Special Events

Farr Gala and Gala Dance

Historically the start of the gala update has always begun with The weather was good to us once again’. Unfortunately this year was an exception with torrential rain throughbut the day! We were lucky in that we had recently acquired two large marquees with a grant from the Strathnaim Community Benefit Fund. The rain didn’t seem to dampen people’s spirits and the feedback has been brilliant.

All the events and attractions went ahead apart from the helicopter rides and the big bouncy castle. The sheering went down a treat as we had one or two from the town who had never seen this being done before. I overheard a small person pointing out that it was a shame to take the sheep’s coat off on such a wet day! The sports are a traditional favourite and congratulations to the East end who retained the Maxwell Smith trophy in the tug o war.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the committee — many of them new members - for their dedication to this event. Without them, their wives and husbands, family and friends the gala would not have taken place this year. Also the support shown by the local community and surrounding areas has yet again been amazing with attractions, time, help and donations that were most generously given. It could not have been done without you!

The photos taken by local resident Peter Paul are fabulous and really capture the fun of the day, they can be seen on his web site: www.chatan.co.uk

Another soon to be local Dave Rennie from Speed Print has also been a massive help printing up the posters, helicopter raffle and dance tickets; this took a lot of pressure off the committee.

It was disappointing that the helicopters were unable to fly in the weather conditions, but the raffle prize winners really enjoyed their spin the following week; we will see if they are available for the 2007 gala for those of you that were looking forward to a trip.

The gala dance has always been scheduled on the night of the gala but this year it was held the following week to enable folks to recharge their batteries; it could have been better attended, but the 70 or so people that did come along really enjoyed the music played by Torridon with the bar kindly provided by the Tomatin Inn.

The money raised for the community hall is in the region of £750 and considering the weather on the day this really shows what a community that pulls together can achieve.

We are already talking enthusiastically about the 2007 gala so if you have any ideas or would like to be involved in any way please make yourself known - the more the merrier!

Thank you again to all that did something to make the day; there really are too many of you to thank individually but you know who you are and we are very grateful; hopefully we will see you all again next year.

Strathnairn Farmers Association - Working Vintage Rally and Display Day

Saturday 22nd September 2007 at Daviot Farm

The Committee would be pleased to hear from anyone in the Strath who has old photos, maps, records on farming, fishing, sport, schools, churches, etc... in the area: indeed anything old would be welcome - including machinery with a bit of history which you would be willing to display on loan at our Vintage Open Day. Contacts: John MacLeod or William MacQueen.

Following the generous support from the Community Benefit Fund and Strathdearn Community Charitable Trust it is intended that the event is primarily for the benefit of the people of Strathnairn and Strathdearn, all individuals, local crafts and art interests and businesses alike, we can now offer to support the Strathnairn and Strathdearn residents, arts and crafts interests and businesses by way of FREE - Exhibit and/or Trade Stand.

Event entry form

Event secretary c/o The Haugh, Milton of Faillie, Daviot, IV2 6XN

Music

Taigh na Gàidhlig Mhealanais presents:

Ùrachadh
Orrachoo - renewal, refreshment (of the alcoholic kind)
Performing in Farr Hall, Tuesday 14th August @ 7.30 pm.
£5.00 and £4.00 concession.

Sgeul Dùthaich ic Aoidh troimh na linntean
Join us for the story of Dùthaich ic Aoidh and Assain , North West Sutherland, through music, poems, songs, stories and images.
Performing traditional music and song and their own compositions will be:
James Graham
James Ross
Catriona MacLeod
Rhona Sutherland

Producer: D W Stewart.