True Christmas spirit
Sir,
Have any readers noticed how many things go missing when you get older? Today it was my bank card, there one minute, not there when I was fumbling for it at the checkout.
As the queue built up I was becoming increasingly flustered and about to resign myself to having to put the contents of my trolley back on the shelves. But I was rescued by the woman behind me, who to my amazement told Becky at the checkout to use her card. Before I knew it the bill was paid! When pressed for her details so I could repay her, she refused, because it was Christmas!
This was such a generous thing to do, for a total stranger, and it is lovely to know that people can be so kind .
I later found the card and rushed to give her some cash. But to my embarrassment on returning home I found my bill, which was much higher than I had thought.
So can I please, through the Arran Banner, reach out to this Secret Santa? I would like to pay her back, and hopefully treat her to a coffee or tea to say thank you so much.
With best wishes.
Yours,
Hilary Patrick,
Machrie.
Ferry committee is democratic
Sir,
I have noted with interest recent items about the possible winding up of the Arran Ferry Action Group (AFAG). I make no observation on that; it is their choice whether to continue or not, but I do recognise their frustration. They are not the only ferry related committee on Arran and elsewhere in the CalMac network to experience similar sentiments.
My purpose in writing this personal letter is to highlight and, I hope, clarify two significant points which some in the community may have found misleading.
The first relates to an assertion by AFAG that the Arran Ferry Committee (AFC) is undemocratic and unaccountable. It is hard to see how the AFC could be more democratic or accountable. The fact is that each member represents key sections of the Arran community. You have mentioned most, and I would also add agriculture, through the National Farmers Union. Reports also surprisingly omit to mention the inclusion of a committee member not linked to any other sector, that is the role of the representative of the Independent Traveller. I currently hold that position.
Each of these positions are proposed annually, in writing and elected by their constituent sectors. In the case of the Independent Traveller (IT) rep it is proposed and seconded, in writing, annually by two lifelong Arran residents who have considerable personal experience in ferry matters. That supported proposal is put to the AFC AGM for adoption as are the others. The AGM is open to the public. In the last two years, from memory, no one from the community, including AFAG members have attended.
Furthermore, in the last eight years or so of my tenure only one other person has put themselves forward for the IT rep position and was, on that occasion, unsuccessful in the vote. Democracy only works if people put themselves forward. In my view the AFC is therefore democratic in its processes and in the election of members who are representative of the community. Its constitution is transparent and accessible as are the AFC minutes which are available to all and published digitally on the month of adoption, through the auspices of the Arran Community Council on their web page. Those of a contrary view should make their feelings known in writing to the AFC for discussion at the 2024 AGM.
Finally, on the point of closer interaction of the two existing local ferry groups/ committees it needs to be remembered that in May 2019, ahead of the June AFC AGM, it was put to AFAG, through one of their committee office bearers, that they should put forward a nominee to take a place on the AFC as the IT rep. I remember it well for several personal reasons, not least that it was at my suggestion. That proposal was put to the AFAG committee who declined the opportunity. That well intentioned AFC proposal was made in good faith, despite AFAG in those days directing more misplaced anger and criticism at the AFC rather than towards the more appropriate targets namely Transport Scotland, CMAL and CalMac.
I hope this answers some of these assertions re democracy and about the need for the two local commiittees to work more closely. The Arran Ferry Committee tried four years ago and operned the door – AFAG refused. Those are facts and I hope that closes that matter.
Yours,
Neil Arthur,
Kilpatrick.