Northern Times Out & About

ARDGAY

Gearrchoille Community Wood:

The 20^th of May saw the GCWA’s Sixth Annual General Meeting take place in Ardgay Hall.  The Chairman explained that the Directors had spent the last year mainly working towards the planned wildlife pond and access improvements. The Treasurer, thanked everyone who had helped in any way with the Gearrchoille’s own fundraising efforts, but made special mention of Mr. Calder, Bonar Bridge Post Office; Mr Wemyss, Environmental Forestry, Ardgay and Mr. Waugh, Ardgay Game Ltd who between them had sponsored the 2010 Gearrchoille Calendar. It was also noted that the level of sales achieved had only been made possible due to the kind support of many local retailers.

It was reported that thanks to the sterling work of Matt Dent, the Highland Council Access Officer and Ardgay Quarry and Plant Services, the vast majority of the existing footpath through the woodland had been upgraded last year.

However, there is still one remaining section which needs attention.  The Directors were pleased to be able to announce that Awards for All Scotland have now granted the bulk of the finance necessary to improve this stretch of path and upgrade the adjacent burn crossing. It is hoped that the application currently lodged with the Achany Wind Farm Trust for the balance of the money required will be successful, enabling the work to be carried out this year.

To complete the whole of the circular footpath upgrade a new bridge needs to be installed, - the planning permission for this has been applied for with the help and support of Ardgay & District Community Council.  Funding for the bridge is currently being sought from the People’s Postcode Trust, and if the application is successful it is hoped that the work will be completed by the autumn.

It was also announced that the statutory permission for the habitat enhancement at the site of the old curling pond has now been received. The necessary funding has been secured from The Sutherland Partnership Environmental Fund; The North Childcare & Family Resources Partnership and the North, West and Central Sutherland Ward Discretionary Budget, and this work too should be completed by the autumn. The GCWA Directors thank everyone involved with the funding process in all of these organisations for their help and encouragement.

Each year at least one third of the current board of directors are required to either retire or stand for re-election. From the present board of Brigitte Geddes, Mairi Munro, Bill Stobo, David Hannah, George Ross (Heatherlea) and Rhonwen Copley the latter two both stood down and were subsequently re-appointed. Four new nominations - Betty Wright, Andy Wright, Hilda Buchanan and David Laver - had been received and all four were duly appointed, filling all the available places on the management team for the next twelve months.

After the formal business of the AGM was concluded everyone was invited to enjoy some light refreshments and compete in a Family Fun Quiz. The subjects ranged from name that tune, through questions about chocolate or kids’ TV to local knowledge; this also helped in identifying the locations pictured on the ‘where are we?’ photo-sheet. The team which eventually emerged triumphant from the closely contested quiz was ‘Billy’s Boys’.  It seemed a good evening had been enjoyed by all.

It is hoped that everyone who uses and cares for the woodland will continue to take advantage of the website, www.gearchoillecommunitywoodardgay.org.uk