I

This does not mean spinners must use their materials quickly — in fact, storec

dry and cool, they keep well for years.

‘Spinning can simply be fun and relaxation, with the bonus of a usefu

produce; it can lead into the unpredictable world of plant dyes (and growing

them); or it could be the start of an exploration into design, giving the knitter

or weaver control over his product from start to finish, often with the addition

of luxury fibres like silk, mohair, or Alpaca.

‘Whatever the outcome, it is always a challenging and satisfying hobby.

The Parent—Teacher Association

This account of the P. T.A. has been compiled from in formation providec

by Mr. Peter Royds and Dr. Andrew Riches:

‘The P.T.A. was formed in 1970 with the aim of encouraging interest in

the education and welfare of the children attending the school in Strathkinness.

‘The Association is open to parents of all pupils, past and present. There

are regular meetings of the committee elected in accordance with a written

constitution, and there are open meetings for the discussion of educational

matters.

‘During the winter there are outings, or talks by specialists on subjects of

broader interest such as travel, air/sea rescue, etc. Practical sessions on science,

mathematics and computing have proved to be very popular.

‘The annual school fete, well supported by the community, has always

been a successful fund-raising event. The fete was at one time organised on

a larger scale, but the reduction in school numbers, and competing events in

St. Andrews during the summer holidays, have made it~a smaller affair, but

none the less both financially and socially very successful.

‘Funds raised by the P.T.A. are used for children’s outings to the theatre

and visits to places of educational interest, such as the Ceres Folk Museum;

the number of books in the school library has been increased; funds have

gone towards the purchase of a BBC microprocessor and the necessary soft-

ware; and equipment for activities such as chess, netball, football, and team

cricket have been provided.

‘The P.T.A. supports the keeping of rural schools open as they believe

rural schools to be to the advantage of future generations of children.’

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