RAASAY COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER. Happy New Year!

Transcription

1 RAASAY COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER Happy New Year! January 2014 Welcome to the first Newsletter of the New Year. RDP s resolution for 2014 is to try to get the pontoon project and the forestry project beyond the initial planning stages, while at the same time trying to find a suitable structure for RDP itself, or to establish a replacement organisation that meets the requirements of the community. Giving up smoking might be easier We are pleased to note that Dave Thompson, our MSP, is back at work part-time, following illhealth. We hope he makes a full recovery. Forestry Update The Forestry Steering Group held an overdue meeting on 22 nd January to hear an update on the project so far and discuss work for the coming year. We are required to conduct a number of environmental impact assessments that will look at the likely effects of the project on local wildlife. If these surveys show that the impact will not be a problem we can ask for a licence to take water out of the burn and run it through a hydro-electric generator. This will earn money for the community, which we can use to develop and manage the forest and, we hope, for lots of other local good causes. We hope to be conducting the impact assessments in February and March. Raasay Primary School This term we have been learning about Dinosaurs, The Native American Indians and the Titanic. So far P6 and 7 have made a 3D Titanic wall frieze, learnt lots of facts about the Titanic and have written poetry to describe the event. P4 & 5 have started to learn about the Nations of the American Indians and will be looking in depth at the American Indians of the Plains Nation. We have already learnt about the way of life of some of the nations and the importance of the buffalo to the tribes of the Plains and have started to look at the significance of the Totem Pole to the American Indian People. Nursery, P1 & 2 have been learning about different types of dinosaurs and have been finding out lots of fascinating facts. We have our own 3D Dinosaur egg in a nest in the dinosaur cave in the nursery and look forward to baby Dino s arrival! Nursery pupils have also been keeping a keen eye on the Triops (our new pets) which are tiny shrimp-like creatures from the dinosaur era. We will keep you all updated as the term progresses with our events and work.

2 Below are a few pictures of our work so far Kirsty and Ethan with their draft Totem Pole designs Tabby, Callum and Nelly creating their T-Rex during Creative Fridays

3 Raasay Community Stores Many thanks to all our customers for your great support over Christmas and the New Year. The shop was very busy over the period, giving us a great start to our community ownership venture. Many thanks also to the crew of the good ship Hallaig for the Sprout Run and the volunteers and customers that turned out on Christmas Day and saved Christmas Dinner for many. Please continue to look out for new products all over the shop, as we continue to add new lines and extras. In the freezer we now stock lamb shank, gammon steak and fresh whole chickens. Look after the car this winter with de-icer and windscreen scrapers. Also keep an eye on our ever changing range of cakes and biscuits with 99p specials every weekend. Stuck for a gift idea? available. Gift vouchers for Raasay Community Stores are now DAZ Mega XXL 85 Wash Pack 17

4 Training Opportunities West Highland College have a number of courses planned for the spring, including the introduction to portraiture described on the left. Other current or planned courses include an introduction to bookkeeping; willow weaving and basket work; and drawing for beginners. You may be eligible for support towards the costs of these or other courses, through the Individual Learning Account (ILA) scheme. For information on ILAs and any of the courses on Raasay, Skye, at Auchtertyre and elsewhere locally, please contact Colin MacDonald: or The Screen Machine made its first ever visit to Raasay on 29 th January. Two films were shown to good sized audiences Frozen and Gravity. Let s hope the Screen Machine comes back again soon.

5 Raasay House Community Company Raasay Walled Garden In line with the requirements of our insurers a safety audit has been carried out detailing the areas that need to be exposed made safe or cordoned off before any further work can be started. Phase 1 The RHCC board are asking for 4 or 5 volunteers to help John Thompson and John William Gillies to carry out this preliminary work. The work will be under the supervision of John and Bradan and as long as due care is taken the work will not be dangerous. Hard hats, sturdy thorn proof gloves, and robust footware are essential clothing for the job. The board will provide these if required along with the necessary tools. Those who feel they can help the community with this preliminary work please get in touch asap with John (660347; - johnandmaryoskaig@btinternet.com) or John William (660233; - bradan.gillies@gmail.com) so that this essential preliminary work can be completed quickly.

6 Phase 2 Once phase 1 is completed the community will be consulted as to how the whole garden will be cleared, laid out, replanted and put to best use for the benefit of the whole community and visitors. The board think that a Raasay Walled Garden steering group made up of those in the community who are interested doing the work to bring what is potentially one of the best walled gardens in Scotland back to being a real viable asset for Raasay. Those in the community who feel they would be prepared to commit themselves to the long term development of our walled garden on behalf of the community, please contact John and Bradan as above by February 9 th. Job Vacancy for Part-time Administrator/Book-keeper Initial period of employment - 6 months; Hours per month 10 hrs; Rate of pay - 12/hour plus approved expenses; Start date End February/early March 2014 Job Description The post holder will provide administrative support for the RHCC board, prepare routine returns and arrange and service board meetings, AGMs and EGMs. Main Duties 1. Arrange all meetings involving the board and take minutes. 2. Maintain financial records including VAT and PAYE returns. 3. Assist the board in the preparation of management reports, newsletters and notices. 4. Support the board in handling routine queries, s and correspondence. 5. Assist in developing community owned assets in line with the board s plans and strategies. Applications Previous experience in this type of work would be an advantage. Competence in the use of s, Microsoft word and Excel is essential. Interested persons should apply by 7 th February 2014 in writing to the Chairman, David Westgarth, 4/5 Inverarish Terrace, Raasay, Kyle. IV40 8NS or by to davidraasay@gmail.com

7 De tha Dol? Talla Ratharsair: Arts & Crafts Mondays 2-4pm. Football 7pm. Knitting Bee - Thursday 7:30pm. All welcome. Coffee Day in support of MS Saturday 1 st February. All welcome. Lunch Club 19 th February. All welcome, but please book your place. Citizen s Advice Bureau all-day drop-in: Saturday 22 nd February. Other Events: School Holidays: the school will be closed to pupils between 15 th and 23 rd February. Back to school on 24 th. Hire the Village Hall for events or activities. Contact / for details. Local Services: RDP Surgery every Wednesday Or by appointment. NHS Nurse 9am to 5pm Emergency calls must be made through the normal emergency channels 999 or NHS 24. Doctor Surgery Wednesday mornings. Appointment to be made through Portree Medical Practice on VET SURGERY: Rhona Campbell, Veterinary Surgeon. ( ) Recycle Rag Bag Raasay Primary School. Please place all items of clothing securely inside a bag. Pensioner s Bus Service Contact Angus nd Thursday of each month. Next trip: Refuse collection: alternate Wednesdays. Next collections due: Green Bins: 12 th & 26 th February; Blue Bins: 5 th & 19 th February Mobile Library every third Wednesday next due dates: 12 th February Murdina Hairdresser Alternate Thursdays: 6 th & 20 th February ( ) The Alexander Technique Call Winnie Ireland on Coal will be delivered fortnightly to Raasay. Coal lorry now also delivering/selling garden coverage. Isle of Skye Fish van deliveries weekly on Friday afternoons.

8 CHURCH SERVICES Free Presbyterian Church Sundays 12noon & 6:00pm Free Church of Scotland Sundays 12 noon & 5:00pm. (Check Church noticeboard for any time alterations) The Episcopal Church Service - 2 nd Tuesday of each month at 10:15 in the Community Hall, followed by refreshments and fellowship. In school holidays junior activities will be available. Useful Contact Numbers Business Gateway/Highland Opportunity /Princes Scottish Youth Business Trust: Alistair Danter, Tigh na Sgire, Park Lane, Portree, Isle of Skye, IV51 9EP Tel: Mob: alistair.danter@highland-opportunity.com MP: Charles Kennedy MP 5 MacGregor s Court, Dingwall, IV15 9HS Tel: MSP: Dave Thomson MSP Thorfin House, Bridgend Business Park, Dingwall, IV15 9SL. Tel: Local Councillors: Hamish Fraser, 8 Scullamus, Breakish, Isle of Skye, IV42 8QB Tel: John Gordon, 3 Mill Park, Staffin Road, Portree, Isle of Skye, IV51 9EY Tel: Drew Millar, Ibrox, 6 Carndearg Place, Portree, Isle of Skye, IV51 9PZ Tel: Ian Renwick, Lochside, Brookside, Clachamish, Portree, Isle of Skye, IV51 9NY Tel: Wednesday Morning Open Office: If you have any questions for RDP, or an idea for a local project or business, please feel free to drop in at the office on Wednesdays between 10:00 and 12:00. At other times it is best to make an appointment or phone ahead as the office may be closed or busy. Next Newsletter deadline for articles, adverts and notices: Monday 24 th February Remember, this is your Newsletter: if you have news, ideas, items for recycling, adverts or anything you would like included please contact Lloyd on or lloydraasay@gmail.com RAASAY DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP