8th November, mid-day, at Garve War Memorial - our community remembrance, to commemorate the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and civilians in times of war.
They shall not grow old, as we that are left to grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condem.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We shall remember them.
For the fallen by Laurence Binyon
Lochluichart Windfarm Community Benefit Meeting
Garve and District Community Council: Lochluichart Windfarm Community Benefit Meeting
Tuesday 27 October 2009, 19.30
Garve Village Hall
The meeting will discuss the establishment of a fund to manage community benefit payments from Lochluichart Wind Farm.
The meeting will be chaired by Bob Cameron,Corporate Manager, Ross, Skye and Lochaber Highland Council.
All welcome!
For further information contact Robbie Bain, Ward Manager, Highland Council
on 01349 868626 or e-mail robbie.bain@highland.gov.uk
Tuesday 27 October 2009, 19.30
Garve Village Hall
The meeting will discuss the establishment of a fund to manage community benefit payments from Lochluichart Wind Farm.
The meeting will be chaired by Bob Cameron,Corporate Manager, Ross, Skye and Lochaber Highland Council.
All welcome!
For further information contact Robbie Bain, Ward Manager, Highland Council
on 01349 868626 or e-mail robbie.bain@highland.gov.uk
Achnasheen and Garve News & Views Newsletter: frequency and circulation
The newsletter is delivered free to all households in the Garve and District Community Council catchment area, and sold in local shops, post offices and hotels in Contin, Aultguish, Achnasheen and Kinlochewe.
Six issues per annum are published (every two months), approximately 7 days before each Community Council Meeting.
The newsletter team are all volunteers - see contact information below for editorial, advertising and production.
Advertising Notes: The Community Council reserve the right to refuse any advertising material which is deemed unsuitable, for any reason, for publication within this newsletter or the website.
Editorial Notes: The Achnasheen and Garve News & Views welcomes letters from the community. Name and address must be supplied, but may be withheld from publication upon request. The Achnasheen and Garve News & Views reserves the right to edit items for publication.
Contributed letters and articles printed in the News &Views do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or the Community Council.
Contributions: It’s now even easier for you to contribute. There are now drop-off points around the community, all you have to do is put your contribution/advert in an envelope (don’t forget your contact details).
You can then drop-off at any one of these locations:
Gill Ross, Achnasheen Post Office.
Helen and Harry Grainge - Inchbae.
Pam Morrison - Achanalt - put in Pam’s post box.
Uisdean Menzies - Garve.
Contact the newsletter team:
Email, for all named below: achnasheenandgarve@gmail.com
Editorial:
Jackie 01445 720212
Advertising (bookings and production):
Jim 01445 72012
Production/Distribution:
Harry and Helen 01997 455238
Advertising Account:
Invoices/payments handled by CC Treasurer, Marion.
Six issues per annum are published (every two months), approximately 7 days before each Community Council Meeting.
The newsletter team are all volunteers - see contact information below for editorial, advertising and production.
Advertising Notes: The Community Council reserve the right to refuse any advertising material which is deemed unsuitable, for any reason, for publication within this newsletter or the website.
Editorial Notes: The Achnasheen and Garve News & Views welcomes letters from the community. Name and address must be supplied, but may be withheld from publication upon request. The Achnasheen and Garve News & Views reserves the right to edit items for publication.
Contributed letters and articles printed in the News &Views do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or the Community Council.
Contributions: It’s now even easier for you to contribute. There are now drop-off points around the community, all you have to do is put your contribution/advert in an envelope (don’t forget your contact details).
You can then drop-off at any one of these locations:
Gill Ross, Achnasheen Post Office.
Helen and Harry Grainge - Inchbae.
Pam Morrison - Achanalt - put in Pam’s post box.
Uisdean Menzies - Garve.
Contact the newsletter team:
Email, for all named below: achnasheenandgarve@gmail.com
Editorial:
Jackie 01445 720212
Advertising (bookings and production):
Jim 01445 72012
Production/Distribution:
Harry and Helen 01997 455238
Advertising Account:
Invoices/payments handled by CC Treasurer, Marion.
Corriemoillie Wind Farm Proposal: update from E.ON
At the beginning of July, E.ON held two public exhibitions in Garve and Achnasheen, to inform local people about its plans to build a wind farm at Corriemoillie Forest.
Following feedback from local people at the exhibition E.ON has now made a number of changes to its proposal, including the relocation of a number of turbines taking into account local opinion. The application is due to be submitted to the local council later this year.
The current turbine lay out of both Corriemoillie and the nearby consented Lochluichart wind farm projects are represented on this map.
If planning permission is granted for the site, EON has committed to giving the local community £2.7 million over the windfarm’s expected 25 year life. The community fund will be held by an independent body and given to projects that will benefit their community.
On submission of the planning application at end of November, copies will be publicly available for download from the Corriemoillie website. Hard copies can be viewed at The Highland Council Offices.
For those wishing to support or raise a concern to the development, please submit comments to:
The Director of Planning & Development
The Highland Council Headquarters
Glenurquhart Road
Inverness IV3 5NX
Email: planning@highland.gov.uk or call 01463 702249
For updates on the wind farm, visit:
www.eon-uk.com/generation/corriemoillie.aspx
Following feedback from local people at the exhibition E.ON has now made a number of changes to its proposal, including the relocation of a number of turbines taking into account local opinion. The application is due to be submitted to the local council later this year.
The current turbine lay out of both Corriemoillie and the nearby consented Lochluichart wind farm projects are represented on this map.
(click the image to see a larger view, and it will open in a new page)
Please do note that the final layout for our project (Corriemoillie) may change slightly and will be available upon our planning submission.
If planning permission is granted for the site, EON has committed to giving the local community £2.7 million over the windfarm’s expected 25 year life. The community fund will be held by an independent body and given to projects that will benefit their community.
On submission of the planning application at end of November, copies will be publicly available for download from the Corriemoillie website. Hard copies can be viewed at The Highland Council Offices.
For those wishing to support or raise a concern to the development, please submit comments to:
The Director of Planning & Development
The Highland Council Headquarters
Glenurquhart Road
Inverness IV3 5NX
Email: planning@highland.gov.uk or call 01463 702249
For updates on the wind farm, visit:
www.eon-uk.com/generation/corriemoillie.aspx
Help Scheme is at hand for you to switch to digital TV
Older and disabled people living in the North of Scotland are being offered help to switch to digital with the Switchover Help Scheme.
The Switchover Help Scheme has been set up to help eligible older and disabled people to make the change to digital on one of their TV sets in their home.
People are eligible if:
They are aged 75 or over,
or they have lived in a care home for six months or more,
or they get (or could get) disability living allowance,
or attendance or constant attendance allowance,
or mobility supplement, or they are registered blind or partially sighted.
What’s on offer?
For a one-off payment of £40, eligible people will be offered:
* easy-to-use digital equipment to convert one television set in their home;
* home delivery and installation if you wish;
* an aerial check and replacement if needed, where we can; a helpline and retuning advice;
* a 12 month digital TV aftercare service.
Eligible people will be written to directly and will get help in plenty of time before switchover. The letters will explain how they can get extra help to convert one TV in their home to digital. Details about how to apply, an explanation of all of the available options and prices are clearly set out in the pack.
Most people will be asked to pay £40 towards the standard offer of help. For eligible people who are also on pension credit, income support, income based jobseeker’s allowance or employment and support allowance, it’s free.
The Help Scheme is run by the BBC and has been designed around the needs of older and disabled people. Equipment has been chosen to be easy to use, and contact centre, delivery staff and installers have all been trained to understand and respect older and disabled people.
All installers are vetted, carry identification and will never call without having made an appointment.
In the meantime, if you want more information for yourself or someone you know, please call the dedicated Help Scheme number on 0800 40 85 900. You won't have to pay for the call, and the friendly staff will be delighted to help.
Alternatively, visit www.helpscheme.co.uk; or to find out when your area switches, go to www.digitaluk.co.uk/postcodechecker
If you’d like to talk to someone face-to-face about the digital Switchover Help Scheme, come along to the Ledgowan Lodge Hotel on the 17 October, or 27 November, where Jackie Campbell will be on hand to answer all your questions. Jackie can be emailed at: jacqueline.campbell@eaga.com
The Switchover Help Scheme has been set up to help eligible older and disabled people to make the change to digital on one of their TV sets in their home.
People are eligible if:
They are aged 75 or over,
or they have lived in a care home for six months or more,
or they get (or could get) disability living allowance,
or attendance or constant attendance allowance,
or mobility supplement, or they are registered blind or partially sighted.
What’s on offer?
For a one-off payment of £40, eligible people will be offered:
* easy-to-use digital equipment to convert one television set in their home;
* home delivery and installation if you wish;
* an aerial check and replacement if needed, where we can; a helpline and retuning advice;
* a 12 month digital TV aftercare service.
Eligible people will be written to directly and will get help in plenty of time before switchover. The letters will explain how they can get extra help to convert one TV in their home to digital. Details about how to apply, an explanation of all of the available options and prices are clearly set out in the pack.
Most people will be asked to pay £40 towards the standard offer of help. For eligible people who are also on pension credit, income support, income based jobseeker’s allowance or employment and support allowance, it’s free.
The Help Scheme is run by the BBC and has been designed around the needs of older and disabled people. Equipment has been chosen to be easy to use, and contact centre, delivery staff and installers have all been trained to understand and respect older and disabled people.
All installers are vetted, carry identification and will never call without having made an appointment.
In the meantime, if you want more information for yourself or someone you know, please call the dedicated Help Scheme number on 0800 40 85 900. You won't have to pay for the call, and the friendly staff will be delighted to help.
Alternatively, visit www.helpscheme.co.uk; or to find out when your area switches, go to www.digitaluk.co.uk/postcodechecker
If you’d like to talk to someone face-to-face about the digital Switchover Help Scheme, come along to the Ledgowan Lodge Hotel on the 17 October, or 27 November, where Jackie Campbell will be on hand to answer all your questions. Jackie can be emailed at: jacqueline.campbell@eaga.com
Lochside: one very lucky Gull...
Last month found me in opposition with the common gulls that inhabit the islands on Loch Luichart.
With water levels very low in July, my salmon strips of bait, lying not that far from the surface, attracted three gulls to these tempting morsels, that they could obviously spot lying as they were in less than two foot of water!
Two of these gulls after a short spell of circling and 'false' diving attacks, where they wouldn't actually hit the water, soon lost interest and flew off.
But the third gull (I called Sid) was far more persistent. He would dive and feet first hit the water with a splash, miss the target and wheel away only to sit on a nearby rock preening his feathers, then come in like a kamikaze pilot and try again.
After another four attempts and despite my waving of arms and shouts of "go away you naughty bird" (or words to that effect!) which it paid no heed to, I pulled my bait and put a 2oz lead weight on the line.
This sunk into the weed bringing the bait deeper, and hopefully away from Sid, but also creating a 'drag' on the line should a fish pick up the bait, especially now the bait was also in the weed.
Anyway, with Sid's continued dive bombing, my waving and shouting, and lead casting, I'd given up all hope of any respectable fish being within a half mile of my fishing area. I was also far too lazy to move to somewhere deeper on the loch, so just sat and watched amused at Sid's even more frantic endeavours to reach the bait.
I even thought about throwing him a few pieces of my Tesco salmon (which I had got at half price), but this would have, no doubt, brought all his mates around. So decided instead to leave Sid my bait on a rock when I left.
Suddenly, as I watched the gull hit the water for the umpteenth time there was a mighty swirl and Sid screeched and took off in alarm, circled, then sat on his favourite rock, looking quite agitated!
I also now took a fresh view of the situation as only one fish would go for a gull - a decent sized pike!
Would it smell out my bait now amongst the bottom weed - should I pull it slowly in hoping the movement would bring a response from the pike?
At least Side won't be back so I could remove the weight and recast, I thought.
How naive I was!
Not in the least daunted by his near-death experience there was Sid coming down again, this time the pike's head was partly out of the water and as it lunged, for a brief second gull and pike were as one, but somehow it missed and Sid minus a few small feathers rose squawking and screeching, hovered for a moment or two then took off down the loch.
I waited another two hours even put another rod out with fresh bait, but couldn't tempt the pike to strike.
Next day, however, with no gull around and at the same spot, while talking to a couple of Polish anglers, from Inverness, who came along to try spinning. Both well spoken young men named Woyak and Josep.
My rod suddenly shuddered, the reel started turning and as I reached it, the bite alarm started to beep, and I was into a fish that tore off line 150 yards down the loch, for a while it proved unstoppable, but with Woyak running around with my landing net, like a headless chicken, I eventually brought it into a spot where he could net it safely.
"It's a monster" he cries out, all excited, and indeed, although not quiet the proverbial monster, it did weigh a healthy 21lbs (9 1/2 kilos).
Josep then took a couple of photos of me trying to hold it correctly for a good snap, which I found virtually impossible, as it was very slippery. I then returned it unharmed to, hopefully, grow even bigger - it certainly could have swallowed the gull whole, but will that bird have learnt?
I doubt it!
David Willis
With water levels very low in July, my salmon strips of bait, lying not that far from the surface, attracted three gulls to these tempting morsels, that they could obviously spot lying as they were in less than two foot of water!
Two of these gulls after a short spell of circling and 'false' diving attacks, where they wouldn't actually hit the water, soon lost interest and flew off.
But the third gull (I called Sid) was far more persistent. He would dive and feet first hit the water with a splash, miss the target and wheel away only to sit on a nearby rock preening his feathers, then come in like a kamikaze pilot and try again.
After another four attempts and despite my waving of arms and shouts of "go away you naughty bird" (or words to that effect!) which it paid no heed to, I pulled my bait and put a 2oz lead weight on the line.
This sunk into the weed bringing the bait deeper, and hopefully away from Sid, but also creating a 'drag' on the line should a fish pick up the bait, especially now the bait was also in the weed.
Anyway, with Sid's continued dive bombing, my waving and shouting, and lead casting, I'd given up all hope of any respectable fish being within a half mile of my fishing area. I was also far too lazy to move to somewhere deeper on the loch, so just sat and watched amused at Sid's even more frantic endeavours to reach the bait.
I even thought about throwing him a few pieces of my Tesco salmon (which I had got at half price), but this would have, no doubt, brought all his mates around. So decided instead to leave Sid my bait on a rock when I left.
Suddenly, as I watched the gull hit the water for the umpteenth time there was a mighty swirl and Sid screeched and took off in alarm, circled, then sat on his favourite rock, looking quite agitated!
I also now took a fresh view of the situation as only one fish would go for a gull - a decent sized pike!
Would it smell out my bait now amongst the bottom weed - should I pull it slowly in hoping the movement would bring a response from the pike?
At least Side won't be back so I could remove the weight and recast, I thought.
How naive I was!
Not in the least daunted by his near-death experience there was Sid coming down again, this time the pike's head was partly out of the water and as it lunged, for a brief second gull and pike were as one, but somehow it missed and Sid minus a few small feathers rose squawking and screeching, hovered for a moment or two then took off down the loch.
I waited another two hours even put another rod out with fresh bait, but couldn't tempt the pike to strike.
Next day, however, with no gull around and at the same spot, while talking to a couple of Polish anglers, from Inverness, who came along to try spinning. Both well spoken young men named Woyak and Josep.
My rod suddenly shuddered, the reel started turning and as I reached it, the bite alarm started to beep, and I was into a fish that tore off line 150 yards down the loch, for a while it proved unstoppable, but with Woyak running around with my landing net, like a headless chicken, I eventually brought it into a spot where he could net it safely.
"It's a monster" he cries out, all excited, and indeed, although not quiet the proverbial monster, it did weigh a healthy 21lbs (9 1/2 kilos).
I doubt it!
David Willis
From the editor’s desk
Hope you’ve seen Harry’s message regarding our new initiative to raise funds, towards the purchase of a new printer, not just to improve the quality of this newsletter, but so that we can also offer additional quality printing services to you, the community. We’re hoping that the printer will allow us to introduce a little colour into this publication, enhancing all those great photographs you send us.
It has been my most frustrating aspect of editing these past couple of years, seeing such lovely colours, like the photographs in this issue of the Flower Festival, and knowing that by the time this reaches you that they will be faded and without definition.
Although, those of you who have internet access have been able to view all photograph in glorious colour on the website, I know that not everyone in the community is able to ‘log-on’ to the worldwide web. So, hopefully, it won’t be too long before we’re all enjoying such wonderful photography in colour on the printed page - fingers tightly crossed!
I’m sure Harry will be relieved to have a new machine, if only for the newsletter - at the moment he’s having to call-out the engineer often because the ‘thing’ decides to breakdown - and usually this is when we have a tight deadline to meet…. not conducive to peace and harmony in Inchbae (I’m told the air is very blue at times - oh Harry!)
So, we’ll keep you posted, on Harry’s efforts to raise in the region of £5,500 - we’re off to a good start with our first donation, and with others promised. We’ll give you a full update in the next, Christmas, issue.
Talking of Christmas please take note of the planned events in Garve at the beginning of December - I’m definitely looking forward to another ‘encounter’ with Father Christmas! And, yes, I HAVE been good… honest! See you there!
In addition, another announcement regarding the newsletter - a new contact for existing and new advertisers. As from the next issue Jim will be your contact for all advertising matters. Jim will ease my workload in putting this newsletter together. Although he has been helping since I started, with proof-reading, and writing his own columns. I feel that to give our advertisers more support, a dedicated person is required. So who better, than the person who has a desk next to mine!
Other members of the newsletter production team have agreed this is a good way to go, so advertisers brace yourselves you’ll be hearing from Jim before the next issue.
Don’t forget that we offer a free advertising design service, so don’t be put off from advertising if you don’t have an ad to send us - we just need an idea of what you want to say, and if you have any images (they have to be jpegs) we can incorporate into your ad, or we can source something (royalty free) for you. And, you’ll get a copy of your ad which you can use in other publications - all at no extra charge. All part of the service!
Finally, I must mention that this last month we’ve been busy looking after visitors from ‘the south’ (friends and family), and it’s be wonderful to be told about the warmth of the welcome they have all received from this community (we’re not surprised!) - in particular friends who rented a cottage in Kinlochewe who cannot wait to return, not because of the weather or scenery - but because of the people they met - mentioned in ’dispatches’ were the Whistlestop Café, Ledgowan Lodge Hotel, Kinlochewe Hotel, plus all the folk who attended the recent night of great music (and dancing) in Kinlochewe Village Hall (yes, it was brilliant! More please!), and everyone in the local shops and post offices. Thanks to you all for being...err...you! It just re-enforces what I already knew - that this is a great community, and I’m proud to be a small part of it!
Take care, until next time,
Jackie
It has been my most frustrating aspect of editing these past couple of years, seeing such lovely colours, like the photographs in this issue of the Flower Festival, and knowing that by the time this reaches you that they will be faded and without definition.
Although, those of you who have internet access have been able to view all photograph in glorious colour on the website, I know that not everyone in the community is able to ‘log-on’ to the worldwide web. So, hopefully, it won’t be too long before we’re all enjoying such wonderful photography in colour on the printed page - fingers tightly crossed!
I’m sure Harry will be relieved to have a new machine, if only for the newsletter - at the moment he’s having to call-out the engineer often because the ‘thing’ decides to breakdown - and usually this is when we have a tight deadline to meet…. not conducive to peace and harmony in Inchbae (I’m told the air is very blue at times - oh Harry!)
So, we’ll keep you posted, on Harry’s efforts to raise in the region of £5,500 - we’re off to a good start with our first donation, and with others promised. We’ll give you a full update in the next, Christmas, issue.
Talking of Christmas please take note of the planned events in Garve at the beginning of December - I’m definitely looking forward to another ‘encounter’ with Father Christmas! And, yes, I HAVE been good… honest! See you there!
In addition, another announcement regarding the newsletter - a new contact for existing and new advertisers. As from the next issue Jim will be your contact for all advertising matters. Jim will ease my workload in putting this newsletter together. Although he has been helping since I started, with proof-reading, and writing his own columns. I feel that to give our advertisers more support, a dedicated person is required. So who better, than the person who has a desk next to mine!
Other members of the newsletter production team have agreed this is a good way to go, so advertisers brace yourselves you’ll be hearing from Jim before the next issue.
Don’t forget that we offer a free advertising design service, so don’t be put off from advertising if you don’t have an ad to send us - we just need an idea of what you want to say, and if you have any images (they have to be jpegs) we can incorporate into your ad, or we can source something (royalty free) for you. And, you’ll get a copy of your ad which you can use in other publications - all at no extra charge. All part of the service!
Finally, I must mention that this last month we’ve been busy looking after visitors from ‘the south’ (friends and family), and it’s be wonderful to be told about the warmth of the welcome they have all received from this community (we’re not surprised!) - in particular friends who rented a cottage in Kinlochewe who cannot wait to return, not because of the weather or scenery - but because of the people they met - mentioned in ’dispatches’ were the Whistlestop Café, Ledgowan Lodge Hotel, Kinlochewe Hotel, plus all the folk who attended the recent night of great music (and dancing) in Kinlochewe Village Hall (yes, it was brilliant! More please!), and everyone in the local shops and post offices. Thanks to you all for being...err...you! It just re-enforces what I already knew - that this is a great community, and I’m proud to be a small part of it!
Take care, until next time,
Jackie
“You live in a remote area…”
Monday 31st August: After checking out different shops I finally decided to buy an item that has been at the top of my wish list for a while: a well deserved dishwasher from Tesco Direct (online). I chose the model and delivery slot (Thursday 3rd September) and paid. Shortly after that I received an email confirming my order and delivery day.
Wednesday 2nd September: I checked the order tracking and see that the machine is actually due for delivery on Friday 4th…. So I phone customer service and a nice guy (!!) tells me that as I live in the Highlands it usually takes 24hrs more. DO I want to cancel the order and buy it from some other shop? He really did ask me twice if I wanted to!! I told him I am keeping the order going, so he confirms that the courier will phone me an hour before delivery. I write an email complaining about it.
I was meant to attend a market on the Friday, but I cancelled so that I could be at home for the delivery…
Friday 4th September: it’s early afternoon and still no phone call. So I phone customer care again… this time Tracy answers and she tells me that I live in an outlying area (IV codes) and it takes longer….she checks with their courier and is told that the item has been given to a local company (as I live in a remote area!) that same morning, so there is no way I am getting it that day. I complain (a lot) and, in the end, she gives me a £10 refund as a gesture of goodwill, as the delivery terms are not well explained on their website.
By the way, she refuses to tell me who the local courier is and that “...there is no point in writing complaints because things are dealt faster on the phone, and anyway nobody checks the emails!” She adds the courier will phone me on Monday…..
Monday 7th September: afternoon comes and still no news. So what did I do? I phoned customer service again! Moira is on the phone today. She apologises for the bad service, but manages to find out which local courier. Another couple of phone calls and I find out that my dishwasher is being delivered to Inverness that night!
Tuesday 8th September: the local courier phones me saying that my machine is actually there, and will be delivered on Thursday 10th September or I can go and collect it… well, I had free delivery from Tesco so will wait for it to come. The driver will phone me when on his way here.
Wednesday 9th September: Tesco Customer service phones me to deal with my email! I drown the poor woman with a list of complaints… I tell about the terrible service, and that they should be more honest on their website, and just say that it will take more than a week to get an item if we live up here.
Nothing wrong in that, if you know it is going to happen at time of buying. Within their terms and conditions they say that if a delivery takes longer than usual they will keep you informed (NOT!). Anyway she credits me with another £20 (it think this is just to shut me up!).
Note: it will take 3 to 5 days for the money to be put back on my account but they took the original payment straightaway.
Thursday 10th September: it’s only 9am and I hope the courier will phone me today……10am and I finally get the phone call! The courier is in Achnasheen!
The dishwasher is now in my kitchen and it is working!
Finally, I was told that the machine had been passed onto three different couriers….
Laura Gauna
Ed’s note:
I have also had similar problems - although I only had to wait an additional 24 hours, when I raised this with Tesco’s I received the following email:
“...As a regular online shopper, I realise how frustrating it is when a delivery does not arrive as specified and the inconvenience this causes.
I see from your follow-up email that the goods were delivered the following day, 24 hours later than expected. I apologise that the courier delivered your order late and I have passed details of this to our Courier Service as well as the Tesco Direct Team. Together we will do our best to stop this from happening again. I have also requested that we build in an additional day when quoting delivery times for the Highlands as per your suggestion.”
Then this was followed up a day later with another very short email, as follows:
“...Please be advised that on the delivery information in our terms and conditions we do state that delivery times vary in remote parts of the country. I am sorry for any inconvenience caused and thank you for taking the time to let us know.”
As Laura has indicated, we don’t mind waiting a few extra days, what we do mind is being told one day, waiting in, only to find that we’ve been let down. In my opinion Tesco’s haven’t tried to address this problem - on the plus side I can report that Argos and Currys seem to be able to meet quoted delivery slots….humm…. anyone from Tesco’s customer care team like to comment?
Jackie
PS: have you had similar experiences - good, bad or indifferent customer service? If you’d like to share these with us here, do write to me.
Funnily enough, I was going to write a Grumpy Old Woman piece about a recent experience at a large hotel in Ullapool, when, with friends, we battled (oh yes!) to get three cups of tea, one coffee, and scones for our afternoon tea - we were treated with indifference, and if we had not questioned the bill we would have been ripped-off too! Fawlty Towers is alive and kicking in the Highlands! What impression does the visitor get when coming up against this sort of service!
It was great to get back to our end of Wester Ross, where our local hotels and shops know how to treat customers!
End of rant…..
Wednesday 2nd September: I checked the order tracking and see that the machine is actually due for delivery on Friday 4th…. So I phone customer service and a nice guy (!!) tells me that as I live in the Highlands it usually takes 24hrs more. DO I want to cancel the order and buy it from some other shop? He really did ask me twice if I wanted to!! I told him I am keeping the order going, so he confirms that the courier will phone me an hour before delivery. I write an email complaining about it.
I was meant to attend a market on the Friday, but I cancelled so that I could be at home for the delivery…
Friday 4th September: it’s early afternoon and still no phone call. So I phone customer care again… this time Tracy answers and she tells me that I live in an outlying area (IV codes) and it takes longer….she checks with their courier and is told that the item has been given to a local company (as I live in a remote area!) that same morning, so there is no way I am getting it that day. I complain (a lot) and, in the end, she gives me a £10 refund as a gesture of goodwill, as the delivery terms are not well explained on their website.
By the way, she refuses to tell me who the local courier is and that “...there is no point in writing complaints because things are dealt faster on the phone, and anyway nobody checks the emails!” She adds the courier will phone me on Monday…..
Monday 7th September: afternoon comes and still no news. So what did I do? I phoned customer service again! Moira is on the phone today. She apologises for the bad service, but manages to find out which local courier. Another couple of phone calls and I find out that my dishwasher is being delivered to Inverness that night!
Tuesday 8th September: the local courier phones me saying that my machine is actually there, and will be delivered on Thursday 10th September or I can go and collect it… well, I had free delivery from Tesco so will wait for it to come. The driver will phone me when on his way here.
Wednesday 9th September: Tesco Customer service phones me to deal with my email! I drown the poor woman with a list of complaints… I tell about the terrible service, and that they should be more honest on their website, and just say that it will take more than a week to get an item if we live up here.
Nothing wrong in that, if you know it is going to happen at time of buying. Within their terms and conditions they say that if a delivery takes longer than usual they will keep you informed (NOT!). Anyway she credits me with another £20 (it think this is just to shut me up!).
Note: it will take 3 to 5 days for the money to be put back on my account but they took the original payment straightaway.
Thursday 10th September: it’s only 9am and I hope the courier will phone me today……10am and I finally get the phone call! The courier is in Achnasheen!
The dishwasher is now in my kitchen and it is working!
Finally, I was told that the machine had been passed onto three different couriers….
Laura Gauna
Ed’s note:
I have also had similar problems - although I only had to wait an additional 24 hours, when I raised this with Tesco’s I received the following email:
“...As a regular online shopper, I realise how frustrating it is when a delivery does not arrive as specified and the inconvenience this causes.
I see from your follow-up email that the goods were delivered the following day, 24 hours later than expected. I apologise that the courier delivered your order late and I have passed details of this to our Courier Service as well as the Tesco Direct Team. Together we will do our best to stop this from happening again. I have also requested that we build in an additional day when quoting delivery times for the Highlands as per your suggestion.”
Then this was followed up a day later with another very short email, as follows:
“...Please be advised that on the delivery information in our terms and conditions we do state that delivery times vary in remote parts of the country. I am sorry for any inconvenience caused and thank you for taking the time to let us know.”
As Laura has indicated, we don’t mind waiting a few extra days, what we do mind is being told one day, waiting in, only to find that we’ve been let down. In my opinion Tesco’s haven’t tried to address this problem - on the plus side I can report that Argos and Currys seem to be able to meet quoted delivery slots….humm…. anyone from Tesco’s customer care team like to comment?
Jackie
PS: have you had similar experiences - good, bad or indifferent customer service? If you’d like to share these with us here, do write to me.
Funnily enough, I was going to write a Grumpy Old Woman piece about a recent experience at a large hotel in Ullapool, when, with friends, we battled (oh yes!) to get three cups of tea, one coffee, and scones for our afternoon tea - we were treated with indifference, and if we had not questioned the bill we would have been ripped-off too! Fawlty Towers is alive and kicking in the Highlands! What impression does the visitor get when coming up against this sort of service!
It was great to get back to our end of Wester Ross, where our local hotels and shops know how to treat customers!
End of rant…..
After the meeting...
After the meeting.... The Voice
(with apologies to Rupert Brooke)
Safe in the magic of my woods
I lay, and watched the dying light.
Faint in the pale high solitudes,
And washed with rain and veiled by night.
Silver and blue and green were showing,
And the dark woods grew darker still,
And birds were hushed; and peace was growing,
And quietness crept up the hill;
And no wind was blowing...
And I knew
that this was the hour of knowing
And what had been said in unkind ways
Had struck at part of the heart of me.
I remembered that poem
In my mother's old book
And fled to the bookshelf to take a look
At the passionate words, to clear my head
Of voices scorning my earnestness.
It always works - I lay and smiled
on my dear flat bed of restfulness
I thought "the sunset's pretty isn't it?"
And apathy slid down the hill.
Pam Morrison
(with apologies to Rupert Brooke)
Safe in the magic of my woods
I lay, and watched the dying light.
Faint in the pale high solitudes,
And washed with rain and veiled by night.
Silver and blue and green were showing,
And the dark woods grew darker still,
And birds were hushed; and peace was growing,
And quietness crept up the hill;
And no wind was blowing...
And I knew
that this was the hour of knowing
And what had been said in unkind ways
Had struck at part of the heart of me.
I remembered that poem
In my mother's old book
And fled to the bookshelf to take a look
At the passionate words, to clear my head
Of voices scorning my earnestness.
It always works - I lay and smiled
on my dear flat bed of restfulness
I thought "the sunset's pretty isn't it?"
And apathy slid down the hill.
Pam Morrison
Snaps from the Strathconnon Games
Chieftain of the Strathconon Games Mr E. Cameron of Garve, with Mrs Cameron.
Keith Sutherland, winner of the junior hill-race. Keith is grandson of John and Margaret Grant of Garbat.
Wildlife & Nature - September/October
Quite a varied 'pot', this issue!
Since we have passed the Lammas tide, we now stand on the threshold of Autumn proper.
The equinox (at time of writing) is imminent and the nights are already starting to flex their muscles. There's a New Moon tonight, and it's already dark: here come those long evenings!
Just think, it's less than a month before the clocks go back an hour (where does the time go...?)
Old Mother Nature is doing her seasonal musical chairs act once more as 'our' Siskins have gone, Finches now sport their duller 'dark months' plumage and 'our' Ospreys look like they are ready to pack for the flight to their winter home, in Africa.
I consider myself fortunate in that I meet lots of interesting people (you're ALL interesting!) - all of whom, it would appear, have some wee creature or other hanging about in their back gardens!
In that vein, I'd like to thank the ladies who submitted the accompanying photographs:
Mrs O'Connor, from Contin shop and Laura from Achnasheen...
If you find you have any photos of those special visitors to your garden which you would like to share with us, why not Email or send them in? Any photos used will be credited to you and any submitted via mail will be scanned and then returned... It's not a photography contest, so don't worry about framing, composition, etc!
Following the recent success of the Otter talk at Ledgowan Lodge Hotel (at which was raised the princely sum of £319 for the International Otter Survival Fund) the Otters, Grace and Paul send all who attended their heartfelt thanks! We are interested in hearing from anyone with ideas for subject matter for future talks or presentations which may pique the public's interest. Sadly, I cannot guarantee that anything suggested will in fact get scheduled, but after the Otter talk's encouraging capacity attendance, I'm sure there exists a collective will to learn more about the creatures that choose to share this beautiful area with us!
To wrap it up, a few nights ago on my 1hr + bus ride home from the city (thanks again, Westerbus!), I was presented with the gorgeous vista of a wonderful harvest landscape on the gentle, sloping hills Dingwall-side of Contin (on the Strathpeffer road, you know the one?).
Perched atop one of those monstrous round bales in the field, was a Buzzard with its feathers fully ruffled. The poor wee thing looked like it had just been blow-dried! Nonetheless, it was still a beautiful wee creature in an idyllic setting. What a shot that would have made! See the things I see when I don’t have my camera?
So, in closing, don't be like me - get those cameras clicking!!
Jim C
Since we have passed the Lammas tide, we now stand on the threshold of Autumn proper. The equinox (at time of writing) is imminent and the nights are already starting to flex their muscles. There's a New Moon tonight, and it's already dark: here come those long evenings!
Just think, it's less than a month before the clocks go back an hour (where does the time go...?)
Old Mother Nature is doing her seasonal musical chairs act once more as 'our' Siskins have gone, Finches now sport their duller 'dark months' plumage and 'our' Ospreys look like they are ready to pack for the flight to their winter home, in Africa.
I consider myself fortunate in that I meet lots of interesting people (you're ALL interesting!) - all of whom, it would appear, have some wee creature or other hanging about in their back gardens!
In that vein, I'd like to thank the ladies who submitted the accompanying photographs:
Mrs O'Connor, from Contin shop and Laura from Achnasheen...If you find you have any photos of those special visitors to your garden which you would like to share with us, why not Email or send them in? Any photos used will be credited to you and any submitted via mail will be scanned and then returned... It's not a photography contest, so don't worry about framing, composition, etc!
Following the recent success of the Otter talk at Ledgowan Lodge Hotel (at which was raised the princely sum of £319 for the International Otter Survival Fund) the Otters, Grace and Paul send all who attended their heartfelt thanks! We are interested in hearing from anyone with ideas for subject matter for future talks or presentations which may pique the public's interest. Sadly, I cannot guarantee that anything suggested will in fact get scheduled, but after the Otter talk's encouraging capacity attendance, I'm sure there exists a collective will to learn more about the creatures that choose to share this beautiful area with us!To wrap it up, a few nights ago on my 1hr + bus ride home from the city (thanks again, Westerbus!), I was presented with the gorgeous vista of a wonderful harvest landscape on the gentle, sloping hills Dingwall-side of Contin (on the Strathpeffer road, you know the one?).
Perched atop one of those monstrous round bales in the field, was a Buzzard with its feathers fully ruffled. The poor wee thing looked like it had just been blow-dried! Nonetheless, it was still a beautiful wee creature in an idyllic setting. What a shot that would have made! See the things I see when I don’t have my camera?
So, in closing, don't be like me - get those cameras clicking!!
Jim C
In Brief
*The proposals in a draft Crofting Bill have provoked fury and worry across the North. A spokesman said "Crofting needs to be a profitable enterprise at the heart of the Highland economy." He believes the Government is offering only oppressive regulation and overbearing new costs.
*Results were up at Dingwall Academy where twenty seven pupils gained at least five Highers. The Academy Rector, Graham Mackenzie, said there was no doubt the new building had given the students a better learning environment but added that this year's success was due to long time staff performance and pupil effort.
*Tourism experts have concluded that information centres should be renamed "Visit Scotland Information Centres" (VICS) because the 103 information centres "lack common identity". £500,000 will be spent on dropping the word "tourist" from centres across Scotland.
*Out of 215 dwelling fires, in the Highlands and Islands in 2006, 38 were caused by faulty appliances or electrical leads. We can all minimise risks to ourselves and families by ensuring that electrical appliances, when not in use or left unattended, are switched off at the mains.
*A Perthshire gardener, who is blind, describes how she compensates for lack of vision by using her hearing, "When I'm watering I can hear if water is going into the pots or splashing down the side", she says.
*Responding to my question about the gap in time between the public exhibition of 2005 and the one in 2009, Matilda Urie (of E.ON) pointed out that wind farm development is a lengthy process! Corriemoillie wind farm was actually proposed over 15 years ago. Ecological and technical assessments are now being concluded ready for submission this autumn.
*A Contin man was awarded the top accolade at the Black Isle Flower Show for six dahlias, carefully selected from his garden. The retired farmer said "You have just got to look after them as if they were babies and see to them all the time."
*Highland Council's budget leaders have said that savings must be made on many services over the next three years. it is hoped that input from Ward Forums will show community priorities. A councillor stated that the Winter Maintenance Budget should be left alone and "luxury activities, such as the Arts should take a back seat when the going gets tough."
*Do you qualify for Pension Credit? To qualify you must be aged at least 60, and if you live alone, have a weekly income below £130.00 or, if a couple £189.45. Ring 0800 1991234 to see if you qualify for the guaranteed minimum income.
*Wonderfully named Apples such as "Lass O Gowrie", "The Tower of Glamis" and "The Bloody Ploughman" were amongst those grown in Scotland well into the 19th century, until refrigeration allowed cheaper supplies from elsewhere. We are now being urged to plant new orchards across Scotland, in order to revive the industry.
*After an outbreak of myxomatosis near Cawdor, twelve rabbits had to be put down. Their owner believes that farmers and gamekeepers should not be allowed to actively spread the disease!
*It is hoped that a workshop entitled "Leadership for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs" will encourage women to pursue careers in science and become entrepreneurs, thereby closing the existing gender gap.
*In response to claims that Scotland's past has not been adequately taught, the following will be compulsory topics in the Scottish Higher History Exam: The 13th Century Wars of Independence, the 16th Century - Age of Reformation, The Acts of Union in 1707, Scottish Migration in the 19th Century and, the impact of the First World War. Don't be put off!
Pam Morrison
*Results were up at Dingwall Academy where twenty seven pupils gained at least five Highers. The Academy Rector, Graham Mackenzie, said there was no doubt the new building had given the students a better learning environment but added that this year's success was due to long time staff performance and pupil effort.
*Tourism experts have concluded that information centres should be renamed "Visit Scotland Information Centres" (VICS) because the 103 information centres "lack common identity". £500,000 will be spent on dropping the word "tourist" from centres across Scotland.
*Out of 215 dwelling fires, in the Highlands and Islands in 2006, 38 were caused by faulty appliances or electrical leads. We can all minimise risks to ourselves and families by ensuring that electrical appliances, when not in use or left unattended, are switched off at the mains.
*A Perthshire gardener, who is blind, describes how she compensates for lack of vision by using her hearing, "When I'm watering I can hear if water is going into the pots or splashing down the side", she says.*Responding to my question about the gap in time between the public exhibition of 2005 and the one in 2009, Matilda Urie (of E.ON) pointed out that wind farm development is a lengthy process! Corriemoillie wind farm was actually proposed over 15 years ago. Ecological and technical assessments are now being concluded ready for submission this autumn.
*A Contin man was awarded the top accolade at the Black Isle Flower Show for six dahlias, carefully selected from his garden. The retired farmer said "You have just got to look after them as if they were babies and see to them all the time."
*Highland Council's budget leaders have said that savings must be made on many services over the next three years. it is hoped that input from Ward Forums will show community priorities. A councillor stated that the Winter Maintenance Budget should be left alone and "luxury activities, such as the Arts should take a back seat when the going gets tough."
*Do you qualify for Pension Credit? To qualify you must be aged at least 60, and if you live alone, have a weekly income below £130.00 or, if a couple £189.45. Ring 0800 1991234 to see if you qualify for the guaranteed minimum income.
*Wonderfully named Apples such as "Lass O Gowrie", "The Tower of Glamis" and "The Bloody Ploughman" were amongst those grown in Scotland well into the 19th century, until refrigeration allowed cheaper supplies from elsewhere. We are now being urged to plant new orchards across Scotland, in order to revive the industry.
*After an outbreak of myxomatosis near Cawdor, twelve rabbits had to be put down. Their owner believes that farmers and gamekeepers should not be allowed to actively spread the disease!
*It is hoped that a workshop entitled "Leadership for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs" will encourage women to pursue careers in science and become entrepreneurs, thereby closing the existing gender gap.
*In response to claims that Scotland's past has not been adequately taught, the following will be compulsory topics in the Scottish Higher History Exam: The 13th Century Wars of Independence, the 16th Century - Age of Reformation, The Acts of Union in 1707, Scottish Migration in the 19th Century and, the impact of the First World War. Don't be put off!
Pam Morrison
Slow Dance...
Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Do you run through each day
On the fly?
When you ask "How are you?"
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?
You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say "Hi"?
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift....
Thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.
This poem was written by David L. Weatherford and published by the Russ Berrie Company in 1991 http://www.davidlweatherford.com/slowdance.html
In memory of our postie Gill Beamer (April 1948 - May 2009) a true friend, who always made time to say ‘Hi!’ - greatly missed by all in the community… goodnight and God bless!
Gill Ross
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Do you run through each day
On the fly?
When you ask "How are you?"
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?
You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say "Hi"?
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift....
Thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.
This poem was written by David L. Weatherford and published by the Russ Berrie Company in 1991 http://www.davidlweatherford.com/slowdance.html
In memory of our postie Gill Beamer (April 1948 - May 2009) a true friend, who always made time to say ‘Hi!’ - greatly missed by all in the community… goodnight and God bless!
Gill Ross
From the Manse
All things bright and beautiful
Autumn colours and a changing light quickly bring a different perspective to our landscape. The everyday view is changed into something different, often more colourful. Those who live close to the land know the changes and how the year moves on. Those who know about photography and art can convey something of the beauty of this time by their skill. A picture that inspires, colour that speaks of beauty or a timeless artwork made with the 'Wow ! ' factor.
In his collection of essays called Landscape to Light, the great Neil Gunn, among many topics, charts his view that landscape provides a stimulus to the enquiring mind. What seems merely background to many seems to feed the soul.
For me the landscape talks too of God and bears witness to a Creator, who sustains us in this little prayer, by Professor John Baillie (born I think in Gairloch Free church manse) reminds me of that:
“Creator Spirit, who broodest everlastingly over the lands and waters of earth, enduing them with forms and colours which no human skill can copy, give me today, I beseech thee, the mind and heart to rejoice in thy creation.”
Even in difficult times we can rejoice in the beauty that surrounds us.
Flower Festival
The last weekend in August saw church folk from Achnasheen, Garve and Contin, join to make the annual Flower Festival a success, despite the weather. Which nearly led me to consider 'Noah and the Ark' as the theme for this year, and which also led to the tea being served inside.
'Creation' was the chosen theme and the floral displays showed the skills of the arrangers and the beauty of nature.
The Songs of Praise on the Sunday evening was attended by people from all over Ross-shire. Steve Jones led a combined choir and the congregation were enthralled by the singing of Moira Harris.
Fellowship, fun and worship were the main reasons for the festival, but the generosity of visitors meant £1,019 was raised for Church funds.
Lest We Forget
Remembrance Sunday this year is 8th of November. There will be an act of Remembrance at noon at the war memorial Garve.
There will be no midday service at Lochluichart Kirk on that day.
Rev. Fraser Stewart
01997 423296
Autumn colours and a changing light quickly bring a different perspective to our landscape. The everyday view is changed into something different, often more colourful. Those who live close to the land know the changes and how the year moves on. Those who know about photography and art can convey something of the beauty of this time by their skill. A picture that inspires, colour that speaks of beauty or a timeless artwork made with the 'Wow ! ' factor.
In his collection of essays called Landscape to Light, the great Neil Gunn, among many topics, charts his view that landscape provides a stimulus to the enquiring mind. What seems merely background to many seems to feed the soul.
For me the landscape talks too of God and bears witness to a Creator, who sustains us in this little prayer, by Professor John Baillie (born I think in Gairloch Free church manse) reminds me of that:“Creator Spirit, who broodest everlastingly over the lands and waters of earth, enduing them with forms and colours which no human skill can copy, give me today, I beseech thee, the mind and heart to rejoice in thy creation.”
Even in difficult times we can rejoice in the beauty that surrounds us.
Flower Festival
The last weekend in August saw church folk from Achnasheen, Garve and Contin, join to make the annual Flower Festival a success, despite the weather. Which nearly led me to consider 'Noah and the Ark' as the theme for this year, and which also led to the tea being served inside.
'Creation' was the chosen theme and the floral displays showed the skills of the arrangers and the beauty of nature.
The Songs of Praise on the Sunday evening was attended by people from all over Ross-shire. Steve Jones led a combined choir and the congregation were enthralled by the singing of Moira Harris.
Fellowship, fun and worship were the main reasons for the festival, but the generosity of visitors meant £1,019 was raised for Church funds.
Lest We Forget
Remembrance Sunday this year is 8th of November. There will be an act of Remembrance at noon at the war memorial Garve.
There will be no midday service at Lochluichart Kirk on that day.
Rev. Fraser Stewart
01997 423296
Announcements - September/October 2009
In remembrance: postie Gill Beamer, who used to drive the postbus from Torridon to Achnasheen (in all weathers!) for almost 20 years, sadly passed away in May after only a few weeks of illness, and doubly sad is that she had only recently retired from the rigours of her demanding round. Love and best wishes go to Gill’s family from the whole community - a lady we all greatly miss.
With thanks: Debbie and Barry Peters would like to say thanks to everyone in the community, for the condolence cards and kind wishes, after the loss of Debbie’s dad earlier this month.
Birthday girl: Achnasheen’s Jessie McIver recently celebrated her 90th birthday - three generations of Jessie’s family helped her celebrate this wonderful milestone. Those of you who know Jessie will agree that she’s probably the best cook in the whole of Wester Ross - her Clootie dumplings are the best! Lots of love to our favourite neighbour from Jackie and Jim, and very best wishes from everyone in the community. Thank you: Hilda Ross would like to thank all family and friends for all their kind wishes, and visits, during her long stay in hospital. Thanks also to the Community for their kind gift of flowers.
Christmas is coming!
Friday 4th Dec: Garve Village Hall - Turning on the Christmas Tree Lights, and Christmas Carols by children of Garve school. Refreshments of hot dogs and mulled wine. Arrive 6-30 for 7pm. Contact Helen Grainge (01997 455238)
Sat 5th Dec: Christmas Fair, Garve Village Hall. Stalls, teas with mince pies etc, etc. Santa arrives at mid-day and will stay until 1pm with bags of gifts. Santa tokens available in advance. Donations for bottle and gift stall welcomed. Contact Helen Grainge (01997 455238)
More details on the above events in next issue of the newsletter - out on the 20 November (Deadline for submissions for this issue, editorial and advertising, must be with the editor by 6 November).
Ladies, take the stress out of the festive season: Laura of Laura’s Cottage Kitchen reminds us of the headache of catering during the festive season, she says "once again it is that time of the year, when you start thinking about Christmas. And, once again you are determined to have everything sorted and organised. I can help preparing dishes for your freezers for those unexpected guests. Things like meat or vegetable terrine, pates, stuffing, pasta sauces, puddings and so on". For more information, call Laura or visit her new website www.laurascottagekitchen.com
News from Achnasheen Amenities: Gill Ross would like to thank everyone who visited ‘Gill's Emporium' at the fair at the Ledgowan Lodge Hotel on the 29 August. Thanks to everyone who dug deep into their pockets and bought homemade preserves, and the great (donated) bric a brac. A grand total of £140 was raised on the day, and this will go towards the cost of the current refurbishments being undertaken in the village hall. Thanks to you all, for buying, donating and helping out on the day - we had lots of fun as well which made it even better! Bargain of the day had to be the TV (in good working order!) which Ken Duffield bought - Gill even threw in the remote control for free!
'Gill's Emporium' will be open once again for 'business', at the Ledgowan Mind, Body and Spirit fair on the 17 October, and the Christmas Fair on the 27 November.
And there’s more hall news….once the refurbished kitchen has been completed, it will be put to good use over the winter months, to raise more funds to continue the refurbishment, supplementing the small grant from the authorities. They will be providing hot drinks, soup and rolls for weary travellers - watch this space for more details of the opening times (hours will be limited to a few hours each week). More news next newsletter.
If you would like to donate any item (bric a brac, etc) for ‘Gill’s Emporium’, or make a donation, or even help raise further funds for the village hall refurbishment, please contact Gill Ross at Achnasheen Post Office (open 11am to 1pm weekdays) 01445 720241.
War Memorial: a big thank you to John Ross for all his help at the War Memorial this year, when I was taken ill. Uisdean Menzies.
Garve & Lochluichart WRI: first meeting of new season on Thursday, 24 September, in Garve Village Hall. October meeting 29th, and November 26th, all start at 7.30pm. Come and join us - interesting talks and demonstrations of things to do. Have a cup of tea and see what we are about! Contact Helen Grainge (01997 455238)
Have your say on Beinn Eighe: Scottish Natural Heritage are inviting comments on management proposals for Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve for the next six years. Full proposals on: www.nnr-scotland.org.uk Call SNH Kinlochewe 01445 760254 - F:01445 760301 E: beinneighe@snh.gov.uk The consultation runs for 12 weeks, from 21 August to 13 November.
Thanks from the otters: there are 13 baby otters tucking into lots of lovely extra fish and special otter milk formula, thanks to the generosity of everyone who made donations at the recent Otter Talk, at the Ledgowan Lodge Hotel. The talk was given by Paul and Grace Yoxon of the Skye-based International Otter Survival Fund (www.otter.org). Paul and Grace gave an interesting insight into the life of this elusive and endangered creature, and explained their work introducing otters back into the wild (did YOU know there are only around 700 otters in Scotland?).
Over 50 people attended, a brilliant turn-out considering we were competing with the Scotland/Holland game! Thank you for coming along to make this such a success! More wildlife talks, by recognised experts are planned, and all ideas are welcome on subject matters. Jackie
Achnasheen and Garve Calendar 2010
Now available the new Achnasheen and Garve Calendar for 2010.
Black and White photos of the area.
Proceeds to Community Council fundraising initiatives.
Now available at £4.00 each.
Order from Helen and Harry, phone 01997 455238,
or email grainge.inchbae@btinternet.com
Enquiries from shops, post offices, and hotels welcome.
Zero Waste Plan Consultation - October 8th
Invitation received from:
Susan Carstairs
Highlands and Islands Waste Strategy Coordinator
SEPA
Carrs Corner
Fort William. PH33 6TL
01397 704426 / 07771 837 348
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
We are writing to invite you to a meeting on Thursday October 8th at the Town House, High St, Inverness, IV2 4SF at 2pm – 5pm.
Scotland’s National Waste Plan is in the process of being revised for the first time since it was issued in 2003. The draft was issued for consultation on August 20th and comments are invited until November 13th. As this is a large complex document this meeting has been organised to provide a briefing on the details of the proposals. The aim is to allow you to identify which points you might want to respond to. The plan is available on the Scottish Government website at
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/08/19141153/0
The meeting has been organised under the auspices of the Highland Area Waste Strategy Group and the venue has been kindly provided by the Highland Council. The location of the Town House is available at http://www.list.co.uk/place/15627-inverness-town-house/
Tea and coffee will be available from 1.30pm.
Please notify me if you are able to attend. Feel free to forward this invitation to others who you think might be interested and ask them to let me know if they plan to attend. Space is limited at the Town House.
Yours sincerely,
Susan Carstairs
Susan Carstairs
Highlands and Islands Waste Strategy Coordinator
SEPA
Carrs Corner
Fort William. PH33 6TL
01397 704426 / 07771 837 348
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
We are writing to invite you to a meeting on Thursday October 8th at the Town House, High St, Inverness, IV2 4SF at 2pm – 5pm.
Scotland’s National Waste Plan is in the process of being revised for the first time since it was issued in 2003. The draft was issued for consultation on August 20th and comments are invited until November 13th. As this is a large complex document this meeting has been organised to provide a briefing on the details of the proposals. The aim is to allow you to identify which points you might want to respond to. The plan is available on the Scottish Government website at
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/08/19141153/0
The meeting has been organised under the auspices of the Highland Area Waste Strategy Group and the venue has been kindly provided by the Highland Council. The location of the Town House is available at http://www.list.co.uk/place/15627-inverness-town-house/
Tea and coffee will be available from 1.30pm.
Please notify me if you are able to attend. Feel free to forward this invitation to others who you think might be interested and ask them to let me know if they plan to attend. Space is limited at the Town House.
Yours sincerely,
Susan Carstairs
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