Carradale Antler - 204 - September 2009

8/14/2019 Carradale Antler - 204 - September 2009

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Issue 204 - September 2009 - e-mail edition

- NEW GOLF CLUBHOUSE DECLARED OPEN- RUMOUR & SPECULATION - FISHING NEWS GOING AROUND- KATES JOURNEY - SPONSORED 1000 MILE RIDE- ARTMAP ARGYLL- STUMPED & SNAPPED- FLOWER FESTIVAL- THE PARISH OF SADDELL- ECO SCHOOL TRIUMPH

- MIDGE CUTTING- LIFEBOAT LOTTERY- LOOKING TO THE FUTURE- THE CARRADALE QUIZ- AN ALTERATIVE VIEW- JULY RAINFALL- DUNE TO ALLAN & PAUL- SADDELL & CARRADALE CHURCH GUILD- TWO NEW COMPILATIONS- OPENING OF CARRADALE HARBOUR - 17TH SEPTEMBER 1959

- LOOKING TO THE FUTURE- COMMUNITY COUNCIL REVIEW- JOHN McKERRAL 1926-2009 - A RENAISSANCE MAN IN A PAROCHIAL ENVIRONMENT- HOMECOMING FAMILY DANCE

- MYXOMATOSIS - A FEW THOUGHTS

- DOGS IN LOCHPARK

NEW GOLF CLUBHOUSE DECLARED OPEN

In true Carradale fashion the rain held off until the final moments of the opening ceremony on Sunday 9th August. Earlier in the day onehundred and sixteen golfers took part in a Texas Scramble with Andy Finlay, Alex Hanning, Karen Neilson and Jamie Robertson winning theTrophy.

At 3pm Alan G. T. Walker gave a comprehensive history of the Clubs earlier buildings and thanked all those involved in raising money for thenew clubhouse. He reminded guests of help from Sport Scotland, the Inland Revenue Gift Aid Scheme and from East Kintyre Wind-farmTrust for financial assistance with solar panels. We went on to give the Clubs appreciation for the granting of an extended lease by the owners

of the ground - the Paterson family, thanked the contractors McKinven & Colville and the architect. Finally he paid tribute to Marcus and MoAdams for allowing parts of Carradale Hotel to be used in the period between the demolition of the old building and the erection of the new.


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Alan McMillan spoke on behalf of Sport Scotland, renewed his family association with Greenhill at Torrisdale and praised the Club for itsinitiative. The Gents Captain, Iain Neilson, introduced the principal guest Belle Robertson MBE, one-time Captain of The Curtis Cup Team,and she in her turn declared the Clubhouse open, receiving a bouquet from Mary Paterson who has had a long association with the Club.Bobby Neilson, a past president rounded of the ceremony with a few well-chosen and humorous anecdotes.

As participants in the Texas Scramble are aware group photos were taken on the 1st tee. Anybody who wishes a photo can email a request toStuart Irvine whose address is js-irvine @tiscali.co.uk Name plus starting time or group number will help Stuart to identify.

RUMOUR & SPECULATION - FISHING NEWS GOING AROUND

Reports have come in of a Carradale-based fishing boat performing pirouettes in the Sound early one August morning. If thesereports are true, the crew set off after somewhat of a celebration the night before. They moved off-shore and seemed to be doing

what you would expect, but sometime later the boat was spotted going round in circles. Another fishing boat attempted to contactthe crew by shouting and through hailers but without success. Boarding the first was impossible because of its violent turns so theemergency services were contacted. It is not known whether the noise of their arrival woke the fishermen or whether they werestill asleep when the boat was boarded. The current speculation is if confusing the fish by hypnotic spirals is a more productive

way of fishing than any of the traditional methods, but perhaps the owner should dissuade his self-employed fishermen fromadding to the circle of inflationary movements in fuel prices.

KATES JOURNEY - SPONSORED 1000 MILE RIDE

Kate Godfrey, her horses Yeoman and Doogs visited Carradale on Saturday 15th August on one leg of her 1000 mile fund-raising ride for what used to be called The International League for the protection of Horses but now called World Horse

Welfare. WHW encourages the use, not the abuse of the horse and is one of the world's leading international equine welfarecharities. World Horse Welfare campaigns for better legislation to protect horses runs four Recovery and Rehabilitation Centres,

with over two thousand horses on the World Horse Welfare loan scheme at any one time, employs sixteen World Horse Welfarefield officers to investigate welfare complaints in the UK and provides educational courses to combat the major causes of equinesuffering in the Developing World. The charity has a reputation for helping working horses in the poorer countries wheresometimes the horses are over-worked and under-fed. Kate started from her home in Blairgowrie and will range far over Scotlandand a little in to England. Her friend Bill helps her at crucial stages - crossing Kilbrannan Sound and sees her once in ten days to

ensure she is well, Kate set off for Knapdale on Sunday 16th August. Internet donations can be addressed towww.afinehorse.co.uk.

ARTMAP ARGYLL

On of the unexpected pleasures of visiting local post offices is the abundance of information about local events. One of the latestis issue of the Artmap Argylls Annual Directory and Artists Studios 2009 - a small publication with photos of Argyll artists andtheir works. 24 Female and 9 males living predominately in the Tarbert to Lochgilphead area proudly demonstrate their artisticcapabilities, but seem incapable of allowing their works to speak for themselves. The older artists and craftspeople are content toquote their training and their interests, but the younger are definitely destroying their artistic potency by explaining thoughts orintentions which are often not evident in their work. Unfortunately current terminology takes draughtsman or draughts-womanbeyond to become drawer - perhaps Lizzie Rose keeps her best work there. Clare Niven says she wants to present the viewer

the most fundamental life-masses of beauty and energy whether suspended in a material that is normally regarded as insignificantor suspended in oil paints. Fortunately Campbeltown local artists, George and Gill Stewart forgo the pleasure of confusingrhetoric and express their capabilities and interests clearly, but what advice would the old masters give to Lizzie and Clare whentheir own simple titling fails to match their extensive and confusing proclamations?

STUMPED & SNAPPED

Sorry The Antler is unable to bring you news of two important summer events, cricket and photography. Cricket events are onlyreported in The Courier and Camera Club announcements are restricted to posters and Argyll FM.

FLOWER FESTIVAL

Once again residents and visitors to Saddell and Carradale Church between August 6th and 8th had the pleasure of seeingmagnificent flower arrangements in the Church by twelve talented arrangers. Always anxious to hide their abilities only now canthe names of the arrangers and their artistic helpers be revealed.


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Scotsport was kicked into touch by Elizabeth McMillan, and the Saltire was waved enthusiastically by Eleanor Bennett. MaryMcMillan reminisced with Orr Ain Folk. while Rabbie Burns was poetically displayed by Una Semple, with equine assistance byElizabeth Vischer. Homecoming - this years theme - was bowled over by Mairi Jeffreys audacity at the altar, and Scottish Fareprovided Eleanor Bennett with a second opportunity to display her undoubted talents. Dorothy McCormick and Mary Page werecertainly Hooked on Scotland and Gail McIntosh blossomed at the Ceilidh. Sheena Ramsay floated everyones interest in SailingHome while Mary Florence Crabbe walked daintily down the Kintyre Way and Una Semple refreshed the watery mood withNessie.

All in all a fascinating insight into local talent enhanced by enticing refreshments which produced a very worthwhile addition toChurch funds.

THE PARISH OF SADDELL

Unfortunately much of the history of the Parish seems to be lost in the mists of antiquity. Saddell Abbey was founded bySomerled, first Lord of the Isles, in the mid 12th century. After the Reformation and the suppression of the monastic movement,it would appear that church life in mid-Kintyre was centred on Killean on the west side of the peninsula.

In 1753, however, the Presbytery decided that Saddell should be a parish in its own right, and on 11th March of that year, theParish of Saddell came into being. Almost immediately the minister of Saddell became responsible for Skipness thus "The Parish

of Saddell and Skipness".

So far as can be deduced, the original church stood where the present building. opened in 1865, now stands. This is the churchyou are presently in. It is 4 miles north of Saddell and about the same distance south of the Burial Ground at Brackley. It is,however, in the centre of the Parish, and what is now Dippen Farmhouse, on the opposite side of the main road, was once animportant coaching inn. At that time the village of Carradale was simply another hamlet in the parish, not the centre of population

which it now is.

Following the Disruption of 1843, a congregation of the Free Church was established in Carradale and they erected their churchbuilding in 1887. With the Union of the Churches in 1929 this congregation once again became part of the Church of Scotland.

The two congregations existed side by side until they were reunited, in 1952, to form the congregation of Saddell and Carradale.For a time both churches were used for public worship. Eventually this building, Saddell Church, became the main place of

worship, and Carradale Church functions as the meeting place for church organisations. Carradale Church is half a mile away, on

the road to the harbour. The link with Skipness, severed many years ago was reestablished in 2004. Each Sunday worship is heldin both this church and at St. Brendan's in Skipness with services taken by our current minister, John Vischer who joined us fromSwitzerland in 2005.

As you admire the floral displays, you will notice on the left- hand wall, an official War Memorial and other family memorials. Onthe right hand wall are two memorials to former ministers, the Rev James Grant Levack and the Rev James A Argyll Baker, whobetween them served the Parish for over 90 years. Rev Alistair Dun lop retired in 2004 after 25 years as minister.

ECO SCHOOL TRIUMPH

Keith Brown MSPE: [email protected]

To Mrs Marion Morris,Carradale Primary Carradale Argyll PA28 6SD.

14 July 2009.

Dear Mrs Morris,

As Minister for Schools and Skills, it was brought to my attention that your school recently achieved Green Flag status. I believethat participating in the Eco Schools programme gives young people in Scotland a unique opportunity to learn about sustainabledevelopment and to put it into practice in their local environment. I am delighted to see more Scottish schools taking part in thisscheme and achieving this internationally recognised award.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you, all your staff and pupils for this wonderful achievement and wish you allthe best in your well established path towards achieving the permanent Green Flag status for your school.

Yours sincerely,


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Keith Brown,Minister for Schools and Skills.

Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ www.scotland.gov.uk.

In providing The Antler with a copy of Keith Browns letter Marion Morris pays tribute to the pupils, staff and local residents involved in the project -

It is always gratifying to have work recognised. Achieving our first Green Flag, built on the Bronze and Silver Awards gained

previously, was fantastic. Miss Galbraith was the leader of the team and the community and the whole school participated andcontributed. Well done to all - now for our second Green Flag !

MIDGE CUTTING - A NEWS OF THE WORLD REPORTby Mark Howarth

This will be the last Scottish summer ever to be ruined by midges, boffins claim. Revolutionary technology is set to hit the shelvesnext summer - which could trigger a 300 million per year tourist gold-rush to Scotland. Researchers revealed this week that trialsof two naturally-occurring repellents have been a success.

Now a spray which can cloak a room in an invisible anti-midge blanket is expected to be available to hard-bitten Highlanders from

2010, and a cream to slap on the bare flesh of hill-walkers, crofters & sightseers is planned for a year later.

The work is a joint project between Aberdeen University and English institute, Rothamstead Research. Scots scientist Dr JamesLogan is one of the four-strong team which has spent seven years cracking the conundrum. He said: "Some people are less likelyto be attacked by midges and we wanted to find out why. We discovered that, of the hundreds of human-derived chemicals, twoof them act together as a significant repellent," and added "the results have been very positive. We can definitely say thetechnology works".

English firm Atrium Innovation is now working on getting the spray into the shops. It's estimated that the savagely biting bugscost 300 million every year in lost tourism revenue.Handed in by Keith Higgins.

LIFEBOAT LOTTERY - (BONUS BALL)

6th June Lorna Campbell13th June Catherine McIlvride20th June Viv Campbell27th June No winner4th July Susan Lunn11th July Robert Abernethy18th July Margaret Walsh25th July No winner

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Given the present commercial climate it may not be the most appropriate time to consider what the future of Carradale Harbourholds. However in 1959 it was time to celebrate an outstanding achievement. The move from Waterfoot to the new harbour was atime to forget the long walk to and from Waterfoot via the Fishermens Gate, and the difficulties associated with the Carra River.Others regretted the loss of a pleasure trip from Waterfoot to the harbour, often the highlight of the annual holiday. Times aredifferent again today.

The decline of the fishing fleet may be offset by new enterprises - fish farming supplanting for some fishermen the relentless toilof finding shoals. Whatever happens the newly strengthened Network Community Business has it within its power to takeCarradale further into the twenty-first century and beyond. Fishing may well continue but it is necessary to look for additionaluses for this now much tidier and potentially attractive harbour.


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THE CARRADALE QUIZ

This annual event was held on Saturday 25th July. The Village Hall was again beautifully decorated by Paula and Peter Davie - thetheme on this occasion being Pirates. Each table was provided with hats and a party bag containing sweets, balloons andnovelties to put people in jovial party mode.

We welcomed several quiz faithfuls and a few visitors - some eleven teams in all. The Hall committee ran a bar, small savoury nibbles weredistributed at the interval, plus there was a really well stocked raffle providing all the ingredients of a great occasion.

As usual, there were ten rounds of 10 questions in each, with a joker being able to double the points on a pre selected category of the teamschoice. The quiz was once again keenly contested, with teams gaining 17 perfect round scores. The teams best categories were Who, Sport andthe unlikely unusual categories of Hair and Dance. However the categories of General Knowledge/ Current Events, Kintyre, Princes and aMusic section requiring the identifying of musical instruments all proved a bit more challenging.

Congratulations go to overall winners team Pugwash (Janette Ramsay, Mairi MacDougall, David Currie and Neil Thomson)who with 93 points scooped first place and the prestigious Carradale Quiz Cup. In second place two points behind were theGrogTor Smugglers (Robert and Carol Abernethy, Mary Macalister Hall and Cameron McNair). In third place with 88 points were4 plus 1(Jim & Isobel Williamson, Ruth McGhie and Bob & Margaret Walsh.) and team Peninver Pirates scored 86 points.

All team members in the first three teams were, for posterity, awarded certificates to record their quizzing prowess, and the visiting Dodds family were awarded a box of chocolates for achieving a very commendable score as well as being the onlycompeting team that included children. Thanks go to the Hall Committee (and their spouses) for providing such an enjoyablesocial evening.

Coming soon - the winter Quizzle (Nov/Jan) and the Christmas Quiz (Dec) are already under construction and should providehours of winter evening entertainment and all for a good cause - Village hall funds! M.L.

AN ALTERATIVE VIEW

The programme of events in the Carradale Village Hall continued on Saturday, 25th July, with the July quiz. Twice in eachCalendar year, once in July and again in December, a quiz is held in the Hall. The Quizmaster on these occasions is Tony

Leighton, whose wife, Margaret, takes over the Administration, maintaining the board with the running scores and performing themyriad incidental duties without which the evening would not be a success. No sooner has one quiz been completed than Tonyand Margaret begin their preparations for the next. In addition, they are preparing another 12 monthly exercise in the form of theQuizzle, a set of complicated questions which invariably keeps a high proportion of villagers occupied for four or five weekseach year. Through these activities they make an invaluable and appreciated contribution to life in Carradale, uniting the efforts ofthose whose family roots are in this area and those who have been attracted here later in life.

Preparations for Saturday's quiz were made more difficult by Tony's absence on the Atlantic and in the Caribbean, but moderntechnology, aided by an unfettered imagination, enables this report to be supported by a radio conversation which might havetaken place:-

Tony: "We are now in the lee of St Lucia experiencing a full blown blizzard and we had a near miss with an iceberg.. What is theweather expected to be next week in Carradale ?"

Margaret: "Oh, the usual winter gales interspersed with Mediterranean sunshine and snow."

Tony: "Excellent. Make that question No.3 in Round 4".

The quiz consists often rounds, each often questions and entrants form their own teams of four members in each team. Eachindividual pays an entry fee of three pounds from which the expenses of the evening are paid, any surplus cash going to the

Village Hall Fund. Decoration of the Hall is in the hands of the Hall Committee, (Chair-person Mrs Elizabeth McMillan andSecretary Mrs Paula Davie) and on this occasion the theme of the decor was Pirates. Presumably this was to make Tony feel athome in familiar surroundings after his trip to the Spanish Main. It is quite a relief to be able to report that he was successful insuppressing the urge to hang various competitors from the yard-arm ~ not even N***l T*****n with his resounding battle cry of"Michael Flatley".

Lines of battle having been drawn up, opening shots were fired promptly at 7.30 pm and by the end of the third round, all teamshad been able to sum up the opposition, a task which was made more difficult by the fact that the scores did not cover a great


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range of figures. An interval allowed the Committee ladies and others to serve refreshments, while the male volunteers and at leastone lady ensured that the bar service was up to speed.

A fairly close finish at the end of the ten rounds saw the winning team of Jeannette Ramsay, Marie McDougall, Neill Thomsonand David Currie receive the Carradale Cup for their efforts. Each member of that team, and of the teams coming second andthird, received a certificate testifying the team position. In addition there was a prize for the team which came first from thosehaving child members. At the close of the evening a raffle was drawn, and the occasion Was concluded by a few words from MrsMcMillan, who expressed the thanks of the Committee to the many people whose contributions had given us such a pleasantevening. D.C.

P.S. Scrutinise The Antler for news of forthcoming events, such as Duck Race, Quizzle, etc.

JULY RAINFALL

The monthly rainfall total was 119mm. Since record keeping only one year (2002) recorded more (139mm) but despite thismonths boost the annual total to date for the first seven months of the year is still below average. Despite it often seeminglyshowery there were in fact 11 completely dry days in July and a further 4 days had just a trace with a light shower of 1mm or less.Heavy rainfall of over half an inch (12mm) was recorded on just four occasions the 3rd,12th, 15th and 26th with readings of23mm,16mm 14mm and 15mm. July was quite windy and although it was a warmer month... the hot dry summer forecasted bythe Met Office did not materialise. Perhaps this is still to come?

DUNE TO ALLAN & PAUL

The introduction of Sunday ferry services to Lewis has exposed the continuing lack of geographical knowledge among the SundayTimes writers and reporters. Allan Brown, in commenting on the first civil partnership on Lewis since legitimisation in 2003referred to the equally important news that Sunday ferry services have begun. Unfortunately he states that the first sailing tookplace between Stornaway and Lewis; I wonder how many more of these circular tours Caledonian McBrayne will introduce to savediesel costs.

Paul Kebie also waxes lyrically about the new Machrihanish Dunes Links Course, but fails to ensure that 'The Times' Graphics

Dept mapping expert didnt place the new links right on top of the existing international known course - three dimensional draftsand chess are difficult enough, but fully three-dimensional golf must be the worlds first. G.P.

SADDELL & CARRADALE CHURCH GUILD

The Guild are delighted to announce a total of 1,084 was raised at the Summer Fayre. Many thanks to all who helped andsupported us in any way. We are most grateful.

TWO NEW COMPILATIONS

This compilation on the place-names of Campbeltown Parish was first published by The Kintyre Antiquarian Society in 1943,under the direction of the late Duncan Colville, but has been revised and updated by Campbeltown author and historian, Angus

Martin, using the same mix of sources: maps, publications, documents and oral tradition.

Its appeal will not be confined to those with an interest in place-names, since it also contains a wealth of information on localhistory. It should also be a useful resource for genealogical researchers, since every effort has been made to locate abandonedsettlements.

The Kintyre Antiquarian & Natural History Society exists to promote the history, archaeology and natural history of thepeninsula. It organises monthly lectures in Campbeltown from October until April, annually - and has published a bi-annualjournal, The Kintyre Magazine, since 1977, in addition to a range of books on diverse subjects relating to Kintyre.

Angus Martin is presently offering a similar compilation entitled The Place-names of the Parish of Southend. Both are a uniqueopportunity to research the topicality of local place names and enjoy a greater understanding of the environment.

For further information contact: Angus Martin, 13 Saddell St., Campbeltown, Argyll PA28 6DN.


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ARGYLL COUNTY COUNCILOPENING OF CARRADALE HARBOUR - 17TH SEPTEMBER 1959

Programme

The Carradale children will lead the singing of Hymn 626 (Eternal Father Strong to Save), Verses 1 and 4

Introductory remarks by Mr. J. G. Mathieson, M.C., J.P., Convener of the County of Argyll,

The Rt. Hon. Thomas Johnston P.C., C.H., will declare the Harbour open.

Dedicatory Prayer by RevA. Murdoch Bennett, Carradale.

The following will be called on to speak -

Mr. Charles Sim, Chief Inspector of Sea Fisheries, Scottish Home Department.

Mr. John A. G. MacMillan on behalf of the Carradale fishermen.

Presentations -

Memento to Mr, Johnston by Mr. A. P. Keary, (Messrs. Holland & Hannen and Cubitts (Scotland) Ltd.)

Bouquet to Mrs. Johnston by June MacMillan.

Mrs. Naomi Mitchison will propose votes of thanks.

The fishing fleet will sail into the Harbour.

Campbeltown Pipe Band will be in attendance.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Given the present commercial climate it may not be the most appropriate time to consider what the future holds for CarradaleHarbour. However in 1959 it was time to celebrate an outstanding achievement. The move from Waterfoot to the new harbour

was a time to forget the long walk to and from Waterfoot via the Fishermen's Gate, and the difficulties associated with the CarraRiver. Others regretted the loss of a pleasure trip from Waterfoot to the harbour, often the highlight of the annual holiday.

Times are different again today. The decline of the fishing fleet may be offset by new enterprises - fish farming supplanting forsome fishermen the relentless toil of finding shoals. Whatever happens the newly strengthened Network Community Business hasit within its power to take Carradale further into the twenty-first century and beyond. Fishing may well continue but it is necessaryto look for additional uses for this now much tidier and potentially attractive harbour.

Photos & programme kindly supplied by Mary Paterson

THE COMMUNITY COUNCIL REVIEW

A week before the Antler went to print, news came through that Argyll & Bute Councils short-life group considering thecomments made by individual community councils and by The Association of Argyll & Bute Community Councils Executivedeputation, had decided to propose changes to the proposal document and intended to present them at a meeting of the Councilon Thursday 20th August.

The main differences are that there will be no boundary changes, community councils will not be able to appoint co-opted ornominated members, and the requirement to have at least one more elected member than 50% of the designated complement ofcouncillors, has been dropped.

Information on the abandonment of sub-ward areas and the need for two competent auditors has still to be verified.


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The Councils present intention is to have elections on Thursday 29th of October and in consequence The Antler hopes toinclude nomination addresses in the October edition from those intending to compete for one of the ten seats in the East KintyreCommunity Council area.

JOHN McKERRAL 1926 - 2009A RENAISSANCE MAN IN A PAROCHIAL ENVIRONMENT

Past students of Campbeltown Grammar School, and members of a wide variety of Kintyre clubs, organisations and communityservice groups will be sorry to hear of the death of John McKerral.

A very respected and popular teacher who took his charges through the complexities of modern life governmental processes,quangos, political action and a range of other issues affecting the lives of maturing students and their families, his approach wasalways down-to-earth and, enhanced by an intrinsic understanding of local traditional values and belief, overcame traditionalprejudices and presented a unique educational package

Of Southend farming stock, he was no stranger to the vaguries of circumstance. His father died before he was born, he tragicallylost his first wife soon after they married and had a lifelong disability which did not escape the notice of observant or recalcitrantschool boys who nicknamed him the boot, a name which gave him a degree of respect.

He studied at George Watsons College, Edinburgh and gained a Master Degree degree in Geography and English at EdinburghUniversity, before entering the teaching profession. Later his natural interest in current affairs led him to specialise in ModernStudies and this is where his interest and expertise provided his students with a sound introduction to the developing world.

His presence in the general staff room was distinguished, if somewhat obscured by a cloud of smoke; elsewhere in the soon to beclosed upstairs headquarters of the revolutionary teachers cell, he created an equally pungent smell with his cup-o-soup, a power

which covered even the most oily smell coming from a partly built car engines on the staff room table. Even when he attendednumerous funerals in school hours his presence was not forgotten as a full-size model hard-board mounted photograph wasbrought out of hiding. Equally unfazed by staff comment he would reach a point where direct action displaced democracy and thecommentator was unceremoniously ejected from the room.

John enjoyed a number of pleasures a distinguished member of the Dunaverty Players, the Gaelic Choir, the Kintyre MusicClub, the Gentlemens Club and a Trustee of the Campbeltown Heritage Centre. Cinema was another passion.

In his younger days he acted as a second projectionist at The Rex and in recent years played a similar role at The Picture House,eventually becoming a Director of its parent company - Campbeltown Community Business.

He was a District Councillor for two terms and particularly enjoyed being Chairman of the Licensing Board.

Those without the privilege of being on the receiving end of rare but occasional rasping comment will be aware of his dulcet alto-ego at the Campbeltown Agricultural Show and at any number of social gatherings where his stories and warm rendering of thepopular classics met with unchallenged approval.

An Elder of Lorne & Lowland Church, he served as Session Clerk for 23 years following in the footsteps of his grand-father

who was the Minister of Castlehill Church for an equally impressive period. In his later years he continued to play an active part inCampbeltown Community Council.

Despite his physical handicap he maintained a healthy lifestyle moderate in all things, but enjoying his fair share of lifespleasures. His deterioration in recent months was swift, and sad to see, but he retained a twinkle in his eyes to the very last. Wesend condolences to his wife Jennifer who bore an ever-increasing burden, and to his relatives. All who knew him will longremember him as a friend and as someone interested in helping others to develop their potential. G. P.

THE HOMECOMING FAMILY DANCE

The evening of Saturday, 18th July, saw the occasion of Carradale's Homecoming Family Dance in the Village Hall. Music for theoccasion came from Fraser McGlynn's Scottish Country Dance Band, whose members gave us a succession of lively airs which

entertained dancers and non-dancers alike. There was very good representation from visitors to the village as well as from localfamilies, the whole affair having been carefully organised by the Hall Committee, whose members must have been very pleased tosee their efforts received with such success.


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The hall had been decorated by the Committee, aided by additional voluntary assistants, and the decorations added to the spirit ofthe occasion. As the hall began to fill, it was noticeable that several families had brought their younger children, who took a

vigorous and active part in the proceedings, giving a lot of pleasure to those of us who, for various reasons, can only be spectatorson such occasions.

Naturally, the theme of the evening was its Scottish nature, and one aspect of this was in the provision of refreshments. The ladieshad surpassed themselves with an array of sandwiches and cakes which were in abundance, and were consumed while the answersto a Scottish quiz were considered, the result being a tie between two families. A tie break question was posed and the MacalisterHalls took the first prize, the Curries being runners up.

A raffle saw the distribution of many prizes, all of which had been donated for the occasion. The Hall Committee ensured thattheir thanks were conveyed to everyone who had assisted in any way towards the success of the evening, and this is a suitable timeto express our own appreciation of the work done by the committee. Every function that is held in the hall involves thecommittee members in its administration, and their time and efforts are always given without reservation. As a comparativenewcomer to the Carradale community I feel we are all indebted to those who, in so many different ways, expend their energieson our behalf. Throughout the evening it was noticeable that there was an unending stream of helpers, not necessarily Committeemembers, who added to the spirit and success of the occasion. D.C.

MYXOMATOSIS - A FEW THOUGHTSThis illness, which can be described only as a foul viral disease, is known to affect various forms of wild life, but in particular ,itseffects on the rabbit population of an area ensure that each of the victims dies a horrific, painful death.. It is spread by the bites of

various fleas and mosquitoes which, having bitten an infected animal, carry the plague to all those they bite subsequently. Theillness affects several of our wild animals ,as well as domesticated examples, but nowhere does it produce the damnable effectsthat it leaves with the rabbit population.

With the rabbit, the first signs of infection are a runny nose and eyes, and within a very short time the eyes begin to bulge fromthe head, at the same time suppurating and destroying the animal's ocular system. Within a few short days the animal is blind andits body flesh begins to wither away. The head becomes covered by nodular lumps and unsightly swellings appear on the body, theanimal's movements requiring great effort as it bumps into the various objects lying in its path.

Meanwhile vast quantities of thick pus are discharged from the rabbit's eyes and nose, and as death approaches its reproductiveorgans begin to swell until movement is barely possible. The whole sordid process, from first infection to a very painful, stinkingdeath, normally lasts for a fortnight.

It is generally accepted that the Australians introduced the use of myxomatosis as a means of controlling the excessive rabbitpopulation on that continent, and it was first noted on a large scale in Britain after the last war. It was reputed to have reachedhere from Europe, and to have entered the country by natural process or by the deliberate introduction of infected corpses.

Following that first large outbreak there have been sporadic attacks in various areas at intervals of a few years. This has beenascribed to the development by nature of rabbits with varying degrees of immunity. Stronger strains of the illness thereby developand the whole circle continues at a slower rate. The scientists tell us that areas of the country are greatly at risk after long periodsof wet, inclement weather, and it may be that the Carradale area's present infestation has been caused by the unsettled weather

patterns of the past year. There are, however, signs in Carradale and its environs, that there is some degree of immunity in therabbit population, and perhaps in a comparatively short time visitors will see both rabbits and goats adding to the delight of youngfamily members D.C.

DOGS IN LOCHPARK

There are reports of a continuing problem with dog fouling in the Loch Park area. Owners are reminded that they could bereported and may well receive a fine for not disposing of their pets excreta appropriately.

Carradale Antler - 204 - September 2009

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