A long time ago, ie November, members descended on Strathcarron Hotel for our annual dinner. My memory of Saturday was of rain and trying to find a bump amongst numerous bumps (An Sgurr) on the Lochcarron peninsular. I gather Ben Damph was ascended and various other soggy walks. Perhaps the sea canueists had the best idea.
Some opted for hotel accomodation, others to the “bunkhouse”. Bunkhouse will never mean the same again. This was a ? 10+ bedroomed pad belonging to the Mountbatten family. Huge bedrooms, four posters, electric blankets, lovely furnishings, pictures….. It seemed a pity to forsake its comforts for the Hotel. But the dinner was excellent and the country dancing with Buskoe Sike came up to its usual good standard and the little fairy thoroughly enjoyed herself. And we won a box of chocolates (a first!) Sunday dawned wet & mountainless. Some of us headed for Attadale Gardens (one of those places ypu always mean to visits but whizz past on the way to Skye- perhaps not if you’re an Invernsian)- to find it closed on Sundays! I’ve no idea what other people did except Roger McMichael & party who sensibly took to the sea again (Ann & Roger- if you read this in NZ we all hope you are enjoying life down under). But I’m sure you’ll all be fascinated to know that Colonel Dickson, who is buried at Achnasheen, was the first military person to gain his pilots license in 1909 (I think), license No 9 or 11 (I think) & following a flying demonstration watched by Churchill & other military bigwigs, “they” decided that planes might be useful in any future offensives….. So come 1914 we were prepared. On that eagerly awaited historical note I will fast forward to Elphin 19th January 2002 and yes, you’ve guessed correctly, its wet & windy & I’ll hand you onto Ewen…….
(but you’ll need to wait till the next newsletter for that!- Ed)
Fay B
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