Lochaber Life #354 April 2023

EASTER IN APRIL

Firstly, eggs away as Easter Sunday is on April 9. That said, spring is also with us and nature is undergoing a rebirth with plants sprouting and animals not only coming out of hibernation but also getting ready to rear the next generation. If you are out and about in the countryside do please watch where you are stepping so as not to damage our ora or fauna. To highlight the importance of plants, primary school children are being invited to take part in a wild ower project (p20) not only learning about them but creating gardens to protect and increase their numbers. UHI students have also been doing their bit in protecting nature by planting trees in numerous locations (p21) not only in Lochaber, but across the Highlands and Islands.

It’s a growing thing. Is e rud a tha a’ fàs a th’ ann. Iain

FRONT PAGE PHOTOGRAPH:

Robert Lawrie who is responsible for meat bakery production at Nevis Bakery shows o the winning pies.

Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos

Branch Manager - Craig Macpherson

NEVIS BAKERY A DIAMOND AMONGST BUTCHERS, BAKERS AND PIE MAKERS

Iain Ferguson

A diamond may very well be a girl’s best friend but for Nevis Bakery it means a top award for making the very best Aberdeen Angus Steak Pies in Scotland - as judged by a panel of ‘pie’ professionals.

In a recent competition organised by industry body Scottish Bakers a total of 78 butchers, bakers and other pie makers from across the country submitted more than 500 products in a range of categories in the World Championship Scotch Pie Awards.

Nevis Bakery, already known locally for its quality products, entered its Aberdeen Angus Pie in the Steak Pie (Hand Held) category, Peppered Steak and Stornoway Black Pudding Pie in the Hot Savoury section and Scotch Pie, resulting in Diamond, Gold and Silver awards respectively.

Alasdair Smith, chief exec-

utive of Scottish Bakers, said: “The winning products were all considered by the judges to be the best of the best when it came to taste, texture, appearance and smell across all the categories from the iconic Scotch Pie to Football Pies and Savouries, Macaroni Pies, Steak Pies, Sausage Rolls, Cold Savouries, Hot Savouries, Vegetarian Savouries, Haggis Savouries, Bridies and Apple Pies.

“As the judging was done by 60 industry professionals, all of our winners can be proud of being placed so highly in the competition”.

Managing Director of Nevis Bakery Archie Paterson and Meat Production Baker Robert Lawrie travelled to the awards ceremony in Cumbernauld, where the awards were presented by TV personality Caol Smillie. They received framed certificates for each category as well as an engraved glass plaque for the ultimate diamond award, all of which are on display in the High Street shop.

Archie said: “It is always an honour to be recognised for the quality of our products, but it is very much a team effort with everyone working hard to make sure that we make everything to the highest standards all of the time”.

STORE ELECTRICITY

YOU DON’T USE IN BATTERIES AND USE WHEN YOU NEED IT!

CHAMPION CAMAGHAEL CALF

Kilmallie Juggernaut Eric, or Juggy as he is affectionately known, is a 10- month-old pedigree

Aberdeen Angus bull calf bred by Ewen and Elaine Campbell of Croft 72, Camaghael, Fort William.

After a highly successful show season last year and becoming male champion and reserve supreme champion at the Aberdeen Angus Winter National show in Carlisle last November, he was also Junior male champion of the Future calf show and Black Beauty Bonanza. He is an AI son of the Canadian bull HF Rebel 53Y.

His mother is Kilmallie Jury Erica, whose line goes back to the

first Aberdeen Angus bought by Ewen’s late uncle, Donald Campbell, in 1983. Juggy has recently been sold to the

Keirsbeath Herd for a five-figure sum, making him possibly the highest priced calf to be bred in the West Highlands.

The recent appearance of the Aurora Borealis was captured in all its deep colour by Kevin Stott who took this from the banks of the River Lochy.

Gambling Support Service

Are you affected by gambling? Are you worried about your friend or family member’s gambling? Help is at hand.

The Citizens Advice Scotland Gambling Support Service has been funded to offer free training to organisations and frontline workers who work with clients who may experience personal difficulties through their own or somebody else’s gambling behaviour.

We offer two training options:

i) an ‘Awareness Session’ –which provides general information on gambling, its context and an overview of the support available in Scotland and the UK.

ii) a ‘Training Session’ –this is a more in-depth session

Lochaber

which explores the role and options available when responding to a client’s needs. We provide a screening tool to assist assessment of the client’s gambling behaviour and discuss how the individual can start to manage their own gambling as well as highlighting the support available from other charities.

Our service covers the Highlands, Orkney, Shetland and Western Isles and our sessions are normally delivered via Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

We also speak directly to gamblers to discuss how they can reduce their own risk of harm (or their family member’s/friend’s if also experiencing personal difficulties)

and help all parties to access relevant support services.

We are currently rolling out this part of the Gambling Support Service to other bureaux in the Citizens Advice network, including our colleagues in Lochaber CAB in the near future. We look forward to them joining us.

As with all CAB services, all advice is offered at ‘no cost’ to the individual.

If you are interested in exploring any of the options above, please contact Mike Youatt, Gambling Support Service Training & Engagement Officer at Inverness CAB, either by email at Mike.Youatt@invernesscab.org or phone on 01463 237664.

DURING OPENING HOURS 10am-3pm, TELEPHONE 01397 705311 Message can be left EMAIL – Advice@lochabercab.org.uk

Large or small storage areas available for all your storage, warehousing, and commercial industrial unit needs.

24 Hour Secure Access and CCTV, keeping your items safe and secure.

We provide our customers with competitive prices in the Lochaber area.

RHUBARB CRUMBLE

An old traditional dish of the season using fresh, home grown Rhubarb.

• 500g Rhubarb, chopped into pieces about 1 inch long

• 100g golden caster sugar

CRUMBLE TOPPING

• 140g self-raising flour

• 85g Butter

• 50g light brown muscovado sugar

•

METHOD •

Put the Rhubarb pieces in a pan along with the caster sugar, cover and simmer on a very low heat for 15 mins or until the Rhubarb is soft but still holding its shape, then pour the mixture into a baking dish.

To make the crumble topping, mix the 140g selfraising flour and 85g butter together using your fingers until it feels like a soft, crumbly topping. Add the 50g muscovado sugar and mix together, again just with your hands.

Sprinkle the crumble mix over the rhubarb and place in an oven heated to 200 degrees centigrade (180 with a fan). for 30 mins or until golden brown on top.

Fort William Mountain Festival 2023

The Fort William Mountain Festival organising committee would like to thank all their sponsors, supporters and those who bought tickets, for making the 2023 Mountain Festival a super-successful event. Without you the Festival would not be possible. Thank you.

Planning for the 2024 Festival has started and we’re very excited with the ideas, speakers and fringe events that are being considered; creating another awesome experience, once again strengthening the reputation of Fort William and wider Lochaber as the Outdoor Capital of the UK.

So make space in your diary for next year’s festival. 15th-18th February 2024 and watch this space for regular updates on our website and social media.

food tins, drink cans, aerosols & aluminium foil/trays

Food Tins

Fizzy Juice Cans

Beer Cans

Pet Food Tins

Aerosols

Aluminium foil/ trays (clean, no food residue)

What goes in your blue recycling bin?

mixed paper

Papers

Magazines

Unwanted Mail

Greetings Cards

Shredded Paper

Catalogues

Envelopes

cartons cardboard

plastic bottles, pots, tubs & trays

Juice Cartons

Milk Cartons

Soup Cartons

Food Cartons

Cereal Boxes

Cardboard

Boxes

Egg Boxes

Toilet Roll & Kitchen Roll

Tubes

Glass*

Nappies

Food waste

Dirty items

Flower pots & Textiles & plant trays footwear

Hard plastics

Garden waste

Polystyrene & wood

Soil & rubble

Plastic bags

General waste

Milk Bottles

Fizzy Juice Bottles

Water Bottles

Detergent Bottles

Toiletry Bottles

Food Trays

Plastic Punnets

What happens to your recycling?

The materials collected from the kerbside are weighed and bulked up at Locheil Logistics’ facility in Duisky, near Fort William, who then transport the material to Biffa’s Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Edinburgh.

At the MRF, the mixed recyclable materials are sorted and baled into individual material streams e.g. plastics, metals, cardboard, paper and then sent for remanufacturing.

Last year, around 1,400 tonnes of blue bin recycling were sent for reprocessing from householders and business waste customers in Lochaber by the Council.

For more info: www.highland.gov.uk/recycling

WOTHERSPOON –COLIN

1958 – 2023

(Lochyside)

Sadly, but peacefully, with his loved ones by his side, in the care of Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, on Wednesday 15th February 2023, Colin Arthur Wotherspoon, aged 64 years, Castle Drive, Lochyside, Fort William, long-serving HGV Driver (Alsop Transport Services). A loving partner to Audrey Blackmore, a caring father to Ross, a treasured brother to Elizabeth, Fiona, Val and the late Eileen, a much loved brother-in-law, a wonderful uncle, great uncle, a dear relative, a kind neighbour and a friend to many. So greatly loved and missed.

MACDONALD –DONALD

1961 – 2023

(Aberdeen/Fort William)

Suddenly and unexpectedly, at home in Aberdeen, on Sunday 12th February 2023, Donald John MacDonald (DJ), aged 61 years, Seaview House, Aberdeen. A loving dad to Kimberley, Jamie and the late Grant, a treasured son to Jessie Henderson (formerly MacDonald) and the late John MacDonald, a much loved brother to Alan, Neil and the late Johnny, a caring uncle, nephew, brother-in-law and friend. Sadly missed.

GOODE –ALEXANDERINA

1915 – 2023

(Fort William)

Sadly, but peacefully, in the exceptional loving care of Invernevis House, Fort William, on Wednesday 3rd February 2023, Alexanderina Goode, known to all as Alice, aged 107 years, an adoring wife to the late Bill, a loving mum to Billy, Mairi and the late Rosealyn and Kenneth, a caring mother-in-law to Jessie and Neil and a wonderful granny, great granny and great great granny. So sadly missed. Billy and Mairi would like to express their thanks to all at Invernevis House for their loving care shown to their mum over the years.

MACCOLL – PAUL

1931 – 2023

(Glencoe)

Peacefully, at the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Sunday 5th February 2023, Paul MacColl, aged 91 years, Carnoch, Glencoe Village. Beloved husband to Margaret, a loving dad to Morag, Kenny, Shona and Una and father-inlaw to John, Shelly, Donald and James, a wonderful gramps to Louise, Siobhan, James, Andrew, Sarah, Sean, Matthew, Jack and Patrick and GG to Lani, Hope, Scarlett, Ava and Max, a much-loved relative, neighbour and a dear friend. Greatly missed.

1937 – 2023

(Mallaig)

Peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday

2nd February 2023, Jack Wallace, aged 85 years, former foreman at Morrisons Construction. Beloved husband to Cathy, a wonderful dad to Michael and Betty, a caring stepdad to Margaret and Mark, a grandad to Janice, Michael, James, Iain, Zoe, Mark and Lucy and a loving great grandad. So sadly missed.

MACTAVISH –CHRISTINE

1930 – 2023

(Caol)

Peacefully, in the loving care of Etive House, Benderloch, on Monday 6th February 2023, Christine MacTavish (Chrissie), aged 92 years. A loving mum to Colin and Iain and mother-inlaw to Lyn and Frances, a wonderful granny to Eileen, Angie, Colin, Stephen, Craig, Calum, Ian, Jamie and Andrea and GG to her 13 great grandchildren, a much loved relative and friend. Sadly missed.

1937 – 2023

(Claggan)

Peacefully at home, with his loving family by his side, on Sunday 12th February 2023, James Graham Bell, known to all as Jim, aged 86 years, Grant Place, Claggan, Fort William (Storeman at the former Corpach Pulpmill since opening until his retirement). Beloved husband to the late Anne, a loving dad to Graham and Jennifer, a wonderful grandad to Hayley and a much loved relative, neighbour and friend. So greatly missed.

STEPHEN – ANNA 1973 – 2023 (Kinlochleven)

Suddenly and unexpectedly, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Saturday 18th February 2023, Anna Louise Stephen (née Pearce), aged 49 years, Walker Court, Kinlochleven. A treasured mum to Donald and Sarah, a wonderful nana to TJ, Erin and Riley, a loving daughter to Carol, a much loved sister, neighbour and friend. Forever loved and missed.

MUIR – CATHERINE

1938 – 2023

(Mallaig)

Sadly, but peacefully, in the loving care of the Mackintosh Centre, Mallaig, on Thursday 9th February 2023, Catherine Muir, aged 84 years, Loch Nevis Terrace, Mallaig. Beloved wife of the late Alister, a loving mum to Fiona, Alison, Susan and Iain and mother-in-law to Hendry, WJ, Sean and Marina, a wonderful granny to all her grandchildren and a proud Granny Cathy to her great grandchildren, a much loved relative, neighbour and friend. Sadly missed.

1954 – 2023

(Inverlochy)

Peacefully at home, with her loving family by her side, on Monday 20th February 2023, Anne Margaret McCroary, aged 68 years, Lundy Gardens, Inverlochy, Fort William. A loving wife to Jimmy, a treasured mum to Amanda, John and James, a wonderful granny to Archie, Ebony and Oliver, a dear relative and a good friend to many. RIP.

WALLACE – JACK

BELL – JIM

MCCROARY – ANNE

MACDONALD –ALEXANDER

1953 – 2023

(Caol)

Sadly, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Thursday 2nd February 2023, Alexander MacDonald (Sandy Meoble), aged 69 years, Kilmallie Road, Caol, Fort William. A dad to Karen, Lynne and Gary, brother to Ishy and Theresa and brother-in-law to Dons, grandfather, uncle, great uncle, neighbour and friend. RIP.

FINDLAY – SUSAN

1957 – 2023

(Caol)

ADDISON – JOHN

1953 – 2023

(Fort William)

Peacefully at home, on Saturday 28th January 2023, John Addison, aged 69 years, former forestry contractor. Beloved husband to Dorothy, a much loved dad to Deborah, Caroline and Susan, a caring grandad to Ben, Paige, Jessica, Megan, Martin and Ryan and a great grandad to Logan and Reuben. So greatly missed.

Peacefully, in the exceptional care of the C.A.U. at the Belford Hospital, Fort William, surrounded by her loving family, on Tuesday 7th February 2023, Susan Findlay, aged 66 years, Camaghael Road, Caol, Fort William, long serving Cook at Invernevis House for over 23 years. Beloved wife of Tam, a treasured mum to Barbara, Bud, Elaine and Lisa, a wonderful nana to Lauren, Eilidh and Katie, Thomas, Jason, Zara, Roxi and Charley, Erin, Josh, Rhys and Joey and Kyle and Alfie, and also an adored G G to Lilly, Archie and Rory, a caring big sister to Rhona, Mary, Wilma, Alison and Wattie, a much-loved mother-in-law, sister-in-law, auntie and a great friend to so many. Forever loved and missed.

Tam and all the family would like to express their sincere gratitude and thanks to all the staff in the C.A.U. – Belford Hospital and also Dr. John Wallace for the great care given to Susan during her illness and for the support given to the family during this difficult time.

Chosenforourcare

Jamie has been involved in the funeral industry since the age of 17. During this time he has gained a wealth of experience and knowledge in all aspects of funeral service. Jamie was born and brought up in Fort William and has extensive expertise on local traditions throughout Lochaber. He is also a fully qualified and accredited funeral director (Cert. F.P. M.I.F.D.C.) and these recognised qualifications were obtained through the Independent Funeral Directors College. Now in his 14th year of funeral directing, serving the communities of Fort William and Lochaber, providing families with the upmost dignity, respect and the highest standards of care.

Beth, also born and raised in Fort William has worked for the company for over 15 years running the busy office, attending call outs and all practical duties within the funeral home.

Before this Beth worked in the banking industry for 7 years and previous to that was a nursing auxiliary and care assistant in various hospitals and care homes from Aberdeen to Lochaber from leaving school. Since starting Beth has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in the funeral industry and now holds a licence to sell funeral plans and also looks after our headstone and memorial department.

We have an extensive team of 8 that work alongside us including, funeral directors, -call operatives and vehicle fleet managers that help us to provide Lochaber with our services that we dedicate to professionalism and excellence.

Highland Wildflower Project for primary schools

Iain Ferguson

High Life Highland Countryside Rangers are helping teachers and pupils make space for nature this spring by encouraging learning and creation of an increasingly rare habitat by advising on the planting of wildflowers in school grounds.

Primary schools will be able to book a local ranger to deliver outdoor sessions on wildflowers and the benefits they bring to us and wildlife.

Wildflower meadows have seen a decline of 97% since the 1930s and this is catastrophic for many species, especially the hundreds of pollinating insects relying on wildflower meadows for food.

Humans too rely on pollinators for the production of food, from fruit and vegetables to cereal crops, which is a very serious part of the message to raise awareness about the benefits of

wildflowers and help with the creation of more wildflower areas in the Highlands.

Ranger Paul Castle said that the reason for this being the team’s chosen education topic for 2023 is not just about reversing the negative trend in wildflower loss but also about recognising how joyous and vibrant a wildflower patch can be.

He said: “Seeing the colour of the flowers and hearing the sounds and sights of the wildlife that lives among them can really help lift the mood. We want to celebrate this as well as sharing our knowledge with as many children as possible by teaching them about biology, wildlife and conservation of wildflower meadows.

“We hope pupils will enjoy the uplifting benefits of spending time outside in this habitat for many years to come”.

In addition to sessions delivered in schools, teachers will have access to a host of activities and information online put together by the Countryside Ranger Service.

Highlife Wildlife Wildflowers Google Classroom will remain

available on the platform all year as a resource for teachers.

Just as with ranger-led sessions, the online material will cover subjects such as, how to create a wildflower patch, our heritage links with wild plants and the importance of wildflower meadows to wildlife and humans.

As part of both the Google Classroom and in-person wildflower schools project, Highland Primary school pupils will be invited to create a poem about wildflowers in English or Gaelic.

Forest plantings mark 10-year anniversary for UHI West Highland.

Iain Ferguson

While primary school children will be learning about creating wildflower gardens, ‘older’ learners will also be improving the natural environment by planting trees to mark the 10th anniversary of University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) West Highland.

Just as trees put down roots for nourishment and binding the soil together, UHI brings students from across the world together in nourishing learning and forming their own community.

Planting trees is also part of a “Future Forest” project in which students work with the Nevis Landscape Partnership (NLP) and estate owners such as Jahama Highland Estates and other local partners. Around 500 indigenous trees have been planted on sites that have been identified close to each of the 10 UHI centres around the West Highlands.

Due to the restrictions surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic the project took a little longer than planned but the final celebration planting in February saw a group of students brave heavy rain to create groups of hazel and oak broadleaf near the Lower Falls Car Park in Glen Nevis. Interpretive signs will also be installed to give more detail about the UHI West Highland Anniversary project.

Recently The Countryside Skills with Ranger Training course in which the students are involved gained a highly commended award in the

Employer Connections category at this year’s College Development Network Awards 2022, which recognise the talent, innovation and achievement demonstrated by colleges, their staff and their learners.

Other work in the glen includes the provision of additional car parking spaces, a service bus turning area and, importantly, the addition of public toilets which are already making a real contribution to improving the visitor experience and has helped in the mitigation of waste and litter being discarded in Glen Nevis.

Alvance British Aluminium has also recently involved staff and their families with the planting over 300 native trees in the area adjacent to the Lower Falls Car park and it looks -tforward to taking forward further native tree planting projects across the wider landholding.

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West Highland Way

commemorative pillars unveiled at the Devil’s Staircase

Iain Ferguson

The estimated 40,000-plus walkers who every year tackle the West Highland Way now have a new waypoint to mark their progress, with the installation of two oak pillars where the Devil’s Staircase joins the A82 in Glencoe.

Engraved with Celtic style artwork showing the de’il himself and the story of the ‘staircase’, the original intention was to unveil them in 2020 to mark the 40th anniversary of the popular route, but as with many events, the Covid pandemic put paid to this. This particular location was chosen as the top of this section is the highest point on the West Highland Way at 550m (1850ft) and lives infamously in

the memory of many a walker. The two-metre oak pillars, one on each side of the track were designed by renowned artist Claire MacLean and delicately hand carved by Simon Baker. They provide a good reason to stop ‘for a breath’ and admire the artwork, while also learning a bit of history.

On a typically wet and blustery day the pillars were officially unveiled by The Highland Council Lochaber Committee

chairperson Councillor Kate Willis, which was followed by a performance of the song Home Bird by Scottish singing duo The Laurettes.

Councillor Willis said: “The oak pillars are designed to complement the surroundings and pay homage to the mythical story of the Devil’s Staircase and I’m sure those passing by will enjoy seeing the pillars and reading the story about this extraordinary landscape, as much as the memories they will make and cherish whilst visiting the area. As a keen walker and advocate of the great West Highland Way, I was honoured to be invited to unveil the oak pillars to commemorate the 40th anniversary of its founding.”

Kinlochleven Men’s Shed is thankful!

Tony Walters

Lochaber Life’s December edition outlined the story of a struggling Lochaber charity desperate for funding to complete the start-up of its Men’s Shed. As a result of that article, potential funders have come forward to help them.

Tony Walters, secretary of the Kinlochleven Men’s Shed, has come back to the Community Connections column to update us on progress and convey their thanks.

“We are so grateful to Lochaber Life for making our plight known amongst the community and for the amazing response of partners that will now enable us to turn a dream into reality. A £1,000 Supporting Good Connections Grant from Age Scotland has enabled us to install the safety equipment vital to opening our doors to new members. In addition, the Scottish Men’s Shed Association and the Kinlochleven Community Benefits Scheme were also able to

support us in getting the project off the ground.”

Jo Cowan, community development officer Age Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to have been able to support Kinlochleven Men’s Shed in this way and at this crucial stage of development. Age Scotland continues to champion the benefits of men’s sheds, and it’s a real joy to see their progress.”

Tony explains the importance of having their own space: “Having our own building enables us to meet regularly and undertake personal and community projects. Three years in the making, we now have a men’s shed based at the end of Riverside Road, here in Kinlochleven. We are formally open from 10am every Tuesday and Thursday but you may find guys working at the shed on

other days of the week.

“Currently we are reshaping the building and are ready to widen activities to meet the needs of the men in our community. So, if you have a project that you want to complete, or just want a blether and a brew, then come along and explore what the men’s shed is all about. Men’s sheds are not just about building bird boxes and garden seats: in addition to workshops on simple cooking, awareness of men’s health issues and a repair café, we are planning days out to interesting places and involvement with other men’s activity in the area.”

You are guaranteed a warm welcome.

Contact

Caring for Loved One’s Place of Rest

Caring for the departed and remembering them at a special place is a tradition as old as the human race itself. It is also a tradition to make regular visits to the burial site, leaving flowers and on special occasions, other items of remembrance.

However, for various reasons it is not always possible for relations and friends to make the trip, either to place new tributes or to tidy up around the grave, which is exactly the service now on offer from Lochaber Grave Tending Services.

Founded and operated by local women Nicola MacIsaac and Patricia Rodger, they came up with the idea after discussing how often they both visited Glen Nevis and other cemeteries to tend their own family graves and noticed how others had been in need of attention for extended periods.

Having been asked on previous occasions by local elderly people no longer able make the journey to place flowers on graves and give it a ‘wee tidy up’ the pair are very much aware of the comfort it gave by just knowing that the grave of a loved one was not being neglected or forgotten.

On carrying out research they discovered that Grave Tending

businesses are well established in other areas, especially in cities, although virtually unknown in Scotland or the Highlands. They contacted some current operators who were very helpful in offering advice on how to set things up. They also intend to join the official body, the Association of Grave Tenders to gain further knowledge and as a further demonstration of quality of service.

Lochaber Grave Tending Services will be covering all cemeteries in the area offering a wide range of options from cleaning the headstone, tidying up the area of the grave, removing withered flowers or objects which have been damaged or no longer required, to placing new flowers

or other items of remembrance at the specific times required by their client. They will also provide before and after pictures to show what has been done.

Nicola said: “Many people want to make regular visits to the grave side but just can’t manage for a number of reasons. Other than not being physically able, they may live far away or even just not feel that they are emotionally not up to it.

“The services we are offering are well recognised and welcomed in other areas. We both have experience in dealing with vulnerable people and will handle every client with care and sensitivity”.

Rejoice! This year April brings Easter. A chocfest maybe just second to Christmas. At that season, kind people gave our children chocolate selection boxes. For the sake of their teeth, I would ration them. Sometimes ‘rations’ lasted almost until aunties and grans donated chocolate Easter eggs. That tradition persisted until last year, when the oldest auntie died.

They rolled them down the slope in the back garden on Easter Sunday after lunch.

This ancient tradition symbolised the stone being rolled from Jesus’ tomb. In our youth we celebrated it with hens eggs, hard boiled with onion skins to colour the shells, (and perhaps a Creme egg).

Traditions change. When did chocolate Easter bunnies enter the scene? This year shops are stocked with chocolate shapes, from rockets (eggsplorers?) to dogs. Who would want to roll the facsimile of a loved family pet down even a gentle grass slope? How would that symbolize anything to do with Easter?

Even the tradition of new Easter bonnets for church is out of fashion. We only wear woolly bonnets now to keep our heads warm. How many people still bake traditional Simnel cakes?

One tradition hasn’t changed. For over two thousand years Christians all over the world, who believe that Jesus died on a cross on Good Friday and three days later rose again, will celebrate at Easter. Not only in churches, but in hospitals, prisons, war and disaster zones (although probably without chocolate!) Please remember to pray for such suffering Christians and others helping in His name.

As St Paul wrote to the ancient Hebrews, before he too was killed by the Romans:

“God is there, ready to help, I’m fearless no matter what.

Who or what can get to me?

[The Message]

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Heb13.8)

Glory to his name!

Going, going, gone, as the former Corpach Paper Mill power houset bites the dust in a controlled explosion on April 30 2008. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, The Write Image

KNOCKOUT SUCCESSES FOR LOCHABER PHOENIX BOXING CLUB

Iain Ferguson

Lochaber Phoenix Boxing Club added another championship award to their long list, when 14-year-old Connor Bodkin won the Scottish Golden Gloves competition held over two weekends at the Ravenscraig Arena in Hamilton.

In his semi final bout Connor came up against British Champion Kian Tennant from Inch Boxing Club in Aberdeen, where his performance was so powerful that the referee stopped the match in the second round.

The final was held at the same venue the following weekend where he faced Finlay Smith from Glasgow Boxing Academy with Connor giving away over 10 kg to his opponent.

Round 1Connor and Finlay both started fast but Connor’s fitness and straight shots started to take over, giving him the round. Round 2 saw the same start again but with Connor starting to dominate at his pace also recording a convincing win. In

Round 3 Connor boxed to instruction from his corner with excellent jabs with one-two combinations and in and out boxing finished with a unanimous 5-0 points victory to be the new 2023, 80kg + Golden Glove Champion. Club coaches were particularly delighted at Connor’s performance as Connor has been with the club for under three years, travelling down from Invergarry with his 16-year-old brother Anton,

three nights a week, both showing tremendous dedication and commitment to training and the sport.

The club reached another major milestone when Emma Lauder received her qualification to become the first ever female boxing coach in Lochaber. Emma has been a full time active member of the club for over six years, in that time picking up coaching skills working with the junior section.

She successfully took part in courses run by Boxing Scotland, the official body of amateur boxing in Scotland, gaining the qualifications needed to become a fully recognised coach. She passed all with flying colours but, as with many things delays due to Covid, the long catch-up process has meant that the official certificate she earned a few years ago has just caught up with her.

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Lochaber Fight Team - a new force in Mixed Martial Arts

Iain Ferguson

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is becoming ever more popular worldwide, with dedicated sports channels, huge online following, mainstream programming, documentaries and even dramas. A few clubs have come and gone over the years, mainly dealing with a single type of action, but the newly formed Lochaber Fight Team, covering a wide range of disciplines, is already a force to be reckoned with.

Describing themselves as ‘‘a welcoming martial art community’’, training is already building up over three nights a week and some weekends in MMA, Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) which is coached by Eddie Lopez. Even at this early stage, demand has been so high that numbers have been limited, allowing the coach to get round the group and give advice.

To accommodate those who may just be starting out on their martial arts adventure, an eight-week ‘boot camp’ was organised under the direction of Coogie Potter, who runs a very successful MMA school in Oban. Many of the Fight Team organisers have been regular visitors to the Oban gym, which also offers instruction in cage fighting.

MMA enthusiasts Dean Cameron and Stewart MacMaster, who is also the Muay Thai coach, were the main protagonists in setting up the team, adding many years of experience in a range of disciplines to their keenness to pass on knowledge, while honing their own skills and further developing local interest.

Dean said: “I really enjoy many types of martial

arts and have been a member of the various clubs over the years, but finding a permanent home to set up the equipment and leave it was always a problem, which hopefully has now been solved with the assistance of Wolfhouse Gym.” The ‘team’ has set up its classes in a large space on the Annat Point Industrial Estate, next door to Lochaber Phoenix Boxing Club, making the area a centre of sports and fitness.

Open to males and females from age 14 years upwards, more information can be found on the Lochaber Fight Team Facebook page.