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strathnairn news • issue 95 strathnairn news • issue 95www.strathnairn.org.uk

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INSIDE THIS ISSUESTRATHNAIRN FARMERS ASSOCIATION VINTAGE RALLY

F.A.N.S. CAROL SINGING

HISTORY OF CLAVA CAIRNS

LOCAL WALKS

FEATURED RECIPES

Strathnairn Community Newsletter Issue 95, Dec 2017

Cuairt-Litir Shrath Narann www.strathnairn.org.uk

strathnairn news • issue 95

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• DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL • NEW BUILDS & MAINTENANCE • TESTING & INSPECTION • REPAIRS & RE-WIRES • FREE QUOTATIONS • COMPETITIVE RATES • 12 MONTH GUARANTEE • 24 HR EMERGENCY CALL-OUT

Peponi, Inverarnie

Inverness IV2 6XA Tel/Fax: 01808 521709 Mob: 07843 685619 E: icmelectrical.hotmail.comctrical.com

Peponi, Inverarnie, Inverness, IV2 6XA Tel/Fax: 01808 521709 Mobile: 07843 685619

www.icmelectrical.com

strathnairn news • issue 95 strathnairn news • issue 95

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CONTENTSYour Community Council ________________ 4

What’s On ___________________________ 5

Minutes Of Strathnairn Community Council ____________________ 6

Mobile Library _______________________ 11

Regular Activities at Daviot Hall __________ 11

Strathnairn Silver Bus _________________ 12

Care in Strathnairn ___________________ 13

SSE Networks _______________________ 14

Christmas at Daviot Church _____________ 15

SFA Vintage Rally _____________________ 16

Neil Mackenzie Trust __________________ 18

Farr School Nursery News ______________ 19

St Paul’s Church ______________________ 19

F.A.N.S. Carol Singing _________________ 20

Strathnairn 55+ Lunch Club News ________ 20

Kings Strathnairn _____________________ 21

Regular Activities at Farr Hall____________ 22

Local Walks _________________________ 23

History of Clava Cairns ________________ 23

Featured Recipes _____________________ 25

Strathnairn Community Benefit Fund _____ 26

EDITOR’S NOTE On behalf of all the Newsletter team I would like to wish all our readers, contributors & advertisers a very Happy Christmas, and best wishes for 2018!

Thanks to you all for your support, comments and articles – our community magazine would not be what it is today without your contributions!

If there is anything that you would like to write for us, or send in for inclusion, please contact me on the details below.

Please contact Caroline Tucker on 01808 521464 or email [email protected]

Next newsletter deadline – Friday 26th January 2018

Please note all dates and times published are correct at time of going to print, and please ensure all submissions are non-political and unlikely to offend.

Print: Speedprint, Inverness www.speedprintdigital.co.uk

Front Cover Photograph: Strathnairn Vintage Rally

A & C Douglas-JonesFirewood Sales

Hardwoods and SoftwoodsTractor and Timber Trailer and

Firewood Processor for hirewww.strathnairnfirewood.co.uk

Tel. 01808 521369

D.J. Drummond

Fencing and tree workStone work repairs, walls, dykes

Timber wood stores

Tel: 01463 718396or 07881 456627

authorised


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YOUR COMMUNITY COUNCILThe Community has a website – www.strathnairn.org.uk where full details are available. There is also a closed group <Strathnairn> on Facebook where useful day to day information is posted. As a closed group access is restricted to locals and once you have visited the page you will need to ask to join. That way your Facebook page will enable you to be notified of any disruptions and late news.

Anyone wishing to raise any matter with the Community Council can contact one of our elected Councillors below.

James Murray, Chairperson 01808 521205 [email protected] Christie, Hon. Secretary 01808 521257 [email protected] Wallace, Treasurer 01463 772378 [email protected] Henderson 01808 521323 [email protected] Hunt 01463 772094 [email protected] McQueer 01808 521474 [email protected] Moore 01463 772234 [email protected] Maclean, Minute Sec [email protected]

YOUR HIGHLAND COUNCILLORSStrathnairn is part of Highland Council Wards 12 (Aird and Loch Ness) & Ward 19 (Inverness South). Addresses & telephone numbers are available at www.highland.gov.uk

WARD 12 AIRD AND LOCH NESS Cllr Helen Carmichael [email protected] Margaret Davidson [email protected] George Cruickshank [email protected] Emma Knox [email protected]

WARD 19 INVERNESS SOUTH Cllr Carolyn Caddick [email protected] Ken Gowans [email protected] Andrew Jarvie [email protected] Duncan MacPherson [email protected]

OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS:Community Police Officer, PC Cathy McGibbon 101Daviot Primary School 01463 772226 Farr Primary School 01808 521246Daviot Hall booking 01463 772228Farr Hall booking 01808 521346SCATA Bus booking 01808 521321 NHS 24 111Police - Non-Emergency 101SCBF 07858 688355 www.strathnairncbf.com [email protected] in Strathnairn:Kathy Collins (Chair) [email protected] Rose (Community Contact Officer) 07800 796106 / 01463 772240

Strathnairn Community Websitewww.strathnairn.org.uk

Strathnairn Community Benefit Fund Websitewww.strathnairncbf.com


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KINGS STRATHNAIRN17th DECEMBERChristingle, 5-6pm at Farr Hall, followed by light refreshments. An event for all the family to celebrate Jesus the light of the world

28th JANUARY 2018 Creative Storytelling, 10:30-12 noon at Farr Hall, A family event to creatively look at a story in the bible. Lots of activities for all to get involved with.

DAVIOT CHURCHAdvent and Christmas at Daviot Church, 12 noon:

17th DECEMBERLed by Joyce Mitchell

24th DECEMBERLed by Len Cazaly • Then at 11.15pm – led by Hendry Robertson

31st DECEMBERLed by Jonathan Appleby at 11.00am

ST PAUL’S CHURCHCHRISTMAS EVE6.30pm Carols and Readings for Christmas, followed by mulled wine/coffee and mince pies in the hall.

8.00pm First Communion of Christmas, a short communion service for those who wish to stay after refreshments.

CHRISTMAS DAY10:00am Family Service for all, young & old, to join in celebrating the first Christmas.

31st DECEMBER11.00am Communion Service

FANS CAROL SINGING AT TESCO INSHESWednesday 13th December

THIS CHRISTMAS!

STRATHNAIRN COMMUNITY WOODLANDS AGM12th FEBRUARYAt Farr Hall All Welcome


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STRATHNAIRN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

GENERAL MEETING NO. 255FARR COMMUNITY HALL • MONDAY 20th November 2017 at 7.30pm

DRAFT MINUTESSCC MEMBERS PRESENTJames Murray (Chair) [JM], Peter Christie (Hon. Sec) [PC], Ian Hunt [IH], Dougie Henderson [DH], Isobel McQueer [IM], Bea Wallace [BW].

HIGHLAND COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENTCllr Jarvie [AJ], Cllr Gowans, Cllr Macpherson

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC PRESENT PC McGibbon + C. Elliot (Foundation Scotland) +2 members of the public

1. APOLOGIESApologies were received from Sally Moore, Cllr Davidson, Cllr Caddick,

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTE 16TH OCTOBER 2017Minutes proposed by IH, Seconded by DH.

3. DECLARATION OF INTERESTSAs members of the Community Benefit fund, IM & IH declared an interest in agenda item 9.

4. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTEMATTERS CARRIED FORWARD FROM PREVIOUS MATTERS ARISING

Item 10 – Further research indicates that Traffic Scotland will not be considering the treatment of existing crossings of the A9 where it is already dual carriageway until the recent upgrade work is completed in 2025. It was agreed that representation to Traffic Scotland would be made at that time.

Item 11(d) –No volunteer could be found to attend the Scottish Resilient Communities Conference.

Item 11(m) – Contact with E Mountain MSP will be made in the New Year.

MATTERS ARISING

Item 7 –“keep out” sign at the entrance to Wester Lairgs: Professional advice has been received that the signs are legal. The track remains open to pedestrians,


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cyclists and horses. It was noted that Police Scotland are unable to deal with any aggressive behaviour on a retrospective basis. Reports of this nature have to be made at the time of the incident.

Item 11 – Foyers surgery has been advised of the position taken by the CC. Since the last meeting CIS have indicated that they will take on the roll of collecting prescriptions.

Item 14 – The new arrangements for distributing the draft minutes worked well and it was agreed to continue with this arrangement.

Item 15 – Resignation of M Fitzgerald. The CC noted with regret Mike’s decision to resign and the Chair will pass on the CC thanks for all the work that he has done on the Communities behalf. Action JM

Item 15, defibrillators – It was confirmed that each defibrillator required two nominated persons. IH agreed to be the CC contact for any problems that required the services of the maintenance company.

5. COMMUNITY POLICING REPORT AND LOCAL ISSUESPC McGibbon spoke to the report which was circulated by email prior to the meeting. There were no issues arising from this report.

In response to a question about the vandalism at the abandoned Tourist Office PC McGibbon reported that enquiries were ongoing. The Police have good images of the vandal at work at Tesco Inches but so far this had not helped and the vandalism at the Tourist Office may not be the same person.

It was also confirmed that the Police do not attend Road Traffic accidents if the parties involved are on the scene, no one was injured and the road is not obstructed.

6. FINANCIAL REPORTCurrent funds are £3210.93. There are outstanding costs to pay related to the recent survey for the lay-by at the shop.

The Ray Collier Fund for the Memorial Bench stands at £730.

The application to HC for the annual grant is in hand.

PC to submit an invoice to cover the times that the minute secretary was not available to take the minutes.

7. PLANNING APPLICATION AND UPDATES(a) Report from IH on applications

IH spoke to his report listing 5 new planning applications (3 house sites and 2 borrow pits), 1 PIP and 9 updates. All were noted without comment, IH confirmed that the planners had been made aware that the CC supported borrow pits on the grounds that it kept HGV’s off our narrow roads.

(b) Aberarder WF negotiation

IH reported that he had been advised to contact the developer in the New Year.


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8. KNOCKNAGAEL TO TOMATIN LIAISON GROUPThe next meeting will be in December in Farr Community Hall (18:30 to 20:15).

To date the contact with SSE has not been satisfactory in that they have not been responding to issued raised at the first liaison meeting. Action PC

9. REPORT FROM SCBF/FOUNDATION SCOTLANDC. Elliot tabled Special Resolutions to be put forward at the forthcoming AGM of the Benefit Fund. These resolutions are intended to take forward the changes to the governance of the Benefit Fund that are needed to act on the outcome from the questionnaire undertaken earlier this year.

After considerable discussion and support from the Highland Councillors it was agreed to discuss each of the proposed clauses on a case by case basis.

1. That the SCBF Board drafts updated Governing Documents, taking in to account the recommendations in the Foundation Scotland Review Report and the results of the recent survey of local residents. These will then be presented to the Strathnairn Community Council (as sole member) for approval. Proposed – DH Seconded – PC

2. That all Board Members, including those whose four year term ends in December 2017 and those newly appointed, be allowed to continue in office until the December 2019 AGM (*at the latest) at which time all Board Members will stand down and be replaced by Board Members appointed by public election. The regulations relating to these elections, having been agreed in advance by the Strathnairn Community Council as the ‘Sole Member’, will form part of amended Governing Documents.

Proposed – PC Seconded – BW

3. With effect from the December 2019 AGM (*at the latest) the Strathnairn Community Council will cease to be the “Sole Member” and be replaced by a community membership. The regulations relating to the rights and duties of a ‘Member’ having been agreed in advance by the Strathnairn Community Council as the current ‘Sole Member’. Proposed – PC Seconded – DH

4. That the SCBF actively seeks to obtain an independent body to investigate and make proposals regarding the creation of a Development Trust for Strathnairn and submits to Strathnairn Community Council the proposals and costs for agreement.

Proposed this clause be accepted with the revised wording – PC Seconded – BW

10. FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS R NAIRN AT DAVIOTCllr Jarvie advised that there were two owners involved on each bank but the issue could not be resolved until the owner of the bridge had been established. The Footpath Officer and the CC were willing to co-operate with each other in order to complete the list of work identified by the recent inspection but is was agreed that it was only possible to move forward once ownership had been established.


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11. SPEEDING DAVIOT EAST (B9154)It was noted that this road is not covered by a speed limit so that the police have limited powers to monitor traffic speeds. It was felt that on some occasions the speed was excessive on the blind bends. KG to speak to Roads to arrange for sensors to be used to obtain a proper record of the speed by current traffic using this road. Action KG

12. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED.(via email unless indicated otherwise.)

a) SCBF – Acknowledgement of return of £280.00 from Community Planning Group [Post]

b) SCBF – Notice of AGM to be held in Farr Hall on Wed 13 December at 7:00 pm. [Post]

c) Jacobs UK Ltd – A9/A96 Inshes to Smithton, Preferred Option Public Exhibition

d) Ward Manager – Request to circulate information about Pitch Event 23 Nov.

e) Scottish Civic Trust – Annual Conference 27th November

f) SSE Highland Sustainable Development Fund for ‘transformative’ community projects’.

g) HIE – latest overview update on fibre broadband roll-out for the Highland area through the Digital Highlands and Islands project.

h) ILM Highland – New service is for armed forces veterans needing small maintenance jobs in and around the home.

i) Scottish Community Development Centre, workshop to be held on Tuesday 28th November, 7pm - 9pm, at the Harvest Centre, Elgin City Church.

j) Request from a student for assistance with their research into planning matters.

k) Forestry Commission, amendment to Forest Plan for Meall Mor Forest. [Post]

All were noted without comment.

13. LIST OF EVENTS, MEETINGS AND DATES FOR ATTENDANCE AND INTERESTa) – K-T Liaison Group – Date of next meeting December (18:30 to 20:30).

b) – AGM of SCBF to be held in Farr Hall on Wed 13 December at 7:00 pm

d) – Pitch Event 23 Nov

e) – Annual Conference Scottish Civic Trust 27th November

f) – Scottish Community Development Centre workshop 28th November.

14. QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLICNone

15. AOCBA member of the public queried the spelling of Inverarnie used in the questionnaire. After a brief discussion it was concluded that the CC did not have the competence to


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make a ruling in this question.

Forest Enterprise are consulting on amending the Management Plan for Daviot Wood. PC to respond asking for dog litter binds to be provided at the start of all the walks that start from the car park at the Tourist centre. A member of the community is checking the timber extraction route will not put the stability of single track roads at risk. Action PC

DH reported that dog fouling of the sports field had not been resolved. DH to report this to the dog warden. Action DH

16. DATE OF THE NEXT CC MEETING [256]Monday 15th January 2018

The Community Council is required to issue the agenda 7 days before it’s meeting. To be certain that an item can be included please make sure that it is submitted ten days before our meeting is due to take place.

There is a mailing list for the issue of the Meeting agenda and minutes. If you would like to receive a copy of the meeting agenda and minutes as they are issued you should contact the [email protected].

The meeting closed at 10:00pm.

Tomatin Community Shop - Weekend Shop Assistants Required

Are you looking for some extra hours and a chance to meet people in your neighbouring community? Help support the Strathdearn community owned shop in Tomatin and be part of a small and friendly

team led by Shop Manager, Lee-Anne.

White River Trading (WRT) are looking to recruit two people to work 4.5 hours on a Saturday and/or a Sunday on a rotating basis, earning an hourly rate above the National Minimum Wage.

We are also looking for individuals to work an early shift between 6.30 and 8.30 am Monday – Friday.

Sales experience is not essential as all training will be given. Applications from outside the area are welcomed and you must be over 18 years old. Email [email protected] to apply or to find out

more information, alternatively call Lee-Anne for an informal chat on 07719 584 155.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Food Hygiene HACCPs

Health & Safety Training, advice, help & qualifications for the food industry

email: [email protected]

Food Industry Training


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Mondays (Route 9): Farr Primary School - Daviot East - Moy - Brookfield - Sunnyside - Balloch

11 Dec 201709.30 – 10.50 Farr Primary School11.20 – 11.50 Meallmore Nursing

Home11.50 – 12.05 Daviot East12.20 – 12.40 Moy Forestry

Cottages12.40 – 12.55 Moy Housebound14.20 – 15.00 Culloden Brookfield15.05 – 15.30 Culloden Sunnyside15.45 – 16.30 Balloch Braeside

Park

Thursdays (Route 12): Daviot Primary School - Gorthleck - Stratherrick Primary School - Whitebridge - Errogie - Farr

14 Dec 201709.25 – 10.05 Daviot Primary

School10.35 – 11.25 Invernarnie, Farr Hall12.00 – 12.15 Gorthleck Public Hall13.15 – 13.55 Stratherrick Primary

School14.00 – 14.25 Whitebridge Old

Post Office15.00 – 15.35 Errogie Bridge

before “Ark”16.00 – 16.20 Farr Croft Croy16.25 – 16.50 Farr Community Hall

MOBILE LIBRARYMoray Firth Mobile library comes every 3 weeks and carries a range of adult fiction and non-fiction in standard and large print, children’s books and talking books and DVDs.

Full Information about the mobile routes can be found on the High Life Highland Moray Firth Mobile webpage: http://highlifehighland.com/libraries/moray-firth-mobile-library. Dates for 2018 will be updated in the January issue.

REGULAR ACTIVITIES AT DAVIOT HALLMonday and Thursday evenings (October to May) – Badminton

Tuesday and Friday evenings, 7.30pm – Strathnairn Indoor Bowling Club

If you would like to book Daviot Hall please contact Christine MacPherson on 01463 772228.

The Cameron’s Tea Room & Farm Shop

Glenlia Farm, Foyers

Open all year round 7 days a week 9-5

Lovely Homemade Food And Local Produce

For more information like us on Facebook, email Morag on [email protected] or phone 01456 486572.


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STRATHNAIRN’S LITTLE SILVER BUSSCATA would like to wish all Strathnairn residents Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year!

The bus continues to provide transport for Lunch Club, Friendship Group, shopping trips, etc. Traditionally, Tuesdays are shopping days where local residents visit Tesco, P.O. and chemist, all at Inshes. Would you like to join us? Or perhaps another day/shop would suit you better?

Would you like to become a driver? All

welcome, give me a call and find out all

about it! Full instruction will be provided.

Your enthusiasm will certainly be much

appreciated.

Tel: Donna on 01808 521321 to discuss.

Scottish Charity SCO45251

The Natural Vegetable Company Regular Organic Veg Box – Grown in the Highlands

We have operated for 15 years from our base at Torbreck, Dores road. We grow a complete range of seasonal veg available from field and

greenhouse. Seasonality and organic methods guarentee’s freshness, flavour and quality. Choose from a Regular £10 or Large £15 Box.

Delivery by arrangement or collect from the farm.

Book on Line at our website www.natvegco.com or

call Maggie on 07890 189676 or 01463 250 440


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Tel. 01456 Tel. 01456

486729486729

Tel. 01456 Tel. 01456

486729486729

Tim Lucas Tim Lucas

Forest Forest

ManagementManagement

Tim Lucas Tim Lucas

Forest Forest

ManagementManagement

Based in Foyers.

Working throughout Scotland.

Modern, reliable and prompt service.

Written estimates provided.

Farms, estates & private woodlands.

All forestry & tree work undertaken.

www.timlucasforestmanagement.co.uk

CARE IN STRATHNAIRNWe have made some changes to staff as we say goodbye to our Coordinator Duncan Hendry who resigned in October. In the future the Coordinator role will be covered by the Trustees. Derek Rose is now officially our Community Contact Officer, appropriate for a retired policeman. He is responsible for both the Handyman Service and Friendship Group. Please contact him if you want help with small household tasks or to join one of the Friendship Group outings.

HANDYMAN SERVICESDo you have any little jobs around the house that need to be done now that winter has set in? If you live in the Strathnairn Community Council area and are disadvantaged by age, illness, disability or social circumstances then you are eligible to use our Handyman Services. Derek Rose is happy to discuss with you anything that you feel might needs doing. As a former policeman he can also advise on home security and

safety issues that might be worrying you. All works carried out by Derek are free of charge, you only have to pay for any materials. If the job is outside Derek’s expertise he will be happy to help you find a local tradesman to help. Give Derek a ring to make sure you stay warm and cosy this winter.

Derek Rose - (07800) 796106 or (01463) 772240

FRIENDSHIP GROUPThe Group continue to enjoy their regular outings in and around the Inverness area for good conversation over a bite to eat at lunchtime. The Group meets every other Wednesday, (dates below), 11am at Farr Hall or Derek, our driver will pick you up at home. Ring Derek on (07800) 796106 or (01463) 772240 if you would like to join us for a friendly outing. • January 17th and 31st• February 14th and 28th• March 14th and 28th


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SCOTTISH AND SOUTHERN ELECTRICITY NETWORKS KNOCKNAGAEL – TOMATIN PROJECT Construction works in and around your area – Safety is our number one priority at Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks. With this in mind, we ask that you please remain vigilant of signage or direction around the construction and forestry works and do not enter our working areas. We ask that all members of the community please ensure when they are using the associated woodlands that they follow the points below:

1. Obey all forestry warning signage or direction

2. Ensure exclusion zones of machinery are adhered to on work sites

3. Never climb on timber stacks

4. Plan all movements when walking through woodland areas

5. Obey the countryside code at all times

OVERHEAD LINEThe Section 37 application for the new overhead line was approved by the Energy Consents Unit and the Scottish Government in August 2017.

Discussions with The Highland Council regarding the road improvements on the B851, B861, Moor Road and Essich Road are ongoing. The road improvements are required in order to gain safe access for the construction of the new overhead line. The construction of the road improvements will utilise traffic control measures and temporary traffic lights where necessary to protect our workforce and the general public. Our delivery team

will work to ensure that there are no unnecessary delays during this period. However, there may be some short increases in journey times as a result and we would ask for the co-operation and understanding of road users. Works associated with this are expected to take place between October 2017 and March 2018.

KEY CONTACTSOur Overhead Line Supervisors are Pawel Stopnicki (Public road improvements and access tracks) and Alex Kerr (Overhead Line). Pawel and Alex are on site most days and are available to address any queries or concerns.

Pawel is contactable on 07469 411792 and Alex, is contactable on 07876 837465.

Jenna Black is your Community Liaison representative and can be contacted on 07342 027725 or [email protected]

COMMUNITY LIAISON GROUPWe are holding the next Community Liaison Group meeting on 7 December 2017. The Community Liaison Group (CLG) comprises of representatives from the local community, representatives from Strathnairn Community Council, Councillors of Inverness South and project representatives from Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc. Meetings will take place at regular intervals to discuss any matters relating to the Knocknagael – Tomatin project during the construction period. Minutes will be made available on the project website –

Please note, there is a separate liaison group for the substation works at Tomatin.


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www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/knocknagael-tomatin

BE THE DIFFERENCESince the launch of SSE’s volunteering programme we have helped over 2,500 projects, with our big-hearted employees dedicating their time to projects that matter to the communities where we live and work. All colleagues are encouraged to “Be the Difference” by volunteering a day in the form of skills-based assistance, painting, DIY, gardening and even school visits. If you have a project in mind, please contact Jenna Black on 07342 027725 or [email protected].

Your Community Council representatives from the CLG are;

Mr James Murray 01808 521205 [email protected]

Mr Peter Christie 01808 521257 [email protected]

Janis Tapley [email protected]

CHRISTMAS AT DAVIOT CHURCHAs the season of advent approaches we begin to think of the important event which we celebrate on 25 December – the birth of Jesus – and the amazing and wonderful consequences to humanity of that lowly birth. So we think it very important to take time in the midst of the hurly burly of the secular celebrations, to remember why we are actually having all the parties and presents that go to celebrating Christmas. It is to recognise that God sent his only son to live among us, and ultimately to die to save us from our sins. No present can ever compare to that one, and it is right that we set aside this time of year to remember, and to thank God for his great goodness to us.

During the season of Advent, we will be having our usual 12 noon services at Daviot, and a list of those leading the services is attached below.

On Christmas Eve, there will be the usual Sunday morning service at 12 noon, followed by a Watchnight service at 11.15 pm. This usually finishes just after midnight on Christmas day.

On Hogmanay, there will be a joint service with Moy, Dalarossie & Tomatin at Daviot Church at 11.00 am.

Recently the husband of one of our organists was severely injured and is now in hospital in Aberdeen. He is progressing, though he still has another operation to go through. This means that we may occasionally be short of an organist – so if there is anyone in the strath who is able, and would like to help out on the organ please let us know. We have a beautiful instrument at Daviot church, which is a joy to play.

Advent and Christmas Daviot Church at 12 noon:

December 17 Joyce Mitchell

December 24 Len Cazaly then at 11.15 pm - Hendry Robertson

December 31 Jonathan Appleby at 11.00 am


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STRATHNAIRN FARMERS ASSOCIATION – VINTAGE RALLY 2017Members of Strathnairn Farmers Association this year staged their 11th annual Agricultural Working Vintage Rally and Display on Saturday 30th September 2017, when Mr and Mrs Dereck MacKenzie once again kindly made available their fields at Daviot Estate. Despite some very trying weather conditions prior to the event, Dereck and his team pulled out all the stops to make them ready.

This year’s event enjoyed fine weather for most of the day. Unfortunately, other attractions in the area, a possible perception the event may be cancelled, and with many farmers and contractors throughout the North, taking advantage of the good day to secure their crops, attendance numbers were somewhat

reduced from previous years. However, those who did attend, were treated to a fine and extensive display of static and working tractors, implements, stationary engines and other attractions.

A theme to celebrate all things David Brown, Case, and McCormick International with special emphasis on the iconic David Brown Cropmaster, was very successful. The harvest area, with a working binder, 2 vintage combine harvesters, and a threshing mill, was, as always, a big and popular attraction for young and old. This year, heavy horses, some in show harness made a welcome return, and were a magnificent spectacle, displaying real horse power.


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Bill Allen travelled North from Cumbria and gave demonstrations using his vintage ruck maker, or as he calls it, pike maker. He returned home a happy man, having received the “star attraction” cheque for £50.

Pete Small, well known agricultural journalist and historian, gave his usual expert commentary throughout the day.

The exhibition marquee proved very popular, where several country crafts were demonstrated, alongside trade stands and a photographic display. Annie Macleod’s produce table did good business raising about £600 for the Oncology Department. Elsewhere, pipers, Highland dancers, and other musicians, performed for the enjoyment of the crowds, providing a relaxing diversion from the sound of diesel engines!

An additional feature this year, saw Auctioneer David Merchant work his magic and his gavel, aboard a colourful horse drawn cart, as he teased bids from a generous audience, during the auction of items donated by many local companies and individuals.

The Rally Committee took a unanimous decision earlier in the year to donate all money from the auction to the Oncology

Department of the Macmillan Suite at Raigmore Hospital.

Agreement was then made to combine the sum raised from the auction along with money from Annie Macleod’s produce table, a guess the weight of the horse competition, and a Shetland pony bucket collection. The grand total amounted to £2,500.

Arrangement was made to meet Fiona Campbell, Macmillan Consultant Nurse at Raigmore Hospital where a cheque for £2,500 was presented to her by Ray Smith and John and Annie MacLeod. Fiona has expressed her sincere thanks for this donation and has confirmed the money will be retained for use locally.

The Rally Committee would like to thank all visitors, participants, helpers, sponsors, including donations from Strathnairn Community Benefit Fund and Strathdearn Community Charitable Trust for their help and support, without which the event would not take place.

So, good folks of Strathnairn and beyond, let’s see you all at Daviot next year, where you are sure to enjoy yourself.

Ray Smith, Vintage Rally Chairman


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THE NEIL MACKENZIE TRUSTAs we approach the end of the year we would like to thank everyone who has participated in the “Bothy Challenge”. To date the Challenge has raised £3,867, which includes money raised in the Strath by the sponsored walk at Dunmaglass and by the “three unwise men” (David, Doug and Gavin) who, having completed their challenge to cycle off road to Bell’s Bothy on Skye, cycled up 3,579 feet on 19th November. The winners of their competition to guess their height gain (independently verified!) were Laura Haddow, (£100), Sue Menzies (£75), and Angus and Margaret Mackenzie (£25, shared). Thanks to the anonymous donor for the prize money, and thanks, also to Mark Tucker who completed his first Half Marathon for us in October as part of the Challenge.

Thank you, too, if you have supported the Trust at other events – notably the Ladies

Night in Farr Hall, and the Community Christmas Fair. Particularly we would like to thank Peter and Janet Tyler who kindly donated wood turned items for us to sell. In just two weeks these items have raised £225 – and we still have more to sell.

The Trust has funds for skills training, for non-competitive outdoor sports (adult and junior) so if you are thinking of taking on a new challenge in the New Year, let us know. See website for details. www.theneilmackenzietrust.wordpress.com For the more adventurous we also have expedition grants.

We are hosting a Ceilidh in Edinburgh on 27th January, and look forward to seeing some of you there. If you are unable to come, please support us by buying some raffle tickets. For more details visit our website.

Angus and Margaret Mackenzie lining up for their MS Bike/Bothy Challenge with three of Neil’s friends, in Canada in August


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ST PAUL’S CHURCHThe Community Christmas Fair took place in November and it was lovely to see so many folk from the strath and even a little further afield, including some new faces, joining together to both buy and sell with tables for a range of items and games. Carol singing by pupils of Farr School got us all in the mood for Christmas preparations in the coming weeks. We hope that all who came enjoyed the afternoon which proved to be a happy and successful occasion – we all met more of the folk who live in the area and had a good blether while enjoying a cup of tea and cakes. A big thank you goes to

all those who helped in any way. This has now turned into a truly community event and will hopefully be a regular date in the diary for many years to come.

As I write the weather has taken a wintry turn, the view outside has changed to a snowy Christmas card scene and plans for our Christmas services and decoration of the church are in place. We do hope that you will come and celebrate Christmas with us. Service times are overleaf:

FARR SCHOOL NURSERY NEWSFarr Nursery began this school year relocating ourselves back into the nursery room after being in the early level class last year. The children and staff worked hard to get the room how we wanted it and the children’s decision was final! We are now settled in and happy.

The children have had a few new experiences since starting nursery, for example, regular visits to the library van, drama sessions with staff at Eden Court, Football sessions with Amy From Ross County, and a Halloween Party amongst other things. One of those being a trip to Tesco, which supported our Café theme in nursery. We learnt all about different foods and where they come from. We also tasted some different cheeses and voted on which one we liked the best. We finished the morning off by having a very elaborate snack provided by Tesco.

Also to fit in with our Café theme, the children have been very busy making things. We started off with pizzas, this was made in the morning and the

children then ate what they had made for snack. Next was pasta, we made our own spaghetti and ate it for snack with cheese on top. After harvesting the vegetables in the garden, we made soup, we made doughnuts and sprinkled them with sugar and some chocolate and finally we made fairy cakes.

Every Friday we have spent the morning in the woods, using our imaginations and experiencing the outside world. We have enjoyed our snack outside, including the soup we made, sandwiches that the children make before we head off and for bonfire night, we had hotdogs and hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows over a gas fire.

Our parents were invited to come in and visit us, where we sang them a couple of songs and they enjoyed the fairy cakes that the children had made, the children shared their learning experiences by showing them our display walls and their learning journeys.

Farr Nursery Team


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CHRISTMAS EVE6:30pm Carols and Readings for Christmas– followed by mulled wine/coffee and

mince pies in the hall

8.00pm First Communion of Christmas– a short communion service for those

who wish to stay after refreshments.

(Please note there will be no service at 11.00am on Christmas Eve)

CHRISTMAS DAY10:00am Family Service– for all, young and old, to join in

celebrating the first Christmas.

SUNDAY 31 DECEMBER11.00am Communion Service A very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year from everyone at St Paul’s Church.

F.A.N.S. CAROL SINGING F.A.N.S. (Farr School and Nursery Supporters) is Farr School’s fundraising group. It was set up about ten years ago by parents of the school children with the change from Parent Governors to Parent Council.

As a group, we fundraise throughout the year to raise money for the school to pay for parties, Christmas presents etc. Our current goal is to raise enough money to buy outdoor equipment for the school and nursery.

F.A.N.S was set up for anyone in the

community to join, even if you do not have any children at the school. Supporters are welcome to come to meetings and help with fundraising, or share their ideas for fundraising etc. As well as any talents they may have.

Our next fundraising event will be Christmas Carol Singing at Inches Tesco on Wednesday 13th December, why not come and join us, everyone is welcome, it would be lovely to see some good old community spirit.

STRATHNAIRN 55+ LUNCH CLUB NEWSYou will see that we have changed our name! As 55 is the eligible age to join our Lunch Club and we would like to enlarge our membership we thought we would include 55+ as a reminder! If our November lunch was anything to go by with 27 people attending, we are hoping that this is a start of great things!

We have decided that we will stop the ‘Snack n’ Chat’ as from November as latterly there hasn’t been much call for it. It was good to try it though and we are very grateful to members who have made the effort to come since we started

it nearly 2 years ago in February 2016.

Its hard to believe that we are now busy planning our Christmas Lunch which is on Friday 8th December. We hope that Farr Primary School will come and sing carols for us and that a good number of people will join us to enjoy the usual extremely good Festive Celebration.

We are very grateful to everyone who has attended the Lunches through the year, come rain come shine, and do wish you all a Very Happy Christmas and 2018.

Here is the usual reminder that we meet


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the 2nd Friday of the month in Farr Community Hall at 12.30 p.m. unless announced otherwise. Could you please let us know by the Tuesday of the week of the Lunch Club if you are UNABLE to come by phoning Barbara Collins on 01808 521334. Christina Murray’s tel.

no. is 01808 521205. If you need to use the SCATA bus do phone Donna on 521321.

Christina, Moira, Karen, Barbara, Ria, Liz and Fiona

INVERARNIE STORES

OPENING HOURSMon - Fri 7am - 6pmSaturday 8am - 5pmSunday 9am - 4pm

Pop along and say hello!

Inverness IV2 6XADavid and Isobel

would like to wish all our customersa Merry Christmas

Convenience Store

KINGS STRATHNAIRNCHRISTINGLE17th December, 5-6pm @ Farr Hall – followed by light refreshments

An event for all the family to celebrate Jesus the light of the world

CREATIVE STORYTELLING28th January 2018, 10:30-12 noon @ Farr Hall

A family event to creatively look at a story in the bible. Lots of activities for all to get involved with. A light Lunch is provided

May we take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and wonderful New Year.


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REGULAR ACTIVITIES AT FARR HALLThroughout the year and during school term-time there are regular weekly activities taking place in the Hall as follows:

Second Monday of the month Strathnairn Community Woodlands committee meeting

Third Monday of the month Strathnairn Community Council meeting 7.30pm

Tuesday evenings from 6pm Highland Budokan Judo

Wednesday evenings from 7.30pm Boleskine Shinty Club training

Thursday mornings Farr Baby and Toddlers

Thursday afternoons 2.30pm – 4.30pm Post Office

Thursday evenings from 6pm to 7pm Community Keep Fit runs October to May

Second Friday of the month Seniors Lunch Club

Last Sunday morning of the month King’s Strathnairn

If you wish to book the football pitch, a room, or the whole Hall please call Maggie on 01808 521346


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LOCAL WALKSDECEMBER’S FEATURED WALK IS CLAVA CAIRNS CIRCUIT Directions: (NH 752 439) 6m east of Inverness. Signposted from the B9091, 300 yards east of Culloden Battlefield.

Distance: 7.5km

The route follows minor roads on either side of the Nairn valley surrounding the cairns, and can join up with the Culloden Battlefield route. Park at the Clava Cairns car park, and follow the green ‘Pathsinverness’ signs – pictured.

OS Landranger 27 (Nairn & Forres)

Each walk we feature is suitable for all abilities and can be used for cycling, running and horseriding as well as walking.

Please remember to follow the Outdoor Access Code when enjoying our

countryside – further details can be found at www.outdooraccess-scotland.com. If you have a particular favourite route that you would like to see included please contact The Editor.

Map courtesy of The Highland Council Ranger Service.

HISTORY OF THE CLAVA CAIRNSThe Prehistoric ceremonial and burial monuments, located at Balnuaran of Clava, are around 4000 years old, and are highly significant in terms of Bronze Age ritual and burial sites. The site at Balnuaran comprises two passage graves, a kerb ring cairn, a central ring cairn, and standing stones.

A short distance to the south-west, there is a further site at Milton of Clava, where you can find the remains of a Mediaeval chapel and the remains of a further cairn and standing stones.

The three well-preserved cairns at Balnuaran each have a central burial chamber. But while the two outer cairns have entrance passages, the chamber of the central one is enclosed. Each cairn is surrounded by a ring of standing stones.

At the time of use, the two outer Passage Cairns, would have been enclosed, with a domed roof. The ring cairn in the centre, however, is believed had have remained open. Many of the stones used to construct the cairns have cup marks on them – these may have been reused from another place, perhaps an earlier sacred site. The Kerb Cairn at Balnuaran is much smaller than the ring and passage cairns, and was built approx. 1000 years after the larger cairns. It, and the larger Passage Cairns were used as burial sites – however little trace of these graves remain today.

Clava Cairns are a type only found in the region of the Moray Firth and Inverness, and the form of these burial monuments uniquely combines aspects of ring cairns,


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passage graves, and stone circles. There are around 50 of these cairns located in the region, and some can be found throughout Strathnairn – another notable example is the ring cairn at Gask, but other examples can be seen at Tordarroch, Farr and Daviot. As with the cairns at Clava, each of the sites throughout Strathnairn has evidence of older use.

The orientation of these cairns suggests that the mid-winter solstice was a significant event in the calendar when these monuments were built. The three main cairns at Balnauran form a line running north-east to south-west, and the passages of the two outer cairns are aligned to the south-west. This means that on the mid-winter solstice, the sun travels along the passage and lights up the central chamber. Even although the roofs of the passage cairns have now gone, the sun still travels down the passages on the mid-winter solstice, lighting up the back wall of the remaining chamber.

There is evidence of use of the sites at Clava from as far back as the Neolithic period of the Stone Age. The location of a Mediaeval Chapel at Milton of Clava suggests that this area has been reused as a sacred site throughout history. It is thought that the church was dedicated to St. Bridget, and may have been built to combat the Pagan power in the region. Even today, there is an air of superstition

around the site – there is a story from January 2000, of a Belgian tourist who removed a stone from one of the cairns to take home as a souvenir and later posted it to Fort George asking for it to be returned to Clava as it had brought bad luck to him and his family. The mystery surrounding the area has also been exploited by the use of the cairns and standing stones in the recent Outlander series on TV.

The remains described here are believed to be part of a much larger number of prehistoric (and historical) sites in the local area – the landscape is scattered with standing stones, hut circles, and other destroyed ring and passage cairns (including a badly damaged ring cairn at Culdoich) – indicating that Clava played an extremely important part in ritual and burial traditions in Bronze Age Scotland. This significance seems to have continued through the Iron Age and into Mediaeval times, and even now there is a somewhat eerie atmosphere at the site, and there are many stories connecting the site with Druids, curses and witchcraft.

Information sourced from Historic Scotland, Strathnairn Heritage Association, ‘The Guide to Mysterious Loch Ness & The Inverness Area’; Holder, G., and ‘From The Nairn to Loch Ness, local history & archaeology guidebook’; Meldrum, Ed.

South-West Passage Cairn Looking North-East with ring cairn in the foreground


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FEATURED RECIPESDue to popular demand, we are pleased to include a new Recipes feature. Please send through any recipes you would like us to include.

VEGETABLE SOUPMade by the children of Farr School & Nursery,

using vegetables from the school/ nursery garden

WHAT WE USED:• Onions• Carrots• Potatoes• Runner beans• Peas• Vegetable stock• WaterPlease note, other vegetables can be included too, this was just what we had available!

METHOD:1. On Wednesday 13th September,

the school children harvested their vegetables they had been growing over the summer.

2. On Thursday 14th both the nursery and the school chopped up the vegetables to make soup.

3. This was kindly heated up for the school children’s snack by Mrs Simpson.

4. The nursery children enjoyed their soup out in the woods on the big hill after some outdoor learning.


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STRATHNAIRN COMMUNITY BENEFIT FUNDBOARD MEETING MINUTES SUMMARY – AUGUST 2017The August 2017 Board Meeting was held on 30th August in Farr Community Hall. There were two apologies.

GRANT ACTIVITY No applicants were invited to attend the meeting to discuss applications. The table below shows the grants that were approved at the August 2017 Board meeting.

Applicant Value Type of Grant Findhorn, Nairn & Lossie Fisheries Trust

£1,875.00 General Grant – towards Salmon Go To School Project at Farr & Daviot Primary Schools.

Strathnairn.org.uk £71.95 General Grant – towards the running costs of the community website.

Mr & Mrs Tapley £500.00 Energy Efficiency GrantAli Paul £500.00 Energy Efficiency Grant

OTHER BUSINESS • Community Consultation - The Board heard that a number of completed surveys

had been returned already. An on-line version would be available to residents that preferred to respond this way.

• A poster advertising for new Directors to begin a term at the AGM on Wednesday 13th December will be produced and displayed locally.

BOARD MEETING MINUTES SUMMARY – SEPTEMBER 2017The September 2017 Board Meeting was held on 28 September in Farr Community Hall. There were three apologies.

GRANT ACTIVITY No applicants were invited to attend the meeting to discuss applications. The table below shows the grants that were approved at the September 2017 Board meeting.

Applicant Value Type of Grant Ruairidh MacLennan £500.00 Energy Efficiency Grant

(One application was rejected and one deferred)


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OTHER BUSINESS • Community Consultation - The Board

heard that 67 responses had been received and a report generated by Surveymonkey was tabled. This will be circulated to all Board Members to consider in advance of the next meeting.

• A full page advert in the Strathnairn News was agreed to recruit Board Members.

• An updated application form and role profile for a Board Member was approved giving more information about what is involved. The documents will be made available on the web site.

• A Board Member had attended Data Protection training and will circulate the presentation.

A full page advert in the Strathnairn News inviting members of the public to attend as observers was agreed.

For more information on Strathnairn Community Benefit Fund and the Grants that are available, please visit our website - www.strathnairncbf.com, email [email protected] or phone 07858 688355

NOTICES

NEW RURAL CRIME ALERT SYSTEM!

Sign up to Rural Alert to receive FREE crime alerts and info where you live.

www.neighbourhoodwatchscotland.co.uk

For more information, please contact Daniel Sutherland at

[email protected]

In partnership with Police Scotland, Neighbourhood Watch Scotland &

Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime


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“Tea-room open daily for coffee,tea and home baking”

Emily Evans Mobile Hairstylist

Based in Strathnairn

Unisex cutting, blow drying and

colouring

Competitive rates

07841 030477 [email protected]

A & C Gardens and Landscape

Alan Cadden

01808521509/ 07753 257312 [email protected]

•Garden maintenance •Sheds erected/felted •Tree/hedge cutting •Chips/gravel laid

•Turfing •Fencing •Slabbing •Snow clearance/salting

•All rubbish removed •Free estimates

The Craigdarroch Inn

Foyers, Loch Ness

Village pub – Real ales – Fabulous loch views

Open daily from 11am to 11pm

Food served every day 12‐2pm and 6‐8.30pm

Tel 01456 486400

Gask House Farm Cottages has three, 4* quality properties set around an

attractive courtyard available for hire. Ideal for family or smaller groups.

Gask House Farm Cottages Balnafoich By Farr IV2 6XG

01808 521409 07970 027741

[email protected] www.gaskhouse.co.uk

Professional CV Writing Service

Looking for a new job and would like help to revamp your CV?

We offer an in-‐depth service which will

provide you with a CV perfectly tailored to your needs.

Contact Caroline for more

information: Tel 01808 521464/ 07971 689833

[email protected] www.albacvs.co.uk


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CONSTRUCTIONSOLUTI NSTarmac Caledonian is the leading supplier of aggregates and blocks to all construction industry sectors.

With a UK network of operations we are able to supply high quality, innovative products that also improve the sustainable performance of the built environment by reducing waste, energy usage and carbon emissions.

For more information call our area office at Daviot quarry

01463 772210

Auchnahillin Holiday Park

Daviot East, Inverness IV2 5XQ

Static Caravans available for hire weekly/nightly

Touring Caravans, Motorhomes & Tents welcome

Pitches available for Privately-Owned Static Caravan Holiday Homes

Stockists of

Please contact us with your requirements 01463 772286 /07974 008567

[email protected]

Myles Evans & Co Ltd

Window cleaning Gutter clearing and repairs

A reliable, quality service based in the Stath since 2000


Sam Evans

Grass cutting & general garden jobs Pressure washing slabs/decking Fence and shed treating & painting

Other work also considered

Very competitive rates Tel: 01808 521486

Myles Evans & Co Ltd

Window cleaning Gutter clearing and repairs

A reliable, quality service based in the Stath since 2000


Sam Evans

Grass cutting & general garden jobs Pressure washing slabs/decking Fence and shed treating & painting

Other work also considered

Very competitive rates Tel: 01808 521486

Window Cleaning

Gutter Clearing and Repairs

A reliable, quality service based in the Strath since 2000

01808 521754


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Emily Evans

Mobile Hairstylist

Based in Strathnairn

Unisex cutting, blow drying and colouring

Competitive rates

07841 030477/ 01808 521486

[email protected]

Andy Taylor

Gloonan Daviot

Inverness IV2 5XQ

07887 915380 01463 771336 [email protected] www.actheritageltd.co.uk

Traditional Stonework

Roads, Tracks and Paths

Ground Works

Fencing

Timber Structures

Timber Structures

George Borthwick JCB Hire

Site clearance Foundations

Drains Septic tanks

Any job considered

Achbain, Daviot, Inverness [email protected]

Tel: 01463 771350/ 07733 445868

WA MacDonald MCIATBuilding Design Consulant

Unit 16, Dalcross Industrial Estate, Inverness IV2 7XB

Email: [email protected]: 01667 461111 / 07889 722463

07841 030477 / 01808 521754


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CARDON, Balnafoich, Farr, Inverness IV2 6XG

Tel: 01808 521389 Fax: 01808 521471

E: [email protected]

CARDONHome Improvements

Kitchens, Bathrooms & Bedrooms...Quality building contractors for over 25 years

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