Here we are in Autumn once more, although the days are shorter there is still lots going on at the Centre in the run up to the end of year. Hopefully this newsletter will inspire you to visit the Centre, either by catching up with friends at the café, looking to see what’s new in the gallery or when joining one of the evening social groups which help brighten up the long evenings.
WHATS ON:
Friday 20th October: Clear on deer film
We are delighted to welcome the John Muir Trust to explore the legacy, challenges and future of sustainable deer management and help transform Scotland's habitat for the benefit of deer, people and biodiversity. Clear on Deer is a 30-minute documentary that features nature presenter Libby Penman’s investigation into what we can do about the unnaturally high numbers of deer that are affecting our landscape, our environment and our contribution towards climate targets. It will be followed by a Q&A session when we will be joined by Doug Bartholomew (Nature Reserve Manager, Beinn Eighe) and Paul Bolton (Head Ranger, National Trust for Scotland, Torridon)
Entrance is free (but donations to JMT welcome)
16th to 30th October: Autumn Exhibition – I harvest colours, as the Winter will be grey
A vibrant group exhibition capturing those last bursts of colours before we move into the slower, darker seasons. The exhibition runs from 16th until 30th of October during normal gallery opening hours (Mon to Fri 10-4). Why not pop in to escape the wind and rain, and experience a wee bit of Autumn indoors.
Thursday 23rd November: Christmas Food and Craft Market 10am – 3pm
Come along for mince pies & mulled wine. Plus a fantastic selection of local arts and crafts from these wonderful stallholders.
Eoghain Maclean Photography | Hannah Feuerstein |
Loch Ewe Sea Salt | Patterns of Light |
Jackie Dee Flowers | Tigh Brachen Heather Honey |
Prickly Fish Pottery | Sutherland Horn Craft |
Amigo Crafts | Graham Park Photography |
Ewe Brew | Barefoot on the Croft & Cromasaig 9 |
David Hay Woodturner | Bruce Blaxter Hospice Charity Stall |
Friday 24th November: Rachel Walker & Aaron Jones
Rachel Walker & Aaron Jones perform songs from their 2022 album “Despite the Wind and Rain” which tells the tales of a host of amazing Scottish women. Spanning centuries of Scottish history, the album features songs in both Gaelic and English and I am sure the title alone will resonate with many Wester Ross residents! Details of how to book will be on our website soon.
Saturday 2nd December: Ceilidh Dance
Live music by the Lewis Ceilidh Band from 7pm to midnight. All proceeds to charity. Tickets on the door.
Saturday 16th December: Community Christmas Party
More details a bit closer to the time but make sure THE local event of the year is in your diary! Expect mulled wine and carols, a buffet, drinks, music and dancing and, of course, the excitement of the Christmas raffle. Father Christmas is currently trying to negotiate an above inflation pay rise but hopefully he will make an appearance if his union allows it.
Current activities & classes
Craft workshop; Whist; Pilates; Yoga; Country Dancing. Keep an eye on what is going on via our website or Facebook:
Cinema
Movie nights are perfect for Autumn and Winter evenings. Next dates: 18th November, 13th January; 10th February & 9th March. 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 film returns for a Christmas outing, starting at 3pm on Saturday 9th December: A boy called Christmas
Autumn & Winter Opening
o The Centre is open Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm during November (until 1st December); then during December, January and February we will open 10am to 2pm on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. To allow the team to take a well-earned break during the festivities as we will close on Friday 22nd December and reopen on Tuesday 9th January 2024. Our opening hours will increase again from March
o Wee Whistle Stop Café will remain open until 1st December, then close until 4th March. Hours will be updated on Facebook and Google in due course.
AGM, Supporting the Centre & Employment Opportunities
All members and non-members of TDCA are invited to attend our AGM on Tuesday 7th November at 6.30pm 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. Or perhaps you would like to be more involved with supporting the running of the centre without taking on the responsibility of being a director. This type of role may suit a person with practical skills, limited time available or someone who only lives in the area on a part time basis. If you would like to discuss either of these positions, please email chair@lochtorridoncentre.co.uk or call/message 07905 314465
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.
We are looking to recruit an additional part time cleaner for 2024 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
The community held a collection for Laura and Angus whose houses recently burnt down in Shieldaig. Laura and Angus both send their thanks to the organisations and individuals who contributed, they were very touched by the support.
Following on from the news that Torridon Primary Schools permanent closure is likely to be confirmed, the development plan Sub committee are working hard to ensure the school building is transferred into community ownership. You can view all documents associated with the repurposing of the school and the full development plan at https://www.tkcc.scot/communitydevelopmentplan Regular updates are also being issued via the Visit Torridon mailing list. Our community needs as many people as possible to engage with the upcoming feasibility study.
Many of our local businesses are now ready to reduce to Winter hours or closing until 2024. After another tough year mostly due to staff shortages we hope the owners and teams enjoy a bit more downtime. Thriving businesses bring so much to our small community and we are very lucky to have several excellent places on our doorstep.
We hope you enjoy the Autumn colours before they get blown to Kinlochewe and look forward to seeing you at the Centre.
Mat Webster - On behalf of the Directors & Centre Team
