Newsletter No. 8 – April 2011
Spring seems to have arrived with a sudden rush, much to the relief of the committee, who can now cease worrying for another few months about snow and ice causing complications with lecturers’ travel arrangements.
Last month saw another very successful and enjoyable Special Interest Day at Ballindalloch Castle on Titian, (a report on which see below), but following requests from members for more such activities to be just half-day, the afternoon of April 20 will see us visiting Brodie Castle for two special guided tours not available to the general public, one concentrating on the pictures and the porcelain and the other on the magnificent collection of daffodil varieties on show in the grounds. All this, plus afternoon tea, for just £10 per person! Participation in these special activities is an excellent way for members, especially those new to the society, to get to know others, as the atmosphere is very relaxed and numbers small. For those on the committee it is also a good time to get to know the members better rather than in the rush preceding lectures when there are so many jobs to be carried out.
We would encourage all members to let those on the committee know of any improvements you feel we can make in the running of the society. We are there, after all, to run the society for the members and only if you make your feelings (both good and bad) known to us, can we take appropriate steps to make changes. Of course, the best way to influence the running of the society is to become a committee member!
SPECIAL INTEREST DAY AT BALLINDALLOCH
Sally Bedford writes: “I am delighted to report that we had a very successful Study Day at Ballindalloch Castle,by kind invitation of our Chairman, Mrs.Clare Russell. Our lecturer was Dr.Colin Bailey who spoke on Titian's "Poesie", inspired by Ovid's celebrated "Metamorphoses," which he painted late in life for Philip of Spain. Colin's enthusiasm for Titian, his life and career, and the need to save "Diana & Callisto" for the Nation, was hugely inspiring! Those members who are studying, or have studied Art, seriously, were full of praise for the best Study Day for a long time; in particular the excellent quality of the slides. We were welcomed most warmly, and enjoyed superb hospitality at Ballindalloch.”
HERITAGE VOLUNTEERS
John Gibbons writes: “We have arranged for a uniform from the Highlanders Museum at Fort George to be taken, with a uniform cover, to Edinburgh for the Heritage Volunteer stand at the NADFAS AGM next month..
The library cataloguing continues apace with 4 volunteers putting in about 350 hours a year. A band of new volunteers have joined the Uniform cover makers, under the direction of Marylyn Johnston; this has given the team new impetus.”
VISIT TO BRODIE CASTLE 20 APRIL, 1.30 - 4.30pm
Booking for the first of our planned series of short visits is going well and will continue either until 17 April or until the 40 places are filled. The cost of £10 includes a walk/talk about the daffodil collection, afternoon tea and a castle tour featuring paintings and porcelain. To book contact Jennifer Kerr tel 01343 835258.
CHURCH RECORDERS
Marion Yool writes: “The Church Recording Team met Shelagh Townsend-Rose, the CR Area Representative, on 27 March for lunch. In the morning I introduced Shelagh to Fr Hugh Gilbert the Abbot of Pluscarden Abbey. We are on course to start our Recording there after Easter, once the team have met up with the Abbot and had a look around the Abbey.
Meanwhile, Andrew and I will finish the preparation of the St John's (Forres) Record for publication and eventual presentation to the Congregation of St John's. Several Society members have expressed interest in Recording and one has already joined us, after a brief induction.
Andrew Yool has produced a map with details of Church Recording in the Scottish Area for the Society's AGM in Edinburgh on 11 May. We hope to see some of you at our stand!”
YOUNG ARTS
As there were so many changes taking place in the “Room 13” project at Kinloss Primary School and such uncertainty at RAF Kinloss, it was decided to look at projects for young people at Moray Art Centre. The young person's programme there operates as a charity offering a range of creative activities; it does not receive core support from the Local Authority or from Creative Scotland and relies on aid from Charitable Trusts and Funds. The two projects we will help are (i) in conjunction with Autism in Moray, a Lego Therapy Group. This will be run on the principles used in the Lego exercise developed and carried out at Cambridge University's Autism Research Centre and will seek to provide a social and creative support group for children who are on the Autistic Spectrum and others with similar neurological disorders. (ii) Life Drawing for Schools: this project is to enable young people across Moray to complete their portfolio for advanced highers should they wish to go on into further education within the arts. This project provides a venue, a tutor and a model, as well as materials and a series of classes at no cost to the pupils.
THE OPERA BUS 11 JUNE, VERDI’S RIGOLETTO.
Booking for the above outing to Scottish Opera at the Eden Court Theatre is now underway, with coach pick up from Keith, along the A96 at Fochabers and in Elgin, Forres and Nairn. (other places by request). If you are interested and are not already on the mailing list please collect information and the booking form at the April and May lectures. Booking closes on 11 May. Don’t delay as our last outing was fully booked well before the closing date. Contact Jennifer Kerr tel 01343 835258.