SCD MONTHLY UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2024
Community Led Affordable Housing
Following the news that we have full planning, we have also secured the building warrant, which is another milestone in the project. The preparation for the tender packs is progressing well and we foresee these being issued w/c 7th October 2024 to all the main contractors who submitted expressions of interest. Work is still ongoing to look at all funding packages that present the best financial viability for the project.
Hazelbank Woods
As reported last month the purchase of both pieces of land is going well and we are looking forward to shortly being able to announce some further positive news. We are very grateful for the goodwill that all parties involved have shown towards the community to progress this project.
Dalarossie Church
The SCD Board have considered the draft feasibility study and business plan, along with the feedback which members of the community expressed at the last EGM. A proposal based on a ‘light touch’ approach was approved at the July Board meeting. We are still in discussions with The Church of Scotland and hope to announce an outcome in due course for members to consider.
Electric Vehicle Upgraded Charging Points
We are nearly there! The final preparations are underway to energise the chargers and mark up the bays. The date for the meter to be installed has been updated to 8th October. We are working with SWARCO to agree a final date to get the chargers operational. Our community can then provide a quality Charge, Cake & Coffee stop!
Youth, Health & Wellbeing
The SCD Snug hosted at The Strathdearn Hub
Soup season is back at The Snug! As the colder weather sets in, cosy up and enjoy a warm bowl of fresh soup, roll and butter with friends. Tea, coffee, biscuits, and fresh fruit also available alongside the day’s newspapers.
Tuesdays and Fridays: 10am – 4pm
If you, or someone you know would like to come along to The Snug but struggle with transport please email enquiries@strathdearn.org and we will do our best to assist.
Up and Coming Teens Social Night on Offer
Many thanks to the volunteers who have stepped forward to help run the new Teens Social Club Night at The Strathdearn. Also, for the expert advice and guidance from Youth Highland in helping us, to help the young people create a place of their own.
The night will run term time on Friday evenings from 7pm – 10.30pm at The Strathdearn.
We anticipate it will be the young people who come forward to grow the club with activities that they wish to pursue over a period of time.
If you can spare even just a couple of hours, please get in touch – the more locals we have supporting the activity the more successful it can be! Volunteers will not be required to attend every sessions – can be on an “as and when” basis.
If you would like to get involved and volunteer email: projects@strathdearn.org or call 07703 328333
Highlife Highland Announcement re Fitness Classes at The Strathdearn
Thanks to everyone who came along last Saturday to try the taster classes on offer from Highlife Highland Team.
The numbers were unfortunately lower than expected to be able to take forward any new classes at this time. However, this will be reviewed in the New Year.
As you know the Wednesday evening classes have also had some challenges with instructor availability and numbers being lower than average. This has meant that Highlife Highland has made the difficult decision to ‘Pause’ the classes on a Wednesday evening as of now until further notice. Once instructor availability picks up and the busier season around January/February time will prompt a review of the situation again. Thanks to everyone who came along last Saturday to try the taster classes on offer from Highlife Highland Team.
The numbers were unfortunately lower than expected to be able to take forward any new classes at this time. However, this will be reviewed in the New Year.
As you know the Wednesday evening classes have also had some challenges with instructor availability and numbers being lower than average. This has meant that Highlife Highland has made the difficult decision to ‘Pause’ the classes on a Wednesday evening as of now until further notice.
Once instructor availability picks up and the busier season around January/February time will prompt a review of the situation again.
New Pilates daytime class at The Strathdearn Hub
A new Pilates daytime class will commence in October; we hope this will prove successful, with a view to growing the Highlife Highland class programme once again in the future.
The first of these classes begins on Wednesday 2nd October 11am – 12pm and following this will be every Monday from 11am – 12pm. The first class is free so come along and try it out!
This class is included and therefore free with a Highlife Highland membership.
For those without membership the class is also available “Pay as you Go” (please note payments will need to be made online prior to class).
For more information on how to book / pay for Highlife classes online visit: How to Book Online – Leisure Facilities (highlifehighland.com)
If anyone needs help with booking / payment of Highlife classes, please call 07703 328333 or email projects@strathdearn.org.
SCD Gym & Health Club Subsidy
SCD continues to subsidise both High Life Highland and Bannatyne Health Club memberships for residents with IV13 postcodes, giving the opportunity to stay healthy and well.
We are currently supporting community health & wellbeing by subsidising 125 memberships in Strathdearn. That is in the region of 251 residents benefitting from this scheme (assuming highlife family membership is for 2 adults and 2 children).
High Life Highland Membership over 50% discount for families and individuals
| SCD are currently subsiding over 50% of the cost for 42 family and 19 individual highlife memberships for Strathdearn residents. A highlife membership offers you and your family access to a range of health and fitness opportunities in leisure centres throughout the Highlands. In addition to swimming pools and gyms, your membership allows access to court activities, swimming lessons and a huge range of group exercise classes for people of all abilities and interests. Your membership also secures access to a great range of local benefits as well as accessing libraries and other facilities. Prices Family membership: £18/month (discounted from £39.99) Individual membership: £12/month (discounted from £24.85) To sign up or for more information email: projects@strathdearn.org or call 07703 328333 Please note all membership addresses will need to be verified as IV13 postcodes (i.e with driving licence, recent mail with name and address) to benefit from SCD subsidy. |
Bannatyne Health Club membership
IV13 residents can enjoy over 50% off for Bannatyne Health Club all-inclusive membership! SCD are now subsiding 64 individual Strathdearn subscriptions.
An all-inclusive membership with Bannatyne provides the opportunity for you to take advantage of their extensive health club facilities including swimming pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. There are several personalised services, including access to expert personal trainers and complimentary fitness evaluations when you join.
Further discounts include:
- 10% discount in the spa (Spa Days, Products and Treatments)
- 10% discount in the café
- 10% discount on retail products
- 50% off the first spa treatment
Price: £20 / month (discounted from £46.99 / month + no joining fee)
For more information on all that Bannatyne can offer visit the website: https://www.bannatyne.co.uk/health-club/inverness
To sign up or for more information email: projects@strathdearn.org or call 07703 328333
Please note all membership addresses will need to be verified as IV13 postcodes (i.e with driving licence, recent mail with name and address) to benefit from SCD subsidy
Community eBikes
SCD have purchased two “Kids Ride Shotgun” additions to be used with Strathdearn eBikes – now the little ones can join in the fun! As the children are front facing this is an exciting way to introduce them to cycling early and get about exploring some of Strathdearn’s beautiful local trails!
Suitable for 2 – 5 years.
Contact enquiries@strathdearn.org or call The Strathdearn on 01808 511700 for more information.
Free eBike hire for residents of IV13 for up to 2 weeks
Through our colleagues at The Strathdearn, we continue to fund the 2-week free trial for locals –pop into the Hub and take out an eBike for a spin and enjoy the beautiful autumnal colours out in nature this month!
To book:
email: enquiries@strathdearn.org
or complete online form https://thestrathdearn.org/hire-an-e-bike/
or call 01808 511700
Strathdearn Community Kids Club
SCD continues to fully fund this offer to Strathdearn families (IV13 post code only).
The fun begins at The Strathdearn after school on Wednesdays from 3.30pm – 7pm (supervised walking transport from school at 3.15pm can be arranged)
All bookings can be made at: https://booking.highlifehighland.com/programme/2 using the associated bookings codes to search for your chosen activity –
ACT002000 – P1-P3 Kids Club Including Walking Transport and Football – 3:15pm-7pm
ACT002001 – P4-P7 Kids Club and Football (Transport provided upon request, spaces for transport may be limited) – 3:30pm – 7pm
ACT002002 – Football Only – 6pm-7pm
A reminder that parents/guardians will require a HLH Card (registered under your child’s name) in order to book.
If you have yet to set up a HLH Card then you can register for your FREE card prior to the 12th August at https://onlinejoining.highlifehighland.com/pay-as-you-go.
For further information or queries please email: matthew.allan@highlifehighland.com
SCD COMMUNITY EVENTS UPDATE – SEPT 2024
07703 328333
STRATHDEARN FLOWER SHOW – Saturday 7th September 2024:
Thank you so much to everyone who entered our first flower show it was amazing to see so much talent within the community.
Our winners:-
- The Strathdearn Trophy – Denise Barley (most overall points)
- The Commemorative Shield – Denise Barley (most points Flower section)
- The J M Gleeson Quaich – Norman Holland (most points Vegetable section)
- The Carillion Trophy – Madge Fraser (most points Baking & Produce section)
- The Silver Salver – Betty Watson (most points impressive & spectacular section)
- The Jubilee Cup – Angus Ramsay Knott & Angus Macqueen (most points for Children’s section)
- The Neil Thomson Shield – Andrea Renwick (most points Photography section)
- The Rose Cup – Charlie Edward (The Rose Bloom for Scent)
STRATHDEARN BONFIRE NIGHT – Saturday 2nd November 2024:
Free entry
Gates open at the Strathdearn Primary School 5pm
~Bonfire will be lit 5.30pm
~Fireworks 5.50pm
6pm onwards: –
The night doesn’t end just yet…. We are also inviting you back to The Strathdearn:-
Tastes of Tomatin – licensed bar and burgers/hot dogs
Executive Entertainment (Disco Inverness) – music and karaoke
Treats on The Street – bubble waffles, freshly made doughnuts and hot chocolates
Marshmallow toasting
Transport will be provided at the end of the event
We will also have sparklers available at the primary school gates and within the school field. Please do not take your own sparklers – we have plenty to go around. 🎇
The team will be building the bonfire on Friday 1st November (afternoon).
If you have any materials that you want to go into the bonfire, please can you drop them off on the concrete pad on the mound at the field entrance before the primary school (see picture) on Thursday 31st October (PM) or Friday 1st November (AM).
If you have larger items but can’t transport them to the site, please drop us a comment and we will get a driver to come and collect for you.
We look forward to bringing the community together again for our bonfire night.
CHRISTMAS WREATH WORKSHOP with WILD BLOSSOM FLORISTRY
Saturday 30th November 2024 – two sessions available 11am – 1pm & 2pm – 4pm
The Strathdearn, Tomatin
£30 per person including festive refreshments after the workshop.
Remaining spaces:
(X4 spaces) morning session & (x11 spaces) afternoon session
To book your space please email events@strathdearn.org
STRATHDEARN WINTER FOOD, DRINK & CRAFT MARKET – Saturday 23rd November 2024:
The Strathdearn, Tomatin
11am – 3pm
Free entry
Come along and start your Christmas shopping early or treat yourself.
- We will have up to 50 stall holders available showcasing their products inside and outdoors.
- Face painting available.
- Tomatin Distillery will also have a selection of festive drinks available to try.
- Traditional Music Workshop and Highland Brass will be performing throughout the event.
Kids New Years Eve Party – Tuesday 31st December
The Strathdearn, Tomatin
1pm – 3pm
Free entry
Party food, disco, games & face painting
To register your child/ren please email events@strathdearn.org
Strathdearn Hogmanay Party – Tuesday 31st December:
The Strathdearn, Tomatin
Doors open 7:30pm
Tickets are now available for IV13 residents to buy from the shop/cafe, hall office or by emailing events@strathdearn.org for the Eventbrite link.
Ticket prices £20 adult & £10 children – ticket includes live music, hot food buffet and a drink for the bells.
Burns Night Ceilidh – Saturday 25th January 2025 (SAVE THE DATE):
Tickets are now available for IV13 residents to buy from the shop/cafe, hall office or by emailing events@strathdearn.org for the Eventbrite link.
Ticket prices £15 adult & £5 children – ticket includes live music and hot food buffet.
2025/26 COMMUNITY EVENTS:
If you have any suggestions for any type of community event for next year, feel free to drop us an email to events@strathdearn.org and we will try our best to accommodate.
