Issue 26
Summer 2007
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Group News cont’d
Another academic year closed this year with the second of two ethical discussions, most of the year being given over to looking at female philosophers from Hypatia in Egypt c375-415AD, through to Mary Wollstonecraft 1759-97.
It proved difficult to find examples of work by early female philosophers, and the reasons for the apparent dearth of female philosphers in general was researched and hotly debated.
However when we moved forward to Hannah Arendt 1906-75 we found a philosopher whose work on the causes and consequences of Totalitarianism and on the Human Condition is of world rank.
We were also going to look at Ayn Rand 1905-82 but didn't have time so will start the next academic year in September with her. She is another female philosopher of world stature.
The main theme for the year will be 20th Century philosophers, with again some discussions on ethical subjects, although I have yet to complete the programme.
If you are interested we are a small and friendly group; there is no pressure to contribute, but contributions are welcome, as are new members. The format for the meetings is a presentation followed by a general discussion.
David Broadley
The photography group meets monthly, excepting in August. We arrange two or three joint outings each year, and in other months, meet at Community House, East Parade.
Fifteen members had an interesting visit in May to the Ryedale Museum at Hutton le Hole. The coach trip to Whitby in June, to which we had all been looking forward, was sadly spoiled by a very wet day.
The theme for some of our efforts this year has been "Pattern", observed often in nature, but also in man-made situations. The range of subjects captured on film or digitally can be viewed at our exhibition at the forthcoming AGM.
We are all on the learning curve, and there is room for everyone with an interest in photography.
Following a change of staff at Harrogate Theatre and because of lack of access during maintenance work the group is not at present active.
It is hoped that there will be enough interest to restart in the near future perhaps continuing in the theatre or at another suitable location.
We don’t have a list of former members or potential members so would ask anyone with an interest to contact Patrick Bishop so that he can let you know if and when any news is available concerning the group’s future.
In May Professor Curzon gave us an interesting and amusing talk on the effect of trace elements in oral health. The group was enthusiastic after his excellent talk. In June, John Ryder gave a talk on developments in electricity. He showed many beautiful models he had made which fascinated the group.
We are now set to go on a privileged visit to the CSL (Central Science Laboratories) in York. We have a full coach load and are looking forward to this where 500 scientists underpin the safety of our food, the environment and sustainable agriculture
The programme for the next few months is as follows:-
Sept 19th Events in History of Science by Terry Collins
Oct 17th Confessions of a Climatologist by Gaynor Smith
Nov 17th The Soil Association Speaker to be confirmed
Dec 19th Video “Global Dimming” and discussion.
We meet at the St.Roberts Centre at 2 p.m.. Members pay £10 for a series of 5 talks or £3 for each individual talk.
There are now two Singing for Pleasure groups. The well established Wednesday team have a fairly regular pattern of concerts, mostly repeat bookings; but the main focus is on having an enjoyable sing together each week. We have also had the pleasure this year of welcoming not one, but two new Men to the group. (The words “blue” and “moon” spring to mind!) 
The second group, which consists of ladies only, has been meeting fortnightly on a Monday morning since February. The initial diffidence is steadily giving way to increased confidence and a very pleasant sound. By popular request we shall be meeting weekly when we recommence in September. There are still places available in this group, so do contact me if you are interested. There are no auditions.