The run up to Easter...

I'm still loving my role as Aberdeenshire Reader in Residence. The weeks are just flying by, and the diary is well booked up with lots to look forward to.
The run up to Easter was very busy with visits to care homes, schools, sheltered housing and heritage groups. I also hosted a 'Doric Night' at Ellon Library; opened a new computer room at Ellon Resource Centre; and dressed up as a woodland fairy for a storytelling stint at Aberdeenshire's Fyvie Castle. The next few months should prove to be just as eventful. Life is never dull...

We had a healthy turnout for Ellon Library's 'Doric Night' despite the freezing weather conditions. Thank you to everyone who came along to hear the poems and stories and enjoy a glass of wine and some nibbles.

Some comments from members of the public:

"What an enjoyable, entertaining evening. Excellent!

"A wonderful evening!"

"So entertained - so glad I came."

"Lots of memories, Debbie. You brought back things I'd forgotten about."

"You painted and amazing picture with your words." 

Easter Sunday at Fyvie Castle.

Children from all over Aberdeenshire had a great time on Easter Sunday at the National Trust for Scotland's Fyvie Castle. They enjoyed an Easter egg hunt (sponsored by Cadbury), a puppet show, face painting, and some storytelling from the woodland fairy (below).   

Cutting the ribbon at Ellon Resource Centre.

Ellon Resource Centre

The staff and service users at Ellon Resource Centre were proud to unveil their new computer room. The rows of brand new computers and Smart Whiteboard were kindly donated by Ellon Rotary Club. The mood was upbeat as refreshments were enjoyed by invited guests. Having worked at the centre on a number of occasions, I was delighted to be asked to come along to 'cut the ribbon', declaring the centre's brand new computer room well and truly open.

                                                              Cutting that ribbon.

                        

                                                          Saying it with flowers.

Pitmurchie Care Home, Torphins.

I spent a nice afternoon reading and chatting to the residents of Pitmurchie Care Home, Torphins. Aided by the lovely Vivien and her band of carers, the residents listened to some readings and even had a go at writing a collaborative poem of their own. Residents chatted about their memories of shopping and we  looked at two of the wonderful books from the 'Pictures to Share' series: 'Shopping in Pictures' and 'The Countryside in Pictures'.

One of the poems that complement the artwork (a spring scene of a ewe with her new-born lamb) in 'The Countryside in Pictures':

A flock of sheep that leisurely pass by,
One after one;
the sound of rain and bees

Murmuring; the fall of rivers,
winds and seas,

Smooth fields, white sheets
of water, and pure sky;

I've thought of all by turns,
and still I lie

Sleepless. 

Quotation from 'To sleep' by William Wordsworth

We rounded off the session with a humorous Doric poem, 'A short Cut te Siller', by the late Ian Middleton. The poem tells the story of a young farmhand who marries for money instead of love.  


   

The residents collaborative list poem went like this...

These are a few of our favourite smells...

...A puppy's belly
Roses and daffodils
Violets
A newly-bathed baby
A nice cup of tea
Lavender
Clover
Going to the baker's shop
Posh soap
Fresh air
Pine needles
Home-baking - straight out of the oven
Cinnamon and Christmas
The smell of the sea - salty seaweed
Roast dinner on a Sunday
Honeysuckle and freesias...   

 

Comments

 

"More memories remembered."  Aileen

 

"Entertaining, well-presented and very engaging." Barbara Hookey

 

"Enjoyed the readings very much." Elma Ewen

 

"Liked the smells game." Davie Brand

 

"I knew most of the 'auld shoppies'. I remember painting a line down my leg to look like stockings." Isabell

                                                                                                                                        

"I liked remembering the sea air smell." Ben Thomson 

 

"I liked the smells quiz." Jimmy McKenzie