Bonfire Night Fundraiser
Apart from the Winter chill it was like a still Summer’s evening at Ardentinny Beach on Bonfire Night. The bonfire roared away lighting up the beach, while children and adults enjoyed the warmth and goodies on sale in aid of village hall funds.
There were toffee apples, cakes and toffee with Hot Chocolate, Bovril and Spiced Apple drinks to keep you warm on the inside. Cleverly designed natural braziers added extra warmth and provided a safe way to toast the marshmallows on sale.
Lynn Kerr
Bowling Club – Terror on the Turf
Once again Maryjane, Linda and their hard working team excelled themselves with eerie walks, amazing decorations and delicious chilli supper at the annual Ardentinny Bowling Club Halloween Party. There was a Horror Film Quiz with clever cryptic clues and a ‘Guess Who’s Buried in the Graveyard?’ quiz as well as ‘Guess how many Eyeballs in the Jar’.
Pumpkins lined the path to the clubhouse and there were laughing Ghouls, screeching Witches and flashing Skeletons to scare the unsuspecting guiser approaching the club house. The best costume was won by the very convincing caveman. There was music and dancing and a good time was had by all.
Lynn Kerr
Walled Garden summer season culminates with Harvest Fair
Glenfinart Walled Garden’s open season culminated once again with a successful fund-raising Harvest Fair. The warm sunny day showcased the garden’s autumn hues and there was a raft of things to savour and enjoy. Carefully tended organic vegetables provided rich vegetable soup while apples from the hundred-year-old tree and its younger neighbours supplied crumble, flapjacks and delicious juice.
Live music kept the atmosphere upbeat as visitors took in stalls of Fair Trade goods; arts and crafts; fresh produce; face painting; and kids’ activities. The event raised invaluable revenue to further fund greater infrastructure which in turn extends the garden’s outreach to individuals and communities with varied and specific needs and aspirations.
The garden is now officially closed to visitors until Easter. However, gardener/volunteers’ coordinator, Simon, normally works in the garden with volunteers on Mondays and Thursdays and visitors are welcome to wander around if the gate is open. The garden is also open on the second and last Saturday of the month 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. to accommodate National Park volunteers. Similarly, others are also welcome. Wherever possible, groups requesting to visit the garden on a specific date will also be made welcome.
Those interested in volunteering call Simon on 07962086474 or Lynn (secretary) 07464485380. Tea, coffee and refreshments are provided.
Cowal Open Studios artist draws record numbers in garden setting
Artist Anthea Gage held her Cowal Open Studios exhibition in Glenfinart Walled Garden recently. Despite the most atrocious weather, 145 visitors braved torrential rain and followed the brightly coloured streamers down the river road to the garden entrance to view and enjoy Anthea’s fun and colourful paintings, prints and cards.
Anthea Gage RSW taught Art and Design in Edinburgh for over thirty years and has since moved to Cowal. She works in gouache and watercolour and takes her inspiriration from the fun and colour of her surroundings and from lyrics and poetry, examples of which can be seen on her website. She can be contacted by email antheagage@btinternet.com.