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Good Gracious! December was my last post, and although I've not been home to the island very much since then, a lot has been happening.

Comman Eachdraidh Lismore

Cait McCullagh was appointed in December 2005 as Museum Development Officer for the Comman Eachdraidh Liosmor. Cait has an imposing list of academic qualifications matched only by her infectious enthusiasm, which will be a great help as she sets about her complex job one part of which is digitally archiving the Comann’s collection, currently stored and exhibited in the schoolhouse, but later this year to be on display at the new Heritage Centre at Port Carron.

Burns Supper
Beth and Tony hosted another successful Burns Supper, Jack Scorgie from Appin got the supper under way with the Selkirk Grace and after the soup Freda MacGregor gave her spirited and intelligent rendition of Tam o’ Shanter with many joining in. Angus Nicholson then piped in the Haggis which Jack Scorgie addressed with great style. It fell to Bob Hall to propose a toast to the Immortal memory after he had led us through Burn’s short but brilliant life as a man of letters and a great deal more. We had another chance to hear the splendid piping of Angus Nicholson after the Cranachan and Freda entertained us with a very amusing piece about Scotland in Burns day and Scotland now.

Valentine Tea
The Hall Committee served up a very welcome Valentine Tea on the 12 February. It was well attended as these events usually are in the midst of a damp, gloomy, late Winter Sunday. The usual delicious baking and friendly service went with the tea and coffee and the funds will go to the future development of the hall which at the moment is uncertain. However Julian Wormleighton, the Hall Committee Chair, has called an open meeting for the1 March to put the islanders in the picture and elicit ideas. He hopes for a good attendance.

Hurray!

Only two sleeps to go before I leave for Melbourne.... Not as a competitor but as a volunteer working there.

As a rugby fan you'll understand how delighted I am to be working at the Rugby 7s competition.

I've been in touch with an old school friend, who is Scotland's Holding Camp Director out at Bendigo to say "Hi and Let's meet up if we can for a drink".

I've also been on the website to back Glasgow's bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games. If you haven't already backed them, I'd ask that you go to the site and register your support.

I know how much fun it's going to be in Melbourne. I'd I'm delighted to be carrying on the Family's tradition of helping at the Commonwealth Games.

If I get the opportunity, I'll blog what I've been up to while I'm out there.

Love to you all

J