Pensioners’ Association – Annual General Meeting – Wednesday 16 January 2013

The Annual General Meeting of the Pensioners’ Association took place on Wednesday 16th January 2013 at Heriot’s Rugby Clubhouse and was attended by around 80 members.

Follow this link to see the agenda for the meeting and to review the Chairman's 2012 Report.
If you would like to see a copy of the Minutes of the AGM held on 16/01/2013, please request a copy via email to our mailbox at sl.pensioners.association@gmail.com

The cost of the evening was subsidised by the Pensioners’ Association and the attendees enjoyed an excellent supper of haggis, neeps and tatties, provided by Mackenzies Catering.

The Heriot’s Clubhouse proved to be a comfortable venue and met with general approval.

Thanks to all who attended the meeting and enjoyed a social evening. Thanks also to those who expressed their apologies for absence. Your support demonstrates your confidence in our committee and our activities. 

If you did not receive notice of this meeting (either by email around 20th December or by post around 7th January), please let us know by emailing sl.pensioners.association@gmail.com. Please also accept my apologies for the late delivery of the postal mailing. I can assure you that this was in the hands of the Company by Friday 21st December, although it seems the letters were not processed until 4th January. Christmas holidays contributed in part to the delay.

If you had difficulty with our email going into your spam or junk folders, see an item dated 3rd August 2012 on this blog for some advice on how to avoid this problem.

If you have not previously provided the Association with your email address, but would now like to receive faster (and much cheaper) communication, just drop a note of your name and postcode please to our mailbox at sl.pensioners.association@gmail.com and I can record your email address for future use.

Best wishes to all for 2013,
Alistair Buchanan
Chairman

Strollers Walk No. 163, Cancelled Thursday 22 November 2012, Mortonhall Estate and Braid Hills

Walk Cancelled due to weather
Walk No. 163:    Mortonhall Estate and Braid Hills - Circular Walk
Date :              Thursday 22 November 2012
Distance:        4 miles approx.
Duration:         2.5 hours approx.
Start:             Choice of starting places -  Braid Hills Driving Range or Mortonhall Garden Centre
Start Time:    11:00 at Braidhills Driving Range or 11:25 near Mortonhall Garden Centre
Lunch?:          There is no suitable picnic stop, so it's  a snack "on the hoof" or wait until the end.
Meet at:        Braid Hills Driving Range (cafe available) on Braid Road at 11:00.
If you want to meet the walkers and start at Mortonhall, please go to the Garden Centre (cafe available), but then walk  up towards the Caravan Site, meeting at a sign post beside a field of highland cows (about half-way towards the Caravan Site) at 11:25.

Drew says "This is a circular walk that is all about the views", so here's hoping for a nice clear day. 

The full details have been sent out by email to the usual distribution list and postal details will follow in due course.

Strollers Christmas Lunch - Thursday 6th December 2012

Leaves are falling, the clocks have changed, and thoughts begin to turn to the Festive Season. For those Strollers who are on our email list, invitations for this year's Christmas Lunch have now been issued (see email dated 25th October from the SLPA Strollers Mailbox). If you did not receive an email, please check your junk / spam folders on email. If you still can't find that elusive email, drop a note to Drew at the Strollers email address - sl.pa.strollers@gmail.com and he will be able to check your email address and send it again.

For those not on email, postal invitations will be issued for us by the company in due course.

Strollers Walk No. 162, Tuesday 23 October 2012, Aberlady to Port Seton

Outing No. 162:    Aberlady to Port Seton
Date:                    Tuesday 23 October 2012
Distance:              5.5 miles
Duration:               3 hours approx.
Start at:                Aberlady Bowling Green (as you enter Aberlady)
Start Time:           11:15
Finish at:               Port Seton Harbour

Led by:                 Drew Young

Driving (or taking the service bus) from Edinburgh to Aberlady, the chance of the walk being on seemed pretty remote. The poor visibility and gloom made it look as if it would just be a quick tea/coffee and scone then back to Edinburgh. However, it was actually clearer on the coast than anywhere else. Given the slow service some people got in “Ducks-a-quick” (not quack) anything would have been a bonus. 

 

Twenty two Strollers, led by Drew Young, started out west on the walk along the John Muir Way before crossing over into the Gosford Estate, where we marvelled at the mausoleum, the glimpses of the main house and the chicken farm. Interesting titbits of information, such as how to get lorries through the gates of the estate or the use of the estate during the war, were provided by Alan. We left the estate grounds to rejoin the 'Way' closer to Longniddry Bents. At this point we became twenty three as Alasdair Niven joined us from Port Seton (something about being closer to his car at the end of the walk). Normally we would have had nice views here along the coast and over to Fife, but we just had to imagine what it would have looked like on a better day. Still, we did hear some geese! 

 

As we stopped for a picnic lunch, Mr Buchanan managed to produce a key which proved very useful in opening public toilet doors. After lunch we then followed the beach along to Port Seton just as the mist really started to come in and the Strollers went their separate routes to get home.

It was at this point the leader of the walk learned that having a phone in your pocket with a low ring tone is not a good idea. By the time he realised it was ringing, got it out and unlocked the keypad, Moira had left a message. But due to his ineptness with mobile phones, he thought he was retuning the call but got someone completely different! Under instruction from his wife he's now changed the ring tone (but not to the sound of migrating geese).

It was a worthwhile day out for those who braved the weather. 

Many thanks Drew, for organising this walk.

Strollers Walk No. 161, Monday 24 September - Vogrie Country Park

The September Strollers Walk was in Vogrie Country Park in Midlothian.
Date:            Monday 24 September 2012

Start at:       The Cedar Tree Cafe, within Vogrie Country Park

Led by:        Alasdair and Jill Niven

Details of this walk were circulated by e-mail or post. If you did not received these, firstly check your Spam or Junk folder in e-mail (it went into my Spam). Read the item further down this Blog to find out how to stop these e-mails going into Spam, and note that I have updated that item to show the correct address for Strollers e-mails. I had it wrong the first time around.

Report on the day:-

After a weekend of beautiful weather, anticipation was high, but the forecast was not good. However 20 brave souls turned out for the walk, more in hope than expectation.

After we had been fortified by tea and scones from the Cedar Tree Cafe, Alasdair and Jill led us round some of the paths through the Country Park. Sheltered by the trees the wind and rain did not seem too bad and the 'mud' factor was on the low side! Unfortunately the views were a trifle obscured and we couldn't find the old carvings on the trees that Alasdair was telling us about, even standing on tip-toe.

A nice leisurely stroll finished back at the cosy Cedar Tree Café to round off the day with a bowl of nice hot soup. With 11.5 miles of paths in the Country Park, there are still lots more to look at and hopefully next time the weather might be a bit better. 

Thanks to Alasdair and Jill for organising the walk and the parking for the mini-bus, driven by Alistair Buchanan.

Outing - Monday 17 September, Glasgow's Riverside (Transport) Museum and Auchentoshan Distillery

56 people attended our last outing of the year to Auchentoshan Distillery in Clydebank and then the Riverside Museum (Glasgow's Museum of Transport).

The coach left Waterloo Place, Edinburgh for a refreshment stop at Mackinnon Mills near Coatbridge before heading to Clydebank to visit Auchentoshan Distillery. We were split into smaller groups for excellent guided tours of the distillery, including a chance to sample a dram of Auchentoshan whisky. Apparently sales of their new Cream Liqueur took an upward surge once the sampling session was over! Then it was back on the coach in cheery mood to head for the Riverside Museum in Glasgow for the rest of the afernoon. Unfortunately, the heavens opened in time to soak everyone on their dash back to the coach after the visit. High Tea was at La Bonne Auberge (Holiday Inn Theatreland Restaurant) in Glasgow before our return to  Edinburgh.

Strollers Walk No. 160, Thursday 23 August 2012 - Duns Castle Reserve

Walk No. 160:    Duns Castle Reserve

Date:                  Thursday 23 August 2012

Distance:            3.5 miles approx.

Start / Finnish:    The Market Square, Duns, Berwickshire

The outing to Duns and the walk round the Duns Castle Reserve was attended by 33 Strollers.
Moira Turner, assisted by her border collie and Liz Staples, led us on this pleasant walk on a fortunate day weather wise, as it rained after the walk was finished. It was sunny and hot the rest of the time, although under the trees this wasn't so obvious. Whilst the strollers didn't stop for a picnic break there were some on the walk who were providing lunch for the local 'beasties'.

Given the nature of the recent weather, the 'puff' factor should probably be changed to a 'mud' factor as it seems very difficult to go anywhere without tramping through mud at some point.
The local hostelries were well sampled after the walk even if they did insist people removed their boots.

Many thanks to Moira and Liz for leading us and not getting us lost, even with a detour to see the Covenanters Stone and View Point, with panoramic views of the Borders and the approaching rain.

Note: Those of you on the e-mail distribution list should have received two emails regarding this walk, one from the company and one from Drew on sl.pa.strollers@googlemail.com.
If you didn't receive the second one, check your Spam or Junk mail folder.
There is an item on this Blog (just below this item) that gives you some guidance on how to stop these e-mails going to Spam / Junk.

Are our e-mails going into your Spam or Junk Folder?

We have started to use e-mail to send information out to our Strollers.
At first, it is likely that our e-mails will go into your Spam or Junk Folder.
To cure this, you should add two email addresses to your Contacts List. 

The addresses are sl.pensioners.association@gmail.com and sl.pa.strollers@gmail.com.
Note: I had the second of these addresses wrong in my first attempt to explain this.

You should also change the filter settings within your e-mail Account to indicate that e-mail from these two addresses should never go to Spam. How to do this may vary depending on which e-mail service you use.

One example is: Within your e-mail system choose "Settings", then "Filters", then "Create new filter". Type sl.pensioners.association@gmail into the From box and press "Create filter with this search". In the next panel tick the box "Never send it to Spam" then press "Create Filter".
Repeat this process to create another filter for sl.pa.strollers@gmail.com for e-mails that come from the Strollers coordinator

Another example, e.g. in Outlook, is: Choose "Actions" from the menu bar, then choose "Junk E-mail" and then "Junk E-mail Options". Click on the "Safe Senders" tab and click the "Add..." button. Put in one of the above Email addresses and click "OK". Click the "Add..." button again and put in the other Email address and click "OK". Then close by clicking "OK" at the bottom of the panel.

I hope you find this helpful and not too complicated. If in difficulty e-mail me at sl.pensioners.association@gmail.com, but my reply might still end up in your Spam / Junk mail.

Outing - Friday 31 August, Dundee Flower & Food Festival

Around 75 of us ventured out in two coaches to the Dundee Flower and "Mud" Festival in Camperdown Park, Dundee. It was a chilly but dry morning when we assembled in Edinburgh. After a refreshment stop at Glendoick Garden Centre, we continued to Camperdown Park. Unfortunately, the rain started around 12:00 as we were entering the Festival. The ground underfoot was rather on the muddy side, depite enormous efforts by the Park staff to create walk-ways with tons of bark. There was plenty to see at the Festival, most of it in large indoor marquees, so everyone was able to enjoy their visit despite the weather. We stopped for High Tea at The Green Hotel, Kinross before returning to Edinburgh about 8pm. Many thanks to those who organised and assisted in this outing.

Strollers Walk No. 159, Wednesday 25 July 2012 - Cramond Brig to South Queensferry

Walk No. 159:    Cramond Brig to South Queensferry via Dalmeny Estate

Date:                  Wednesday 25 July 2012

Distance:            5 miles approx.

Start:                 Cramond Brig Hotel

Finish:               Hawes Inn, South Queensferry

On a beautiful bright and sunny day, 30 Strollers walked from Cramond Brig through the Dalmeny estate to South Queensferry.

The sky was blue, the views across the Forth were stunning and the deer were bounding around, all of which helped us to forget the rather muddy patches at some places along the way. Packed lunches were consumed sitting by the shoreline in front of Dalmeny House after which it was onwards to South Queensferry and "the bridges" where  Mr Wightman relived his recent abseil down the Railway Bridge.

After more chat everyone went their separate ways, some to partake of further refreshments, others  to the No 43 bus stop, while Mr & Mrs Sharp decided to walk all the way back again, albeit by the more direct route.

All in all, a very good walk.

Many thanks to Drew for organising this walk.

Outing - 12 July, Dumfries House in Cumnock, Ayrshire

It seems that this outing was a resounding success, in particular due to some excellent organisation by Moira Turner. 94 people set off in two coaches from Edinburgh. First stop was the Crown Hotel in Biggar, where the staff had prepared for our arrival with the cups, scones, jam, etc. all laid out ready to pour teas and coffees for such a large number of people.

Then it was on to Dumfries House itself, just as the sun came out to stay for the day. Splitting us into four tour groups, each with a specific tour time, was no simple task, but thanks to Moira's careful preparation and clear instructions it all went like clockwork, even bringing words of praise and thanks from the Dumfries House tour guide organiser.

High Tea was at the Fenwick Hotel, where the catering also went very well for such a large number of guests. afterwards everyone was eventually persuaded to get back on the coaches for the return trip to Edinburgh, despite being reluctant to leave such on such a pleasant sunny evening.

All round, it sounded like a great trip. Many thanks to Moira Turner and her willing helpers for such a carefully planned and executed day out. I'm sorry I missed it (away on holiday sailing in the good weather of the West Coast of Scotland).

Footnote (for those who missed the trip):

Dumfries House in Cumnock is the former home of the Marquis of Bute and was saved for the nation through the efforts of HRH The Duke of Rothesay (a.k.a. Prince Charles). The house contains a magnificent collection of original Chippendale furniture among many other artifacts, all of which were scheduled to be auctioned at Christie's in London before HRH intervened at the eleventh hour. 94 of our pensioners will now be recommending their friends to visit it!

Strollers walk No. 158, Tuesday 26 June 2012, Innerleithen to Walkerburn and back

Walk No. 158:   Innerleithen to Walkerburn and back to Innerleithen

Date:                Tuesday 26 June 2012

Meet:                Memorial Hall Car park, Leithen Road, Innerleithen

Time:                11:00

Led by:              Bob Foster

Well it's raining seriously now (7.30pm) but this morning and afternoon it stayed dry, sunny and bright for 33 of us to enjoy a walk from Innerleithen to Walkerburn along the banks of the River Tweed. After a lunch stop in Walkerburn, we headed up into Plora Wood for a high level walk back above the river valley, with some great views. We ended our walk back in Innerleithen  with the rain still holding off long enough for some to enjoy an ice cream. Many thanks to Bob Foster (for arranging the walk, not the ice-cream).


Hope to see you on next month's walk on Wednesday 25 July, from Cramond Brig through Dalmeny Estate to South Queensferry . Details will be out soon.

Outing - 13 June, Mellerstain House and Gardens, Berwickshire

Here is my summary of our outing to Mellerstain House and Gardens on 13 June:

We met in Edinburgh once a-gain,
To make our way to Mellerstain,
But on the pavement some had to wait,
'Cause a second bus was a wee bit late.

Then Moira, Liz and helpful Drew
Counted aboard the final few.
So off to Melrose we did run
For coffee, tea or sticky bun.


After a good walk round the town,
Back on the bus we all sat down
And off to find the mansion grand,
The weather cheered our merry band.


A house by Adam, with ceilings tall,
The rooms were many, we saw them all.
The gardens too were huge and fine,
But then we had to leave to dine.


At Lauderdale we now have eaten
A meal so good it can't be beaten.
Some words of thanks I have to make,
Then I'll sit down and eat more cake.


Liz booked a venue that couldn't be better,
Carole wrote you all an invitation letter,
Moira collects cheques and booking forms,
Sort out our mistakes - that's quite the norm.


The staff here have all done us proud,
We thank them now with applause out loud.
Stewart and Alec drive us round with care:
Late on the bus? We wouldn't dare!


So thanks to all for coming once more.
If you sleep on my bus then please don't snore.

For more details on Mellerstain House and Gardens, a fine 18th century stately home, designed by William and Robert Adam and one of Scotland's finest Georgian mansions, visit http://www.mellerstain.com/ where you can find a wealth of information.

Strollers Walk No. 157, Monday 21 May 2012, North Berwick

Walk No. 157:   North Berwick and (optional) Berwick Law

Date:                Monday 21 May 2012

Meet:                North Berwick Railway Station

Time:                11:00

Distance:          4 miles

30 Strollers took part in today's walk in North Berwick. Although a bit chilly and misty early on, thanks to a gentle breeze off the North Sea, the day was totally dry and improved as the day went on. By the time we had completed our picnic lunch and climbed North Berwick Law, the sun was well out and the temperature rising considerable. I reckon that 50% of the walkers made it all the way to the top of The Law and it was well worth the effort. Well done Strollers!

Many thanks to Ronnie for arranging and leading this walk.
Follow this link to see the document giving full details in advance of this walk.

Outing - 15th May, Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Ayr

Our first coach outing of the year went to the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway, on Tuesday 15th May. Due to a great response, we took two coaches, with 91 people going on this trip on what turned out to be a wonderfull sunny day, with us avoiding any heavy showers.

After a Garden Centre stop for refreshments, the coaches  arrived in Alloway a bit after 12:30. We stopped first at Burns Cottage, where one bus load got off (after tickets had been purchased then information and a site map given out). The other bus moved on the the Museum to avoid us puting too many people through the cottage at the one time. Over the afternoon, everyone had plenty time to enjoy all the Burns sights in Alloway, then meet up with the two coaches again.

An excellent High tea was enjoyed at the Strathaven Hotel at 5pm, after which the coaches returned us to Edinburgh around 8:00pm. Thanks to all involved in organising this event.


For the poets amongst you, my vote of thanks began:
"We pensioners do like to meet,
And gather in an Edinburgh street.
By coach we then do venture oot,
And visit sights, or just hing aboot.
Oor Rabbie would have liked our chat,
And blether'd on 'bout this an' that,
But here this verse I have to stop,
Or I'll not get through my little talk.
Our high tea here is running late,
So 'fore ye all run for the gate,
Some words I find I have to say,
To summarise this lovely day."

Strollers Walk No. 156 - Thursday 26th April 2012

Walk No. 156:    Corstorphine Hill

Date:                 Thursday 26th April 2012

Distance:           Just over 1 mile

Duration:            2 hours, including optional tour (climb) of Clermiston Tower

Time:                11:00

Update: Despite the horrendous weather forecast, 21 of us enjoyed today's walk, led by Gordon Swann, the Chairman of the "Friends of Corstorphine Hill" organisation. The sun shone briefly as we gathered at the car park before the walk. It was dry for most of the walk and we enjoyed the good view of Edinburgh from "Rest and be Thankful", although it was not as clear and sunny as Ian's photgraph below. The sun shone briefly again as Gordon unlocked Corstorphine Tower for us all to climb to the top and enjoy the views all around. The Pentland peaks could all be seen clearly, the Forth with its bridges and Islands too. After a brief shower, the sun shone for us once more as we entered the Walled Garden to see the wonderful results of the restoration and planting done by the volunteer members of the Friends of Corstorphine Hill over the last ten years. Lastly, on giving a vote of theanks to Gordon for his guided walk, we presented him with a cheque for the Friends of Corstorphine Hill from the donations that we all made on the day.

You can still follow this link Strollers Walk - 26th April 2012 for the original details of planned walk.

View from "Rest and be Thankful" on Corstorphine Hill

Strollers Walk No. 155, Wednesday 21st March 2012

Walk No. 155:     Water of Leith Walkway / Disused Railway / Union Canal Towpath

Date:                  Wednesday 21st March 2012

Well, did the sun shine for us today, or what! We met up this morning at the Water of Leith on a fine sunny morning. After some teas and coffees, well hosted by the staff of the Visitor Centre, 38 of us set off up the Water of Leith walkway. After an early picnic lunch in Spylaw Park, we continued to Juniper Green to cross the Lanark Road. A few walkers left us here to get an early bus back to other duties or find a hostelry for a proper lunch, but most continued down through Baberton, then Wester Hailes to join the Union Canal. We followed the canal back to the starting point at the Visitor Centre. At the end, 30 of us had completed the whole six miles on this beautiful spring day.

Full details of this walk are in the document sent by email or post,  or follow this link Strollers Walk 21st March 2012

Strollers Walk - Thursday 23 February 2012

Walk No 154:  Historic City Walk - North Edinburgh, including Broughton and Canonmills

Just over 60 turned up for this historic walk, led by two guides, Karen MacCormick and Maggie McLeod. We met up at the excellent Cafe Camino, beside St. Mary's RC Cathedral, then headed off along Picardy Place, down Union Street, through Gayfield Square to East London Street, where we heard the history of Gayfield House (built 1763). We then moved on to Hopetoun Crescent to learn about physician and botanist John Hope (1725-1786) and the "Physic Garden". After a view of the remains of Shrub Hill tram depot and power station, we continued down McDonald Road and Beaverhall Road to the site of the former Powderhall Stadium. We finished by coming along the Water of Leith to Canonmills. Many Thanks again to Alastair D. for organising this walk and to our guides for their detailed historic research.

If you want to have a peek inside and see the magnificent interior of Gayfield House, have a look at Savills.co.uk, property detail - Gayfield House, Edinburgh

Strollers Walk - Tuesday 24 January 2012

Walk No 153:  Historic City Walk - Infirmary Street and Vicinity

Around 58 Strollers turned up for this historic walk, led by two guides, Karen MacCormick and Helen. Starting from Infirmary Street, it included the site of the first Infirmary, the first High School and the original Surgeons Hall, then on to Dumbiedykes, The Pleasance and finished at The Engine Shed in St Leonards. Despite a poor forecats, the weather was readsonably kind to us with only a few showers. A number of walkers remained at the Engine Shed for a welcome and enjoyable post-walk lunch. Many Thanks to Alastair D. for organising this walk.

Pensioners' Association - Purpose

The Pensioners’ Association exists primarily to enable ex head-office / Edinburgh-based staff pensioners and their partners to enjoy social occasions with other head-office retirees. Membership is offered to staff retirees (and their spouses / partners) at their point of retiring from the company and intending to take receipt of their company pension at that time. There is an initial joining fee payable to the Association. There is no continuing annual membership fee.
Pensioners’ Association activities presently include:

• Summer Coach Outings (monthly during the summer season)
• Strollers Walking Group (monthly)
• Annual General Meeting

 The Association's activities are organised and run by a volunteer committee of staff pensioners who are appointed by the members at the Annual General Meeting of the Association.

Summer Coach Outings

The Association organises coach outings during the summer months, usually one each month during May through September. We vary the day of the week on which these are held to try to accommodate as many people as possible during the season. Each outing is usually a whole day trip, starting from St Andrew Square, Edinburgh at 09:30, includes a high tea and returns to Edinburgh around 20:30. There is a charge for each person attending an outing. The programme of outings is set at the beginning of each year and the dates and venues communicated to members.

SL Strollers

This is a sub-group of the Pensioners’ Association. It meets once each month throughout the year, summer and winter. The day of the week on which these are held varies to try to accommodate as many people as possible during the year. During the winter months, the walk may include an indoor or outdoor guided tour. Once the weather (hopefully) gets warmer, there is a leisurely walk of around six miles, often with a stop for a picnic lunch. Any Pensioners’ Association member interested in being part of the Strollers group should make sure that they are included in the Strollers email distribution list (contact the Association email address to arrange this).

Contacts

Any staff pensioner wishing to contact the Chairperson or any committee member of the Pensioners’ Association should do this via an email to our central mailbox email address: sl.pensioners.association@gmail.com. For reasons of confidentiality, no personal phone numbers or email addresses will be available via this publicly available website. Alternatively, contact Staff Pensions department and ask them to forward your query in an email to our central mailbox.

Purpose of this Blog

This Blog is intended only for the use of Edinburgh-based Staff Pensioners of a particular company with its Head Office in Edinburgh. Although this Blog is open to view by anyone, use of the information contained therein should be limited to those who are members of the relevant company's Pensioners' Association.