welcome to the eighth edition of our newsletter
TRANSCRIPT
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Welcome to the Eighth Edition of our Newsletter
I hope everyone is enjoying the lovely sunny weather we are having. We are
all so lucky to be living in such a beautiful, peaceful part of the country.
Please have a think about what you could contribute to this newsletter.
Has seeing other member’s Desert Island Discs made you think of which
pieces of music you would choose?
What about seeing a photo of your pet in print!
Have you a funny story or a joke you would like to share?
How are you beating the boredom?
We would love to hear from members – remember this newsletter is for our
members by our members and the newsletter needs contributions to ensure
its future.
Please send any contributions to Karen: [email protected]
Edition 8 Monday 11th May 2020
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Jeanie Lloyd - our Walking Group Leader
In these difficult times when travelling to walks is not permitted, there are compensations to be had from the restrictions surrounding my walking activities. Following the same paths over and over again forces me to pay more attention to my surroundings. I’ve been struck by just how many white “bluebells” there are among the dark blue ones. Their numbers appear to be increasing year on year and I think they’re so pretty. Indeed I’ve even noticed some wishy washy pink ones. I’m fairly certain they’re our own bluebells and not the Spanish invaders. There are also great swathes of wood anemones along the banks of the Averon, which is again very low reflecting the very dry start we’ve had to spring so far.
Talking of the Averon reminds me that we have 2 pairs of nesting ducks. One pair has some very young ducklings, although there are only 2 of them. And we have swans on the Firth – I saw 3 of them last Saturday, which seems an odd number to me. Nor have I seen any herons, but they are nesting at the Dalmore Heronry.
The Distillery grounds and the path along the Averon are just covered in bright citrussy coloured gorse – yeah, I know it’s a bit of a thug, but it is uplifting to see it. Although on duller days it appears brassy rather than citrus coloured, but to be fair that could just be the tint in my glasses, which is responsible for dulling the colour. Broom too is making an appearance and actually just everywhere you look there are spring flowers and blossom on the trees.
What I haven’t seen, but have heard for a couple of weeks now is the Great-spotted Woodpecker. Its machine-gun like drumming follows me through the woods of Dalmore House, but it’s well camouflaged. What I also haven’t seen are the buzzards. Normally they’re nesting by now and I look forward to seeing them each year flying high up above the tree tops. Just occasionally they pay a visit to one of the fence posts of the neighbouring house. However only one turned up this year, but it too seems to have left us now.
Unfortunately not everything I see fills me with pleasure. The closing of the local tips would appear to be leading to an increase in fly tipping. Last week while walking past one of the ice houses on Alness Point we came across an enormous pile of freshly cut conifers. It would have taken a good sized trailer or a small lorry to dump that lot.
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Music in Our Time This is a regular item so if you have a relevant piece of music which reflects
either the season, an event or our wonderful land please email
Inspired by the Moon by Alan Malloy
Last Thursday (May 7th) saw a full moon. You will have noticed that it was especially bright, a so-called Supermoon. The native American people refer to this May moon as the Flower Moon, as many flowers in the Northern Hemisphere are at their peak in May. Other names for this particular moon include the ‘Corn Planting Moon’ and the ‘Milking Moon’. Why is the moon so bright? The moon travels around the Earth in an elliptical orbit, consequently, its distance from the Earth changes. This May it is at its closest to the Earth and appears 14% bigger and up to 30% brighter, reflecting the Sun’s light back to us. It isn’t surprising that our closest astronomical neighbour has inspired so many composers. This year marks the 250th anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven’s birth. Young Beethoven didn’t have a good start in life. Recognising his son’s ability, his father would make him practise for hours on end, often punishing him for mistakes. In his early twenties, Beethoven moved to Vienna where he lived for the rest of his life. It was at the age of 26 that Beethoven became aware of his impending deafness, nevertheless this did not stop him from composing some of the most innovative and inspiring music. In my opinion, nowhere is this genius more clearly seen than in the Moonlight Piano Sonata - it acquired this nickname after a music critic first heard the piece being played while moonlight reflected off Lake Lucerne. In the first movement, it is easy to imagine the reflections of the moon on the surface of the water, suggested by the strongly rhythmic tempo. In the third, more exuberant movement, one can imagine a storm, turbulent and energetic. This piece is played by Anastasia Huppmann and lasts 16 minutes, perfect time to enjoy a cuppa. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VmQNKaOeEw Claude Debussy was born in 1862, above his parent’s china shop in Paris. An undoubted genius, Debussy was taught by some of the greatest pianists of the age, most notably Chopin, and in Rome, Liszt. Debussy was influenced by Eric Satie and the pictures of Monet, Cezanne and Renoir. Much of Debussy’s music is described as ‘Impressionistic’, a term he disliked, but many of his works have that dreamy, other-worldly quality, finding inspiration in Nature. The sea and sky being two of his most popular sources of inspiration. Many regard Debussy as one of the most influential composers of the twentieth century. This piece: ‘Clair de Lune’ is one of Debussy’s justifiably most well-known works. It lasts just over five minutes, yet effortlessly manages to transport us to a place of tranquility. Try to watch the video: I feel it somehow compliments the music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNcsUNKlAKw I’ve also included this piece beautifully played on the guitar by Roxane Elfasci. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_RnlOWmZD4
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Karen’s Crafty Corner
Please remember to send in your craft ideas!!
Storage Jar Pin Cushion
Here are the materials you will need
Jar with screw lid
Piece of fabric a bit bigger than to jar lid
Needle & thread
Stuffing
Scissors
Pen or pencil
Tape measure or ruler
Ribbon Glue (I used a glue gun but any strong
glue that will stick fabric is fine)
Instructions
1) Cut out a circle in the fabric - about 1” bigger than the jar lid (picture 1).
2) Sew a running stitch around the edge of the circle of fabric about ½ “from the edge (picture 2).
3) Gently pull the ends of the running stitch together to form a pocket (picture 3).
4) Fill the pocket with stuffing and pull the ends of the running stitch together and knot together (picture 4).
5) Spread pocket glue over the top of the jar lid.
6) Attach the stuffed fabric to the jar lid and press down firmly. You may need to add a little more glue around the edges to make sure it stays in place (picture 5).
7) Put glue around the edge of the jar lid and stick the ribbon all around (picture 6)
8) Fill the jar with useful sewing bits! (picture 7)
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1 2 3
4 5 6
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Craft Group member Lorna has suggested a new programme on Channel 4 on
Sunday evenings at 8pm – Keith Lemon’s Fantastical Factory of Curious Craft
– Perhaps someone would like to review it!!
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Each week we will be publishing a member’s
Desert Island Disc choices
This week it’s Elspeth Sim’s selection
My choices are in no special order. I love opera, which is clearly reflected in my chosen tracks. Disc 1. Casta Diva from Norma. Composed by Vincenzo Bellini The singer is Renee Fleming, to my mind, she is one of the best sopranos. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rg4L5tcxFcA
Disc 2. ‘Love Unspoken’ from The Merry Widow, by Franz Lehar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZTIQSr_Cy0
Disc 3. ‘A love until the end of time.’ This duet is sung by Plácido Domingo and Maureen McGovern. Plácido is one of my favourite singers and this is a wonderful song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5UzZRVhoQE Disc 4. ‘The Midges’ sung by Kenneth McKellar This is a funny song - and we all need some fun! McKellar’s diction is remarkable! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMLona9oelM Disc 5. ‘The Cachucha’. From Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers. This tune is for dancing when nobody is looking! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vpw5ECu8QqA Disc 6. ‘Gabriel’s Oboe’. Written by Ennio Morricone for the film ‘The Mission’ This is a wonderful piece of music, perfect for quiet reflection. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtE3hoR_Nvo Disc 7. ‘Ae Fond Kiss’. This song ‘Ae fond kiss and then we sever’ was written by the great Robert Burns. He wrote it to his friend Agnes Maclehose, as she left Edinburgh for the final time to be with her estranged husband in Jamaica. It is perhaps the most famous of all Burns’ songs. This track is performed by the University of Aberdeen Chamber Choir, led by Paul Mealor, who arranged the music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHs8EvthV7w Disc 8. ‘The Hallelujah Chorus’. From the Young Messiah, sung by the New London Chorale. The Young Messiah is a musical adaptation of Handel’s original Messiah. Apologies for the poor video quality of this clip. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnDonzTDXps My favourite disc: ‘Ae fond kiss.’ My book: ‘The Far Pavilions’ by M.M.Kaye. It just transports me to a fascinating place (India) and time. It’s about an English officer in the time of the British Raj. My luxury would be a crochet hook, so I could make myself clothes out of Tarzan creepers!
Please email your 8 record choices and your book and luxury item you
would take to your desert island to Karen [email protected]
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I spent 22 happy years living and working in the Highlands before retiring 5 years ago
aged 65. On reflection what stands out is the humour and humanity of the people I
worked with and the kindness and tolerance shown by the huge majority of the public.
A pharmacy at Christmas resembles Santa’s grotto. We were often still finishing the
biscuits, chocolates and cakes at Easter.
I apologise in advance for some of the colourful language which follows. People
working with the public during trials and tribulations, happy times and dreadful times
tend to develop a robust humour to help cope.
Community pharmacy staff meet people who are sometimes described the mad, bad
and sad of the population. It seems a cruel assessment but often describes reality. If
you meet an ‘all rolled into one’ poor soul you tend to be in trouble. My potential
nemesis arrived in the Dornoch pharmacy on a beautiful November morning in 1996. I
approached a distressed young man to be confronted with a very sharp craft knife.
Fortunately I had an escape route and he was subsequently arrested and compulsorily
sectioned under the Mental Health Act. He was eventually released but committed
suicide. His family had moved from Manchester leaving him behind. He was suffering
from a drug abuse induced psychosis by the time he arrived in Dornoch.
He was very typical of the blight of addiction to class A drugs and alcohol which has
affected communities all over the Highlands. By the time I retired I saw third generation
addiction afflicting families. Much of my time was spent on addiction services. The
illegal drug industry has an organisation that many corporate giants would envy. The
most vulnerable are their “customers” with a fall out that affects whole communities.
Many fellow pharmacists over the years have suffered assault and abuse fuelled by
addiction. I have been told that when the hellfires and floods arrive I wouldn’t be saved.
I was called a “pissing bloody woman in a pissing bloody shop”. The irony was that I
was acting in the best interests of these gentlemen at the time. A friend in Invergordon
pharmacy was head butted by the mother of a patient. Another friend in Aberdeen had
a cross bow pointed at him. Balintore pharmacy was broken into. One of my loyal
addiction services clients arrived in to the pharmacy to ask me if I wanted him to deal
with the culprit who was known. He said he possessed a 9mm Berretta gun. Apparently
he had served 6 months in prison for brandishing it in a dispute at the Nigg Oil Yard but
he still had it in his possession. I was speechless, thanked him but told him the culprit
was in custody.
The Wandering Pharmacist - by Catherine Vass
Done Roaming!
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Over the years I provided services for the Scottish travelling community. They are
fascinating, many talented musicians and story tellers. One of our patients in Balintore
was a vivid raconteur and held in high affection. He used to come in, look round and if
he was the only patient in he would sit down. We were often crying with laughter. He
came in on one occasion to describe blow by blow his trials with norovirus. His
description of projectile vomiting was the best I have ever heard. He always prefixed his
stories with “Well ma dears,” he then added “I was spewing like a fountain”. Collapse of
all staff followed.
On another occasion he came in an agitated state. A young member of the extended
family had skipped out of Tain Sheriff Court where he was facing a charge. He also took
his solicitor’s handbag. Our friend opened his door to be confronted by five police cars.
He was told by a WPC that he was suspected of harbouring a fugitive. He was highly
indignant, he said “Well ma dears, I telt her that manys a one I’ve picked up aff the floor,
dusted them aff and sent them on their way but harbour a fugitive, never”. This was
accompanied by all the actions in his description.
It transpired that the fugitive was found in the loft of his Granny’s home in Milton.
I thought I might mention some non standard medical acronyms. I started to work for a
local pharmacist who was renowned for his dry, acerbic wit. Patient records hold all
sorts of useful information, for example where to deliver medication, allergies,
preferences etc. I came across PITA which I was not familiar with. I asked the senior
technician, to be told it meant Pain In The Arse. We had to sanitise the records because
patients had the right to see their records and I didn’t fancy explaining to anyone.
However I had to agree with his assessments.
My daughter worked as a junior doctor in A&E in Glasgow Royal Infirmary. I asked her if
she had a busy night. She said they had three PAFOs. She explained it meant Pissed
And Fell Over. Another Glaswegian medical term is gubbed, meaning very seriously
ill/injured and totally gubbed meant no hope.
I worked through the 2008/9 H1N1 epidemic but we had a fairly effective vaccine and
two anti virals which helped. A lot of planning by the Scottish Government was
undertaken and we were well prepared. I hope the current crisis will pass with everyone
keeping safe and well.
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Pets Page
This week’s pet
Franca Reid’s dog, Poppy
Have you got a photo of a pet that you would like to share?
Please send your photos with details of your pet to:
Our last dog died totally unexpectedly on the day one of our granddaughters was born. After a few
months we started looking for another dog as home just doesn't seem like home without a dog. We
were rejected by Munlochy dog rescue as not knowing how to look after a dog (we've had dogs
successfully all our lives) so we went to the SSPCA in Inverness.
Our criteria was that it had to be a bitch, good with children and able to go for decent length walks.
After a good number of visits we found Poppy. She was advertised as a labrador cross. I think the
"cross" is probably the operative word. She came from Stornoway and was removed from a family
who neglected her. Whatever she is a fabulous little dog who more than meets our criteria. She is
game for anything, very affectionate and no bother. During lockdown my husband has kept himself
busy by making a play area for our grandchildren. As they can't use it just now, Poppy has been
enjoying climbing up the ramp and jumping down and along the walkways. The only thing she hasn't
mastered yet is the rope bridge!! In this picture she is surveying the scene from the tree house!
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John Webster and his time in World War 2
In last week’s Sunday Post, there was an article about one of our ERAS U3A members, John Webster (99, soon to be 100) and his service during the Second World War. John joined the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) in 1940. As a member of the 8th Army, he was posted to North Africa, where he spent his time repairing tanks, more often than not, in horrendous heat. It was so hot, that one of his comrades left a pair of tin shears in the sun and when he picked them up a short time later, his hand blistered! John had his own adventures. He and a colleague were shot at while repairing an armoured vehicle. Mercifully, although he was wounded, his injury was only slight, being grazed by flying shrapnel. On another occasion, John came close to meeting General Erwin Rommel, German Commander of the Axis Afrika Corps. Thankfully, John was taking cover, having just been ambushed. Rommel’s plane landed a short distance from where John was hiding. Back at base, John recognised Rommel from a photograph. Later in the war, following the collapse of the Africa Corps John was parachuted into Yugoslavia to help the local resistance. While there, he was wounded and evacuated to Italy by sea. The full account of John’s heroic adventures can be found in the Sunday Post using the link below: https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/as-our-ship-was-leaving-the-port-a-lady-in-white-sang-opera-to-us-some-wonderful-beautiful-songs-and-we-sang-back-to-her-were-no-awa-tae-bide-awa/ John’s 100th birthday is on June 7th. While we are sadly unable to celebrate in person with him, we all send him our love and very best wishes on this momentous occasion.
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A Brief History of Hector Malloy by Rhoda Malloy
Episode Eight
The verb 'to hector' is rarely used nowadays. It means 'to harass or torment', and is an uncannily
accurate description of the way in which Hector treated his fellow trainees. As far as his behaviour in
Puppy Training school was concerned, we couldn't have given him a more apt name. Imagine an
infant class full of fresh-faced, eager children keen to learn and full of potential. In this scenario,
Hector would be the naughty little boy at the back of the room, firing bits of paper from a catapult
and pulling faces behind the teacher's back.
Every time a dog came anywhere near him he would lunge at them, yapping irritatingly, destroying
any modicum of the calmness required for learning. He would escape Houdini-like from his already
tightened collar and create chaos by rampaging around the field like a thing possessed, inciting
others, particularly Leila, to follow his lead. Leila, who was part Greyhound, was uncatchable, and
together they careered in and out of the equipment at breakneck speed, while we stood cringing in
helpless embarrassment as poor Lesley's eyes rolled heavenwards yet again.
After a couple of excruciatingly stressful and frustrating group lessons during which Hector
constantly instigated rebellion and mutiny within the ranks, we could take no more. My suggestion to
Lesley of allowing all five dogs to have a five minute romp together at the start of each session went
down like a lead balloon. She felt that rather than 'getting it out of their systems', it would actually
cause them to become less receptive to training and more prone to hyperactivity.
Hector's antics were wasting time and money for all concerned. With blood pressure and cortisol
levels through the roof, we decided that the only sensible option was to ask Lesley for individual
tuition. We observed guiltily as a wave of sheer relief washed over her face, as she organised
several half-hour training slots for us which would take place on Thursday afternoons, a more
civilised time, infinitely preferable to our previous slot.
Hector (and us) learnt a great deal during these lessons. Away from the distractions of his harem,
he was able to concentrate and show Lesley that he was capable of learning. However, after a few
months of pleasing progress, she decided to include Doug the Pug, her daughter's puppy, in
Hector's training sessions. Unfortunately, Doug and Hector turned out to be kindred spirits, and
once again, mayhem ensued! Rough and tumble was the order of the day whenever they got
together. Commands, obedience and rewards all went out of the window. We began to worry.
Would Hector only ever be able to behave in a totally dog-free zone? Why did his love of chicken
dissipate when in the company of a canine companion? What were we doing wrong?
Looking back, we smile when we remember the boisterous exuberance of puppy-hood. He was so
full of life and vitality, just bursting with energy and playfulness.
Time and patience were key. There were no miraculous breakthroughs, just the consistent
rewarding of good behaviour and the (often extremely difficult) ignoring of misdemeanours. He was
gradually able to cope a little more positively with puppy class and it was wonderful to watch his
enthusiasm for agility training develop.
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Hector at 1 year
From our Chairperson, Franca Hello All
I trust this finds you well.
I am currently very chuffed with myself as I have managed to do my first online shopping order! It was
with Morrisons and was delivered this afternoon. The service is quite impressive. There were lots of
slots and you can change your order up to the day before delivery. The delivery came, all present and
correct, at exactly the time stated. The delivery driver was very pleasant and kept his distance. He told
me that he delivers as far north as Lybster and regularly goes as far as Helmsdale for anyone
interested. I feel I have maybe put another toe into the 21st Century by managing to do this, as it is not
something I would ever have considered doing before as my IT skills aren't great but actually the
whole system was very easy. I just Googled Morrisons Alness and it all came up. I guess there are a
few positives with this lockdown!
Stay safe
Franca
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Remembering V E Day - by Linda McLean
MAJOR HUGH ROBERTSON
James Finlay wrote the postcard below with courage and humility, and gave me permission to
publish it. He confirmed at interview, many years later, that he had intended to convey that radio
communication had been lost – not the battalion itself.
To James, I record my most sincere thanks. L.J.M
“I write my memoirs and remember the night in Feb. '45, when after a
night skirmish, I was digging in when Hugh came to my position saying:
'The Colonel has lost the battalion in the woods, and wanted someone to go
and look.'
I was frozen with fear; to go out in the dark woodlands seemed a certain
equation to be shot at by both sides, as I put it.
He was sensitive to my abject fear and said: "Jim White will do it."
How did he know?
Lt. White was carried in later after stepping on a schu mine. No one said
anything, but I was rather shamed.
A fine man."
Reflecting on the content of this brief note, I became inspired by this old soldier’s comments. I
knew the story from Hugh’s perspective, as he was my father. The postcard provided insight into
the abilities a Commanding Officer requires.
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In February 1945, Hugh was a Major. For the previous three years, he had marched, fought, lived
and laughed with his men. They had been with him from El Alamein throughout the 2,000 miles
across North Africa: they had been by his side through the Sicily and the D-Day landings, into
France, Holland, and Germany.
By the date mentioned in the Postcard, the end of the Battle of the Reichswald was in sight.
Hugh had just returned from 7 days R&R to discover that almost his entire Company had been
decimated by Hitler’s elite troops. He had no Company to command.
Of the three platoons, comprising 85 men, who had joked with him just a few days before, a
handful had survived. His loss was agony: his grief immense. The lack of trusted support was
difficult to bear. The war was nearing its end and challenging battles were before them.
He had to start again from scratch. The shock turned him white overnight.
In a dazed and disbelieving state, he realised it was of the utmost importance that he should
assess quickly the strengths and weaknesses of those who did not know the sights, sounds and
smell of war. James Finlay, a new Platoon commander, was one of the fresh recruits, whose
ability was unknown.
Hugh's request to him to look for the battalion, with whom radio contact had been lost, was a
test for his new Platoon Commander.
The response demonstrated that James was not yet battle ready, so Hugh did not convert it to an
order. He did not belittle his new soldier, believing that if you value your troops, they will value
you.
This lesson had a powerful effect on me on how a leader should behave.
The lack of overt frustration or criticism is noticeable.
He allowed the silence to speak when the wounded Jim, a trusted, popular and able soldier, was
carried in.
James never forgot.
© Linda Jane McLean
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Just for fun
Last week’s ‘Guess the Object’ was, of course, a bath overflow
Many thanks to Anne Fenech
Can you guess what this object is? Answer will be in next week’s
edition!
Thanks to Rhoda Malloy for this interesting photo!
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Can anyone identify this tree?
Please email me
Asking for a friend!! (my husband
really!!)
Just for fun
Continued
Here is the answer to last week’s puzzles
Can you solve these puzzles? – answers will be in next
week’s edition
The river Pregel runs through the town of Konigsburg. In the river are two
islands, connected to each other and the rest of the city by seven bridges.
The students of Konigsburg often challenge each other to try to make a trip
crossing all seven bridges exactly once - can you find the path they have to take in order to do this?
POCKET MONEY
Last weekend I was given my pocket money, which is meant to last me all week.
On Monday, I spent a quarter of my money on clothes.
On Tuesday, I spent one third of my remaining money on a CD.
On Wednesday I spent half of my remaining money on sweets.
Finally on Thursday I spent my last £1.25 on a comic.
How much pocket money did I receive?
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Christelle Smith sent these funny lockdown inspired definitions to keep us all amused!
‘Lockdown lingo’ are you fully conversant with the new terminology? Here are a few terms to
get you in the groove:
Furlough Merlot
Wine consumed in an attempt to relieve the frustration of not working. Also known as “bored-
eaux” or “cabernet tedium”.
Coronadose
An overdose of bad news from consuming too much media during a time of crisis. Can result in a
“panicdemic”.
Getting on your Wicks
Vexing noise levels from neighbours doing their daily workout with Joe Wicks, the Body Coach.
Star jumps and burpees sound like a stampeding herd of buffalo.
Miley/Billy Ray
Rhyming slang for coronavirus, as in popstrel Miley Cyrus (ie ‘virus’) or her country crooner
father Billy Ray. Sample usage: “I’m suffering with a touch of the Mileys” or “I’m achy-breaky
and displaying Billy Ray symptoms”. Which one you use is a useful indicator of your age.
Claphazard
Someone so enthusiastic about saluting our care workers that they forget all social distancing
guidelines, start hugging their neighbours and high-fiving passing pedestrians.
The Elephant in the Zoom
The glaring issue during a videoconferencing call that nobody feels able to mention. E.g. one
participant has dramatically put on weight, suddenly sprouted terrible facial hair or has a
worryingly messy house visible in the background.
Doughverkill
One’s social media feed being dominated by smug photos of home-made sourdough or banana
bread. If making sourdough is so great, how come you'd never done it before March?
Quentin Quarantino
An attention-seeker using their time in lockdown to make amateur films which they’re
convinced are funnier and cleverer than they actually are.
Even more fun..........
There are lots more to come
next week!
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Janet Pool sent me this little poem by Pam Ayres:
"At last we have a cure for all!
Ailments large and ailments small
Good health is not beyond my reach
If I inject myself with bleach
Radiant, I'll prance along
Every trace of limescale gone,
With disinfectant as my friend,
Like him I'm clean around the bend "
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Poets Page
Please send us your poems, either ones you have written yourself or let us know of a special favourite which we can publish
Janet Pool sent in this poem by her daughter Kirstin
The younger generation take photos constantly - but this time Kirstin left hers
behind.
The day I forgot my camera
The day I forgot my camera was the day I saw it all:
An opulent mirror of woodland and fell
Reflected on silent shining Loch;
The tiniest dancing diamond glitter
Of sun beneath the sapphire sky;
A seal posing, lazy, on an island of rock;
The ripples of water and the gentle swell Of tide, inching its way Up the
manicured shore;
And what is more,
I watched a seagull, solitary,
Flitter above its fishy prey,
A heron standing straight, poised and tall, With a backdrop of every possible hue.
Yes, the day I forgot my camera was the day I saw it all.
By Kirstin Barton
Have you got a favourite poem?
or maybe one you have written
yourself
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IT Tips: More Ways of Keeping In Touch
A few weeks ago I talked about Zoom and while some of our members are successfully using this already, I don’t recommend that you try to install it unless you are confident with IT. There are other applications which are much easier to use. FaceTime* / Google Duo** (*On iPhones, **on Android phones) These apps are built into all modern ‘phones and allow you to make video calls. FaceTime only works with other iPhones. If you have a modern iPhone (6s and above) (or an iPad) you can have a group chat with up to 32 people. There is no time limit to the length of a FaceTime chat, it will stay open until the last two people finish. One disadvantage of FaceTime or Google Duo may be that, dependent on your plan, you may be charged, unless you use your ‘WiFi call’ when you’re at home. WhatsApp This is free to download and has the great advantage that you can send messages and photos free of charge to any number of people. It’s simple to download and set up from your App Store or Play Store - and you only need your ‘phone number to get started. You can also easily set up a group from your contacts and share written messages and photos instantly to all group members. WhatsApp: Chats>New Group> Add participants>New Group Name>Create You can also use WhatsApp to talk to friends and family who are in your WhatsApp group: up to four people can talk together free of charge. Facebook(FB) This is probably one of the most popular social media - with good reason. It is easy to download and use. ERAS U3A has a private site, which only members can access-contact Karen if you want to join this. When using FB generally, don’t share personal information, e.g. passwords, only accept friend requests from people you know and don’t mention when you are on holiday.
Preventing unwanted calls Silence Unknown Callers Are you disturbed by calls which waste your time? Set up this facility on your phone then these calls go straight to voicemail, with the time and number saved in ‘Recent’ Settings > phone> Silence Unknown Callers Blocking Nuisance Callers If you’ve been troubled by nuisance callers in the past, you can block them. Touch Calls icon (Bottom of your screen) > Recents > touch on (i) next to call, scroll down to the bottom of the screen and touch ‘Block this caller’
Making sounds clearer on you phone Hearing Devices. If your hearing aid is Bluetooth enabled, you can ‘pair’ it with your phone to improve the audio quality. Settings > Accessibility > Hearing Aid > Phone Noise Cancellation. This reduces the background noise when you are holding the phone to your ear. Settings > Accessibility >Audio/Visual>Phone Noise Cancellation
IT Tips from our IT Group Leader Alan Malloy
21
To Stay Safe
TOP TIPS
22
Tony Abbott’s favourite
things!!
Ingredients 1 whole egg (large)
2 egg yolks (large)
115g golden caster sugar
2 tbsp cornflour
400ml full fat (creamy) milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 sheet ready rolled puff pastry
Cinnamon for dusting
Tart de Nata
Pre-heat oven to 200C/180C fan/Gas 6
Lightly grease a 12 hole muffin tin
Put egg, yolks, sugar & cornflour in a pan and mix well together then
gradually add the milk until mixture is well mixed and smooth.
Place pan on medium heat and stir constantly until mixture thickens
and comes to the boil.
Remove pan from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Put custard in a glass/ceramic bowl to cool and cover with cling film to
prevent skin forming.
Cut pastry sheet into two pieces and place them on top of each other.
Roll the pastry tightly, from the short side, into a log and cut the log
into 12 even sized rounds.
On a lightly floured board, roll each round into a disc (approx. 10cm)
and press the pastry discs into the muffin tin.
Spoon in the cooled custard and bake for 20-25mins until golden on
top. Leave to cool in the tin for 5mins then move to a cooling rack to
finish cooling.
Dust with Cinnamon.
although they can be eaten warm.
23
Beat the Boredom!!
Dornoch Historylinks Museum has lots of interesting information on their website
together with thousands of photos and many videos to watch.
http://www.historylinks.org.uk/
Virtual VE day exhibitions for lockdown The Tarbat Discovery Centre in Portmahomack has an excellent website. They had planned to present a series of exhibitions in the Tarbat Discovery Centre to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day. As the centre is currently closed, you can view the exhibition on line
https://www.tarbat-discovery.co.uk/
For a browse through the local history of the Highlands have a look
at the following websites -
Invergordon Museum
http://www.invergordonmuseum.co.uk/
Tain Through Time
http://www.tainmuseum.org.uk/
Alness Heritage Centre
http://www.alness.com/heritage-centre
How are you ‘Beating the Boredom’?
Please send in your tips to [email protected]
24
Coming in the Next Edition
Desert Island Discs – could it be you?
More Craft Ideas
More IT Tips
Hector’s next instalment
More of our members poems
As well as lots of interesting news and features
I would welcome feedback on your thoughts and ideas about this newsletter and let me know if there are any items you would like to see in
future editions, 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) [email protected]
Just a thought to end on
Please let me know of any community information for your area