Glendaruel Caravan Park, as a contribution to the recent Cowal ArtsFeast, staged a small but intruiging exhibition of artworks and stained glass loaned by several artists who have a connection with Glendaruel. There is also an historical display of old photographs and information relating to the Glendaruel Estate.
This initiative proved so popular and generated such  interest it has been decided to leave them on display throughout the summer during shop hours or by arrangement (Tel: 01369 820 267)
The Caravan Park would like to thank the following for their contributions: Anne Ferguson, Eleanor McLaughlin, Paul Morley, Carol Paterson & Hannah Frew Patterson.

A few months ago Anne McNaughton suggested getting a team together for the annual fundraising Moonwalk in Edinburgh. The event, in aid of breast cancer charities, involves 12,000 walkers, starting at midnight, and walking the length of a marathon (26.2 miles) in decorated bras. To be fair, we were a little dubious about the augmented underwear part of the challenge, but on the morning of  June 15th, seven of us, in garments of varying taste and modesty, crossed the finish line after walking for nine hours.
There was a great deal of humour, blood, sweat and tears, literally. But all that tramping around the glen must have paid off  because we all took it in our stride. Our bodies are now finely tuned athletic machines (?!)
Annie, Anne, Beth, Fiona, Heather, Jelena, and Kirsty give huge thanks to everyone for their generous donations, with a special mention to our families for their support. The amazing total we raised was over £4,000.
For the record, had we not been held up by the crowds, queues and toilet stops, we would have done it in around seven hours. Honest.

Now is the time we should be seeing results of all our hard work of the last few months. As usual it does not work out as planned. It seems that my plans have not been the same as the head gardener’s. I planted dahlias where usual plus a few new acquisitions and was foolish enough not to mark where they were. She came along later and planted other things on top. We will have some interesting pairings for the cottage garden image which usually involves planting everything close together to create plenty of colour and hide the weeds. The head gardener decided to plant colourful annuals in large pots. Blue Petunias and pansies with busy lizzie are predominant with begonias and geraniums to come.
Some plantings have failed as usual this time because of the long spell of dry weather. We have a water supply from the hill which is adequate for the house but not for a thirsty garden. The result is that the vegetable seeds have germinated but are still very small. Only cabbages and Brussels sprouts bought as seedlings are thriving along with onion sets and courgettes. We have very few potatoes this season. Our strawberry plants, grown through black polythene, like the dry conditions and are about to produce the best crop ever - if the birds leave them alone.
The rhododendrons have produced a colourful display which is now ending. The greatest surprise has been the blooming of one brought from our Colintraive house as a seedling and is now five feet tall with large white flowers and a wonderful scent. I remember its parent bush but, until this year, did not realise that we had that rarity, a scented rhododendron.
The boundary hedge which I cut back severely during winter is growing away again while allowing better access. I have often advised others never to open a new flower bed, it just makes more work but we needed a dedicated rose bed and so I didn’t follow my own advice. The turf was removed, compost and fertiliser dug in and roses transplanted from elsewhere in the garden.  Unfortunately with the very dry weather three of them have died and I am spending time weeding and trimming the edges of the new plot
The next big event will be the removal of the stand of leylandii at the road end of the garden which will allow in more light and wind.  As we have still to acquire a wood burning stove anyone looking for logs is welcome to take some. Just ask.
Tom Mowat

The Trustees met on 2nd June to consider applications. Dunans Charitable Trust applied for assistance to fund the restoration and preservation of Dunans bridge. Major funding had already been obtained elsewhere and the Trust approved a grant of £5000 for legal costs, feasibility survey and access improvements. Before deciding on an application by the Glen Hall for a crèche more information was required. £995 was granted towards the costs of a Midsummer music festival organised by Nick Lewis. The Shinty club apply annually for a training grant for young players and a grant of £890 was approved. An award of £1000 was agreed towards a summer outing and other benefits for Kilmodan Primary. A grant towards costs of football training and equipment was discussed but held over. The Fellowship  was assured of assistance towards transport costs.

The annual grant from Scottish Power is considered low compared with awards made to more recent Trusts. The local authority and Scottish power are discussing a small increase.

The trustees remind the public that provided a grant application was for the benefit of the community it does not matter that the recipient was or might become profit making. All applications will be considered.

Alex McNaughton

The playgroup has been growing and thriving in 2008. There have been 17 children on the books, including the addition of two new families to the area and four new babies, now begining to toddle. We have also had great support from Tighnabruaich families and visitors to the area.

With a large number of children now going to primary 1, we are always looking for new members to keep the group going. All children, whether local or visiting, from 0 - 5 years are welcome to come along with parents or carers and enjoy play and a cup of tea!

The playgroup will close for the summer session on Tuesday 24th June. On this day there will be a special teddy bear’s picnic in the Colintraive community garden. All children are welcome and playgroup will supply all food and goodies. Fun will start at an earlier time of 12.30 this day.

Playgroup will re-open again on Tuesday 24th August and continue on tuesday afternoons from 1.30 to 3.30 at Colintraive Hall. The weekly fee is £1 per child (or £1.50 per family if more than 1 child).

For further information contact Rhona McNaughton:
01369 820 102