No mid-month Issue again this time, partly because, since the launch of the Colonsay Forum on the main page, we are receiving no TOPICAL LETTERS and even real news like the fact that Gavin Clark really IS coming home, this month, to work The Pantry, is going to the Forum first.

So I have opened this page to remove some surplus information about opeing hours, to add a late letter to the WHO? section and some pictures, here, of Jessie's hugely succesful Birthday Party.

    

Don't forget that both clocks and the ferry times will change before our next Issue!!

A SPRING SCENE sent, last year, by Sue Taylor.

EDITORIAL WORDS

Our beautiful, but, cold, weather has continued, and we have had fantastic views of snow-covered Islay and Jura, without the inconvenience of too much snow here. The above picture may be a bit ahead of itself, but the birds ARE singing, there are yellow patches on the hill, a mass of snowdrops at Torr an Tuirc and the first calves are arriving [Machrins and Kiloran, in that order!]

My last Issue, at the beginning of February, had a lot of spellos and typos and even incorrect dates etc., but my worst bloomer was to witter-on [or should that be 'twitter'] about a totally fictitious person called Rhona Grant, and of course I really meant Rhona ROBINSON; for which many apologies!!

I am still also apologizing for lack of access to the recent archives and still offering a bit of a solution... If you are on this The Corncrake No. 222 page, you should be able to access 221 etc. changing the address and then pressing either "go to" or, more simply, "refresh". The new address should read www.colonsay.org.uk/corncrake/cornframe221.html; i.e. you add the number of the Issue you seek straight after the word "cornframe" and before the full stop. Due to the small size of the memory for this page, you will only be able to find fairly recent Numbers by this method.

RACHEL'S FILM

Do you all remember that Rachel Hendry had entered a Gaelic film, directed by herself, into BBC ALBA's latest 'G Film' competition? Well, that film - 'MO CHARAID, MO GHAISGEACH' has now been nominated as the best Factual Short movie at the Eden Court Theatre earlier in February and the glamourous public showing of all the winning films took place, on a Big Screen, on 27 February; as you know it starred our very own Jessie, Flora and May, and Rachel intends to show it to islanders and make copies, on disc, available for purchase locally. Watch this space!

Meanwhile, it can still be viewed on line

However, unless your broadband system is of a very sophisticated nature the on computer showing iss still a bit slow and disjointed. Wait 'til you see it properly!!
Make no bones about it, this is a very prestigous award and bodes well for Rachel's future in the media. It is also, something of a triumph for Colonsay!

ISLAND JOB

We are looking for enthusiastic and dynamic person to work for the RSPB on A five month projects on Colonsay. This is an exciting opportunity to promote Colonsay's amazing wildlife and rich heritage.
Main duties will include enthusing people about the islands through guided walks and talks providing information and interpretation about the islands, their wildlife and wildlife watching opportunities. If you are a good communicator, are passionate about wildlife and have the ability to deliver this enthusiasm to visitors, this is the post for you. A flexible approach to work is required, as are excellent organisational and presentation skills and a sound knowledge of birds and other wildlife. For further information and an application form, please visit

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity.
England and Wales no. 207076. Scotland no. SC037654.

Colonsay Hotel are also offering at least one job - chef, I think, but are not using The Corncrake to advertise; I think that the closing date will be quite soon. If you do follow this up, please mention our name.

COLONSAY FORUM

Another a wee note to remind you not to by-pass the

on your way to The Corncrake. There you will find a wealth of interesting material, especially a new section, on the first page, entitled Colonsay Forum, which is especially designed for people to 'POST' comments, suggestions and adverts....Probably this may be the place to start an exchange of ideas about the possible formation of a Kayak Club. [See below.]

THE HALL

The sale of books in the Hall, earlier in February, raised several hundred pounds towards The Christmas Party annd Hall funds; some of us went away with nearly as many books as we took! The cakes were good too.

Rehearsals for 'The Play', booked for Easter Saturday, now have a regular slot in Colonsay's weekly schedule. There is apparently very little need for fancy scenery, and the cast is to wear modern dress. Some 'island' jokes have, naturally, been added to the script.

Big debate has surrounded Argyll and Bute's cutbacks and, in particular, the survival of the Service Point, which is attached to the side of the Village Hall, but we are now assured that its continued existence has been approved.

Our next issue will contain details of the COLONSAY SANDCASTLE COMPETITION; has anyone got some good pics of past sandcastle triumphs that they could send me NOW?

The GRAB Trust are sending somebody to talk to usabout composting, on 31 March, and here is a list of other events that are coming up soon.

19 March    School Concert
3 April    Drama Group Play
17 April    Edinburgh Saltire Gaelic Choir

Finally, dont forget to keep up to date with the developing line-up for Colonsay's Own Music Festival at

BOOK NEWS

Kevin has sent me the following advance information:

Readers of "The Corncrake" might like to know about a facsimile edition of "The Book of Islay" which is being published by our own House of Lochar. Although it is a large and inevitably expensive affair, it is available at a special price for early-birds who go to

The initial response has been quite outstanding, Keith is going to be very busy in the Post Office, until the orders have been cleared.

This publication follows hard on the heels of a very successful two-volume genealogical work of Irish interest, and will be followed quite soon by a new guide-book about the island. This latter work, "Lonely Colonsay", is to be an in-house affair by Kevin Byrne, and seeks to break new ground by devoting each chapter to a specific area of the island, rather than to a particular subject. In theory, one could read up on (say) Balnahard, and then visit it next day - instead of reading up on (say) Hill Forts and then having to dart about all over the place to see them.

All this activity arises from modern technology - House of Lochar has embraced the print-on-demand concept and intends to convert all its titles to that format in due course. In future, it will also submit selected titles to Google-books for limited public access and to Amazon for their "Look-inside" facility. The www.houseoflochar.com website has now converted to PayPal, which seems to be a great improvement in terms of simplicity.... the only downside is that a remarkable number of customers select the wrong Postage Option and ask for "UK" deliveries to be sent to distant corners of the globe!

Normally, my worst problem is actually choosing which relevant book to review and this time I had set my heart on something I have been greatly enjoying:

'The Highland House Transformed: Architecture and identity on the edge of Britain 1700-1850' by Daniel Maudlin, and published by Dundee University. It is well written and full of really interesting facts about the buildings and townscapes, of the period, that are so familiar to all Scots.
However...my thunder was rather stolen when I discovered that our very own 'Claude' [Candia McWilliam] has done an altogether MUCH better job of writing about this book, our native country and the relationship between the people and the land and its buildings, both here and furthet afield, in the magazine 'Building Design'. So I am giving up VERY gracefully and referring you to her words, which I hope, will remain

for long enough for you to access them.

Claude has entitled her article 'A new account of how the Scottish Enlightenment recreated the country’s architecture tells a broader story of people and place.' Again, giving you a much better insight into the book than I could ever have done. I just hope that some of you will chose to buy it from Colonsay Bookshop!!!

The book has lots of detailed references and some wonderful illustrations and I have chosen a couple of famous Daniell images, one local and one not so local to give you a flavour, though in all honesty, you will find more exciting stuff in the book itself.

   

HATCHES, MATCHES AND DESPATCHES

It is with great sadness that we report the death, after a long illness, of Anna Parlane. Anna has been away from Colonsay for a long time, but readers will all want to know that Margaret Smith has lost her mother, and been off the island, at this sad time. Our thoughts are with her and her family.

It is also with sadness that we report the recent passing of Brian Adams, always known around Colonsay as Big Brian. It is him we have to thank for an outbreak of Mazda vehicles on this island, as he gave us all such wonderful deals! He was held in great affection locally and retained ownership of the holiday cottage, The Glebe, although latterly, his health did not permit him to enjoy it very often.

On a happier note, we can report that Duncan McNichol and his long-time girlfriend Amy, have got engaged.

LOOK BACK IN ALBUM

Hardly anyone commented on this one, until I got the following, on 17th:

Hi Georgina,
It's been a while, but thought we would have a go at "Who's Who. Think they are, Christa Byrne and children, John Clarke, Fran Patrick and Laura Rose. I think the venue is the stairs of Oronsay House.
Look forward to seeing everyone at Easter.
Angus, Jenn and Ewan McFadyen

Suffice to say that this was, indeed, a pic of a midday party in my father's house in Oransay. And then, after March had begun, I got this, much fuller answer:

Hi Georgina,
I did respond to this before but my ideas must have gone astray.
I have Sarah Campbell sitting on my knee and I'm chatting to Beverley, her Mum.
Geaspar is peeping around the corner and I think that is a dashing Frank Nichoson by Fran, not John Clarke.
Not sure about the lowest figure on the left.
A very good party as far as I remember!
Christa.

Let us hope that this next one brings in more responses!

Entries as usual to : The Editor or by telephone : 01951 200375 ; or by post to : The Editorial Suite, The Corncrake, Corncrake Towers, Scalasaig, Isle of Colonsay, Argyll, PA61 7YW, Scotland.

NOW WHERE COULD THAT BE

Funnily enough, the photographer, did not recognise the boat ['Bill who?']!!!

But she [she being Julia Page] did send me this follow-up image, which puts it into context somewhat, and shows that she was in much the same neck of the shore as she had been for my previous 'where' picture: i.e. Uragaig, which Lily phoned to tell me; we had a nice chat too!

Here is your next question....where is this? And more to the point what is/was it for?

No marks for the name of the dog!!

Entries as usual to : The Editor or by telephone : 01951 200375 ; or by post to : The Editorial Suite, The Corncrake, Corncrake Towers, Scalasaig, Isle of Colonsay, Argyll, PA61 7YW, Scotland.

SNIPPETS

As you will see from the LETTERS section, the idea of a Kayak Club seems to have found favour, and with everyones permission, I will circulate contact emails etc. and hope that something will happen!!

While on the topic of boating in general, may I announce, here, that the weekend of 7 August has now been chosen for The Regatta, so make sure that your holiday is booked!!

The Major Shoots are also dates for the diary: Saturdays, 3 April and 25 September.

John Bridges has been in hospital having his hip 'done'and is now recovering in Milngavie!

Dr Jan Brooks has been here 'shadowing' Dr Roddy, and learning a bit about how everything works at The Surgery.

Pedie has sent us this delightful picture of the other new GP, making himself useful, last summer!

He has entitled it: The Good Doctor.

There has been some 'talk' in the Bar, about Valentine's cards; a number were delivered to the male pride of Colonsay

The Marine Conservation Society will be launching the Beachwatch Big Weekend 2009 to report on beach litter on Wednesday 31st March 2010. Beachwatch Big Weekend involves thousands of volunteers around the UK who remove and survey the litter on our beaches. We are hoping to get a squad together here, so that we can start the season all nice and tidy!!

The Islay Energy Trust has had a very successful Renewables Day and you can read all about it, Tidal Energy and the proposed new Wind Farms on

Colonsay House has got a new black labrador pup, son of 'Digger'; stories vary, but we think that it is called 'Otto' and we also think that it travelled by 'plane.!

The road to Homefield Croft got a big facelift, with completely new gravel all along it; there was a good squad of volunteers out, to help spread it, some more active than others!

Having had very calm weather during most of February, we had, not one, but two ferry cancellations during this last week and then we had a Special Boat on Saturday 27 February. A lot of people had to make fairly drastic changes to their travel arrangements and The Post Office delivery that night was huge; The Shop will be working hard this weekend too.

Alison Hendry is now the official Post Office stand-in for deliveries, whenever Keith The Post is away and she is now the proud posessor of an official uniform!

The Post Office is going to do well out of House of Lochar's latest ploys and has also gained good business from 'The Colonsay Observer'. Support your local outlet; that's what we say.

The tides have been great big ones just recently and we are seeing lots of animals working the shores. A little bird told me that sea-weed is at its most nutritious at this time of year. Quite clever, if that is true?

The Lighthouse supply ship 'Pole Star' has been visiting us, as have Customs and Excise in their own boat.

At the Italian/Scottish Rugby Match [In Italy] on 27 February, Simon Emslie played the bagpipes at the start of the match. Many people watched but we don't think that anyone actually saw him.

There are lots of very charming and very fluffy baby goats around the island; they have very high-pitched voices - very different to the lambs, which are, mostly, yet to come.

TOPICAL LETTERS

For the convenience of our Readers, letters addressed to The Corncrake appear in two sections. Anything to do with current events appears here, and any letters concerned with historical research etc. appear under "Genealogical Letters" within the MAGAZINE section of The Corncrake.

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE EDITOR'S EMAIL ADDRESS HAS NOW CHANGED TO...

georginahobhouse@btinternet.com

OR I think modern technology should give you access clicking here: The Editor

Received on 3 February, entitled 'Kayak Club'.

Dear Georgina
I would just like to add a comment about the possible kayak club. If one were set up, I and my children would like to join and would happily contribute financially.
If there was access to kayaks on the island, I am sure people like ourselves would use them. If anyone wishes to pursue this idea, I would be happy to be part of the conversation.

Keep up the good work on Corncrake
regards
Alistair McCabe
McCabe Pilgrimages

Received on 4 February, entitled, simply, 'Corncrake'.

Dear Georgina,
Many thanks for your latest issue. In our opinion, for what it's worth, there were plenty of articles to browse through; your efforts are very worthwhile.
Geoffrey and I are looking forward to our return to Colonsay and our fortnight in the C of S manse from 7 Apr. When we visited you last autumn with an old photo of a school outing taken circa 1920 [Used in our 'WHO' SECTION, quite recently!] we promised to bring you CDs of Johnny Cash. We have not forgotten! By the way, the dates of the Church services you list for Apr refer to last year. [NOW CORRECTED.]
Hope all is well with you.
With kindest regards
Doreen and Geoffrey Hinder (Rev)

Received on 5 February.

Georgina
Thanks for announcing the Observer - here is a response for the corncrake so that everyone knows what it is all about:
We are delighted to have launched a 6 page newsletter which is full of news and stories about Colonsay, as well the latest Colonsay Estate news. We hope this is the first of a regular update. Whilst it is sent out to everyone on our database as a marketing tool, we have also sent a copy to the island residents. It is full of contributions from islanders and is intended to complement the excellent online Corncrake. If you haven’t received one and would like a copy, please email our office at cottages@colonsayestate.co.uk

Jane Howard, Colonsay Estate, and Catriona, editor, The Colonsay Observer.
Hope that’s OK, thanks for your support.
Janex
Colonsay Estate
Tel 01951 200211
www.colonsayestate.co.uk

Then things went rather quiet.

THE MAGAZINE SECTION