DISTRICT NEWS

ARGYLL

Marie Curie is looking for people living in Mull, Oban, Dalmally, Helensburgh and Campbeltown to sign up to its Helper volunteer service.

The terminal illness charity is hoping to hear from people who could benefit from the free service as well as anyone interested in volunteering their time.

The Helper service offers free, regular support in person or on the telephone from a trained volunteer. Volunteers provide companionship and emotional support as well as some practical help.

John Cardno, Marie Curie volunteer coordinator, can be contacted on 07515 134703 or john. cardno@mariecurie.org.uk for more information.

He said: ‘The service makes a huge difference to people living with a terminal illness as well as their families.

‘We want to reach more people who need us, and each person’s needs are different so it could be something as simple as chatting over a cup of tea or someone being with you when you go to an appointment.’

The Helper service complements existing support offered in Argyll and Bute by Marie Curie nurses who made more than 700 visits last year caring for people in their own homes.

Information and support services are also available for anyone with questions about terminal illness. Contact 0800 090 2309 or visit mariecurie.org.uk/support

ISLAY

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has announced that it has placed its first economically viable Constraint Managed Zone (CMZ) contracts, for a total of 6MW worth of services on the Isle of Islay.

Services have been secured for network outage support, which will be supplied by hydro power drawn from a reservoir to reduce reliance upon fossil fuel-based energy generation on the island during adverse network conditions.

The support provided through the contracts will also deliver cost effective alternatives to traditional temporary generation services, for the homes, businesses and communities SSEN serves.

CMZ contracts are a central part of the ‘flexibility first’ commitment, whereby flexible options such as renewables and energy storage are considered when addressing network issues prior to investing in traditional reinforcement.

Since 2015, SSEN has sought to manage this through Constraint Managed Zones (CMZ), which provide opportunities for smart energy technology to compete with traditional forms of network management.

SSEN is identifying opportunities for CMZ contracts across the Western Isles and Skye, with further zones currently under review. SSEN intends to secure 20MWs of contracted services before January 2020, with the aim of doubling this to over 40MW by the end of March 2020.

OBAN

As winter draws in, most of us abandon thoughts of outdoor activities. Gardens are tidied up, golf clubs put away and the central heating cranked up. For many, it is the beginning of indoor fun, with clubs and societies swinging into action.

No less so than on the bridge front. Probably the most popular card game on the planet, Oban Bridge Club operates all year round. But winter is when the club becomes most active. And it is when the club’s classes for beginners commence. Starting on Tuesday November 5 at 7pm in St Columba’s Cathedral Hall, the classes provide an opportunity for complete beginners to learn the basics or for former player to get a very useful refresher. A game for all ages, bridge provides a great way of keeping mentally alert, improving memory, meeting new friends as well as being great fun in itself.

While it takes some time, often years, to become an expert, beginners can be playing well enough in a few weeks to enjoy playing games with fellow beginners as well as other members of the club.

The classes are informal and relaxed, led by Oban club president David Marshall, assisted by former president Nina Graham.

‘Increasingly, there is evidence that bridge players retain their mental faculties and memories more effectively than the population as a whole,’ said Mr Marshall.

‘We have a number of players in their nineties and they’re still sharp as a tack when it comes to remembering what card to play or what has been played.’

For Nina, the main thing is the game’s ability to help people form new friendships and enhance social lives.

‘While the game itself is great fun, it’s also a fantastic way to meet new people and form friendships which often last a lifetime,’ she added.

Anyone interested in playing bridge can contact David Marshall at davaldance@gmail.com or Nina Graham at ninarob@btinternet.com

WESTERN ISLES

Out of the 12 Western Isles schools registered for Unicef UK’s Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA) since September 2018, eight schools have achieved the Bronze prize: Rights Committed, one school (Daliburgh) achieved Silver prize: Rights Aware and one school (Balivanich) has achieved the Gold prize: Rights Respecting.

Unicef UK’s RRSA is based on principles of equality, dignity, respect, non-discrimination and

participation. The RRSA supports schools across the UK to embed children’s rights in their ethos and culture. The award recognises achievement in putting the UN Convention on the Right of the Child (CRC) at the heart of a school’s practice to improve wellbeing and help all children realise their potential.

OBAN

Matthew Ramsay, pictured, says the time has come to hang up his hat ... well, almost.

He is retiring from his post as Fishermen’s Mission port officer for Oban and Kintyre.

He said: ‘I have served the Mission for many years. I started as an honorary agent, then progressed to auxiliary and eventually ended up as the port officer for Mallaig, Oban and Kintyre. Someone was employed to cover Mallaig and took over that area, so that left me with Oban and Kintyre. It certainly meant a loss less driving for me and the odd ferry journey to Islay.

‘I loved my time serving the fishing communities, and doing what they say I do best – visiting people and yarning.

‘I am going to continue as a volunteer, so will still be around, but just not in the same capacity.

‘In finishing, I have to mention Sheena. Without her keeping me right at times, I couldn’t have done what I did and keep doing it without her.

‘So I would like to thank everyone who has supported me over all these years. God bless.’