skye u3a news - u3asites.org.uk · struan road which opened in september 2013. friday 30 january...
TRANSCRIPT
Contact details
ChairTony Livesey✆ 01470 511207; 8 [email protected]
Vice ChairVacancy
SecretaryJo-Ann Cherry✆ 01470 5427778 [email protected]
TreasurerChad Killington ✆ 01470 5823848 [email protected]
Membership SecretariesBarbara Macdonald✆ 01470 5215768 [email protected]
Peggy Hunter✆ 01470 5213248 [email protected]
Group Co-ordinatorsPola and Tony Livesey✆ 01470 5112078 [email protected]
The Isle of Skye U3A has been in existence for over four years. It was originally based around the island’s capital, Portree, but has extended itself to include Broadford. These two centres are separated by 26 miles and many members are scattered in remote locations around the island. This presents special challenges but the Isle of Skye itself is a major compensation, offering rich sources of interest in areas such as archaeology, geology, nature, and walking. Given the population of Skye we will never approach the size of city U3As but we are very much hoping to grow and new members are extremely welcome.
Skye U3A news is published irregularly. Copy date for the next issue is 10 June 2015. Send material for inclusion to Ian Burn [8 [email protected]].
Message from the (arm)chair
Having occupied the Vice Chairman role for the past four and a half years, it was inevitable that the fun would have to end and I would have to do some real work – that time has now arrived.
Our AGM in March saw Judy Atherton agreeing to take on the Secretary roll from Jo-Ann Cherry (the change-over to take place a little later this year), and I succeeded Joy Davies as Chairman.
I think all our members will want to join me in offering a huge vote of thanks to Joy for all her work in setting up the Skye U3A, and steering it so professionally on our behalf. She could now put her feet up, but thankfully she has agreed to carry on in a general role on the committee.
I would also like to thank all our group leaders/coordinators, and the Speakers Group for their sterling work, without which we would be in deep trouble.
Moving on to a subject close to my heart, I think we must concentrate on ways to increase our membership numbers. Whilst geography will always mean we are a small U3A, with more members we could offer so much more. More interest groups would mean we could cover a greater range of subjects than we do at present. So let us don thinking caps and come up with innovative ways to broaden our appeal, and attract more members.
Finally there are moves afoot to develop a Highland and Islands Network, putting groups and their leaders in touch with each other, to share activities and knowledge …more on this later.
Hoping to see many of you at the monthly meetings, and in the interest groups, wishing you a happy Spring if it ever arrives…
Tony Livesey
Two come along at once
As the old saying goes, you wait ages for a bus and then two come along at once. Well the same thing might be said about publications on Portree, two of which were published in March.
First, there is 'Portree: Origins and Early History' by Ella Liley, published by The Island Book Trust which also publishes Skye U3A member, Liz MacRae Shaw's book L'ove and Music will Endure' (see page 2).
In the book, Ella asks the questions: who decided to build Portree, when, why and who were the first villagers? And why was it called Portree anyway? She then proceeds to answer her questions, tracing the development of the town from the first suggestion of a few houses to a village with churches, schools, banks … and the jail.
The second bus, sorry publication, is Portree History Society's leaflet 'A historic walk around Portree' which is available from the Tourist Information Office. As well as outlining the history of Portree, the guide includes a map and information on notable streets and buildings.
Together, the two publications offer a welcome addition to our knowledge of the history and development of Portree.
Aurora and solar eclipse
The skies over Skye have been very active recently. Here are two photos, one of the aurora and the other of the solar eclipse. We had aurora all around us one evening and this one was taken almost overhead at our house; the solar eclipse was glimpsed through clouds from a window.
Bruce Killington
Skye U3A newsIssue #16 – May 2015 web: u3asites.org.uk/code/u3asite.php?site=325&page=0
Isle of Skye U3A 2014-25 programme
Friday 29 MayUniversity of the Highlands and IslandsMaggie Macdonald, Manager, Portree College Shinty clubhouse, Pairc Nan Laoch, Struan Road, Portree IV51 9EG
Friday 26 JuneSkye and Lochalsh Council for Voluntary ServicesMeg GillesBreakish Hall, Breakish.
Friday 31 JulySummer barbequeDate and venue to be confirmed.
Friday 29 May 2015 meetingUniversity of the Highlands and Islands by Maggie Macdonald, Manager, Portree College
Our speaker this month is Maggie MacDonald.
Manager of Portree College, part of the West Highland College, University of the
Highlands and Islands, Maggie will be talking about what the college has to offer for both full-time, part-time and leisure classes.
Maggie has worked at the college for 12 years and watched it grow over the years to its brand new extended and refurbished centre on Struan Road which opened in September 2013.
Friday 30 January 2015 meetingLove and Music will Endure by Liz MacRae Shaw
Our January speaker, U3A member Liz MacRae Shaw spoke about Màiri Mhòr nan Orain and her recently published novel based on her life, Love and Music will Endure.
Highlighted with readings from her book, Liz outlined the fascinating story of the Skye poet and political campaigner, who was born into a crofting family in North Skye.
Her powerful voice was only unleashed in middle age after she was falsely accused of theft and imprisoned. She poured her rage and despair into songs about the plight of her fellow Highlanders who were being driven from their homes. Through force of character she overcame the barriers of background, class and gender to become their champion and inspiration.
Our talk was made even more interesting when a member of the audience offered to sing unaccompanied one of Marie's song. A wonderful addition to a very interesting talk.
Isle of Skye U3A2015 programme
Contact [email protected]
ChairJoy Davies ✆ 01470 511727; 8 [email protected]
Vice ChairTony Livesey✆ 01470 511207; 8 [email protected]
SecretaryJo-Ann Cherry✆ 01470 542777; 8 [email protected]
TreasurerChad Killington
✆ 01470 582384; 8 [email protected]
Membership SecretariesBarbara Macdonald✆ 01470 521576; 8 [email protected]
Peggy Hunter✆ 01470 521324; 8 [email protected]
Group Co-ordinatorsPola and Tony Livesey
✆ 01470 511207; 8 [email protected]
U3A stands for the University of the Third Age, which is a self-help organisation for people no longer in full time employment providing educational, creative and leisure opportunities in a friendly environment. It consists of local U3As all over the UK, which are charities in their own right and are run entirely by volunteers. Local U3As are learning cooperatives which draw upon the knowledge, experience and skills of their own members to organise and provide interest groups in accordance with the wishes of the membership. The teachers learn and the learners teach. Between them U3As offer the chance to study over 300 different subjects in such fields as art, languages, music, history, life sciences, philosophy, computing, crafts, photography and walking.
The U3A approach to learning is – learning for pleasure. There is no accreditation or validation and there are no assessments or qualifications to be gained.
The U3A movement is supported by its national organisation, the Third Age Trust.
The Isle of Skye U3A was founded in September 2010 and originally operated in the northern part of the island, with meetings taking place in the ‘capital city of Skye’, Portree. It was subsequently extended to the southern part of the island, with meetings being held in the ‘second city’, Broadford. These two centres are separated by 26 miles and many members are scattered in remote locations around the island. This presents special challenges but the Isle of Skye itself is a major compensation, offering rich sources of interest in areas such as archeology, geology, nature, and walking. Given the population of Skye we will never approach the size of metropolitan U3As but we are very much hoping to grow and new members are extremely welcome.
We meet at 2.00 pm on the last Friday of every month, with the venue alternating between Portree Shinty clubhouse and Breakish Hall. At most meetings there is a guest speaker, but now and again we hold internal events such as quizzes, group presentations, etc.
Tea, coffee, and biscuits are available at all meetings.
A ‘Place’ in politics
As a footnote to the recent General Election, U3A member Ophir offers us a poem that might raise a smile were it not so accurate.
If you can credibly fake ‘Sincerity’,
Your future is assured;If you can listen to
‘The question’,Without showing that you’re
bored;If you can respond with some
assurance,Yet leave ‘The question’,
effectively ignored;Whilst passing to much safer
ground,Without showing you are
‘floored’;Yet leaving the questionerBelieving that you, ‘Care’.Then there’s a ‘Safe Seat’
for you;It is out there somewhereAnd, with practice, it will comeYou only have to find itAnd you already have the
knackThat’ll help you ‘blind it’.
Ophir Catling
Isle of Skye U3A newsletter; issue #16 | May 2015
Isle of Skye U3A interest groups
U3A Skye interest groups
Geology groupThe group normally makes a monthly field trip on Skye. We try to read up on an area before and after our trip as some of us are complete beginners. As well as broadening our knowledge of geology in a practical ‘eyes-on’ manner, the outings are also great fun and always involve a mini-picnic.
Tuesday 2 JuneLewisian Gneiss and the Moine Thrust on the Sleat Peninsula.
Rainy day topic: 'The Special Geology of the Sleat Peninsula' – individual contributions.
Remember to visit the geology blog http://u3askyegeology.blogspot.co.uk/.
Group co-ordinatorJo-Ann Cherry
✆ 01470 542777
Nature groupThe group has a field trip each month to see what Skye has to offer in the realm of nature. Although each event focuses on a particular area of flora and fauna, we keep an eye out for anything, from lichen to raptors, from flowers to sea mammals.
Wednesday 27 MayLeitir Fura, hopefully accompanied by a local bird expert.
Wednesday 10 JuneRubha Hunish – nesting birds.
Wednesday 24 JuneTorrin – the big flower happening.
Wednesday 15 JulyWaterstein Head – sea eagles, golden eagles, and basking sharks (not).
Wednesday 29 JulyBoat trip from Carbost to MacLeod's Maidens, the Ascrib Islands; who knows? Cetaceans and sea birds. To be organized by David.
Wednesday 12 AugustDuirinish, between Kyle of Loch Alsh and Plockton.
Wednesday 26 AugustTalisker Bay, north shore - golden eagles.
Wednesday 9 SeptemberArmadale, Sleat. Great place for mushrooms according to Bruce.
Wednesday 23 SeptemberFairy Glen – sheep and fairies.
The current U3A nature blog is available at http://u3a-skye-nature.blogspot.co.uk
Group co-ordinatorJohn Kennedy
✆ 01470 532765
Walking groupThe purpose of the meeting is to discuss the winter walks programme and re-check members needs and preferences; in particular types and lengths of walks, when walks are planned (either variable, as at the moment, or revert to fixed days each month). Please come with your suggestions or email them if you can't make it.
Wednesday 20 MayRaasay.
Wednesday 17 JuneGlen Brittle Forest.
Wednesday 22 JulyQuiraing-to-Flodigarry and possibly the Cave of Gold as well.
Wednesday 19 AugustMacLeod's Maidens.
Wednesday 16 SeptemberGlen Brittle beach to Rubh an Dunain.
Wednesday 21 OctoberDalaville, Sleat.
Group co-ordinatorsDavid Hammond
Linda Shove
Walking Group – Corrie Lagan (July 2014)
Just to get all those walkers amongst us into the mood, we highlight a selection of photographs from last July's walk up to Corrie Lagan. Days like this are to be savoured and remembered – clear blue skies, warm sunshine and wonderful views of the Cullins and the outer islands.
Coire Lagan is one of the most impressive corries in the Cuillin, a tiny loch ringed by gigantic rock peaks – an unforgettable place to visit. The walk up to it has the benefit of a good path. initially, becoming rougher with some minor scrambling higher up.
Isle of Skye U3A newsletter; issue #16 | May 2015
National U3A news and events
Summer School 2015
Notice is hereby given that the 32nd Annual General Meeting of the Third Age Trust will be held at The East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham on Thursday 27 August 2015, commencing at 11.15 am (time to be confirmed at a later date). Details of the agenda will be circulated to all U3As by the end of May.
Submission of Proposed Resolutions for the 2015 Annual General Meeting
• U3Asarerequestedtosubmitproposedresolutions with supporting statements to the Company Secretary at the above address by 30th April 2015. They can only be accepted if they are proposed by one U3A and seconded by another.
• TheNationalExecutiveCommitteeisrequired to determine the business of the Annual General Meeting. This implies that where there are similarities or duplications of proposed resolutions, an amalgamated resolution may be arranged after due consultation with the appropriate U3As.
• Alistoftheproposedresolutionsreceivedfor the AGM will be circulated to all U3As by the end of May.
• Anyamendmentstoproposedresolutionswill be required by the end of June 2015. As with resolutions, amendments must be proposed and seconded by U3As. The list of amendments to the proposed resolutions will be sent to all U3As as soon as possible after the end of June. The National Executive Committee has the responsibility to examine the amendments, reject any that introduce new matter to or are a direct negation of the original resolution and to arrange amalgamations where appropriate, in consultation with the originating U3As.
• Theproposerandseconderofaproposedresolution or an amendment must be prepared to be present at the Annual General Meeting and to speak in support, otherwise it will be withdrawn.
Election of Officers and Members of the National Executive Committee
• Thenominationformswillbesenttoyouwith the agenda by the end of May.
• NominationsforOfficersandMembersofthe National Executive Committee will be required by the end of June.
• Allcandidatesmustbeeithernominatedorseconded by their own U3A.Officers
U3A Scotland AGM
This year's Annual General Meeting will be held on Friday 26 June in Curran Hall, Oban. The AGM will be preceded by a technology themed talk and workshops. The day starts at with registration at 10:30 and lunch will be provided.
U3A Scotland AGM agenda
Members are reminded that each U3A is allowed only one voting member at the AGM but others may attend as observers.
1 Welcome2 Apologies3 Minutes of the 2014 AGM4 Matters arising from the minutes5 Reports5.1 Chair – Tom Berney, East Kilbride, U3A5.2 Scottish Regional TAT Trustee – Graham
Clark, Inverness, U3A5.3 Treasurer’s Report – Lizi Irvine, Four Border
Abbeys U3A6 Constitution (a modified constitution will
be presented for consideration by the members)
7 Motions: (if any)8 Appointment of officers8.1 Chair8.2 Vice Chair8.3 Secretary8.4 Treasurer9 Any Other relevant business
Technology themed talk and workshops
Talk: RITA (Responsive InTeractive Advocate)
Finding a cost-effective means of supporting an aging population to live freely and independently is a challenge. The development of Responsive InTeractive Advocate (RITA) could revolutionise how an individual’s personal, social, emotional and intellectual needs are understood and met, enabling and prolonging their ability to live as independently as possible. (An extract from their website)
There will also be workshops on:
• U3A Websites Their use, management and benefits
• U3A Publicity How you can use this to communicate with your members and make others in your locality aware of the benefit of their U3A
• Virtual U3A While not a new concept this workshop will bring you up-to-date with the latest facilities.
• PossibleworkshopordiscussiononMOOCs(Massive Open On-line Courses) to be confirmed
The workshops are an opportunity to exchange experience and expertise amongst members.
John Alexander, Secretary U3A in Scotland; email [email protected]
Isle of Skye U3A newsletter; issue #16 | May 2015
Events
Gilbert & Sullivan Festival
Date 12 or 13 August 2015.Time 11am onwards.
Tickets £30 – booking is direct with the theatre
for this event.
Location Harrogate Theatre.
U3A Scotland & RZSS Study Day
Date 4 June 2015.
Time 10.00-16.00.
Tickets £25.
Location Highland Wildlife Park, Kingussie.
Contact Linda Clark (01463 870889}.
The theme is 'Conserving Predators and their Prey'. There will be particular emphasis on the Amur tigers and leopards, Pallas's cats and Scottish wildcats which are among the endangered species living at the Park.
Sing-a-long and concert performancePirates of Penzance
Join our special U3A chorus of pirates, policemenand major-General Stanley’s Daughters
Wednesday August 12th
The sheer joy of discovering...
Our International G&S Conductor will lead rehearsals(music provided) 11 am - 1 pm and 2 - 5 pm
prior to our celebrity led performance that eveningin the magnificent 500 seat Harrogate Theatre
.Day tickets £30.00 including cD of the performance,a sandwich lunch and ticket to the Festival club and,
of course, participation in the live concert at night.Supporter tickets to watch the evening performance £12.50
Overnight accommodation is available if required from the Festival Office - 01422 32 32 52. Single rooms with breakfast from £75;
double room with breakfast from £60 per person.BOOKINGS ARE OpEN UNTIl ApRIl 30th wITH FUll
pAYmENT DUE BY THE END OF mAY 2015