As the rhyme goes in America, “Spring forward, Fall back” on the subject of the clocks changing with the seasons. However, the main thing to remember is that at 2am on the last Sunday in October (29th this year), the clocks go back one hour, so don’t be caught out. Just as you are coming to terms with this, two days later the barriers between worlds weaken and strange creatures take to the streets in celebration of All Hallows evening, otherwise known as Hallowe’en (p26). Sometimes likened by the uninitiated as sounding like an animal in pain, tremendous skill and talent on the bagpipes was also on display as a world-class line up of players who descended on Fort William for the annual and incredibly prestigious Lochaber Gathering (p20). So what can you do with that ‘extra’ hour you are about to get? How’s about setting it aside as Lochaber Life time! Good reading. Deagh leughadh. Iain
FRONT PAGE PHOTOGRAPH:
Young local pipers Allan MacLeod, Jamie Smith and Laura Robertson, who competed in the Junior section of the world-class Lochaber Gathering event. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos
Staff and contractors of Alvance
British Aluminium took to An Aird one Saturday afternoon, not for a game of shinty, but for a Family Fun day organised by the company as a thank you to them.
Around 180 adults and children braved what looked like a day of rain, to be pleasantly surprised when the sun occasionally broke through and the temperature stayed pleasantly warm throughout, allowing the many outdoor activities to go ahead.
Bouncy Castles and slides, miniature electric Landrover cars, along with copious supplies of bubbles, face painting and the chance to sit in a real fire engine made for much excitement amongst the youngsters, while for the (slightly) more grown up axe and spear throwing was a very popular challenge. Some real
heroes even took to the field in a five-a-side football competition. There were also lots of smiles when it came to the raffle prizes which were donated by many local businesses, with everything from a variety of overflowing hampers, vouchers and a signed Rangers Football top, to a signed sales award Snow Patrol disc and an iPad. However, the most sought-after prize by staff was winning an extra day to their annual leave.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of the donors the raffle raised over £2,500 which will be split evenly between two excellent causes, The Buzz Project and the Montrose Centre, Inverlochy.
Each October, classes S1-S3 depart their regular school timetable for a day to follow a series of health and wellbeing workshops. We have developed strong community links and work in partnership with Lochaber Hope, Lochaber Women’s Aid, West Highland UHI Mental health lecturers and High Life Highland. All groups volunteer
Yvonne M Clark PT HWB Lochaber High School workshops will focus on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) where pupils will have the opportunity to discuss the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of every child. If you are a community group or can contribute to any future Health and Wellbeing days, then it would be great to hear from you. Please look out for the LHS “all things wellbeing podcasts” which can be accessed via the online ‘Heads Up newsletter’.
their time and expertise for the events S5 and S6 Sports Leaders and mental health ambassadors also take responsibility for workshops where they lead and put into practice their skills as part of their National Progression Award qualifications.
This year
Citizens Advice Scotland has responded to the Energy Price Cap being set at £1,923 for direct debit customers and £1,949 for pre-payment consumers, David Hilferty, CAS Director of Impact, said: “Headlines around the price cap falling does not mean people are going to find it easier this winter, many people will face higher bills than last winter because support schemes have ended. “Meanwhile other households have had their financial resilience wiped out by 18
months of higher bills, costs and stagnant incomes. “These price increases haven’t happened in a vacuum. They have happened alongside higher costs for housing, fuel and the weekly shop and that has just ground people down. “Demand for advice across the Citizens Advice network shows people are turning towards commercial credit to cover essential costs, and a significant crossover between people needing energy advice and help with debt or food insecurity.
“People who are worried about money and bills can seek advice, starting with www. moneymap.scot which rounds up all your options to boost your income and cut your bills.” You can also call the Citizens Advice Scotland helpline on 0800 028 1456, visit our online information site https://www. citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/ or contact your local CAB, through their website www. lochabercab.org.uk. 01397 705311 (10am – 3pm Mon – Fri) or by email to advice@ lochabercab.org.uk.
•
225g self-raising flour
1 tablespoon demerara sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon mixed spice
50g cold butter, cut into pieces
1 tablespoon sultanas
1 generous tablespoon dark treacle
Approximately 75 ml full fat milk
•
Pre-heat oven 220C/Gas mark 7
Grease a non-stick baking tray.
Sieve the flour into a bowl.
Add the sugar, baking powder, salt and spices then mix. Add the butter and using your fingers lightly rub the butter into the flour to make a crumb.
Add the sultanas and mix through.
Use a spoon dipped in boiling water to measure out the treacle into a bowl.
Add the milk and stir to dissolve the treacle.
Add the liquid into the flour mix and use a fork to blend everything together. The dough should be quite soft and sticky.
Flour a work surface and gently flatten the scone mixture, shaping it into a circle with floured hands, about 2.5 cm thick.
Use a sharp knife to cut the round into 6-8 pieces and with a spatula lift each onto the baking tray.
Bake in the middle of the oven for 10-12 minutes until well risen.
Allow to cool a little before transferring onto a wire rack. Dip in lashings of black sticky treacle after stringing them up to play the game.
Gather friends and family together for what promises to be the ultimate party night of the season!
Top tribute band Abbamania provides entertainment with some of the biggest songs of the 70’s and 80’s – they’ll be sure to get the party going, and keep everyone on their feet! Alongside this, there will be a delicious seasonal buffet, along with a drink on arrival, a prize raffle, fun party games and surprises. The event is suitable for groups of all sizes, whether it’s a night out with friends, colleagues or a family get together!
When?
Saturday 9th December, with doors opening at 7.30pm.
How much?
£35.00 per person and includes all the entertainment, buffet and a drink on arrival.
How to book?
Visit www.neviscentre.co.uk/abbamania, click on the green button and pay £10pp deposit (balance required by the 2nd December)
When to book?
As soon as you can as this will be a very popular event!
Questions? - The staff are happy to answer any questions you may have or assist you with any particular requirements. They are more than happy to speak to you in person at the Centre or can reply via e-mails to info@neviscentre.co.uk.
1950 – 2023
(Fort William)
Peacefully, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on 28th July 2023, Ian Munro, aged 73 years, Alma Road, Fort William. A loving partner to Annie, a much loved brother to George and Alison, brother-in-law to Caroline and Andrew and a caring uncle. Sadly missed.
1928 – 2023
(Fort William)
Sadly, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Tuesday 1st August 2023, William McCormick, aged 94 years, Lady Margaret Drive, Corpach, Fort William. A loving dad to Steven and a much-loved relative. Sadly missed.
1941 – 2023
(Roy Bridge)
Peacefully, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Thursday 10th August 2023, William Charles Priest, known to all as Billy, former railway worker most of his working life and latterly Redcat, Fort William. A loving husband to Frances, brother to Josie, uncle to his many nieces and nephews, brother-in-law to Helen, a muchloved relative and friend. Sadly missed.
1984 – 2023
(Fort William)
Tragically, following a mountaineering accident on Aonach Eagach Ridge, Glencoe, on Sunday 6th August 2023, David Iain Fowler (Dave), aged 39 years, Kincardine Place, Fort William. A loving partner to Seonaid, beloved son to Kate and Colin, a much loved brother, uncle, brother-in-law, relative and a very good friend to many. So greatly loved and missed.
10 Battlefield Crescent, Inverlochy, Fort William PH33 6NB Tel (24 Hour): 01397 701110
www.mansonandmacbeath.co.uk
1927 – 2023
Peacefully, at home in Inverroy, surrounded by her family, on Friday 4th August 2023, Mary Toal (MacInnes), aged 95 years, a devoted wife to the late Pat, a loving mum to Joe, John, Charlie, Archie, Catherine, Vincent, Rita, Bernard, Veronica, a doting granny to Sean, Kathleen, Angus, Brian, Daniel, Robert, Duncan, Hannah, a dear sister, mother-in-law, aunt, great aunt and friend to many near and far. RIP.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.
1935 – 2023
Sadly, but peacefully in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Wednesday 9th August 2023, Sheila Shadwell, aged 87 years. Devoted wife to the late Norman, a wonderful mum to Jane and Andrew, a wonderful granny to Jamie, Robert, Duncan, Alasdair, Jessica, Natalie, and a friend to so many. So sadly missed.
1938 – 2023
Suddenly but peacefully, in the care of Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, on Tuesday 15th August 2023, Adam Alastair MacIntyre (Ali Co-op), aged 85 years, Riverside Grove, Lochyside, Fort William. Beloved husband of the late Margaret, a treasured dad to Pauline, Nicola and father-in-law to Andrew, a loving Gaga to Ali, Michael and Franchesca, a much loved brother, uncle, relative and a good friend to many. A true highland gentleman, so greatly loved and missed. RIP.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
1937 – 2023 (Moidart)
Peacefully, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Monday 7th August 2023, Harriet MacRae (Hettie), aged 86 years. Beloved wife of the late Farquhar, loving mum to Farquhar, Helen, Alasdair and Belinda, a much-loved grannie, great grannie, sister and a good friend of many. Greatly missed.
1931 – 2023
(Kinlochleven)
Sadly, at home, surrounded by her loving family, on Thursday 3rd August 2023, Margaret Downie, aged 91 years, Loch Eilde Road, Kinlochleven. A devoted wife to the late Alister, a loving mum to Marianne, Calum and Niall, and a special mother-in-law to Bob and the late Cilla, a wonderful granny to all her grandchildren, a caring sister to Anne and Philip, and much loved friend to many. RIP.
1944 - 2023
It is with great sorrow the family announce Andrew unexpectedly passed away at home in Artoe, Acharacle, Scotland in the sunroom with its view over Kentra Bay which he loved so much. Loved and adored by his wife Margaret, he will be sadly missed by brothers John and William (Bill), nephew Andy and family, brother-in-law Mike and family and all who knew him.
1966 – 2023
(Plantation)
Suddenly and unexpectedly, at the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Tuesday 22nd August 2023, Ronald Morrison (Ronnie), aged 57 years, Kennedy Road, Plantation, Fort William. A loving partner to Linda, a treasured dad to Allan and Jamie, a much-loved brother, uncle, nephew, relative and a good friend to many. So greatly loved and missed.
1937 – 2023
(Caol)
Sadly but peacefully, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, with her loved ones by her side, on Monday 21st August 2023, Evelyn Morrison (Effie), aged 86 years, Camesky Road, Caol, Fort William, retired head housekeeper of the former Stags Head Hotel, Fort William. A loving mum to Donald, Sandra, Ronnie and Thomas, a much loved mother-in-law, granny, great granny, sister and a good friend to many. Forever in our hearts.
1978 – 2023
(Inverlochy)
Passed peacefully, with his loving family by his side, in the care of Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, Karlson Fjortoft, aged 45 years. A much loved dad of Chole, beloved son to Jennifer and Karl, a loving brother to Gavin and Kevin, a caring uncle to Liam, Ryan, Ceryn, Kaidyn, Kaylen, Kenzy and Angel, a much loved relative and friend to so many. Forever loved and missed.
1971 – 2023
(Glenfinnan)
Sadly, following a short illness, on Friday 9th July 2023, William Robert Duncan Finnan Grant, known to all as Billy, aged 51 years, formerly of Glenfinnan. A treasured son of Mary and Willie Grant, beloved husband to Ann, a wonderful dad to Emily and William, a loving brother to Julie, a much loved uncle, nephew, brotherin-law and a good friend to many. Forever loved and missed.
1981 – 2023
(Strontian, formerly of Mallaig)
Suddenly and unexpectedly at home, on Sunday 20th August 2023, Colin Stephen, aged 42 years. Beloved son of the late Ian and Ann, a treasured brother to Clare, a loving grandson to Helen Kennedy, adored uncle to Ryan and Kiera, a much-loved nephew to Helen and Shirley, and a very good friend to so many. So greatly loved and missed. RIP.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
1998 – 2023
(Caol)
Suddenly and unexpectedly at home, on Wednesday 2nd August 2023, Samuel Nixon, aged 24 years, Lundy Gardens, Inverlochy, Fort William (formerly Caol). A loving son to Libby and Andrew and stepson to Shaun and Anastasia, a loving brother to Dan and Millie, a caring grandson to Tam and Mamie, a much loved nephew, cousin, relative and a good friend to so many. So sadly missed and forever loved.
Lochaber Piping Society held its hugely popular annual “Lochaber Gathering” solo piping competition in Fort William at the end of August, attracting top players from Canada, the USA, New Zealand and Australia as well as many parts of Scotland in both its Junior and Senior competitions.
A total of 35 Senior and 21 Junior competitors entered, with the society providing the Seniors with 7 events and the Juniors with 8 events, while 8 Adjudicators took care of the judging. Lochaber Piping Society members and friends worked efficiently as a team to organise, administer and steward the event, all with traditional Lochaber patience and humour throughout the long day.
Senior events were generously hosted by The
Highland Cinema, with the two screen areas being used in addition to the outdoor performance area in Cameron Square, which protected competitors from sun and rain, while putting on a fantastic display for visitors to the town.
The Junior competitions were held in the Fort William Kilmallie Church Halls , with many of the young competitors taking the chance to visit the Square between their own sets to watch experienced players in action. The intention was that Juniors would also perform outside on a podium in the
Parade, but bad weather meant that these events had to take place in the church hall.
In Cameron Square the seniors played their 6-8 March and hornpipeand jig selections to a very appreciative audience who spurred them on to really ‘strut their stuff’ in front of the judges. This performance area is also ideal for the passing public to relax on the seating areas with a snack from local businesses and listen for free to some of the finest players in the world perform.
Inside the cinema, battle was being fought for honours in
piobaireachd and light music playing, all to the highest standard. Local players were far from outstaged with fine performances in the Senior events by locals Andrew Orr (Fort William) and Sandy and Finlay Cameron (Inverlair), who fought their corners ably amongst strong competition from the overseas and other Scots, with Sandy winning the Clydesdale Bank Cup for march, Strathspey and reel.
In the Junior sections, Laura Robertson (Inverlochy), Allan MacColl and Jamie Smith (both Fort William) also gave much applauded performances, with Laura taking the cup for her playing in the 16-18 years march. While these local players are very talented, Lochaber Piping Society would really like to see many more young players coming forward to improve their playing and repertoire through
competition. This event, right in the centre of Fort William has proved to be an important addition to Lochaber’s calendar, with its international twist adding to the strong cultural importance of piping in the Highlands. The interest in the competition from the public who would otherwise just have passed through the High Street, was very evident.
World renowned professional traditional musician, Ewen Henderson made a great job of welcoming competitors to the performance area in Cameron Square, as well as keeping the large numbers of spectators informed and entertained, while his father, Allan, conducted the Senior prizegiving at the conclusion of the event. Piping Society stalwart Isabel MacPhee presented the awards to the Juniors.
Generous prize money
and awards were perhaps overshadowed by the outstanding craftsmanship of Kirriemuir jeweller Gordon Ewan who produced the unique and impressive Lochaber Gathering medal as well as the exquisite Gold, Silver and Bronze Lochaber Axe kiltpins also on offer as prizes.
The main sponsors of the Gathering were The Moidart Trust, The PF Charitable Trust, The Mackintosh Foundation and Bidwells, and their continued support is vital and much appreciated.
A new group has been set up in Appin/Duror/Kentallen with the aim of conserving, enhancing and restoring the environment, especially along the coastal areas. The name MacColl (Marine and Coastal Conservation of Loch Linnhe) was chosen not only as a suitable acronym, but also to reflect the history and heritage of the area.
After some deliberation the steering committee came up with ‘MacColl’, based on research by renowned historian, Professor Jim Hunter, who himself was born and brought up in Ivy Bank, Duror, and whose mother used to run the Post Office. Latterly this was operated by Innes and Agnes MacColl. Innes was also a member of the last family in Duror whose relatives stretched back to the Appin Murder and Jacobite Rebellion era. Agnes is now the oldest born-and-bred resident of Duror.
Professor Hunter has shown that MacColl was easily the most common surname not just in Duror but in the wider Fasnacloich-Appin-DurorBallachulish area for several centuries until the arrival of the Stewarts in the Middle Ages.
Proposed activities have been drawn up through conversations with local residents, but are not set in stone as the hope is that more of the community will engage with the project, giving the committee even more fantastic ideas!
So far proposals under consideration are to conserve, enhance and restore areas of the coast and marine environment. They are very interested in sea wilding which is currently being researched by a member of the steering committee.
• Also to examine opportunities to map and track past, present and future wild fish movements and patterns of migration.
• To explore opportunities for community asset transfer of coastal land owned by Forest Land Scotland, and investigate opportunities for extending the Atlantic Rainforest to the coast.
• Help to connect people to the sea and raise awareness of the health benefits of Blue Spaces through increased public understanding and raise awareness of the importance of community stewardship of our coastal and marine environment.
• Look at opportunities
for sustainable economic development such as community sea crofts, and new opportunities for small scale local business related to marine tourism.
• Create interpretation and information boards and materials to promote sustainable tourism, and raise awareness of protecting our coastal nesting birds and wildlife. This could include possible wildlife hides.
• Mapping and scoping flora and fauna both land and sea.
• Develop educational opportunities for all, working in partnership with schools,, colleges and other community groups and undertake Citizen Scientist activities locally.
• Embed the rich culture and history into all our work and look at the potential for producing local ‘booklets’.
For more information go to the MACOLL social media page.
“We are so high in the sky, shining so bright, incredibly shiny, fantastically bright” was a line sung by my daughter and her class in a school Christmas show many years ago. However, the words very much apply to Fort William in the present day as a whole range of ‘bright and shiny’ aircraft pass over us, high (and sometimes low) in the sky every day.
You don’t have to be an aviation enthusiast to notice their passage and people regularly look up when they see the contrails (white, fluffy lines) left by engines, or even the engine noise. Depending on the weather and where flights originate, Lochaber is often directly under many of the busy air corridors along which aircraft fly, with specific rules of distance both horizontally and vertically to ensure safety.
Iceland is often the destination for aircraft leaving Europe to fly over us and it is often easy to pick out the aircraft with blue/white bodies and two yellow engine nacelles under the wings. These are operated
by the national airline of that country “Icelandair’. These are mainly Boeing 757 aircraft first introduced in1983 and are now getting quite ‘rare in the air’. Another much newer, but equally rare as a passenger plane, is the Boeing 747-8 series. A new development of the four-engined 1960s giant which made air travel more affordable for all, it has new more efficient wings and engines but didn’t catch on with airlines, who prefer to use even more fuel efficient twin engined planes. However, German carrier Lufthansa operate a few of the new 747-8 and these can be seen in our skies on their way to North American destinations.
In April another rarity crossed Lochaber in the form of the giant Antonov 124 ‘Russlan’ cargo plane. Built in Ukraine and originally
designed for the Russian military, it is now operated by a civilian company as a hauler on very large and heavy loads of up to 150 tonnes.
The world’s largest passenger plane the Airbus A380 is also a Lochaber ‘frequent flyer’, usually carrying around 555 passengers in three classes, or 853 in all economy configuration. It is easily recognisable with huge wings and four engines, often with the name of the airline quite visible along the underside.
Next time you hear the distant roar of engines, have a look and see if it is one of these shiny passers by.
Ghosts, ghouls and things that go bump in the night, or even knock on your door on 31st October in search of sweets and treats – it has to be Hallowe’en. Fantastic costumes, many cleverly conceived and made is a big part of the tradition, as is ‘guising’, going round the doors of neighbours and performing a song, poem or joke in turn for sweets or even fruit.
Hallowe’en parties, when they take place usually involve more traditional ‘sports’, such as ‘dookin’ for apples and trying to bite treacle scones hanging on a string, or it perhaps used to be. With the influence of American television and films, many children now think of this as ‘Trick or Treat’, with no entertainment offered at all.
On its origins, Hallowe’en is thought to have its roots in the Festival of Samhain which marked the end of the harvest and darker nights of winter. It was also regarded as the time when the barriers between worlds was weakest when spirits and fairies could more easily move into our existence.
Dressing up was a custom based on disguising yourself to look more like one of them so you
wouldn’t be recognised and taken back to the other world when they departed. As with many tales of folklore, the true and what was considered a very serious reason has now, as you can see from the images here, become a lot of fun and great excuse to have an extraordinary party.
Bill and family would like to thank everyone for their cards, prayers and expressions of sympathy. A very special thanks to the wonderful staff of the Belford hospital for their excellent care. Our thanks also to the Reverend Amanda Fairclough for the beautiful service in St Brides Church, North Ballachulish. The family would also like to thank McLellan Funeral Directors for their kind support throughout. Retiring offerings were made to Cancer Research UK in memory of Gail.
All of Carol’s family would like to express their gratitude for the kindness and sympathy they received from neighbours and friends, upon her illness and death. Thank you to McLellan’s who brought Carol back from Ipswich to Fort William. A special thank-you to Laura Gillespie of the Humanist Society who gave a lovely tribute on behalf of Carol. Much appreciation to all who travelled and attended the funeral at McLellan’s funeral home in Fort William. Carol was laid to rest at Glen Nevis cemetery.
John and Eilidh’s brothers and sister, and their families, wish to thank everyone who attended the funeral Mass and for the many kind expressions of sympathy, prayers, Mass cards, flowers and support received. A special thank you to Bishop Joseph Toal and to the other priests that took part in the Requiem Mass at St Margaret’s RC Church in Roy Bridge on 17th August 2023. Thanks also to other participants, including St Margaret’s choir, soloist Faye MacKinnon, and Iain Macfarlane for fiddle playing. Appreciation to piper Sean Cameron for his talented playing and to Charlie Toal for attending to the grave at Cille Choirill. Thanks also to McDonald Bros Florist for floral arrangements, and Farmstead Fayre for catering arrangements at the Roy Bridge Memorial Hall. Thanks is also extended to John McLellan Funeral directors for the their professional and considerate services. A total of £800 was raised in Eilidh’s memory for the Highland Hospice and for Mary’s Meals.
Ivars passed away at home unexpectedly on 8th August 2023. He was a much loved Dad for Rita and Edgars. A private funeral has taken place on behalf of Ivars and his cremated remains will now be taken to his home town in Latvia by his family.
Anne, Una and all the Nieces and Nephews of Maisie would like to express their sincere thanks for the kind words and messages of sympathy received, following the recent passing of Maisie.
Thanks also to the staff at Moss Park for their compassion and attentive care. Thank you to McDonald Bros for the lovely floral arrangements.
Sincere appreciation to Father David and for officiating at the mass in St David’s church.
In his career Pete O’Neill served as Chief Executive Officer of Golden Charter Funeral Plans.
However, it is Pete’s view that the best funeral plan available in the UK is Open Pre-paid Funeral Plans. A major difference with Open pre-paid funeral plans is that unlike some other funeral plan providers ALL the funds paid by the member are invested at the outset. No deductions or administration fees are deducted from the initial sum paid.
Pete was also one of the founding members of the Funeral Planning Authority, and he remains very committed to regulation, compliance and protection for members funds. The direct government regulation of funeral plans by the FCA was a welcomed change for the funeral planning profession in the UK.
For more information on Open Prepaid Funeral Plans open the link below: www.openprepaidfunerals.co.uk/prepaid-funeral-plans/fd/3253
For well over two decades now, groups and individuals have used the pages of Lochaber Life to connect with the community, let folk know what’s happening and how they can get involved. My main motivation in keeping this page going is that so much information has receded online –particularly to Facebook – where digitally excluded folk can’t access it. This magazine is a great way of reaching people who aren’t online.
In my Highland Senior Citizens Network role, when the pandemic forced people even further from
the information they needed, I collaborated with Nevis Radio to air a weekly community radio slot. The On-Air Community Coffee Morning allowed those not online a chance to connect while they weren’t able to get out.
Karin McKay from Highland Council Tenant Participation Team came on board at an early stage and provided a connection for local residents’ and tenants’ groups. The show survived post-Covid – although we’ve changed its name to Community Connections, and it’s now a two-hour show once a month.
So, if you want to reach the whole community, and
to include people who aren’t online, please keep using Lochaber Life, local newspapers and community magazines, and Nevis Community Radio.
If you would like to share your story on this page, to record an interview for the monthly Community Connections radio show, or even to request your favourite “cheery tune” on the next month’s show, please do get in touch! You can call me on 07933 653585, e-mail: jo-hscn@ outlook.com, or write to Jo Cowan, Community Connections, Nevis Radio, Unit 4a Ben Nevis Industrial Estate, Fort William, PH33 6PR.
October looms. Are you looking forward to a holiday during the school break? But after that:-
‘Hallowe’en is coming, The geese are getting fat, Please put a penny in the old man’s hat.
If you haven’t got a penny a ha’penny will do.
If you haven’t got a ha’penny God bless you!’
Children, dressed up for the occasion, said this old rhyme, holding a turnip lantern for
light, as they visited their neighbours for small change or sweets.
You may know that Hallowe’en is short for “All Hallow’s Evening”, which precedes All Saints’ Day on 1st November. This was introduced by an 8th century bishop to distract from/replace the old Celtic festival Samhein. That was the end of summer/ return of departed spirits season!
Children were dressed up to disguise and protect them from visiting spirits of the dead! Hence ‘guisers’. We always enjoyed ‘dressing up’ and had no idea we were following an ancient pagan tradition. Nowadays children have pumpkins – bigger and softer to carve than a turnip. (We can be eco-friendly, by turning
the carved out flesh into soup, and find a compost bin for the discarded lantern!)
Perhaps, like me, your spirit sags as Sunday 29th October approaches. Summer time ends. Dark evenings come in. We do get one ‘extra’ hour in bed, but Jesus reproached his disciples for sleeping, sagging spirits. In the garden of Gethsemane, as Jesus prayed, agonising over his impending cruel death, he returned to his accompanying disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “How is it you three were not able to watch with me even for one hour? Keep watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
(Matthew 26.41)
Let’s pray for a spirit willing to get up and go on dark days.
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Lochaber Music for All is a small music club which hosts five professional concerts a year, with careful programming to provide for a wide variety of musical styles and tastes with the emphasis being on high quality classical, traditional and jazz concerts.
The concerts are heavily subsidised by Chamber Music Scotland which allows costs to be kept at a minimum –only £10 an adult and free for under 18s – represent really good value for money, as the same events with the same performers held in cities can cost up to six or even eight times more.
However, falling numbers in attendance are pushing the organisation to the point where they are considering winding up after a long history of providing entertainment and encouragement to local musicians and potential musicians who have gained inspirations from watching topclass professional musicians in their own ‘back yard’.
Founded almost 50 years ago by music teacher David Maitland, the group have held four or five concerts per year, in easy-to-access venues. They are also of a size where no one is too distant to see the movement of instrumentalists
or to enjoy fully immersive sound of their performance.
One of the organisers, Clare Reynolds said: “These concerts are incredible value for money and bring some extremely talented musicians to the area, rather than, as all too often in the case, people here in the Highlands having to travel to experience such entrainment.
“This season is no exception, with some perhaps more ‘unusual’ but no less brilliant concerts to come and enjoy.”
Local musicians also have the opportunity to showcase their talents in a varied programme throughout the year, with the first concert this season being held on September 22, featuring the Megan Henderson Trio,
who have featured widely in venues across the world, not to mention regular television appearances.
After this the programme continues, mainly in Kilmallie Free Church, Caol, with events once a month until March (except December), with numerous music styles including a group featuring tuba and euphonium in a varied creative output, Celtic, and a trio bringing ‘The Golden Age of Hollywood’.
To quote the well used phrase “Use it or lose it”, Clare invites everyone to have a look at their forthcoming events and to come along.
Contact Clare Reynolds at Lochabermusicforall@gmail. com
Last of the summer colour in flowers and butterfly, but where?
LAST MONTH: Braveheart car park.
Iain Ferguson
Long before the hype of the Ladies Football World Cup a group of girls dedicated to the sport had formed in Kinlochleven and were training regularly as the South Lochaber Thistle Ladies team.
Unfortunately with the demise of South Lochaber Thistle Football Club they were left without a future. However, not to be beaten, a few members contacted Fort William FC asking if they would be interested in forming a ladies section.
Team coach, Sarah Riddle said: “I had coached many of the girls at Caol School, who then progressed to SLT Ladies.
“I knew that two members of the team had reached out to Fort William Club off their own back and I followed up on this at the Fort William Youth annual awards evening (boys U12, U14 and U16) where my son plays for the U14s.
The host, Fort’s senior manager spoke of the importance of
football to the boys, describing it as a safe place that never stops, which was the perfect segway for me to approach the coaches directly and ask about a girls’ team”.
After a discussion with the head of Fort FCs Youth Development, Danny Conlon, preparations for forming a female team began, leading to an open night in mid August which attracted around 20 potential players.
Former SLT Ladies team coach Roman Kondziela and Kerry Dodds joined Sarah to complete the line-up of coaches who will now go on to take further Scottish Football Association (SFA) development courses.
Plans for this year include structuring a number of friendly
games with interest from Mallaig, Oban, Nairn and Lochgilphead, allowing the girls valuable playing time to develop skills further.
SFA funding is also be sought and local sponsorship is also being explored to ensure the success of the team.
Sarah said: “We had a super turn-out for our first training session, with great engagement with the young team and we are keen to encourage more interested players between the ages of 13 and 16 to join us, learn new skills and have fun.”
For further information message the Fort William Youth Football Club social media page or contact Sarah Riddle on 07747 841237.
