If you liked the Colonsay Rap - you can buy cards and prints here.
When I was down at the Johnstone Credit Union AGM, I took the opportunity to have afew words with Tom Kelly, one of the founders of that credit union. There have been recent changes in the legislation around credit unions and Tom was keen to talk about them. It's a cautionary tale from someone who knows.
It was a real delight to get to meet the members of the Johnstone Credit Union this week. I went down to attend the AGM and got a warm welcome from everyone. Whilst there, I recorded a couple of podcasts. This first one was a happy coincidence, because Dave Simmers of Community Food Initiatives North East and Scottish League of Credit Unions delivered the keynote talk to the 70 strong audience. He agreed to a brief interview and I also spoke to a few volunteers. You can listen to the result here.
Listen to Dave Simmers and the JCU Tellers
Only teasing. Lesley and I took a trip out to Dundee and went around the Discovery. Both of us were blown away by the quality of exhibition at Discovery Point. We have stayed across the Tay from this exhibition for a number of years. I guess, like locals, we didn't bother to step across the threshold. But with '100 years of Scott' looming this year, we made the effort. From the explanation of the whole Scott story, the role of Dundee, a real live boat and lots about Antartica; it was interesting and well laid out. Good timing too, because we went off to see our Prosen friends, Jeannie and Hector, who are involved in the Glen's monument for Scott and Wilson. And then, today, we learnt Malmaison have signed up for the Tay Hotel. ( In the meanwhile, 'Table table' at the Discovery Quay is a top noshery. ) The hits keep coming.
If Hospitality and Tourism is to play a big part in Scotland's economic development, then great products like Discovery Point have got to be the norm. I'm off to review it at TripAdvisor.
Anyone who knows me will be familiar with my enthusiasm for people doing 'stuff' at the community level. So, I was delighted to meet Susan Dryburgh, who is Fife Council's Credit Union Development Officer. Standing in the new banking hall at the Kingdom Credit Union in Glenrothes, the place was buzzing. From the cheerful volunteers manning the tills through to the customers opening accounts; it's terrific to see 'a community bank' making its way. I recorded a short interview with Susan and went over some basics about credit unions. Bottom line; if you can seek out and join your local credit union - you'd be doing a good thing. And Susan says it more nicely.
Listen to Susan Dryburgh talk about the Kingdom Credit Union
I have always had a positive attitude towards Leith and Leithers. Over the last wee while, I have enjoyed some of the podcasts at Greener Leith . They are sharp, funny and engaging. Emily Dodd is the talent behind the faders. So, it was great to meet and chat to Emily on a beautiful, sunny afternoon.
Tanya Castell from Soirbheas has a wealth of experience around finance. She was able to unpack the topic of Joint Ventures for everyone who attended that workshop at the CES Training Day. For those who could not attend; she delivered the highlights in this short interview along with some sage advice.
Listen to Tanya Castell Soirbheas
Right at the end of the "Doing it well" workshop, I jumped in and grabbed four delegates; Alison, Peter, Ewan and Julia. I put them on the spot as I quizzed them about their thoughts about the workshop. They were quick to point a variety of different lessons, each relevant to their own situation.
Pretty impressive when you consider, I was unannouced and standing between them and lunch!
Listen to the Delegates Session Feedback
Philip Revell of Sustaining Dunbar was part of the team that delivered the Local Finance options including Community Shares workshop at the CES Training Day. In particular, he was able to talk through the experience at Dunbar which involved community working capital and a bakery. Some very interesting parallels and a good introduction to what is required, if you are thinking about 'community shares'.
Listen to Philip Revell Sustaining Dunbar
Brian McDougall from Udny ran a training workshop on the subject of "Governance" at the CES Training Day. Brian is a subject matter expert with both commercial and practical project experience. Over coffee, Brian laid out some excellent guidelines and clever strategies for dealing with money related issues. He also had some sound advice about community engagement.; backed by real world examples. If you didn't make his session, then this short interview gives you the highlights.
Listen to Brian MacDougall Udny
Eva Schonveld from PEDAL was a panel member at the CES Conference 2011 in a wide ranging Q&A session. Afterwards, I spoke to her about the PEDAL project and it's not about two wheeled transport. Whereas it seems a lot of the CES Conference attendees were energy focused, Eva had a slightly different route into community energy. She sees links between the transition model, food, energy and even capacity building. She was able to explain these links and share her experience.
