Newtonmore Camanachd Club

March 2010

1] On the field At the end of March with victories over Oban, Fort William and Inverary our first team are on top of the league. It looks like being another close season as our two most likely rivals have had inconsistent performances so far. The 2nd team recovered well from their defeat against Fort William to record two good away victories against Skye and Kinlochshiel. The performance of the season so far has been David Wilde’s five goals against Skye.

2] Annual dance Many thanks to the numerous people that sent in their views about the venue of and arrangements for the dance. After taking into consideration all the comments the committee has agreed that the dance will take place on Saturday 27th November in the Village Hall. We are trying to get the Gary Innes band back after their success at the 10 mile Ceilidh.

3] 10 mile race + ceilidh many thanks to the shinty club volunteers who helped marshal the race, provided medical cover, supplied sandwiches/cakes for the runners and manned the bar at the ceilidh. A significant number of runners came to the match against Fort William and some attended our post match drinks reception. As mentioned above the Ceilidh was a great success and provided a modest, but useful boost to the funds of ourselves and the village hall.

3] Strictly Come Dancing  & Race Night Further details on dance partnerships for the event on 26th June will be available soon from Eddy. The Race Night was enjoyed by [nearly] everyone and raised just over £1000 for the club. Many thanks to IS for sponsoring the wine on the evening.

5] Primary School Easter eggs On Friday 26th March a number of the first team players handed out the gift of an Easter egg to all the nursery and primary school pupils in Newtonmore. This revives a tradition. Next year it’s toothbrushes!

6] Advertising board sponsorship I’m very pleased to report a further board sponsorship from Maclean’s Highland Bakery in Forres who have also kindly agreed to sponsor the supply of rolls to the Williamson 6’s.

7] Williamson 6’s Due to a clash with an annual event in Oban and notification that some of the teams that took part last year will not be taking part this year it is likely that the event will be moved from Sunday 13th June and take place on either Wednesday 9th or 16th June in the evening.

8] Shinty dribble After the match against Kyles on 17th April Graeme Irvine has organized a sponsored shinty dribble with a difference for the youngsters round the Eilan. The proceeds will be split between the club and Sports Relief.

9] Shinty research project The club has received a grant from the Cairngorms National Park Authority for the costs of a shinty research project. The researcher will identify the scope of the artefacts, written material and recordings held in the village and wider area; do an inventory and advise on storage; identify people with a knowledge of the history of shinty in the area and their willingness to take part in further research; undertake a number of sample interviews with people with memories of shinty etc. This work could well persuade a university to fund a PhD student for three years. It will also move forward our hope of having a book produced on the history of Newtonmore Camanachd Club.

10] Sutherland Cup I am pleased to report that the Eilan will be hosting the Sutherland Cup Final this year on behalf of the Camanachd Association on Saturday 31st July. This match will be televised.

11] Website A number of new action photos have been added to the site. The 2010 team photograph is now at the top of the player profile page. We are always looking for new ideas and information to keep the site looking refreshed so please send your suggestions.

12] Trees A number of the young trees at the Eilan have not survived partly due to the deep freeze, but also because deer have had a go at them. We would be very grateful if anyone has spare native trees they could let us have to replace them which we have to do as part of the planning consent ….Scots pine, birch, rowan, oak, beech and wild cherry are suitable.

Ian Gibson   Tel 01540 673048   Mob 07817 378729     iangibson12@btinternet.com   28th March 2010

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