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.