News
Glasgow River Festival 2007
July found us back on the banks of the Clyde for the River festival where we were housed in the new Clyde Waterfront
Marquee, which had it’s first outing at Glasgow’s annual event. GalGael will be managing the marquee for hires with
special rates for community groups (see http://www.clydewaterfront.com/marqueeforhire.aspx).
Once again we were told
by the public that we were one of the highlights of the event, and we enjoyed engaging with the Glasgow punters who
supported us through donations, buying t-shirts etc or even just a bit of praise for what we’re trying to do. Our ever
popular sail on the Clyde in full Highland regalia complete with piper had the camera shutters clicking all round the
quay and thanks again to all the volunteers who made it all happen.
GalGael Hoolie
It was high time for a clan gathering and 27th Oct, on the last night of the Govan International Music Festival
was a great opportunity. A number of GalGael musicians took a turn, Clachies Nae Kiddin, African drummers, Rev.
Ali Mac. This was topped off by a surprise appearance from Elvis Prestwick who looked lycra-lovely in his white
jumpsuit. It was a crackin’ night and the MacLeod hall was jumping with our extended clan – young and auld. Thanks
to all who mucked in to make the night possible and all those who turned out to make it the success it was. Special
thanks to Helen & Gillian at Scotland in Europe for organising such a great festival.
Annual General Meeting
...we’ve been told they are like no other; showing GalGael can get the business done without losing the heart of
the matter & the spirit of what it’s all about.
This year was very special and over 100 people joined us on 2nd November to celebrate our 10th anniversary..
yep, we’ve been a registered charity for 10 years... the fact nearly passed us by but there you go! And how fitting
to celebrate our endurance on the anniversary night of Colin’s passing... he would be right proud!
We held the event in the workshop, clearing back the benches and putting up displays of crafts and trainees work.
We welcomed to the Board; Billy Singh, Mhairi Hearle and Tam McGarvey. On the flip side of the coin we had to bid
farewell to Norrie Mackie and Ros Micklem – we wish them well and thank them warmly for their contribution over
the years. A highlight of the evening was a slideshow going back over the years achievements, with participatory
commentary provided by all present. But the best was yet to come, as up stepped all the proud graduates of Navigate
the Future who were awarded their GalGael certificates and presented with their toolkits. We also recognised some of
our top volunteers with a bespoke hardwood award to say thanks for all their efforts.
As is traditional at our Annual General Meeting we had some amazing Scottish wild foods; fresh salmon, deer straight
off the hill, and pheasant - so thanks to those who made it such a great night. It’s good to know that folk are still
eager to attend “the AGM that other AGM’s can’t reach”.
After the proceedings we shared some music and showed some footage of Colin to commemorate his anniversary. It was
great though emotional to hear his voice in the workshop again. It reminds us of how far we have come, and the
inspiration he gave us so that we look forward with enthusiasm to what the next 10 years will bring.
"Elizabeth"
John and his volunteers are making steady progress on the restoration of the 1920’s Morcambe Bay prawn boat. The hull
is now painted and the guys are caulking the deck and starting work on the cabin. Once she’s finished, Elizabeth will
be given a new life as an escort boat for GalGael’s sail boats, as well as being a good training vessel in her own
right. If you have any boat renovation skills and you’d like to volunteer then John would love to hear from you. Also
as convenor of the Voyaging Society he’s always looking for folk with sailing experience to help manage our water-borne
activities. john@galgael.org
Anastasia
GalGael had some special visitors in the summer - 11 year old Anastasia from the New Hope Centre in Swaziland who came
with her teacher and Grace Franklyn from the Southside News. Children who attend the centre are orphans of the AIDS
epidemic that is sweeping through Africa. The older children are trained in craft skills to help them earn a living.
Despite all that has happened to her, Anastasia still had a massive smile for everyone she met in the GalGael workshop
and she certainly made us count our blessings. We hope to do a bit of fundraising for the centre in the near future.
Whisky barrel competition
We have set up a wee competition for innovative ideas to create furniture etc from whisky barrels. We have had a few
good efforts so far but keep them coming in. “A large container for the storage of free whisky” has already been
suggested so don’t try it.
Fleeces
Thanks to John MacLean from the Lagandoran Hostel on Iona for donating 10 fleeces from native Hebridean sheep and
also to Anneruth for making contact and for transporting th fleeces to Govan for our wool craft group.
Barmaddy
Barmaddy Farm renovation is going well. Essential ground maintenance is still in progress but a lot has been done
already to ensure that Barmaddy stays dry over the wet winter months ahead. Volunteers have put in a few good shifts
and have enjoyed their stay at the farm and have all looked rejuvenated on their return to Govan. John brought us back
a jar of Bar-M fresh air from the last trip, which now sits on the shelf in case of emergencies!
The Forestry Commission have agreed to erect a deer fence around the area intended for tree planting which turns
out has already some oak planted. We also had an interesting visit from the Royal Commission for Historic and
Ancient Monuments new project Scotland’s Rural Past which works with local communities to research, record and
promote the vanishing settlements and landscapes of Scotland’s rural past. We’re discussing ways we can work
with them to make Barmaddy the base for exploring the sites around Loch Awe. It’ll be an excellent way for
us to engage with the local communities.
Finally, the farmhouse has already been the venue for 2 weekend modules as part of a permaculture design course
led by Ed Tyler and Kilmartin House. Naturally, there are some lasting spin-off benefits for Barmaddy as this
much of the coursework is hands on. For those who don’t know... permaculture is about creating sustainable human
habitats by following nature's patterns.