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Issue 206 - November 2009 - e-mail edition

KINTYRE ON RECORD "archives" online at


http://www.scribd.com/Kintyre%20On%20Record

WEATHER FORECASTS - LOCAL WEBSITE and OTHER LINKS and MORE at


http://www.kintyreonrecord.co.uk/articles.php

http://www.kintyreforum.com/

http://www.the-carradale-goat.co.uk/

CONTENTS

- CARRADALE SURGERY NEWS - PATIENT SURVEY AND PATIENT GROUP AGM


- SADDELL and CARRADALE CHURCH GUILD
- A LARGER TESCO PRESENCE
- A NEW CREAMERY
- MOON APOLOGY - SPLASH DOWN
- KINTYRE INITIATIVE NOTES
- DOORS OPEN DAYS IN KINTYRE
- SEPTEMBER RAINFALL

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- CARRADALE - A FACTOR'S DIARY - Entries from December 1862 and June 1863
- COMMUNITY COUNCIL CONSTITUTED
- COMMUNITY COUNCIL ELECTIONS
- EAST KINTYRE COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING - Tuesday, September 1, 2009
- TIMBERRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
- I SEE TREES OF GREEN . . . . .
- KINTYRE U3A - THE UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE
- NEW POLICE STATION OPEN
- DUCKING and DIVING - THE CARRADALE DUCK RACE
- CARRADALE GOLF CLUB - LADIES SECTION
- TOWN HALL - KINTYRE INITIATIVE BRAIN STORMING

Carradale Surgery News


Patient survey and Patient Group AGM

The Patient Group AGM will be held in Carradale Surgery on Tuesday 17th November at 7.00 pm. Registered
patients are welcome to come along to this meeting. The patient group was formed a few years ago as a mechanism
for communication between the practice and its patients and is comprised of both patient and practice
representatives, who are elected at the AGM. The current patient members are: Ms J. Blount, Mr A. Briggs, Ms V.
Cannell, Mrs J. Conley, Mrs M. Gosling, Mr J. Murphy.

For a number of years the surgery has asked patients to participate in a satisfaction survey, the results of which have
been published in a report available in the waiting room and also at the Patient Group AGM. Last year however,
many patients also received a postal government survey about access to their GP. The government intend to repeat
this postal survey again this year, and as many patients felt ‘surveyed out’, we have decided not to repeat our own
surgery survey for the time being.

Seasonal flu/ pneumococcal immunisations and swine flu

The surgery now has a supply of seasonal flu vaccine and has already commenced the annual autumn immunisation
programme. This vaccine however does not protect patients against the H1N1 virus, ‘Swine flu’.

As in previous years, patients who are aged 65 (by 01/04/2010) and over, or those who are in ‘at risk’ groups are
being offered seasonal flu vaccine. ‘At risk’ groups include those with diabetes, chronic heart, kidney, neurological,
or respiratory disease or those patients with immuno-suppression due to disease or treatment. Flu immunisation is
also being offered to those who care for someone who would be ‘at risk’ should that carer fall ill.

It is also recommended that patients who are aged 65 and over should have a pneumococcal immunisation. Unlike
the flu vaccine, this does not require to be given every year. If you are in any of these groups and have not yet been
invited for your seasonal flu and pneumococcal immunisation as appropriate, please contact the surgery to make an
appointment.

It is anticipated that the separate vaccine against ‘swine flu’ will become available towards the end of November.
Once we receive this, we will be contacting patients who are in the priority categories identified for this vaccine
programme. Although these categories overlap with some of the ‘at risk’ groups above, they do not correlate exactly.
It is therefore possible that although you are usually offered seasonal flu immunisation, you may not be in one of the
initial priority groups for ‘swine flu’ immunisation.

The ‘swine flu’ vaccine is being issued in batches of 10 doses. Once a batch is opened it requires to be used within a
few hours. So that we do not waste vaccine, we will aim to set up specific immunisation-only clinic times for groups
of 10 patients. It will therefore be particularly important that you come at the time given to you.

The practice continues to give the following advice regarding flu symptoms: If you have a fever/high temperature
AND flu-like symptoms DO NOT COME TO THE SURGERY, but stay at home and telephone to get
advice/arrange the next steps to be taken. (This can also be done through NHS24 on 08454 242424).

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In the interests of infection control we have taken the decision to remove, toys, magazines and any other non-
essentials from the waiting room for the time being. We have also provided hand gel which should be used by
patients entering and leaving the surgery.

If you wish further information on any of the above please contact Carradale Surgery on 01583 431376

SADDELL and CARRADALE CHURCH GUILD


The first meeting of the new session on October the fifth was a talk by Cameron McNair of Grogport on ‘1000 years
of Sacred Music’. Mr McNair shared his considerable knowledge and enthusiasm with a sizeable audience of Guild
members and friends. The recordings used to illustrate the development of Church Music from an anonymous
Scottish ‘Qui elixas condiebat’ from about 1000 AD, sung by Capella Nova, to ‘Blessed is the man’ by Pavel
Chesnokov who died in 1944, were chose to avoid the more commonly heard examples of specific musical periods.
Cameron introduced each piece with just the right amount of information on the composer, the style of composition
and other influences of the era, making the presentation a most pleasurable experience. Especially appreciated were
the recordings of Russian liturgy, sung without musical accompaniment. A comprehensive programme with
suggestions for further listening was an added bonus. The evening ended with three ‘lucky programme’ draws for
CDs kindly donated by the speaker. The next meeting of the Guild is on Monday 26th October includes a slide show
by Duncan Shaw of Skipness

A LARGER TESCO PRESENCE


The exhibition in the Aqualibrium Café on Tuesday 13th October provided an opportunity to see the extent of
Tesco’s provisional plans to improve their shopping facilities in Campbeltown. The company hopes to -

• Provide a new improved Tesco store on the existing Campbeltown Creamery site at Witchburn Road
• Part-fund a new, modern Creamery within Campbeltown
• Help to secure the future of First Milk in the town - one of our suppliers
• Reduce long journeys to Oban and elsewhere for shopping
• Regenerate an industrial site
• Create 200 new jobs
• Offer more opportunities to our existing 90 employees
• Provide a multi-million pound investment in Campbeltown

The illustrated pamphlet provided at the exhibition makes the following commitments -

Being A Green Grocer

We are continuing our commitment to cut our carbon footprint in every area of our business. From big steps, like
aiming to halve our stores' carbon footprint by the end of 2020, compared to an equivalent store built in 2006, right
through to small steps, like using one label instead of two on our clothing lines, we are doing all we can to improve
our green credentials.

To help us meet these targets we are proposing the following environmental features at our new store in
Campbeltown:

Combined Heat and Power

A CHP unit to reduce the overall energy consumption of the store, by using the excess heat from the production of
electricity for heating.

Natural Materials

Sustainably sourced timber frame and cladding will be used.

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Air Conditioning

We can cut down the energy needed for air conditioning by creating roof vents. This system allows warm air to get
out of the store and takes cooler air in.

Rainwater Recycling

Rainwater that falls on the roof of the store will be used for flushing toilets.

Reduced Artificial Lighting

Roof lights will allow natural daylight into the sales floor and reduce the need for artificial lighting. Low energy light
bulbs and sophisticated new lighting control systems that dims individual lights when natural light is increased, will
cut down on the amounts of energy used.

Refrigeration

A new carbon dioxide refrigeration system will be installed, which is significantly less damaging to the environment
than traditional fridge gases.

Recycling Facilities

Helping our customers to do their bit for the environment too.

A NEW CREAMERY
A reciprocal stand showed the extent of co-operation between Tesco and plans for a new Campbeltown
Creamery at Snipefield.

In July this year First Milk announced plans for a new state-of-the-art creamery in Campbeltown to replace our
existing facility. We believe that the new creamery will :

Secure the future of 42 dairy farms on Kintyre and Gigha

Allow the Mull of Kintyre brand to remain firmly associated with Campbeltown

Continue to be of benefit to the local economy for many years to come.

The Campbeltown creamery has been making cheese since the early 1900s and uses milkfrom 38 dairy farms on
Kintyre, and 4 on the Island of Gigha. The quality and the taste of the creamery's cheddar have led to a large haul of
awards including gold and silver medals at the 2009 Royal Highland Show.

MOON APOLOGY - SPLASH DOWN


Moon, we apologise. With small excuse We threaten you with trespass and abuse, Colonialism here is now taboo,
But that is just what man has planned for you Science, we claim, has problems to explore, But that means curiosity,
no more. No, here's the secret reason for the race – You may become a military base.

In just two seconds we could send, they say, From Moon to Earth a lethal laser ray, We should not think of it, of
course, but then, We're not so sure about some other men.

And though we hesitate to think the worst It would be sensible to get there first.

A. P. Herbert, July 1969


Sent in by Gloria Siggins.

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KINTYRE INITIATIVE NOTES
At a recent Kintyre Initiative Working Group meeting, dedicated to Tourism, it was agreed that The Kintyre
Marketing Group should be re-formed to build on the progress previously made by local businesses and
organisations located in the peninsular - with a view to highlighting Kintyre as an outstanding visitor destination and
provider of high quality services.

A meeting was held in The Burnet Building, where a number of local businesses of all types agreed that the new
group would take over the retained funds of the previous (and now defunct) Kintyre Marketing Group. Although
this is subject to continuing the provision and distribution of The Kintyre Trail brochures.

Work is in progress to tap into external funding, which is also available, to create and maintain an all-encompassing
website to be used to market all aspects of Kintyre – from accommodation providers; food and drink premises;
produce, meat and game producers; leisure pursuits and outdoor activity providers; art and craft work; shopping;
theatre and music; events and 'What's On'; ancestry and genealogy; publications; trip and wedding planners; transport
etc. with links to other and partner web-sites.

In order to achieve optimum funding opportunities, it is important that the group is representative of the whole of
Kintyre, therefore interested businesses and organisations should either contact Mary Turner
mary@kintyrecottages.com or Lori Smith info@craigard-house.co.uk

In the autumn, local businesses will be canvassed directly by members of a small steering group, with a view to
paying an agreed membership fee.

Kintyre Way – John Bakes advised that AIE had recently brought in a consultant who proved that The Kintyre Way
was one of the best walks in Scotland or the U.K. There has been 700 people took part in the walk this year to date.
There are still problems with accommodation. Things are going well with good reports being received on the
website. Walkers are enjoying the fact that posts have been marked with the number of miles completed. It is
hoped to attend a show in Manchester to market The Kintyre Way.

Fergus Murray intimated that James Lafferty had been given the full time position of THI Project Manager
(Townscape Heritage Initiative). The THI Office will be relocating to the Fyne Homes Office in Harvey’s Lane
where they will be based permanently. Fergus stated that the recent Training Day which had been held in The
Heritage Centre had proved popular with 20 local contractors and home owners attending.

There are 12 properties involved in the THI. It was reported that The Old School at The Big Kiln is currently
being looked at to be a bunk house for the Kintyre Way. NHS and Council staffs are looking at using The Old
Post Office in Main Street as office space. Work at The Royal Hotel should start in the next few weeks.

DOORS OPEN DAYS IN KINTYRE


Six buildings were open to the public over the weekend of 19th - 20th September this year and, in addition, The
Town Hall Council Chamber was open for an exhibition of photographs.

Ardbeg, a private house on High Askomil, the home of Ian and Jean Teesdale, was open on Saturday afternoon and
saw up to 50 visitors who were able to admire a display of Jean’s needlework. Private houses are always popular,
but few are brave enough to hold open house to unknown numbers.

The Ardshiel Hotel and The Picture House were both open on Saturday and Sunday offering guided tours but
unfortunately saw few visitors, though there was plenty to see beside the areas which can be viewed when visiting the
dining room and bar or watching the latest film.

The Community Garden on Sunday laid on teas and home baking and had garden produce for sale but the
volunteers’ hard work and enthusiasm again fell on stony ground.

On Sunday large crowds descended on Southend to visit Machrimore Mill by kind invitation of Mr and Mrs Barry

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Martin (around 120 visitors), and The Parish Church was also well attended (40 visitors) despite the fact that the
promised free bus service from Campbeltown had to be withdrawn because of a total lack of bookings by the
deadline.

Meanwhile over the weekend The Town Hall had 82 visitors and 8 children to view the photographs of the
architecture of Campbeltown and a display of the CARS project complete with “before and after” pictures of
refurbished buildings. (An accompanying booklet of the CARS project is still available from Aquilibrium, The
Tourist Information Office or the Burnet building.) A quiz for children based on identification of Campbeltown
buildings failed to attract any all-correct answers, but 8-year old Hannah Oman of Campbeltown’s entry well
deserved her consolation prize of a £10 book-token.

Doors Open Days in Kintyre is not due to take place again until 2011, but patchy attendance and some failures in
publicity made this year’s event something of a “curate’s egg”.

Kate Singleton
Kintyre Civic Society

SEPTEMBER RAINFALL
Rainfall in September was average for the month, with a total of 147mm recorded. Past years have seen as little as
66mm (2002) and as much as 242mm (2005).

However, more surprising was the distribution of the recorded rainfall. August’s wet trend continued into September
with readings every day up until the 9th accumulating 94mm (approx 2/3 of the month’s total.)

This was followed by an unexpected but very welcome completely dry 10 day run of un-seasonal and glorious
weather - (a reward for putting up with August’s washout perhaps ?) We also had the additional bonus of
exceptionally mild weather for the time of the year - shirt sleeves and cotton clothes whilst out and about !

Relief all round as this gave gardeners an opportunity to at last, cut grass and catch up on summer chores; and for
farmers the delayed chance to “make hay whilst the sun shines” and make/cut their silage.

Intermittent showers resumed on the 20th September accumulating a further 53mm by the end of the month.

Temperatures too had resumed to a more typical level and there was a distinctly autumnal feel to the weather, born
out by the autumnal seasonal colours on the trees.

The seasons are running their course and (according to more mature locals) “winter draws/drawers on.”

ML

CARRADALE - A FACTOR'S DIARY


Entries from December 1862 and June 1863
Online Edition Note - That the diary entries here may be of interest to many researchers generally and may be
easier found by internet search engines if published additionally and separately from 'The Antler' issue, this article
has been extracted AND the story of The Buchanans of Drumpellier and Mount Vernon, from the 1881-published
"Curiosities of Glasgow Citizenship" added, that giving us much detail about Glasgow in the times of the tobacco
barons and more and can be found at http://www.scribd.com/doc/21622003/Carradale-A-Factor-s-Diary-Entries-
From-December-1862-and-June-1863

Alan Milstead has kindly provided The Antler with pages from the diary of Hugh Robertson, a factor employed by
Colonel Buchanan of Drumpelier House, on his estates in Lanarkshire and Argyll in the 1860’s. The diary was sent
to Alan by Carol Pine, a distant relative of Hugh Robertson. She added that Hugh only lasted two and a bit years in
the job, dying of consumption at the age of 41, a fate common to many in those days. The entries cover seven days
in December 1862 and a further seven in June 1863, the diary opening en route to Carradale on December 4, 1862.

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“At the cottage Mount Vernon with Mr and Mrs Christie all last night, rose at 6am, had some coffee and drove to
Glasgow in a cab and left with steamer ‘Druid’ Captain Kerr for Carradale. Had a pleasant sail down Clyde and saw
all the immense building yards mostly iron ships. Breakfasted in board, pretty heavy sea at Garroch Head and
crossing to Carradale then about. Met Jas.Steele and had walk round by House and Bay. Home to dinner. Jas. Steele
up with his accounts and had tea with us. Brandy on board.

Friday 5th December 1862

At Carradale. Breakfasted and had smoke. The Tenants began to come in about to pay Rents about 11 o'clock,
finished about 3 pm. Then Mr Christie and I attended meeting of parochial board. Mr Christie appointed Chairman,
some appeals to decide. One case demitted to me of Archibald Paterson, Merchant, Low Airds as to years value of
his house & Mr Turner, tenant of Mains of Carradale. Jas Steele dined with us. Tea & (overnight) at Inn.

Saturday 6th December 1862

At Carradale Inn, rose early, breakfasted, and settled bill. Had glass of bitters Mrs M. Down to Quay, it raining hard
and the wind blowing strong, and a very rough sea, so much so that the Campbeltown steamer helped us in about 4
miles distant returned again to Inn and went and inspected Archibald Paterson's house and back-office. Cash in all
about £340. Built two years ago worth £15 a year. Mr Christie and I then set out for a walk, it clearing up a fine
afternoon. First call on Mr Turner, Carradale Mains, had some refreshment, next to Jas. Steele's House then Smithy
at Dippen. Smith agreed to pay 10 shillings additional yearly rent for new Byre and getting smithy enlarged. Then
inspected Dippins, Steading and House, large house, been once an Inn, a great many small apartments upstairs,
tenant a great genius, fine Byre, saw Mill in steam, steaming apparatus. Walk up Glen to Gillies Farm, and through
New House and Steading. Dined at Inn and drank tea at Mr Turner’s - Mrs Turner, a fine lady, some songs from Mr
Christie and Mr & Mrs Turner – 2 toddies. Home by 11 o'clock.

Sunday 7th December 1862

At Carradale Inn. find a storm abated and the slight frost last night. Breakfasted along with Mr Christie at 10 o'clock
and thereafter remained in house all forenoon. Mr Christie attended church at two o'clock for the afternoon service.
The forenoon service being in Gaelic. Occupies Colonel Buchanan's pew, home by Carradale house and went
through it all then home to dinner at 5 pm. Then a long talk Mr Christie on religious subjects. A glass of Raspberry
wine 6 pence. Church plate 6 pence. Total 1 shilling.

Monday 8th December 1862

Left Carradale, rose at six o'clock in the morning had some coffee, no fire, very cold, half-past eight before steamer
Druid was forward. Fine morning, Mr Turner, Jas. Steele, Keeper lying down at the Pier seeing us off. Steamer to
Greenock then rail to Glasgow. At Glasgow about 2.30 up to Mr Christie's office got £150 from him gave him a
receipt for it, also paid him my proportion of one half of expenses going to Carradale. Bought five pay books, four
for Syme and one for Coachman. Wrote Colonel and sent him letter that I got from Jas. Steele for him. Sent Mr
Allston £1 for Helen Darnly. Gave Plowman for bringing drawers 6 pence. Pears in Glasgow 4 pence. total 10
pence.

Tuesday 9th December 1862

At Drumpellier. Fine morning Colonel left for Mellestein Park also Mrs Buchanan at night. In office, John Murray,
Joiner called and got payment of three of his accounts amounting to about £47 pounds, 3 shillings and 3pence. Also
Jas.Syme, got paid of several small accounts £2, 15 shillings and 2 pence. Also paid John Waddington by Fulton £6
for wood drains, Bellstane. Walk to fields being drained with Fulton Syme at Shotts Fair. Letter from Mr Christie
about railway papers called at House. Mr Isaac, from home, Call on Mr Henderson my predecessor, also on Mrs
Henderson, Dimmack, Drumpellier Iron Works about selling them Widow Jack’s premises at Comet Inn. Raining.
Late up at my accounts & papers. Subscription to Lancaster R fund 5 shillings and 6 pence.

Wednesday 10th December 1862

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At Drumpellier, rose at the half-past seven o'clock, forester at me at 8 about going north to Bellstane. Gave him
Symes spec. for draining. Next Jas. Syme called for instructions in going north. To Upperton Bogside and Hall of
Drumgray. Then James McOcvat called and got payment of two accounts amounting £31, 6 shillings and 4 pence.
Called on Mr Isaac, wrote letter to Mr Christie also to Andrew Thom, Slater, about Mountcou Shotts. Remained in
house all day. Wrote out conditions for Planting up Bellstane and West Crags ranks to be sent to contractors for
planting. Jas. Writing fair copies. Fulton called again. Jas. &nservant went to Coatbridge at night. Thomas Hodge,
Tenant of West Burnhead called and paid me £26 as part of his rent.

Thursday 4th June 1863

Leave for Carradale. wet morning drove to Mount Vernon and picked up Mr Christie at his house there at 7 morning
and on to Glasgow, on to station left parcel for Mr Squires, the Huntsman. Mail on at Mr Christie's office and drove
to Steamboat which left at 9. Jas. Robson took home horse and gig again. Fine sail down river but somewhat cold
and showery. Fine sight the iron shipbuilding yards.

Friday 5th June 1863

At Carradale Inn, Day of Rent Collection, cold and rainy day. Did not feel that at all well today. Spat up Blood once,
in forenoon, but little of it. Coughing a great deal today.

Saturday 6th June 1863

At Carradale, cold and showery today. ‘Drosky’ brought about 11.30 when Mr Christie and I drove off to Torrisdale
Castle to call on Mr Hosie

Sunday 7th June 1863

At Carradale very fine day. Kept house until two o'clock. Mr Christie went church, but I was rather an invalid pain
in my chest and shoulder. Phaeton came for me at 2 pm, drove down to South Lodge, met Mr Christie there and
drove up to Barmollach cottage and village which is about 5 miles up Glen, Manse is situated there. Home and had
tea, then Mr C. and I call at Carradale Mains, but all in bed. On to Carradale House, went through it and garden.

Monday 8th June 1863

Leave Carradale, fine morning, Paid one half of Bill at Inn and other travel expenses. Had a pleasant sail up to
Greenock, met Mr Mitchell, Distiller and Grazier, one of Carradale tenants, pain commenced in shoulder and right
chest very bad. Had lunch in Greenock up to Glasgow with machinery called on Dr Stark, got myself sounded and
some medicine, recommended dumb bells and exercising arms, sponging with cold water

Tuesday 9th June 1863

In office, in afternoon out through fields amongst sheep. Gilmoreneuk open ditches, now to be filled up by
Gardener, Contractor who is now scouring the ditches in Plantation north side of the canal. Wrote 4 or 5 letters at
night, walked out with Taylor, the Farm Overseer to Turnip and Potato fields. The Potatoes looking well indeed,
also all the Turnips in Rye field briarded and looking well, except one and a half acres of Skirvings.

Wednesday 10th June 1863

Glasgow Show, at Col. in morning, Mrs Buchanan and Mrs Bryan looking through my house, now furnished and
finished, both well pleased with furniture me after dinner, marking oak trees with Fulton at Glen rat in places.
Received price of Mare sold by Taylor in Glasgow, £ 30 less five shillings luck money = £29 pounds and 15 shillings.
Drew £45 pounds for Mrs Bryan and paid it to her. Sent for Cook, Plumber, for to repair burst pipe in C. Horse
Stables. Tenant of Burntbroom here to see whether I would purchase Wheat Straw from him. Visit Mr Craig Ry
contractor who is building viaduct. Left pipe.

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COMMUNITY COUNCIL CONSTITUTED
With six out of ten seats filled without contest there will be no postal vote in the East Kintyre catchment area.
Nominated candidates include alphabetically - Ronnie Brownie, Shelagh Cameron, Andrea Hopkins, Elizabeth
McMillan and Lachie Paterson. Officers will be elected at the meeting on November 5th - will there be fireworks ?

COMMUNITY COUNCIL ELECTIONS


So its all over apart from the by-election, or is it. The Scottish Government and Argyll and Bute Council wanted a
wider representation and increased the number of councillors on most councils.

In Campbeltown 16 seats were available but only 5 candidates made the effort to register their intention to stand. In
East Kintyre the old establishment of 7 rose to 10 but attracted only 6 candidates. At least EKCC has been
constituted with one seat above the minimum requirement of 50%, but could still do with another 4; the ‘wee’ toun
is not constituted and will need to raise at least 3 more at the by-election in December.

Elsewhere in the County 43 of the 56 community councils have been declared ‘constituted’ - the other thirteen are
not and require varying numbers to be officially constituted. Only four community council catchment areas
harvested move candidates than seats and local voters will need to place their votes before the 29th of October;
there is no need to have a vote in 39 areas other areas.

Confused ? Certainly a number of community council chairpersons - sorry convenors - awaited the result which was
delayed because of the local holiday over the holiday weekend of 25th-28th September; others lifted the ‘phone and
asked.

What difference will the election make to the wider responsibilities being offered to community council
representatives? Will those councils who can’t attract a secretary have sufficient time and energy to travel and take
part in local CPP Panels and the Developing Thematic Groups ?

Even in Kintyre the problems of maintaining a quorum were evident at 8.15pm on Thursday October 1st
when, due to early departures, the 5 East Kintyre Community Council councillors present at the beginning
of the meeting had been reduced to 3 - the bare minimum.

Although this sounds ominous there are opportunities to increase the numbers serving on community
councils.

The local Corporate Services Manager can allow a by-election, which even if there are not enough
candidates presenting, those who do come forward can take a seat in the same way as those who were
‘elected’ by default on Thursday 24th of September. If you would like to be involved - move one place
forward.

EAST KINTYRE COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING


Minutes of the Meeting on Tuesday September 1, 2009

Present – Shelagh Cameron, Geoffrey Page, Ronnie Brownie, Lachie Paterson, Andrea Hopkins, Anne Unitary
Councillors Anne Horn & John McAlpine + 3 residents.

Minutes of the last meeting were approved. Proposed by Ronnie Brownie and seconded by Andrea Hopkins

Matters Arising

a) Shelagh read out a letter from Carradale Golf Club outlining their misgivings about the proposal to legitimise the
proposed path across the golf course. The letter reinforced the landowner’s opposition to an organised path.
Discussion took place but general consensus was to maintain the staus quo.

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b) Bus Shelter. The Chairperson expressed disappointment and frustration at the replacement of the panels to
enable the completion of the bus shelter project. A contractor arrived from Dumbarton to fit only 1 panel !

c) Pavement and Tarring of Roads at Tormhor, Broomfield and Lochpark successfully completed.

Treasurer's Report - The Treasurer is away at present and was unaware of short notice of this meeting. Report will
be given at the October meeting.

Review of Community Council : Geoff gave an update on the latest development. Postal vote for upcoming
elections. 10 seats available. Geoff described the process as being a bit of a farce. Articles for The Antler concerning
elections were to be submitted by September 18, 2009.

Fish Farm : Shelagh gave a brief report on the CD submitted to EKCC. Consensus was that a letter of support
should be submitted to Argyll& Bute planning Dept with the proviso that jobs should be locally based.

Cour Wind Farm : Brief discussion

Planning - nothing of note in our area

Litter Bins : Suggestions : Tom - village hall path, Cathy - picnic areas (Kirnashee, Ballochgair) and asked if
something could be done with the upkeep of the recycling centre at the car park. Andrea - playpark at Saddell.

Correspondence : Letter on Licensing Regulations was read outby Shelagh. Grab Trust newsletter, NHS Annual
review of Mental Health Services. Geoff said that dental patients would be unlikely to be taken off the practice
register unless their last visit was over three years ago.

AOCB

War Memorial Garden : David & Lindsey Mercer have kindly volunteered to tidy up the garden in time for the
November service. Stuart Downie offered help with branch cutting and Brian Gee with replacing slabs. Ronnie
suggested it become a paid service but it was felt that if community volunteers were preferable.

Dog Boxes on Sally’s Walk should be removed if nobody will service them.

The meeting closed at 8.30 pm.

Next Meeting : Thursday October 1, 2009

TIMBERRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
The call of the Canadian backwoodsman is accompanied in Kintyre by an equally stirring call - that of the terrified
motorist or pedestrian daring to be on a road seemingly belonging to forestry and other contractors, anxious to rush
their goods to customers.

In recent weeks the bridge at Dippen has been damaged twice by lorries misjudging their track and their speed when
meeting 18th and 19th century stonework or other 21st century road users. Names were named at the October
Community Council meeting and presumably the owners of the vehicles and the county-wide Forestry Transport
group will be made aware of an impending disaster.

I SEE TREES OF GREEN . . . . .


East Kintyre Community Council have obtained permission to plant fruiting trees in the Tormhor housing scheme -
a plan proposed by Shelagh Cameron to give an ‘oomph’ to the village. Hopefully ‘oomphs’ will not be heard when
young ‘varmits’ fall during unofficial harvesting sorties.

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KINTYRE U3A - THE UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE
An inaugural meeting of The University of The Third Age took place in Campbeltown’s Heritage Centre at 10.45 am
on Thursday October 1, 2009. Other areas of Argyll have enjoyed and benefitted by U3A activities for some time,
most notably in the Lochgilphead area.

The registration sheets of potential groups encouraged locals to get involved with bird-watching, walking,
computing, creative arts and writing and other member lead groups together with a healthy scattering of socially
attractive programmes.

Visitors unfamiliar with the U3A might have thought they had stumbled into a ecumenical Christian morality session
led by Dr Heulwen Marina Carrier, had not one potential member walked out within a few minutes of the session
starting and another protested at the analysis being presented on the screen. All in all an unusual start to a some very
worthwhile learning opportunities.

NEW POLICE STATION OPEN


Campbeltown’s new Police Station ‘welcomed’ visitors on Tuesday 13th of October and has been open the usual
miscreants for a few weeks.

Fortunately some of those who might take advantage of Her Majesty’s Pleasure in the future either stayed away, or
retained such ‘pleasurable’ experiences in the past that they didn’t need reminding of homely cells equipped with
straw mattresses on a three plank bed.

Unfortunately the Police were unable to accommodate the crowd of over 50 visitors on the 'Open Day' who arrived
within a few minutes of the opening time - visitors were taken round in groups of ten by two police officers on an
itinerary taking over fifteen minutes.

So pensioners and mothers with children who were not prepared to stand for upward of 40 minutes in the entrance
hall, may have to wait until their next driving offence or un-neighbourly act before they get to see inside the custody
suite.

No refreshments were on view - certainly no bread and water - and descriptive information was as rare as an honest
criminal.

Peoples Court Judgement : “You’ve had a good run for the public’s money but you have failed to appreciate the
needs of those with dietary and mobility needs - make sure you don’t come before this public court again. I sentence
you to community service for an indefinite period”.

DUCKING and DIVING


Another Success for the Duck Race in Carradale. - The 13th annual duck race took place at Waterfoot, Carradale on
Saturday, September 26th. Once again, a very large number of people turned out and the weather conditions were
perfect for a most enjoyable day. In addition to the usual stalls with an excellent variety of choice of food, this year
there was many more games for the children to show their prowess, e.g. skittles, coconut shy, juggling, face painting
and many more.

This year there were prizes for the first 12 ducks to cross the line, a prize for the last duck and a prize for the best-
named duck, “Don’t be so reduckulous”. Despite this being our 13th race many other excellent names, which had
not been suggested in earlier years, were put forward. We are very grateful to Moira and Michael Foreman for the
use of their garden which makes a very good venue with so many people attending. Also very much thanks to our
many sponsors such as Caledonian MacBrayne, Seatours Ltd, Springbank Distillery, Carradale Hotel, Glen
Restaurant, Aquilibrium, Carradale Pony Trekking, Carradale Golf Club and Torrisdale Tannery.

In total just over £4,650 was raised for Saddell and Carradale Church. Many thanks to all who contributed to making
this another great success. J.S.I.

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CARRADALE GOLF CLUB - LADIES SECTION
Results for Carradale Golf Club, Ladies Section played 27 September 2009
Carradale Golf Club Ladies Championship for The Chris Campbell Memorial Trophy

Scratch

Winner and Club Champion : Laura McGeachy 145 (74 & 71)
Runner Up : Margaret Campbell
Third : Margaret Walsh

Handicap

Winner : Lindsay Owen (10) 66 & 61 = 127


Runner Up : Anne Storm
Third : Margaret Richardson

The current Championship has been played for since 1997. Laura was the winner that year and she has won the
Chris Campbell Memorial Trophy 9 times in total, retaining the trophy this year - an amazing record and
achievement ! Margaret Richardson.

TOWN HALL - KINTYRE INITIATIVE BRAIN STORMING


Why is it not used more ?

When is it available ? - 7 days a week council property - Can THI (Town Heritage Initiative) be in it ? – Short term
- not feasible due to building work, access is difficult, toilets not accessible, kitchen being upstairs is not suitable, no
lift - wheelchair access - The Victoria Hall was better, communication - do people know how to use it, cost / benefit
issue re investment – cost - £6 per hour for chamber, £16 per hour for commercial - there is oversupply, ADG
moved, traffic noise, noise from upstairs, more comfortable.

What is wrong with the building ?

Upper floors, acoustics are very poor, electrical safety, roof needs slates, top floor not used, historic under
investment, layout of pavement and entrance, listed but not an issue perhaps, needs more space for cultural activity,
ownership issues, shared ownership ? Would there need to be a partnership ? Limit on numbers, costs - Rates
£4,000 Loss - £15,800 Income £3,200

What is the future ?

See The Burnet Building, ‘as is’ not an option, needs £550,000 spent, no short term fix, location makes it ideal for
showing art, should it retain its Civic Function ? Heritage ? Genealogy ? Visit Scotland could move here, other
option for utilising different space in the building, maximise community use. Council must focus on well-used
buildings, develop a business case for its future use. Council wants a long term future, fenders won’t fund without a
sustainable use, multi-functional use, different model, put it on the market to identify demand, Community
Ownership ? Charitable Trust ? Could be sold for a £1, private business ? Can the top be residential.

Ideas

Visiting exhibitions, swing out boards, home for exhibits, retain look of chamber, top floor an option, is there an
organisation behind these ideas ? Who will make it happen ? - Heritage Lottery Fund changes in building might be
ok, certain areas for cultural activities - Cultural Forum looking at one building, youth hostel, old school building,
police station, need of an organiser/promoter, the flat a heritage space, heritage centre on middle floor,
genealogy/family archive centre/a lot of interest in family history/linking aspects of family history/archive centre.
Are there any other organisations – Wasps, Gaelic - users of the hall can be identified -Visit Scotland might be
prepared.

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