GalGael at the Govan Fair

We did it again, GalGael won first prize second year running at the Govan Fair with our "Rock around the Croft" float after last years success with"Pirates of the Hebridean". We rocked our way round Govan to an Elvis backing track with live vocals from Mr Elvis Prestwick. The Galgael crew were kitted out in a fashion -fusion combining kilts and quiffs while accompanying Mr Prestwick on guitars, double bass and just about anything you can hit with a stick. A special mention for Ian Bogle and his blistering rock solos on the shovel. We even had some Galgael women manufacturing hand knitted quiffs (in pastel pink and blue)at the back of the truck. Special thanks to driver Dennis Ashcroft and Speedy Transport for providing the getaway truck, to all the GalGalians who helped set up and perform and to the people of Govan for the great response.
Remember- GalGael will be at this year's Glasgow River Festival on 19th 20th July next to the Science Centre.

Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tB_56AI4X_0 to see us rockin' in Govan.

West Highland Heroes May - June

A massive "well done " to Robin Harte and Alan Cherry for initiating, organising and completing the arduous 95 mile West Highland Way from Milngavie to Fort William. Respect also to the lads who started out on the walk but had to pull out due to the cost of campsites which was beyoond their budget. Robin, who is epileptic was the inspiration behind the trek and the lads have pledged all donations to the Epilepsy Society. GalGael are proud of all of them especially Robin and Alan who showed great resolve and determination in completing the trek over some very beautiful but difficult terrain. Special thanks also to Laurie (Pop's) Slowey for providing support and backup and for keeping contact with the guys and how they were progressing.

Crinan Classic Boat Festival 3rd - 6th July

Orcuan, our Highland Galley has been back on the water for a few weeks now after extensive love and attention to get her sea worthy for the summer months. She is at present on the Crinan Canal having attended the festival on the 3rd - 6th July. The crew arrived in Argyll on the Thursday and shacked up at Barmaddy for the evening apart from the vigilant Mr Bogle who camped at the canal to keep an eye on the boat and equipment. The lads hadn't been sailing on Orcuan for quite a while so decided to skip the sailing on the Friday as the weather was rather blustery and enjoyed spectating the yacht
races instead.














The weather was still not that great on the Saturday but the crew decided to get the boat out of the basin and into the loch . They managed to get in some sailing and also do a bit of rowing though they ended up sailing backwards when they attempted a tricky tacking manoeuvre. They managed however, to get back on track soon enough for the evening ceilidh.
We will keep you posted on her progress when she heads for Mull and Iona.

Thanks to Alec Howie, Mike Dalgliesh and Ross Ryan for all their help and support.

Photos:
Top- Orcuan being lifted onto the Clyde

Bottom- Base camp at Crinan Canal

Hell and High Water

The Galgael workshop hosted the launch of "Hell and High Water -Climate Change, Hope and the Human Condition" by our very own co-founder Alastair MacIntosh. The event was well attended with Scottish Environment Minister Mike Russell making a return visit to the workshop to support the launch. The book opens by looking at the evidence, showing how our economic system is constructed to sate our wants rather than our actual needs. It goes on to discuss the consequent effects on the relationship between the natural environment and humankind .The second part largely focuses on human behaviour and how some of our more destructive characteristics such as violence stemming from hubris-(overweening pride usually leading to retribution-Penguin Dictionary) and misplaced ego have throughout our history broken our spiritual link with nature and taken us to the present environmental tipping point.

Alastair admits that in writing the book he had to wrestle with the uncomfortable fact that we, as humans may have left it too late to turn the tide and while he sees the book's message as leaning towards the pessimistic we can still hopefully resolve and heal our soul relationship with "that which gives life".

We at GalGael know only too well how breakdown of community, disrespect for our natural heritage and misuse of our precious resources can destroy not only our environment but our "deeper selves". The book explores these issues in context of the planet, the individual and our spiritual connection with the force of creation. Powerfully and beautifully written - I whole- heartedly recommend it and we all wish Alastair much deserved success with this fascinating and significant book.

http://www.birlinn.co.uk/book/details/Hell-and-High-Water-9781841586229/

Costa Del Bar M ...cont

On our return to the farmhouse, we enjoyed the bright sunshine, catching up with friends and sharing the space at Barmaddy. Bogle cooked a venison broth which went down a well... and all hail Denise & her fantastic baking. The school kids aren't allowed it anymore but we loved her caramel slice.

The evening was spent in lively conversation followed by a game of hum bug as we all crammed into the living room in front of the fire to escape the voracious midge.

Sunday morning brought us more clear skies and ample opportunity to finish off a few jobs; check on the oaks in the field, plant up a few saplings remaining from Colin's Eagle night for the tree nursery in the old dairy (see picture... with all our saplings some not so wee anymore!) and plant up some strawberry plants we brought at the Kilmartin Community Day. Come the afternoon, we were ready for a dip in Loch Awe and spent a few happy hours splashing around before piling in to various vehicles for our return to the big smoke.

There was a wide spread enthusiasm to do it all again sometime soon... maybe on a bank holiday as for some folk the journey was too long to justify a 1 night stay. The whole experience was very GalGael... bit of honest graft, some good company, fresh air and a chance to enjoy our fantastic scenery...

Costa Del Bar M

Loch Awe proved especially awesome in the bright sunlight when we gathered at Barmaddy Farmhouse recently - 30 May to 1 June. The advance party left by minibus Sunny Govan on the Friday, where they put in a full shift chopping & stacking logs. The midge was fierce that night but by all accounts they didn't dampen folks spirits & Tam belted out a few tunes. 

Saturday provided an opportunity to meet the local folk at the Kilmartin Community Day. There was a marquee on the green, home baking, bric a brac and tombollas!

Heading for the Hills...

Off their own back, six Navigate Life participants past and present set off for the West Highland Way today, Friday 30th May. Laurie, John Glancy, Keith, Alan Cherry, Stephen, and the good Sir Robin will take the next 4-5 days to reach their destination in Fort William. This will be a dry run for a future trip to generate sponsorships to raise funds for Yorkhill Hospital. Pops is providing the back up by car. We wish them well; good weather, a fair wind to keep the midges down and a blister-free trip!