In October 2006 John and Kate McEwen (right) relocated to Glendaruel from Paisley where they had been running a successful hypnotherapy practice since 1999. At the behest of The National Society of Professional Hypnotherapist they had added a training school to their services. However a lack of affordable accommodation made this difficult despite a high demand for places. They then discovered and fell in love with Ardachearnbeg where they can offer accommodation for the residential element of the course keeping it all ‘on campus’.

They run training courses at practitioner level twice a year and offer a variety of other short courses including postgraduate training. (for further details see www.learn-hypnosis.co.uk) Some attend the practitioner course for self development. Students report undergoing profound change during the course.

Kate and John are available for anyone wishing to utilise their services. Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis in a therapeutic setting. The ability of hypnosis to bring about behavioral change makes its applications widespread. It can help those trying to break habits such as smoking, over-eating or drug abuse, and can also help achieve relief from irritable bowel, migraine, dermatitis, high blood pressure and many other physical complaints.
It is useful in helping clients to identify inner strengths and raise levels of self-confidence, reducing anxiety related to such areas as driving test nerves, exams, presentations, public speaking and so on.

Those who have attended a ‘Hypnotherapy Information Evening’ at Ardachearnbeg will know a little about what Kate & John do. It is intended to hold further information evenings over the summer. If you wish to attend, please telephone 01369 820272.

For further information and FAQs please visit the website at
www.B9Hypnotherapy.co.uk or www.corsebarhypnotherapy.co.uk
email: info@learn-hypnosis.co.uk

John & Kate McEwen
Scottish School of Hypnotherapy Ltd
Ardachearnbeg Farm Cottages, Glendaruel
The cottages are also available to let as holiday accommodation. www.ardachearnbeg.co.uk

As part of ArtsFeastCowal, Nick Lewis (above right) prevailed on his friends in the music business, and with help from the Wind Farm Trust, dragooned them into the Glendaruel Hall for an Midsummer evening of music.

What ensued was an eclectic and exciting mix of music that, had it been held in a city, would have attracted a massive audience who would willingly have paid five times the modest entrance fee of £5. (Under 16s free.)

Alison Sikora likewise dragooned friends into onion chopping and spud peeling to produce an Argyll Supper of Venison Stovies and Cowal Clangers - don’t ask!

The whole event was well attended and the bar did a roaring trade. We are grateful to Nick for his inspiration, initiative and hard work. He’d better start planning for Saturday June 20th 2009.

Martin and Michael would like to express their gratitude to those who helped clear up on the Sunday morning. So, thank you Cara, Moffat and Calum!

Glendaruel has played host to some tremendous sporting competitions during the last months.

Due to our ideal geographical position in Cowal, we are the preferred pitch on which to hold Youth Shinty Tournaments. This is a showcase in which our young talented players get the chance to play Shinty in their own surroundings, with their peers, and in front of their fans. Shouts of “Come on Finnan and Neilly” can be heard right around the Clachan.

Never is there more dedication and focus than at nights such as these when the atmosphere is one of excitement and anticipation. Please come along and see for yourself, but don’t forget the midge repellent! They especially don’t like our locally produced solution.

The senior team have at last had a chance to get into serious Shinty mode, well maybe you could call it that. Drier conditions have meant the the pitch has held up and we have won half of the last six games. Unfortunately we have sustained some injuries to key players, and this makes it that much harder for those remaining. Fitness is a major factor in a game as fast as Shinty, which was never meant to be played in temperatures in the 80’s.

We have six youth players who not only play in u-14 and u-17 teams, but also get a game on a Saturday. Three of these players will be attending the Camanachd Association’s Shinty Camp held each year in Perth. It is thanks to the Wind Farm Trust that these players are able attend this, expensive, but most constructive and valuable experience.

Sandy McVicar has been selected to play in the National Squad this year which is a great honour and a tribute to his fine shinty skills which we hope will get even better, and so, with the help of his team mates, further develop Col-Glen Shinty Club’s achievements.

Joanna Sinclair

The Sunday School year is drawing to a close and the mums who run it are pleased to report that it is in a healthy state. Denise McKane, who has moved into the manse, is a welcome and useful addition to the teaching rota and her daughter Lucy has joined the littlest class of pupils.

We purchased Scripture Union work books at the end of last year and since their introduction the teaching has been both more structured and more enjoyable. The children are divided into three age groups for activities around a weekly bible passage.

The youngest ones might colour in an illustration of the story while the five to eight years olds tackle word searches and mazes. In their worksheets, the older children discuss meanings and lessons learnt. Particularly popular is the use of paper cut outs from the booklets so that the children can recreate the story as a little play.

We feel that the children are learning a lot, as are some of the mums. We hope that the congregation aren’t too troubled during the service at Colintraive, when we try with varying degrees of success to keep the noise down in the back room.

After our annual picnic and the prize giving, we are now on a break until September.
Kirsty McLuckie

The Crèche opened in the second week of June. Supported by the Hall committee it offers childcare to local families. The backroom in Glendaruel hall has been transformed into bright multi-purpose space, comfortable and accessible for children and adults. Final touches such as shelving and storage will be completed over the next weeks. Toys and books have been generously donated by local families as has time and labour.

Funding has been recieved from WHELK via the RUN network to secure this initiative to make childcare accessible and affordable. The project, initially designed for 1 - 5 year olds, aims to create additional holiday programs offering activities to all the children in Colglen, if further funding bids are successful. Proposed activities include, art, dance, astronomy, music and languages. Possible further activities are very welcome.

Crèche care fees are £2 per child and places are available on a pre-booked, first come basis on Wednesday afternoons, from 12.30. Subject to demand and staffing, further sessions will be booked. Activity costs will be set according to funding and the provider, however it must be stressed that the aim is to provide affordable care and activities that offer a wealth of experience.

Registered childminders and assistants are needed (£7.50 per hour for registered minders and £5.52 for assistants). For further information and to book a place contact Sadie (820115 - sadie@arbu.co.uk). Donations of shelving/storage or toys would be very gratefully received.