monthly meetings
Our monthly meetings are based around a talk given by a guest speaker, followed by questions and answers. (If you cannot attend the meeting it is usually recorded and available on YouTube for viewing at your leisure).
These meetings are also an opportunity for committee members and group co-ordinators to pass on notices and announcements. PLEASE NOTE VENUE is The Connect Centre, 2-6 Model Road, BALLYMONEY BT53 6BH. . (If you cannot attend the meeting it is usually recorded and available on YouTube for viewing at your leisure).
These meetings are also an opportunity for committee members and group co-ordinators to pass on notices and announcements. PLEASE NOTE VENUE is The Connect Centre, 2-6 Model Road, BALLYMONEY BT53 6BH. . (If you cannot attend the meeting it is usually recorded and available on YouTube for viewing at your leisure).
Last Meeting of Session: June 2022
Members of Ballymoney u3a gathered in the Holmes Memorial Hall for their final meeting of the current session.
Chairman, John Pinkerton, welcomed members and guests to the event saying that he was delighted to see so many in attendance. He welcomed the easing of Covid restrictions, which for the past two years had hugely impacted on face-to-face meetings.
John went on to tell members that plans are ongoing for the new session which starts on 6 September and that the programme will be available in August containing information on speakers, events and activities - something for everybody.
The entertainment for the morning was provided by local folk music group Scad the Beggars. Unfortunately the leader of the group, Dick Glasgow, was unwell and could not be present but members Deborah Mairs, Riley Pidington, and Sam Fleming were pleased to be taking part. Although not a member, John had the privilege of accompanying the group for their regular Saturday night sessions in the Diamond Bar and would be joining for the session.
The group then proceeded to entertain with a varied range of pieces beginning with Margaret’s Waltz and including a ballad Bonny Wood Hall from the collection by local man Sam Henry.
During the break for refreshments the audience was served with delicious tea boxes provided by Elle Jayne.
Music resumed with a further selection bringing in folk songs like The Jeely Piece- a reminder of the tenements in Glasgow in the days when children roamed free after school until called home for their evening meal consisting of a jam sandwich handed out the window. Whiskey in the Jar with a nod to Metallica. Jigs and reels, the Wild Rose of the Mountain had the audience tapping their toes and accompanying the band, and the event came to a close with a special request for the Spinning Wheel.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Elaine Wilson who said that it been a thoroughly enjoyable morning and that it could maybe encourage members to call in the Diamond Bar to sample more of the entertainment on offer.
For more information contact the membership secretary Elizabeth at:
membershipbu3a@gmail.com Tel: mob: 07745897188
Members of Ballymoney u3a gathered in the Holmes Memorial Hall for their final meeting of the current session.
Chairman, John Pinkerton, welcomed members and guests to the event saying that he was delighted to see so many in attendance. He welcomed the easing of Covid restrictions, which for the past two years had hugely impacted on face-to-face meetings.
John went on to tell members that plans are ongoing for the new session which starts on 6 September and that the programme will be available in August containing information on speakers, events and activities - something for everybody.
The entertainment for the morning was provided by local folk music group Scad the Beggars. Unfortunately the leader of the group, Dick Glasgow, was unwell and could not be present but members Deborah Mairs, Riley Pidington, and Sam Fleming were pleased to be taking part. Although not a member, John had the privilege of accompanying the group for their regular Saturday night sessions in the Diamond Bar and would be joining for the session.
The group then proceeded to entertain with a varied range of pieces beginning with Margaret’s Waltz and including a ballad Bonny Wood Hall from the collection by local man Sam Henry.
During the break for refreshments the audience was served with delicious tea boxes provided by Elle Jayne.
Music resumed with a further selection bringing in folk songs like The Jeely Piece- a reminder of the tenements in Glasgow in the days when children roamed free after school until called home for their evening meal consisting of a jam sandwich handed out the window. Whiskey in the Jar with a nod to Metallica. Jigs and reels, the Wild Rose of the Mountain had the audience tapping their toes and accompanying the band, and the event came to a close with a special request for the Spinning Wheel.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Elaine Wilson who said that it been a thoroughly enjoyable morning and that it could maybe encourage members to call in the Diamond Bar to sample more of the entertainment on offer.
For more information contact the membership secretary Elizabeth at:
membershipbu3a@gmail.com Tel: mob: 07745897188
Meeting Date: 2 March 2021 at 11:00 am - Via Zoom
SPEAKER: JOHN ARMSTRONG - Resilience through Challenging Times
Members were held riveted by John‘s talk in which he told the story of his business from its inception in his garage in Portstewart in 1984 to its success in the global market.
From its humble beginnings the business took various twists and turns as it grew and expanded across the world.
John did not try to spin or gloss the problems he encountered along the way.
From a disastrous fire in 2001 when all seemed lost, through his own health problems, John told the story of success hard fought but won culminating in the Queens Award.
His audacious escape from Causeway Hospital to be at a key meeting was the stuff of spy films. Planning was essential to be back for the consultant’s ward rounds, dressing in the toilets in a suit smuggled in by his wife and posing for the press with his heart monitor concealed under his shirt and a cannula for the drip covered by his sleeve. He made it back in time and his daring ruse went undetected.
No wonder then that someone with his ingenuity could lead his company in the international field.
Dealing with potential customers from different backgrounds and culture tested his tact and diplomacy even to having to ward off a marriage proposal from an Arab Sheikh, who already had three wives but could legally have a fourth, to the then Minister for Development.
John related the ups and downs of a business in a straightforward way highlighting team work, the problems faced by negativity and his strategies to overcome obstacles. His reference to a book which had inspired him “Our Iceberg is melting” will lead to increased sales on Amazon. There were lessons to be learned for everyday life on how to navigate difficulties and keep optimism alive. Challenges, there were many along the way, but with grit and determination John led his company to international success.
John is now enjoying retirement having sold his business and I am sure all our members will join in passing on best wishes to him and his family for a long and happy future.
SPEAKER: JOHN ARMSTRONG - Resilience through Challenging Times
Members were held riveted by John‘s talk in which he told the story of his business from its inception in his garage in Portstewart in 1984 to its success in the global market.
From its humble beginnings the business took various twists and turns as it grew and expanded across the world.
John did not try to spin or gloss the problems he encountered along the way.
From a disastrous fire in 2001 when all seemed lost, through his own health problems, John told the story of success hard fought but won culminating in the Queens Award.
His audacious escape from Causeway Hospital to be at a key meeting was the stuff of spy films. Planning was essential to be back for the consultant’s ward rounds, dressing in the toilets in a suit smuggled in by his wife and posing for the press with his heart monitor concealed under his shirt and a cannula for the drip covered by his sleeve. He made it back in time and his daring ruse went undetected.
No wonder then that someone with his ingenuity could lead his company in the international field.
Dealing with potential customers from different backgrounds and culture tested his tact and diplomacy even to having to ward off a marriage proposal from an Arab Sheikh, who already had three wives but could legally have a fourth, to the then Minister for Development.
John related the ups and downs of a business in a straightforward way highlighting team work, the problems faced by negativity and his strategies to overcome obstacles. His reference to a book which had inspired him “Our Iceberg is melting” will lead to increased sales on Amazon. There were lessons to be learned for everyday life on how to navigate difficulties and keep optimism alive. Challenges, there were many along the way, but with grit and determination John led his company to international success.
John is now enjoying retirement having sold his business and I am sure all our members will join in passing on best wishes to him and his family for a long and happy future.
John Armstrong
Meeting Date: February 2021 - Via Zoom
SPEAKER: STEVE PRICE and HIS MAGIC SHOW - Something mind-boggling and different!
In February we decided to keep the theme light and amusing so we had a presentation by Steve Price a talented Magician who kept us enthralled for nearly an hour with his tricks and sleight of hand. We were joined by some members from our sister group Glens and Dalriada and from the feedback they had a great time. Some members compared it to the shows which the late Charlie McAfee gave in his day - high praise indeed. Something very different and just what we needed on a dark, cold February morning.
SPEAKER: STEVE PRICE and HIS MAGIC SHOW - Something mind-boggling and different!
In February we decided to keep the theme light and amusing so we had a presentation by Steve Price a talented Magician who kept us enthralled for nearly an hour with his tricks and sleight of hand. We were joined by some members from our sister group Glens and Dalriada and from the feedback they had a great time. Some members compared it to the shows which the late Charlie McAfee gave in his day - high praise indeed. Something very different and just what we needed on a dark, cold February morning.
Steve Price
Meeting Date: January 2021 - Via Zoom
At our January members meeting we were entertained by FRANK RODGERS a member of Glens and Dalriada U3A. Some of you will remember his very interesting talk on stained glass back in 2019 when we could still meet in person and enjoy convivial company. This time Frank used Zoom for his talk which was entitled “Shakespearean Sayings.“ If you think that sounds dull you would be surprised! Frank covered a wide range of Shakespeare plays with amusing illustrations and brought to life with the links to our everyday speech.
At our January members meeting we were entertained by FRANK RODGERS a member of Glens and Dalriada U3A. Some of you will remember his very interesting talk on stained glass back in 2019 when we could still meet in person and enjoy convivial company. This time Frank used Zoom for his talk which was entitled “Shakespearean Sayings.“ If you think that sounds dull you would be surprised! Frank covered a wide range of Shakespeare plays with amusing illustrations and brought to life with the links to our everyday speech.
Frank Rodgers
Meeting Date: 3 March 2020
The speaker at the BU3A monthly meeting on 3 March was Jim Maguire Revenues and Outreach Manager with Land & Property Services. Jim told members about the services offered by Land and Property Services in relation to financial help available for homeowners and tenants.
He outlined the various types of relief offered e.g.
Rates Rebate
Disabled Person’s Allowance
Lone Pensioner Allowance
Housing Benefit & Rate Relief
Taking time to give details of qualifying conditions and a brief outline of how claims are processed Jim went on to take questions from the audience. He said he would be happy to answer any specific questions from members at the end of his talk and several people approached him for advice. He also provided a range of leaflets and other promotional material. His talk was well received and Marion thanked him for the useful information he had given members.
The speaker at the BU3A monthly meeting on 3 March was Jim Maguire Revenues and Outreach Manager with Land & Property Services. Jim told members about the services offered by Land and Property Services in relation to financial help available for homeowners and tenants.
He outlined the various types of relief offered e.g.
Rates Rebate
Disabled Person’s Allowance
Lone Pensioner Allowance
Housing Benefit & Rate Relief
Taking time to give details of qualifying conditions and a brief outline of how claims are processed Jim went on to take questions from the audience. He said he would be happy to answer any specific questions from members at the end of his talk and several people approached him for advice. He also provided a range of leaflets and other promotional material. His talk was well received and Marion thanked him for the useful information he had given members.
Jim Maguire Revenues and Outreach Manager with Land & Property Services
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Jim Maguire in deep discussion
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Meeting Date: 4 February 2020
Ballymoney U3A’s February speaker in the Holmes Memorial Hall was David Dunlop, an author/writer from Garryduff, who is now based in Donegal. An ex-Dalriad, he be came a history teacher in Limavady High School and stayed for 39 years.
The first of his family to go to Dalriada in 1962, he admits to being petrified when he found himself sent to detention. He mentions David Gamble, an English teacher, along with Alec Blair, history and the Head Teacher Ted Gordon, English, as especial influences on him. A degree in anthropology in Coleraine followed.
Limavady High School is located next to St Mary’s in Limavady. David made a special effort during the Troubles to share classes in the two schools where possible, initially with joint social studies groups. A number of classes are now timetabled together so that it may be possible to take a subject higher up the school in either one school or the other. Teaching a joint RE class once, David tried to cover the subject from both a catholic and protestant point of view. A brilliant question from one student was, “How come Jesus was a protestant but Mary was a catholic?” How do you answer that?
In 1982 a Rock Music Show that David was working on with the children called ‘A Peace of the Future’ coincided with the Ballykelly Bomb, which was very close to Limavady and many of its people. With a West Side Story type of storyline, it was nevertheless set in Northern Ireland. Although cancellation was discussed, the show went ahead and ran for three days, and received a standing ovation.
Other rock music shows followed on the subjects of World War One, The Hunger (the Famine) and the 1641 Rising which included the Battle of the Leaney, now part of Ballymoney.
More recently David has turned to historical novel writing. The first is called, in Irish, Oilean na Marbh, or the Island of the Dead. It is based in the late nineteenth century in Donegal. Other books have followed: The Broken Fiddle, based on the border in 1922 and We, the Fallen, which has an EU study trip dimension where German and Irish youngsters meet up in the context of the World War I. The books are available from Amazon in paperback or on Kindle.
David Dunlop completed his talk by reading two poems, one in English and on in Ulster Scots. The first describes his childhood, the son of a fiddle player/poet/ grocer and preacher. The second poem is about his great uncle Davy (David Alexander) who had the doubtful distinction of being attacked by a bull.
Reverend Frances Bach described the talk as absolutely wonderful, a real treat, in her vote of thanks.
David Dunlop
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David enthrals his audience
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Meeting Date: 7 January 2020
On 7th January at their monthly meeting members of Ballymoney U3A were entertained by the talk given by fellow U3A member Len Snodgrass. In his Talk entitled Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands Len took members on a tour.
Starting with the 11 ½ hour flight from Heathrow to Quito the capital of Ecuador to sightseeing around the city and the surrounding countryside Len painted a vivid picture of a culture very different from our own and yet bearing some uncanny resemblances.
A stroll around the city brought back memories with the sight of heavily armed police at every corner. The city is a mix of ancient and modern ‘ its first-class hotels standing in contrast to the basic dwellings which are home to many of its people. Markets thronged with locals selling food, fruit, shoes, hats, and all manner of souvenirs. The stall holders were happy to pose for photographs.
A train journey provided insight to the lifestyle of local families living along its tracks in dwellings which were little better than shacks often with a single cow tethered nearby. There was time to have a look at the surrounding countryside with the guide warning not to get to close to grazing llamas who will spit the contents of their mouth at anyone coming near and this can be a very messy experience.
A visit to Cuenco gave an opportunity to see the New Cathedral which took 90 years to build and is still considered by some to be incomplete This is due to the fact the foundations were not strong enough to allow for completion of its towers.
Len’s tour moved on with a cruise to the volcanic Galapagos Islands the youngest of which is around 2000 years old. These Islands are home to some unique and unusual wildlife and Len provided visual images to back up his fascinating narrative of his encounters with iguanas whose personal habits were not endearing to the frigate birds with their colourful mating display and Sally Lightfoot crabs(supposedly named after an opera singer who paid a visit to the islands. These agile crabs make excellent scavengers and strip bare carcasses of whales washed up on the beaches. The Blue footed booby although a seabird has no oil in its feathers and has to use very clever methods to get its food which include holding the frigate bird upside down until it regurgitates and then feeding on the output.
We saw the sea turtles who come ashore to lay their eggs often up to 200. Predatory sea bird watch for the young to hatch and as a result of this only a few survive. The meat of sea turtles was highly prized by pirates who would come ashore to stock up The seal and penguin species are not found anywhere else in the world. The wildlife has had centuries of seclusion and are unafraid of humans so giving ample opportunity to get close.
Len treated U3A members to an armchair visit of a land most had not visited. After the talk several people were adding it to their bucket list a testament to the interesting insight provided.
We hope Len will continue to travel and bring us more topics to inspire the imagination
A vote of thanks was given by Pat Crossley.
Len Snodgrass
Meeting Date: 1 December 2020
Ballymoney U3A had its first monthly meeting on Zoom this morning.
Our Chairman, John Pinkerton, opened the meeting and encouraged the members to access our Facebook page to keep up to date with activities and events which might be of interest. He referred to items such as: Causeway Hospital Emergency Department now operating the “Phone First” on a 24/7 basis; Advanced Zoom training; details of online Christmas Concerts and music and promoted the monthly quiz in which he recently took part.
He then handed the meeting over to our guest speaker of the day, Ann Donnelly (Film show N Ireland Screen, Digital Film Archive), who treated us to some short films of our local area, one or two of which we would not be able to access for ourselves. It was wonderful to watch footage from way back, in black and white of course, and moving at a slow pace with a bit of a grainy, crackling sound in the background. As Davy Smith commented “no ISO’s in those days” (the photographers among you will know what that means).
Ann encouraged interaction and it was wonderful to see and hear members reminisce about events and people they recognised. Some of those featured were:- Magician, Charlie McAfee, Singer, Willie Stevenson, The Corfield’s Camera Factory, which in 1950’s was the only factory of its kind in the UK, (producing first class Periflex cameras). The photographs and footage generated lots of discussion as members recognised the individuals on screen. Mosside with its school, the YMCA, Ballycastle/Cushendall direction, photos of Loughareema, the vanishing lake and coopering at Bushmills.
Before bringing the meeting to an end, Ann taught us how to access this fantastic Archive and suggested what we might find interesting and available via broadcast news, feature films, television dramas, documentaries, animations etc – what a wealth of history and memories!
John Pinkerton thanked Ann for her presentation saying that he could watch and listen all day but unfortunately had to let her go. He also thanked the members for their attendance.
Report compiled by Marie Hegarty and Irene Ross.
2019
Meeting Date: 5th November 2019 - Photo's from the Health Fair
Meeting date: 3rd September, 2019
Ballymoney U3A was privileged to have George Murphy astheir speaker for the opening September meeting of the session. George, who is from Dungiven, is a well-known yarnspinner, comedian and musician. He regaled the memberswith jokes, stories and songs.
When not entertaining clubs, weddings and other groups George, who was a teacher prior to his retirement, is involved with a local school. He has interactive music sessions: with children sharing music, movement and poetry in a fun and imaginative way.
He is accomplished on guitar, bodhran and harmonica and used all three while singing. In between jokes and stories, George
sang: ‘What’s your hurry’, ‘My Bonnie lies over the ocean’, ‘Wild Rover’, ‘I’ll tell me Ma’ and ‘Girl from Belfast City’. Audience participation was encouraged with new member Muriel Jackson enlisted as his accompanist on the bodhran.
His performance was well received by the members. Pat Crossley gave a vote of thanks.
Report by Joan Shannon
Meeting date: 1 October 2019
David Bell was the speaker for the October meeting of Ballymoney U3A, a volunteer at the Woodland Trust. He gave a talk entitled, ‘Standing up for Trees’. His interest in trees began as a young boy iving near a large estate when he realised that each tree has its own special characteristics. Trees have significant importance in our lives wherever we live. We are all familiar with the yew, which grows in graveyards symbolising life after death. Trees are good for our health and wellbeing. We can enjoy parks and the countryside where we create spaces to play and refresh the soul. Trees alleviate air pollution by absorbing carbon dioxide and generating oxygen. In cities they help to cool the air and mask noise pollution. They create a natural habitat for wildlife hence the need to introduce native species such as birch, alder and the thorns. Native species grow well. However over the years non-native species like sycamore were introduced by the Normans. Many of these brought disease.
Northern Ireland ranks badly as one of the least-wooded regions in Europe, with just 7% woodland cover compared with the European average of 37%. Additionally almost 60% of our woodland is in the form of recent conifer plantations. The overall tree cover in the UK is also low at 13% cover.
In recent years large areas of Fermanagh have been planted for commercial use but only 50% of this wood is useable. Technology has been developed recently and some wood has been turned into wood pellets. These are easy to handle, making them suitable for steam turbines to generate electricity.
About 30 years ago in Austria, a land locked country,they switched from sheep farming to growing trees.These they use for both heating and chilling processes. In Vienna they have a recycling plant that produces 5 mega watts to power 26,000 homes. Trees are under threat from climate change, pests and diseases, the infrastructure and intensive agriculture.Since 1945 the UK has lost thousands of miles of hedgerows and many ancient woodland sites have been lost or damaged.
In 1972, concerned about the nearby loss of ancient woodland in Devon, Kenneth Watkins set up the Woodland Trust for the conservation of woods and trees. The Trust aims to plant 2000 hectares of new native woodland each year. They run courses such as hedge laying, arrange guided visits to woods, visit schools to instruct them in tree planting and attend shows and fairs. Free trees are available for schools and communities to plant.
In conclusion David encouraged us of the importance of visiting our local woods to walk and refresh our souls.Woodland Trust takes care of 50 woods in Northern Ireland including those in the Faughan Valley, Prehenand Glenravel. For more information check out www.woodlandtrust.org.uk.
Anne Steele spoke for a short while at the end of the meeting about the Open Door charity and shop in Main Street Ballymoney.
Report by Joan Shannon
David Bell was the speaker for the October meeting of Ballymoney U3A, a volunteer at the Woodland Trust. He gave a talk entitled, ‘Standing up for Trees’. His interest in trees began as a young boy iving near a large estate when he realised that each tree has its own special characteristics. Trees have significant importance in our lives wherever we live. We are all familiar with the yew, which grows in graveyards symbolising life after death. Trees are good for our health and wellbeing. We can enjoy parks and the countryside where we create spaces to play and refresh the soul. Trees alleviate air pollution by absorbing carbon dioxide and generating oxygen. In cities they help to cool the air and mask noise pollution. They create a natural habitat for wildlife hence the need to introduce native species such as birch, alder and the thorns. Native species grow well. However over the years non-native species like sycamore were introduced by the Normans. Many of these brought disease.
Northern Ireland ranks badly as one of the least-wooded regions in Europe, with just 7% woodland cover compared with the European average of 37%. Additionally almost 60% of our woodland is in the form of recent conifer plantations. The overall tree cover in the UK is also low at 13% cover.
In recent years large areas of Fermanagh have been planted for commercial use but only 50% of this wood is useable. Technology has been developed recently and some wood has been turned into wood pellets. These are easy to handle, making them suitable for steam turbines to generate electricity.
About 30 years ago in Austria, a land locked country,they switched from sheep farming to growing trees.These they use for both heating and chilling processes. In Vienna they have a recycling plant that produces 5 mega watts to power 26,000 homes. Trees are under threat from climate change, pests and diseases, the infrastructure and intensive agriculture.Since 1945 the UK has lost thousands of miles of hedgerows and many ancient woodland sites have been lost or damaged.
In 1972, concerned about the nearby loss of ancient woodland in Devon, Kenneth Watkins set up the Woodland Trust for the conservation of woods and trees. The Trust aims to plant 2000 hectares of new native woodland each year. They run courses such as hedge laying, arrange guided visits to woods, visit schools to instruct them in tree planting and attend shows and fairs. Free trees are available for schools and communities to plant.
In conclusion David encouraged us of the importance of visiting our local woods to walk and refresh our souls.Woodland Trust takes care of 50 woods in Northern Ireland including those in the Faughan Valley, Prehenand Glenravel. For more information check out www.woodlandtrust.org.uk.
Anne Steele spoke for a short while at the end of the meeting about the Open Door charity and shop in Main Street Ballymoney.
Report by Joan Shannon
