Welcome to Region 09 – the North
Hello from the Association of Open University Graduates in the North. Region 09 is a large Region from the East to the West coast of England and from Yorkshire to the Scottish Borders. There are large cities and towns such as Newcastle, Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Darlington, the counties Durham, Northumberland and Cumbria and Tees Valley. (Cleveland) Thus it is rural and urban in character.
I live in Newcastle upon Tyne, and have worked in most of the areas mentioned and have relatives in the areas too. During the pandemic, face-to-face meetings had to stop and so we developed Zoom meetings instead. These opened up the possibility of involvement to many more members as not only could members with mobility issues or family commitments now join in, but members from further afield in other geographical areas, also had the opportunity.
Now things are feeling safer, face-to-face events have re-started but the Zoom meeting will still continue. If you have any ideas for face-to-face activities or topics to discuss by Zoom, please contact me, Violet Rook, by email or phone.
In addition all AOUG members currently get the opportunity of volunteering to be part of the procession party at The Open University Degree Ceremonies. I have had the pleasure of attending such Ceremonies being a representative of the AOUG. It is a marvellous occasion seeing the happiness on Degree Day. The venue at the Sage is spectacular on the southern bank of the River Tyne with its glass windows looking out across the river.
We welcome members from the Region and beyond in the promotion of the AOUG and The Open University both now and in the future.
Executive Representative: Violet Rook – 07927671127
Email: violetrook@btinternet.com
Previous Events
Seaburn, Sunderland –
A regular area to visit is Seaburn in Sunderland. It is extremely pleasant in summer when the beach is full of people but even on a wintry day in December walkers are out with their dogs sampling the sea air. There is a lovely view from the cottages which are right on the beach. They were once ‘Aged Fisherman Cottages’. There is a sweeping bay with a lighthouse asnd a view across to Sunderland. A great walk for members on a sunny day. There are also amusements and shops within walking distance and a supermarket where members have tea and cakes. The area was mentioned in a ‘Best Seaside’ review recently.
Executive Representative – Violet Rook
Otterburn Mill
This is a popular destination for members since it can be reached from Newcastle and from other towns in the area, but only by car. The bus service, as with many rural areas, is only twice a day. It is best to visit during the Summer months. On one occasion when travelling to the venue, there was a snowstorm and the visit had to be abandoned. The village is about twenty five miles from the Scottish Border and about the same distance from Newcastle, surrounded by lovely scenery.
The history of the mill is shown at the entrance where one can see old looms and even a sheep inside when proceeding to the cafe. The saying ‘on tender hooks’ is illustrated via a machine on show used for when wool was refined. The Mill is famous for making and sending to the royal family a woolen cot blanket for the then Princess Elizabeth in 1926.
Executive Representative – Violet Rook
Laing Art Gallery Cafe
A great cafe with superb decorations from a marvellous statue to paintings on the walls of the White Cattle of Chillingham Castle in Northumberland. The cattle are an ancient breed which have been preserved by the landowner for many centuries. The cafe is very atmospheric and members can enjoy the good variety of food, which include vegan and gluten-free. Of course, then members have the shop and the picture galleries upstairs which have paintings by the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and John Martin. A great day out and right in the heart of Newcastle.
Executive Representative – Violet Rook
Durham
It was a great pleasure for individuals to see the Lindisfarne Gospels when they returned to the North East on loan fron the British Library. I had seen them when I was a child on a school visit to the Monks Dormitory at Durham Cathedral and it was marvellous to repeat the experience.
The Gospels show the hard work of the monks who wrote them. Lindisfarne is an island, known as Holy Island, off the coast of Northumberland. Here St Cuthbert lived and died and was then transported by the monks around the country and beyond to find a safe burial ground for their beloved saint. They decided on Durham and that was the foundation of Durham Cathedral, high on a hill surrounded by the River Wear.
Executive Representative – Violet Rook