The late Penny Poole, to whom the first BIG was dedicated, with her grand-daughters

Back in October 2005, Verity Walker teamed up with local volunteers Mary Bowers from Cromarty and Caroline Vawdrey from Resolis to run the first ever BIG.  Fortrose Academy generously allowed us to use their premises for nothing - which meant we were off to a flying start. 

Verity's Mum Penny Poole from Fortrose died early in October (an inveterate joiner of clubs and societies) so inevitably the event took on a commemorative feel.

Loosely based on a university societies fair, the event attracted 30+ stallholders - and over 300 people came through the door to see them.  With the help of the invaluable janitor team at the Academy the main foyer was filled with stalls and there was a real buzz in the air.

Feedback was very positive. People asked for it to be a bit earlier in the year and  a lots of local small business holders said 'what about us?'