+ All Categories
Home > Documents > Antler 216 October A4

Antler 216 October A4

Date post: 10-Apr-2018
Category:
Upload: the-antler
View: 223 times
Download: 0 times
Share this document with a friend

of 12

Transcript
  • 8/8/2019 Antler 216 October A4

    1/12

  • 8/8/2019 Antler 216 October A4

    2/12

    FOUR IN HARMONYA WHOLE IN ONE DONATION

    Most art teachers and ex art teachers area little reticent to comment enthusiasticallywhen faced with proud parents oftalented children showing their childrenslatest products, as infant prodigies have ahabit of becoming teenage disney perpe-trators.

    Those who persist with artistic endeav-ours do their best to deal with the humanform; some more successfully than others.Architects often fail miserably but cartoon-ists like Gilroy & Giles competently reducedtheir portrayals to obvious characteristics.

    On this page Fran, Jayne, Gill & Sheilajoin the Carl Giles coterie and portray the bare essentials (above theneck,) but the wider connection between the attached thank-you note,its artists, the Antler and the well-known grandma artist is a littletenuous, but worth pursuing.

    Riverside Cottage at Torrisdale, the home of the Editor in the 1970sand Marion & Harry Hough from the early 1980s to 2007, was theholiday golfing base in August for a party of four rather remarkablefriends of the new owners. They thoroughly enjoyed the golf, thecottage and copies of the Antler left to entertain, amuse and annoythem during the expected wet days.

    When they returned to the pleasures of Auchterarder, Stirling andtram-torn Edinburgh, they left this thank-you note for their generoushost, and a gift for the Antler - a donation which allowed the replacementof the Antlers elderly scanner for one used to scan the attached drawing.

    Now you ask how does Carl Giles fit into the picture. Well the firsthouse the Editor and his wife owned in 1961 was in Tuddenham St.Martin in Suffolk, originally occupied by Carl Giles mother - Carl livedwith his motor-racing caravan studio and his high-powered cars at afarm just round the corner at Witnesham, and his ashes are interred afew feet away from the Editors parents grave.

    Reputedly Carls real grandma looked nothing like the version ofher appearing in the Daily Express or on any of the RNLI Christmascards, but as you will have seen on page one, Fran, Jayne, Gill andShiela are more attractive than their portrayals on the thank-you note,

    but are aprs-golf activities responsible for more than just bad backs?G.P.

    S

    THE GUILD 2010-2011The Guild meets at three-weekly intervals during the winter for fun,fellowship and fund-raising for the Church. We would be delighted towelcome new members at any of our meetings - Please come to joinus! Most of our meetings will be held in the Village hall this winter, at2.30pm, unless otherwise stated. Meetings are advertised around thevillage and intimated in the Church. During meetings refreshments areavailable - visitors 2, and Guild members 1.

    GUILD SYLLABUS

    Sunday 3rd October Dedication Service, Rev. John Vischer, 12 noon,Big Church.Tuesday 5th October Landladies, Elizabeth Semple, 2.30. Village Hall

    library.Tuesday 26th October, Hidden Gems of Sacred Music,

    Cameron McNair, 7.30. Big Church.Monday 15th November, Open Night, slide show, Lachie Paterson

    7.30. Village Hall.Saturday 27th November, Guild Winter Fayre, 2.30, Village Hall.Tuesday 7th or 14th December, Christmas Lunch/Dinner, TBA.Tuesday 18th January, Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen, Ann Morans, 2.30

    Village Hall library.Tuesday 1st February, Birds, a slide show, Eddie McGuire, 2.30

    Village Hall library.Tuesday 22nd February, The Kintyre Way, Marcus Adams, 2.30,

    Village Hall library.Friday 4th March, World Day of Prayer, Guild Committee, 7pm

    Village Hall library.Tuesday 8th March, Guild AGM, 2.30, Village Hall library.

    ABC CARE & REPAIR PROJECT WITHKINTYRE CRIME PREVENTION PANEL

    Argyll & Bute Care & Repair are presently engaging in a joint venture.This is to develop local solutions to local needs, and an important link inthe multi-agency agency approach to crime prevention. There are Chubbdoor limiters & spy door peep holes available to people who are disa-bled, or home owners aged 60 or over. These Crime Prevention prod-ucts are supplied by the Crime Prevention Panel, and will be fitted freeof charge by the employees of Argyll & Bute Care & Repair. On behalf ofthe Panel, Eva MacDonald, MBE, Vice Chair wishes to thank Argyll &Bute Care & Repair, and Strathclyde Police, Campbeltown for theirassistance in this project. If anyone wishes to take advantage of thisimportant Crime Prevention project, they can contact Raymond Harvey

    on 07786544886 or Paul Huckerby on 07786 545030.

    P.O.BOX 13, 11 CASTLEHILLCAMPBELTOWN ARGYLL PA28 6AP

    CARRADALE BRANCH OPENTHURSDAY 10am - 11am

    THE ROYAL BANKOF SCOTLAND

    Where people matter

    2

    TORRISDALE CASTLECarradale Campbeltown Argyll PA28 6QT

    TELEPHONE 01583 431233

    Web-site: www.torrisdalecastle.come-mail: [email protected]

    Superb self-catering accommodation in Castle or Cottage inabsolutely fabulous surroundings Ideal for a relaxed holiday.

    Bird watchers paradise. Colour brochure from:

    Madam, I havent the faintest idea whether the extra charge for your cough mixture is going to be frittered away onsome fool Government scheme to send monkeys to the moon.An internet Carl Giles Celebration 1970s cartoon.

    CARRADALE GOLF CLUB: LATE NEWSThe Club sends its deepest sympathy to Jamie and Lorna on the

    tragic loss of their son Alan.

    A reminder that the Annual Dinner Dance takes place on Saturday6th November.

    Mens Section: The following are the results of recent competitions: -July Medal: J.Paterson. Foulds Martin: P.DavisWalker Quaich: 1st D.Galbraith, 2nd R.J.Abernethy, 3rd H.ScottAugust Cup/Medal: 1st D Dunlop, 2nd A Dunlop, 3rd S WalkerAM-AM: 1st R. McMurchy, A. Anderson, W Deans I Watson

    2nd A. Bell, A. Dunlop, H. Scott, K. Greenwood3rd C. McIntyre, B. Deans, D. McKinnon, W. McKinnon

    Club Championship: Following 4 rounds over week-ends 4/5 and11/12 September The following were the winners: -

    CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP GREEN-KEEPERS CUP1st D. J. Ritchie H. Scott2nd D. Dunlop S. Walker3rd J. Robertson A. Dunlop

  • 8/8/2019 Antler 216 October A4

    3/12

    LADIES GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP ATCARRADALEOVER THE WEEKEND OF

    21/22 AUGUST 2010.The entrants vie for the annual trophy present-ed to the club by Keith Campbell in memory ofhis wife Christine, who was a keen member ofthe club. The photograph shows Anne Stormwinner of the Handicap Section, and LauraMcGeachy (Club Champion), being presentedwith their trophies by Keith Campbell.

    Winner of the Chris Campbell MemorialTrophy & Club Champion: Laura McGeachy

    Scratch - Laura McGeachy (141);Marlene Walker (154 - BIH)

    Handicap - Anne Storm (23) (nett 126);Lindsay Owen (10) (nett 134)

    Magic 2's - Marlene Walker at 8th (2nd round)Laura McGeachy at 7th (2nd round)

    GOLF MONTHLY DRAWThe prizes in the monthly draw for July and

    August are as follows:-July August

    1st 30 M Kitson Mrs M Owen2nd 18 Mrs H Wynd A. Ponton3rd 12 Mrs P Marshall J. Webb4th 6 Mrs E Naismith Mrs C. McIlvride

    EAST KINTYRECOMMUNITY COUNCIL

    MINUTES OF THE MEETING ONTHURSDAY 2 SEPTEMBER 2010

    PRESENT: Shelagh Cameron, Ronnie Brown-ie, Elizabeth McMillan, Andrea Hopkins, La-chie Paterson, Councillor Rory Colville,Councillor Anne Horn.

    APOLOGIES: Stuart Irvine, Tom Adams,Councillor Robin Currie, Councillor JohnMcAlpine.

    Convenor Shelagh Cameron welcomed every-one present.

    MINUTES OF LAST MEETING: Proposed byShelagh Cameron seconded by Ronnie Brown-ie. Matters Arising From Last Minutes: None.

    TREASURERS REPORT: 400 grant to Com-munity Council from Argyll and Bute Council.Received 50 donation from Colin Burgess fordog foul bins. Subscription to Scotways of 20.Balance in Community Council account 1891.

    PLANNING: HIGH PLUCK - permission ap-plied for to take out solar panels and to put up

    a domestic windmill. No other planning issuesMachrihanish offshore wind farm: nothing toreport.

    REVIEW OF LEARNING DISABILITY SUP-PORT: Changes are being proposed by Argylland Bute Council to the learning support anddrop in centres in Campbeltown. If these cen-tres close where would people with learningdisabilities go? -

    wander the streets, sit at home all the timewatching television. At least in these centresthey have the chance to meet other people,have a chat or learn a new skill. ConvenorShelagh Cameron sent a letter containing sev-eral very important questions to the head ofthe centre who will present them at a meetingbeing held tonight (2 September 2010). Adiscussion took place and it was decided thatthe centres should be kept as they are. Com-munity Council to write a letter in support ofstatus quo.

    VILLAGE PLAN / ideas Survey: Point of Action- put out a survey to get everyone involved.This will be carried forward to next CommunityCouncil meeting where hopefully loads of ide-as will be put forward. Councillor Anne Horn isgoing to send some notes on how Tarbert andJura carried out their village plan / ideas survey

    TANGY 2 WIND FARM GRANTS: Distributedby Scottish Community Foundation. Peninvervillage hall only ones applied for funds. Still

    funds available, deadline 30 September 2010.CORRESPONDENCE:

    Mental Health Argyll and Bute - news letter.Kintyre Initiative Working Group - leaflet.Street Scene - letter.

    GRAB Trust - news letter.Parish and Town Councils: No need fornuclear - leaflet.Dr Steven Murphy, Rhododendron ProjectOfficer - email. As the disease among rho-dodendrons is a serious problem it was feltthat information should be more accessibleto the public.

    ANY OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS: Gritting of road past Carradale - this has

    already been submitted to Sally Loudon, ChiefExecutive, Argyll and Bute Council. CouncillorRory Colville intimated, although no decisionhas been made as yet, that gritting was unlike-ly to happen this winter.

    Convenor Shelagh Cameron has had ameeting with Arthur McCulloch and two meet-ing with Martin Gorringe about pontoons atharbour. All surveys have been carried out. Asthe harbour belongs to Argyll and Bute Councila small pontoon system which would be moreaffordable might be more acceptable to theCouncil. Start small to begin with and expandlater if necessary. A survey should be carriedout to find out the feelings of the local people,

    and what they would like to envisage happen-ing, and a plan possibly put forward.

    Convenor Shelagh Cameron thanked every-one for attending.

    NEXT MEETING: Thursday 7 October 2010

    3

    Local Service Depot - Roading, Campbeltown. Tel: 01586

    Head Off ice: Greenock Road, Bishopton PA7 SAP Tel : 01505 862010.Fax: 01505 862221 Email: [email protected] Web Site: www.hamiltonbros.co.uk

    MASSEY FERGUSON

    BROTHERSThe Complete Service

    HAMILTON BROS. (ENGINEERING) LTD.

    Groundcare & Agricultural EquipmentSales,Service & Hire. MOT & MOT Repairs

    CARRADALE GOLF CLUB

    For further information contact The Secretary, Dr R. AbernethyThe Arch, Torrisdale, PA28 6QT Tel: 01583 431321

    GOLF CLUB

    Juniors AdultRound 7.00 16.00Daily 10.00 20.00Weekly 35.00 75.00Two weeks 45.00 95.00Country Membership - 119.00(May play in Club Competitions)

    Affiliated Club Members 10.00

    CARRADALE

    Welcomes vis i torsCARRADALE

    THE COLOUR VERSIONOF THE ANTLER ISAVAILABLE ON THEWEB-SITE SCRIBD

    GROGPORT RAINFALLIN AUGUST

    The total recorded rainfall this month was

    117mm (roughly four and a half inches) Itseemed to be frequently raining but the accu-mulated total was less than the average forAugust, which is 159mm. This compares with62mm (2003) and 339mm (2009).The total rain-fall for January to August this year is 831mmand it remains the lowest for that period sincewe have been keeping records. The highestrecord of 1462mm was the 2002 figure.

    Although it appeared to be wetter thismonth, we did, surprisingly, have 11 dry daysbut the amount of 35mm which fell on the 23rdwas an exceptionally high total for a single dayin August as this was nearly an inch and a half.

    The month ended with a distinctly autum-nal feel. It felt noticeably colder early in the

    morning and in the evening with the shorterdaylight hours and the leaves have alreadystarted to show their autumn tints.

    Will it be an Indian Summer or has summergone for good? M.L.

  • 8/8/2019 Antler 216 October A4

    4/12

    ARGYLL & BUTE COUNCILBUDGET CONSULTATION 2010-2011

    Difficult choices for difficult times

    OPTIONS TO CONSIDERArgyll and Bute Council is setting its budget for 2010-11 and beyond.The current economic climate means we face big budgets challenges.The council will have less money to spend next year than it had thisyear. Our current forecast shows the shortfall is likely to be between9m and 13m. While the council is taking steps to become more

    efficient this level of savings cannot be made through efficiency alone.We need to look at all the services we provide and will have to makesome difficult choices about how we provide them in the future. Thebudget pages tell you more about how we are doing this and how youcan get involved.

    MESSAGE FROM THE COUNCIL LEADER, DICK WALSH.Argyll and Bute Council stands at a financial crossroads. Efforts by theUK Government to reduce national debt by cutting public spendingmean the council will have less money to spend on the service wedeliver. This means we have to find ways of delivering qualityeducation, support for vulnerable people, transportation, roads, wastecollection and housing by spending less.

    It would be wrong of me to pretend that we can continue to provideall of the services we do at the minute. It would also be wrong of me tosuggest services in the future will be provided the same way as they

    are now. As a council we have to take a long, hard look at our servicesand the way we deliver them and ask ourselves some difficultquestions. And as a council its our responsibility to listen to what ourcommunities want us to do on their behalf.

    So, as we stand at the financial crossroads I want to know whatdirection you think the council should take. We need to make thedifficult decisions together so were confident the services we deliverare the most important to our community and, if we choose not todeliver some services any more, that the impact will be reduced.

    I hope youll take this opportunity to share your thoughts on howthe council should spend its budget. I want to know if you think weshould absolutely protect some services, even if that means makingbigger cuts to others.

    This leaflet gives you an outline of where the council gets its moneyfrom and where we currently spend it. As we develop the budget for

    2011-12 I hope to hear from residents about their priorities. And if youdont feel you have something to say I hope this process of inviting yourinput and including your opinions in our budget will reassure you thatthe council is doing everything it can to take the right economic route,both for our communities and with our communities.

    MESSAGE FROM CHIEF EXECUTIVE, SALLY LOUDON.Council budgets are often controversial. What many people dontrealise is the huge range of services councils provide and how thoseservices are funded. Council tax only goes some way towards fundingthe councils services. The remainder is made up of grants from centralgovernment. We know those grants are going to be cut and so wereplanning our response. We need to think now about how we will deliverservices in the future when we dont have as much money at ourdisposal.

    Weve already taken steps to make our organisation as efficient as

    possible. Were looking at our staffing levels and reviewing services toidentify how we could work differently, with the aim of reducing our totalspend by 15% . Thats more than 30 million.

    While Im confident the councils finances are in good shape itsimportant the money we have is used in the areas which will have the

    greatest benefit. Im keen to know from our communities, our council-lors and our staff where they think we could do things differently andmore efficiently.

    This is the first time weve opened up our budget process toconsultation, which I hope reflects both the severity of the challenge weface and also a new approach from the council towards being moreopen with our residents.

    While we have to make difficult choices these difficult times presentus with an opportunity. We can redesign our services so they are

    appropriate for users now and in the future.I hope you will share your thoughts on the budget with us and thattogether we can make good decisions for our future.

    HOW THE BUDGET IS CURRENTLY SPENTThe graph shows how our budget is currently shared out across eachservice. Educationreceives the biggestshare of the budget,followed by socialwork. Together theseareas account formore than half of thecouncils overallspend. Paymentsmade to the police

    and fire services arenot set by the councilbut are paid for fromcouncil tax. Thecouncil must alsocontinue to payinterest and repay-ments on money it borrows to finance major projects such as schoolsand roads. The next graph shows how the councils budget is sharedout on different cost areas: The biggest single cost to the council is thesalaries of 4,500 full time equivalent staff. The salary bill is 121.8m.Payments to others covers payments to private companies forservices they provide the council such as residential care and benefitsfor housing and council tax. The council currently generates around44m (equivalent to 16% of the total expenditure) by charging forservices such as parking or leisure facilities. This also includes paying

    grants such as housing benefit subsidy.

    4

    See Smell SavourQuality catering to arouse your senses

    We cater for parties large and small, at yourhome, at your business or other location of

    your choice we promise you stress free entertaining.

    Book your event with us today you wont bedisappointed.

    Visit our website: www.kilbrannancatering.co.uk

    Telephone Anne on 01583 431581or Jennifer on 01583 431632

    KilbrannanCatering

    Joiners, Timber Suppliers, Alltypes of joinery

    & furniture repairsKey cutters &Ironmongers

    J . A . A . CRA IG

    17-19 SADDELL STREET CAMPBELTOWNTel: 01586 552954

    JAAC

    Service areaAverage spend per headof population ()

    Scottish aver-age ()

    Difference needed tomeet average

    Education 1,098.34 928.32 -15.4m

    Roads and transport 131.49 76.46 -5m

    Planning and develop-ment

    51.93 45.72 -0.60

    Recreation and sport 53.04 73.29 +1.8m

    Libraries 16.57 23.22 +0.6m

    Culture & heritage 17.68 25.34 +0.7m

    Children and familiescare

    113.81 133.98 +1.8m

    Older people care 291.71 243.5 -4.4m

    Waste management 149.17 102.33 -4.2m

    Environmental services 53.04 27.3 -2.40

    Housing support services 122.65 49.95 -6.6m

  • 8/8/2019 Antler 216 October A4

    5/12

    HELP THE COUNCILBUDGET SETTING TIMELINE:

    Summer 2010 Informal consultation withcommunity representatives

    Autumn 2010 Initial options presented tocouncil

    Winter 2010 Detailed consideration of optionsFebruary 2011 Final budget approved

    Get involved. We would like to hear your views

    on where you think the council should spendits budget. Now you know about the difficultchoices we face and some of the options wecould consider we want to know whether ornot you think were getting it right.

    Heres how you can share your views:(1) Email [email protected](2) Visit your councillors surgery or(3) Write to the Council at CouncilHeadquarters, Kilmory, Lochgilphead, ArgyllPA31 8RT, stating whether you -

    Strongly agree, agree, neither agree ordisagree, disagree ordisagree stronglywith

    the following statements.

    (a) I would be willing to pay for more coun-

    cil tax to help protect public services inArgyll and Bute

    (b) I would accept additional charges forsome services if this would protect es-sential services

    (c) I would accept the council not providingsome services to protect and developothers

    (d) The information provided in this docu-ment was useful

    If you have additional comments and sugges-tions please attach them to your letter.

    BT DIRECTORIESWATERFOOT DELIVERY 2010.

    Waterfoot residents failed to receive a copy ofThe Lomond and Argyll Phone Book againthis year. If you subscribe to BT ring 0800 833400 and explain the problem. You will be senta free copy.

    If you are not a BT subscriber, eventhough you are joined to the local sub-stationit will cost you 10.

    I complained last year in September andBT said there was nothing they could do but ifI contacted them in May they would remind thedelinquent distributor. - Unfortunately I forgotto contact them in May as it was not on my listof memorable dates, but I did on 16th Augustand they then made the above 'offer,' but Iurge everyone to ring them in May 2011 toensure delivery in June.

    If you see someone delivering directoriesnext May, show then where Waterfoot is!

    G.P.

    .

    LIBRARIES TO CLOSEIN COVE AND GARELOCHEAD

    Argyll and Bute Council has confirmed twolibraries will close their doors at the end ofAugust for the final time. Cove library will close

    at 5pm on Thursday 26 August andGarelochead library will follow suit the nextday (Friday 27 August).

    The libraries were originally due to closeat the end of the last financial year as part ofsavings identified for 2010 but additionalfunding was made available while a long termalternative to running both buildings wasfound.

    Readers and borrowers can return theirbooks to any of Argyll and Butes otherlibraries, including the mobile library and therewill be no charge for overdue books whilepeople adjust to the new arrangements.

    The nearest alternative libraries are in

    Helensburgh and Rosneath although thecouncil is working on plans for the mobilelibrary to stop in each village. More details willbe announced when they are finalised.

    Closing the libraries will save the councilin the region of 30,000. One staff memberhas been made redundant and another hasbeen redeployed

    Councillor Neil Mackay, Argyll and ButeCouncils spokesperson for arts and culturesays the decision to close the libraries was nottaken lightly. He explains: The council has alimited budget and unfortunately we have hadto take the difficult decision to close the

    libraries to make savings. Both of theselibraries were only open for part of the weekand it was no longer economical to keep thebuildings staffed, paying for heating, lightingand water. Residents will still be able to usethe library service in nearby towns and soonwell have a schedule for the mobile library tovisit too. Closing the libraries was a difficultdecision but we have been able to find acompromise.

    IN THE PIPELINESEWER PIPE UPGRADE PLAN AGREED

    A revised plan for the upgrading of sewerpipes in Campbeltown town centre, whichaims to minimise disruption for the generalpublic, has been agreed.

    The council, ACHA and Scottish Waterhave agreed a proposal to give Scottish Wateraccess via Park Square, which is to have anew road built through it, reducing therequirement to lay pipes up Kinloch Road pastAqualibrium and along Lochend Street to thejunction with Millknowe Road. Now, only 70mof pipes will be required along Kinloch Roadbefore being directed through Park Square.

    Councillor John Semple, chair of theCampbeltown CHORD Project Board, said:This is a common sense move which willbenefit everyone involved including theresidents and businesses of South Kintyre.

    The works being undertaken by ScottishWater are essential upgrades, whichpreviously threatened to cause significantdisruption to the town centre.This agreementensures that inconvenience to the generalpublic is kept to an absolute minimum, giventhat Scottish Water require significantly lessdigging at Kinloch Road and none at all onLochend Street.

    Alastair Macgregor, Chief Executive ofACHA, added We are pleased to assist in this joint working for the benefit of Campbeltownand Eddie Burns of Scottish Water also addedthat he was pleased at the proposedarrangements that had been arrived at

    through the joint working of the variousparties.

    It is expected that the work on ParkSquare will start within the next two months.

    TOMMYMILLAR

    TRAVEL

    COUNSELLOR

    For all your Travel andHoliday Arrangements put

    your trust in your ownTravel Adviser

    TOMMY MILLARTel: 0845 0587589e-mail tommy.millar@travel

    counsellors.com

    www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/tommy.millar

    5

    TORRISDALE CASTLEORGANIC TANNERY & CRAFTY SHEEP SHOP

    TELEPHONE01583 431233

    ALL-YEAR-ROUND GIFTSSweaters, cardigans, belts, handbags, slippers,

    mugs, soft toys and so much more.A sheepskin rug is a touch of luxury at any time of the year. Tryone on your new wooden floor, beside your bed, in your favour-ite armchair or in the car - pelt up & belt up at the same time!

    LETTER TO THE EDITORARGYLL FIRST & TWO TIER DEMOCRACYDear SirFollowing the decision taken at the recentCouncil Meeting on 19th August, it is our opin-ion that a democratic deficit remains in therepresentation of residents in Argyll and Bute.

    The current governance of the council con-sists of 16 councillors (Executive Committee),

    12 of whom are from the ruling group, with theremaining 4 from the opposition. It is this groupwho are making the vast majority of councildecisions on your behalf. The remaining 20councillors are excluded and can only vote onissues which pertain to their own wards. FromMay 2007 until June 2010, over 600 agendaitems have been dealt with in this way.

    We, in Argyll First, believe that this hascreated a two tier system of democracy andstrongly believe that when you vote for a coun-cillor, he/she should have equal voting rightson ALL council business. The current systemis undemocratic and we would ask that if youagree, you lobby your local councillor as it is

    you, the voting public, who hold the key toopening up the democratic process for Argylland Bute.

    Argyll First looks forward to working onbehalf of, and in partnership with, the resi-dents of Argyll and Bute and we look forwardto hearing your views.

    Councillors Donald Kelly, Douglas Philandand John McAlpine

  • 8/8/2019 Antler 216 October A4

    6/12

    THE EDUCATIONAL ASCENTTV presenters and newspaper editors must have been relieved inAugust when exam results could momentarily take the limelight off thedevastating news from the Indian continent and Peru, but are you tiredof seeing adolescents jumping up and down after discovering that theyhave done well or obtained straight As under the all must have somesuccess scheme of todays examination system.

    Things were not always so. In earlier times the normal curve ofdistribution was a pre-requisite for any marker or moderator. 5% As,

    18% Bs, 50% Cs (a pass), 18% Ds, 5% Es, 3% F and 1% U was thenorm. This years reports were not similarly spread. In some ScottishHigher exams, passes were awarded for less than 50% in one in foursubjects, including English, chemistry, biology and computing; inStandard Grade some papers were judged to have been passes at24%. Altogether 74.6% passed their Highers and 98.5% their Stand-ard Grade.

    As a consequence students with As, Bs, Cs Ds, and the morerecent A* are gearing-up emotionally to climb the educational moun-tain, perhaps unable to reach base camp, having difficulty in finding aneducational sherpa or a planned route, and often (1 in 4) of failing toproceed beyond the first slope. Those whose expedition is helped bysacrificing parents, or who manage to live on a restricted financial andrecreational diet, emerge on the upper slopes with a qualification whichmay or may not have any relevance to a prospective employer, and ifrecent reports are to be believed, unable to write a reasonable letter,

    incapable of contributing to a company or even of being courteous tocustomers or company clients.

    Long ago in late 1940s and early 1950s the word university hadnot been truncated to uni and had similarly retained its prestige withinschools. Its standards were acknowledged by employers and respect-ed throughout the world.

    In those days, apart from the precincts of private or grant-aidedestablishments, children (another out-dated term) approaching the ageof 11 in England, Wales & Northern Ireland, and 12 in Scotland, wereexperiencing the sheep and goat sorting so redolent of biblical times.In remoter parts of Britain the older children in all-age schools compet-ed with those in a variety of other institutions to gain access to furthereducation.

    Of those passing through the narrow gate, one tenth of the Britishschool population went to Senior Secondary or Secondary Grammar

    schools, while almost nine tenths passed through the larger arch to aJunior Secondary or Secondary Modern School; a few entered Sec-ondary Technical Schools. However, In some areas late developerswere transferred to Secondary Grammar schools on reaching 13 yearsold, with some of their peers taking the reverse route.

    Later on, after four or five years of segregated education, fewerthan one in ten went to university, more went on to other forms ofhigher education, some took up apprenticeships and others joinedcompanies anxious to attract literate employees.

    In summary the early 1950s university entrant was 1 of 100 in hispeer group or less than 1 in 100 in her peer group. Now, after theLabour Governments moves to encourage 50% of school leavers toseek a university place, we face a national outcry because students arein tears if they cannot obtain American straight A* ratings, and areequally distressed that new economy quotas have restricted their entry

    to an all-encompassing uni.Today all parts of the educational ascent are under scrutiny; nation-

    al financial problems affect every aspect of life so there are no reasonswhy training for the future should not be similarly assessed. Looking atapplications for grant assistance to complete an honours course or to

    pursue university qualifications beyond a first degree, it is clear thatthere is still a very wide gap between those who scramble to reachancillary heights, and those who place their flag on the summit and areready to tackle even steeper climbs. Many educational sherpas andguides fail to support virgin climbers and suffer themselves from alti-tude sickness. Unfortunately they are often unwilling to go below basecamp and contact the real world.

    Fortunately some politicians, academics and a number of entrepre-neurs have pointed out that there are real and short term alternativesranging from a gap year, internships, forms of employment requiring

    good grades or aptitude, and other types of training.Becoming a little more adult about meeting the worlds challenges

    and disappointments is clearly part of growing up, and acceptingdifficulties, and overcoming failure is still a necessary and unchangedpart of the real educational process. G.P.

    6

    J. H. Hooper B.Sc., B.V.M & S., M.R.C.V.S

    is pleased to provide veterinary care for your pets

    Please telephone 01586 552427 for an appointmentUGADALE COTTAGE by CAMPBELTOWN

    24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

    VETERINARYSURGEON

    Looking for the perfect gift idea? Then look no further than our selection.Our Hampers, full of delicious Kintyre produce and our Scottish Tablet Gift

    Boxes make excellent presents. We have gifts to suit all budgets.Our tablet is available in local shops.You can also order all our products on-line. Just visit our web-site ;

    www.scottishtabletcompany.co.ukor telephone 01583 431594 or 431581 and speak to Trish or Anne

    We make the best Scottish tabletyou have ever tasted

    Good Highers, training asa manager for a national

    supermarket chain

    Good GCSE, hairdressingcollege, hopes to have ownsalon, saving to get married

    Looked at several jobs butdidnt find anything interesting

    - all boring, waiting untilsomething turns up, enjoying

    being away from school

    No qualifications, plenty ofdrive & confidence, buying

    and selling on an increasingscale, owns two retail shops

    and plans fortwo more

    Some GCSEs Goes into fishing,takes a masters certificate,

    skippers a boat, married with 2children & hoping for a mortgage

    Gets second choice, enjoys Uni,socialises,leaves with a 2.2 & 25,000debt, looking for a job in media studies

    Gets 1A*, 1A and 1B, is refused entry toUni, takes a year out, travels, volun-

    teers, re-applies a year later and is ac-cepted, gains a 2.1 and is subsequentlyoffered a job

    Scrapes into Uni through theclearing process, fails the firstyear, leaves and is unem-ployed with a small debt

    Some standard grades, notinterested in Highers orUni - in 6 months an ap-prentice with no debtsand climbing thefinancial ladder

    Obtains a 1st and moves on to a seconddegree, a doctorate, has a debt of 40,000,married with a child, and works as a lecturer

    Gets first choice, studies, works part-time in holidays, gains a 2.1 in Eng-lish, works unpaid for 6 months, has a10,00 debt, does a PGCE and tempsat a local primary school.

    LIVING ON THE EDGE: ARE YOU BEGINNING THE ASCENT

    Saturday 25 September for 6 days at 8.00pmTHE SORCERERS APPRENTICE (pg)

    Saturday 2 October for 5 days at 8.00pm(Not Monday) SALT (12A)

    Monday 4 October for 1 day at 8.00pm(First Monday Presentation)

    LETTERS TO JULIET (PG)

    Saturday 9 October 2010 for 6 days at 7.00pmCATS & DOGS;

    THE REVENGE OF KITTY GALORE (U)

    THE PICTURE HOUSE

    NETWORK TEAROOM

    WINTER HOURS

    The tearoom will be closed fromthe 4th till the 22nd of October.Winter hours are 11am till 4pm.

    Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays.

  • 8/8/2019 Antler 216 October A4

    7/12

    CORRECTIONS,APOLOGIES & AN HOAX

    AMONG THE MISTAKES IN LASTMONTHS ANTLER!

    Many thanks to Eva MacDonald and WendyVandome for reminding the Editor and readersthat Raymond Harveys Care & Repair mobilenumber is 07786 544886.

    Unlike teenage girls who constantly

    change their names depending on their cur-rent favourite programme TV character, Wil-liam Wum Semple reminded me that NeilMacDougalls name has never been Matthew,despite being called Donna for most of hislife.

    Kenneth Semple pointed out that the215th issue was dated September 2009, not2010 - although time passes more quickly aswe get older it looks as though for some of usthe clock is going into reverse.

    On the subject of viruses Colin Burgesssays that Highland Fuels warning about virus-es is itself a hoax and advises readers to openhttp://home.mcafee.com/virusInfo/virusprofile.aspx?key=266978. A list of hoax viruss can

    be found at - http://home.mcafee.com/virusinfo/virushoaxes.spx.

    He said that Microsoft, McAfee, Norton arehuge organisations with teams of people con-stantly scanning the web looking for newthreats and generally have a resolution tosuch problems within hours. The best solutionis invest in good anti-virus software which isupdated continually.

    Beattie Burnside also noticed the warningabout the 'Olympic Torch' virus in the lastedition of the Antler. She consulted her profes-sional computer expert and he suggestedlooking at the same two web-site given byColin Burgess. Beattie advised readers not toforward the 'alert' message to friends; doing

    this gives the hoaxer access to active emailaddresses where unwanted spam emails canbe directed. She added that the followingwords are a tell-tale sign of an email hoax -

    ""This is the worst virus announced byCNN//Snopes (or other well recognised mediapresenters), it has been classified by Microsoftas the most destructive virus ever.** This viruswas discovered by McAfee yesterday, andthere is no repair yet for this kind of virus. Thisvirus simply destroys the Zero Sector of theHard Disc, where the vital information iskept.""*Microsoft does not classify viruses!!*

    Finally Waterfoots Sue Harris picked up thechallenge about the proposed Machrihanishwind-farm. She pointed out that the communi-

    ty councils minutes quotes a distance off-shore of 2 miles, (1 kilometre = 0.621371192miles) contrasting with the Goverments Stra-tegic Environmental Assessment of 0.9km andthe SSEs statement of 2km.

    Keeping Sues comments in mind and lookingat SSEs map it is difficult to confirm anydistance without stating where measurementsare taken from and which tower is consideredclosest; it depends where you stand and inwhich direction you look. Whatever the actualdistances its certainly far too close and toolarge to be received without serious criticism.

    Perhaps it is time to have a find the mostmistakes competition and publish the name of

    the most astute reader - if there is one. At leastit will establish if there are those who readeverything thats published.

    CAMPBELTOWN PLANSPUBLIC DROP-IN TO FIND OUT MORE

    ABOUT ROADS AND REGENERATIONFriday, 20 August 2010 12:06

    The event was held at Campbeltowns townhall on Wednesday the 11th August and wasdovetailed with ACHAs CustomerInvolvement Day, being held at the samelocation.

    Just over 120 people attended the eventto get an update on ambitious proposals forCampbeltown. The projects discussed by themembers included: traffic managementproposals, Kinloch road regeneration, ACHAproposals for Park Square, CampbeltownMarina and town centre regeneration.

    The traffic management proposals were ofparticular interest to those attending thesession and many queries were answered interms of the impact on parking. The feedbackfrom attendees was encouraging given thatthe Council had taken on board commentsreceived through the Traffic Regulation Orderconsultation process and now proposes amore flexible approach of prohibiting parkingonly when the largest of loads from the windturbine factory are being transported.

    Councillor Semple, Chair of the

    Campbeltown CHORD Project Board said, Iam happy to see another good turnout of localpeople keen to engage with the proposals.The public have responded positively andplanners have been receptive to thecomments made. We will continue to keeppeople updated as developments progress

    LORN & ISLANDSHOSPITAL REDESIGN

    This is the second newsletter detailing theprogress that is being made in the redesign ofin-patient services at Lorn & Islands Hospital.The project now has real momentum withengagement from staff as well as valued in-volvement from the public & staff partnerships.

    1. Maximise the efficiency and effectiveness ofin-patient and day-case beds across thehospital.

    2. Look into the number of beds required andtheir make up within or between wards.

    3. Ensure appropriate services are responsiveand available when required.

    4. Ensuring high quality service to patients andfamilies.

    5. Ensure that day surgery is the norm andinpatient stays are available when required.

    A number of sub-groups are reviewingdetailed information and compiling draft plans.The two main sub-groups (Bed Utilisation andTheatre & Endoscopy) have been brought

    together to develop an overall Action Plan, themain elements of which are as follows:a) The development of patient pathways for

    medical/surgical patients - this includesreviewing patient transport to and from thehospital and the involvement of social ser-vices where appropriate. The main aimsare to maximise patient safety and managepatient lengths of stay so that people don'thave to stay in hospital any longer thannecessary.

    b) Development of a joint acute AssessmentUnit consideration of the benefits of intro-ducing a medical/surgical assessment fa-cility in one of the wards to increaseefficiency in assessing, diagnosing and

    treating unplanned admissions to the hos-pital.c) Reviewing the ward structure - consider-

    ation of the numbers of in-patient and daycase beds required in future.

    d) Ward staff skills review - to ensure thehospital has the right number of staff withthe right skills, able to be used flexiblythroughout the site.

    e) Development of day case surgery - com-pleting the pilot of an extended day caseunit on Ward A. In future more surgicalpatients will be treated as day cases so thatthey can return home after surgery ratherthan having an overnight stay.

    f) Reviewing endoscopy services - simplifying

    the admission and treatment process toimprove patient experiences and improveoperating theatre throughput.

    g) Reviewing theatre procedures - consideringhow improvements may be made to themanagement of theatre sessions, the staff-ing of theatre & the patient experiencebefore, during and after an operation.

    h) Development of pre-assessment proce-dures - to ensure that patients are effective-ly screened prior to surgery, thatarrangements are in place to ensure pa-tient stays in hospital are limited to what isclinically necessary and to minimise thenumber of patients who fail to attend forsurgery.

    i) Reviewing the range of surgery performed -in particular working with the Belford Hospi-tal, Fort William, to look at options to sup-port the continued provision of urologyservices locally.

    David Whiteoak (Locality Manager)

    Need a repair or a small job done? Cant get a tradesman to come out?

    DIYTiling

    JoineryFencingDeckingShelving

    DecoratingPath laying

    Domestic repairsDry-stone walling

    Flat-pack assembly

    Phone KeeF

    01583 43161407786 838996

    No job too small

    Your local handy-manwho wont let you down& wont charge the earth

    7

    d a v i d i n g r a marchitectural + art services

    - Professional Architectural Artist

    - Architectural Design Services

    M. 07745 368 576 E. [email protected]

  • 8/8/2019 Antler 216 October A4

    8/12

    Have your favourite photographsenlarged to A3 or A4 size

    Prices tiered dependingon quantity required

    THE GLENOffering a warm and welcoming family atmosphere with an excellent menu of

    home-cooked food. Locally caught seafood a speciality. Home-made ice cream.Full disabled and baby changing facilities. Functions catered for. We now deliv-

    er takeaways. Free delivery on food orders over 10 in the Carradale area.

    Open 12.30pm to late every dayFood served 12.30 - 2pm & 6pm - 8.30pm.

    To book a table in the restaurant phone Sue or Penny on01583 431431

    or e-mail us at [email protected] address: www.theglenbar.com

    BAR & RESTAURANT,CARRADALE

    8

    Haddock, Whiting, Sole, Cod Fillets, Fresh Salmon,

    Rainbow Trout, Kippers Smoked & Peppered Mackerel.

    TELEPHONE: 01586 554338

    Fresh fishdelivered to your door

    Mobile Fish

    70 AND STILL GOING STRONGSeveral well known Carradalians celebrated reaching theirseventieth birthday in the past month. Donald Macalister Halland Wum Semple managed to hide themselves from pub-licity, although Wum had quite a different reason to cele-brate with Golden Promise, but Johnny Durnan included thefollowing tribute to The Provost - Red Dougie on theCarradale Goat web-site.

    Dougie Campbell, married to Jean, celebrated with his

    family at home in Tormhor on the first of September. Dougieworked most of his life at the fishing starting of at the ring netwith his family and relations, who all had boats. Workingthrough the years on various trawlers at the mid water,prawns, scallops and so on before retiring from the sea.

    The lure of the water could not stop him going back ashe started working for a salmon fish farm company andcontinued for some years, before going through a seriousillness, getting over most of that and eventually hanging upthe boots. Today Dougie passes the time by doing wee runsfor the Carradale Bakers delivering rolls, cakes, pies etc allover Kintyre.

    THE PASSING OF FORT GEORGEBy sheer co-incidence Neil Olivers appearance at Fort George in the Coast,broadcast on Tuesday 24th August, its namesake, the RN Fleet Auxiliary, hadpassed Carradale heading north up Kilbrannan Sound two days earlier.

    The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Fort George, A388, was built on the RiverTyne by Swan Hunter and entered service in 1994. The ship is 204 metres long,has a beam of 30 metres and displaces 36580 tonnes. She is powered by twoCrossley-Pielstick diesel engines which give her a maximum speed of 21 knots.Fort George played a major part in the flood relief of Mozambique, the SierraLeone campaign and was heavily involved in supporting the land forces inAfghanistan.

    The land-based Fort George was begun in 1748 on a spit of land jutting intothe Moray Firth, eleven miles north east of Inverness, in response to a possible

    Jacobite menace after Culloden in 1746, and was a reaction to the success of aHighland army penetrating England as far south as Derby. This was at a timewhen the populations of Scotland and England were much closer than thepresent relationship of 1 to 10 with most Scots speaking Gaelic and living northof the Highland line. The Fort was designed by William Adam and covers fortytwo acres but never saw the military actions for which it was built.

    Thanks to Martin Mears for the photograph, Johnny Durnan for the CarradaleGoat mention and various Internet sites for supporting information.

    SELF CATERING ACCOMMODATIONLOCHAIN:

    RFA Fort George in Kilbrannan Sound

    SENIORS FORUMAGE SCOTLAND

    The September meeting of the Forum heardan excellent talk from Jo Cowan, AgeScotlands Northern Development Officer, onthe amalgamation of Help the Aged in Scot-land and Age Concern Scotland. She ex-

    plained the protracted marriage and went onto describe the services offered by the newgroup. Un-phased by her lengthy journey fromNorth Ballachulish, she went on to listen andtake notes on the problems facing the elderlyin Kintyre.

    In the closing minutes of the meeting, Jo andthe Chairman, George MacMillan dealt withcomplaints from three members over issuessurrounding East European immigrants. Theprincipal problem seemed to be that ouryoung allegedly unemployed European neigh-bours were taking up all the seats inGlasgows pedestrian areas, and being subsi-

    dised in housing and other benefits by thosewho had contributed financially throughouttheir lives without receiving similar or otherbenefits. Dispensing free cups of tea calmedthings down at least temporarily.

    The Objectives of Age Scotland are to support- older people's groupings, to Influence Gov-ernment & others, inform older people & oth-ers. And to partner work with like mindedbodies towards mutual goals.

    Grants are available for projects that con-tribute to achieving strategic aims and theorganisation provides funding for groups thatsupply a vital service or function for their owncommunity. Information on eligibility is availa-ble from Regional Resource Workers, Region-al Development Officers or at www.agescot-land.org.uk.

    LOCHAIN IS A SEMI-DETACHEDPROPERTY SET IN THECOASTAL VILLAGE OF

    CARRADALE.The property has views of the 9-hole

    Golf Course. This cosy cottage iscomfortably furnished. Three Bed-rooms, twin, King size and single. Allkitchen utilities, bed linen and towelsprovided. Pets allowed, small gar-den and car park for two cars.Enquiries Phone 01583 431612

  • 8/8/2019 Antler 216 October A4

    9/12

    THE KINTYRE WAYJACQUETTA MEGARRY, EDITOR OF

    THE MAGAZINE RUCKSACK RAMBLES,COMMENTS ON A PARTIAL TRANSIT IN

    JUNE 2010Three friends and I have just returned from theKintyre Way. We took 6 days and had anexcellent time. In Tarbert we left our car out-side the Struan House B&B where there is anice, recently opened restaurant (no problem

    at all). We also recommend the Cafe Barge inthe harbour for excellent and unusual healthyfood at reasonable prices.

    We benefited from weeks of drought sonone of the dreaded bogs materialised exceptjust at the bottom of the hill near Amod Farmon the last day. The OS map makes the loophere look unnecessary and we considered ashort cut, but the landowner has put up someserious fences, so we stuck to the way-marked route. By the way, as the ever-helpfulRanger Owen pointed out, the Way is notquite correctly marked on the OS map here -e-mail and he will send you a corrected map.B&Bs were good, views magnificent (clouds

    permitting) and it was lovely and quiet.Our only criticism would be the amount of

    road walking. Even the "forest tracks" havebeen upgraded in many places with hard ag-gregate: not very comfortable to walk on anda close relation to tarmac. In fact we skippedthe full day's walk in the middle because ofthis, taking a bus from Carradale to Campbel-town, hanging out there for a while and then alater bus to Machrihanish. Way-marking isexcellent except for a couple of turns on thelast day (no problem in clear weather) and I

    found the mile posts very helpful and encour-aging - would like all long distance paths tohave them. As the last day is long (andwonderful) I would recommend staying atOrmsary Farm B&B which is on the trail about3 miles before the end. It was our favouriteB&B, with nice rooms and by far the bestbreakfast, and stopping here gives you abreak and a rest before walking the last milesof road in reverse when you come back from

    dinner at the pub in Southend, having beengiven a lift to get there. Using a taxi to carryyour bags is handy and efficient but expen-sive, so I would recommend asking each ofyour B&Bs whether they will pick up/drop offbags. Several did, either free or for a lowerprice, which helped a lot.

    One comment: in Carradale we could notget local seafood in the restaurants. Appar-ently the whole catch is sold for export andlocal restaurateurs have to beg and plead forlimited and occasional supplies. This is notgood for local tourism (not to mention theplanet) so I hope there will be a campaign todo something about this.

    Thank you Owen, and thanks to RucksackReaders - we had a terrific time.

    OWEN PAISLEY COMMENTSThe Kintyre Way Ranger, Owen Paisley, re-plied to Rucksack Rangers comments -Pleased to hear that you had a good time onyour walk. I was surprised to read your com-ment about the seafood in Carradale as Iknow that the Carradale Hotel and Dunvalan-ree both serve locally sourced seafood everynight. We've also re-routed the path at Amodfarm so it now curves down the hill and avoidsthe boggy section you mentioned. The newroute is way-marked and much better than theold one.

    FURTHER FEEDBACK FROM JACQUETTAI'm not going to enter into discussion of gas-tronomy in an area where I haven't eatenrecently, but I am delighted that Owen Paisleykeeps an eye on our forums. I can't think ofanother Route Manager that actually doesthis, anywhere in the British Isles, and manywalkers can't envisage the pressure that theseguys are under. So whatever the issues ofseafood in Kintyre, let's be glad we have a realcommunity of walkers who care.

    THE RUCKSACK RAMBLESKINTYRE WAY GUIDE

    A step-by-step, with summaries of distance,terrain and refreshment stops, habitats andwildlife, whisky-making in Kintyre, side-trip to

    the Isle of Gigha, planning information fortravel by car, ferry, bus and plane in full col-our, with over 65 photographs drop-down mapshowing the whole Kintyre Way (1:110,000)waterproof paper throughout.

    A PERFECT PARTNER:OS Kintyre Way 2-map pack 14. 2-map packof OS Explorers (sheets 357 and 356 at1:25,000); cover price 15.98, discountedprice 14; marked up show route discrepan-cies. The Guide and the maps are availableon the Internet and from: Rucksack Readers,Landrick Lodge, Dunblane. FK15 0HY E-mail:[email protected] Telephone 01786 824696

    9

    Prompt & Efficient Attention

    SERVICE & SUPPLIES(N.P.T.A)

    Strathmore, Drumlemble, Campbeltown, Argyll PA28 6PW

    Telephone/Fax: (01586) 810391 Mobile: 07977 327751

    VERMIN/PEST CONTROLLER: Proprietor DONALD KELLY

    KINTYRE VERMIN& PEST CONTROL

    Tracy & Fiona would like to welcome you to the Ashbank Hotel, Carradale

    Now fully licensed - drop in for a drink or two.En-suite rooms with sea & golf course views

    New Lunch & a'la carte menu every 2 months - Eat in our newly contemporaryrestaurant or cosy lounge. Daily specials - Sunday Lunches

    Monthly theme nights - Indian, Italian, Chinese & Tapas.Take away menu plus all items from the main menu, just order before 1 pm

    Parties, Events & Outside Catering available to suit your needsE-mail: [email protected] Internet: www.ashbankhotel.com

    For further details please call 01583 431 650

    OPENING TUESDAYTO SUNDAY

    New Summer Menu

    JULY & AUGUST11 am - 2.30pm.Evening meals:5.30pm - 8pm

    Booking advisable

    QUALITY HOUSE COALSSMOKELESS & COOKER FUELCENTRAL HEATING OILROAD

    DIESEL & TRACTOR FUEL

    Fuel MerchantKINLOCH ROAD

    CAMPBELTOWN PA28 6EG

    FAX: (01586 552039)

    FREE DELIVERY(MONDAY TO FRIDAY)

    D.McNAIR

    & SONTELEPHONE

    (01586) 552020552039

    THE CARRADALE DIVERSION IN EFFECT

    SINCE SEPTEMBER 2009

    SPONSOREDWALKThe money raised with our sponsored walk inJune was 1,628.00. On 13th August twocheques for 814.00 were presented to Mac-millan nurse, Kitty Millar, and the ladies rep-resenting the Mairi Semple fund. Once againmany thanks to all who supported us in thisyears walk. Next years walk will be on the26th of June at 5.00am. Many thanks,Jos.

  • 8/8/2019 Antler 216 October A4

    10/12

    TIMBER-LINKSAVING KINTYRES ROADS

    THE MINISTER OF THE ENVI-RONMENTWRITES TO

    COUNCILLOR RORY COLVILLE

    Dear RoryThank you for your letter of 29 June

    regarding the Timber-link InlandCoastal Shipping Service.

    The Service has been sup-ported by the public purse in vari-ous forms since 2000. In 2006Scottish Ministers agreed to con-tinue the funding through a publicservice contract which expires atthe end of March 2011. Since2006 it is anticipated that Timber-link will have received over 4M ofsubsidy to ship nearly 575,000tonnes of timber, which equates toremoving approximately 46,000lorry journeys from rural communi-ties between Argyll and Ayrshire,

    which as you are aware are alsobusy tourist routes.

    Forestry Commission Scot-land, who manage the funding ofTimber-link, are currently review-ing the situation before making rec-ommendations on future financing.

    As part of the review processthey have commissioned inde-pendent reports on the economicand environmental benefits de-rived from the Timber-link service.These reports provided very goodindication of not only the positivebenefits of Timber-link, but also the

    level of support that it has from thelocal communities and tourist in-dustry, as well as the timber sector.It is assuring to hear the strongsupport for the Service directlyfrom community representativessuch as the Kintyre Initiative Work-ing Group.

    However, I am sure you willappreciate that I am unable tocommit to further resources, until Ihave received the views of myofficials and we have a cleareridea of the outcome of the forth-coming Comprehensive Spending

    Review.In the meantime, I have for-

    warded your letter to FC Scotlandto help them in their deliberations.

    Roseanna Cunningham.

    THE BUNK HOUSETHE OLD FREE CHURCH SCHOOL

    PROJECTA KINTYRE AMENITY TRUST

    LETTER TO COUNCILLORJOHN SEMPLE

    Dear John,

    As I expect you are aware, KintyreAmenity Trust (KAT) has embarkedon the restoration of the Old FreeChurch School on Big Kiln into asmall bunkhouse.

    This project will not only removesome urban dereliction from the cen-tre of town but will also provide anincome to KAT to assist with the op-eration and development of the socialhistory museum held at the HeritageCentre, both important objectives.

    The Old Church School is itselfan important part of the social historyof Campbeltown. The restoration ofthe building is largely funded throughCARS, THI and ERDF and we arecurrently looking at some communitygrants to assist with environmentalissues for power and insulation.

    You can view background infor-mation on the project and see plansand access our blog through ourwebsite at www.campbeltownbunkhouse.co.uk or give us a call.

    In order to access the communitygrants we need to demonstrate com-munity support for the project.

    Please can you write a "To whomit may Concern" style letter outlining

    your support to the Bunkhouseproject and forward it to me as soonas you can, perhaps by the end ofJuly in the enclosed SAE. I am sureyou will understand that this is animportant element of the project.

    We have prepared a businesscase for the bunkhouse and antici-pate that there is a real demand forbudget accommodation for our prin-cipal events (MoK run, KW Relay,Music Festival) as well as walkers onthe Kintyre Way and visitors to thispart of Argyll.

    We look forward to hearing from

    you.Yours sincerely,David Gardiner

    Treasurer for Kintyre Amenity Trust

    SIKH & YOU SHALL FINDHOLIDAY EXPERIENCES

    A LETTER TO RELUCTANT TV ARMCHAIR TRAVELLERSDear Reader,The cynic might accept that for some travel does broaden the mind,but is likely to insist that it is unsettling, reinforces prejudices and isan increasingly expensive way of seeing how the other half lives.

    For the elderly, the handicapped and the financially challenged TVtravel is safer, has few unexpected difficulties and can be terminat-ed without recourse to the British Embassy, but is this securitypreventing the challenge of the unavoidable?

    On a recent trip of 1,200 miles the anticipation of arriving safelyand departing homewards was both betrayed and enhanced bytransport failures, the indifference of some main agents and theefficiency of others, the care of rescue services and the undoubtedpleasure of meeting the unexpected.

    During this break from Kintyre there was sympathy from a mainagents service engineer for an elderly lady who, despite a thoroughinspection of her car, was not convinced that he could find no miceor holes in the engine and that grommets (without a Wallace)would stop mice getting in. The same service engineer offered helpfor a motor-caravan owner who was unable to raise his tyre pres-sure to 5.5 atmospheres, while his colleague dealt with anotherowner who almost had a heart attack after hearing that a car washwas free and that the charge for a courtesy car was only 5 a dayafter the first 24 hours.

    Perhaps the high points of the return trip was the withdrawal ofthe A1 north of junction 49 and the arrival at a service station of anew Rolls Royce.

    The delightful diversion round the more scenic parts of Darling-ton, a journey south on the A1 and a return to the normal route atScotch Corner was hardly matched by the Rolls Royce and itsoccupants.

    First out of the car were the two well-dressed security men andthe emergence of a six-foot high Indian gentleman resplendent inturban, cockade, long brocade coat with matching trousers andfootwear and appropriate jewellery round his wrist and neck. While

    the two security men surveyed the northern scene with unexpectedinterest, he stretched politely and made his way to the service shop.

    The next to appear was a slim, dark-eyed bejewelled lady in apurple sari who quickly disappeared into the adjacent Holiday Inn.

    Following his magnificence into the service shop it was clearthat this was no descendant of the imperial Raj. After paying hisslightly large bill - perhaps a months wage for 100 sweat shopworkers, - he confided that he had come from Swindon.

    In the haste of returning to burn rubber we did not wait to see ifthe lady followed the western or eastern practice of keeping themale waiting, or if the two security men had to enter the Holiday Innto drag out an unwilling spouse. We also wondered if the diversionround Darlington would bring more jobs to the north of England.

    We had no need to worry as the next stop for diesel was inDumbarton where a lady of Asian appearance happily dispensed

    fuel and local bonhomie.

    Now how often does one have an opportunity to meet the newIndia face to face on TV? Equally I wonder if Enoch Powell isturning in his grave at the thought of so much colour being addedto the monochrome existence most of us seem to enjoy. G.P.

    TOM GRANTPARTNERSHIP

    A R C H I T E C TS

    41 Longrow,Campbeltown

    Argyll PA28 6ERTel: 01586 554727

    Fax: 01586 551727

    24 Argyll St.Lochgilphead

    Argyll PA31 8NETel: 01546 603050

    Tom Grant Dip.,Arch., R.I.B.A., R.I.A.S

    Mobile 0370 538 661

    Licensed Grocers, Bakers & Newsagent

    Try our freshly baked morning rolls, crusty bread, tea breadand cakes, all baked in our old-fashioned stone oven

    THE SHOP IS OPENMonday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday8am to 1pm & 2pm to 5pm. Thursday 8am to 1pm.

    Sundays: One hour only from 10am to 11am

    THE POST OFFICE IS OPEN Monday to Saturday 9am-1pm

    Telephone 01583 431725

    PATERSONS BAKERY& POST OFFICE

    10

    THREE LETTERS: FLOATING OFF BUNKING UP & BREAKING DOWN

  • 8/8/2019 Antler 216 October A4

    11/12

  • 8/8/2019 Antler 216 October A4

    12/12

    12

    FREE QUOTATIONNOOBLIGATION

    To arrange an appointment,

    ContactSandy McPhersonTel 01586 552776

    Mobile 07818874066

    FIT THE BEST

    WINDOWS and DOORS, CONSERVATORIES,GARAGE DOORS, ROOFLINE PRODUCTS, FLAT ROOFS,

    DRIVEWAYS,SECURITY SYSTEMS, CCTV.

    UP TO 40% off

    .LETTERS TO THE EDITORARMED FORCES DAY

    Dear Editor,Just a quick e mail to let you know that somepeople in and around Lochgilphead wish toset up a group to help organise a big eventfor Armed Forces Week in 2011. A meetingof all interested parties is to take place onWednesday 1st September at 8 o'clock in

    the Campbell Street Centre Lochgilphead.We, the interested parties wish this to

    involve all in Argyll and Bute but mainly inLochgilphead as this is the Headquarters ofArgyll and Bute Council. It is hoped that thisevent will be family orientated and perhapsover a week end if there is enough interest.

    We are waiting confirmation of the datesfor the 2011 Armed Forces Week and oncethis is ascertained definite plans can be putin place. The main Armed Forces Parade in2011 is to be in Edinburgh , so the eventhere will be on the weekend before or afterdependent on Edinburgh Date.

    If anyone is interested but cannot attend

    the inaugural meeting please call BettyRhodick on 01546602205 or e-mail her atelizabethrhodick @btinternet.com or BrianChristie on 01546603177 or [email protected].

    We look forward to having a successfulproject and thank you for taking the time toread this

    Regards, Betty Rhodick.

    DONT FORGET GAZAThis was the message that brought together32 people in St Johns Cathedral Hall, Obanon the evening of Sunday August 15, to meetTheresa McDermott of the Free Gazamovement.

    She was talking about the convoys of littleships (and some larger ones) which havebeen attempting to break the long Israeliblockade of the Palestinian territory of Gaza,

    taking in relief supplies by sea. A postalworker, Theresa came from Edinburgh thatevening as the guest of Oban Concern forPalestine, a group of Argyll residents whoshare an interest in Palestine, a friendshipwith its people and a deep concern for theirwelfare. We have committed ourselves tolearning as much as we can about thetensions between Israel and Palestine, and tolistening to those who are working for peacewith justice.

    Readers of this article may rememberseeing members of this group holding a vigilat the Clock Tower in Oban early in June, aftera peace convoy was attacked on May 31, withthe loss of at least nine lives. You may even

    have signed our petition to our government,asking for an investigation.

    Theresa, who was on that convoy, took us,through her account, into the heart of theaction: in international waters, the Israeliboarding of the ships and the subsequentviolence could be described as an act ofpiracy. One thing that was impressive was themoderation of Teresas language. She stoodbefore us without notes and gave an eye-

    witness account of a terrifying sequence ofevents. She did not make sweeping statementsand made it very clear what she knew to be true,what she had not witnessed, and what wasconjecture.

    But her quiet integrity was convincing, asshe told us about the boarding of the smalllaunch on which she was travelling (not the oneon which several people were executed by theIsraeli commandos), about her arrest, detention

    and subsequent deportation. Details like theviolence to which injured people were subjectedat Ben Gurion airport, as they were being takento the planes, or the way that all consularcontact and legal support (though at hand) wasdenied to the protesters, shocked Theresasaudience. We are very grateful for the chance tohear her, and although she said Im notcourageous just stubborn, many of us felt thatit would take great courage to be planning,already, another peace convoy, in the autumn,to take relief supplies to Gaza.

    For more information about the convoy seefreegaza-scotland.org For information aboutOban Concern for Palestine see www.wordpress.ocpalestine.co.uk

    Jan Sutch Pickard

    MOBILE 07786 650937

    Please contact the Editor on 01583 431281e:mail [email protected]


Recommended