01-09-16 Network Carradale Limited

September newsletter.

Network Carradale Limited
Carradale’s Community Business
September 2016 Newsletter

Network Carradale Limited (NCL) is always looking for volunteers and we are pleased to announce that David Prag of Lochpark has been co-opted to the Board. He will be offering himself for re-election at the next General Meeting. David’s business and IT experience experience will stand us in good stead in the future with so many projects in the pipeline.

Whilst we were sorry to lose Anne Currie as a director, David's co-option brings the number of directors back to 10. Anne has been a Director for several years and we take this opportunity to say Thank you.

At this year's AGM it was mentioned that the board had decided, in principle, to convert from a limited company to a SCIO (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation) and things have moved on since then. The advantages of being a SCIO are that the accounting procedures are much simpler (thus saving on accountancy fees) and accounts and company returns no longer have to be lodged with Companies House in Edinburgh. A new constitution has been drafted providing for the new name of Carradale Community Trust which will be a 2 tier SCIO providing for members (similar to Network shareholders) and charity trustees (similar to directors).

Resolutions to approve the conversion and the proposed constitution will be discussed at a Network EGM to be held on 22 September when, hopefully, a good number of our local shareholders will attend and give their approval. Thereafter an immediate application to convert can be submitted to OSCR and with any luck the new body can be in place by the end of the year. On conversion title to the land and buildings presently owned by Network Carradale Ltd will automatically transfer to Carradale Community Trust.
Network Tearoom has new tenants and a new menu. Angus and Susan have extensive catering experience with G10 Bistro and Balnakeil Hotel. We wish them well in this venture which they are running alongside their Crossaig Lodge BnB.

The Senaval Project is moving along slowly. A planning application has been submitted to create an area of hard standing with associated bund at the site. After various delays due to on-going requirements of the Council, this has now been validated and a decision on the application is due in the first week of October, if not before. All going well, work should commence soon thereafter. This project will include a green composting scheme and perhaps provide some outside storage for hire. This project has arisen as part of feedback on a survey carried out by our Community Council. EKLCC are fully supportive of this project and look forward to moving it onwards
The everyday running of the green composting site is still to be agreed and we are hoping for participation from the community in this regard

Bike and Buggies Network Carradale agreed to lease the Carradale Bikes and Buggies operation to Ian Brodie with effect from 1st August 2016 for a period of one year with the option to renew if both parties are in agreement. This will mean that the bikes and buggies will be available for hire throughout the year by contacting Ian on the existing Internet booking site and telephone number.
In addition Ian is now offering a mobile bike repair service using his newly acquired trailer to transport his workshop as well as picking up and delivering bikes throughout the area.
I am sure we all wish Ian every success in his enterprise and it is good to know that in particular the off-road buggies can continue to give the less able access to our countryside.
In July NCL appointed a consultant to look at the possibility of creating a Carradale Business Centre. The idea is to provide offices/workshops/storage within the village. Included in this issue is a questionnaire. Please complete this and either pop it into the box at the Semple Post Office or at the Paterson Bakery.

The Harbour Group, also known as Carradale Harbour Enterprises Limited have held two events this year. The Great Carradale Canter on 10th July attracted some 120 runners – much the same as last year. The runners seemed to really enjoy the run despite the cold and rather damp day. They particularly liked the spectator support they got from all round the route. Unfortunately the day did not quite break even in financial terms but was enjoyed by all involved. And of course we were delighted that HM The Queen presented the Prizes.
Full details of the race and loads of pictures can be seen on the Carradale Harbour Website – just follow the links to the Facebook page.
Next year the event may be earlier in the month, perhaps in late June

Harbour Day on 13th August was the usual mix of craft and village stalls, pirate outfits and the ubiquitous dog show but with particular emphasis on children’s activities. Much enjoyed by all children under 62. The weather was kinder and stayed off once all the stall gazebos and the barbeque had been set up in the light drizzle. Once again Tilly (Jessica Paterson) got the overall champion cup and a handful of rosettes.
Thank you to all that helped with both these events, in particular all the Canter Marshals.

Carradale Tourist Group are planning a village map to be put up in the harbour. While this supports one of Carradale’s main income streams it will detail out the route of the Great Carradale Canter and the footpath network perhaps indicating some of the geocashes around Carradale.

The layout of the sign will be fairly straight forward, a map of the villages showing points of interest and the area surrounding the map will contain paid for adverts for local businesses to contribute to the costs..

Network Carradale Ltd, Abbeyfield House Proposal.

Abbeyfield House, the former retirement home in Carradale, closed earlier this year and is now on the market, Network Carradale Limited (NCL) share the community's concerns that this facility doesn't remain derelict and consider that it may have the potential to be a community asset if a financially viable use for the building can be established.
Rather than wait until a private buyer is found or the building begins to fall into disrepair, NCL have commissioned locally-based Consultant, Eric Spence, to undertake a feasibility study to determine whether a sustainable use for the building can be found. Some examples of potential uses are: Small offices/Business Centre, Studios/Workshops, Self Storage Units and Bunkhouse. If we are able to establish a use which can generate sufficient revenue , NCL would consider purchasing Abbeyfield on behalf of the community and seeking the necessary permissions and funding to develop the building.
As part of the feasibility study, we have developed a short questionnaire which we aim to distribute throughout the village and surrounding area seeking the views of the local residents. If you could please spare 5 minutes of your time to complete the questionnaire we would be most grateful and would ensure that any new facility is viable and meets the needs of the local community.

Name: _______________
Address:
Telephone: Email:

1. How supportive are you of the NCL proposal? Not Supportive Very Supportive
1 2 3 4 5

2. Which of the following would you consider utilising the building for?:
Storage Units? [YES] [NO]
Office Space/Premises? [YES] [NO]
Studio/workshop? [YES] [NO]
Business Centre [YES] [NO]
Bunkhouse? [YES] [NO]
Please provide details of any potential use: _
_
3. Are there any other uses for the building which you would consider? [YES] [NO]
If yes, please detail: _

4. Would you like to meet privately with the consultant to discuss your needs? [YES] [NO]
5. Please feel free to add any comments or suggestions?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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