|
|
PULLING FOR WATER AID
Sea Cadets from Lochaber and Oban joined forces with HMS SMITER, British Waterways and the Coastguards on Good Friday to take part in a seamanship exercise with a difference to raise money for charity.
In what is believed to the first time anything like this has taken place, a team of Sea Cadets pulled the 53 tonne warship, HMS SMITER for a mile along a section of the Caledonian Canal. The aim was to raise funds for Water Aid and the sea cadet units themselves. “The aims of the event have been to raise money for the good causes, to carry out some useful training in seamanship and teamwork and, of course, to have loads of fun in the fresh air!”, explained Lochaber Unit Commanding Officer Derrick Warner. “Everyone involved has been very supportive in what has been an extremely unusual exercise and months of careful planning and preparation meant that we were prepared for all eventualities!”, he continued.
Russel Thomson, Manager of the Highland Canals at British Waterways said: “The Caledonian Canal is a focal point for communities across the Highlands and British Waterways is always keen to hear from groups and organisations who would like to use the waterway for Charitable purposes. We have worked very closely with the Sea Cadets over a number of years and when they approached us with this particular initiative we were only too pleased to help out. They have set themselves a big challenge but I’m confident the boat pull will be a huge success and will raise a stack of cash for this very worthy cause.”
On the day everything worked like clockwork and, if all the pledges come in, they will have raised nearly £2000 for charity. New Entry Cadet Cameron McCuish from Oban said “ It’s been great. When I first saw the ship I didn’t think we’d be able to move it. But once we got it going it was much easier.” Cadet Catherine MacDonald from Fort William said, “It was great fun working as a team and we were all quite tired at the end. Getting the chance to look round HMS Smiter as she went up the Banavie locks afterwards was fantastic.”
John Fotheringham, Chairman of the Lochaber Sea Cadets said, “It’s been really tremendous seeing everybody working together. I’d like to thank everyone who has helped to make this such a success.”
Very few Royal Naval ships come this way and so when Smiter’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Kate Dorans, agreed to let us borrow her ship for a short time I was absolutely delighted”, commented Derrick Warner. “It was a gold-dust opportunity. I can’t thank her and her team enough!”.
Donations can still be made by contacting the units on 01397 712605 or through the Lochaber Unit web site.
|
2008 MOUNTAIN BIKING WORLD CUP
Fort William has one of the world's best mountain biking tracks. Each year world class competitions come to the area and we are asked to manage the five main car parks which hold the majority of the 15 - 20,000 spectators cars. In return we are given a major donation towards our running costs and we are allowed to collect donations from the visitors. This year we were able to collect just short of £1200.
Thanks go to everyone who turned out to help us over the three days - we couldn't have done it without you!
|
RECENT GRANTS RECEIVED
Many thanks go to the following sponsors:
Lloyds TSB Foundation - £5530 - Volunteers expenses, Insurance and Electricity.
Arrowsmith Foundation - £900 - Marine Band radios.
|