Wow, only 2 months of 2022 remain, what happened there? where did the year go? Although the days are shorter there is still lots going on at the Centre in the run up to the end of year festivities. Hopefully this newsletter will inspire you to visit the Centre. Or you can now visit the Gallery virtually on our new Instagram account which aims to promote our artists and makers. Follow us via https://www.instagram.com/ltccgallery/ for images of the beautiful works on display as well as artist takeovers to glimpse behind the scenes of artists at work.
What’s on?
October 24th until the 7th of November: Autumn Air Exhibition
An exhibition inspired by the views, colours and sensations that this time of year brings with it. The exhibition runs during normal gallery opening hours (Mon to Fri 10-4), so why not pop in to escape the wind and rain, and experience a wee bit of Autumn indoors.
Thursday 10th November: Christmas Food and Craft Market 10am – 3pm
Come along for soup, sandwiches, tea/coffee & cake in aid of Highland Hospice. Plus a fantastic selection of local arts and crafts from these wonderful stallholders.
Pebbles on the Beach | Eoghain Maclean Photography |
Sue Mac Glass | Loch Ewe Sea Salt |
Patterns of Light | Jackie Dee Flowers |
Gordon Paton Wood Turner | Sea Charms Silver Jewellery |
Andy Moys Artist | Beatrice Willan Cakes & Savouries |
Prickly Fish Pottery | Tigh Brachen Heather Honey |
Torridon Christmas party Fundraiser | Mrs B's Produce |
Highland Drift | Hannah Feuerstein |
Friday 16th December: Wee Whistle Stop Scottish Cheese Fair
Lis will be holding her annual cheese fair at the centre. Lots of locally made goodies for Christmas. There are some fantastic raffle prizes as well, so why not come along and grab yourself a few tasty treats.
Saturday 17th December: Community Christmas Party
After taking a wee break during the covid pandemic THE local event of the year returns so pop the date in your diary without delay!
The festivities and fun will start at 5.30pm with mulled wine and carols. Father Christmas is no longer furloughed and has promised to be there. Come along and enjoy a buffet, drinks, music and dancing and, of course, the excitement of the Christmas raffle. More details will be circulated via the visit Torridon mailing list soon.
Current activities & classes
Craft workshop; Whist; Pilates; Yoga; Country Dancing.
Keep an eye on what is going on via our website or Facebook:
Movie nights continue to be popular and are perfect for Autumn and Winter evenings. Next dates: 12th November (Film: Top Gun Maverick), 10th December, 21st January; 18th February. Films will now start at 7pm. The bar/doors will be open from 6.30 for drinks and socialising before the film starts. We will announce the films via the Torridon mailing list and our Facebook page.
To help entertain the kids our matinee films return, starting at 3pm on
12th November: A Dog’s Way Home
10th December: A Christmas classic to entertain all the family
Winter Opening
The Centre is open Monday to Friday until 23rd December; then the team take a well-earned break, reopening on 9th January. Winter opening hours are then in place until the end of March and are: Mon, Wed & Fri: 11am - 3pm
Wee Whistle Stop Café will remain open up until 22nd December, then be open again from 27th December. Hours will be updated on Facebook and Google in due course.
AGM, Supporting the Centre & Employment Opportunities
All members are invited to attend our AGM on Thursday 17th November at 7pm in the main hall. Applications are sought from members of the community who would like to become actively involved in the management and running of the centre by joining our team of Directors. Please contact our Chair Kevin Wood on 07836 750892.
We are a membership organisation. If you are not already a member, please consider joining for only £3 a year. A very quick and easy application form is available from Wilma via manager@lochtorridoncentre.co.uk or to pick up at the desk. For those already members, the annual fee is now payable. Either via bank transfer: Sort Code 80-91-26 / Account No: 00900785 or please pop into Reception if paying cash.
We are looking to recruit a cleaner for 2023 and beyond. Hours are generally flexible and this is a permanent all year position. In addition, we are looking to recruit casual staff to help with events and weddings. These are fun events and offer the opportunity to support the centre whilst earning a bit of extra money. If you would like more information on these vacancies, please contact Wilma manager@lochtorridoncentre.co.uk.
Beyond the Centre
As mentioned in previous newsletters, several of the TDCA team have been working with SCDC (Scottish Community Development Centre) and other organisations/individuals (COW Trust, Community Council) on a Community Action Plan. This is nearing completion and hopefully the first draft will be available by the end of the year.
The enthusiastic team at National Trust for Scotland have hosted regular local explorer walks, including “Pioneering Spirit - the archaeology of early whisky production at Torridon” which visits the site of an illicit still. Its well worth connecting with NTS Torridon on Facebook or keeping an eye on the Visit Torridon mailing list for future events which are sociable as well as informative, and not just for visitors.
Many of our local businesses are now reducing to Winter hours or closing until 2023. After a tough year for costs and staffing we hope the owners and teams enjoy a bit more downtime. Thriving businesses bring so much to our small community and we look forward to supporting each other again going forward.
We hope you enjoy the Autumn colours whilst they last and look forward to seeing you at the Community Centre in the run up to Christmas.
Mat Webster - On behalf of the Directors & Centre Team
