FRIENDS OF ROCK ROAD LIBRARY

NEWSLETTER LATE AUTUMN 2015  

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WWI PROJECT UPDATE The second phase of the Great War exhibition will be launched on Friday 13 November from 7.30 p.m.

This new phase looks at individual stories from our community, how people lived together and what effect the war had on individuals, demographics, local businesses and social ties.

It incorporates the results of a successful oral histories programme as well as many new stories discovered by our dedicated team of volunteer researchers.

Local historian, Mike Petty will join us at the launch and will be speaking on 'Cambridge History on Your Computer - the Library on your Laptop' showing people how to investigate their area, a sort of online genealogy source for your street. Please come, admission is free and there is no need to book!

AGM – CHARITABLE STATUS

The most important decision taken at October’s AGM was to seek charitable status. A paper and draft constitution (with all meeting papers) are on the Web-site: https://friendsofrockroadlibrary .wordpress.com/governance/ Please let us know what you think before 7 December when the Committee has its next meeting. The meeting concluded with an excellent presentation about the Library’s environmental impact by consultant (and new father) Toby Balsam – you can also read his report on the web-site.

QUIZ NIGHT REPORT At this year’s jolly quiz evening, teams with literary names (Overdue Fines; Low Expectations; Hogwort’s Express; Much Ado about Corbin; Three Shades of Grey; For Whom The Bell Tolls; The Press Gang) quizzed hard but the worthy winner was ‘Caesar Salad’! Our favourite question was

‘What word retains the same pronunciation when you take four of its letters away?’ (See below for answer)

£100 was raised thanks to Landlady Kate and her enthusiastic team.

SATURDAY VOLUNTEERS Are you over the age of 16? The Library is very busy on Saturday mornings and more volunteer support is needed. Just one Saturday a month would be fine! It is a very satisfying way of spending a morning and could enhance your CV, for details see: http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/info/20010/libraries/381/libraries_in_the_community/3

BUILDING NEWS The wait continues for feedback on our two FRRL ‘Section 106’ funding applications to create a community kitchen and a more attractive front garden and entrance.

ACOUSTIC IMPROVEMENTS In October, four wall hangings went on display. They feature fabric designed by ‘Bloomsbury’ artist Duncan Grant in the year the Library was built. They should help to improve the acoustics of the room although we are still looking at other ways of addressing the issue!

APPLE DAY – SAT 17 OCTOBER Another successful Apple Day began with fruity-themed rhyme & story-times lead by Fran and Bronwen.

A variety of apples were tasted and pressed and FRRL delicious apple cakes disappeared like ‘dew under the sun’ –another £100 was raised – thank you all!

FRRL WRITER IN RESIDENCE We are delighted to announce the appointment of FRRL’s first ‘Writer in Residence’. During 2016, local author Leigh Chambers will be a regular presence in the Library, organising all sorts of events: readings, workshops, competitions, drop-in advice on writing. More details in the new year!

WHAT’S ON AT ROCK RD LIBRARY

NOVEMBER Friday 13: 7.30 p.m. WWI Exhibition Opening & Mike

Petty talk 'Cambridge History on Your Computer - the Library on your Laptop'

Saturday 14: 10.30–11.00 Rhyme-time) Light up the Night 11.00–11.30 Story-time) Saturday 21: ‘University challenged’: an event 1.00-2.30 p.m. for all imagining Cambridge

without the university & therefore what could be taught instead, including children teaching Lego & paper planes and adults teaching juggling & poetry appreciation.

Friday 27, 2.00 p.m.: Gardening Session DECEMBER Tuesday 1: 11.00-noon: Library Services Event:

Help create dementia-friendly communities Saturday 12: 10.30–11.00 Rhyme-time) Tales from Long Ago 11.00–11.30 Story-time) JANUARY Saturday 9: 10.30–11.00 Rhyme-time) 11.00–11.30 Story-time) Surprise Theme! Friday 29, 2.00 p.m.: Gardening Session

For more details of all FRRL activities: Email: rockroadfriends@yahoo.com

Web: www.friendsofrockroadlibrary.wordpress.com Facebook: RockRoadLibraryFriends

Quiz Answer: Queue!