Ardentinny artist puts his stamp on historic referendum campaign

Local artist Bill Williamson

Accomplished ceramicist, community councillor and care worker, Bill Williamson wears many hats. A lifelong campaigner for the rights of others, Bill considers the Westminster system is broken. “Working three days a week as a carer, I have seen first hand the effects of the cuts that are being experienced by vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in Scotland.

With the UK government’s recent austerity measures, the Scottish Government has had to judicially juggle its overall budget in order to protect its spending on health. However, with more austerity measures promised by Westminster there is only so much Scotland can do and we need full control of Scotland’s finances if we are to properly care for our sick and disadvantaged”.

Bill has created a ceramic sculpture to commemorate the September 18 Referendum. “This Thursday we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to make things better for Scotland and its people. The Westminster politicians and the mainstream media have done their best to scaremonger and polarise the nation. They would have us believe that the vote is for an individual or a political party, this of course is nonsense.

For the first time in 300 years, we have the opportunity to take control of our own destiny and in 2 years’ time elect a government of our choice. I have no doubt we will have teething problems, however I feel sure that the grassroots groups this referendum has created will ensure our future politicians are kept firmly in line.

My referendum piece represents the four countries of the current UK. Independence will not just be a victory for Scotland, it will represent an opportunity for England, Wales and Northern Ireland to break away from the Westminster system”.

Bill Williamson with be participating in the Cowal Open Studios event from 26 – 29 September, 2014. More details here.

 

Gifted garden sculptured seat

Ardentinny residents Irene and Stan Share recently enjoyed a small celebration beside the bespoke, carved, oak seat which they had generously commissioned and donated to Glenfinart walled garden.

Stan and Irene on the bespoke oak seat.
Stan and Irene on the bespoke oak seat.

The seat, which was designed and carved by local wood carver Guy Elder, is a work of art which slopes and weaves round the old beech tree at the entrance to the garden. Irene described how the design had evolved as she liaised closely with Guy on the project and both she and Stan very much like the end result, as will anyone who views and uses it.

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Ardentinny Community Trust toast Irene and Stan.

A detail of the unique sculptured seat.
A detail of the unique sculptured seat.

Spraying of knotweed (updated)

Ardentinny Community Council recently funded the training of a local volunteer to spray Japanese knotweed. Spraying took place on 24 August, according to signs placed in the beach path area. However, these signs are no longer there and so we have written to sites the Community Council Convener to request the name of the pesticide used in order to inform the public.

In the meantime, it may be advisable to keep animals under control between Coronation Wood and the entrance to Ardfin avenue padeltennisguiden and also to refrain from eating any berries/brambles in the area.

Update: We have since been informed by the Convener of Ardentinny Community Council that the substance sprayed was ‘Round Up’.

Village Project Fund

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January storm damage at Coronation Wood.

At the August Community Council meeting it was learned that there now exists a new village project fund.

Apparently a financial contribution came from Storie Argyll Ltd in compensation for the damage caused to Coronation Wood  while the company was clearing the beach access on behalf of Scottish Water.

It is intended to use the funds for the acquisition of a village notice board which will direct visitors to places of interest in Ardentinny.

The Coronation Wood group managing the fund does not intend to register as a charity, nor will it apply for funds.. It is simply ‘a group of people who wish to undertake projects to maintain and improve the village’.

Another small project they have apparently undertaken is the clearing of the Laird’s Grave.

Walled Garden featured in Gardens Illustrated

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Glenfinart Walled Garden features in the current (August 2014) issue of Gardens Illustrated. The article entitled “The Fall & Rise of the Walled Kitchen Garden” focusses on how once magnificent walled gardens are now finding a new and productive lease of life.

The community enterprise aspect of the garden is highlighted in the the article. “..There is no more inspiring tale than Glenfinart, near loch Lomond, where a community has come together to secure a garden for its own use.

Abandoned in the 1920’s, and turned over to the Forestry Commission, a crumbling enclosure with a distinctive curved wall was more or less all that remained of the grand residence of the local Laird.

A band of volunteers is steadily creating a growing space, recreational garden and social hub for the folk of Ardentinny, who can also attend gardening classes”

Very well done to everyone involved in the project.