciting outing for me, but at least it was only
once a year! Why so seldom? Because once the azaleas were
past there were more interesting places the adults wanted to
go. I probably haven’t been to Bargany since then but I see
that it is still open, but only during May! What do you think of
our chances of going to see the azaleas this year? Well, in case
we don’t, here’s what it looks like these days.
Denis Rattenbury is a regular contributor to Betty’s daily chat - here are some excerpts from his articles
The social media has been flooded with amusing home-made
vignettes relating to "lock-down". My favourite (you might well
have seen it) begins with a young lady spending lots of time
"doing herself up". Sitting at her dressing table she carefully does
her makeup, then meticulously puts on her smartest clothes. We
think: "she's going somewhere!" The immaculate young lady then
moves to the front door to leave the house. She calls, "I'm just
going out!" and we see her push the wheelie bin a few feet to the
pavement and turn back to the house.
This is about changing perspective. Filippo Brunelleschi knew all
about that in the early 1400s during the Italian Renaissance. He
devised linear perspective, a system which creates the illusion of space and distance on a
flat surface. Art changed for ever, and an artist's canvas became an "open window".
In 1790, 27-year-old Frenchman, Xavier de Maistre, went on a journey around his bedroom!
He later wrote "A Journey around My Room", which is now a classic. Pleased by how this
went, he undertook a second journey. This time, he travelled by night and ventured out as
far as the window ledge, later entitling his account "A Nocturnal Expedition around My
Room".
I have been undertaking my own expeditions to the farthest reaches of the garden. We've had
lots of dry weather, but when the rain comes, I intend to journey around my rooms, hopefully
with the same sense of excitement and expectation that de Maistre had! As a keen
camper-vanner I sometimes look wistfully at the silent, stationary vehicle sitting on the drive. I
imagine the great places we have visited together. Then I jump on board. There's none of the
"joys of the open road", but a little of the pleasure of camper-vanning can be enjoyed again.
OOOOOO People locked in rooms can have brilliant ideas! In a political storm as the Roman Empire
crumbled the innocent Anicius Boethius found himself under house arrest awaiting execution.
Locked in his room with no hope, he pondered great mysteries such as time and free will. He
wrote "The Consolation of Philosophy", to this day a milestone in the development of human
thought.
In 1619 a soldier, journeying between duties, was trapped by harsh weather. He had to spend
the winter in a tiny room with a stove. There, he thought deeply about human knowledge. He
could be sure of only one thing: "I think, therefore I exist!” It was, of course, Rene Descartes!
Isaac Newton, a student at Cambridge in 1665, was sent home when the "Great Plague" hit
and the university was shut down. In social isolation he made wonderful scientific discoveries.
Last year I visited his house (an NT property in Lincolnshire) and stood in his bedroom. The
sun's rays shone through the very window used by Newton to study light. I got the guide to
hold a prism and paper to see the rays split into the colours of the rainbow, just as the great
man had, and took a photo. Light streams in from a south-facing window and when the light
beam goes through a prism it separates out into its component colours, the rainbow, which
shine onto the paper. This was the discovery that white light is made up of all those colours
combined. Social isolation had contributed to science and philosophy!
Twa months ago, we didna ken, yer name or ocht aboot ye But lots of things have changed since then, I really must salute ye Yer spreading rate is quite intense, yer feeding like a gannet Disruption caused, is so immense, ye’ve shaken oor wee planet. Corona used tae be a beer, they garnished it wae limes But noo it’s filled us awe wae fear These days, are scary times. Nae shakin hawns, or peckin lips, it’s whit they awe advise But scrub them weel, richt tae the tips, that’s how we’ll awe survive Just stay inside , the hoose, ye bide Nae sneakin oot for strolls Just check the lavvy every hoor And stock-take, your loo rolls
Pit oan yer thermals, have a laugh And paddle ‘ doon the waater ‘ Canary isles, no for a while Nae need for suntan cream And awe because o this wee bug We ken tae be..19 The boredom surely will set in, But have a read, or doodle Or plan yer menu for the month Wi 95 pot noodles. When these run oot, just look about A change, it would be nice We’ve beans and pasta By the ton and twenty stane o rice. So dinny think yell wipe us oot Aye true, a few have died Bubonic, bird flu, and Tb They came, they left, they tried Ye might be gallus noo ma freen As ye jump fae cup tae cup But when we get oor vaccine Yer number will be up.
Answers to Quiz 1. Us currency Dollar 2. Mother and baby are fine Bothwell 3. Chef on the cheap Penicuik 4. Going away Leven 5. Shoot spouse but not in the east West Kilbride 6. For light, light it Wick 7. Mick Jagger finds rest here Stonehouse 8. Doctor, I presume Livingston 9. Harold did this at Hastings Fort William
10. Cranium stuck in rabbit hole Edinburgh
When we think back to the many day-excursions we shared around
Scotland, it surprised us to find a grand total of 64 -taking in so
many sights -north, south, east and west!! It certainly brings back so
many 'smiley memories' of our jaunts within our scenic — and
diverse country.
Later, our travels took us a bit further - into England, with a train to
London - then private coach and boat — which cruised down the
Thames. (Will we ever forget taking lunch out on the balcony of the
Parliament building — facing the mighty river! - and ending our
evening with a theatre showing of - "The Lion King"! !) A more
recent visit took us to the scenic Lake District, a real gem of
"nature's pleasures".
In 2003, we ventured into Europe - what memories we brought
back!! - 8 countries, in total! -with such a variety of scenic
treasures to relish, we managed to accumulate 31 excursions -
each with it's own special 'something' to enchant us!
However, on reminiscing those treasured visits, by far the most
memorable we recall has to be the many 'smiley faces' we both
encountered, as we returned back home. We could - and would -
never have achieved those experiences without our treasured band
of 0.1.R. fellow-members! To all who ventured with us-- our heartfelt
thanks!!
Our sincere gratitude to you - our treasured friends!!
Ann and Andrew Monaghan.