Latin
Salvete!
All meetings are at Dolphin, House, Kirkby Road, Ripon HG4 2HG. There is no cost to anyone, even for tea/coffee, unless people choose to buy a Latin book from the Ripon Little Book Shop. You should be aware that though this is for short and convenience called the Latin Group, we essentially focus not only on the legacy of the Romans, their culture, history and social affairs, but also on the Greeks. We spend a great deal of time on actual research and have extended our name from "The Latin Group" to "Latin and Classical Studies.
For potential members who might be interested, at each meeting the group focuses intensively on grammar and translation, followed by a contribution from a member on subjects like mythology, local Roman history, the deciphering of inscriptions on tombstones, the position of women in Roman Britain - and an exploration into the ramifications of the Trojan horse. We had a social evening on to watch a commercial film on Troy which was surprisingly accurate - even if it had been highly recommended by the News of the World.
There is also been an enthusiastic focus on the origins of words - what the Romans gave to us. We have research projects underway into the origins of forenames, medical terminology and the use of Latin in inventing current brand names.The last item has proved so interesting that the group has now produced an article published in the current national U3A's Third Age Matters. This article is supported by a photograph of branded products which have connections with Latin - for example, Bovril, Ovaltine and Nivea Cream. We now intend to seek publication elsewhere.
But this framework for our meetings is not necessarily permanent.It has to be what members want and can easily be changed. We have been to the British Museum to see the Pompeii and Herculaneum exhibition and in May we went to Aldborough with the local history group. A trip to the Roman remains at Chesters took place on a warm sunny day in late September.Then there was an expedition to Richmond to the museum where there is a temporary exhibition of Roman remains recently found in excavations on the A1.
- All meetings, normally fortnightly on Thursdays, are at Dolphin House, Kirkby Rd, Ripon HG4 2HG.
- Sometimes a timing change takes place to fit in with members' other assignments.
- The next meeting is on Thursday 21st February.
- Contact is Alma Williams 01765 602382.
Valete!
Post Scriptum (PS) Salvete means "Hail", and "Valete means "Farewell".