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helping to make what will be a superb facility for all of us into a reality. Modestly, Geoff tells me that John Forth of the National Park has been the prime mover behind the project. Credit to the NP. On a slightly smaller scale, on Saturday 20th April a mixed group of kids and adults carried out a sponsored walk from The Drummond, carrying stones from the loch shore, climbing up the ‘zigzags’ to the cairn at the top of the hill where the stones were exchanged for chocolate treats, then descending back to The Drummond. Some 11 kids, 2 toddlers and 15 adults took part and all monies raised go to the fund to build a village play park. If you feel like contributing after the event I’m sure that Russell or Catriona won’t be offended by used coin of the realm. Many will remember the arts event in the Village Store over the Festive Period and I’m happy to promote a further such event which will be current when you read this. Local artist and ‘eccentric’ David Kerr has been painting Loch Earn and surrounding areas for many years and has looked out a number of his original sketches and preparatory studies on which the larger paintings were based and these are on display in the coffee shop area of The Store. The items are released to raise funds for various charities, details of which are on display in the shop. Thanks are due to Frank & Liam for their involvement in the event. If you go along you’ll also see a self portrait study in oils of David as a younger man – surely worth a visit alone? A small update on the situation at The Drummond. Obviously previous tenant Andy did not re-open in March as was suggested a couple of months ago and, after my speaking directly with Bob Sancto whose family still owns the building, he isn’t likely to. There is some concern amongst villagers that the present unattended property, car parks and foreshore will attract uncontrolled launching of jet bikes, power boats etc and, heaven forbid, the occupation of the carparks by ‘travelling folk’ – the mind boggles. The Community Council have been in touch with The Clydesdale Bank, who we had understood were now holding the property, to record concern and there are moves afoot by a group of local interested people to promote a long term solution to the problem of a massive abandoned building in the heart of the village. Further details when I have them. Far from abandoned is The Four Seasons, where Mary reports a brisk start to the new season and with two Bank Holidays in May it is essential to book a table for meals in the Bistro, especially at the weekend. It seems that the closing of The Drummond has resulted in increased trade at The Four Seasons – so not all bad then! I’d like to thank the various folk who have given input this month into the St F Bit – it makes life far easier and ensures the viability of the column. Separately in this issue you’ll find a report submitted on the Boat Race 4
Carrying stones on the Sponsored Walk
from Richard Steventon, too good to edit down. If anyone is doing anything or going anywhere of local interest, why not write it up and forward it to me? Finally a wee quiz for the sharp eyed. Last month I included a picture of the massively expensive new NP sign in the village. This month a new picture taken 4 weeks later. Spot the difference! (OK there isn’t any – the project is awaiting a delivery of ‘special’ stone. John Murray Nuff said.)
The Great Loch Earn Boat Race (as seen through the eyes of Richard Steventon, captain of the winning team - De-MenCha-Cha-Cha).
Recent heavy rains had swollen the river next to The Lochearnhead Watersports Centre and prevented the normal walk along the foreshore to the start of the race. Instead, Howell, Richard Graham, Harry Burnett, competitors had to walk The Team, L to R - SteveRichard Steventon. along the main road and over the bridge, then cross the fields to get to the shore. The field itself was waterlogged; so many entrants began the race with wet and muddy feet. The start is normally a sprint across the foreshore, a hefty shove on the boat to slide it into deep water as everyone piles in. This year water levels were so high that we found ourselves standing only a few feet away from the boats. The customary “ready, set, go” was omitted this year and a klaxon announced to everyone it was time to set off! The St Fillans Veteran Team, having by now removed their dressing gowns which were worn to the bacon butty briefing in the centre, leaped into the boat and began rowing furiously. Harry, having volunteered for the unenviable task of being “last man in” was responsible for giving the boat its final thrust away from the shore. The two Richards rowed manically and Harry must have thought the boat was off without him as he nosedived into the rear on the boat and floundered on the floor trying to regain his balance and composure. We set off down the centre of the Loch, having previously decided it was the shortest route to St Fillans and pulled as hard as possible on the oars. As time went by we seemed to have opened up a slight lead on most of the other boats except for two, who had chosen to hug the north shore, a route we suspected was a mistake. The weather alternated between being windy, bright sunshine and then rain in the form of sudden squalls. The team took it in turns to row with Richard Graham doing more than his fair share, at 6ft 5”; he had reserves of stamina which the rest of us didn’t! As we finally approached the caravan site on the South shore, we realised that we were probably going to win! The route taken by the other boats meant they would have to cross the Loch at an angle from the north side in order to clear Neish Island, which was a longer Continued on page 6