Ardentinny’s village hall has received a welcome injection of creative activity as part of its renewal programme, following its recent threat of closure. This comes by way of a ceramics and sculpture course donated and run by renowned local ceramicist Bill Williamson.
The 8-week course is attended by a mixed-ability group, all enthusiastically working to complete their chosen sculpture which they hope will culminate in an exhibition of their work.
Bill Williamson with some of the course attendees
The course is just one part of a varied hall programme which incorporates seasoned ‘local club’ favourites alongside exciting new offerings, all of which can be found in the winter programme.
Queen Victoria was just 20, the first commercial electric telegraph line came into use and Ireland was hit by the worst cyclone in 300 years. It was 1838, and the Douglas Family (the then Laird of Glenfinart) had commissioned a small church on the banks of Loch Long.
Last weekend Ardentinny Church held its final service, a celebration of Harvest Thanksgiving, closing its doors some 179 years after its opening. Ardentinny’s unique little church seated approximately 100 and was one of the Church of Scotland’s three ‘Shore churches’, the others being Kilmun and Strone. The decision to close it came as a surprise to many.
When asked to comment on the closure, a spokesperson from Church of Scotland said:
“The Church of Scotland manages one of the country’s largest property portfolios comprising over 5,000 properties. These include churches, manses, halls and houses as well as a large number of care services and a variety of other buildings.
We have had an excess of church buildings since the 1920s and must continually assess our need for these properties to ensure a prudent use of charity assets, particularly when they may no longer be in suitable locations.
Following the closure of Ardentinny Church and the proposed closure of Kilmun Church, the Kirk Session, Presbytery of Argyll and General Trustees of the Church of Scotland will work together to decide on the future of the two buildings.”
During the final service which the Rev. Joseph Stewart and his congregation kindly agreed for us to film, Reverend Stewart said that this was a celebration, not only of Harvest Time but a celebration of the saintly souls who had worshipped in this sanctuary over the years, leaving their spiritual imprint and example for those who came behind them. The congregation was also encouraged to work together to ensure that there is a future for The Church on ‘The Shore’
Please feel free to share your thoughts and/or memories of Ardentinny Church via comments below or on our Facebook page.
With thanks to The Rev. Joseph Stewart and the congregation of Ardentinny Church.
Glenfinart Walled Garden’s Harvest Fair delivered all its usual treats by way of food, drink and entertainment in its beautiful garden surroundings. However, the Fundraising ‘Quickest Quackers’ Rubber Duck Race down the River Finart was the highlight of the day.
During and since the Garden’s Easter Eggstravaganza, a place in the race could be secured by buying one or more of the 200 numbered ducks that took part. While the weather could have been better for an afternoon out, the rainy conditions provided a rushing river which added to the excitement of the race.
There was lively commentary by spectators as they approached the finishing line while plucky volunteers braved conditions at the mouth of the loch, skilfully catching the winners, along with all the other competing ducks. The winning numbers were: First – number 64; Second – number 196; and Third – number 87.
