Note of the meeting of the North Tolsta Historical Society at the Schoolhouse, North Tolsta , on Tuesday, 1 July 2008, at 7.30pm.

PRESENT: M.Murray; M.Maciver; C.M.Smith; S.Maciver; D.Murray; R.Murray; A.MacLeod, A.MacKenzie.

APOLOGIES: A.A.Smith and A.Murray.

CHAIR: D.Murray

1.   Note of the Last Meeting

The Note of the last meeting was approved.

2. Matters arising

Genealogy project : A.Mackenzie has not quite completed her hours.

Inventory: Alex Angus had made a start on inventory. Anna and Rhoda would complete for Insurance purposes.

Voluntary Action Fund: Donald to contact Alasdair Nicolson re. availability of small grants.

Access to Comann Eachdraidh: Chairman reminded committee that the CE was responsible for the maintenance of the access road. Road damaged by recent activities not related to CE.

3.   Genealogy Group Meetings

Since the last committee meeting this group has met regularly – 10 sessions, each session lasting a minimum of 3 hours! The proof-reading for the Tolsta Croft History books is now complete apart from the Council Houses. Some work still to be done on Old North Tolsta and Old South Tolsta. Bill Lawson has been in touch and he is confident that the books will be printed as planned; one volume in the autumn and second volume in December.

4.   Hebridean Connections

Angus and Cathie Mary attended the meeting on 5 th June. Long-term planning of the project is proving difficult because of uncertainties regarding funding. Angus will update us on Leader and CNES funding at our next meeting.

•  An Caidreachas

Donald attended the Caidreachas meeting on 9 th June. Plans for Homecoming 2009 were discussed. The Comhairle has set up a working group on genealogy in preparation for the Homecoming. Donald felt that this group should consult with the CEs. A Tatoo is planned for August 2009 and the Islands Book Trust is planning an Emigration Conference. Rooms will be available at the College or the Town Hall for the CEs, should they wish to mount displays.

6.   Historical Walk

Donald to arrange time and date for a guided walk from cemetery to Tealair. Donald also to speak to Harry Lawson re sign for Ard Walk. Sign to be placed at Camach corner.

7.   DVDs and Video

Ewan Cameron has made a DVD of the Clann Nighean Tholastaidh Social Evening, taken from Katie Bella's video recording. Meeting agreed to approach Ewan for 12 copies of the DVD. Meeting also agreed to approach Ruairidh Moir and ask him to prepare a DVD of village scenes and excerpts of CE functions.

8.   Finances

Finances at 30 th June 2008 - £3,572.00.

9.   Correspodence

Questionaire to evaluate our CED Project (This has been completed)

Information on Military History Conference in Shawbost 11-13 th August.

Launch of Eilean Chaluim Chille booklet by CE na Pairc on 5 th July.

Information from sarah Egan re. proposed Calendar Project.

e-mails from Dr Sandra Kelsey.

Telephone message from Peter Yonge.

No date was set for the next meeting.