South Cowal Community
Festival 2014
th th 10 May to 18 May
Promoted by South Cowal Community Council See our new Facebook page www.facebook.com/southcowalcommunityfestival
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As this is being written, the sun is shining and spring is definitely in the air. Just let’s hope that this is still the case when the third South Cowal Community Festival takes place! Whilst nothing can be done about organising the weather, organising a local festival is another matter. Many organisations, groups and individuals have combined once again to make up a wide variety of events which it is hoped will appeal to people of all ages. Some old favourites are there by special request but some new experiences have been added too. Read through this booklet and find out about the ones which appeal to you! For the first time, we are on FaceBook, look on www.facebook.com/southcowalcommunityfestival for more information and updates of all events. It has to be said, however, that by far the biggest event of all in South Cowal this year will be the proposed Community Buy Out of the Castle Toward Estate. See their website www.savecastletoward.com for more information.
Purely by coincidence, voting on this once in a lifetime opportunity starts on the same day as the Festival so, of course, our first event will be held there. Take this opportunity to go through the mansion house, walk around the estate and then, if you are a South Cowal resident, make your opinion of the Buy Out clear by voting at the ballot bus which will be out there for the occasion. Don’t forget to bring your special voting card with you! Dates, times and venues for the location of the ballot bus will be sent along with your unique voting card so if you miss the bus on Saturday don’t worry as it will be around until voting closes at Innellan Village Hall on Friday evening. South Cowal Community Council hopes that you will enjoy the activities and be impressed by the variety of opportunities available in this part of the world.
Have Fun!
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Sandy Beach development
South Cowal Community Council was delighted to be awarded a grant of £3000 from the Bank of Scotland recently for the purpose of providing exercise and play equipment at Sandy Beach. An area has been identified and discussions have started with Argyll & Bute Council about this exciting joint project. Further fund-raising will be required, and we invite anyone who would be interested in working on this project to come along to a meeting of South Cowal Community Council. SCCC's meetings are normally held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm in Innellan Village Hall. The next meeting following the Festival will be on 11th June.
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th Saturday 10 May
Open Day Castle Toward Estate
12 to 4pm. SCCDC are delighted to offer tours around this magnificent manor house and estate which is the subject of a Community buyout proposal. The afternoon will include a display by Glasgow School of Art students. Architecture students were recently invited to submit their designs and suggestions to sustain the estate as a Community asset. The resulting portfolios form part of the students' coursework but also are an interesting perspective on how Castle Toward Estate could be developed and maintained for the future. Proposal document from SCCDC official architect, John McAslan will also be available for perusal. Several rooms will be available to view. Alyson Dawes will run Art activities for children. Free parking. Tearoom in the original dining room. Unfortunately, disabled access is limited. No charge for admission to Castle Toward. The Ballot Bus will be at Castle Toward today from 12 to 4pm - bring your ballot card and be among the first to cast your vote.
Junior Disco, P1 to P7 Innellan Public Hall DJ Gareth Blair 5.30pm to 7.30pm £1 admission to include juice and crisps The Parent Councils of Innellan and Toward Primary Schools extend a warm welcome to all local children and invite them to come with their pals and make new friends. Thanks to Innellan Public Hall Trustees for funding the DJ for this event.
Check out our FaceBook page for more information and updates on all events www.facebook.com/southcowalcommunityfestival
Innellan and Toward Family Centre (LOGO) Home of Sunbeams Nursery – Childcare and Pre-school Education for 2-5 year olds. Tiddlers Parent and Toddler Group, New families always welcome, Nursery places available Tel: 07769 174343 E-Mail [email protected] www.spanglefish.com/innellanandtowardfamilycentre
Page 3 th Sunday 11 May
Pet Show Innellan Public Hall Doors open 2.30pm, judging starts from 3.00pm Lots of fun classes for dogs. Cats, Rabbits, small furry animals, other interesting pets also welcome. Entrance fee 50p/pp - accompanied children free. Pets - 50p per class entered. All pets are the responsibility of the owner and must be kept under control at all times, eg dogs on leads, cats and small animals in suitable carriers.
Open Gents Triple Bowls Competition Innellan Bowling Club Shore Road, Innellan Names to be submitted by 5th May Info from: [email protected]
Songs of Praise Innellan (Matheson) Church 6.30pm All Welcome
Heritage walk with Margaret Hubbard Innellan (Matheson) Church This will start from Innellan Church at approx 7.30 after Songs of Praise. The walk will take approx 1.5 hours and will cover the area associated with the churches of Innellan, to end at Innellan Public Hall for refreshments.
Booking recommended, phone 01369 830793 to book a place £5, includes refreshments Proceeds to Innellan Public Hall
Check out our FaceBook page for more information and updates on all events www.facebook.com/southcowalcommunityfestival
Have you visited us yet in the newly refurbished OSBORNE HOTEL, Shore Road, Innellan? Enjoy a gourmet meal in our conservatory diningroom, with fantastic views over the Clyde. Sit outside on the Terrace, or enjoy a drink in the cosy, welcoming bar. Meals every day Tel 01369 830820, booking recommended.
Page 4 Innellan Public Hall Archive Project A project was started in 2010 to celebrate the belated centenary of Innellan Public Hall and to discover the history of Innellan. As so many local people shared their stories and family histories, it was decided to produce a series of books to provide a village record which is unique in Scotland. 3 books are currently available, priced at £7.50 each and available at various local outlets. The 4th book looks at the early settlement of Innellan, and will be available for purchase in November 2014. There will be a preview exhibition in June in Innellan Public Hall.
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South Cowal Community Development Company (SCCDC) A Scottish registered charity SC044716 www.savecastletoward.com
The South Cowal Community Development Company has been set up by members of this community to acquire the Castle Toward Estate from Argyll and Bute Council, in order to preserve and restore it for the benefit of the local and wider communities. By taking advantage of this opportunity, the community would gain the privilege of its public use for the first time, providing a fantastic environment for local families and visitors alike to enjoy this splendid estate. Plans are in hand to ensure that Castle Toward is a commercially viable proposition, and in time it is hoped that is will support a significant number of jobs for local people.
This is a massive undertaking, and we are fortunate to have a team of local people and national organisations who are experienced in this type of project. At time of printing, a ballot is being prepared to ascertain if residents of South Cowal truly wish the SCCDC to proceed with the Buyout proposal. An Open Day at Castle Toward is being held as the Festival opening event, so why not come along and see what all the fuss is about!
The ballot will close on Friday 16th May, and voting slips can be returned by dropping them in to the special Ballot Bus which will be parked at various points around South Cowal between 10th and 16th May. Please make sure you have your say on this extremely important local issue.
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Art exhibition Original works of Art by members of the Pier Art Club will be exhibited in the Innellan Public Hall between 12th and 17th May. These can be viewed when the hall is open during other events. Some works can be purchased and you can meet some of the artists at their regular meeting on Wednesday morning in the Public Hall.
Check out our FaceBook page for more information and updates on all events www.facebook.com/southcowalcommunityfestival
Page 5 th Monday 12 May
Watch Group Innellan Primary School Come to the School at 2.00pm and join the children of Innellan Primary for a walk which will take in some of the local and natural history around the School and Golf Course area. Wellies and waterproofs recommended. No charge. Please phone the School on 01369 830560 to book a place.
Innellan Tennis Club Children are welcome for a coaching session. All equipment provided. Age 8 to 11 - 5 to 6.30pm Secondary school age – 6.30 to 8pm Suitable sports clothing and shoes require to be worn.
Rag Rug Workshop Innellan Public Hall 7 till 9pm, with refreshments Creative recycling for all with Alyson Dawes An introduction to the old village art of rag rugging with a quick and easy approach to turning old clothes and fabrics into works of art. A fabulous family activity. Suitable for all ages. £5 pp (£1 children), includes all materials and use of tools.
Check out our FaceBook page for more information and updates on all events www.facebook.com/southcowalcommunityfestival
'Pleased to support the community of South Cowal' Velvet Path Riding and Trekking Centre, South Campbell Road, Innellan, Tel: 01369 830580 Beach and forest rides for experienced riders Pony Trekking and lessons for beginners Specialist in Riding for the Disabled
'XYZ' – A Creative Company Brand Design, Web Design, Print Design Illustration and Project Management Website: www.xyandz.co.uk E-Mail: [email protected] Tel: 07789 518247 'Wishing South Cowal a successful Festival'
Page 6 th Tuesday 13 May
Ballot Bus - Newton Park, 12 to 2pm, 4 to 6pm
Riding for the Disabled Velvet Path Trekking Centre
Cowal Nordic Walking Association Toward Primary School Taster session, meet at 3.30pm Acessible for all ages and fitness levels. If you can walk, you can learn to Nordic Walk. Wear suitable walking clothing and footwear, poles will be provided. Tel 07554 322296m E-mail [email protected] Please phone or e-mail for more information and to book a space.
Heritage Walk with Margaret Hubbard. Start at Sandy Beach, finish at Innellan Public Hall, where refreshments will be available. Theme – the Victorian Development of Innellan, including discussion of the geology and landscape of the area. Start time 7.15pm. Booking recommended, phone 01369 830793 to book a place Cost £5, includes refreshments Proceeds to Innellan Public Hall
Family Fun BINGO Innellan Primary School Fun for all ages, Doors open 6.15pm Entrance £2, includes Refreshments. Raffle
Innellan Bowling Club – Wappenschaw Open 6.30, on green 7pm (weather permitting) Visitors welcome – please wear flat-soled shoes. Info from: [email protected]
Check out our FaceBook page for more information and updates on all events www.facebook.com/southcowalcommunityfestival
Wishing South Cowal another successful Festival Page 7 th Wednesday 14 May
Ballot Bus- Arran Park 11am to 1pm and 5 to 6pm, Dalriada Grove 2 to 4pm
Innellan Public Hall The Pier Art club meets at 10am. Everyone is welcome to have a go, and to meet the artists who are displaying their work in the Hall between 12th and 17th May. Original artwork for sale.
Mudskippers, run by Tenterhooks (Cowal-based Arts Charity) Toward Woods and Beach, 10.30am to 12.00 Outdoor adventure group for children 0 - 5 with their carers, to ignite children's imaginations and promote creative play. More info see tenterhooks.org Phone Diane Thornton on 07970 421094 for directions Funded by the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund
SWRI AGM Innellan Public Hall 2pm to 5pm New members welcome If you would like more information about SWRI please contact Margaret Malcolm on 01369 830457 or Maggie Singleton on 01369 830487.
Heritage Walk with Margaret Hubbard. See Tuesday's entry for walk details. Start time 2pm. Booking recommended, phone 01369 830793 to book a place Cost £5, includes refreshments Proceeds to Innellan Public Hall
Beetle Drive Toward Primary School All welcome, doors open 6.15pm
Innellan Bowling Club Green is open 2 to 4pm for anyone who would like to try their hand at bowling. All equipment provided, flat shoes required.
Check out our FaceBook page for more information and updates on all events www.facebook.com/southcowalcommunityfestival
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Proud to be associated with South Cowal Community Festival Sponsoring the 10K and 2K and 5K Fun Runs on Sunday 18th May
John McFarlane & Son PLUMBERS & CENTRAL HEATING ENGINEERS Gas Safe Register Worcester Registered Installer Prospect Hill 39A Wyndham Road Innellan Argyll PA23 7SH Telephone: 01369 830268
“”Can you add a chequered band along the top edge of the Cowal Cabs ad please?”” Cowal Cabs 01369 705999 24 - hr operation
Page 9 th Thursday 15 May
Mini Movers Innellan & Toward Family Centre Will be held at Innellan Primary School Astroturf if weather is fine. Fun physical activity for young children, Ages 2 – 5, 1.45 to 2.30pm Cost £3.50 per child
Workshop by Rachael Brown of 'Rachael's Cakes' Innellan Public Hall Time 2.00pm till 4.00pm A hands-on activity with Rachael, which will enable you to create your own specially- designed cake to take home and impress your family. Cakes and materials will be provided for you to try out your new skills. With tea, coffee and delicious baking £10 per participant, Numbers limited, please phone 01369 702260 to book a place.
Scoular Anderson visits Innellan Primary School Noted local author and illustrator, Scoular Anderson visits Innellan Primary School to talk to pupils of Innellan and Toward schools about his books. Details will be issued from the schools.
Crafts, Cakes 'n' Craic Innellan Public Hall A relaxing evening for anyone interested in crafts and learning a new skill. Bring along a piece of 'Work in Progress', perhaps a couple of samples and some materials, and share your techniques with others, while enjoying tea, coffee and home-baking. Doors open 7pm, no charge, although a small donation towards refreshments would be appreciated.
Check out our FaceBook page for more information and updates on all events www.facebook.com/southcowalcommunityfestival
D Wright, Fencing – Domestic and Agricultural fencing Tel: 01369 830117 E-mail: [email protected] Call for free quote 'Best wishes to all at South Cowal Community Festival'
STEWART & BENNETT Solicitors, Notaries & Estate Agents, 82 Argyll Street, Dunoon Legal Services Property Services Tel: 01369 702885 Fax: 01369 706695 Tel: 01369 704954 Fax: 01369 706758 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail [email protected] Visit our website: www.stewartbennett.com
Page 10 th Friday 16 May
Remember – today is the last day you can cast your vote on the Castle Toward Estate Buyout at the Ballot Bus. Innellan Public Hall 8am to 9pm
The Festival Cup Innellan Golf Club Enquiries can be made to [email protected] Telephone 01369 830242
Yoga with June Innellan Public Hall Gentle – 9.30 to 10.30, more strenuous 10.30 to 11.30, £5 per session, or sign up for 6 @ £24 phone 01369 702273 or 07763 120073 for further details [email protected] All welcome, wear loose clothing, bring a mat/towel
Teddy Bear’s Picnic Innellan and Toward Family Centre 10am, no charge. A warm welcome to all Teddies and their little girls and boys Please visit us at our new premises within Innellan Primary School
Quiz Night Innellan Village Hall General knowledge Teams maximum of 4, £2.50 per participant Doors open 7.15, to start at 7.30pm, Tea and coffee will be served but BYOB Proceeds to SCCC Festival Fund
Check out our FaceBook page for more information and updates on all events www.facebook.com/southcowalcommunityfestival
The Villagers Royal, Bar / Restaurant A warm welcome at all times Meals available daily, booking recommended
Pier Road, Innellan. Tel: 01369 830742
Page 11 th Saturday 17 May
Coffee Morning and Table Sale Innellan Public Hall 10.30 to 12.30 Usual stalls, home baking and tombola Phone 07917 820612 to book a table. Proceeds to Innellan Primary School
Family Activity in the Forest Steve Gillen, Forestry Commission Education Officer has arranged a Treasure Hunt around the Chinese Lakes area of Toward. Meet Steve from1.00pm at the Ardyne Forest car park. NB. Route is not suitable for pushchairs/buggies
Open Day and Refreshments Toward Sailing Club From 1pm.
Ceilidh with Sound of Cowal Innellan Public Hall 7.30pm to 11.00pm Live music, finger buffet, raffle, BYOB Tickets £10, available from , or phone 01369 830793 Entry by ticket only, phone 01369 830793 or check FaceBook page Proceeds to SCCDC, fundraising in aid of Castle Toward Estate Community Buyout
Check out our FaceBook page for more information and updates on all events www.facebook.com/southcowalcommunityfestival
The Lido Post Office and General Store, Shore Road, Innellan - Open 7 days Groceries, Newspapers, Off Licence, Hardware, Greetings Cards Gas, Electric and Phone cards, Ferry Tickets and much more!!! 'Paul and Nancy are delighted to support the South Cowal Community Festival'
(LOGO ) Cairns of Kirn Decorators (Est 1935) The complete decorating service, interior and exterior Tel/ Fax: 01369 702738 Helena Place, Marine Parade, Kirn, Dunoon 'All at Cairns of Kirn wish the Committee of the South Cowal Festival every success' Page 12
th Sunday 18 May
FESTIVAL FINALE – THE RACES
10K Road Race, organised by Iain Cairns on behalf of Innellan and Toward Family Centre Registration from 12.00midday to 1.00pm in Innellan Public Hall, race start 1.30pm £10 entry – over 16 years only For entry and sponsor forms, call 07769 174343 or e-mail [email protected] Route – Innellan Public Hall, to Toward Lighthouse, returning to main road and on to Toward Primary School, turn and return to Public Hall along the main road.
All proceeds from 10K race to Innellan and Toward Family Centre
Fun Run - 5K and 2K distances organised by Iain Cairns on behalf of South Cowal Community Council 2 distances to compete for – 2K and 5K Registration from 12.00midday to 1.00pm in Innellan Public Hall, race start 1.45pm £3 entry on day of race Please note, the route is alongside the main Shore Road and young children should be accompanied.
All proceeds from 5K and 2K runs to South Cowal Community Festival
Osborne Hotel will host a BBQ during the afternoon.
Innellan Public Hall Open from 12.00 for registration only Stalls open from 1.30pm Refreshments Baking stall run by Friends of Innellan Public Hall Stalls and displays from local groups, Innellan Primary School, Toward Primary School, Innellan Public Hall Trustees. Tombola and Book Stall by SCCDC
Special Guest Appearance by Amber, South Cowal’s Giant Red Squirrel!
Any enquiries about 10K road race and Fun Run phone Iain Cairns on 01369 830240 or 07775 870721 Enquiries about the stalls in Innellan Public Hall, contact 01369 830793.
Check out our FaceBook page for more information and updates on all events www.facebook.com/southcowalcommunityfestival
Page 13 South Cowal Community Festival 2014
The 2014 Festival was well supported by the communities of South Cowal and beyond, with sponsorship from Stewart's Garage.
Some of the Festival 2014 Event Results;
Pet Show – Best in show -
10K Run 1st Male – Joe McKnight 1st Female – Fiona Wright
Fun Run 5K - 1st Boy (Under 12) – Alan Stewart 1st Girl (Under 12) – Lisa McGillivray 1st Boy (12 – 16) – Isaac Lines 1st Girl (12 – 16) – Emmerson Laing
2K – 1st Boy – Nathan Shields 1st Girl – Anya McGillivray Best Costume – Brandon (Scooby Doo) Shields
The Silent Auction raised a total of £427.50 which was gratefully accepted by Mary's Meals on behalf of the many children they support throughout the world, providing meals, facilitating education and offering opportunity in the face of deprivation. Our thanks to everyone who donated items for auction and who bid generous amounts for this very worthy charity.
Other charities also benefited from the generosity of visitors during the Festival – Christian Aid; Mulanje Hospital, Malawi, and the Pet Show raised the sum of £215 for the SSPCA. South Cowal Community Council joins the organisers of the respective events in thanking all supporters and contributors.
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Useful information
The South Cowal area commences just to the south of Dunoon and encompasses the remainder of the Cowal Peninsula. It includes the villages of Innellan and Toward and the hamlet of Inverchaolain and is situated in a picturesque part of the country with shores on the Firth of Clyde and Loch Striven. The area is easily accessed by car, and there is a regular bus service from Dunoon to Toward. There is a bus timetable on the Argyll & Bute Council website, www.argyll-bute.gov.uk . Dunoon can be reached by ferry and road.
Things to do when you visit South Cowal
There are three churches to visit – Innellan (Matheson) Church, Toward Church and the small, but pretty Inverchaolain Church, which celebrated its centenary recently.
Ruined Toward Castle is the ancient ancestral home of the Lamont clan. It was built around 1475 and is in the grounds of Castle Toward mansion. Toward Castle was destroyed in the seventeenth century in an astonishing act of betrayal by members of the Campbell clan. A re- enactment of this event is planned for 29th August as part of the 2014 Homecoming programme. See the Clan Lamont website, www.clanlamontsociety.co.uk for more information.
The tip of Toward Point is marked by Toward Lighthouse which was built in 1812 by Cumbrae Lighthouse Trust. This is now a private home, but the shore is notable for seals and interesting rock formations, and for the views to Bute, Arran and Cumbrae.
Delicious meals can be enjoyed in the relaxed and comfortable surroundings of the recently refurbished Osborne Hotel (01369 830820) and the Villagers Royal Bar (Tel 01369 830742). Booking is recommended. There is a Post Office located on the Shore Road in Innellan within the well-stocked general store.
The Cowal Red Squirrel group is active in South Cowal to protect this endearing little creature, and is organised by local wildlife artist, Jan Ferguson. More information from their website, www.cowalredsquirrelgroup.org
The area supports several sports clubs, including Toward Sailing Club, Innellan Tennis and Bowling Club, Innellan Cricket Club, Cowal Nordic Walking Group and Innellan Golf Club. On a good day, the latter affords mesmerising views across the Firth of Clyde, from Kilcreggan to the north, down the coast past Inverkip and Wemyss Bay, and across to the islands of Bute, Arran, Cumbrae and Ailsa Craig.
Many forest walks can be enjoyed around the area. Ask at the Tourist Board for maps.
Page 15 Back cover
Forthcoming events in South Cowal
31st May - The Annual Plant sale for Cat Rescue, Innellan Public Hall, open 10.30am
11th June – SCCC meeting, observers welcome, Innellan Public Hall, 7.30pm
13th, 14th and 15th June - Innellan Archive Exhibition, Preview of Book 4 due to be issued in November.
28, 29th and 30th August – Clan Lamont Annual Gathering – This is timed to coincide with the Cowal Highland Gathering and Scotland Homecoming events. A full programme of events will be publicised locally and are on the Clan Lamont website, www.clanlamontsociety.co.uk . Highlights in South Cowal will be a strawberry tea at the Clan Lamont centre on 28th August, and a full afternoon of events on 29th August at Toward, including a re-enactment of the 1646 siege by the Campbells.
Acknowledgements South Cowal Community Council wish to thank E & R Inglis for their interest and assistance, Scoular Anderson for cover illustration, Toward Sailing Club for open day and refreshments, Steve Gillen for Toward event, Gareth Blair for taking care of entertainment and announcing on Sunday 18th May, Alasdair Currie of XYZ Creative Ltd for poster design, all advertisers for their support, Stewarts' Garage and Car Hire for sponsoring 10K race and Fun Runs, Iain Cairns for his expertise in organising the Run events, South Cowal's red squirrel, Amber for her appearance on 18th May, Margaret Hubbard for preparing and directing the Heritage Walks, Maggie Singleton for preparing the Quiz on Friday evening, Innellan Bowling and Tennis Club for open green day, tennis coaching sessions and tennis tournament, Innellan Art Club for arranging their exhibition, and Velvet Path Riding and Trekking Centre for welcoming Innellan Primary School for their Health week and RDA.
We also thank members of the SWRI and Innellan Church who have helped and supported many events, and the pupils and staff of Innellan Primary School and Toward Primary School for their enthusiastic support.
Special thanks to Cathy Morrison for organising the Pet Show, and to Christine, Jessie and Chris who bravely volunteered to pick the winners, and to Pets at Home for their generous support.
All information included in this programme is correct at time of printing.
Photos may be taken at public events and used in future publicity.
For any further information regarding festival events or activities please see our FaceBook page, www.facebook.com/southcowalcommunityfestival or phone 01369 830793.