Skye U3A news

Issue #09 – June 2014 web: u3asites.org.uk/code/u3asite.php?site=325&page=0

Message from the (arm)chair Interest groups – the future? Contact details

Hello everyone The National U3A carried out a survey in 2013 on Chair Well summer is officially here and for once we have Interest Groups and some of the findings have been Joy Davies the weather to go with it. put up on the website for members to see. ✆ 01470 511727; 8 [email protected] I am carefully watching the weather forecast just now A few of the statsistics are quite interesting. For – especially for Tuesday 24 June when members of example, there are in excess of 36,000 U3A interest Vice Chair groups up and down the country and, on average, Skye U3A visit St Kilda. Tony Livesey individual U3As run groups in 30 different subjects. For me this will be, without a shadow of doubt, the This equates to the U3A running almost 1,500,000 ✆ 01470 511207; most expensive day out of my life. In spite of the cost, hours worth of interest groups every year, which is 8 [email protected] I couldn’t resist the chance to visit this iconic island. equivalent to over 162 years every year! I said St Kilda, but, as most of you will know there is Secretary no island actually called St Kilda, the island we will visit U3A Interest Groups – most popular subjects Jo-Ann Cherry ✆ is Hirta. 4 hours to get there – bobbing on the ocean Art & music (12%) 01470 542777 in a small vessel, 4 hours on the island and 4 hours to Walking (22%) 8 [email protected] get back to Uig again. Add to that 1½ – 2 hours each way for some of us to get to Uig and it will be a pretty Cards & games (7%) Treasurer long day!! Sport (6%) Chad Killington ✆ 01470 582384 Amazingly, there is evidence that humans inhabitated Gardening (8%) 8 [email protected] Hirta up to 4 or 5,000 years ago. If we feel a bit Science (4%) anxious about our 4 hour boat trip, imagine what sort Membership Secretaries of voyage those people had to get there? Did they Going out (15%) Barbara Macdonald know it existed or did they arrive by accident? Literature (6%) ✆ 01470 521576 Today, the only human inhabitants are those working 8 [email protected] Languages (3%) History (17%) for the National Trust or MoD, but the bird population Peggy Hunter is huge – over a million seabirds. Some of the more unusual groups include: Ancient ✆ 01470 521324 I am looking forward to telling you all about it on wisdom, Arabic, Blacksmithing, Botanical illustration, 8 [email protected] Friday 27 June in Broadford! Bus restoration, Dolls houses and minatures, Drudism, Encaustic art, Exploring the unexplained, Old Icelandic Group Co-ordinators literature, Quilling, Raspberry Pi, Russian/Skittles, Pola and Tony Livesey Annual subscriptions Silverwork, Take one day, Tall stories and cake bake, ✆ 01470 511207 Unsolved murder cases, Well dressing. 8 [email protected] Not all these would appeal to Skye U3A members, but The U3A has been some might and we could all add a few to the list! in existence for over three Interest groups fall into two main types: years. It was originally based around the island’s capital, • those where all the members are interested in a , but has extended itself topic, are of a similar experience-level, and meet to to include Broadford. These explore and learn more about it; and two centres are separated by • those where one or two members have a skill which 26 miles and many members they seek to pass onto the others in the group. are scattered in remote Both types need careful organisation to run efficiently locations around the island. – agree topics and research; arrange meetings dates, This presents special challenges times and venues; and keeping members informed. but the Isle of Skye itself is a Skye U3A has several groups (eg Nature, Geology, major compensation, offering The annual subscription for U3A Skye runs from Walking etc). Are there other interests that members rich sources of interest in areas April to April and is £15.00. (Those who wish, might be interested in running or joining? Suggestions such as archeology, geology, can also pay an addition £2.10 to receive the that have been made include a film/cinema group nature, and walking. Given the population of Skye we national magazines.) (watching personal recommendations of films and maybe discussing them afterwards), a travel group will never approach the size We are now almost in July and some members (presentations and discussions on holidays members of city U3As but we are very have forgotten to renew their subscription. have been on that might be of interest to others), bus much hoping to grow and Please check whether you have paid and if not, pass group (where members go off together to places new members are extremely we hope you will pay at the next meeting or for the day using their free bus passes). welcome. send a cheque. Skye suffers from some local difficulties which might Skye U3A news is published inhibit an interest group. One is that for some topics irregularly. Copy date for the Send your cheque to Barbara Macdonald next issue is 10 July 2014. (2 Claigan, , Isle of Skye IV55 8WF). there are already groups in existence on the island (for example, Skye Quilters, Ranger walks etc). Another Send material for inclusion to If you have a query (ie, you can't remember difficulty is travel distances – members may be Ian Burn [8 [email protected]]. if you have paid or not!), please contact unwilling to travel from one end of the island to the Barbara (✆ 01470 521576; 8 barbaraclaigan@ other for an interest group meeting. googlemail.com) or Peggy Hunter (✆ 01470 We look forward to any ideas, suggestions and offers 521324; 8 [email protected]). of help! Isle of Skye U3A 2014 programme Friday 30 May 2014 meeting

July 2014 Quilting by Jenny Lewis Barbeque Date and venue to be confirmed. August 2014 No meeting Friday 26 September 2014* 4th Birthday Bash – a special visit from Graham Clark (U3A Trustee for ) Friday 31 October 2014 RSPB Dr Alison MacLennan Broadford Village Hall, Broadford IV49 9AQ. Friday 28 November 2014 * Crofting: Braes in the 1890s and current legislation Ian George Macdonald Friday 27 June 2014 Shinty clubhouse, Pairc Nan Using your local archive: an Laoch, Struan Road, Portree IV51 9EG. introduction to the Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre December 2014 Anne MacLeod Christmas lunch Broadford Village Hall, Broadford Date and venue to be IV49 9AQ. confirmed.

* Note changes to the programme (including a correction to the November date). Ian George Macdonald's talk has moved to November, but still needs to be confirmed. We meet at 2:00 pm on the last Friday of every month, with the venue alternating between the Portree Shinty clubhouse and the Broadford village hall. On each occasion there is a guest speaker, but now and again we hold internal events – as quizzes, group presentations, etc. Tea, coffee, and biscuits are always available.

Friday 27 June 2014 meeting

Using your local archive: an introduction to the Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre by Anne MacLeod May’s speaker, Jenny Lewis, June's speaker gave us a very interesting is Anne presentation on the history of MacLeod, Skye quilting, using examples of her and Lochalsh own work to illustrate it. Area Archavist, She gave a big plug for the who will be Skye Quilters's exhibition giving a general which will be held at introduction to St Columba’s Church in Portree the Skye and between 13-15 August. Lochalsh Archive Members of the group will Centre with an exhibit their work; they will accompanying also hold a raffle, sell items powerpoint and provide home made cakes, slideshow. tea and coffee.

Isle of Skye U3A newsletter; issue #9 | June 2014 Walking roup – to Neist Point (Wednesday 11 June 2014)

The waking group had an excellent time earlier in the month, walking along the cliffs between Milovaig harbour and Neist Point. The weather was overcast, but it didn't rain and the views out to the islands were wonderful. We saw various birds and plants (and a shoal of dolphins), so everyone was happy.

Milovaig to Neist Point Distance 8 km. Hills Yes, an up and down walk all the way. Bog Factor 2/3 (5 being the worst). Terrain Beach /track/rock paths/moorland Bog Factor 2/3 - good boots required. Difficulty Moderate/strenuous. Grid Reference NG132478

Tick awareness campaign

A Highlands group, led by a local GP, Dr Douglas says: “Ticks in Scotland can be is calling for greater awareness of ticks a menace and they do have the potential and Lyme disease. Lochaber doctor to make human hosts ill because some James Douglas believes more can be carry Lyme disease. done to inform outdoors fans and It’s the Ixodes ricinus tick that is of concern workers of the potential danger of because this is the arachnid that carries Scotland’s ticks. the bacterial infection Lyme borreliosis Lochaber Tick Talks is a campaign (Lyme disease). that hopes to educate more people During the life cycle of this tick it requires about how to enjoy Scotland’s great a blood host to feast on, including large outdoors without becoming ill. (www. mammals such as sheep, cattle, dogs, scotoutdoors.com/features/highlands- deer, horse – and humans." gp-ups-tick-awareness-campaign).

issue #9 – June 2014 | Isle of Skye U3A newsletter U3A Skye interest groups’ programme Forthcoming news and events

As you may know, U3A National Office is approached by various Geology group 23 July 2014 organisations to hold special events of interest to U3A members. The Geology Group normally Isle of Oronsay. Below are some examples. Unfortunately, most of them are makes a monthly field trip on rather a long way away, but a few may be attractive to Skye U3A Skye. We try to read up on an 15 August 2014 members venturing south. Visit the Events page in the Members' area before and after our trip Neist Point – sea birds, whale, as some of us are complete sharks, n’stuff. Area of the U3A website for further events and full details. beginners. As well as broadening our knowledge of geology in a 23 August 2014 Shakespeare's Globe practical ‘eyes-on’ manner, the Ardtrek – sea mammals, otters. The Elizabethan Experience; £19.00 per person. outings are also great fun and always involve a mini-picnic. 15 September 2014 2014-15 dates and booking form for U3A groups available on the Leitir – Fura. U3A National website. Tuesday 8 July 2014 23 September 2014 Trip to Eigg. Ironbrisge, Shropshire Greshornish Point – sea Two-day study break, 8-9 October 2014; £70.00 per person. Tuesday 5 August 2014 mammals, birds, plants. . These dates are provisional Explore Britain's industrial heritage; a repeat of the popular April and subject to change nearer 2014 event. Tuesday 2 September 2014 the time. All changes will be Trip to Harris. announced by e-mail. Elgar, Worcester Tuesday 7 October 2014 The March U3A nature blog for is Exploring Elgar Study Day now available at http://u3a-skye- 15 October 2014; £17.00 Lealt. nature.blogspot.co.uk per person. Tuesday 4 November 2014 Group co-ordinator This is now an annual U3A . John Kennedy event. December… ✆ 01470 532765 Christmas do. Walking group If the weather is bad on any of these days we will meet at There will be a walk in July – Aros at 11.00 am to discuss the Linda and David will send out an geology of the planned event. email once it has been decided where it will be. Cheltenham Literary Festival Remember to visit the geology blog http://u3askyegeology. Group co-ordinators 3-12 October 2014; special discount for U3A members. blogspot.co.uk/. David Hammond Details available early July. Group co-ordinator 8 [email protected] Royal Opera House, Thurrock Jo-Ann Cherry Linda Shove Inspiration Day, 8 October 2014; £18.00 per person. ✆ 01470 542777 8 [email protected] Hands-on workshops finding out how opera and ballet Nature group productions are put together. The Nature Group has a field trip Details available early July. each month to see what the Isle of Skye has to offer in the realm West End Sing Out! of nature. 22 October 2014 23 June 2014 Playhouse Theatre, London WC1 Camas Malag (near ) – Want to sing with West End professionals and receive a CD of the limestone-dwelling flowers. U3A choir following the learning experience? 8 July 2014 Details available early July. Eigg (10.15 ferry from Mallaig) – joint outing with geology group. Do let U3A National Office know if there is there an organization in your region/country you consider may be willing to provide an educational event exclusively for U3A members?

U3A Summer Schools 2014 More information these residential courses is available in the members’ area of U3A website (http://www.u3a.org.uk/members-area/events-and- competitions/summer-schools-2014.html?view=docman) Courses at Harper Adams University, Newport 14 – 17 July Ancient Civilisations of the Americas; Canal History; Cinema History; Creative Writing; Current Affairs; Drama through the ages; A France d’aujourd’hui; Latin – a Toe in the Tiber; Philosophy; Recorder Ensemble. Courses at Royal Agricultural University Cirencester 18 to 21 August Arts & Architecture – the House Beautiful; Digital Photography; Drama: Power and Cruelty; Gardening: How does your garden grow?; Literature Looking northwards over Loch Portree to the Old Man of Storr. – women’s voices of World War 2; Music – making friends with the great The Nature Group visited Camas Ban on Loch Portree to look for composers; Poetry – the transforming language of Poetry; Science: light 'Birds of Prey' on 23 March 2014. and Sound in Nature; Singing for Pleasure.

Isle of Skye U3A newsletter; issue #9 | June 2014