Calligraphy

If you enjoy a sing-song and good company then the OIR Choir would like to hear from you. Our numbers are depleted at the moment, especially on the male voices side, so we are urgently seeking new members, particularly tenor and bass. As well as weekly practice sessions there will also be the opportunity to perform in concerts. We perfored at Ayr Town Hall during the Tuesday meeting on 19th October.

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Computing Beginners

A 10 week course of one hour classes will run from 21 February. The one starts and 10:00 and the other at 11:00. You will learn the basic concepts of computers and how to: Input instructions (Mouse and Keyboard Skills), enter text and numbers to create documents, correct typing mistakes & enhance/ alter documents, use the computer to access the Internet, set up an email account and send/receive emails.

Computing 1

An OIR computing class started in the 1980s, and was attended by dedicated members who wanted to know about computers. Time was spent typing in program instructions. This produced patterns on the screen or did some calculations but little else. In 1991 the computer class got the use of PC machines using the Windows operating system, and members began to wonder what all the talk was about. One computer class developed into two and then three, as more people took an interest. For many it was the chance to use a computer, however the introduction of computers into community centres and public libraries, gave anyone ready access to a machine and access to the internet. Personal computers also have become less expensive, and the number of members wanting to come to a class dropped, so the number of classes has reduced to one.

The present computer class is held in Lochside community centre, and each session lasts eight weeks. There are usually three sessions over the winter months. There is no formal curriculum for the class as it has been found that some members have a bit of computer knowledge and most have differing interests. The class still specialises in ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œComputing for the TerrifiedÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚Â and helpers are able to explain basic computing skills to beginners as well as helping with more advanced problems.

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Crafts

We are a group of ladies who meet weekly in Belmont Academy and either work on projects, or move over and watch what someone else is doing. We are very much into sharing skills and learning from each other and swapping ideas and of course there is always time to have a chat.

Crafts worked at within the group include crochet, tapestry, cross stitch, knitting, papercrafts, card making and more.

From time to time we invite either a friend or a local crafter to come along and give us a demonstration on some craft. These afternoons are always popular, and have ranged over the years from Gold Embroidery, Jewellery making, Patchwork and Quilting, Card making techniques, to name a few.

If there are any OIR members wishing to join us to either share our skills, or let us share yours, please give me a ring on 01294 234646, We do have spaces at the moment for one or two new members. Some pictures of our group are given below.

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Creative Writing

The Group is encouraged to use their wealth of lifetime experiences to write creatively. The members have been creative in other directions too and have now published a book entitled Beyond Words. It contains a collection of fiction stories, funny happenings, articles and poems, compiled to mirror the breadth of talents within the Group. The front cover is shown below.

The Book

How would it be if we wrote a book?
We gazed at each other in awe
Where to start? How would it look?
Could we make it a draw?
So home we went, all in a twitter
The juices beginning to flow
Back we came two weeks later
Did we have something to show?

Youd be surprised by the amount of stuff
That arrived on the desk in a pile
Romantic yarns with lots of fluff
And tales to make you smile
Chirpy poems written in rhyme
Memories of bygone years
Narrations of war in another time
One that ends in tears

To edit the script a committee was formed
They soon disposed of the chaff
An apt front cover was stylishly drawn
The birdcage made us laugh
How many stories? One to a page?
The questions flew thick and fast
Then disaster struck at the printing stage
The work could not be passed.

Back to the drawing board, on with the fight
A second batch was born
Pristine and yellow, quite a delight
We didn't feel so forlorn
Now last month in a dazzling display
We launched this precious tome
If you are in the Office one day
Please buy and take one home.

Looking through Beyond Words I came across this little poem by Harry Morrison on a subject dear to many a Scotsman's heart.

Of all the things that man has made
From ancient times till now
The man who had the noblest idea
Stand up and take a bow.
There's boats and planes and air balloons
Sometimes they're rather risky
But the man who gets the gold award
Is the man who invented whisky.
We've all tasted other drinks
Like Vodka, rum and gin
But whisky is the best wee drink.
If you read this
Get them in!

This publication is available from the OIR Office*. It is Beyond Price but contributions towards cost are gratefully received !

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Curling

Originally called the roaring game and played outdoors on frozen ponds it is now played in the comfortable surroundings of Ayr Ice Rink.

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Short Cycle Runs

Jean is proposing to form a new cycling group which cycles distances between 5-12 miles at a gentle speed. The group would meet fortnightly at the car park behind the OIR Office and peddle forth along cycle tracks and minor roads, avoiding as many busy roads as possible.

Cycling 1, 2 and Adventures

The OIR Cycle Group restarted almost 3 years ago with a small group of somewhat nervous one time cyclists. We have now grown into a very jolly and increasingly confident group of friends. There is now a cycle trip almost every week of the year. We only stop if the weather is too bad or the roads are unsafe. Most of the group have been surprised at the number of cycling routs within a few miles of Ayr that they are unaware of. A major part of our trips are the Coffee and Pub lunch stops which some leaders use as the basis of the outing.

We have been on several trips away including Islay, the outer Isles, Loch Katrine and the Falkirk Wheel.

In the near future we expect to set up a Group to extend our range of skills in touring.

It seems that the main requirements for membership are a roadworthy bike, a profound sense of humour and an enjoyment of the countryside around Ayr. The groups are full at the moment, but we have no one on the waiting list.

Stirling to Pitlochry and beyond

Click image for more

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Decoupage and Card Crafts

Prestwick Community Centre, Friday 9:45-11:45.

Leader Sylvia McKinlay

This class meets in the back room of Prestwick Community Centre. It started off as pure decoupage, but has evolved over time into decoupage and all card crafts.

The aim of the class is to meet other crafters, do new things, and have a chat. All you need to join is to have an interest in card crafts and want to learn more

To join us, contact Mrs S McKinlay through the OIR office, open Tuesday to Thursday 10.00 to 2.00pm.

Class in Action

Examples of the Group's Work

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Dress Making

Group meets at the Citadel Centre on Wednesday between 10:00 - 12:00

Leader Sandra Wilkie

The group meets on a Wednesday morning between 10am-12 noon in the meeting room at the Citadel, Ayr. Members range from those who have never attempted dressmaking before to the proficient.

We have patterns and a selection of materials to choose from and our own machine and dressmaking equipment.

We are a friendly group usually about 10 to 12 each meeting and have an annual outing and lunch out during the year. Coffee/tea with something to eat is served every morning, with plenty of chat.

Come along and try your hand.

Hands in Action

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