A Search For a
'Monster writer!' Graham
Winkle the author of the Loch Of Mey Monster series of Children's books
and organiser of a successful drawing competition last year, is running
another competition for Primary age children across the country. But time
is running out to enter. So here are the details. Write a story or
fairytale of [at least 100 words primary 1- 4] [at least 300 words primary
5-7] not copied from any other source. The story must include a monster
good or bad, but it doesn't have to be about the Loch Of Mey Monster that
is up to you.
Castletown Heritage Society
Traditional Skills Workshop on Saturday 4th October 2008 Castletown
Heritage Society will be holding a 'Croft Crafts' Traditional
Skills workshop on Saturday 4th October, featuring spinning, quilting, rag
rug making and crochet. An ideal opportunity to come along and learn a new
skill or brush up on long forgotten techniques. The workshop will be held
in the Castlehill Heritage Centre on from 10am to 4pm. Workshop fee is �15
which includes materials, tuition and a light lunch.
27 September 2008
Renewable Energy Solutions For Homeowners In Caithness Homeowners
in Caithness have the opportunity to find out more about how micro-renewables
systems, such as heat pumps, solar panels and wind turbine schemes, can
help reduce the energy costs for domestic properties. Two events, which
have been organised by Caithness Energy Advice, will take place in October
from 12 noon until 6pm in the New Weigh Inn, Thurso on the 8th and Mackays
Hotel, Wick on the 9th, and entry is free. There will be a free eco-kettle
up for grabs - everyone attending the event will be entered into the free
prize draw.
First
Minister to Attend Caithness Conference
The second annual Caithness Regeneration Conference takes place next week,
arranged by key organisations in the area. First Minister Alex Salmond is
scheduled to join around 150 stakeholders in the Far North economy in
Thurso on Monday 29th September 2008, to discuss progress on the action
plan devised to steer the region through the effects of the Dounreay
nuclear plant's wind down and closure.
22 September 2008
The Peatlands Partnership - Newsletter - Issue 2 (Pdf) The
second edition of the Peatlands Partnership Newsletter has some updates
and several interesting articles including - A Look At Developments At Forsinard by Norrie Russell Looking Back To Look Forward by Dr. Althea Davies with details of
her latest research project. Wind Farms In Caithness & Sutherland by Andrew Coupar Wind Farms On Blanket Bog by Andrew Coupar Forsinain Trail Opening
Keeping the Bogs Healthy by Norrie Russell
The Peatlands Project will soon have a new web site. The Peatlands
Project has been consulted about information to be on show at
Caithness
Horizons in the refurbished Thurso Town Hall. Peatlands Partnership PageNature and Environment Index
Another Unique Calendar For 2009 From Martina Cross The
Caithness And Sutherland calendars from Martina Cross produced for 2007
and 2008 were sold out almost immediately. It was hardly surprising to
anyone who has seen her work on her own web site and many examples on
Caithness.org. Through a unique blend of photography and artistic flair
Martina manages to capture the essence of places in the far north. The
2009 calendar is no exception with beautiful views that scream out from no
less than 72 photographs - 12 main pictures and five smaller ones for each
month of the year. But don't leave it too late as a limited print run
means there are always going to be disappointed people each year.
North Highland
Connections - Last September Events North
Highland Connections is presenting two major events to bring September to
an end; you will not want to miss either of them! On Sunday, 28th
September, at 7:30pm, another of our 'Young Artistes' series will feature
the rising star cellist, Rowena Calvert, accompanied by Alison Rhind. The
event will be in the Drawing Room of Dunrobin Castle, by kind permission
of Lord Strathnaver. Two days after the concert NHC will present its
first drama production, in the hall of Wick High School, This is a new
play on a theme all too familiar in present-day society: knife crime. Here
is an extract from the official press release: V.AMP Productions brings
Fleeto, Paddy Cunneen's hard-hitting drama about modern day knife crime,
to North East of Scotland venues, including HIGH SCHOOL, Wick on Tues 30
Sept 2008
Message On Your answering Machine or A Text Message Is A Scam
Here at the web site our answering machine had a message to call 07953
966066. Being the suspicious people we are we checked Google and lo
and behold it revealed this is scam number. Do not call it back.
Warn your friends, relatives and old people to beware of calling back
mobile numbers sent by text or by message left on the answering machine
unless you know who has called and what it is about.
Wick Words - A Ghost Walk Of
Words Author
Linda Cracknell looks at some words around Wick some of which have faded
or draw links with the past. Wick Words is section of her blog where
she is posting an interesting collection of photos. How many other
words are there around Caithness where the ghosts of the past can be seen
or are about to fade out of existence?
Bill Mowat Comes Out Strongly Against North
Caithness Cliffs Extension Consultation On Proposed Marine Extension To North Caithness
Cliffs
Ex councillor Bill Mowat has sent us this copy of his response the
Scottish Natural Heritage consultation on an extension to the North
Caithness Cliffs 'Special Protection Area'. At a recent meeting of
Caithness councillors meeting in Wick where representatives of SNH set out
what they were trying to do the councillors stated similar doubts about
the extensions in Caithness at a time when the potential for marine energy
was being looked at as a potentially vital component in securing future
employment in the county and for the whole of Scotland and the UK in
exploiting one of our biggest renewable energy sources. The Caithness
councillors left the SNH representatives in no doubt that they were
against the proposed extension particularly at this crucial time and in
the light of he fact the SNH is a consultee in every planning application
for the areas concerned and can make representations to change or alter
locations and make suggestions on how to lessen perceived threats to
wildlife. Opposition has been expressed by several local groups and bodies
to this extension at this crucial time for marine energy developments.
Will this extension if allowed to go ahead damage or delay the development
of Marine energy in the Pentland Firth possibly threatening a promising
new industry that could bring many jobs in the development phase and for
years after? You have only two days left to contact SNH with your
views in this public consultation. Tocardo Tidal Energy Proposals For Wick HarbourTocardo Web Site Pentland Firth Tidal energy Project Pentland Firth Tidal Energy Project - Louise Smith
16 September 2008
Council Supports
Inverness Gaelic Choir Inverness Common Good Fund and The Highland Council are helping
Inverness Gaelic Choir to fulfil their plans to be the first Scottish
Gaelic choir invited to participate in the prestigious Celtic Colours
festival in Cape Breton from 9 - 16 October 2008 The choir, which was
booked to fly with Zoom Airlines, lost all their money and tickets when
the airline recently collapsed, but after intense fundraising and
publicity the choir have finally been able to confirm their new flights
have been purchased enabling them to fly to Canada. Yesterday, members of
The Highland Council's Inverness City Committee agreed to �4,000 funding
from the Inverness Common Good Fund to help secure purchase of replacement
flight tickets to Cape Breton. Funding from The Highland Council will also
be providing a coach to take the choir from Inverness to Glasgow airport
and return via Falkirk MOD at a cost of �1,550.
Hillhead Flag Competition
Hillhead Primary 6 in Wick re running a flag competition throughout September,
from which all money raised will go to the UNICEF charity. A total of 9
different flags are being displayed on the flag pole at the front of Hillhead School. The challenge is to spot all the flags and write down
the continent, country and the capital city from that place. We are
hoping to have as many entries as possible as it is a worth while cause
and also promises to be good fun.
Caithness Loyal Rangers S. C bus availability
A bus to the Rangers v Dundee Utd on Saturday 18th October 2008 leaving
Wick 0430, Castletown 0450, Thurso 0500, Halkirk 0510. �20 Deposit
secures bus seat for further information contact Alan 01847 821059 /
07986072540 or Philip 01847 894419 /07843568326
Hobbies Classes In Wick
Mixed Media - Fibre and Art with Contempary Embroidery - Class taken by
Bettine Bain
Monday Night 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Floral Art - Class taken by Frances Yellop
Monday Afternoons 2pm to 4pm
Cost �40 per10 week course - Contact Tracey or Julie On 01955 606950 to
reserve a place.
Commencing week of 29th September 2008
14 September 2008
Wick
Scouts 1935 - 36 The
Wick Scout Reunion was held in 2001 and yet old Wick Scout photos
continue to come in. This latest is from Heather Bain whose father is in
the photo. Old Wick Scouts Photos
Index
Council Introduces Speed Limits At Nine More Highland Schools From Monday 15th September, 2008, eight more schools in the
Highlands will have
part time 20mph speed limits in operation for childrens' safety and one
school will have its 20mph signage extended. In Caithness the new speed
limits will apply near Dunbeath and Thrumster schools when the signs are
on.
Pentland Firth Grid Connections To Be Investigated
Consultants have been appointed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE)
and the Scottish Government to identify options for renewable energy
producers in the Pentland Firth, between Caithness and Orkney, to
connect energy supplies to the grid. Xero Energy Ltd has been awarded
the contract through the Pentland Firth Tidal Energy Project. Xero
Energy will assess the present day grid capacity in the region and
provide recommendations on what grid infrastructure and improvements
will be required for the project to meet its objectives. The tidal
energy project aims to support the development of a marine energy
industry in the Pentland Firth to the significant benefit of the local
and national economies in a sustainable and environmentally aware way.
Playbox Playgroup, Wick Still Has A Few Places
Playbox Playgroup, Wick, still has places available for 2008/2009 in the
two and a half group and also in the group for three year olds which is
fully funded. if you require any information or wish to register your
child please contact the playleaders on 606446 or call into the
playgroup at Macleod Road, Wick with your child's birth certificate.
Thanks To GlenRoads For these Videos - See More Roads Videos
HERE
Hold On To Your Seat - Two Videos 10 minutes Each - Wow 20 Minutes To
Caithness
Inverness To Thurso Part One
Inverness To Thurso Part Two (Starts At Brora)
7 September 2008
Sparrowhawk In Wick Garden Marion
Sutherland spotted this Sparrowhawk on the hedge at the bottom of
her garden at Bayview in Wick.
Calling All Charities and Voluntary Groups
Looking For Funding - Latest Possibilities HERE
COMIC RELIEF - SMALL GRANTS PROGRAMME
Comic Relief will not be accepting applications for its main
funding programme until early 2009, however its Small Grants
Programmes (for grants up to the value of �5000) is still
running...... WOMEN'S FUND FOR SCOTLAND
The Women's Fund for Scotland seeks to address these barriers at
a local level. Grants of up to �5,000 are available..... DRINKAWARE TRUST
The Drinkaware Trust offers small grants of up to �2,500
normally to projects throughout the UK, in particular to reduce
alcohol misuse amongst under-18s and/or to raise awareness about
long-term health harms caused by hazardous or harmful levels of
drinking...... VOLUNTARY ACTION FUND: VOLUNTEERING SCOTLAND GRANT SCHEME
The Voluntary Action Fund (VAF) has confirmed that its flagship
volunteering investment fund is once more open for business. THE LINKS FOUNDATION
What's It For? Support for community projects. There is no
set amount, but average awards are around �20k...... ENTRIES INVITED FOR THE SCHOOLS ETC AWARDS
The national learning charity ContinYou, is inviting schools and
children's centres, youth groups and community groups, as well
as clusters of schools and/or children's centres to enter the
Schools ETC Awards. This year schools, etc, can enter the awards
and win a first prize of �2,000 and a runner's up prize of
�1,000. Each year the award has a different theme. This year the
theme is "Enjoy and Achieve" FUNDING AVAILABLE TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY RECYCLING
(SCOTLAND) Not for profit community based organisations that are
interested in developing projects that help to in the reduction,
reuse and recycling of waste are invited to apply for funding
through the Increase III programme. The INCREASE III programme
is a �7.5 million grants programme.....grants of between �5,000
and �300,000 for projects that relate to the prevention of
waste.......
GRANTS TO PROMOTE WALKING
The Paths for All Partnership has announced that it has funding
available to fund new and innovative ways of promoting walking
for health. The aim of Paths to Health is to increase the health
and well-being of inactive people by promoting regular walking
within local communities.......
SUPPORT FOR WOODLAND PROJECTS
Funding for local woodland projects is available through the
Local Forestry Challenge Funds. These form part of the Scotland
Rural Development Programme (SRDP) and are administered by
Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS). Under the scheme, two funds
are available......
Local
Police Bring In More Officers To Caithness And Tain
Northern Constabulary intends to increase the number of police constables
in Thurso, Wick and Tain. Superintendent Ian Arnott, Divisional Commander
for Northern Constabulary's North Division said: "Over the last 18 months
we have undergone a structural review that has identified a number of
savings which the Chief Constable has reinvested in extra officers for our
communities. I am pleased to say that four extra officers will be coming
to my Division over the coming months. There will be one additional
officer based at Thurso, one at Tain and two in Wick." Northern Joint Police BaordNorthern
Constabulary Web Site
5 September 2008
Second Memorial Gary McLean Open Bike Run and Dance
Monies raised will go to McMillan Nurses and NABD (national association
for bikers with disabilities) Thank you Ray The Run Will Be Held On The
27th Of September, Gathering At The Norseman Hotel Car Park At 12:30 For
1:30 Start, Soup And Sandwiches will be provided by the hotel following
the run. The Dance will commence at 9.oopm at the above venue With Two
Local Bands performing: "Evil Intention" and "Prolific". Tickets Are
Priced At �6 for the run and �6 for the dance or why not purchase both for
just �10. Payment on the day is also acceptable. If enough interest is
shown from people from Thurso and outlying area for the Dance a bus will
be laid on. Please Contact Either Ray Or Paul at The Locations Or Numbers
Below For Tickets. Ray, Longreen Farm, South Keiss
077333225557 or Paul, AMS Motorcycles Coach Road Wick Tel Tel.
07884185015
Caithness Celtic Supporters' Club Bus Availability
The next buses are:- versus AalBorg (Champions League) on 17/09/08 - 7.45pm kick-off.
Bus leaving Wick Safeways @ 09:00 and Thurso Skinandis @ 09:30. versus Aberdeen (League) on 27/09/08 - 3.00pm kick-off. Bus leaving
Wick Safeways @ 05:00 and Thurso Skinandis @ 05:30.
Senior = �30 and Junior = �20. Contact, Stevie King =
[email protected]
Blas Festival Kicks Off In Caithness On Friday Friday 5th September 2008 - Fred Morrison and Friends - MacKay's Hotel,
Wick- 7.30pm Leading the line up is phenomenal piper and whistle player, Fred
Morrison who has carved himself an international reputation with a
powerfully exuberant, highly improvisational style which combines the
Gaelic piping tradition of the Uists with contemporary and eclectic
influences.
Wednesday 10th September 2008 - Chasing the Sun by James Ross
Assembly Rooms, Wick - 7.30pm -
James Ross | Mr MacFall's Chamber | Fraser Fifield
The Blas Festival is proud to present the world premiere of this new
commission by Wick born musician and composer, James Ross. This follows on
from a successful "New Voices" commission at Celtic Connections and debut
CD in 2006. Saturday 13th September 2008 - �rachadh - Mill Theatre, Thurso - 7.30pm
This stunning show is a journey through the story of North West
Sutherland, using music, song, poetry and visuals. Featuring the talents
of Mod gold medallist, James Graham, fiddler Rhona Sutherland, pianist
James Ross, multi-instrumentalist and singer Catriona MacLeod and piper /
accordionist Carol-Anne MacKay from D�chas, this promises to be an
unforgettable show. Blas Web Site
1 September 2008
North Highland Connections News - September 2008 North
Highland Connections the latest arm of the North Highland Initiative is
beginning to gather force and has issued it's news bulletin for September
setting out music and drama events that they are presenting for the month.
On Saturday, September 6th, at 8:00pm, we will be presenting what promises
to be a truly lovely concert in Dornoch Cathedral. The Scottish Ensemble's
annual Highlands & Islands Tour is always popular with both players and
audiences, and this year's programme of music provides a real musical
treat. Two gems from the classical repertoire, Bach's Double Violin
Concerto and Mendelssohn's String Symphony No 9 in C minor partner David
Horne's Double Violin Concerto and Shostakovich's Two Pieces for String
Octet. See the whole newsletter for later events.......
North Highland Connections Web Site
Probationer Teachers Welcomed In The Highlands
Councillor Bill Fernie, Chairman of The Council�s Education, Culture and
Sport Committee, Drew Miller Vice-chairman and Hugh Fraser, Director of Education, Culture and Sport
welcomed 109 probationer teachers, who will be working in Highland schools
in the new session, at their induction day in Inverness on Friday 15
August. The new teachers will be started work in
schools across the Highlands on Monday (18 August). Pupils return to
school following their summer break on Tuesday. In total, 47 probationers have been allocated
to secondary schools and 62 to primary schools.
Full Size Photo HERE
Catching Up With Caithness Floral Art Club - Three Meetings Now Added Global Extravaganza - August 2008
- Caithness Floral Art Club Caithness Floral Art Club were delighted to welcome
Sharon Stevenson from the Flower Shop in Thurso to demonstrate for them.
Using a lovely selection of blooms, some sprayed to fit her theme, along
with a wide variety of florists' foliage Sharon made arrangements
entitled Antarctica, Mexico, China, South Africa and Egypt to give us
her interpretation of a Global Extravaganza.
Nature's Palette - June 2008 - Caithness Floral Art Club A welcome return visit by Irene Parker from Hexham helped
Caithness Floral Art Club celebrate their 39th Birthday. This talented
flower arranger with her clever use of both colours and interesting
foliages beautifully illustrated Nature's Palette to an appreciative
audience.
Melody Time - May 2008 - Caithness Floral Art Club Moyra Turnbull from Crieff, SAFAS Education Officer
enjoyed a return to Caithness in May to demonstrate to the Caithness
Floral Art Club. Her title Melody Time was illustrated in mainly
monochromatic arrangements. Candle in the Wind, Goldfinger, Teddy Bears'
Picnic, Anyone Who Had a Heart, and Congratulations were the well known
song titles the audience had to guess.
Extra Swimming Lessons Available At Bettyhill Swimming Pool The
pool currently runs beginners swimming lessons for primary age children on
Friday evenings and Sunday mornings but due to overwhelming demand they are
expanding to start another lesson on Saturday mornings. There are now spaces
for those wishing to enrol their children in these lessons, and there will
also be spaces in the mother and toddler classes and adult learners. Anyone
interested should call on 01641 521400 or email
[email protected]
The !GUBI Family
At The Mill Theatre, Thurso The
!gubi Family are a true family of 6 San musicians, ranging in age from 18 to
80, and are the keepers of a vanishing tradition of San Musical Culture.
Their home is Corridor 18, in the Sands of the Kalahari Desert, Namibia. The
San are the originators of trance dance and their music is specifically
designed to evoke an altered state of consciousness through the rhythms and
beats, enabling the musician to enter trance and perform healing on both
individuals and the tribe. They traditionally sing and dance throughout the
night playing the mouthbow, the mbira and the zuma (four-stringed
instrument). The music of this family has captivated the ear of top
international artists. Most notably was their collaboration with Pops
Mohammed, and Zena Williams, who worked with the elders of the family to
produce his internationally acclaimed album, SanScapes. With over 10,000
years of ancestry and knowledge, the San of the Kalahari represent one of
the oldest surviving indigenous cultures in the world..............
