From the desk of the editor

Hello!

I hope, by the time you read this, the weather will have settled - what a long and challenging winter it’s been!

My spirits were lifted somewhat, when the last issue of the newsletter came through my door.

I never see the printed copy until you do - and I’m sure you’ll agree that Harry excelled himself, by adding the SNH leaflet on Golden Eagles as a wrap-around. (Thanks also to Pam, who gave Harry the inspiration!)

In fact, we’d like to encourage anyone who has a similar size leaflet (A4 folded to A5) in colour to consider using the newsletter to advertise.

So if you’re interested do contact us - the charge for this type of wrap-around will be £120 for one issue - with a discount for series (not consecutive, for obvious reasons).

We’ve decided to continue producing the newsletter in black/white - so a colourful wrap-around will certainly make a difference. However, I should point out that acceptance is subject to approval of content, and we will require to see the leaflet prior to accepting any booking.

Our advertising bookings are really healthy at the present time (a big thank you to all our advertisers!). Although we welcome more, so don’t let that stop you! As you know all advertising monies pay for the production of this newsletter, and the upkeep of the copier (which is on it’s last legs).

However, I’ve been told that some people have been grumbling that there’s not much editorial. Well, what can I say to you? Except if you want more articles and news, please put pen to paper. You’ll be welcome.

After receiving this comment, I checked the last issue, for my own sanity - and I can confirm that 30% of the newsletter contained advertising, with 70% editorial. If you check publishing industry standards, or even other magazines, you’ll find that these figures are just about right for balance, and revenue considerations.

I’m not going to rant - but folks, if you want more, then I’m afraid you’ll have to start contributing. Pam, Charlotte, David, Laura, Fraser, Uisdean, Jim and Helen are fantastic at keeping the newsletter going with their contributions (and of course, as you’ve probably noticed I  tend to contribute  as well!), but it would be even better if more of you got involved. It doesn’t have to be for every issue - once or twice a year will do. And, you don’t have to be a writer either - just write in your own words and I’ll sort it out for you (that’s my job). Easy!

And, if you’d like your own regular column - just let me have your ideas.

On another matter, Helen has been endeavouring to get Carrie Shanks to the CC meetings, to give us some guidance on Rural Watch. This is something we’d like to introduce, following some concerning incidents
in the community.

Unfortunately, Carrie has been ill, and so we’re no further forward…. All is not lost, Helen has put forward some notes to kick-start the process:

*There would need to be a co-ordinator for each village.

*Co-ordinators would be required to communicate relevant crime and
community safety information, crime prevention initiatives etc.

*Co-ordinators would liaise with police and local authority, and
encourage the community to report anything suspicious.

* Co-ordinators will be a point of contact for the community and the
police.

If you’re interested in volunteering to take part in this scheme, and make it happen, come along to the CC meeting in Achnasheen on the 6 April, where it will be discussed - we are hoping Carrie will be able to attend.

Finally, you will have seen the advert for a new editor - I’ll be here for the next few issues until hand-over - so if there’s anyone out there wishing to take on this role please step forward…

All the best to you all!
Jackie

STOP PRESS:

Since this article and the newsletter itself was published, the Garve and District Community Council has ceased to be - pending re-election of new councillors. 

This should all be done and dusted towards the end of July. Full details will be contained in the next newsletter and updated here.

The newsletter will continue, and we'll keep you posted of the election procedure.

In addition, as no-one has stepped forward to take on the role of editor, I shall continue in post for the time being. Volunteers to be part of the newsletter team are welcome - whatever you can do to help will be very welcome. Next newsletter meeting is being held on Friday 23 April, Achnasheen Village Hall from 7pm.