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| Frontpage Voice for Arran 3rd June 2010 | Visitors |
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Fri 18 May 2012 15:08:03 BST |
Dougie MacLean – the magician
‘Music is magic,’ Dougie remarked on Saturday night in the packed Lamlash Community Theatre. And, in the hands of such a master, it’s a very true comment. To be sung to by someone who makes every word clear, and who is passionate as well as funny, is like a return to an older time, when children grew up with the music made by real people. The singer is also a story-teller, and touches on feelings that are present in all of us, though often deep below the surface.
Dougie MacLean established a warm relationship with his audience from the start, involving them as the chorus in his songs even when these were quite complex. There was a sense that, in a small way, everyone present mattered, and voices joined willingly in such old favourites as Green Grow the Rashes O or the less familiar but very beautiful song, Turning Away.
Towards the end of the concert, a telling thing happened. Some young men who had clearly drunk too much were standing just inside the door, shouting cheerful but rowdy encouragement, and concern spread through the audience, with frowns and whispers of 'Ssh!’ Dougie was totally unfazed. He moved into a gentle number and the music slowly worked its magic. By the time the long-anticipated rendering of Caledonia came, everyone in the house was taken up by the enchantment of the evening.
Gren Bartley on fiddle joined Dougie for this number, and was warmly welcomed back, since he and guitarist Tom Kitching had provided an opening session of marvellously varied and lively music. Both of them are superb musicians, playing a wide variety of songs with tremendous technical virtuosity while being light-hearted and extremely engaging. They have a couple of albums out and are definitely a duo to watch out for in the future. Talented, clever – and funny with it.
For outstanding treats in the Folk Festival programme starting this Saturday, make a note of the Paul McKenna band in the Lamlash Community Theatre this coming Saturday, June 5th. There are open sessions throughout the week, culminating in Breabach, a phenomenally talented quartet, performing at the theatre on June 12th. Tickets are available from Brodick Post Office or through the excellent Folk Festival website
.No Lifeboat plans for Loch Awe
by John Kinsman
In March 2009, four men were drowned in Loch Awe when their 12ft boat capsized one night as they were returning from a pub on the other side of the loch. Although would-be rescuers could hear the men’s cries, they had no means of getting to them. They raised the alarm, but the nearest rescue boat had to be called from Renfrew. It took an hour to arrive – too late to save the men. The bodies of William Carty, 47, and Craig Currie, were recovered from the water soon after the accident. Two bodies, believed to be those of Mr Carty’s brother, Steven, 42 and 36 year old Thomas Douglas, were recovered 10 weeks later.
In the wake of the accident, which was not the first to occur on the 25-mile-long loch, there have been calls to establish a lifeboat station there. However, a senior RNLI official told a fatal accident inquiry that there are no plans to provide such a service. Mr Waveney Crookes said that despite the history of drownings on the loch, the RNLI charity had to spend its limited recourses where they are needed most. He pointed out that the RNLI was largely for sea-going search and rescue, and said the charity had to spend its money carefully in places where there was greatest risk to life.
Mr Crookes agreed that there is a lifeboat station operating on Loch Ness, but claimed that it would be difficult to maintain a dedicated volunteer crew on a permanent standby on Loch Awe, given the small population in the area.
Loch Awe, which is popular with anglers, is the third largest loch by surface area in Scotland and is sometimes referred to as ‘The Jewel of Argyll’. It is also the longest freshwater loch in Scotland, measuring more than 25 miles from end to end, with an average width of just over a half mile.
The inquiry continues.
Scottish Chamber Orchestra in Whiting Bay
Next Thursday, 10th June, the celebrated Dutch violinist Isabelle van Keulen leads the Scottish Chamber Orchestra string section in a fabulous concert at Whiting Bay Hall. It’s not often we have a chance to hear 24 world-class players, with timpani and solo violin parts, and the evening promises to be completely magical.
The programme starts with Mozart’s Serenata Notturna, followed by a lively, tune-packed Violin Concerto by the Georgian composer, Taktakishvili. The highlight of the evening, though, is Tchaikovsky’s much-loved Serenade for Strings - a gloriously romantic piece of music, guaranteed to send listeners out with its melodies still singing in the mind.
The Arran performance is presented in association with the Isle of Arran Music Society. It begins at 8.00pm, and tickets are available at the door, or can be bought in advance from Inspirations of Arran, in Brodick.
Arran Civic Trust visit to Drumlanrig
Daniel Defoe described the countryside round Drumlanrig as ‘hideous’ but Arran Civic Trust members, being of a more modern sensibility, disagree. Drumlanrig is in a magnificent setting, surrounded by high hills and woods - but we did agree with Defoe that Drumlanrig, a C17th building, was a gem, built of a local pink sandstone and sporting turrets and cupolas with crisply laid out gardens and wild parts beyond. It was packed full of fine artefacts and paintings including a magnificent Rembrandt. Some of the detail on French style furniture was staggering in its complexity and vastly overdone by modern taste. There were a lot of family portraits, perhaps of more interest to the family but overall, the visit was richly rewarding and enjoyable. The fine weather was an added bonus.
John Inglis
Hunterston application sparks protest
This week, on June 2nd, Ayrshire Power submitted their application to build a coal fired power station at Hunterston. Although the plans propose to equip the power station with about 25% Carbon Capture and Storage capability, this is not yet proven technology, and it will be very expensive to operate.
Juliet Swann, Head of Campaigns at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: ‘Scotland can have a bright economic future without fossil fuels. Indeed, we could be the green power house of
Europe, but we must ensure investment is channelled into renewable energy that best utilises our natural resources, not dirty coal imported from Columbia. To lock ourselves in to managing decades of new emissions is foolhardy at best and irresponsible at worse. We have a responsibility to reduce emissions now, and to plan for a low-carbon future, which simply cannot include additional coal fired generation.’
The local campaign against a coal-fired Hunterston
CONCH stands for Communities Opposed to New Coal at Hunterston. This very active protest group argues that the carbon capture proposals don’t go far enough, and its members believe that Ayrshire Power cannot even satisfy these mimimal requirements. UK regulations require that any new coal-station must have carbon capture on at least 300MW of its capacity from the outset – but this means that around 80% of the proposed coal station emissions would not be captured. 
Tim Cowen, co-chair of CONCH, says: ‘If the Scottish Government support a dirty coal-fired power station at Hunterston it would make a mockery of their commitment to cut carbon emissions and will make it impossible for them to reach their own climate change targets. It would also mean that rather than seeking energy from local or sustainable sources, Scotland will be reliant on importing coal, from countries with terrible records in human rights abuses.’
Maggie Kelly, the other CONCH co-chair, points out that Ayrshire Power ‘have not provided a detailed explanation of how their carbon capture plans would work in practice and have refused to discuss or debate their plans at a public meeting. Their claims that their coal station will be clean are the very worst sort of green-wash. Their plans fall well short of the government’s requirements on carbon capture and should be rejected outright.’
Have a look at the CONCH website. http://www.conchcampaign.org/It makes a very good case against a coal-fired power station in our midst.
Kenneth Gibson on Hunterston
Kenneth Gibson MSP sent us the following statement on the proposed development;
‘I am completely opposed to the proposal to build a coal-fired power station at Hunterston. I will formally object to it and I encourage others to object, too . I have already made my views known to Scottish Ministers. Such a development is neither wanted, nor needed. Indeed, when I last met Mr Muir Miller, Project Director, Ayrshire Power Ltd (APL) on 15 March, he conceded that any electricity produced would be for 'export' to England.
‘The environmental consequences of APL's proposal would be extremely negative.
Personally I doubt if financially and technically such a project could ever work. The evidence to date suggests it would not. It is disappointing that APL will not hold public meetings on the issue, contrary to what I was advised by Mr Miller. Clearly the company is aware of the strength of local feeling against this unnecessary project.’
Katy Clark on Hunterston…
Katy Clark MP also opposes the power station. She says:
‘I am disappointed that Ayrshire Power is going ahead with its application, despite the level of local opposition to their plans – and indeed the vote by MSPs at Holyrood to oppose a new coal power plant.
I would encourage anyone who has concerns about this to make sure they take part in the 28-day consultation. This station is not wanted by the majority of local residents and now is the time to make that clear to Ayrshire Power and to the Scottish Government, by engaging with the consultation process before July 15.
‘However I feel 28 days is an incredibly short timeframe for an application which would have such a huge impact on the local community and have written to the Scottish Government to request that the consultation period be extended.
Local MP Condemns Israeli Raid Against Aid Ships
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Member of Parliament for North Ayrshire and Arran Katy Clark has expressed her serious concerns at the recent Israeli military raid on a convoy of ships carrying aid to Gaza resulting in the deaths of at least 9 people. Six ships, carrying an estimated 10,000 tonnes of aid organised by various activist organisations and 700 passengers including some from the United Kingdom, left the coast of Cyprus on Sunday 30th May. Israeli forces boarded the largest ship in international waters where a conflict occurred resulting in the deaths and injuries. The ships were then escorted to Israel where the majority of passengers are currently being detained. There has been widespread international condemnation of the attacks with the United Nations calling for a full investigation into the incident.
Speaking on the subject Ms Clark said “I am absolutely appalled by the Israeli action against the ships carrying aid into Gaza. The actions of the Israeli military were unacceptable and grossly disproportionate and my thoughts are with the families of those who have lost their lives. There now needs to be a thorough, impartial and independent inquiry into what occurred and those responsible must be brought to justice.”
“Israel must also now end the illegal blockade of Gaza and allow vital goods, such as fuel, food and materials required for construction into the region. It is shocking that an estimated 80% of Gaza’s population is dependent on food aid. This cruel collective punishment must be brought to an end.”
“Until the an investigation is carried out, the blockade is lifted and the remaining passengers from the convoy are released the UK Government needs to take a much tougher line in with its Israeli counterparts and I will press for this to happen in Parliament.”
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If you are outraged by Donald Trump’s bid to evict householders in order to build a massive golf complex in Aberdeenshire, here’s your chance to put an obstacle in his way. As we said last week, a group called Tripping Up Trump have bought a piece of land right in the middle of where the billionaire wants to build. They've called it ‘The Bunker’ and they've found a legal way for thousands of people to sign up as co-owners. It doesn’t cost anything – and following an expansion of the idea through an outfit called 38 Degrees, people all over Scotland can now join in. To become a co-owner of The Bunker, or just to find out more, click on http://www.38degrees.org.uk/the-bunker
Meanwhile, we were greatly tickled by an e-mail reporting a speech by an Aberdeen Councillor, Martin Ford, about the said Mr Trump, suggesting that his behaviour merits an ASBO. We reproduce his message, just for amusement.
‘Here in Aberdeenshire, we have a real problem with a family who have moved onto the Menie estate. The main offender is the head of the household, though one of his sons has also been a cause for concern.
‘The problem started with vandalism - the target being an important and legally protected nature conservation site. The behaviour should have been nipped in the bud at that stage. In fact, the Council did, at first, try to stop the site being vandalised - but then it gave in and just let the damage go ahead.
‘Then the trouble started with the neighbours. At first it was only low level verbal abuse - unpleasant for those on the receiving end, but no more serious than that. Unfortunately, the abuse problem then escalated with one neighbour in particular, with very offensive language being used very publicly to describe this man.
‘Now though, the neighbours' homes are under threat. There is a concerted campaign of bullying against the neighbours with the stated intention of forcing them to leave. This would be unacceptable on any estate. The Council needs to act and make it quite clear it will not be allowed at Menie either. This is the kind of thing ASBOs were designed to deal with. The Council should consider whether one is needed in this case.’
Fisheries Event
By John Kinsman Marine Editor.
On Saturday May 29 John was at an open day at Anstruther harbour in the East Neuk of Fife, organised by the Scottish Fisheries Museum. During the event the Fisher Lass and Fisher Lad came into the harbour after sailing up the Firth of Forth from Pittenweem. These notable persons, including two Silver Darlings (named after the herring) were on board the 108-year -old historic herring drifter The Reaper, which is the flagship of the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther. The royal party was meet on the quayside by local MP Sir Menzies Campbell, with Lady Campbell, to the cheers of the large crowd.
Other events included a flying display, yacht races, traditional sea songs and the inaugural St Ayles Skiff Regatta of the Scotland Coastal Rowing Project (SCRP). This regatta revived a once popular Scots tradition of races between wooden rowing boats. The sport peaked in the 1920’s and 30’s but faded from the Firth of Forth in the 1950’s. Around six skiffs with 33 crews took part in the races, and teams came from as far away as Ullapool. During the day our Marine Editor handed out printed copies of the Voice for Arran, which was received with much interest.
Our pictures show the Fisher Lass, Hope Alsten, Fisher Lad, Ben Langlands and the Silver Darlings David McColl and Sophie Brisland, with local MP Sir Menzies and Lady Campbell seated in the background.
Fairlie Fife Memorial
By John Kinsman
An appeal has gone out to help provide funds towards a project to commemorate the Fife boat building empire that spanned three generations and produced fast and bonnie boats which are still sailing today. William Fife started building Fife Boats at Fairlie on the Firth of Clyde in 1890. Our picture shows the Fife-built yachts Reliance and Shamrock on the Clyde around this time.
The memorial will take the form of a two-metre high bronze yacht sculpture mounted on a granite base with bronze information plaques on each side. It will be erected in the only remaining land from the original boatyard site with public access - a location that is particularly apt.
The secretary of the Fairlie Community Trust, Carol McDowell, said: ‘We plan to complete the Fife project in two phases. Phase one is the creation of the landmark. Phase two will be an educative process to encourage and develop the historical interest of local school children by sharing the Fife heritage and traditions with them through a community based learning project. We have raised sufficient funds to bronze cast the yacht design, and are delighted with the final result.’
This project has been supported by local and international Fife Yacht enthusiasts, and funds have been gratefully received from these sources. There is currently a shortfall of around £5,000. John MacFie of the Community Trust says, ‘We are currently seeking financial support to complete the Fife Landmark. We are keen to have the great works of three generations of Fifers and the Fife boatyard remembered and valued in a lasting and fitting way and your financial support would be very much appreciated.’
New flights to Islay and Colonsay
From this week, Hebridean Air Services is to run a new service from Oban to Islay and Colonsay. From Tuesday, June 1, flights from Oban are scheduled as follows:
Every Tuesday and Thursday a day return service leaves Oban at 0805, routing through Colonsay to Islay. This will give Colonsay residents the opportunity of flying to Islay to connect with the FlyBe service to Glasgow.
Islay residents will also have the availability of a day return service to Oban, leaving Islay at 0930 and leaving Oban for the return journey at 1510.
A weekend ‘special’ is also being trialled, running between Oban and Colonsay, and Oban and Coll. These flights will leave on a Friday and Sunday afternoon, and all seats will have a weekend special fare of £40 single.
Hebridean Air Services is offering reduced fares on all routes. Passengers will have the option of booking an Early Bird fare online, where a limited number of seats on every flight will be offered at a lower fare.
All the new services and fares will be available on the company’s web booking service, which will come into effect at the end of this month at www.hebrideanair.com.
Councillor Duncan MacIntyre, Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for Transport and Infrastucture, welcomed the changes. He said, ‘It is commendable that Hebridean Air Services, which has been operating schedules services out of Oban for less than two months, has made such an effort to ensure that its services can best meet the needs of its customers. We are obviously delighted by any expansion of flights to and from Oban Airport.’ He added, ‘I very much hope that these new services are well supported by both business and leisure users, and look forward to hearing later in the year how well they are being used.’
Kenneth Gibson on Arran’s fuel costs
A press release from Kenneth Gibson is emphatic about the need to tackle the high cost of road fuel on Arran and other Scottish islands. We print his message in full.
‘Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil today (Tuesday) said the new Chief Secretary to the Treasury must “honour his word” over promises of help with soaring fuel costs in remote areas of the Highlands and islands.
‘Highlighting a catalogue of pledges made by Danny Alexander while in opposition, the SNP said the Treasury Minister must now deliver on his promise of much needed help for households and businesses.’
Mr Gibson quotes Mr MacNeil’s statement, as follows:
‘As a Highland, MP Danny Alexander was vocal about soaring fuel prices and frank in his criticism of the Treasury. Now that he is a Treasury Minister himself, will he honour his word and cut fuel costs for his constituents or will he continue Labour’s highway robbery? The coalition must live up to the word of both parties and take immediate action to bring down fuel prices.
‘A fair fuel regulator is the only way to ensure that Scotland’s essential industries and our hard pressed families are not continually hit by rising prices.
‘Prices in Scotland are well above the £1.21 highlighted by the AA. In Stornoway today unleaded fuel is £1.28 and diesel is over £1.30, in Inverness – home to the Scottish Secretary – it’s £1.25. In Arran, Mull and other Scottish islands, motorists are paying way over the odds, impacting on family budgets and business competitiveness. Scotland’s remote rural and island communities need action to bring down fuel costs and the Chief Secretary will be held to his word.’
Odd fish drops into Inveraray Jail
A strange fish, measuring 60cm in length, fell into the grounds of Inveraray Jail this morning. (For anyone who doesn’t know, Inveraray Jail is not just any old nick, but a historic Argyll visitor attraction. Adam Trela, on duty in his Prison Warder dress, was startled to see a long, red-coloured fish fall from the sky and land in front of him, dead, but looking quite fresh.
Alex Blackman, manager of the neighbouring Sea Life Sanctuary in Oban, identified the fish as a Red bandfish (Cepola rubescens), and guessed that it had been dropped from the heavens by a sea bird. This particular range of bandfish is commonly found off the south-west coasts of England and Wales, but it is unusual to find members of the species in water less that 15m deep. They more usually live at the bottom of the sea-bed and burrow into muddy areas.
The Sea Life Sanctuary Curator, Dennis Chamberlin, said the red bandfish ‘might have swum into a creel or lobster pot, which is fairly common, and been caught by a gull whilst a fisherman was releasing it back into the sea.’
Nobody managed to interview the gull.
Scottish Renewables, the leading green energy trade body, has launched the Scottish Renewables Festival 2010. The week-long festival, which is in its second year, runs from Saturday 5 to Sunday 13 June and will see renewable projects across the country open their doors to the public.
It’s a chance to get up close to some of Scotland’s most familiar sights such as wind farms and hydro power schemes as well as learn about the latest renewable technologies which are rarely opened to the general public.
With 18 sites taking part in the Festival, Festival 2010 looks set to build on last year’s success. The first major sites to be opened in the Festival’s first weekend are Black Hill Wind Farm near Duns and The Fintry Renewable Energy Show, followed by Steven’s Croft biomass power station near Lockerbie, Dalry Community Wind Farm, Pitlochry Power Station, WWF Dunkeld, RSPB Mersehead and many more.
The open days promise to be packed with fun family events, tours, presentations and exhibitions for visitors to find out more about renewable energy.
No matter where you are in Scotland or whether it’s hydro, solar, tidal, biomass or wind power you are interested in there is something for everyone on this year’s festival line-up.
Fifty cycling pipers from the Williamwood Band made their way across Arran last Sunday week, from Brodick to Lochranza, where they caught a second ferry to take them on their sponsored sail-and-ride expedition through Arran and Argyll. They were raising funds for the World Pipe Band Championships, to be held on Glasgow Green on August 14th. Every year around 200 of the world’s top pipe bands compete , and each band undergoes months of practice and fundraising. The Williamwood Pipe Band say they specialise in dreaming up 'bonkers' ways to make money. We wish them luck in the Championship. see the website at http://www.williamwood-pipeband.co.uk/html/media/webalbum/5ferries2010/index.htm?detectflash=false&
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We regret to report that a scallop dredger was recently witnessed in Scotland’s first No Take Zone in Lamlash Bay, Isle of Arran. The west coast dredger was seen dredging alongside the perimeter of the NTZ on 13th May, turning into the protected area following each of its dredge runs. The boat’s activities were reported by many local people to Marine Scotland Enforcement (MSE), which said that there was no evidence that the dredging gear was in operation when inside the NTZ. MSE's response was to station a vessel in Lamlash Bay three days later, as usual during the weekend ban on all mobile fishing within the Clyde! However, many locals noted that the MSE's new spotter aeroplane undertook a couple of fly-overs above the NTZ during the following week.
In recent correspondence with C.O.A.S.T., the EU’s new fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki has commended this organisation’s activities as ‘important for the conservation and protection of the marine environment’ and suggested that we continue to represent community interests by participating in the EU's new Regional Advisory Councils. Commissioner Damanaki was also quick to point out that it is our own national government that has responsibility for all fishing activities within the 12 nautical mile limit. In short, we should also be pushing for our own government to implement the fisheries policies necessary to conserve the marine resource. The present government's readiness to blame the EC for all the fishermen's (and the enviroment's) woes highlights a government unwilling to to take its responsibilities seriously.
Positive Action in Housing Vacancies
Positive Action in Housing is working with communities and others to enable everyone to have an equal chance to live in good quality, affordable and safe housing, free from discrimination and the fear of racial harassment and violence.
The following posts, all of which are currently fixed-term to 31 March 2011, have become vacant :
Project Leader (New Migrants Action Project)
35 hours per week – flexitime policy operates
£24,525 p.a. + 5% contributory pension scheme
30 days annual leave + public holidays
We wish to recruit a dynamic, experienced individual who can hit the ground running and deliver Positive Action in Housing’s New Migrants Action Project. Your central goal will be to ensure the delivery of the New Migrants action Project’s advice, information and training services for people from new migrant communities and service providers. You will be knowledgeable in the issues facing people from new migrant communities in the areas of housing, employment and public services. You will ensure the delivery of advice and information for service users. You will assist through training and presentations and meeting that service providers are fully aware of their responsibilities to the client groups. You will have excellent communication skills, administrative skills, be computer literate, highly self motivated, able to prioritise your work and be a supportive team member. In addition to these skills, applicants should demonstrate a keen interest in working with socially excluded groups in an equalities setting.
Project Officer (Casework & Outreach) Part Time
14 hours per week – flexitime policy operates
£ 20,099 per annum (pro rata) + 5% contributory pension scheme
30 days annual leave (pro rata) + public holidays
For this post, you must be available to work 2 full days a week between Tuesday and Thursday.
We wish to recruit a part time caseworker to assist in providing a free, independent, multilingual and culturally sensitive outreach housing information and advice service for refugees, asylum seekers and minority ethnic communities in Glasgow. You will undertake casework and provide information, advice and support to the client group through outreach surgeries and direct referrals. You will enjoy working with people; have excellent interpersonal skills and preferably experience of carrying out casework for people in need. As well as English, you will be fluent in at least one other relevant language in addition to English. You will be able to write excellent reports and have knowledge of social exclusion problems affecting minority ethnic/refugee communities. You will be computer literate, able to prioritise your work and be an effective and supportive team member. Previous experience in a voluntary organisation is desirable.
Training Officer
35 hours per week – flexitime policy operates
£18,497 p.a. + 5% contributory pension scheme
30 days annual leave + public holidays
We wish to recruit a dynamic, experienced individual who can hit the ground running and deliver Positive Action in Housing’s training service across Scotland. Your central goal will be to design and deliver an exciting income generating equalities training programme directed at Scotland’s not for profit sectors, including housing providers, voluntary organisations and councils. Your challenge is to make the training service self-sufficient by March 2011 with significant income generating potential for the future. You will ensure Positive Action in Housing’s equality and diversity training programme becomes a leader in its field. You will have excellent links within the not for profit sectors and freelance trainers willing to contribute to the programme. You will have experience of delivering and leading a training service within the not for profit sector. You will have a record of accomplishment in designing and delivering training and workshops in the field of anti discrimination. You will enjoy working with people and have excellent interpersonal skills. You will have excellent communication skills, administrative skills, be computer literate, highly self motivated, able to prioritise your work and be a supportive team member. In addition to these skills, applicants should demonstrate a keen interest in working with socially excluded groups in an equalities setting.
Administrative Officer - Part Time (Two days/14 hours a week)
14 hours per week – flexitime policy operates
£15,407 per annum PRO RATA + optional 5% contributory pension scheme
30 days (pro rata) annual leave + public holidays
For this post, you must be available to work 2 full days a week between Tuesday and Thursday.
An exciting and challenging role has become vacant that will involve supporting the administrative, finance and reception functions of Positive Action in Housing. Reporting to the Administrative Manager, you will manage reception including phone calls and visitors. Assist with events administration tasks, assist with updating and maintain filing and other systems, organising and preparing agenda for meetings, maintain a smooth running office, assist with health & safety, assist with basic finance matters, assist with sales of publications, advertising etc., offer IT support to other staff members, assist with the management of PAIH websites, prepare regular reports for the Administrative manager as required, and undertake training, meetings, seminars and conferences relevant to the post. You will be computer literate, able to prioritise your work and be an effective and supportive team member. The role will also require excellent communication skills and fluency in at least one other language is desirable. In addition to these skills, applicants should demonstrate a keen interest in working with socially excluded groups in an equalities setting. Previous experience in a voluntary organisation is desirable.
Minutes of Whiting Bay & Districts Improvements Association AGM held on Monday 24th May 2010 in Coast Restaurant at 7pm
Welcome: Chairperson Chris Marriott welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked Russell and Mark for allowing the meeting to take place in Coast.
Present: Alison Prince, Chris Marriott, Liz Kennedy, Barbara I’Anson, Cate Templeton, Jan MacGregor, Doreen Lamont, John Lamont, Gerald Micheluk, Ian Cook, Lesley Wood, Howard Wood, Heather Macleod, Russell Currie, Mark Lee, Esther Brown, Sam Marriott, Robin Fisher
Apologies: Gus McLeod, Sandy McGovern
Minutes of the last meeting, which was held on 28th June 2009 were circulated. It was noted that Cate Templeton had been incorrectly called Kate Middleton and the secretary apologised for this error.
Matters arising
Ian Cook said that there seemed to be confusion about who can put notices in the new notice board. It was agreed that the notice board is only for Whiting Bay Community events and not for island wide businesses.
Liz explained that Neil Arthur will carry out work, next to the boat slip car park, for the owners of St Columbas but that is nothing to do with us and WB&D IA are not involved in paying for it.
It was noted that the posts at the boat slip could do with being painted and repaired.
Barbara advised that the Council have no intention of making a pavement along the length of the putting green. The fence needs some work but is repairable.
Unfortunately the application to the Lottery for funding for the jetty was unsuccessful. Barbara reiterated that it would be prudent to spend money on the jetty every year as it is such an important resource for the village.
There is now good liaison and working relationships with the Hall Committee with joint ventures having already happened. Robin indicated that there was enough work for two committees and this was agreed.
A volunteer is still needed to improve and update the web site.
The problem of vandalism was raised again concerning boys playing football on the putting green. The police have on occasions been advised but apparently are not able to intervene.
The minutes were adopted by Ian Cook and Seconded by Heather Macleod.
Treasurer’s report. The accounts were circulated. Barbara presented the treasurer’s report. It was noted that although there was a healthy balance of £8,442.65, 2009 accounts showed a loss due to the expenditure on the boat slipway. It was agreed that this was money well spent.
Chairperson Chris was thanked for all his work, year after year –both in organising the Fun Day, Christmas Tree and Firework Display and also for his practical work in carrying out repairs.
Election of Office Bearers Lesley tendered her resignation as Secretary but intimated her willingness to help out with individual events. The following office bearers were unanimously elected.
Chairperson - Liz Kennedy
Treasurer - Barbara I’Anson
Secretary – Jan MacGregor
Director of Operations - Events Manager Chris Marriott
Amenities Representative – Cate Templeton
Vice Chairperson – Ian Cook
It was suggested by IC if people only wished to be in post for one year then they should be able to do that. The work of those serving on the committee is much appreciated.
Fundraising events
Fun Day 2010 is on Saturday 24th July in the park.
The following tasks were delegated.
Collect tent from Shiskine Valley –Willie Currie
Erect tent and set up field -volunteers
Gate – volunteers. Lucky ticket -BI
Bay Queen
Invite Women’s Rural to do catering –JM
Collect tables and chairs from hall – volunteers
Tombola- Janette Head and Marie Park
Facepainting -NAC Nina Hamilton –LK
Pipeband –already booked by CM
Dog Show – LK will ask Elsie Pennycott
Burgers – Ann and Aileen Aitcheson
Ice cream –Vivienne Pringle
Haggis Hurl –IC
Tractor Pull –HW, sponsored by Arran Brewery
Temperance Tent –Arran Brewery
Family Fun run – Rachel Armitage and Ann Tulloch
Birds of Prey – Ian Struthers
Folk club and Belly Dancers –HM & Mandy Hunter
Bat the Rat –Dougie Bruce
Dunking Machine –Rugby Club
Private Fair - Agreed to charge £100
Car boot sale -£10 a pitch
Adverts in Banner –initially to include asking for volunteers –JM
Posters to be emailed to Businesses –JM
Sand Sculpture Competition – Friday 23rd July - BI & JM. Mark suggested Sheila Barr be commissioned to make a trophy. Time will depend on tide.
Putting Green Competition –Friday 23rd July – LW
Fireworks –don’t make a lot of money but a great evening and worth it. Soup – LK and Susan Marriott. Coast happy to be involved if possible.
Correspondence A letter had been received from the Hall Committee asking for financial help with the unexpected need to refurbish the kitchen as the floor was rotten. Robin gave more information and after much discussion it was agreed to give the Hall Committee £1000.
Any other competent business
Jetty – There was much discussion about the need for repairs to be done to the jetty. HW IC AND CM have already identified a section which has to be repaired this year. It was agreed to spend £2000 on the jetty.
Border Bio Fuel Money – HM suggested this money raised by the community was no longer needed and could be used for jetty repairs. This was agreed.
Jetty Repair Collection tin – MC agreed to organise this and put out a collection tin in the restaurant.
Moorings – HW explained that there are presently 4 moorings but the risers need to be replaced. This would cost £150 - £200 each and would last for 4 years. It was agreed that 2 moorings would be maintained. HW will organise and do work. There was discussion about sponsors.
Putting Green – SM offered to open up the putting green in the morning. Mark and Russell (Coast) are keen to advertise in some way at the putting green.
BI gave thanks to Neally McKechnie for cutting the putting green grass and proposed that his payment of £200 a year be increased to £300. This was unanimously agreed. His work is much appreciated. CM suggested a proper sign needs to be put up on the Putting Green shed giving prices and details. IC will organise and ask Ian Leader to make the sign. New prices to be £1.50 for adults, £0.75p for children and £4 for a family.
Facebook – BI has put WB&DIA on face book and encouraged everyone to use it. Already she had had bookings for the beach sculpture and had conversations with people who would not otherwise have got involved.
Flower boats – CT has identified 2 old boats to be placed by CM in the village and she has sponsors to plant up boats. This is much appreciated.
New amenities – Folk at Fen Place would like a bench half way up hill.
CM noted that there were no benches at this end of the village. CT has asked NAC in the past and some were sited but then disappeared. It was noted most of the benches at Sandbraes are donated and are memorials.
JL asked if access could be made to the beach opposite the Burlington as the old access steps have been washed away.
North Ayrshire Council Amenities Meetings (twice yearly)
CT will represent WB&DIA at NAC Amenities meetings held by Gus McLeod and Margie Currie and will ask for all of the above. If possible HM will go with her.
Voice for Arran – AP intimated that the Voice for Arran was growing week by week and happy to give the WB&D IA as much publicity as possible.
A vote of thanks was given to both the Chairpersons.
The date of the next committee meeting was set for the 21st June 2010 in COAST. CM reiterated that WB&D IA is for all Whiting Bay villagers and anyone is invited and most welcome to attend any of the meetings.
Annual fundraiser Bake with Compassion week is being held from the 7th -13th June and gives everyone the opportunity to bake their own free-range cakes and treats while supporting Compassion in World Farming's campaign for higher hen welfare.
Many celebrity chefs have given their support to this year's Bake with Compassion by donating delicious free-range recipes for you to have a crack at!
Comedienne Jo Brand says "I'm pleased to get the opportunity to offer my support to Bake with Compassion fundraising week. I think it's really important to back the production of higher welfare eggs, so please get your aprons out and bake a cake with free-range eggs."
Find out just how easy it is to join Bake with Compassion week, by visit bakewithcompassion.org. You can download your inspiring Bake Toolkit, a free Good Egg Guide and our scrumptious recipes!
It's easy to take part as a group or an individual by holding a sale at home with friends and neighbours, in a school, community hall or office. Just make sure to use free-range eggs!
As sales and public awareness increase for cage-free eggs, UK consumers are increasingly putting pressure on supermarkets and restaurants to move away from battery eggs. However, many foods produced still contain eggs from caged hens.
Be sure to check the ingredients in shop bought cakes, biscuits and quiches, as you could be buying products containing eggs from hens reared in cruel factory farm systems.
Happy baking!
Dean Edwards' Lemon drizzle cake:
110g unsalted organic butter softened
100g caster sugar
140g self raising flour
2 free range /organic eggs beaten
1 lemon rind grated
2 tbs lemon curd
Drizzle:
Juice 1 lemon
2 tbs caster sugar
Method:
Cream butter and sugar.
Add the lemon rind and organic eggs.
Then, fold in the sifted flour, mix until fully combined, and then fold through the curd.
Pour into a greased 1kg baking tin. Bake in a pre-heated oven set at 180c for approx 1 hour.
Meanwhile mix lemon juice and sugar and pour over cake as soon as it comes out of the oven.
Leave to cool.
Egg facts:
in total, the UK alone consumes over 29 million eggs per day.
It is estimated that over 60% of the world's eggs are produced in industrial systems, mostly using battery cages
The cages usually have a sloping wire mesh floor and are kept in rows stacked in several tiers. Each unit holds thousands of hens this way. They are typically kept in closed sheds that are artificially lit and ventilated.
Caged hens may never experience natural light or fresh air and do not leave their cages until they are taken for slaughter.
Caged hens have as little room as an A4 piece of paper each.
The charity, Compassion in World Farming, campaigns peacefully to end cruel factory farming practices. We believe that farm animals should not and need not suffer.
Dish of the Week
by Anne Adams
Sultana Scones
Ingredients:
8oz self raising flour
Pinch of salt
2oz butter.
1oz sultanas.
1oz caster sugar.
5Fl oz milk
Preparation.
Heat the oven to 220/Gas7.
Lightly grease a baking sheet/tray.
Mix together the salt and flour, then rub in the butter.
Fold in sultanas, sugar and then the milk to create a soft dough.
Move to a floured work surface and knead.
Pat out to create a round about 2cm thick.
Use a 5cm cutter to make small rounds and place on the baking sheet/tray.
Knead together what is left of the dough and create more scones to use it all up.
Brush the top of the scones with a small amount of milk.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until risen and golden.
A new champion at Lamlash
The Championship final as customary was held on the last Saturday of May.
The reigning champion Iain Murchie V Neil Young.
The first 18 holes began at 1300. Neil made a steady start to be 3 up after three, Iain countered with a birdie 2 at the 4th, the next 2 were halved then Neil gained the next three par, birdie, birdie to be 5 up after 9. Conceded the 10th, then Iain fired 2 birdies at 11 and 15 with the rest being halved. At the 18th Neil put his tee shot behind the trees on the left, fired an excellent wedge close to the pin and sunk the putt for birdie and a halfway score of 3 up.
The second 18 commenced at 1700 hrs the first 2 holes were shared. Iain had to concede the 3rd again, 4th, 6th & 8th were halved, 5th & 7th shared Iain birdying the 9th for the score to remain at 3 up.
Neil birdied the 10th, lost the 11th & 12th to par, to be 2 up the next 3 were halved in fours. Then an untimely shot by Ian went out of bounds at the 16th and ended the contest to award Neil the Champion for the first time in his golfing career.
Neil has been in many semi-finals, and a few finals over the years but this must rate as one of his finest achievements excluding Hope Cup victories.
Lamlash Golf Results
Thursday 27th May
Seniors medal from box tees 10 competed c.s.s.reduced to 60
First Hamish McArthur 77-16-61, 2nd E.I.Cannon 78-17-61
4 magic 2's from I.Grant, D.Crawford and R.Edmonds with 2.
Summer Cup 30 competed c.s.s.increased by 2 to 66
Scratch Drew Wales with 70
First R.Burke 78-15-63, 2nd D. Wales 70-7-63, 3rd C.Maceachen 76-12-64, 4th D.Ross 85-20-65
3 magic 2's from L.Girbow, G.Maceachen and D.Wales.
Sunday 30th May
Hastings Cup 18 competed c.s.s.64
Scratch Euan Evans with 70
First R.Burke 79-15-64, 2nd Andy Smith 80-15-65, 3rd E.Evans 70-5-65
New News during the week- none so far. add a news item
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Editorial Maze Cartoon on Turkey Giving Iran Nuclear Fuel Rods.
