Here are a few pictures I have uploaded of the events held on Monday evening to welcome the Danish Ocean Cruising Association.

It's the first time I've tried an album link so fingers crossed this works. Let me know if there are any issues.



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Sue

LATEST NEWS FROM GGCUA

The Danish Ocean Cruising Association

"Halo, Failte gu Alba"

Hello, and a BIG WELCOME TO SCOTLAND was given to the Danish Ocean Cruising Association on who arrived over this weekend at the Seaport Marina, Inverness.

The main event which began on Monday with a civic reception at Inverness Town House was followed by an evenings entertainment back at the Seaport. Wonderful live music from members of the Ceilidh Trail, a whisky tasting (many tastings) and cooperage display from the Glenfiddich Distillery, a marvellous performance by the newly formed Danish Ocean Cruising Association Choir and a very fine barbeque organised by GGCUA.

WHAT A NIGHT! If you were there, you'll know exactly what I mean. If you were not, you missed a treat!

A MASSIVE THANK YOU to GGCUA volunteers who gave their time, enthusiasm and energy to the barbeque preparation and delivery. Without YOU, it would not have been the great success it was! 150 people fed and 150 people very satisfied! Hope you've recovered!!

We will post a selection of photographs from the event shortly. If you have any to add, please do so, we'd love to see them.

Many, many thanks.

David Bird

Chair of GGCUA.

Could be a fun day out......

The Rotary club of Inverness Culloden are holding a Boat Festival on Saturday 25 June at Inverness Marina.

For more details of the day go to www.invernessboatfestival.co.uk

Volunteers Needed - 4 July 2011

On 4th July 40 yachts from the Danish Ocean Cruising Association are due to arrive at Seaport Marina*.

To mark the occasion British Waterways are planning a welcome event for that evening which will include live music and they have asked the GGCUA to organise a BBQ. This is currently being arranged and we are now looking for volunteers who are able to spare a few hours to help prepare, cook and serve food on the day.

The 2 main time frames are:

- 5pm – 7.30pm for preparing the food e.g. cutting salad items, preparing vegetable kebab, slicing buns etc.
- 7.30pm - 9.30pm for cooking and serving the food.

In addition to the 120 crew from the Danish boats and members of both British Waterways and GGCUA, the Danish consulate and local councillors have been invited. Media coverage is also being planned.

If you would like to volunteer to help out for this event please contact GGCUA either by email (ggcua2003@yahoo.co.uk) or phone Dave Bird (Chairperson) on 07986 282184 for further details.

It’s promising to be a fun evening with a chance to meet and chat with some of our European counterparts.

*Weather permitting, the event may be changed to the 5th July if the weather prevents them from arriving on the 4th.

Minutes for the GGCUA AGM 9th April, 2011.

"The chair provided his report for the previous year detailing the achievements of the Association including:"

"Land management of the canalside banks being sympathetic with the plant and wild life found along it"

But this year they cut down the bluebells... IN JUNE!!!

Might be worth a watch

Thought you might like to know that the Caledonian Canal will be the first waterway featured on the new BBC4 series featuring Julia Bradbury about canal walks. It starts on Monday 2nd May, no idea of time at the moment.

I found this nugget of info on the Great Glen Canal Trail Facebook page, well worth a look.

Latest News From GGCUA

Minutes for the GGCUA AGM 9 April 2011
Venue: Barge Loch Ness, Seaport Marina

Introduction

Attended by 23 members, apologies from 10 members.
The Chair offered thanks to Nicky and Adrian for offering the barge Loch Ness to be the venue for the meeting.

Report from the Chair

The Chair provided his report for the previous year detailing the achievements of the Association including:

• British Waterways fitting speed awareness banners on the lock gates at Dochgarroch, which has proved effective in slowing vessels along the canal and particularly when passing moored craft.
• Land management of the canal side banks being sympathetic with the plant and wild life found along it.
• Working together with British Waterways to address the views of the Association.
• Increasing membership to almost double the previous year.

Report from the Treasurer

The Treasurer reported that current balance of funds is £309.55, with membership renewal fees still being received.

Appointment of new Treasurer

As the current Treasurer, Paul Homer, wishes to step down from his position, Jim Mall nominated himself and was seconded by Tom Kent to take over the role. As Jim was unable to attend the meeting the appointment has been provisionally agreed and will be confirmed in the coming days.

The Chair passed on his thanks for Paul for is time in the Treasurer’s role.

Appointment of new Chair

Due to personal commitments the Chair also expressed a desire to stand down.

As no nominations were made, the Chair offered the possibility that other members of the Association take on responsibilities for organising events or taking on specific tasks during the year. This will allow the Chair to continue until such time as a nomination to take on the role is received.

Events for 2011

Suggestions for events in 2011 included:

• A quiz night, possibly involving both GGCUA members and British Waterways staff.
• Boat Jumble on a British Waterways site, and include Findhorn and Cromarty boat clubs.
• Boat flotilla to Foyers, bbq, music and overnight stay.
• Bonfire Night gathering.
• Gala Day, following the success of the one held in 2010.
• An event to coincide with the arrival of approx 40 Danish boats in early July (4 - 6 tbc).
  

These will be reviewed and sub committee’s set up to co-ordinate and organise each event.
End of minutes