Excerpts from issue 52/16 17 May 2025
The Artisan collection
Islay and Jura are home to many creative and skilled people, as can frequently be seen through various exhibitions and retail outlets across the island, but it's relatively rare to find collaboration between three entirely different producers.
Gemma MacLean of Spirited Soaps, Emma Goudie from Islay Cocoa, and Bonnie Wood's Islay Prints have produced 'The Artisan Collection', featuring one item from each of their businesses contained within a unique, monogrammed box.
Currently available from Spirited Soaps in Bowmore Main Street, the collection will also be available at many of the upcoming distillery open days during the festival. The cost is £25.
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Friends of the church
Rev. Bill Hunter writes:
Some time ago I mooted the idea of forming a 'Friends of the Round Church' group to help us manage the building. Basically, we need the help of everyone on the island to make sure this iconic building is kept in good condition. The building is such an important part of Islay and to be honest it's getting beyond our small congregation's ability to keep it going. There are no plans to get rid of it - in fact this is an attempt to make sure it stays and is open to all.
To that end we are going to have an introductory meeting on Wednesday 18 June at 7pm in the Round Church for anyone who would like to find out more. We'll explore the possibilities and answer questions. There will be no hard-sell and no expectation that you will become part of the group, just for coming to the meeting.
We'd love to join forces with individuals, community groups, businesses, interest groups, other churches, politicians, anyone who feels they want to be part of this adventure and see where it goes.
We look forward to meeting with anyone who is interested and wants to help us maintain an important building in our community. Thanks.
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In this week's issue:
Motor Club Drive-it day photos, Food shortages in the Co-op, CalMac awarded CHFS contract, Changes at Gartbreck, The Artisan collection, MachairWind consultation, Ileach price increase, Art exhibition in Gaelic Centre, Dorothy Carmichael's legacy, V.E. Day postbox Banksy, Islay Golf Club update, Friends of the Round Church, Bridgend Bowling, Screen Machine funding boost, Broadband upgrades, Five years of baby massage club, A Walk on the Wild Side, V.E. Day T-in the church, Heb Isles final journey, Charléne Busalli's Book Column, Inter-island badminton, Islay Football Club, Foraging column.
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V.E. Day T-in the Church
What a wonderful sunny day in Portnahaven for our VE Day celebrations.
There were 200 visitors from near and far: Islay High School S1, Port Charlotte children, Dochas, residents from Gortonvogie and islanders who sang along heartily to the fabulous Jean Campbell's playing of all the wartime songs.
Once again we were overwhelmed with the generous support given and donations received. And finally, an appreciation to all the Friends of Portnahaven Church who came, set up, baked, served, washed up, hoovered, polished pews and tidied away.
What a day of memories for all of us.
Friends of Portnahaven Church.
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This is Islay
A monthly podcast featuring individuals, personalities and features of Islay and Jura. Listen now at https://anchor.fm/thisisislay
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