Never let it be said that Fearnan folk don’t enjoy their pancakes!  The Pancake Pop-Up attracted over 30 people (plus one dog, some visitors staying at Shoreside and the local Refuse Collectors who called in for a takeaway) for an enjoyable and very sociable morning.

There were drop scones and crepe-style pancakes on offer and Sue was kept busy working over a hot griddle producing them in batches, all of which disappeared as fast as she could make them.

The FVA’s next event is a Daffodil Afternoon Tea on Saturday 25th March, see below for details.

Happy Birthday, Julia!

Last week it was party time at Balhousie with some of Julia’s Fearnan friends gathering to wish her a Happy Birthday and celebrate the day.

In addition to the excellent spread of home baking brought by the guests, Julia got two birthday cakes – one from the Balhousie staff who came especially to sing Happy Birthday to her at the beginning, and one made by Frances for the occasion. 

Julia was in fine form and delighted with her presents, which included a planting table for her to use in the Balhousie garden and get her green fingers going again.

However, the thing she is MOST excited about is the imminent arrival of her electric wheelchair……………… watch out Pitlochry!

Northern Lights over Fearnan

Many people have ‘seeing the Northern Lights’ on their Bucket-List.  Some travel hundreds, if not thousands, of miles to the Northern reaches of the planet to try to spot them. On the 27^th February 2023, Fearnan folk simply had to open their back doors to watch The Lights dancing over Glen Lyon.

Many thanks to Graham and Jason for providing these stunning pictures, taken from their own back door.

Fantastic!

Fearnan Book Club

Linda writes:

In February we read and reviewed The Cider House Rules by John Irvine. This book is set in rural Maine in the pre- and post-WW2 era and explores many themes, including the contentious issue of abortion as well as addiction, incest, lesbian relationships, racism and women’s rights. Alongside this, the themes of love, kindness and caring shine through and were movingly portrayed and at times heart-rending.

This is a multi-character story with an unusual plot.  We were impressed by the amount of research that had been done in order to explore these social and historical issues. Descriptions of these harsh realities were written with humour. 

This was a gritty read, not a book for the faint-hearted by its length alone, over 600 pages. It required concentration and its detailed information made it unsuitable for skim reading.  For some, initially, the detailed descriptions of medical procedures and equipment were too graphic but the absorbing storyline and well described and interesting characters encouraged them to read on. 

All agreed that the well-developed characters, though quirky, felt real and fascinating. The relationship between the key characters of Dr Larch, director of the orphanage and abortionist, and Homer Wells his unadopted orphan and medical pupil was woven through the story. The merging of the storylines was well done with all the strands apparently effortlessly coming together to provide a satisfactory ending.

We briefly discussed some of the themes and issues referencing them to characters and incidents in the book. However, this was a text, that as a group, we could have discussed over several sessions. 

Our next read is The Dictionary of Lost Words,the debut novel by Australian writer Pip Williams. It was sixth on the list of Australian fiction bestsellers for 2020. 

It tells the story of the Oxford English Dictionary’s compilation through the fictional Esme, daughter of one of the men working on it, and her interactions with characters based on the real men and women behind the book.

Church Membership

We have an important message from our Taylyon Churches in the Parish of Fortingall, Glenlyon, Kenmore and Lawers:

Our Local Churches Need You!

Church membership is in decline and the Church of Scotland is faced with making very difficult decisions. Now, as a result of proposed changes throughout Scotland, we are faced with the very real possibility that church buildings in our parish may be closed.

The members of the Kirk Session are determined to do all that they can to keep our churches open for local residents and visitors alike.

However, we do need your help.

It may be that you are new to the parish, perhaps you are on our Members’ Roll and have not been to church for some time, or maybe you just have not even thought about church going. It does not matter which category you fit into but what does matter is that we need you more than ever.

Please accept this invitation to join our Welcome Services on Sundays 19th and 26th of March and please feel free to bring family, friends and neighbours.

Sunday 19th March - Kenmore Church at 11:00 AM

Sunday 26th March - Fortingall Church at 11:00 AM

Whether you choose to attend one or both of these services, you will certainly receive a very warm welcome.

We look forward to seeing you.

And Finally ……….

On Saturday 25^th March, the FVA will be holding a Daffodil Afternoon Tea in the Hall, starting at 3pm.  Come and celebrate Spring while enjoying some delicious home baking and, of course, good company.  The cost is £6.00pp and school age children are half price.

The FVA will be holding its AGM on Saturday 1^st April in the Hall at 4pm.  All members and prospective members are welcome.