Community Connections

WHAT DOES “RESILIENCE” MEAN FOR YOU NOW?

With Jo Cowan

Long before COVID, Highland Senior Citizens Network had planned a series of events asking people about ‘resilience’: ‘What does it mean for you? What does it mean for your group or your community? How do you feel you and your communities could build and improve resilience?’ It now seems ironic – or maybe it was prophetic.

Resilience is usually seen as the ability to recover quickly from diffi culties: bending fl exibly, or springing back into shape. It’s not just about managing or coping, it also means being able to change and overcome and move on in a diff erent way.

In normal times, older people’s resilience depends signifi cantly on connections and interactions with friends, family and other key people, interest, activity and social groups, local venues, local shops, churches, post offi ces, cafés, pubs, restaurants, leisure centres and libraries. For many of us, pre-pandemic resilience largely depended on being able to get out and about to where we want to be, being able to see the people who matter to us and being able to do things for, and with, others

In March, our normal resilience-boosting connections disconnected in one fell swoop. It was like a power-cut. An instant and, some feel, discriminatory, status of ‘vulnerable’ was imposed on many people by the COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions.

So what made you resilient, or not, through lockdown? What were the things that helped you, kept you going and able to adapt to the situation? What made you feel ‘stuck’? What mattered most to you on a day to day basis? Is there anything you feel would have made your situation better?

Now that things are beginning to change, how

resilient are you feeling now? What has changed for you and what hasn’t?

Highland Senior Citizens Network would like to build a picture of how our views of resilience need to change. I would be interested in hearing from those aged over 70 in Lochaber who would be happy to share their experience of what has helped, or hampered, their resilience. I would also like to hear from people who are over 55 and have been shielding and from those who have been involved in supporting people.

If you are happy to have a chat about this, please give me a ring on 07933 653585 or e-mail me on jo-hscn@outlook.com

In Loving Memory of

ALISTAIR MACLEOD 1934 -2020 Beloved husband to the late Maria a much loved dad to Caroline, Mary, Alexandra and Nicola, a wonderful papa to all his grandchildren, father in law, brother in law, uncle, cousin, friend and a well respected gentleman to so many. A faithful, hard working family man who enjoyed fi shing and cruises with his late wife. Alistair passed away 5 short months after his wife Maria. Together Again. They are loved and deeply missed every day. May they now Rest in Peace.

In Loving Memory of

DAVID MCMINN 1931 – 2020 A much loved husband to the late Rosie, dad to Billy and Bertie, father in law to Myra and Janette, grandfather and a great friend to so many. David volunteered for the Fire Brigade and was Coxswain for the local Mallaig Lifeboat. David also brought coloured TV to Mallaig which was a massive achievement. He will always be remembered and respected by many for his services to the local community. Sadly missed every day.

In Loving Memory of

ANN MACPHERSON 1929 -2020 With love we remember Ann, a much loved wife to Donnie and a very kind and special person to so many. Originally from Corpach but lived in Strontian, Ann worked in the Strontian Hotel and also working for herself providing catering services in the community for many years. Ann will be greatly missed by Donnie and by everyone who knew her. Rest in Peace.

In Loving Memory of

INA CAMPBELL 1935 – 2020 A loving mum to Calum, a wonderful grandmother to Maria and Martin, great grandmother and an exceptionally well known and loved friend to many. Ina worked in KK’s for many years and will fondly be remembered for her sharp wit and ‘a spades a spade’ personality. A remarkable hard working woman that never retired and only stopped due to ill health. Greatly missed by all her family and the wider community. Rest in Peace.

In Loving Memory of

MARCIE LOVE 1926 – 2020 A much loved mum to Alan a wonderful gran to all her grandchildren and great grandchildren and a special lady to many. Marcie lived in Caol for over 70 years and was the very fi rst resident after construction in her home at Macmillan place. She loved to cycle and done so everyday to work at Lochyside Primary School. An independent woman who will be greatly missed.

In Loving Memory of

BELLA MACINTYRE 1926 – 2020 Loving wife of the late Donnie, adored mother, granny and great granny. Bella was born in Glenshellach, Onich in 1926. She married Donnie (4) in 1953 and settled in Kinlochleven where they raised their family before moving back “home” to Onich in 1979. Bella will be remembered for her kindness to many and her Highland hospitality. She will be sorely missed by her friends but especially her family. Forever in our hearts.

In Loving Memory of

JOAN (JOEY) LOGINOV 1931 -2020 A wonderful mum to Michael and Anne, grandmother, great grandmother and a special friend to many. Joey worked in the Milton Hotel and John Steele’s Store in Corpach where she enjoyed a blether with locals and regular customers. Joey was a very caring person always helping others particularly her family who she cared for over the years. Loved and missed everyday.

In Loving Memory of

ISOBEL MCGUIRE 1932 - 2020 Mother to the late Michael, beloved Nana to Nicola, Michael and Martin, adored Great Grandmother. Will be missed more than words can say by all of us. x

In Loving Memory of

DONALD CHARLES MACKINNON (DC) 1935 - 2020 A loving husband to Margaret, a caring dad to John, Rosie and Tricia, a wonderful grandfather to Nicola, Craig, Mathew and Melissa and great grandfather to Bertie and Duff y. In 1953 Donnie began his national service with the Royal Corps of Signals. Initially at Catterick then being posted to Germany and Belgium. On returning to Fort William he resumed his career with the GPO working throughout Lochaber and the Small Isles where he enjoyed many happy years and became a familiar face around the communities. After many years with the GPO he became manager of the Ben Service Station amongst many other jobs locally. A gentleman who will be sadly missed by many, especially his family.