Lochluichart Church and Community Hall 28th August 2021
There was so much to enjoy this day it’s difficult to know where to start!
Despite having to arrange a new venue at short notice the day was full of engaging activities; with opportunities to mingle, and munch on delicious sandwiches and cakes. Friends and neighbours came along to see new and familiar faces after being unable to for so long due to Covid restrictions.
Long term plans for the Garve and District area aim to create enterprise and projects, care for the environment, and promote the use of local resources. Three open days over the summer of 2021 helped to connect people and businesses and encourage stronger connections with one another and their natural surroundings. This day’s theme was specifically community growing and to kickstart a new “well-being hub”.
The venue was Kinlochluichart Church and Community Hall who share a building (Kinlochluichart and Strathgarve Church) beside the busy A832 road (also on the NC 500, a popular scenic road route round the north Highlands). The church and hall are in the middle of a very dispersed community – 6 miles west of Garve and 11 miles east of Achnasheen.
Kinlochluichart Community Hall shares its space and activities with the church in beautiful surroundings
Members of the “Green Leaves” group promoted the availability of large planters made from whisky barrels which will help bring year-round colour across the district. The barrels come supplied with compost, bulbs and offers of help to put them into place. During the Open Day the first two were planted up with tulips at the entrance to the church. This is just one activity planned for the newly established growing group – to find out more about the “Green Leaves” Group on the Garve and District website https://garve.org/group/greenleaves.
Sue, Mark and Megan – Community volunteers and staff – plant the first of barrels
With a backdrop of serene clarsach music everyone circulated amongst friends and find out what the community offers in the way of activities that help engage with nature, and one another. Esther Armstrong, a local artist, demonstrated with ease her connection with nature while creating a beautiful image of the local countryside. Sue offered a plant and seed swap stall and a fun session for children (old and young) to carry out a survey of local biodiversity – using a hoola hoop!
Perhaps the most eagerly anticipated part of the day was the announcement of the winners of the closely contested Sunflower Competition. Fittingly the winner for the tallest sunflower was the youngest entrant … Daniel Campbell!
Daniel – winner of the Tallest Sunflower Competition
There was more on offer Inside the community hall/church where there were second-hand books, locally made crafts and most importantly refreshments provided by a cater based in Achnasheen.
“What was your best memory or feeling from taking part in this activity?”
– Seeing people from the community coming together and my grandson winning a prize
– Getting free plants
– Meeting others, being new to the community myself
Stacy loves creating blankets – she’s a member of the local “Needles and Hooks” Craft group
By Toni Clark – High Life Highland Green Health Officer coordinating a series of events across Highland with funding through LEADER