GRADUATES’
A S S O C I AT I O N
NEWSLETTER
By Elaine Acaster, Graduates’ Association President
The Graduates' Association, which celebrated its centenary
year in 2014-2015, welcomes new members at any time
following graduation from the colleges which formed QMU,
and from QMU as we know it today. Members of staff are also
most welcome to join.
Life Membership costs only £45 (£35 in the year of graduation)
and gives the opportunity to join social networking events and
also the opportunity to rent Madras Lodge, the Association's
seaside house at Gullane, East Lothian.
Contact details for membership enquiries are provided below.
Recent Events
It has been a busy few months for the Association with
members from far and near enjoying our events in and around
Edinburgh. These included a boat tour on the Firth of Forth
on a glorious day, when we were able to have a close-up view
of the progress of the new Forth Crossing, while a visit to the
Secret Herb Garden at Lothianburn was as informative as it
was entertaining. In November, we opened Madras Lodge for a
committee meeting and visits by members, and could not help
but be impressed by the improvements which have been made,
overseen by the hard working Madras Lodge Committee. It
is no surprise that 2016 was an outstanding year for Madras
Lodge bookings. 2016's events culminated with Christmas
lunch, planned, prepared and served by QMU's International
Hospitality & Tourism Management (IHTM) students at the
Edinburgh New Town Cookery School. 2017's events began
in February with an interesting visit to the Scottish Parliament
hosted by local MSP Colin Beattie.
Gullane beach
Madras Lodge for a relaxing break
From beach walks and delicious pub lunches to birdwatching,
world-class golf or wind surfing, Gullane, and the surrounding area
of East Lothian, has something to offer everyone. Why not book
Madras Lodge for your next family break or for a class reunion?
Madras Lodge in Gullane, is a fantastic holiday retreat for use by
members of the QMU Graduates’ Association. Members can rent
accommodation that is split into the house (sleeping 5) or the loft
(sleeping 4). A member can stay there with friends and family for a
break - be that a family holiday of one or two weeks or a relaxing
weekend. Costs are very reasonable - ranging from £115 for a two
night break in the loft, to £405 for a whole week’s rent of the house
in the height of summer. There are reduced rates and extra nights
available for bookings in the low season. Bookings for 2017 started
last November, but there is still availability, particularly outside of
the peak summer period.
Check your Graduates’ Association status with the membership
secretary and then contact the Madras Lodge booking secretary
to arrange your break. Details are available through the QMUGA
website and through the Madras Lodge page on Facebook.
Enjoy Madras Lodge for your next break and share your
memories with us on Facebook or Twitter.
Programme of Events Spring - Summer 2017
The Association thrives on the involvement
of members, so if you haven't been able to
join us for a while it is never too late to take
the first step to re-engage. You will be most
welcome!
TH U R S DAY 2 0 TH A PR I L at 5p m:
Reception, exhibition and sale of botanical
paintings by Lady Ann Fraser and Dr Kathy
Munro at Queen Margaret University.
Association members have been invited
to this event, which features the work of
two outstanding botanical artists. There
is no charge, and a percentage of sales
will be donated to the University's Student
Development Fund.
THURSDAY 1ST JUNE at 5.45pm: Opera
Unwrapped, La Boheme at Edinburgh
Festival Theatre, a short (1 hour) taster
session offering highlights from the music
and insights into the production. No charge.
Book with Social Secretary by 12th May.
FRIDAY 9TH JUNE 2017 - Queen Margaret
University Graduates' Association Annual
General Meeting (QMUGA AGM) will be held
at Queen Margaret University. This break
with tradition is to encourage members to
become familiar with the outstanding work
of the University and to have the opportunity
to visit on a working day.
10.45 -11.15 Coffee prior to the AGM hosted
by the University
11.30 - AGM including presentation on the
work of the University
Buffet lunch - Cost £22.00 including a glass
of wine or fruit juice
Afternoon - Presentation on Speech and
Language Therapy, one of the flagship
disciplines of the University, and the
opportunity to stroll around the attractive
grounds.
Please book for attendance at AGM and
also for lunch with Dorothy Finlayson,
QMUGA Social Secretary T: 0131 669 5341,
no later than Wednesday 31st May 2017.
Also by Wednesday 31st May 2017 please
make payment for lunch to Treasurer Anne
Scagell, 11 Titania, Pavilion Gardens, Alloa,
Clacks FK10 2UJ T: 01259 214668.
Cheques are payable to QMUGA; Electronic
payments to QMUGA Sort Code 80-02-77,
Account 00707066 ref your family name/
AGMLUNCH
Madras Lodge contacts:
Bookings via:
Anne Vokes
T: 07817328035
E: [email protected]
Follow Madras Lodge on:
Facebook: @madraslodge
Twitter: @madraslodge
Q.M.U.G.A.
CONTACTS
President
Elaine Acaster
E: [email protected]
T: 07816 661561
Social Secretary
Dorothy Finlayson
T: 0131 669 5341
Membership Secretary
Sylvia Northcott
E: [email protected]
T: 01968 674161
Treasurer
Anne Scagell
E: [email protected]
T: 01259 214668
QMYOU / Graduates' Association
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