The sun came out and showed rural Perthshire at its autumnal best when Scottish host members met at Comrie, near Crieff, for their annual gathering in early October 2014. Most participants arrived on Saturday afternoon and enjoyed a fascinating tour of the Cultybraggan Word War 2 prisoner of war camp which is preserved as a historic site. Bob Turner lives locally and is a member of the managing group. He led a tour of the high category facility which once housed up to 4,000 inmates including some of the most ardent Nazis. It was interesting to learn of the disciplines that applied, the issues that occupied the prisoners (including escaping) and the reorientations and repatriations that followed the end of hostilities in 1945 until the camp ceased to operate in 1947. Fifteen Servas members met later that evening at the home of Bob and Maureen in Comrie village. A fine array of dishes had been prepared and carefully imported, some from considerable distances across the country. As always the evening meal provided a welcome opportunity to renew old acquaintances, make new ones and share experiences and ideas. Despite best efforts it proved impossible to finish off the food and drink before participants retired to their beds with local Servas hosts or in caravans and campervans. On Sunday morning a “business meeting” was held in Comrie community hall. Giles Waley, who recently took over from Merv and Val as Regional Coordinator, welcomed host members new and old and representation from Servas Britain National Committee. The agenda included accounts of Servas recruitment in Scotland and the experiences of hosts since the last gathering. Servas development initiatives being pursued at National and International level were described and planned future dates were outlined. Some useful ideas about improving the experiences of hosts and travellers were shared. Following the meeting the members adjourned back to Bob and Maureen’s home for a final assault on the food mountain. Sunday afternoon saw participants dispersing but not before some enjoyed another local walk to the confluence of the Rivers Ruchil and Earn by way of fine old oak woods with red kites wheeling overhead. The 2014 gathering had again proved a sociable and valuable networking opportunity and plans are already in hand for the following one.
Posted on: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 19:10:20 +0000
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