Appin. 7th October 2008

We are happy to announce that GalGael have now selected the timber we require for our new fifty foot boat which we intend to start working on around the turn of the year. A mini bus load of trainees, volunteers and staff set off from the Galgael workshop on a very driech Tuesday to meet with staff from the Forestry Commission who manage the woodland at Duror in Appin. We also had a local boatbuilder on hand to cast an expert eye over our timber selection. After we had a fascinating talk on woodland management with the forestry team we split into two groups and picked out twenty good larch trees which will probably be felled this week.

GalGael normally prefer to use storm felled timber where we can, but it was explained to us that the removal of trees is necessary to encourage growth of other species and for the benefit of the woodland as a whole. We have taken some seedlings from the woodland which we intend to plant at Barmaddy to replace what we have taken. We are still on the lookout for a good piece of oak for the keel. very many thanks to all the team up in Appin for looking after us so well and to Environment Minister Mike Russell who put us in contact with them.

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Caught in the act. Alastair on the mini bus to Appin ogling Susan Sontag's body (of work) on page three of the Sun.

Summer 2008

Voyaging Team

Another wet summer, but it didn't deter the Voyaging Team from getting Orcuan back in action again. The intention was to sail her down the Clyde, up Loch Fyne, attend the Crinan Classic Boat Festival and then out to Mull and Iona. However, the canal was closed off due to some damage on the banks and the crew sailed her down to Cumbrae for some sailing on the firth of Clyde. The team had a few good trips and got the trainees and volunteers well involved. The German exchange group had a memorable time too and we will be getting the boat back up the Clyde during the Autumn.

Events
The main event this year was once again the Glasgow River Festival where we put on a great show which recieved a great response from the public. Saturday September 6th saw us at full stretch with three events on the same day. The Voyaging Team attended the Viking Festival in Largs (representing the victorious Scots of course). Some friendly Vikings had a sail on orcuan however just to show we don't hold a grudge. Another of our teams attended the Dundee Flower Show, putting on demonstrations of wood milling, carving and story telling. Rosie, Gehan, Oran & Tam tended the Govan Green Zone stall in Elder Park where Galgael and other community groups helped to send out Govans message about protecting the environment.

Nicola Sturgeon Visit

Deputy Scottish Minister Nicola Sturgeon was given a special welcome by Jimi the Pyper when she visited GalGael on the 5th of September. The MSP for Govan had been looking forward to the visit as she had heard much about our work with people in her constituency. Good sport that she is, she proved to be adept with a mallet and chisel and at tying a bowline. Thanks to all who put on a good show for the visit and to Nicola for her kind words and support.