South Cowal Community
Festival 2013
th th 11 May to 19 May
Promoted by South Cowal Community Council
When the organisers were putting together the programme for last year’s South Cowal Community Festival they were working in the dark as there had been no such event in the area for some time and there was no certainty that anyone would really be interested in it anyway!
Undaunted they pressed ahead with the idea. Money raising – for a change – was not the issue. What was to be focussed on was showcasing the many clubs, things of interest and activities that take place here in this small but beautiful corner of Argyll. Was there an interest? Would people attend the events? Would it be worth the effort? Well the answer to all these questions was a resounding YES and so now the second South Cowal Community Festival is going ahead.
Many of the events of last year are being repeated but there are some exciting new ones too. The hope is that there is something of interest for all age ranges and tastes so look through the programme and see what appeals to you!
South Cowal has long been a popular holiday destination offering beautiful walks through forest and coastal areas, providing opportunities to revisit our past and the chance to enjoy good food at the very popular Villagers Royal. A warm welcome is extended to any visitors who have discovered our lovely area.
Residents can sometimes take for granted the terrific scenery and moan a bit about the rain and the midges but in reality this is a great place to live. Quiet and a bit laid back it may be but there is a surprising variety of activities to join in with if the fancy takes you. Shinty, cricket, golf, bowling (indoor and outdoor), tennis, badminton, horse riding, sailing to start off with! Or you can join a Keep Fit class, relax at a Yoga session, improve your artistic or creative skills with the Art Group or SWRI or dance with the Country Dancers! Dominoes, darts and pool are available too so no one needs to be bored! South Cowal, which stretches from the Bullwood to Inverchaolain, is well served with two Primary Schools, a Nursery, three churches, a thriving village hall, a great restaurant (booking recommended!) and a new and well-stocked village shop and Post Office.
The social history of Innellan has been meticulously researched by local historian and archivist, Margaret Hubbard. What started off as a small work to celebrate one hundred years of the founding of the village hall has grown into a series of three books with one more in the pipeline! They are fascinating books and the project has been hailed as the best researched one of its type. Copies of the book are available during all events at the Village Hall and from both the local shop and the Observer shop in Dunoon. Make sure you get your copies!
th Saturday 11 May
Family Activity in the Forest Steve Gillen will lead a family activity around the Chinese Lakes area. 10am until approx 12.30pm to allow time for participants to see the Vintage Cars arrive at Toward Sailing Club. Sturdy footwear and appropriate clothing required
VINTAGE CAR RALLY AND RAFT RACE
Vintage Car Rally Cars will assemble at Glenmorag Car Park at 11.30am for viewing. Parade to start off at 12.30pm travelling to Toward Sailing Club car park where they will park in a dedicated area to allow enthusiasts to inspect cars and talk to their owners.
Raft Race Toward Sailing Club Racing starts at 2pm approx Maximum 4 sailors per raft, 16+ years of age only. No Entry Fee. Racing may be organised in heats depending on number of entrants. Lifejackets to be worn at all times on the water. Safety boats will be present. Entry form available at The Lido, Villagers Royal and on Innellan Public Hall website, www. innellanpublichall .org.uk
Refreshments and BBQ at Sailing Clubhouse
Innellan Cricket Club Away -v- Gargunnock
th Sunday 12 May
Toward Castle walk A guided walk around the historic seat of Clan Lamont to learn about its bloodthirsty past. Assemble at Castle Toward car park @10.30am Tel 01369 830793 for more details
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. Accompanied children free. 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 Tombola in aid of SSPCA
Open Gents Triple Bowls Competition Innellan Bowling Club Shore Road, Innellan The George Cameron Memorial Trophy Entry forms 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 where refreshments are available. Booking recommended, phone 01369 830793 to book a place £5, includes refreshments Proceeds to Innellan Public Hall
Junior Disco, P1 to P7 Innellan Public Hall DJ Gareth Blair 6pm to 8pm £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.
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, with the 4 th and last book currently in the planning stages!
The fourth book is expected to be launched in November 2014, and will explore the history of early settlement in Innellan up until the late nineteenth Century.
Clan Lamont Society Clan Lamont is one of the oldest of the Scottish clans, with claims stretching back to the Kings of Ireland. The name is derived from a chief in the 13th century, Sir Laumon, whose charter granting lands to the Paisley Abbey, is still in existence. The ancestral lands stretched the length of Cowal although none remain in clan ownership. Toward Castle is the ancient seat of the Lamont Chiefs. It was built in the 14th-15th centuries and is now a ruin within the grounds of Castle Toward..
Dunoon is a place of grim memory for the Lamonts. There in 1646 the Campbells carried out one of the massacres which stain their clan’s history. The Clan Lamont Society in 1909 raised a monument on the spot where over 100 clansmen met their deaths.
The Clan Lamont Society was formed in 1895 and is a non-profit making Society which exists to foster friendship across the world and to preserve and promote the written history of the Clan Lamont within the ‘B’ listed Manse in Inverchaolain which serves as its headquarters. An annual gathering is held by Lamonts from the UK and those who have settled abroad, and the meeting this year is on 24 th and 25 th August. A Lamont Heritage Walk is included in the annual Cowalfest Walking festival in October - Scotland’s largest Walking Festival.
Information on the Society and the history of Clan Lamont can be found on their very extensive website ; clanlamontsociety.co.uk
th Monday 13 May
Velvet Path Trekking Centre entertains the children of Innellan Primary Schoo l
Demonstration by Rachael Brown of 'Rachael's Cakes' Innellan Public Hall Time 1.00pm till 3.00pm A hands-on creative activity with Rachael, who will demonstrate some of the techniques she uses to create her spectacular special occasion cakes. Cupcakes and materials will be provided for you to try out your new skills. With tea, coffee and delicious baking £5 per participant, please phone 01369 702260 to book a place.
Childrens' Games and Activities afternoon Innellan Public Hall 3.30 to 5.00pm A variety of board and traditional games, suitable for all children Refreshments, No charge
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.
th Tuesday 14 May
Riding for the Disabled Velvet Path Trekking Centre
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 2pm. Booking recommended, phone 01369 830793 to book a place Cost £5, includes refreshments Proceeds to Innellan Public Hall
Beetle Drive Innellan Primary School Fun for all ages, Doors open 6pm Entrance £2, includes Tea, Coffee and Home Baking. Raffle
Art exhibition Original works of Art will be exhibited in the Innellan Public Hall between 12 th May and 18 th May. These can be viewed at all times when the hall is open during other events. Some works can be purchased and you can meet some of the artists at the Pier Art Club meeting on Wednesday morning in the Public Hall.
Why not come and have a go yourself? You will receive a warm welcome!
th Wednesday 15 May
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 12 th and 18 th May. Original artwork for sale.
Heritage Walk with Margaret Hubbard. See Tuesday's entry for walk details. Start time 7.15pm. Booking recommended, phone 01369 830793 to book a place Cost £5, includes refreshments Proceeds to Innellan Public Hall
Area Beach Clean Members of the public are welcome to join our local schools Toward School, 1.30 to 3.00pm Innellan School, beach at Matheson Lane from 2.00pm
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.
Inverchaolain Church The charming church of Inverchaolain on the shores of Loch Striven celebrated its centenary last year. If you have a free afternoon we strongly recommend you take a drive down to this lovely relaxing part of South Cowal, explore the church, discover the secrets in the old graveyard, and admire the surrounding countryside.
th Thursday 16 May
Soup and Sandwich Lunch Innellan Public Hall 12.00 to 1.00pm, cost £2.50 Organised by Innellan Church 'A Friendly Welcome To All'
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
Crafts, Cakes 'n' Craic Innellan Public Hall A social 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 coffee, home-baking and a relaxed chat with friends, old and new. The evening will include informal demonstrations of Quilting, Decoupage, Embossing, Quilling, Zentangle and other interesting activities Doors open 7pm, no charge, although a small donation towards refreshments would be appreciated.
th Friday 17 May
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
Children's Drama Workshop Innellan Public Hall Hall Trustee Laura Bissell (PhD, Theatre Studies) will run a free drama workshop for 5 – 11 year-olds from 3.30 to 5.00pm. The session will mainly involve drama games and improvisations and no drama experience is necessary. All are welcome, but please ensure you wear comfortable clothes. Refreshments will be provided. Booking recommended as numbers will be limited. Phone 01369 830793 to book a place.
Quiz Night Villagers Royal Bar & Restaurant General knowledge Teams of 4, Start 9pm, see poster in pub for details
th Saturday 18 May
Christian Aid Coffee Morning Innellan Public Hall 10.00am to 12.00 midday Organised by Innellan Church
Silent Auction Innellan Public Hall 2pm to 4pm Items to suit all tastes and budgets Bag a Bargain Refreshments All proceeds to Mary's Meals
Ceilidh with Canned Haggis Innellan Public Hall 7.30pm to 11.00pm Live music, finger buffet, raffle, BYOB Tickets £10, available from all Trustees, or phone 01369 830793 (Entry by ticket only)
Proceeds to Innellan Public Hall
th Sunday 19 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 01369 830100 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
Innellan Public Hall Open from 12.00 for registration only Stalls open from 1.30pm Refreshments by Innellan and Toward Family Centre Baking stall run by Friends of Innellan Public Hall Stalls and displays from local groups, Cat Rescue, Innellan Primary School Gardening Club, Toward Primary School, Innellan Public Hall Trustees. Tombola
Special Guest Appearance by 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.
Innellan Cricket Club Castle Toward, 1pm Home -v- Mid Argyll Spectators welcome
South Cowal Community Festival 2012
The 2012 Festival was well supported by the communities of South Cowal, with sponsorship from Stewart's Garage and financial support from Awards for All, Scotland.
Some of the Festival 2012 Event Results;
Pet Show – Best in show - LouLou
10K Run 1st Male – Grant Cairns – time 00.39.29 1st Female – Lisa Marshall – time 00.46.59
Fun Run 5K - 1st Boy Marcus Keith (Overall 1 st place) 1st Girl Claire McFadden (Overall 2 nd place)
2K - 1st Girl Lisa McGillivray (Overall 1 st place) 1st Boy Nathan Shields (Overall 2 nd Place)
The Silent Auction raised a total of £601.11 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; Cat Rescue. South Cowal Community Council join the organisers of the respective events in thanking all supporters and contributors.
“What is a Silent Auction?”
Well, for a start, it's anything but silent! Lots are displayed around the room. Each lot is accompanied by a sheet of paper, describing the contents for auction. An opening bid is made, with the bidder leaving a name and contact number. Successive increasing bids then follow – if you want something, you have to keep an eye on this sheet of paper! A Reserve Price may be on some items therefore bids must open at this value.
At closing time, the sheets are collected in and the name at the bottom of the sheet wins the Lot and pays the final price. You will be phoned if you win but didn't want to stay till the end.
The South Cowal Community Festival 2013 Silent Auction will be held on Saturday 18 th May and all proceeds will again be sent to Mary's Meals.
Useful information
The South Cowal area commences just outside Dunoon on the south side 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 last year.
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 by the Campbell clan. More information is available on the Clan Lamont website, www.clanlamontsoc.co.uk . There is a memorial cairn to these events in Dunoon on Tom-a-mhoid Road
The tip of Toward Point is marked by Toward Lighthouse which was built is 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.
Gourmet meals can be enjoyed in the relaxed and comfortable surroundings of the Villagers Royal Bar (Tel 01369 830742). Booking is recommended. There is a Post Office located on the Shore Road in Innellan within the new, 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 Club, Innellan Cricket Club, Innellan Bowling Club 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.
Forthcoming events in South Cowal
9th June - The Annual Plant sale for Cat Rescue, Innellan Public Hall, open 10.30am
9th June – Innellan Tennis Club, Mixed Doubles tournament
12 th June – SCCC meeting, observers welcome, Innellan Public Hall, 7.30pm
19 th July – Innellan Golf Club. Festival Cup - ask at clubhouse for entry details.
24 th and 25 th August – Clan Lamont Annual Gathering – see website www.clanlamontsoc.co.uk for details,
Acknowledgements South Cowal Community Council wish to thank E & R Inglis for their interest and assistance, Scoular Anderson for cover illustration, Guy Pate for organising the Vintage Car Rally, Toward Sailing Club for the Raft Race and BBQ, Steve Gillen for Toward event, Gareth Blair for taking care of entertainment and announcing on Sunday 19 th May, Alasdair Currie of XYZ Creative Ltd for poster design, all advertisers for their support, all donors to the Silent Auction, Stewarts' Garage and Car Hire for sponsoring 10K race and Fun Runs, Iain Cairns for his expertise in organising the Run events, Laura Bissell for arranging Drama workshop, Margaret Hubbard for preparing and directing the Heritage Walks, 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 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 and Joyce McDonald for organising the Pet Show, and to Christine, Jessie and Chris who bravely volunteered to pick the winners.
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 phone 01369 830793.