October 2020 monthly update

Oakwood

Despite the constraints that Covid is imposing on us, we are managing to keep the shop

open from 12 ’til 3 everyday. It is being well used by visitors, and we are always delighted to welcome local residents as well. We are regularly getting new items in the range, so it is a great place to come and find that special gift.

The range includes items made from uniquely printed fabric and Harris tweed, handmade jewellery, and hand painted glassware.There are locally made craft items ranging from cards and framed watercolour paintings, to children’s toys and a selection of books including children’s stories, new publications by local authors, and a range of maps and walking guides.

Private shopping. We are aware that many people are wary, because of Covid, of going into any shop where there are other customers, however well managed the movements are. So if you would like to visit the store on your own, we will be pleased to arrange a special opening time just for you. All you need to do is email the manager, Jane Mellis, and she will contact you to arrange a suitable time. If you don’t have access to email, just phone the shop at the number below.

Thank you. We owe a big ‘Thank you” to all the producers, and especially the volunteers who help man the shop. We couldn’t manage without them. If anyone else feels able and willing to volunteer for an hour or two, we would love to hear from you.

Jane would also love to hear from any more local craft makers who would like to sell their products through Oakwood.

Please contact Jane by email oakwood@sunartcommunitycompany.co.uk or by phone: 01967 402443 (shop hours 12 ’til 3)

Moorings Matters

We would like to thank Mallaig Marine for returning this year to service the new visitor moorings, and to untangle the one which got caught up with a private mooring. As a result we now have a spare mooring block which will be used to moor the raft inshore, which will shortly be undergoing repairs and improvements.

A couple of moorings have broken free over the last 12 months and moorings holders are reminded to regularly inspect them and to make sure all vessels have insurance.

Can we make a plea to all users of the jetty. Please do not park anywhere near the gates even if you think no one is using the jetty. Vehicles towing trailers need to swing in towards the gates to avoid having to reverse in from the main road, which may cause a traffic obstruction. If the car park is full please park beyond the cattle grid. (We are working on in-creasing the space available.

Fingers crossed – we are waiting to hear if our funding application to upgrade and convert the green shed into a changing room and viewing shelter will be accepted. If so we will have a smart new shed for next season.

Strontians Men’s Shed

If anyone has walked round the community woodland behind Dail Mhor they will have seen that volunteers have done a great job of tidying up the former compost site. (Thanks also to Colin Ferguson for helping clear away some of the old soil to create more space.) We are almost ready to connect the electricity to the portacabin so that the Men’s Shed can move from the back of the Strontian Hotel to its new home. The new ‘shed’ will give more space and allow for social distancing – and a craft room as well as woodworking area. This extra work was funded thanks to a donation from the Edinburgh & District Motor Club. As the 2020 Scottish Six Day Trials & Pre 65 trials were cancelled this year the funds raised were distributed to local charities – including the community company for the Strontian Mens Shed – THANK YOU!

The Men’s Shed would also like to thank several local residents for more donations of tools – they definitely “need a bigger shed”!