Tarradale Blog

FRIENDS OF TARRADALE

 Contact Nicola Dingwall (nicolaszwed@hotmail.com) or Ian Cameron (squirrels5@btinternet.com) or Madeleine MacLeod (mmms.macleod@hotmail.co.uk)

 

 

 

 

 

Minutes of meeting held on Thursday 16th April 2009 at 6.45pm at Tarradale Primary School, Muir of Ord.

 

Present:  Ian Cameron, Louise Smith, Shona Buchanan, Christine Reid, Fiona Reid, Nicola Dingwall & Madeleine Macleod.

 

Apologies:  George Turner, Linda Moir, Nicola MacIver and Duncan Chisholm.

 

The Meeting was chaired by Ian in the absence of George.

 

Treasurers report:  Current balance £6868.33 which includes £5131.09 specifically

for playground project.  £2502 contribution to eco garden fencing leaving balance of £2629.09 in playground project of which £1447 earmarked for football/sports equipment. Remaining balance therefore equals £1182.09. Payment still due for paint and artwork in playground. Successful with application to Ward Discretionary Budget – £1500 received for help with eco garden fence. Contribution of £100 received from Muir of Ord Pharmacy (sale of books) towards playground project.

Nicola advised there is to be no charge for the playground artwork and will arrange a letter of thanks for Linda

A parent had informed Miss Reid the Co-op, Beauly may have funding available. Nicola will organise a letter to be forwarded to Co-op

 

Playground update:  Nicola is putting regular updates on the blog.

The fencing around the eco garden has been completed but gate is not wide enough to allow access for any machinery which may be required. Nicola will query with Liz Collie.

A gate had also been requested at P6/7 area but will put this on hold for now as more fencing might make the area look very congested. There is a fenced area beside the eco garden which the classes may like to use instead.

Madeleine explained there are two types of goalposts we could get. After discussion decided the semi-permanent heavy duty set would be best. To be ordered.

A group of parents cleared the muddy area at p4/5 door with the help of Billy MacGruer. Billy’s help was very much appreciated. Grass seed has been sown on part of the area and intend to ask for donations of plants/cuttings to fill other half. Hope to include the children when planting. Fiona has offered to provide top soil for the area to be planted. Ian to speak to Duncan about the possibility of the wall to be continued along a bit and repaired.

It was agreed to buy seating and tables from Fettes Sawmill. Nicola to arrange.

Playground sub-committee to meet in next couple of weeks.

 

Fundraising:  Fiona has spoken to the manageress from Zara and she is very interested in doing a fashion show for us but has suggested we leave it until Oct/Nov time.

 

There have been no ticket sales to date for the Pampered Chef night. Will wait until middle of next week to see whether there has been any interest shown if not may have to cancel.

 

School Fete 6^th June ongoing

A.O.C.B   Fiona will order a trio set of walkie- talkies for the janitor as requested.

 

Fiona had been speaking to the organisers of Ness Soaps who said they would be delighted to come to the school to demonstrate how the soaps are made. Fiona will pass contact name and phone no along to school.

 

Mrs McCombie has allowed space on the blog for the Parent Council. Minutes will also be posted there.

 

Letter received from the Eco Group: ‘The Eco Group would like to thank you for helping raise the money to fund our garden fence. The gardening group are looking forward to using this area for planting trees, flowers and also vegetables. It will be used regularly as an outdoor classroom by all classes and as a place to sit back, relax and enjoy. Thank you Rachael and Iona Eco Group’.

 

Next meeting Thursday 14^th May 2009 at 6.45pm

 

 

 Minutes of meeting held on Thursday 26th February 2009 at 6.45pm at Tarradale Primary School, Muir of Ord.

 

Present:  Ian Cameron, Shona Buchanan, Louise Smith, Nicola Dingwall and Madeleine MacLeod.

 

Apologies:  George Turner, Linda Moir, Nicola MacIver, Duncan Chisholm, Christine Reid and Fiona Reid.

 

The meeting was chaired by Ian in the absence of George.

 

Matters arising from previous minutes:  Ian had spoken to Duncan about the possibility of purchasing a PA system for the school. He advised a similar system used by the school for the Christmas concerts would cost approximately £1500. Agreed not to go ahead at present due to other ongoing projects.

Louise will have a list of active learning equipment required for next meeting.

George is dealing with Disclosure Check.

Nicola and Ian had a very helpful and productive meeting with Andrew Thin from Munlochy Parent Council regarding the Charitable Status. He suggested we approach local Scottish charities/trusts with a project plan. Nicola is working on a project plan which will include covering letter and costing. She will also liaise with school re equipment required and general help in finalising project plan.

 

Treasurers Report:  Current Balance £5268.33 which includes £3531.09 raised for playground project. Valentines disco generated funds of £141.15. Highland Construction Services donated £50 to playground project. Wheelbarrow has been bought for janitor at £44.99. Janitor has requested a walkie-talkie. Linda will have a chat with him to find out how it will be beneficial to him and school.

 

Playground Update:  Nicola has issued an update to everyone.  

Further points discussed.

Area beside steps at P4/5 to be landscaped. Volunteers to be called on to clear and prepare ground ready for planting.

Seating. Nicola will put brochure into school from Fettes sawmill to choose seating. They can also provide tree stumps.

Spring fete. To be held Sat 6^th June.

Agreed to spend playground funds as it comes in.

Suggested we use the School Blog to advertise any fundraising events and also to keep parents and pupils updated with progress of playground project.

 

Fundraising:  Fashion Show-Fiona will update when she can.

A sponsored walk was suggested, may do it later in the year as we already have a few fundraisers in the diary.

Pampered Chef:  Nicola Robertson joined meeting to explain how we could have a fundraising Pampered Chef night. Agreed to give it a go on Friday 24^th April at 7.30pm.  Nicola has suggested we get two volunteers from the staff to take part in a ‘Ready, Steady, Cook’ competition. The school will get the money from sale of tickets, raffle tickets and a % of the sales on the night (10% up to £400 and 15% over £400). Tickets to cost £3 which will include tea/coffee. We will advertise and sell tickets in the school and in local shops as may appeal to people who do not have children at Tarradale. Madeleine will arrange for posters/tickets.

 

AOCB:  Duncan had asked how the money donated to the eco garden had been used. Louise explained it is sitting in a fund until the garden is ready i.e. fencing has been erected and ground prepared etc.

 

Nursery teacher had given Nicola photos of the children enjoying their new play area. We have missed this edition of Muir Matters but will send in for the June edition.

 

 

Next meeting Thursday 16^th April at 6.45pm.

 

 

IF ANY ONE HAS NEW IDEAS, HELP TO OFFER OR JUST POINTS OF VIEW TO VOICE PLEASE LET US KNOW!

Contact Nicola Dingwall (nicolaszwed@hotmail.com) or Ian Cameron (squirrels@meadows028freeserve.co.uk) or Madeleine MacLeod (mmms.macleod@hotmail.co.uk)