Friday, 02 April 2021

Hi all,

It’s Five Things For A Good Friday!

THE SSE COMMUNITY INVESTMENT REPORT

I had a meeting with SSE for the first time this week.  It was helping me get clarity on how we report what funds the Trust has spent, funds required for future projects and how we evidence need in the community. The Trust reporting to SSE has gone from two times a year to one, as they understand the work for volunteers can be quite a task.  The information we provide goes into this report which not only shows how funds are utilised but can spark future ideas for community members. Community Investment Report.  I think it’s an interesting report and shows quite clearly the amazing work communities are doing with the funds available to them.

THE EVENING SHIFT

My meeting on Monday overran past tea time, I went to the Community Council on Tuesday to say hello, caught up on a project meeting on Wednesday, had a budgeting meeting on Thursday followed by a look at the Riverside Project (what would we do without Zoom?).  Now before you feel sorry for me and the information overload,  please remember I am paid to be there (although I enjoy it too)!  Mostly everyone else in attendance are volunteers giving up their time to make things better for everyone and reporting back on work they (and many others) have spent additional time doing.  It’s truly amazing work.  I just hope I can keep up with everyone!

COMMUNICATION AND COMMUNITY SURVEY LATEST

Every Tuesday morning we have a sit down and discuss what needs to be communicated, to who, how and by when.  Part of attending meetings means we can be asked questions and respond quickly but it takes time to plan and action developing the next section of the website or co-ordinating contributions to the forthcoming magazine or ensuring the newsletter is as immediate as we can make it alongside writing the website stories and sharing posts on facebook and twitter.  We are pleased to hear the results of the recent community survey will be out soon from Nick Wright and his team for everyone to see (in print and digital).  There is nothing more frustrating than participating in a survey and hearing nothing.  That information will give everyone an insight into the general community view to help move the discussion forward at the next stage, the Community Assembly, on 15th April.

PREPARING FOR A DIRECTORS MEETING

The Directors of the Trust meet monthly and the next meeting is on the 7th April.  There has been a flurry of activity as reports are written up by volunteer Directors on their projects, proposals are finalised for discussion / agreement / rejection and staff support said activity with agendas and minutes.  It’s a finely oiled machine as you would expect from members of the community who take their responsibilities quite seriously.  Of course there is a slight pause in proceedings as we wait for the results of the Community Action Plan and with our eye on the Council’s Local Development Plan consultation process (and even the Scottish Parliament Elections and the impacts of that).  Life doesn’t stop though, particularly during Covid, and amongst all this the support being given during the pandemic is taking centre stage in the here and now.  Updates on all that and how several groups have stepped up to the challenge and how you might get help if you need it at the website here

HAVE A GOOD EASTER

That’s month one over in a blur.  A long weekend ahead.  An opportunity to wish you all a nice break if you have one and a very Happy Easter.

2026

February (2 stories)

3 February 📚 Mobile Library Visiting Tomorrow! 🚐✨

The Mobile Library is rolling into the area tomorrow, Wednesday 4th February, so pop along and say hello to Mark! Stop & time: • The Wildside Centre &ndash...

3 February RSABI Fundraising Event

Don't miss out on an incredible evening of music and laughter with the talented Farmers Choir performing in Aviemore late February in aid of RSABI and SAYFC.  ...

January (12 stories)

28 January Six Nations: Scotland 🆚 England LIVE at The Wildside

💘 This Valentine’s Day, find someone who loves you as much as you love rugby 🏉   We’re streaming Six Nations: Scotland 🆚 England LIVE at The Wil...

27 January 🌳 Development of Inverfarigaig Forest School 🌳

A community member has been in touch about the possibility of setting up a Forest School within our community. With the support of the Community Trust, a short survey has...

26 January 📚 Mobile Library Visiting Tomorrow! 🚐✨

The Mobile Library will be in the area tomorrow, Wednesday 27th January, so pop along and say hello to Mark!   📍 Stopping points & times: • Errogi...

22 January 🔥 Free Firewood Available – Whitebridge Area 🔥

A member of our local community, has been in touch with Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust (SFCT) to let us know that he has a significant amount of larch firewood...

21 January Large grant application from BCC for Foyers Stores Acquisition - Update

A Board meeting is taking place this evening in order for Directors of SFCT to consider the application and agree their recommendation. As the Chair of SFCT explained at ...

20 January Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who came along to the public meeting at the Wildside last night. We had a fantastic turnout, with 110 people attending in person and 26 joining u...

19 January Agenda for Public Meeting - Regarding the Foyers Stores Acquisition

Please find the agenda for tonight’s public meeting at the Wildside Centre regarding the proposed community acquisition of Foyers Stores.   1. Welcome &n...

14 January Apply for our Project Coordinator role

👋 Friendly reminder!   There’s still time to apply for our Project Coordinator role at Stratherrick and Foyers Community Trust ...

8 January Notice to the Community: Change of Date for Public Meeting on Foyers Stores

Stratherrick and Foyers Community Trust (SFCT) would like to update the community regarding the previously announced public meeting relating to the proposed purchase of F...

7 January 🌟 New Year, New Opportunities! 🌟

Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust is here to support your projects with our grants! 💡✨ 📅 Next application deadline: 21st March 2026 Learn more about ...

6 January 🎉 Calling all community organisers! 🎉

Do you run a class, group or one-off activity in one of the local buildings? We’d love to help spread the word! 💛 Our SFCT Community Calendar is looking a ...

6 January Mobile Library Visit Cancelled – Wednesday 7th January 2026

👋 Hello and welcome to 2026 from SFCT! 🎉 We bring news from the Mobile Library as our first update of the year. 📚 Mobile Library Visit Cancelled – Wednesday ...