Busy 2019 ahead
Added on 07 January 2019
New Year welcomes all hands to the pumps with the construction of the large log-built shelter up at the Mag's Wood area for which planning permission and building warrant are both in place The past 6 month has seen lots of activity in extracting timber (mainly using Tarzan horsepower), debarking and shaving the logs, measuring and chiselling – all involving a wide range of volunteers and visiting groups. Now for the construction of the reciprocal roof (interesting!). Do come and watch the shelter taking shape – there is normally a job for whoever comes. We are grateful to Forestry Commission Scotland for a community grant and a wide range of other funders and supporters in kind. At the end of the day the shelter will be for use by groups for events and as a base for activities in this area of the wood.
Visitors to the wood will have noticed a much improved area in front of the log cabin, now fully levelled and landscaped with additional accessible seating. These improvements have come about as a result of the Dementia Friendly programme, supported by Paths for All and Life Changes Trust. In due course we expect to become a Dementia Friendly Wood – apparently the first in Scotland.
This dementia friendly initiative came about through our regular activity programme for people with dementia and their carers. Participants have taken part in a wide range of activities: storytelling, art and craft work, fishing, bird box making and much more – always including cooked food. A short film has been made which we will be glad to show to any group – indeed it has already been shown to some acclaim at a national conference. The programme restarts in January with a quilt making project. To take part please phone Simon on 079477 72066.
The wood has recently benefitted from a supply of sturdy work tables provided by the Community Payback team; the wood has also invested in a sturdy brick-built BBQ by the cabin and has also built a secure firewood shed (as a school project involving Dingwall and Tain academies).
Recent events have included a Christmas family event and the cross country group's Muddy Mile which raised funds for Help for Heroes. The cabin area is available for bookings – check the website Booking Forms or phone 01349 830517.
Finally we are thankful to Dave Sanderson for the 2 new carved welcome signs and to Esther Armstrong for a new logo (pictured above). Remember: Every Friday and every last Saturday of the month is Volunteer (Half) Day – just come along to the cabin around 10am.
