Edition 26 - February 2021 - U3A Site Builder
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Edition 26 – February 2021
Welcome to the February Edition of our Newsletter
This is another edition full of your contributions so a big thank you to everyone who has sent
something in. We have a bit of a Valentines theme this month and lots of beautiful photos of
wintery scenes. The above photo was taken by Tony Abbott. I know that quite a few members
are keen photographers so please see page 16 for information about a couple of photography
competitions. With so many members being keen photographers perhaps when we start
meeting up again we could start a photography group!
Next month will see the first anniversary of this newsletter so hopefully we will have lots of
interesting items to celebrate our first year.
The March edition will be published on Thursday 18th March and will hopefully be another
bumper issue so please remember to send in your contributions by 12th March.
Please send any contributions to
Karen: abbott111@talktalk.net
1
Music Inspired By The Six Nations Rugby Competition
by Alan Malloy
It’s that time of year again - and apologies to those of you who do not enjoy watching rugby - but early in
each year our home nations (plus France and Italy), compete to discover who is ‘top of the heap’. I’m not a
great spectator of sport, but I love to watch the Six Nations rugby. Our son-in-law’s father is a fanatic
Welsh supporter, and through him, we’ve been able to watch some matches ‘live’ at Cardiff’s Principality
Stadium. An amazing experience! For this article, I thought you might like to hear well-known tunes from
the competing countries.
Scotland - Flower of Scotland
After Scotland’s historic victory over England in Twickenham a few days ago, it seems only fitting to
nominate our unofficial national anthem. The song was written in the 1960’s by Roy Williamson, a member
of the folk group ‘The Corries’. The anthem is sung at several national sporting events, including football,
rugby and at major athletics championships such as the Commonwealth Games. The words refer to the
victory of the Scots led by Robert the Bruce over the English at the Battle of Bannockburn. I was very
impressed when Rhoda learned all of the words of this song, so that when we went to watch Scotland play
Wales a few years ago, she could sing along with her country folk!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqo073U
England - Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1
For me, this tune is quintessentially English and it always reminds me of the Last Night of the Proms. This
is one of six marches composed by Sir Edward Elgar. Elgar was inspired by a poem ( de Tabley’s March of
Glory) to write this first March. Within this, in the Trio section is the tune ‘Land of Hope and Glory’. The
tune is also sung at major sporting events and in the USA and Canada, is played as part of the Graduation
Ceremony.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Spx4kmY67We
Wales - Men of Harlech
This tune was written to commemorate the seven-year siege of Harlech Castle in the 1460s - the longest
siege in the history of the British Isles. It is widely performed in regimental marches, films such as ‘Zulu’
and ‘How green Was My Valley’ and more widely in sporting events involving Welsh teams. Such is the
power of the tune, that it has been widely adopted by so many different groups.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_slvrWVWFl
Ireland - The Londonderry Air
Unsurprisingly, this tune originated in the county of Londonderry and while is certainly not the national
anthem of Ireland, it is widely played throughout the world. It is especially loved by Irish Americans and
was played as the victory sporting anthem at the Commonwealth Games. It is an ancient melody, the
composer of which is unknown, but it was identified by Jane Ross in 1855. To this tune, the words of
‘Danny Boy’ were added and together make a moving, emotional song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lkNaoPYyXY
France - The Marseilleise
No other tune will do for France - this is sung with such passion by all French countrymen. Written in 1792
and adopted by supporters of the French Revolution and the Republic a few years later. This version is sung
by Mireille Mathieu and helpfully has the words in English.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MQ-SC9bmp4
Italy - ‘O Sole Mio’
Written in 1889, this song reflects the character of the Italian people: Happy and carefree. Translated, the
song means ‘My sunshine’. The first line captures that mood: ‘What a beautiful thing is a sunny day.’ This
version is sung admirably by Andrea Bocelli.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mwj6-4zGhJl
2
Useful Information!!
Many of our members have already received their vaccination so this is for those members
that are still waiting for an appointment,
3
Helen Campbell has been busy with her camera again!
This collection is titled ‘Spring’
Helen says “More photos from my walk today, it was lovely walking and seeing
others doing the same in the distance, enjoying the fresh air. I have seen the swans
really close but by the time I got snapping they had sailed quite a bit away. The
snowdrops have come out since my last walk in the Bishops walk and early signs of
the daffodils appearing, to encourage signs of better days ahead I hope, but glad to
be able to enjoy going out with Judy, she enjoyed getting into the burn for a
paddle.”
4
5
Valentine's Day
Charles Robb wanted to share these poems about love from
different perspectives:
Love is patient and kind, never jealous, boastful, proud, A Gift From God
or rude by John P Read
Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered.
It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love can’t be described
Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil Love can't be described.
It has no shape, it has no form.
Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.
Love is not an object.
Love does not conform.
Corinthians 1:13
Love enters our lives
The moment we are born.
From the cradle to the grave,
Landscape Love's in everyone.
by Andrea Dietrich
Love burns like a candle
Just as the moon That sometimes flickers but never
dies.
rises each night Love may be invisible,
and even as snow Although it's right before your eyes,
is caressed by its light,
then glowing, I’ll rise, Love can leave you empty,
Love can make you whole.
becoming your dawn,
Love can make or break you,
your curved sleeping form Love is in your soul.
to smile upon.
Love is in your heart,
With eyes like bright stars Love is in your mind.
Love doesn't discriminate,
I then will embrace Love is always blind.
the landscape of you,
each small line on your face. Love is universal,
And surely you’ll mirror It encompasses the globe.
No matter where you are,
my worshipping glow, Love has a language all its own.
for I am your moon
and you are my snow. Love is all around you.
There's plenty of love to spare.
You cannot see or touch it,
I’ll keep shining down But love is everywhere.
with each breath you take.
May I blaze in your dreams Love's the greatest power,
before you awake. And yet it is so small.
Love's a gift from God
and barely I’ll whisper, To be shared amongst us all.
“Keep sleeping, my dear”.
6
Your faithful beloved,
I’ll always be here.
News from our Interest Groups
Easter Ross & Sutherland u3a
Geology Group News
We’ve had two more meetings during the past month, as we felt it was better to have more,
shorter meetings rather than fewer, long ones. This was especially because using Zoom can
be difficult to maintain concentration for long periods. Despite these good intentions, the
meetings have still gone on for well over an hour with some ‘social’ chat at the start and
finish!
The meetings were intended to go ‘back to basics’ and revisit some of
the topics covered in previous years. As background, we looked at how
the Earth and the Solar System formed 4,500,000,000 years ago, from
stardust that had origins going back to the creation of the observable
universe in the ‘Big Bang’ 9,300,000,000 years before that. The thin
crust that developed on the surface of Earth’s molten interior became
the rocks that we look at in geology. The presentations were intended
to help members identify common rock types especially those found in Northern Scotland.
Since those origins, the crust has cracked and broken into large and continually changing
‘continental plates’ that move very slowly over the Earth’s surface. After millions of years,
small annual movements add up to thousands of km. The concept of ‘Deep Time’ where,
given long enough, almost nothing remains anything like it is today, is
hard to grasp, but fundamental concept to much of geology and
evolution. The rocks undergo continuous change as they moved around,
being fed back to the interior and re-emerging as they are caught up by
the circulation of the liquid magma.
The igneous rocks like granite (above), or basalt, that form initially from
the magma are eroded by wind, water, and ice, to form sedimentary
rocks such as sandstone. When these rocks are re-cycled to the interior
and then lifted up to the surface again, they form metamorphic rocks
like gneiss, or slate. A piece of Gneiss with typical banding is shown.
Although there are many varieties of rocks, they consist of different
amounts of a small number of minerals such as quartz, feldspars, mica
and a few others. The minerals themselves are made up of a limited
number of elements, almost 75% being oxygen and silicon. Picture
shows pure quartz crystals, which would form sand once broken down.
Using Zoom is not ideal, but as a second best it has allowed the group to continue activities.
Over a dozen group members have continued to take part, and to enjoy some social chat as
well as learning a bit about geology. We look forward to the time when we can meet up
normally again, and hope some field trips will be possible in the summer. In the meantime,
if you would like to join the group, please contact Peter at petergssmith@aol.com
7
Some lovely snowy
pictures from Tony Sandy
8
My Valentine (by Ruth)
I gave my love a daffodil,
he threw it on the floor.
I gave my love a violin,
he tossed it out the door.
I gave my love a red balloon,
he stabbed it with a pin.
I gave my love a porcupine,
he chucked it in the bin.
I gave my love a mountain stream,
he flushed it down the loo.
I gave my love my hopes and dreams,
he crushed them with his shoe.
I showed my love more passion than he'd ever known before.
He sneered, he jeered, he spurned me.
So I punched him on the jaw.
Best Wishes Gerry
I am sure that we would all like to wish our friend Gerry Wood the very best of luck
as she makes the monumental move from Helmsdale, where she has lived for over
forty years, to a little village just east of Taunton in Somerset, to be near her family.
Gerry has enjoyed being a member of a number of our interest groups, including
Music, Reading and Social Events, and she will be sorely missed by many when we
are eventually able to meet up again.
We wish you a safe journey down south, Gerry, and hope that you settle happily
into your new home and village.
You will be delighted to hear that there is an excellent u3a based in Taunton where
you will be made very welcome!
9
Yvonne McDonald took these photos of the llamas and says “Waiting for
breakfast - what the emu was doing, I'm not sure as the birds are fed first
- maybe she was hoping for a snack! Very little chance of that as the
llamas will eat everything that's put out for them!“
10The Resilience of Snowdrops
By Rhoda Malloy
Long imprisoned beneath ice -
An oppressive, unyielding mantle.
In a despairing, fearful world -
Let’s take time to look,
Witness the gentle,
powerful victory
Of snowdrops,
Symbols of hope
Lessons in resilience.
11Just for fun
Edition 25’s ‘Guess the Object’ was, of course a Christmas cake decoration!
Can you guess what this object is? Answer in the next edition of
the newsletter.
Thanks to Rhoda Malloy for this month’s interesting object
12Tony Sandy sent in the following advert!
Build your own snowman! Free snow (buyer collects).
Limited time offer. Hurry while stocks
...... and some jokes!
I know a young lad who is addicted to cakes. One day his mother asked
him what was wrong as he seemed withdrawn, he just said ‘Muffin.’
I knew when I started eating alphabet soup, it would spell trouble.
I was at a border crossing the other day. The guard said papers, so I said
the Times would be fine, if he hadn't got the Telegraph. Got six months.
These dictatorships have got no sense of humour.
Sire, we are outnumbered ten to one.
Thank God it is half past two then!
1314
Pat Webster was sent this
by her daughter and
thought she would share
it with us:
Scottish Gritters Hilarious
Names
Amber Snowy
Arctic Angel
BFG Big Friendly Gritter Penelope Gritstop
Plougher O’Scotland
Blizzard Bear
Polar Bear Explorer
Chilly Connolly
Polar Patroller
Darth Spreader
Ready Spready Go
David Plowie
Rumble
For Your Ice Only
Salty
Fred
Sandy The Solway Salter
Gangsta Granny Gritter
Scotland’s Bravest Gritter
Grit A Bit
Sir Andy Flurry
Grit Expectations
Sir Grits A Lot
Gritallica
Sir Salter Scott
Gritney Spears
Slippy McGritty
Gritter Bug
Snow Bother
Grittest Hits
Snow Destroyer
Grittie McVittie
Snow Dozer
Grittle Mix
Snow Trooper
Gritty Gonzales
Snowball
Gritty Gritty Bang Bang
Snowbegone Kenobi
Han Snow-lo
Snowkemon Go
I Want To Break Freeze
Sophie Salt
Ice Breaker
Ice Destroyer
Spready Mercury
Ice Queen
Sprinkebell
Jeremy Brine
Sprinkles
Lew-Ice Capaldi
The Golden Great Gritter
Licence To Chill
The Grittest Snowman
Luke Snowalker
The Incredible Ice Bear
Mr Plow
The Snow Buster
Mrs Gritter
The Snow Solution
My Name’5 Doddie
The Winter Explorer
Nitty McGritty
True15Gritter
Yes Sir Ice Can BoogieBeat the Boredom!!
Charles Robb has lots of suggestions for our members who are interested in the
arts.
Thought I would pass on this collection of Victorian artists and paintings for
viewing. Click on an artist to enter book then scroll up to get introduction. It is
full of a range and variety of paintings and styles.
https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewBook?id=896902613
T thought for those interested in art that they might like to know that the
National Gallery in London are doing short talks on You Tube about various artists
and art topics. It is fantastic to see all these paintings, some are just so
realistic almost like a photograph and the colours are brilliant. Then again older
paintings look dull because of the fashion to paint in comparatively muted or dull
style. It is even more fantastic to visit various overseas virtual art galleries to
compare styles.
https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/events/talks-and-conversations
Another two sites for art are as follows
The Web Gallery of Art
On this site art sculpture and music are available with the opportunity to select
music from the period of the art item selected. You can also send a digital
postcard of any art item chosen. It really is a compendium of art history from all
periods and countries.
https://www.wga.hu/index1.html
This is another complete extensive art history site also for those studying or
interested in art. Enjoy the exploration of art on a world scale with these two
sites.
http://arthistoryresources.net
And for all our photographers....
Charles has suggested the following:
This a site for our photographers to take a monthly photo challenge
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Photo_challenge
And for something a bit more local – This is from the Seaboard Memorial Hall
We hope that everyone is staying safe & warm during this very cold snap. I am sure that many of
you are out enjoying the snow and the beautiful scenery we have been seeing with the sun and
snow. We would like to have a PHOTO OF THE MONTH in our Seaboard News and invite you to
send in your favourite photos from the last few weeks along with a short description (where the
photo is taken etc) These can be camera or phone photos and we encourage all ages to take
part. Please email your favourites to seaboardnews@seaboardcentre.com Thank you.
16From our Chairperson, Franca
Newsletter Prattle
Hello All
Well as we approach the end of February there is that ‘Spring’ feeling in the
air. The weather has warmed up considerably, the birds are singing, the
snowdrops are out, other bulbs are through and most of us have now had our first
dose of the Covid vaccine. There is an ambience of hope, rebirth and freedom in
the air. I hope you are feeling this way too and that soon we can meet up again
and share a cup of tea as well as lots of chat.
Take care
All the best
Franca
Your editor has decided,
as it’s been quite a while
since we have had any
pet pictures, to share
this picture of her two
boys, Benji & Max
enjoying the warmth of
the fire.
Don’t forget to share
your pictures and stories
of your pet in the
newsletter
17Easter Ross & Sutherland u3a Quiz
What are these trophies/ awards given for?
1. America’s Cup
2. Ashes
3. BAFTA
4. Blue Riband
5. Booker Prize
6. Brit Award
7. A cabbage
8. Calcutta Cup
9. Carbuncle Award
10. A Coveted Trophy
11. A Chequebook and Pen
12. Davis Cup
13. Dickin Medal
14. Edison Award
15. Glass microphone
16. Golden Boot
17. Golden Dagger Award
18. Golden Raspberry Award
19. Green jacket
20. Icarus Cup
21. Isle of Man Tourist Trophy
22. Jules Rimet Cup
23. Keddell Memorial Trophy
24. King George V Gold Cup
25. Lonsdale Belt
26. Michelin Star
27. Olivier Award
28. Pulitzer Prize
29. Ryder Cup
30. Solheim Cup
31. Stirling Prize
32. A Teapot The answers to this quiz are at
33. Turner Prize
the very end of this newsletter –
34. Venus Rosewater Dish
35. Yellow Jersey no peeking!!
Quiz devised by Walsall U3A
18Just a thought to end on
Coming in the Next Edition
As I say each month – what is in the next edition is entirely up to you!
The deadline for contributions for the March issue of ERAS Connected
is Friday 12th March. So plenty of time to put your thinking caps on and
send me your jokes, recipes, funny stories, poems, local news,
nostalgia items, short stories etc. etc.
Remember this is our newsletter – by the members for the members!
Our March Edition will be published on Thursday 18th March 2021
Please remember when sending in items for inclusion in this newsletter, make sure
you let me know if you are happy for your name to be added.
Many thanks The Editor (Karen) abbott111@talktalk.net
19Answers to the Easter Ross & Sutherland u3a Quiz
Trophies and Awards
1. America’s Cup Yachting/sailing
2. Ashes Cricket ( England v. Australia )
3. BAFTA British Film and Television
4. Blue Riband Fastest Transatlantic Crossing by a Passenger Liner
5. Booker Prize Fictional Novel
6. Brit Award Popular Music
7. A cabbage Dropping a prize in Crackerjack
8. Calcutta Cup Rugby Union ( England v. Scotland )
9. Carbuncle Award Ugliest building in UK in previous 12 months
10. A Coveted Trophy Pointless TV programme.
11. A Chequebook and Pen TV Show Blankety Blank Consolation Prize
12. Davis Cup Men’s Tennis
13. Dickin Medal Animal Bravery
14. Edison Award Product Innovation
15. Glass microphone Eurovision Song Contest
16. Golden Boot Leading goal scorer in European football
17. Golden Dagger Award Crime Fiction
18. Golden Raspberry Award The worst the film industry had to offer in past year
19. Green jacket Master’s Golf
20. Icarus Cup Human Powered Flying
21. Isle of Man Tourist Trophy Motorcycle Racing
22. Jules Rimet Cup Football World Cup
23. Keddell Memorial Trophy “Best in Show” Dog at Crufts
24. King George V Gold Cup Horse Racing
25. Lonsdale Belt Boxing
26. Michelin Star Exceptional Cuisine
27. Olivier Award London Theatre Performance
28. Pulitzer Prize Journalism
29. Ryder Cup Men’s Golf
30. Solheim Cup Women’s Golf
31. Stirling Prize Architecture
32. A Teapot Countdown, TV Game Show
33. Turner Prize Art
34. Venus Rosewater Dish Tennis, Women’s Champion at Wimbledon
35. Yellow Jersey Tour de France cycling leader
Quiz devised by Walsall U3A
20You can also read
