Turriff and District U3A Newsletter September 2017

We are all shocked at the sudden pass- ing of Andy Markou - pictured here on the left at the Carsaig Arches in Mull in April 2016 where he enjoyed a few days with the geology group.

Andy was a gentleman who was always willing to help his fellow geologists within the group get to grips with things geological, explaining them in such a fashion that even the least knowledgeable of the group could understand. Nothing was too much trouble.

He also led the Spanish group where once again he was held in high esteem. Be- low you can read what one member of the group has written about him.

The Spanish Group for the Turriff U3A have had a really interesting year, mostly with the help of the late Andy Markou. He generously took the lead, and in what I would like to think as in classic U3A tradition he was a learner who encouraged the rest of the eight strong group to learn with him. All the lessons found the group enjoying the process of tackling the language, and I promise there was as much laughing as parsing of sentences. We will miss him, but in memory of a proper gentleman we intend to take his guide and continue to learn. Facebook

Turriff and District U3A now have their own Facebook page where Events can be advertised and photos and information can be shared. Currently we have had 51 likes and 52 people are following our page so many people are aware of what we`re up to. If you are on Facebook please like our page and if you have already liked it then don`t forget to invite your friends to like it as well. Also don`t forget to share any- thing posted on the page. It might just prompt others to try and find out more about us or even to join us. Just copy the link below and paste it in your browser.

https://www.facebook.com/Turriff-and-District-U3A-1904018773176377 Group News Archaeology Appreciation - The Archaeology Appreciation group held its first meet- ing in Turriff Library in April and decided to make as many “field trips”, visiting as many ancient sites as possible during the better weather. We are only a small group so far, but very enthusiastic. We are all interested in archaeology but reluctantly feel that age and occasional infirmity will not actually allow us to volunteer to excavate!

Our first trip was to Easter Aquorthies stone circle near Inverurie. It is a fine example of the recumbent stone circles that are unique to NE Scotland and has stood on the shoulders of Bennachie for some 4000 years. We paired this with a visit to the Brandsbutt stone, a carved Pictish stone now in the middle of a modern housing estate in Inverurie. (see photo - left).

This class 1 stone is carved with a crescent and V-rod above a serpent and Z-rod symbols. It also has some Ogham script on the side. Long ago it was broken up with explosives and the bits were built into a dyke. But it was later rescued and repaired.

In June we went to Strichen stone circle. This was pulled down in 1830 by a reforming tenant farmer and then re- built on the insistence of his landlord – but in the wrong place! It was removed again in the 1960s and then, after excavations at the site, the stones were rebuilt in their original position in 1979. We then went on to Deer Abbey - and got very wet! (Deer Abbey - right)

In July two attempts to go to Loanhead of Daviot were foiled by bad weather but some members of the group went to the open days at Aden Park to watch the archaeologists excavating there and at Deer Abbey.

August saw us at Aikey Brae near Old Deer. This is the most intact recumbent stone circle in Aberdeenshire. But we found some unknown vandals had spray painted the upright flanker stone with vermilion graffiti and lit fires in the centre of the circle. The day ended with a look at the most interesting gravestones in Old Deer Kirkyard.

Our next planned event is at 7.30pm on 30 August at Old Deer church when Derek Jennings will be bringing everyone up to date on the excavations this summer at Aden Park. In Sep- tember we hope to visit the archaeologists led by Dr Gordon Noble at Rhynie and see their latest discoveries.

We usually meet monthly on a Friday and we try to pair something really ancient like a stone circle with something more modern like a carved Pictish stone or an old Kirk or Kirk- yard. New members of the group will be very welcome. Contact: Liz Jones at liz.jones1@tesco.net or on 07765590809.

Backgammon - Members meet on the 2rd Thursday of the month currently either in Turriff or Forglen at the homes of group members. Novices welcome – we would be happy to teach anyone who is interested.

For more information or to join the group please contact Barry Clear on 01888 562028 or email [email protected] Creative Writers - The creative writers have been having a rest over the summer months but before doing so a few group members spent an enjoyable couple of hours at Strichen Park where we let Nature inspire us in our writing.

We are back in full swing now though and are meeting fortnightly at Turriff library on a Tuesday morning and have plans to produce a new anthology of our work Off at a Tangent 3 which should be ready for Christmas! Contact Kathleen Smith on 01261 851752 - [email protected]

Current Affairs - As usual there has been a wide variety of topics discussed by the group. These range from Trump's accession to the Presidency of the USA to the cryogeni- cally freezing of a 14 year old girl with cancer so that if a cure is found it is hoped that she may yet be saved, although many doubts were expressed about the process. The Sharia Law for Muslim women was also discussed as a women in the newspaper had been returned to her abusive husband under Sharia Law. Also the story of a lorry driver killing a mum and her girls while using a mobile phone. Although it's not all serious articles that appear in the pa- pers. One article praised a Gran who lifted 100kg, winning the UK title and another high- lighted 'Mystic Veg', a lady who for tells the future using asparagus! Apparently she appears at the Asparagus Festival in Evesham, England where she get repeat business because her readings are so accurate. New people welcome to join in our discussions-rounded off by a 'cuppa'. Contact Marion Rothwell on 01888 544809 [email protected]

Family History - As a group we meet on the second Tuesday of the month in Turriff library at 10.30am. Over morning refreshments provided by the friendly and helpful library staff, we discuss various points raised by our researches. Since most of us have already traced our direct lines back as far as we are presently able, the obvious next things to look at are the social influences which have impacted on the lives of our ancestors. We are hoping to have some examples of these stories on display for the Open Afternoon and invite you to come and share in them. Contact Wendy Mann on 01261851139 - [email protected]

French Conversation - We are a group of around a dozen Francophiles who enjoy attempting to make conversation in French. This often causes hilarity and a pleasant sense of bonhomie

Isabel has taken to the mountains this summer - some go for the healthy exercise, the art and culture; some go for the food; some even go to speak French. Dulcie loved Paris in the springtime.

We generally choose a topic for our fortnightly session and also share our news from the previous fortnight. We have to confess that the topic of food is a recurring theme. Typically people join this conver- sation croup because they learned French at school but didn`t have much practice in speaking the language, as it was in those days. New people are always welcome.

10am to 12 fortnightly. Gateway Centre, Turriff. (We resume Wed. 6th September, 2017) Contact Sally Tel 01261 851770 [email protected]

Geology Since the last Newsletter the geology group have had three trips out as well as regular monthly get togethers in Celebrations.

We joined up with the walking group in April to investi- gate the Ailnack Gorge near Tomintoul which is the largest glacial melt-water channel in Scotland. We had a lovely day weather-wise and were impressed by the scenery and the gorge. (see photo on the right)

Also in April we went to Quarrel Woods near Elgin where once again we enjoyed beautiful weather as we investigated the quarries in the wood and picnicked overlooking the Laich of Moray which was once covered by Lake Orcadia. (Left - photo showing the Laich of Moray)

In May we had planned to return to the Bin Quarry near Huntly but due to nesting peregrine falcons that had to be called off. We also had to cancel our return trip to Stone- haven in June but we returned to Hopeman in July to further investigate the caves there.

The day began fair and bright but we were all soaked in the late afternoon when the torrential rain brought our outing to an abrupt end. (Picture on the left shows a millstone half cut out of the rock at Hopeman)

In August we visited the Bullers of Buchan where we explored the cliffs and were amazed by the rock formations of the beautiful pink Peterhead granite

Contact Kathleen Smith on 01261 851752 [email protected]

Local History Although the group does not venture so far during the Winter months, we managed to include a trip to Pluscarden Abbey. This is a beautiful place to visit and we listened to the monks singing and marvelled at the huge stained glass windows. In February we visited Buckie's Fishermen's Chapel which, al- though small. was very ornate. (see picture top right)

In March we were shown around Cullen Old Kirk. Dating back to the 13th century it was a perfect meld of old and new with excellent wood and stone carving. We also went to see the Cullen viaduct where the trains used to run along the coast. (left Cullen Old Kirk)

We also started a project to research the coming of the railways to North-East Scotland and what effect this had on the local population. To this end we invited Ian Sanderson of the Aberdeen and Great Northern Railway Association to talk about his personal involvement with the Railway. He had been associated with the railway all his life, having a father, grand-father and uncle, all of whom worked on the railway. He was so interesting and informative. The talk helped us with our research and he said we could speak to him any time we needed more information. We would like to thank Turriff Library for the help they always give us unstintingly,

Contact Marion Rothwell on 01888 544809 - [email protected]

Nature Walks The Nature Walkers have a monthly walk, usually on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. Times and venues vary throughout the year as can the weather but, unless conditions are really bad, we do try to get out and en- joy the natural world around us. So far the walks this session have seen plenty of sunshine and some excellent sightings with Peregrine Falcons at Gight , and an abundance of flowers, mosses and grasses at Strichen and Cullen with even a few butterflies, moths and bees as well. (Above - Oyster plant at Sunnyside beach)

Unfortunately mammals, especially Red Squirrels, have been in short supply but any disappointments are more than compensated for by the refreshments in a local tearoom afterwards - an essential part of any walk although participants are not obliged to joined us. (Above right- Stonechat near Cullen)

We are keeping our fingers crossed for continued good weather and some surprising sightings for the remainder of the 2017 walks. (Above - Feeding time at New Aberdour beach)

Contact Wendy Mann on 01261851139 - [email protected]

Photography - Our informal monthly meetings continue to improve our skills in trying to take the 'perfect' picture. Over the past few months we have ventured into the great out- doors to tackle a variety of subjects from flowers and insects to buildings and landscapes.

Everyone finds these outings very informative, especially the discussions over the almost compulsory cuppa at the end of the trip. Technical advice is shared along with suggestions for improving compositions and, no matter the experience of group members or type of camera used, everyone is encouraged to contribute.

Following a request in the U3A magazine Sources for photographs to be submitted on the subject of Food and Drink for possible publica- tion, two members of our group, Helen Taylor and Stan Cheyne, did this.

Their photographs were extremely well received by the editor and both were congratulated on the high standard achieved. Fingers crossed that we get to see them in print over the coming months. (Above - laid to rest on the Isle of Mull)

At present the group members are working towards a slide show which we hope will be on display at the Open Afternoon later in the year. The photography group meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Come and join us but don't forget your camera.

Contact Wendy Mann on 01261851139 - [email protected]

Spanish - Sadly the group mourn the passing of Andy their group leader who died in Au- gust. However the group will continue to meet. In the meantime please contact Ros Rhodes on 01466 730327

Theatre group - The Theatre Group has not been very active over the summer, but we would hope to organise theatre visits over the coming months. I send out a list of forthcoming productions to the group, and I would be very happy to send this to any interested U3A members.

For further information please contact: Roselyn Corbett [email protected] or tel. 01888 562791

Walking group - During the first months of the year we have managed our monthly walks. In February, we had a walk starting in Cullen and heading for Lintmill. We walked back to Cullen via Crannoch Wood .

Left - Lunchtime at Forvie Above - The group at Cullen February

The March walk took us from near Newburgh to Collieston. It was a lovely sunny day al- though a bit breezy.

Walking continued - We joined up with the geology people to visit the impressive Ailnack Gorge in April. (photo of Ailnack Gorge to the right)

Our longest walk so far came in May when our route took us from Craigallechie to Duffton then on to Aber- lour for our coffee before returning to Craigallechie, returning just as the rain started.

The last walk in June took us through the grounds of Dunecht House and on to the Iron Age hill fort of Barmekin.

Gorse around Dufftown on the left and the top of Barmekin Hill to the right)

For more information contact David Liebnitz on 01888 563772 or [email protected]

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