Summer 2006

8 Crannog Summer 2006

Kirkhill & Bunchrew Community TrustAfter a busy winter, things are a little quieter in the Com-munity Trust over the summer. But how many of the things we have achieved do you take for granted? Look at the improvements in the play park in Kirkhill (with lots more to come!), take a walk from Inchmore to Moni-ack along the new path, or look at the changes in upper Reelig Wood - all organised by Trust volunteers.

But we need more members of the community to get involved - membership is free and open to all who live in the area. Contact Alan Dobie, Trust Secretary for more information. And look out for our stall at the Gala!

Finally, the Community Trust is still looking for a treas-urer. If you are numerate and have an interest in helping to make this a better place to live, contact Alan Dobie on 831212 or Donald Shiach on 831591

Kirkhill Community Park GroupWe are still working hard to raise money to transform the park - we hope you like the new trees and willow

Crannog Summer 2006 1

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Thanks for reading CrannogThe next issue - Autumn 2006 will be out in early September - deadline for contributions 25 August. If you have any news, views or adverts (£5 only!) please get in touch with the Crannog Editor:Alison Hay1 Groam CourtKirkhillIV5 7NWtel 831042email alison@hay9480.freeserve.co.ukAs our community continues to expand, we are always on the lookout for more volunteers to deliver Crannog. If you can help contact Ken MacColl 831617

Community CouncilCommunity CouncillorsIan Weir, Groam Farm, Kirkhill Chris Heaton-Armstrong, Kirkhill PO Ally MacNeill, Tigh Cala, 4 Newtonhill Fred Geddes, New House, Lentran Cameron Kemp, West Altnaceardaich, Lentran Fiona Stoddart, 8 Fingask Drive, Kirkhill Karen Young, Coach House, Bunchrew Iain Urquhart, 58 Newton Park, Kirkhill Raymond Khan, Blaven, BunchrewJanet Peterson, Blaven, BunchrewSecretary - Jim Ogilvie, 22 Newton Park, Kirkhill

The date of the next meeting has yet to be decided. Keep an eye out at Kirkhill Post Office. All the meetings are held in the Primary School and are open to mem-bers of the public. If you have any concerns you would like raised please come along or alternatively speak to one of the councillors.

structures. We hope to have new equipment in by the end of this year. As part of our ongoing fundraising, we are running the Bottle Stall at the Gala on 17th June again this year and hope that you will support us by donating lots of bottles - these can be taken to Lindsey Stout at 17 Newton Park or we will be coming round to collect them nearer the time. We would also like your cuddly toys! Please give generously! Offers of help also gratefully received. Caroline Crawford 831503

Rural alternatives - shared futuresA forest harvest projectLocal man, Les Bates is hoping to get in touch with all sorts of members of the local community to tell them about an exciting new woodland project he’s co-ordi-nating in the Kirkhill and Bunchrew area. The project, called rural Alternatives, is run by the environmental organisation, Reforesting Scotland and has the support of the Kirkhill and Buncrew Community Trust.

Les’s work over the next 15 months will focus on wild harvests from our woodlands and hedgerows. It kicked off at the end of May with a meeting at the school where he told the gathered audience about his project and wild forest harvests, or non-timber forest products. He asked people to suggest and help to prioritise a number of products which might be found in our area. The aim is to take forward a number of ideas and provide training and support with these, eg •beekeeping•winemaking - from woodland and garden produce and maybe creating a winemakers club locally•natural dyes - dyeing yarns, cloth, creating felt etc.•willow and Hedgerow Baskets etc•creating an annual forest harvest festival, with a com-munity kitchen creating foods, jellies, jams, pies etc, •craft workshops for gifts etc hedgerow baskets, willow crafts, textiles •inviting expert speakers on fruit growing

Les will be taking space at the Gala Day and during May will have been talking to the children in three ses-

CROFT 7Nursery, Gallery, Garden

Original textiles & photographs

Opening hours:Sunday, Monday & Wednesday 2pm-6pm

Les & Sheila Bates7 KnockbainKirkhillInvernessIV5 7PLtel 01463 831320

croft7@aol.comwww.croft7.com

Kirkhill SWRIMarch - Mr Alister Cameron, the local representative from Mission Aviation Fellowship gave the membership a most informative talk and slide presentation about the wonderful work that this Christian organisation does in various third world countries; their fleet of small air-

Shinty teams recently competed at Kirkhill for the Ken MacColl Shield. Irene MacColl is picture presenting the trophy to (back row l to r) Liam Quinn, Stephanie Wil-liamson, Ayrton Streets and John Williamson. In front are runners-up Ashley Streets, Levi Tierney, Calum Tawse and Rona Cousins. Thanks to local photographer, Phil Downie, for allowing us to use the photograph.

craft takes medical and food supplies into areas which are inaccessible by road. We held a bring and buy sales table during the tea break and £120 was raised for the cause. It was certainly an evening from which we went home very much with our own humbled thoughts. Again in March, we had our trip to the opera at Culloden Acad-emy to see this year’s production Westend to Broadway. Despite the limited stage space, the company put on a tremendous show and we all thoroughly enjoyed our evening.

April - Our outing to Blair Castle with a lunch stop at Bruar and, of course, time to fill the basket with the usual nice delicacies from this establishment! The group spent a couple of hours at the castle and everyone agreed the guided tour well worthwhile.

Our AGM was held on 4 May and the 2006/07 commit-tee is as follows: President - Joan McKay, Committee - Sheila Cameron, Maris Elkin, Patsy Forbes, Hilary For-syth, Maureen Matheson, Margaret Sheils and Marga-ret Turner. Our usual 5-star pot luck supper was enjoyed by all. The President read out a newsletter and showed photographs which she had received from her cousin in Phuket giving an update on the tsunami clean up and what was bought with the money we sent from our Feb-ruary 2005 coffee morning. It was most gratifying to know what our donation was actually spent on: fishing nets, lobster cages, a winch and second hand GPS. The evening concluded with a light hearted food and drink quiz.

Our syllabus for the next session has lots of interesting topics and we begin on Thursday 7 September at 7.30pm in the community centre, subject - digital photography. New members will be made most welcome. Anyone wishing further information please contact a committee member or give me a ring.Joan McKay 831578

2 Crannog Summer 2006

Tree Surgery & Stock/Timber Fencing

Free Quotations

Tree Surgery: Tree removal or pruning:Parks, gardens, site clearance.Phone: Hugh on 01463 713245 07845 468540HBrownTrees@hghd.wanadoo.co.uk

Fencing: Stock and timber fencing:Phone: Hamish on 01463 713245 or 07841 516085HBrownFencing@hghd.wanadoo.co.uk

Operators trained and insured

H Brown

Crannog Summer 2006 7

COPPERFIELD CATTERYKIRKHILLTEL; 831356marie@coppereldcattery.co.uk

We can look after you cat whilst you go on holiday, work away, move house, decorate your house, get mar-ried, have visitors. Places still left for the summer holidays. We also look after small pets too, rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters. CATTERY INVITED TO TALK AT CUBS NIGHT!We were pleased to be asked by the cubs to talk

Cat age (yrs) 0.5 1 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 21 Human (yrs) 10 15 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96 100

about looking after pets such as cats. Our cat, Sweep, enjoyed his trip out to see the local children who enjoyed a quiz and hopefully learnt some interesting things about cats, rabbits and hamsters.

THANKS TO THE CRANNOG!Thanks to the last copy of the Crannog, we have found a friendly reliable couple who will be looking after the cattery when we‛re away. HOW OLD IS YOUR CAT?Here‛s the latest age chart which has just been reviewed by experts.

Kirkhill Parish ChurchStep out in faith: step in in faithThe Extraordinary Meeting of the Congregation for Tem-poral Purposes on the evening of Tuesday 14 March 2006 was a momentous occasion in the life of Kirkhill Parish Church.

On that evening it was agreed unanimously to accept the generous offer of two grants from the General Trus-tees of the Church of Scotland: “The Committee agreed to set aside the sum of £5,000 to cover the cost of a feasibility study to include (a) a full professional analy-sis of design options to maximise the use of the exist-ing Church… and… (b)… The Trustees also agreed to set aside a grant of £25,000 to allow urgent fabric repairs to the roof to proceed” (Letter of 14 Feb from Trustees).

One may ask why it is that Kirkhill is the recipient of such generosity in these straightened times. The answer, in part, is that the charge of Kiltarlity l/w Kirkhill has been declared an “essential charge.” What this means is that for the foreseeable future closure is not an option; hence, the two grants as above.

With the grants comes serious responsibility in two areas. The first is the present: the Church will have to raise funds to add to the grants… and… the second area of responsibility is the future, which can be addressed when things are clearer regarding the plans for the build-ing. Nevertheless, the Church must give some very seri-ous thought to what it can do with the building after its refurbishment. Perhaps, an earlier Contemporary Family Service for young families while retaining the present Presbyterian format at 10:30 am. Perhaps, a Mother & Toddler Group.

I believe without a shadow of doubt that God has spoken to the Congregation of Kirkhill Church in a very direct and positive way. I also believe the Church can achieve great things if they pray and work together for the future of Kirkhill. Of course, it will be hard, and it would be unrealistic not to expect setbacks, but believing, as I do, that God has spoken, and if the Church adheres to prayer for the project and work in unity, then the future is very good indeed. Prayer is essential for this venture, for if nothing goes up, then nothing comes down!

An old time preacher in one of the Southern states of America was moving his sermon to a great crescendo to end on, and he said:

“This church, like the crippled man, has got to get up and walk.”The congregation responded: “That’s right, reverend, let it walk.” And he added: “This church, like Elijah on Mount Carmel, has got to run.”“Run, let it run, preacher. Let it run.”

“This church has go to mount up on wings like wings of eagles and fly.” “Let it fly, preacher. Let it fly.” Then the preacher added: “Now if this church is gonna fly, it’s gonna take money.” They all spoke up in unison: “Let it walk, preacher! Let it walk! Let it walk!” Kirkhill needs to fly!

In conclusion, let me say that to date I have been greatly encouraged at how quickly so many have enthusiasti-cally caught the vision for change. Your friend and ministerFraser K Turner 831662

Kirkhill & Bunchrew Luncheon ClubThe Lunch Club enjoyed the final lunch of the season 2005/06 on 7 June. The new season is due to start on Wednesday 6 September at 12.15pm in the Community Centre. We meet on the first Wednesday of each month except when the school is on holiday. The club is open to senior citizens. New members will be made most wel-come.Madda Georgeson 831521

sions at the school, in support of the project and the Eco Projects being undertaken there.

The work he has done in the Kirkhill playpark includes elements of a Community Orchard with plums, apples, crab apples and native trees. These and others in the area can form a supply of fruit for the suggested annual forest harvest festival.If the project is of interest to you, share your own ideas with Les at the Gala Day or write to him at: Croft 7, Knockbain, Kirkhill, Inverness IV5 7PLor email croft7@aol.com.Les Bates 831320

Youth Group, KirkhillThe first meeting of those interested in starting a Youth Group in Kirkhill was very well attended, and we have decided to start on Wednesday eve-nings from 7.00 - 9.00 pm in Kirkhill Primary School, from September this year (date to be confirmed). All pupils in S1 to S4 at Charleston Academy from the Kirkhill area will be very wel-come - look out for more info after the summer holidays. Any adults who would like to be involved, please con-tact me. Caroline Crawford 831503

Kirkhill Tots Group We meet every Wednesday in Kirkhill Community Centre from 10.00am to 12 noon. We take a break for the school holidays. Mums, Dads, and other carers are wel-come with their little ones.

We now have 35 children registered from the ages of newborn to three (a number which increases every term!), with older siblings coming along when Nursery finishes at half-past eleven. Some come from as far afield as Beauly and Muir of Ord, so feel free to combine our group with other ones on different days. If you are new to the area please come and meet us!

For this term we are experimenting with a Friday play session at similar times; if it is successful we may con-tinue after the summer break, but please check with someone before you come along. Our temporary con-tact is Carolyn Cameron, tel 07979 943273 (pending a new Secretary).

The atmosphere is very relaxed ~ three volunteers set out the toys and snacks while everyone else chats while they watch their children play. Our fees are set very low, at £1 a week or £1.50 per family. Nursery age children do not pay because they are not here for the full ses-

sion. We also have an annual registration fee, £5, which helps cover improvements, rent and the fun days at the end of every term. We currently have a mum who is an excellent playleader and arranges a craft activity every week and are sup-ported by Highland Pre-School Services, whose playleader visits every six weeks with new ideas.

We still desperately need a Treasurer and a Secretary to continue after the summer break - in fact it is required by law under the charities regulations. At the moment we have a Chairperson lined up but she may not con-tinue after the Christmas break. We need a strong team to continue to offer well-organised and well-run fun to our children, so please get involved!

We hope to see you at our cake and sweet stall on Gala Day. This is always very well supported and we thank everyone who helped out with the baking and the sam-pling of goods last year!Lindsey Stout, Secretary 831642

Cris Ford’s Be the teacher - answers1 reproduce 2 chicken curry 3 government 4 ready

6 Crannog Summer 2006 Crannog Summer 2006 3

Kirkhill & Bunchrew Gala Day 2006Saturday 17th June

Gates open 12 noonOfficial opening at 1.00pm by Ian Weir, Community Council Chairman

Followed by crowning of Gala Queen: Danniella MacDonaldPrincesses: Louise Messider and Katie Wright

Prize Draw will take place at 4.00pm

Charleston and Nairn Pipe Band in attendance

Commentator: Iain Marr

Displays: Highland dancing, majorettes etc

Special attraction: Ross-shire Agility Dog Club; Inverness Caley Thistle coaches for football activities; Primary schools’ football competition

Plant stallâBottle stallâTombolaâPrize DartsâHome BakingâAunt SallyâSlideâBouncy CastleâTug o’ WarâBubbles the ClownâBeat Caley Thistle GoalieâCoconut ShyâWhite Elephant StallâRoundaboutâCommunity Police Vehicle…

Refreshments: Afternoon Teas by WRI Ladies; ice cream; crisps, soft drinks etc, Beer Tent & Barbecue.

Donations would be appreciated for the book stall, bottle stall, tombola, plant stall, home baking and teasEnquiries to Wilma Williamson (Hon Secy) 831737

The Woodcraft Folk - Kirkhill & District elfins and pio-neers groupFour taster sessions got the group off to a flying start in April 2006 with 15 children (age 5-12 years) and lots of enthusiastic adult helpers. Children from Beauly, Kiltar-lity, Kirkhill came together to learn about the Woodcraft Folk aims and principles and put them into practice with fun, games, singing, campfires, arts and crafts.These sessions were held at Kilmorack hall, Reelig Glen and Abriachan Woods each Thursday evening 6-7.30pm and were run collectively by parents.

Summer term sessionsThe June sessions, and hopefully into the future, have moved to Kirkhill Community Centre. This will allow us to use an outdoor space when the weather permits. We will also be holding some of the sessions at Reelig Glen and Abriachan. Activities for this term include: •Tree identification activities•A collective eco-collage•Animal activities•Campfire cooking and woodland activities

New membersAs we have now settled into a routine, we would like to expand our numbers. Anyone interested in get-ting involved and aged between 5-12yrs please get in touch.

Who are the woodcraft folk?We are a unique progressive educational movement for children and young people - both girls and boys - designed to develop self-confidence and activity in soci-ety, with the aim of building a world based on equality, peace, social justice and co-operation. All ages are catered for up to 20yrs old.

Through its activities, Woodcraft Folk tries to give its members an understanding of important issues such as the environment, world debt and global conflict, with

Out & About - Fly Tipping shame

Dumping rubbish along the road between Wester Kirkhill and Dumballoch continue much to the dis-gust of residents and visitors.

Who are these people who come with domestic, garden and all types of rubbish?

Highland Council makes no charge for the uplift of bulky items and we all have bins so why is this happening?

It is illegal and totally unacceptable to dump rubbish in the countryside so if you are out and about and see rubbish being dumped, please note the vehicle registration and type of vehicle and call the police.

a key focus in recent years being sustainable develop-ment. Unlike other traditional youth organisations, we do not have a set uniform; instead our members choose to wear clothing such as our “woodie hoodies” or t-shirts designed by young people from our organisation.www.woodcraft.orgMarie Waugh 831356email marie.waugh@care4free.net

Craft ClubMonday 29 May was the last meeting of the club and we intend to commence again on Monday 2 October at 1.30pm. New members would be made most welcome. Anyone interested in knitting, sewing etc, come along.Wilma Williamson 831737

Indoor bowlingOur bowling finished towards the end of April with our usual prizegiving and social evening which was enjoyed by all. Winners of the Norman Williamson Gala Trophy were Ken MacColl and Duncan Aitken.Madda Georgeson 831521Ken MacColl 831617

Kirkhill & Bunchrew Senior Citizens ClubOur 2005/06 season has now finished. On Wednesday 17 May we had our usual afternoon tea outing. We vis-ited Broadley Garden Centre and then had afternoon tea at the Lion Hotel in Auldearn.

In March we held our Annual Bowling Pairs competition which was won by John Dingwall and Peter MacLean with runner ups Grace Dingwall and Madda Georgeson. It is intended to open the new season on Wednesday 4 October.Madda Georgeson 831521

Greenfingers 2006As everyone can see, big improvements have been made with the Millennium Garden. The three plots within the village have also been tidied, awaiting some bedding plants. To date there has been almost 100 hours of vol-untary work, and it is so heartening to see the band of volunteers growing in numbers. If you are passing your community garden and you spot a weed or two, please pull them and toss them into the new wheelie bin on site.

It is hoped that since the garden is looking so good, everyone will keep a neighbourly eye on its well-being. Greenfingers will be running the plant stall at the Gala. All contributions of plants etc will be gratefully received. Please pay our stall a visit on the day, it will be well worth your while!

Our secretary, Yvonne Robb, has moved away from the area, so the secretary, for the rest of this first year is: Margaret Shiels 831343

Crannog Summer 2006 54 Crannog Summer 2006

Large range of

SUMMER BEDDINGPLANTS FOR SALE

Available now

Making up service for hanging baskets & pots available

Also available:Assorted shrubs, heathers, roses, hebes & herbaceous plants

David Hendry Landscapes (Gardening)38 Newton Park

KirkhillInverness

tel: 01463 831114 mobile: 0774 9853736

Kirkhill Primary School - UpdateOur summer term is traditionally our busiest term and this session is proving to be exceptionally busy!

It would be impossible to write about all the activities that are due to happen but there are a few that we are delighted to invite members of the community to come along and enjoy with us.

These are as follows:

Sports Afternoon - Thursday 1 June/Friday 2 JuneThe sports are mainly for fun with children collecting points for their houses but it can get quite competitive (especially the Parents race). I hope you came along and shared in the fun.

Open Day - Thursday 8 June between 11.00am and 12.00pm and 2.00pm and 3.00pm.Call into school and see us at work and play. Whole School Picnic and Shades - Friday 23 June (weather permitting). This is to round off our Charities week so there will be a small collection for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Summer activitiesThe summer term is the main time for school trips. Classes are visiting a range of places this year usually associated with their class project.

P1 are off to Abriachan to the forest walks, P2 are going to the Wildlife Park at Kingussie, P3 & 4 are having a joint trip to Urquhart Castle while P5 visit Glaichbeag and P6 will go to Culloden. Lucky children - just hope they have good weather.

Primary 7 went on a superb school holiday to Lagganlia Outdoor Centre at the beginning of the term. They are busy preparing for their transition to the Academy in August. We will be very sorry to see them leave Kirkhill but know they will continue to be a credit to themselves, their parents and to our school.

We were very proud of our P6/7 athletes on Saturday 27 May when they won their section at the Interschool Sports in Bught park. We now have a new shield for our trophy cabinet which we can hold for a year.

Kirkhill is rapidly becoming a ‘sporty’ school which is great for everyone and our health. This term classes have been involved in training for Kwik Cricket and First Golf as well as all the usual training for sports.

The Primary 7s have a Rounders match against their parents and leavers tea on the last Wednesday of the term which is usually very entertaining so if you are free come down to school and support them.

Some pupils have begun to have Brass tuition this term so any strange sounds heard echoing around the village on a Friday morning are the result of their efforts. Pri-mary 1-4 are having a visit from the Happy Drummer in the last week of term so their will be plenty of noise that day too!

We finish school on Friday 30th June at mid day and the children return to school on Tuesday 15th August.Here’s hoping we have some sun and a restful holiday to everyone.

Music by The JacksBring your own refreshments RaffleAdmission by ticket £6 over 18s (right of admission reserved)

Gala Week EventsSunday 11 JuneGolf tournamentArchie Chisholm TrophyArrive between 9.30am and 10.30amMuir of Ord Golf CourseContact: Colin MacMillan 831656

Monday 12 JunePrize Bingo Night7.30pm Community CentreUsual prizes on offerRefreshments and prize raffleOrganised by Kirkhill Bowling Club

Wednesday 14 JunePet Parade & Homemade Pet6.00pm Community CentreOrganised by KDAA

Wednesday 14 JuneBarbecue From 6.00pmOrganised by KDAA

Wednesday 14 JuneFun RunCommunity CentreRegistration from 6.30pm, starts 7.00pmP1-P3 & P4-P7 - medals for first six boys and girlsCharleston pupils and adults - sweets for all competitorsEntry fee £1For entry form and further information contact: Aileen Armstrong 831558Organised by KDAA

Wednesday 14 JuneTrack eventsCommunity Centre7.30pmPrimary school & secondary school (12-14yrs)Organised by KDAA

Be the teacherWe do teach spelling in school but always encourage the children to ‘ have a go’ if they are unsure and to use their phonetic knowl-edge. See if you can work out what these attempts at spelling mean:

1 repoorgoose 2 gavermint 3 chikchen kurley 4 redde(Answers on page 7)

Cris Ford 831543

Saturday 17th JuneCommunity Centre 8.00pm

Gala Dance