Chairman's Report 2023/24
Last year we resumed our monthly talks after Covid and also at our new venue, Aberdeenshire Cricket Club at Mannofield. This move has proved to be a popular despite it being considerably more expensive than our old College venue. Also, Covid altered our way of paying for things and cash lost out to card payments so we had to abandon the the attendance fee and increase the membership cost to include it. It was agreed at our AGM to continue at the Cricket Club for this year but to keep looking for an alternative cheaper venue that could offer the same facilities.
This years Calendar had a very bumpy ride and wasn’t finalised until the end of February. Our Vice Chair, Neil Cooney’s talk on “What Happened in 1923” ensured that we had another good turnout for the AGM but three Members of the Committee intimated that they will be standing down next February.
Neil’s winning talk once again brought in our new session and the crowds to give us a good start. Jon Tyler, who unfortunately succumbed to Covid the day before scheduled, to give his talk last year gave an enthralling account of The Ferryhill Engine Shed. It was good to see so many questions and so many answers.
The April talk, Insulin Nobel Prize Winner JJR MacLeod and Memorial Statue to be given by John Otto and Ken McHardy is particularly relevant in this centenary year. Local man JJR, was almost cheated out of his Nobel Prize and it was not until decades later that the immensity of his role became apparent.
The Committee has been very encouraged to see so many new members joining for this session to make up for the unfortunate loss of some our longstanding friends and members. All we need now is for some new blood in the Committee.
John Corall
Message from Chairman 26/12/2021
It is with great sadness that I have to report the deaths of two stalwarts of history in the North East.
Mike Head took Chairmanship of our Aberdeen History Society when Aberdeen Town & County History Society was wound up and we were determined that Aberdeen should not be without one. He was the steady hand on the tiller for a number of years and remained a Committee Member up until the end. His quiet no-confrontational style meant that the Society got off to the best possible start. A big man, a big loss and will be missed by all who knew him.
David Northcroft, Educationalist, Author and Society Member sadly passed away just before Christmas. David has done more to record people and times of the North East than anyone else and was still working on his next instalment until recently. His books are a phenomenal collection of the lives of people in all sectors of society and will be a godsend for historians of the future. David had been due to talk to the Society in September on “Aberdeen - A City to be Proud of” and before his illness worsened, had agreed to do it in 2022. Sadly not to be. Another quiet unassuming man but a giant in his field, he will be sairly missed.
We had great hopes of restarting the Society’s monthly lectures in February 2022 but this latest Covid variant has put paid to that. Our home for many years, NESCol on the Gallowgate was proving too problematical with enhanced Covid precautions required that the Committee decided to look for alternative premises. We hit upon Aberdeenshire Cricket Club at Mannofield and I confirmed after giving a talk to a Probus Group there that it was eminently suitable. All was provisionally booked, all but two speakers confirmed when the Omicron variant struck and has put our plans on hold again. We had contemplated Zoom meetings but the Committee felt that it would disadvantage a significant number of our Members. Rest assured, as soon as we can safely meet again we will restart our lectures once again.
John Corall
It is with great sadness that I have to report the deaths of two stalwarts of history in the North East.
Mike Head took Chairmanship of our Aberdeen History Society when Aberdeen Town & County History Society was wound up and we were determined that Aberdeen should not be without one. He was the steady hand on the tiller for a number of years and remained a Committee Member up until the end. His quiet no-confrontational style meant that the Society got off to the best possible start. A big man, a big loss and will be missed by all who knew him.
David Northcroft, Educationalist, Author and Society Member sadly passed away just before Christmas. David has done more to record people and times of the North East than anyone else and was still working on his next instalment until recently. His books are a phenomenal collection of the lives of people in all sectors of society and will be a godsend for historians of the future. David had been due to talk to the Society in September on “Aberdeen - A City to be Proud of” and before his illness worsened, had agreed to do it in 2022. Sadly not to be. Another quiet unassuming man but a giant in his field, he will be sairly missed.
We had great hopes of restarting the Society’s monthly lectures in February 2022 but this latest Covid variant has put paid to that. Our home for many years, NESCol on the Gallowgate was proving too problematical with enhanced Covid precautions required that the Committee decided to look for alternative premises. We hit upon Aberdeenshire Cricket Club at Mannofield and I confirmed after giving a talk to a Probus Group there that it was eminently suitable. All was provisionally booked, all but two speakers confirmed when the Omicron variant struck and has put our plans on hold again. We had contemplated Zoom meetings but the Committee felt that it would disadvantage a significant number of our Members. Rest assured, as soon as we can safely meet again we will restart our lectures once again.
John Corall
Chairman’s Report 2020/21
Dear Member,
I have delayed publishing a report for this last year in the hope that we would have some positive things to say about our Society returning to normal. We had to cancel our whole programme, so no meetings, no summer bus trip to the Verdant Works, no dinner at the Seven Incorporated Trades and no Annual Lecture in the Town House. Sadly, it looks as though there will be no quick return to normality and I desperately hope that we have not entered a prolonged phase of the new normality.
Covid-19 has dealt a devastating blow to us meeting up with no clear end in sight but, perhaps when most of the population has been vaccinated and the risk of infection minimised to within acceptable limits, it may be possible to resume normal service. The sad fact remains that as the virus continues to mutate and the number of infections remain high there can be no meeting up of members in an enclosed space, plus a third wave is expected after folk let their guard down during the summer. Our Local Health Board is already gearing up for its return and the fact that up to 50% of the 50’s and younger are not turning up for vaccination is disconcerting.
Covid-19 isolation has affected most people to a greater or lesser extent but the need to socialise has become more important than ever. One way would be to meet electronically and to have Zoom meetings and I would like some feedback re. having meetings online. A fear that I have is that many of our members are elderly and do not have the inclination, expertise or equipment to facilitate such meetings, but I’m willing to be proved wrong. Some Zoom meetings and talks are fine if the visual aspects are not a priority but if the illustrations are important, then the limitations of the computer equipment of some individuals could limit their enjoyment.
There is some sad news concerning our members and we are sad to report that Marie-Louise Glenesk has passed away. Our thoughts go out to Darwin Moir. Our former Chairman Michael Head, to whom we are indebted for enabling our Society in its current form, has had a spell in hospital and a long convalescence.
I hope that you all keep safe and with shades of the old war time song “ we’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when” ringing in my ears I really look forward to our normal meetings resuming as soon as possible.
Best Wishes and Keep Safe,
John M. Corall
Dear Member,
I have delayed publishing a report for this last year in the hope that we would have some positive things to say about our Society returning to normal. We had to cancel our whole programme, so no meetings, no summer bus trip to the Verdant Works, no dinner at the Seven Incorporated Trades and no Annual Lecture in the Town House. Sadly, it looks as though there will be no quick return to normality and I desperately hope that we have not entered a prolonged phase of the new normality.
Covid-19 has dealt a devastating blow to us meeting up with no clear end in sight but, perhaps when most of the population has been vaccinated and the risk of infection minimised to within acceptable limits, it may be possible to resume normal service. The sad fact remains that as the virus continues to mutate and the number of infections remain high there can be no meeting up of members in an enclosed space, plus a third wave is expected after folk let their guard down during the summer. Our Local Health Board is already gearing up for its return and the fact that up to 50% of the 50’s and younger are not turning up for vaccination is disconcerting.
Covid-19 isolation has affected most people to a greater or lesser extent but the need to socialise has become more important than ever. One way would be to meet electronically and to have Zoom meetings and I would like some feedback re. having meetings online. A fear that I have is that many of our members are elderly and do not have the inclination, expertise or equipment to facilitate such meetings, but I’m willing to be proved wrong. Some Zoom meetings and talks are fine if the visual aspects are not a priority but if the illustrations are important, then the limitations of the computer equipment of some individuals could limit their enjoyment.
There is some sad news concerning our members and we are sad to report that Marie-Louise Glenesk has passed away. Our thoughts go out to Darwin Moir. Our former Chairman Michael Head, to whom we are indebted for enabling our Society in its current form, has had a spell in hospital and a long convalescence.
I hope that you all keep safe and with shades of the old war time song “ we’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when” ringing in my ears I really look forward to our normal meetings resuming as soon as possible.
Best Wishes and Keep Safe,
John M. Corall
Message from Chairman
Dear Friends/Members
On behalf of the Committee I wish you all a healthy and happy New Year. It has been a difficult year for all of us and likely to be for some time yet. We have all had to adapt to a different way of life, which has made it impossible to meet up with friends in the way that makes life enjoyable and, of course, our Society hasn't been able to meet at all. It is regrettable that we had to suspend our programme planned for 2020/21 but we hope to return to it when possible. The Committee now need to discuss what we should do next. It now looks very unlikely that we will be able to meet for many months yet.
Dear Friends/Members
On behalf of the Committee I wish you all a healthy and happy New Year. It has been a difficult year for all of us and likely to be for some time yet. We have all had to adapt to a different way of life, which has made it impossible to meet up with friends in the way that makes life enjoyable and, of course, our Society hasn't been able to meet at all. It is regrettable that we had to suspend our programme planned for 2020/21 but we hope to return to it when possible. The Committee now need to discuss what we should do next. It now looks very unlikely that we will be able to meet for many months yet.
ABERDEEN HISTORY SOCIETY
The Society was formed in February 2014 to continue the traditions established by the former Aberdeen Town & County History Society. Indeed, apart from the slight change of name and some minor tweaks to the Constitution, the two bodies are virtually indistinguishable.
We meet in the Cricket Club at Mannofield on the third Tuesday of each month (March to November inclusive), commencing at 7.30pm with a speaker. We aim to cover any matters relating to the history and traditions of Aberdeen and the North East in our monthly talks. The talks are followed by refreshments, which gives members an opportunity to socialise. In addition to these monthly meetings, regular events include a summer outing (this year 2020 to the Verdant Works, Dundee on 12th July) and our Annual Dinner (Trinity Hall, 27th November 2020). The programme concludes with the Annual Lecture, at the invitation of the Lord Provost, in the Town & County Hall. We welcome any suggestions for future talks and for our summer outing.
We like to think we’re a friendly bunch, united by a common love of history, and would be delighted to see you. Please feel free to come to one of the monthly meetings (£2 per person charge to cover expenses) without any further commitment.
For further information, please contact our Membership Secretary: Isabelle Wiseman.
Email: [email protected].
Membership fees
Single membership: £40
Family membership: £60
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2019-20
Thanks to our Committee we have had a varied and stimulating series of talks that has attracted around 60 to attend our monthly meetings. Our membership now stands at just over 100 with more people expressing an interest all the time.
Our Annual Lecture in The Town & County Hall, Aberdeen, What Might have Been by Chris Croly attracted 100 people, and we are grateful that the Lord Provost continues with the tradition of hosting the lecture. I had so wanted to hear Chris as I also missed his talk at the University, so chose it specially but am grateful that Vice Chair Neil Cooney stood in for me on the night. Perhaps third time lucky?
Our Annual Visit to Montrose Historic Aerodrome proved to be very popular and brought back many memories to our older members. The fact that it boasted historical treasures that few of us realised existed was an unexpected bonus.
Our Annual Dinner at the Seven Incorporated Trades is proving to be very popular with just under 70 attending this year and we have already booked this increasingly sought after venue for this coming year.
Part of the attraction to our Society is the relaxed and friendly atmosphere that is enhanced with NESCOL allowing us not to just use their Lecture Theatre but also their refectory for teas and coffees afterwards.
The Calendar for the coming session’s talks is complete and the Annual Summer Outing has been arranged for the Verdant Works in Dundee. A reminder of Aberdeen’s lost industry where our weaving was world renowned.
Thanks to our Committee we have had a varied and stimulating series of talks that has attracted around 60 to attend our monthly meetings. Our membership now stands at just over 100 with more people expressing an interest all the time.
Our Annual Lecture in The Town & County Hall, Aberdeen, What Might have Been by Chris Croly attracted 100 people, and we are grateful that the Lord Provost continues with the tradition of hosting the lecture. I had so wanted to hear Chris as I also missed his talk at the University, so chose it specially but am grateful that Vice Chair Neil Cooney stood in for me on the night. Perhaps third time lucky?
Our Annual Visit to Montrose Historic Aerodrome proved to be very popular and brought back many memories to our older members. The fact that it boasted historical treasures that few of us realised existed was an unexpected bonus.
Our Annual Dinner at the Seven Incorporated Trades is proving to be very popular with just under 70 attending this year and we have already booked this increasingly sought after venue for this coming year.
Part of the attraction to our Society is the relaxed and friendly atmosphere that is enhanced with NESCOL allowing us not to just use their Lecture Theatre but also their refectory for teas and coffees afterwards.
The Calendar for the coming session’s talks is complete and the Annual Summer Outing has been arranged for the Verdant Works in Dundee. A reminder of Aberdeen’s lost industry where our weaving was world renowned.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 2018-19
The Society is going from strength to strength with membership now exceeding 100 but we are always hoping to see new faces.
Thanks to our Committee we have had a varied and stimulating series of talks that has attracted up to 60 to attend our monthly meetings.
Our Annual Lecture in The Town & County Hall by Prof Sarah Pedersen on the topic of the Suffragette and Suffragist movements attracted 80 people, and we are grateful that the Lord Provost continues with the tradition of hosting the lecture.
The Annual Visit this time was to Hospitalfield House that proved to be very popular despite the inclement weather. The fact that it boasted a long history and historical treasures that few of us realised existed was an unexpected bonus.
The Annual Dinner at the Seven Incorporated Trades is proving to be very popular with over 70 attending this year and we have already booked this increasingly sought after venue for this coming year.
Part of the attraction to our Society is the relaxed and friendly atmosphere that is enhanced with NESCol allowing us not to just use their Lecture Theatre but also their refectory for teas and coffees afterwards. A special thanks must go to Doreen McCoid for always being first off her mark to ensure that the rest of us can get their drink and biscuit with the minimum of fuss. In appreciation of NESCol’s generosity, the Society annually awards one of their students a prize. The recipient of the Local History Award receives a small shield to keep and their name engraved on a large shield that they hold for 11 months.
Our aim this year is to start publishing, with a small booklet giving summaries of the year’s talks
The Society is going from strength to strength with membership now exceeding 100 but we are always hoping to see new faces.
Thanks to our Committee we have had a varied and stimulating series of talks that has attracted up to 60 to attend our monthly meetings.
Our Annual Lecture in The Town & County Hall by Prof Sarah Pedersen on the topic of the Suffragette and Suffragist movements attracted 80 people, and we are grateful that the Lord Provost continues with the tradition of hosting the lecture.
The Annual Visit this time was to Hospitalfield House that proved to be very popular despite the inclement weather. The fact that it boasted a long history and historical treasures that few of us realised existed was an unexpected bonus.
The Annual Dinner at the Seven Incorporated Trades is proving to be very popular with over 70 attending this year and we have already booked this increasingly sought after venue for this coming year.
Part of the attraction to our Society is the relaxed and friendly atmosphere that is enhanced with NESCol allowing us not to just use their Lecture Theatre but also their refectory for teas and coffees afterwards. A special thanks must go to Doreen McCoid for always being first off her mark to ensure that the rest of us can get their drink and biscuit with the minimum of fuss. In appreciation of NESCol’s generosity, the Society annually awards one of their students a prize. The recipient of the Local History Award receives a small shield to keep and their name engraved on a large shield that they hold for 11 months.
Our aim this year is to start publishing, with a small booklet giving summaries of the year’s talks
Chairman’s report April 2018
The Society continued to flourish in 2017 and it has all been down to the dedication and hard work of the Committee. Sadly, we lost two of them, Billy MacKenzie and Margaret Dundas and with our Chair, Mike Head, to whom we owe so much, having to stand down due to ill health. Membership has continued to grow and attendance at the monthly meetings has been very healthy.
The season concluded as usual on the last Tuesday of January with the Lord Provost's Annual Lecture at the Town House. This year's lecture programme is now underway with Dennis Scott and myself giving an illustrated talk of our reciprocal visit to Kumphmühl History Society in Regensburg. All details of talks appear as usual on the membership cards as well as on this website. This also include dates for the annual summer outing (Hospitalfield House, Arbroath) and the Annual Dinner at Trinity Hall. Please also check the website regularly for any new information or updates.
John Corall
The Society continued to flourish in 2017 and it has all been down to the dedication and hard work of the Committee. Sadly, we lost two of them, Billy MacKenzie and Margaret Dundas and with our Chair, Mike Head, to whom we owe so much, having to stand down due to ill health. Membership has continued to grow and attendance at the monthly meetings has been very healthy.
The season concluded as usual on the last Tuesday of January with the Lord Provost's Annual Lecture at the Town House. This year's lecture programme is now underway with Dennis Scott and myself giving an illustrated talk of our reciprocal visit to Kumphmühl History Society in Regensburg. All details of talks appear as usual on the membership cards as well as on this website. This also include dates for the annual summer outing (Hospitalfield House, Arbroath) and the Annual Dinner at Trinity Hall. Please also check the website regularly for any new information or updates.
John Corall