So much happening!

This is where we will place the information you send us informing us of what is happening within the community. There is always so much happening in and around Dunoon that even our good friends at the local Dunoon Observer can at times miss something. If you think it is of interest, it is local — let us know!

SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB
Victor and Justin went along to the Senior Citizens Club in Dunoon for their annual visit to let the members know what has been going on and how we would love them to get involved especially as we are now on air. They took some equipment along to let the members have a go at being Radio Presenters.

Jean Steel having a closer look.
Can Justin persuade President Pat Burns that the senior citizens should have their own show?

Well Pat is having a go!EUROPEAN PIPE BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS

Well done to Dunoon Argyll Pipe Band who came 4th in the 4A Grade and Dunoon Grammar School Pipe Band who came 10th in the Novice Grade at the European Pipe Band Championships which where held in glorious sunshine at Battery Park in Gourock on Saturday 25th July 2009.  

SWINE FLU IN DUNOON
After a group of Ranger’s Fans travelled to a match in Dundee on the 24th May, Dunoon became a hot spot for swine flu in the worldwide pandemic with one of the largest cluster of cases in the UK. Luckily most cases where mild and even those that had bad flu symptoms are all making a good recovery. Some of the local schools where closed for a week, but they have all re-opened and good news for the pupils in the Grammar School going to Germany there trip will go ahead. Certain events where cancelled as a precaution but they have all been rescheduled to other dates, those events that went ahead such as the PACCT health awareness day and the Quilt Show where all well supported.
Although Dunoon is no longer at the fore front of news reports it is still wise to take precautions as the virus is expected to survive around the world for some time. So where ever you are remember to Catch it! Bin it! Kill it!. This is good general advice as regulat washing of hands kills may germs such as norovirus and food borne infections. If you can’t wash your hands a small bottle of alcohol gel is a handy handbag item. If you do get flu symptoms the advice is to phone your doctor or NHS 24 and ask their advice.

LOCHGOILHEAD FIDDLE WORKSHOP WINS CARNEGIE AWARD
Lochgoilhead Fiddle Workshop where presented with the ‘Rural Sparks’ award at a ceremony at the Eden Project in Cornwall. They where one of five groups from across the UK and Eire to be awarded a Rural Spark award which recognises innovative projects that have most improved the lives of large numbers of people in rural areas. Angus Hogg the Chairman of Carnegie UK felt that the project “is one of the five that the panel thinks are especially transferable and that will inspire other groups.”

The Workshop was established to preserve and transmit the musical heritage of the area, and now holds weekly classes for adults in two rural venues, attracting players from a fifty-mile radius. In partnership with Argyll and Bute Council, it also provides fiddle tuition currently to 90 children in five local schools. The prject has grown from strength to strength, and programmes a series of concerts each featuring world - class performers. It has a growing youth community music programme featuring an annual tour of ten local schools, and residential weekends for children combining the Gaelic arts and outdoor pursuits. The Workshop also runs a website - www.fiddleworkshop.co.uk - publishes a regular newsletter and arranges music and craft weekends.

For further information on the Lochgoilhead Fiddle Workshop concerts see the Whats On page 

FROM SOUND TO VISION -BIG LEAP FOR DGS

You may recall two years ago in January 2007 local news reports highlighting the activities of the Media Studies Students at Dunoon Grammar School.  The Media Study course was a new course at that time, offered to fifth year students and involving all aspects of the media including radio. In the November of 2006 the media students had welcomed a visit from a mobile studio built within a refurbished double -decker bus and fitted out with the most up-to-date broadcasting and editing systems. The mobile studio was part of an initiative put forth by the Scottish Executive and came to fruition by partnership with Radio Clyde and Radio Scotland amongst others. During the visit the students gained hands on experience in all aspects of the production and making of a radio programme; including interviewing techniques by interviewing the site manager of then nearly completed new Grammar School and Mr. Joe Rhodes the then headmaster.

FAST FORWARD -TWO YEARS

Bringing us right up to date and to the 16^th January 2009 when DGS has again hit the local news stands, this time with the launch of the Dunoon Grammer School In House TV. This new initiative began with the arrival at Dunoon Grammer School of Mr. Paul Gallanagh to the school’s business and IT faculty. His claim to fame being his involvement in the setting up of the UK’s first pupil led School Television Station at St Patrick’s in Dumbarton.

Students from all year groups were involved in the first public presentation and launch which took place before the entire school, local media, Argyll and Bute Educational representatives and councilors Isobel Strong, Alex McNaughton and Bruce Marshall.

It is planned that the flagship show will be a weekly magazine-style broadcast featuring news, views, interviews and music acts. To be broadcast within the school on plasma televisions and multimedia projectors. The launch gave a wee taste of what was to come in the future with amongst other things live music spots from student Mahmoud Mahdi playing the Arabian Oud and budding singer songwriter Leanne Campbell who accompanied herself on the guitar. There was also the promise of a future documentary when it was announced that the biggest ever Burns Supper is to be held at the School on the 23^rd January.

TOP ENDORSEMENT FROM THE WORLD OF MUSIC  

Support and endorsement for the project has already been received from the world of music with the Scots-based band Snow Patrol giving permission for DGS to use their mega hit “Open Your Eyes” and good friend of Community Radio  Dougie MacLean, who wrote Caledonia, has also given pupils permission to recreate their own version of this year’s Homecoming 2009 advert for the station, featuring his song and images of Dunoon.  

Well done every one involved, you have made several old pupils of DGS here at DCR very proud! We look forward to following your progress-Fi@DCRAdmin

DGS PUPILS WORK ON DISPLAY AT PEOPLES PALACE
I popped into the Peoples palace today and was looking at some exceptional art work, when I was very pleased to spot that local school pupil Angela Kirkwood had a piece of art on display, a still life of Irn Bru, trainers and crisps. The display is around 100 pieces chosen from the best artworks produced for the SQA 2008 National Courses in Art and Design and is all of a very high standard. unfortunately the exhibition at the Peoples Palace ends on Friday but hopefully it won’t be last we will see of Angela’s work 

DCR AT DUNOON SENIOR CITIZENS
It was well over a year ago that DCR last had the pleasure of visiting the Dunoon Senior Citizens group to inform them of DCR and explain the plans for the future. And we where lucky enough to invited back to give an update and all the latest news of the DCR Chronicles.
ANGEL CAKE and TEA CAKES
Victor was the lucky one chosen to represent the radio and was  given a warm greeting on behalf of the Senior Citizens from the social secretary Jessie Jeffrey when he arrived at the clubs premises in  Alfred Street. To make Victor feel even more welcome he was invited to take afternoon tea with the gathering and treated to some delectable cakes.  After the wonderful afternoon tea; which left Victor having to shake of the desire to put his feet up and have a afternoon nap, he quickly brought everyone up to date as to where the radio had progressed since our last visit.                                          
There was a very good response to some of the future radio plans, especially those that involved future broadcasting with many ideas being put forward from the senior citizens as to what they would like to hear on the radio.

WE DON’T NEED MORE OF THE SAME
As pointed out from a member of the audience it would be nice to hear programmes that involved the local community, mentioned local issues and kept you up to date with what was happening within the community. “Sometimes you don’t know of things that are happening until you hear they are stopping them through lack of public support”  Everyone agreed they wanted a programme content that the listener could identify with, as most radio stations sounded the same these days with more and more of the same music.   Another member of the club pointed out that they would like to hear people on the local radio like the guest speakers that come regularly to talk to them at the citizens club, Victor agreed with this feedback which has been suggested by many of the organisations DCR has visited. The guest speakers cover such a wide topic of subjects that would appeal to a wider audience

LOOKING TOWARDS 2009
Looking towards the future, Victor explained that whilst the group are putting in a great effort to secure funding which would enable them to broadcast from there own studio premises. The web site was now in a position to look at broadcasting specially made programmes and was asking local groups like the senior citizens, SWRI, Church Groups and Youth Organisation to come up with ideas and suggest programmes.

In the New Year the radio group will be looking to recording material suitable for broadcast either at a temporary studio or at locations such as the senior citizens premises. The radio group will also be asking for people to take part in all aspects of the process from planning to broadcast, the only qualification required is enthusiasm.     
The Dunoon Senior Citizens Club were not slow in putting forward ideas for recording; including the recording of guest speakers at thier premises, and a few volunteers where willing to tell some tales of old or recite local poetry which would fit nicely on the website HOMECOMING SCOTLAND 2009 page.       
Bringing his visit to an end Victor thanked every one for the wonderful reception he was given and the support shown by the club for the future of Dunoon Community Radio.  With this encouragement and that of other groups like the local SWRI the future looks very encouraging.

LIKE TO GET INVOLVED
If you have an idea you think should be considered for broadcasting Or would like to get involved contact us on                     Info@dunooncommunityradio.com  Or phone Victor 01369 703 201

To have beard or to have not,

that was the question every one was asking this afternoon at the P.A.A.C.T fortnightly Ceilidh at St Mun’s Hall.
As the votes were counted up Victor Sandall carefully groomed his neatly coiffured beard for what may be the very last time.
When the MC asked the packed hall which way they wanted the vote to go cries of OFF, OFF, rang out.
Bernadette from “Aff Yer Heid” sharpened her razor as Victor was escorted to the chair that had been placed in the middle of the dance floor.
The tension was nerve shattering especially when the judicators realised that there may have to be a recount; the first count was equal for shaving off the beard or leaving it on Victors chin.
A smile was to be seen on Victors face as Bernadette closed the blade on the razor and the first aid attendants withdrew, Was this to be a none event ?
Was the beard to stay on Victor’s chin where it had been for so long, Victor for the first time since he arrived at the hall was starting to look relaxed.
But wait a moment what was that! The MC was trying to make an announcement over the PA,
“Ladies and Gentlemen” went out the cry “Do we” he asked “Do we have a recount or do we put it to the vote”?
Before he could catch his breath the cries rang out. “Off, Off,
Off!
Bernadette from ‘Aff Yer Heid
stepped forward the razor sharp blade quickly doing its job skilfully removing the beard from Victors chin.
In no time at all the deed was complete with cries of approval and applause from the audience.
As a gesture to the fifty-fifty result and for democracy Victor was allowed to keep his side whiskers
When DCR left the hall it was announced that so far over £500 had been raised. WELL DONE VICTOR

Victor with Victor from DCR after the event.           

Innellan (Matheson) Church Flower Festival

On the 19th and 20th September Innellan (Matheson) Church held its annual flower festival with the theme this year being “Favourite Hymns”. There was 16 arrangements by ladies from the congregation plus one by a gentleman from another local church all ably organised by Ruth Johnston. There was a wide choice of hymns from the traditional “There is a Green Hill Far Away” to the more modern “Make me a Channel of Your peace”, the arrangements themselves also showed a wide variety of styles. In the afternoon the organist George Paton added a lovely touch by playing the organ with some people even singing along.

Once viewing the flowers everyone ws invited to enjoy the lovely cream tea laid on by Doreen Holland and her team of able assistants.

The festival was brought to a close with a thanksgiving service on Sunday evening giving everyone a last chance to view the arrangements.

Here is a slection of the floral arrangements, unfortunately we do not have room to show all, but hope this gives a flavour of what was on display.

The second part of this years programme starts on 20^th  September  with The Fraser McGlynn Duo and special guest Dunoon Pipe Band. So keep a close eye on our What’s On Page for all the latest updates and information.

We hope to see you there.

SURPRISE PARTY

A  recent date that we couldn’t add to our calendar was the surprise party to celebrate the 50th birthday of DCR’ s Douglas. After his inital surprise Douglas was soon showing his moves on the dance floor.

We would love to hear about your recent events along with any photos. And just remember if you are arranging an event you could always consider using the services of our proffessional DJ’s or for that bigger event our roadshow. For further information — contact us!

LOCAL CHARITIES TO BENEFIT FROM WEST COAST CEILIDH CLUB

Our friend Ian Wilson who organizes the West Coast Ceilidh Club, tells us that each event will hold a raffle to raise funds for local charities. The first event held in February, starring Fergie Macdonalds Band was an outstanding success with a lively audience dancing away till the early hours. This event raised £208 for the local Hospice and Ian says he would be delighted to hear from local charities who would like to benefit from the Ceilidh Club events.