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News and views from rural North Kincardine area
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South Deeside View
TheSpring2016
South Deeside View & North Kincardine Rural Community Council
PLANT SALE & COFFEE MORNING
Great Selection of bushes, seedlings, herbaceous plants, herbs, vegetables and anything else green and growing!
SATURDAY 14th MAY 10.30am - noon
CORBIE HALL, MARYCULTER Adults £2.50 Children 50p incl. tea/coffee/juice & homebakes
Profits going to Maryculter Scouts who are kindly assisting on the day
www.nkrcc.org.uk/sdvFacebook:TheSouthDeesideView
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Manythankstoallwhohavecontributed
tomakethisissueoftheSDVcometogetherandgratefulthanksgotoallourvolunteerdeliverypeoplewhodoafantasticjobdistributingtheprintedcopiesaroundthearea.Youareverymuchappreciated.
Weareluckytohaveafewnewcontributorstothisissue.OneofthemisBeannacharCamphillCommunityinBanchory-Devenickwheretheyprovidetraininganddevelopmentopportunitiesforyoungadultswithspecialneeds.Welookforwardtohearingmoreabouttheirworkinthefuture.Thereisalsoacomprehensivearticlefromthemanwithlotsoflocalknowledge,CallumStuartofMaryculter.Hetellsusallaboutthe‘MuckleSpates’floodinginourarea,pastandpresent-amustread!
ANNUAL PLANT SALE 14th May OurannualPlantSaleisonSaturday14thMayattheCorbieHall,whichwillbebackinfullservicebythen.
ProfitsfromthesalethistimearoundwillbegoingtotheMaryculterScouts.TheywillbehelpingonthedaytofundraisefortheirtriptoBelgiuminthesummer.Doorsopen10.30amuntil12noon.Weareverythankfulforourgreen-fingeredsupporterswhowillinglycontributesomuchtothisevent.
Makesureyoucomealongforsomefabulouslocallygrownplantsaswellastheusualdelicioushomebakes,teasandcoffees.
Hopetoseeyouthere. Lynne & Emma
Contents3 AberdeenAeromodellers3 CookneyBowlingClub3 CulterGirlsFC3 DeeValeLadiesFC3 FriendshipClub4 GlendaleFootballClub4 MaryculterSeniorCitizens Association4 MaryculterDrivingforthe Disabled4 NorthMearnsReadingGroup4 PortlethenPanthers5 MaryculterWoods5 MaryculterScottishWomen’s Institute5 ScottishAccordionMusic Group6 ChurchNotices8 Schools&Pre-School 11 Guiding12 Scouting13 CommunityHalls15 Banchory-DevenickChurchBell16 NatureNotes17 PoliceCampaign18 NorthKincardineRural CommunityCouncil20 TheMuckleSpate24 SolsticeNurseries25 AberdeenHypnobirthing26 Kincardine&Deeside Befriending27 Chapelton29 BeannacharCamphill Community31 MP,MSPandCouncillors35 AWeeDram?36 MeikleCareweWindFarm38 UsefulInformation40 What’sOn SDVstriveshardtoensureaccuracyofcontentbutcannotbeheld
responsibleforomissionsorerrors.Theviewsexpressedinthispublicationarenotnecessarilythoseoftheeditors.
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AberdeenAeromodellersWearelocatedatBanchoryDevenickairfieldnearPortlethenandflyallyearlong.
OpeningtimesareMontoSat,0900-1900hrs,Sun1000-1900hrsThesehoursarefornitro&petrolmodels,quietelectricmodelscanbeflownpastthesehours.
Thereareavarietyofaircraftthatflyatourairfieldfromsmall,medium,large,scaleandturbinehelisandfixedwingaircraft.Trainingisalsoavailableonrequest.Wealsohaveseveralmultirotorpilotsatthefieldandthereisanincreasedpresenceofthenewin‘thing’;FPVQuadRacing.Basicallyifitfliesthencomealongandflyit.
Facilitiesattheclubincludealargewellmaintainedgrasssurfaceforflyingoff,amplecarparking,10xaircraftstartingtablesand6xhelistartingtables.Wealsohaveaclubhousewhichprovidestea&coffee,chargingfacilities,toilets,anoutdoorseatingareaandBBQavailability.
TwoeventscominguparetheScottishHeliNats&ourLongestDayFly-in.TheHeliNatsisanationaleventandpilotstravelfromallovertheUKandbeyond.TheHeliNatswilltakeplaceonthe4th&5thofJune.Feelfreetocomealongtospectateorevenenterthecompetitionifyoufeelyou’reuptoit.
TheLongestDayFly-inwilltakeplaceonthe26thJune,technicallynotthelongestdaybutitshouldattractmorepeopleduetobeingonaweekend.Flyingwilltakeplacealldayuntiltoodarktofly,BBQfacilitiesavailablesobringyourownfoodalongtocookandcomeandjoinus.
AdultMembershipoftheclubis£115whichalsocoversSAAinsurance.Familymembership&juniormembershiparealsoavailable.
AndyPirie,[email protected]
CookneyBowlingClubTheCookneyBowlingClubwillresumemeetingsinSeptember.ThemeetingsareusuallyonThursdaysfrom7.30pmatCookneyHallandthesessionslastforabout2hours.FromthemiddleofOctoberthereisalsoaCompetitionNightonMondays.
ArthurDurward 01224319701
CulterGirlsFCCulterGirls,partofCulterYouthFC,haverecentlysetupnewteamsforU9andU11s.WecurrentlytrainMondays5-6pmatPeterculterSportsCentrebutmoveoutsideaftertheEasterbreak.Fortnightlyweplay4v4festivalsatAberdeenSportsVillage.
WeareopentoallgirlslivingintheareaandcurrentlyhavegirlsfromCulter,Cults,Milltimber,andBieldside.
Ifyourdaughterisinterestedinplayingpleasecontact:Shona [email protected]
DeeValeLadiesFootballClubDeeValeLFCfindanewchallengeinSWFLDivision1North.DeeValeLFCareawomen’sfootballteamcurrentlyplayinginDivision1NorthoftheScottishWomen’sFootballLeague(SWFL).DeeValeLFCwondivision2northin2015andinMarchhavestartedanewchallengeofplayingatahigherlevelindivision1.
Theteamconsistsofavarietyofagesfrom19-40years,allfromthelocalareaorwithinthecity,andcomewithavarietyofplayingexperience.DeeValeLFCplaytheirhomegamesatCorbiePark,MaryculteronaSundayafternoon(2pmkickoff)andalwayswelcomesupport.DeeValeLFChavesecuredanewsponsorforthe2016,PlantIntegrityManagement,andthankthemfortheirsupportandpurchaseofanewhomekit.
Ifyouareinterestedinjoiningorknowsomeonewhousedtoplayandwouldliketogetbackintoitpleasecontact:
Shona:[email protected]:@DeeValeLFC
FriendshipClubTheFriendshipClubhasenjoyedaWinterprogrammeofvariedmusicalafternoons.OurWintersessionendedwitha“Soup&Sweet”inApril.
TheCommitteewillbemeetingsoontoarrangeourSummeroutingsandafullprogrammeofplannedeventswillbeavailableonrequest.
Newmembersarealwaysverywelcomesopleasecontactusifyouareinterestedinjoining.
PeggyPaterson 01224734888AnneMassie 01224732071
Community&Leisure
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GlendaleFootballClubWell,hereweareinspringtime,andwinterisalmosta“distantmemory”butfortheunfortunatefloodingofCorbiePark,ourhallandourchangingrooms,howeverIwillletotherstalkaboutthatintheirarticles….
AfteraveryshakyMay2015,wherebywesurvivedandretainedourDivision1status“bytheskinofourteeth”,alongsummerbreakallowedourplayerstoindulgeinalotofgolfandsocialisingbeforethecommencementofpre-seasontrainingatthestartofJuly.
Withthecaptureofacoupleofnewfaces,pre-seasontrainingandfriendlieswentwell,andsoitwasontothestartoftheLeagueonthe3rdofAugust.AsolidstartensuedandbytheendofAugust,witheveningandweekendgamesplayed,wehadamassedandpassedtheamountofleaguepointswehadatChristmas2014.
ThenontothenumerousCupCompetitionsthattheAmateurLeaguethrowsup,andagainwehaveexcelledinthese,andasIwritethisarticlewearecurrentlyinthe4throundsoftheAssociationCupandNorthofScotlandCup.
WehavealsoreachedthelaststagesoftheStephenShield,withacupfinaldatetolookforwardto–sometimeinAprilorMay.
AsCorbiePark,hallandchangingroomsarecurrentlyoutofusewehavebeenplayinganumberofgamesatInverdee.Itisonlywhenyouareoncemorerelegatedtomunicipalpitchesthatyoubegintoappreciatethehomecomfortsandfacilitiespreviouslyenjoyed.
Rollontherenovationworks,betterweather;andareturntoalushgreenpitch!
JimGrant 01224867512
MaryculterDrivingfortheDisabledNewvolunteersaremostwelcomeandalwaysneeded,whetheryou’dliketoofferyourbakingtalentsasatealady,maintainthebikes,carriagesand
trailers,supportourdisabledmembers,orhelpexercise,transportordrivethehorses.It’sagreatexcusetogettogetherforabletherwithanicebunchofpeople!
Wearehappythatourtwohorses,CorbieandCassie,havefoundahomeatRedwingLiveryYard,Maryculter,inreturnfordoingsomeworkintheridingschool.Theyarehappytobebacktogetherandhavingsomevarietyintheirday.
SarahHoltom(Secretary)01330811094KateBrockman(GroupOrganiser)01330811615KeesWitte(Treasurer)01224732738RegisteredCharityNo.SCIO28630
NorthMearnsReadingGroupTheNorthMearnsReadinggroupisaninformalgroupthatmeetseveryfourtosixweeksandwetaketurnstohosteachmeeting.WereadbookschosenfromalistprovidedbythelibraryserviceofAberdeenshirecouncil.Thegrouphasgrownsuchthatunfortunatelywearenotabletotakeonnewmembersatpresent.Pleasegetintouchifyouwouldliketobeconsideredwhenplacesbecomeavailable.
MurielHargreaves:01569730302
PortlethenPanthersWomen'sBasketballPortlethenPantherswomen’steampracticeTuesdayandThursdaynightsinStonehaven.GamesareatvariouslocationsondifferingnightsbetweenOctandFeb.Allarewelcome!
Weareseekingnewplayers,allagesfrom16-60!Areasonableleveloffitnessisneededandbasicballskillsamust.Previousexperienceofplayingnetballorbasketballasayoungsterwouldbeuseful,butisnotessential.Fullattendanceateverysessionisn'trequired,justakeeninterestandawillingnesstoplaywhenyoudoattend!It'sgreatexerciseandasociablegroupsocomealongandgiveitatry.Interested?
ContactAnna01224878939www.portlethenpanthers.com
Community&Leisure
MaryculterSeniorCitizensAssociationWearealongestablishedcharitywhichprovidesaChristmaspartyforfolklivingwithintheparishofMaryculter.Thiseventisforsingleorwidowedladiesaged60orover,andmarriedcoupleswherethemanisatleast65.
Ifyou,orsomeoneyouknow,whowouldliketojoinourhighlyenjoyableannualeventthenpleasecontactus.
Thankyoutoallwhosupportourfundraising100+Club.
FionaTel01224733324GeordieTel01224734469RichardTel01224867580CarolineTel01224734093DebbieTel01224730018
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MaryculterWoods
WeheldourofficialOpeningCeremonyfortheWoodsonSaturday26thMarch.Theweatherwasnotparticularlykindonthedaybuttherewasagreatturnoutaccompaniedbylotsofbrollies!Treeplantingwasdonedespitetherainandmanycakesconsumed.Fundraisingeffortswillcontinueaswetrytotransformandimprovetheneglectedparcelofcommercialforestryplantationintoanexcitingcommunityassetthatwillbenefiteveryoneintheareainperpetuity.
Ifyouseeanyredorgreysquirrelswhenyouvisitthewoods,pleasereportthesightingstoscottishsquirrels.org.uk.WesuspectthatsomerecentlydiscoveredchewedconesarefromsomesquirrelsdisplacedbyrecentAWPRworkwhohavemovedoverfromtheeasternsideoftheCrynochBurntosetupnewhomes.
WealsoheldaQuizNightrecentlywhichwasgreatfun.SupporterAliceMcAra,whohasrunforusbefore,hasdecidedtoentertheEdinburghMarathonthistime.PleasesupportherJustGivingPageatwww.justgiving.com/fundraising/alice-mcara2.
RemembertolookoutfordetailsofupcomingfundraisersandeventsatthewoodsonourFacebookandwebsitepages.
EdThorogood(Chairman)[email protected]:MaryculterWoods
AScottishCharitableIncorporatedOrganisationSCO44224
MaryculterSWITheMaryculterWImeetfromSeptemberuntilMay.Meetingsareonthe2ndWednesdayofeachmonthandarecurrentlybeingheldinMaryculterTrinityChurchHall.Starttimeis7.30pmunlessotherwisestated.
AnewcommitteeiselectedeachMayandthenthereisabreakinmeetingsuntilSeptember.ThenewcommitteewilldeterminethescheduleofeventsforSeptonwardsandfulldetailsofthenewschedulewillbepublishedintheAutumneditionoftheSouthDeesideView.Untilanewsecretaryiselectedpleasecontactthecurrentsecretaryforanyfurtherdetails.
ThereisanendofsessionoutingplannedforJune2016,detailsofwhichareyettobefinalised.Pleasecontactusifyouareinterestedandwouldliketoknowmore.
MembersAnnualFee£22/Visitors£5permeeting.
Formoreinformation,pleasecontact
SecretarySheilaBissettTel01224861593
Community&Leisure
ScottishAccordionMusicGroup
ThisgatheringofaccordionistsonthesecondSundayofeachmonthintheKirktonHall,DurrisisoneofthemusicalhighlightsinDeeside.KeithDuncanleadswithaseriesofrehearsedtunes,interspersedwithsongsandpoemsandasocialbreakforsoftdrinksandnibbles.It’sabargainforonly£2entrybutthereareonly100seatssocomeearlyforthestartaround7pm.
Thegrouptakesbookingsforadditionalperformances.Pleasecalltomakearrangements.
SecretaryEileenFraserTel319484
Tree planting in the rain
AdvertiseintheSouthDeesideViewfrom£25foroneissue.(Introductoryoffersavailableforfirsttimeadvertisers).Getintouchformoredetailsandrates.Adfeescoverourprintingcostsonly.SDVisgratefulforthecontinuedsupportoflocalbusinessintheproductionofthisnewsletter.Email:[email protected]
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MaryculterTrinityChurchofScotlandYoucannowkeepuptodatewithchurcheventsonournewwebsiteatwww.marycultertrinitychurch.org.uk.
SundayServicesareheldat10.30aminMaryculterTrinityChurch
TheMeetingPlaceisheldat10.30amonthelastSundayofthemonthinMaryculterTrinityChurchHall.Comeandsingalongwiththepraisebandandenjoyworshipinaveryrelaxedatmosphere,followedbyteaandcoffee.Pleasenotethatdatesoftheseservicescanchangefromtimetotimesopleasecheckbeforeattending.
Childrenarealwayswelcomeatallourservicesandthereisawealthofmaterialforthemtoenjoyinthehall.AnactivitytableisavailableatTheMeetingPlacewithchildrenstayinginthehallforthewholeservice.
CommunionServices:15thMayat10.30amfollowedbyBuffetorBBQlunch21stAugustRetiringcollectionforchurchfunds
SongsofPraiseService:27thAprilat7.30pm
ChurchFayretobeheldsometimelaterthisyear.Lookoutforourpostersoftheevent;informationwillbealsobepostedonourwebsite.
HarvestThanksgiving:2ndOctoberat10.30amfollowedbysoupandsweetlunch.
CommunityCoffeeMorningsareheldon1st,3rdand5thWednesdaysofthemonthinMaryculterTrinityChurchHallfrom10.00am–12noon.Freshcoffeeorteaandhomebakes£2.50.Comeandenjoychatswithfriends,andmakenewfriends.Welookforwardtowelcomingyou.Forfurtherdetailsortoarrangealift,pleasephoneeitherAlisonStewart01224861048orDianneBrownon01224734687
TheGuild,ledbyMrs.SheilaBisset,isheldonthefirstMondayofthemonthat7.30-9.30pminMaryculterTrinityChurchHallfromSeptembertoNovemberandFebruarytoApril.Newmembersorvisitorsarealwayswelcometocomeandhearinterestingtalks,enjoyfellowshipandacupoftea.FurtherdetailsfromSheilaTel.No.01224861593.
ABibleStudyGroupmeetseveryTuesdayeveninginTheManseat7.30pm.Pleasenotethatdatescanchangefromtimetotimesopleasecheckbeforeattending.Thisisecumenicalandopentoallwhoareinterested.Adifferentbiblepassageisstudiedeveryweek.
Fairtrade:WeareaFairtradechurchwhichmeansweuse,sellandpromoteTraidcraftproducts,andtheseareavailableatthesalestableinthechurchhalleverySundayafterthemorningservice
ChristianAid:WeruneventsthroughouttheyearforthisorganisationandhavehelpedmanyworthwhileprojectsincludingWaterAidandHIV/Aids.
BlythswoodChristmasShoeboxAppeal:Wesentaway44ShoeboxesinNovember2015fordistributiontopeopleinpoorercountriesincludingRomania,KosovoandUkraine.
QuayProject:DuringtheyearwejoinedarotawithotherchurchestohelpcaterforhomelesspeopleinAberdeenbymakingsoupatCrownTerraceBaptistChurch.
YouthCafé-SomethingtodoonaThursdaynight?EveryonewhoisinschoolbetweenP7andS3iswelcomeandifyouarealittleolderthanthatbutstillwanttobeinvolvedwhynotcomeandhelpout?!Thisrewardingexperienceallowsyoutogettoknowthewonderfulyoungpeopleinourcommunity.
ChurchNotices
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StTernan’sChurch
StTernan’sisthenorthernmostScottishEpiscopalChurchinthedioceseofBrechin.Wearepartoftheworld-wideAnglicancommunion.TheChurchislocatedintheNorthKincardineRuralCommunityCouncilarea,tothewestoftheA90aboutamilefromMuchallsVillageontheCauseMounthwheretheroadbranchesofftoCookneyandNetherely.
TheChurchisopeneverydayfrom10amuntil3pm.Youarewelcometojoinusinworshipatthe10.30amFamilyEucharistonSundays.WeeklyservicesareheldonmajorSaintDaysandareadvertisedontheChurchnoticeboardsandinthemagazine.
OurCommunityMeetingRoomwithkitchenandtoiletfacilitiesisavailableforusebyanyoneintheareaforclasses,danceclasses,children’sparties,craftgroups,meetingsetc.Itcanaccommodateupto30people,isfittedwithaloopsystemforthehardofhearingandhasawheelchairfriendlyentrance.Adonationof£4.00perhourissuggestedwhenbookingthefacility.
Pleasetakealookatourwebsitewhereyoucanfindfulldetailsofforthcomingevents,ourmonthlynewsletterandmore.
ForbookingsormoreinformationcontactSheila 01569731608Audrey01569730600www.stternans.co.uk
ChurchNotices
StMary’sChapel,Blairs
MassesandServices
SundayMass:09:30HolyDaysofObligation:Asannouncedintheweeklybulletin.Confessions:Onrequest,usuallybeforemass.ReligiousEducation:AftermassonSundays.BaptismsandWeddings:ContactDeaconJohnWire.
TheParishofSt.Mary,SouthDeesideRoad,BlairsAberdeenAB125YQ
Rev.DeaconJohnJ.WireTel:[email protected]
WemeetonThursdayeveningsinMaryculterTrinityChurchHallbetween7pmand9pmandfollowtheschoolterm.Currently55membersofYouthCafé,whoalllivelocally,comealongregularly.Thereisplentytodofromfootball,tabletennisandpooltoboardgamesandofcoursethetuckshoporjustrelaxandchilloutchattingtofriends!
ContactDianneBrownon01224734687or07801542154ifyouwouldliketojointheYouthCafé.
Minister:Rev.Dr.MelvynGriffithsTel:[email protected]: Mrs.JoyceMackintoshTel:[email protected]:Mrs.AnneMassieTel:01224732071
REPORT P THOLES Tel 08456 08 12 05 Text 07624 82 07 22
Online www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/
roadfaults
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Banchory-DevenickPrimarySchool
Banchory-DevenickschoolhashadasuccessfulsessionsincethelastissueoftheSDV.Thepupilshavegainednationalrecognitionfortheirworkfortheenvironment,putonandperformedatrulyexcellentChristmasPlay,andhavecontinuedtomakegooduseofthewoodedareasneartheschoolaspartoftheiroutdoorlearning.
WewereawardedourfirstGreenFlaglastOctoberbecausetheschoolestablishedanEco-CommitteeandcompletedanenvironmentalreviewcoveringthenineEco-Schoolstopics.Adetailedactionplanandgreenprocurementpolicywerecreatedandsustainabilitywascoveredinatleastthreecurriculumareas.Wealsodevelopedourowneco-codewiththemotto“GoodtobeGreen”andinvolvedthewholeschoolandwidercommunityinourEco-Schoolsactivities.
TheschoolnativityplaywasheldonDecember21stwithlargenumbersattending.Allagreedthattheschool’sperformanceof“TheVeryHopelessCamel”wasreallygood,especiallyasitwascomplementedbytheolderpupils’ChristmasConcertwhereperformancesweretoaveryhighstandard.
ComingupwehaveourSummerFairwhichistobeheldonSaturday,28thMay2016.OurthanksgototheBanchory-DevenickSchoolParentCouncilwhohaveorganisedthiseventandalsotoSolsticeNurserieswhowillbesupportingtheevent.SolsticeNurseriesarealocalnurserywhospecialiseinheathers,shrubs,perennialsandalpineplants.
HeadTeacherPaulGillEmail:banchorydev.sch@aberdeenshire.gov.ukwwww.banchory-devenick.aberdeenshire.sch.uk
Schools
Banchory-DevenickPrimary School❃
STOP P
RESS
Guest
Appea
rance
ANGUS T
HE BU
LL
Saturday 28th May 2016 2-4pmEntry: £2.50 Adult / £1.00 Children/ £6.00 Family(including tea/coffee/juice and a home bake)
Landscaper &
Maintenance
LandCra(s
designconstruc-onmaintenance
GaëtanCardinalt:01224865272
Wed
derhillFarm|Blairs|AB1
25YX
Gotanarticleyouwouldlikeconsideredforinclusioninthenextissue?Pleasegetintouch!
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LairhillockPrimarySchool
SincethelasteditionofTheSouthDeesideViewwehavebeenverybusyatLairhillockSchoolandNursery.Thenumbersofchildrenattendingthenurseryhavegrownsorapidlythatwearenowrunningbothamorningandafternoonsession!Itisgreattoseethenurserysobusy.
DuetotherecentfloodingatCorbieHallwehavefurtheropenedourdoorstolocalcommunitygroupsandareseeingtheschoolbeingputtogooduse.WenowhavetheMaryculterGirlguidinggroupsusingourfacilitiesalongsideourvarioussportsclubsandtheprivatelyruncraftandartclubs.
OurHealthclass,Primary1/2,organisedaverysuccessfulSuitcaseSale,whichraised£303.07forthefloodrelieffund.Thechildrenarrivedladenwithtoys,books,moneyetc.andleftladenandhappybutwithoutmoney!Allinaworthycause.
Asistradition,JanuarywastheannualScottishPoetryCompetitioninhonourofRobertBurns.Thechildrenalwaysputinalotofeffort,andaregreatperformers,sothejudgingisverydifficult.ThisyearMrsEngel,whoonlyretiredfromteachingatLairhillockinAugust,camebackasourjudgeandafteragreatdealofdeliberationshechosethewinners.Sheispicturedherewiththewinnersandrunners-upfromeachyeargroup.
Parents,MandyTullochandShonaGrimmer,appliedfortheMeikleCareweWindFarmfundandsecured£3075forthepurchaseofnewplaygroundfurniture-Thenewgametableshavearrivedandarenowalreadyinuse!Withtheseaddedtothefabulousnewoutdoorclassroom,thefootballgoalsinstalledlastsessionandtheadventureplay,ourplaygroundisagreatplacetobe!
IsobelandSeumasMorrisonattendedapresentationwiththeirmumandarepicturedherewithPaulMellingandCarlNelsonfromtheKindcardineshireDevelopmentPartnership(KDP),receivingthechequefromtheMeikleCareweWindFarmfund.
Therehavebeenongoingconcernsaboutthespeedoftrafficpassingtheschoolgates.AberdeenshireCouncilhavenowinstallednewspeedrestrictionsignsandthenextstepwillbeaspeedsurvey.Hopefullythissurveywillresultinadditionaltrafficcalmingmeasures.
Sowhatnext?
ThePrimary7childrenwillsoonstartthecountdowntotheirresidentialtriptoDalguisewithsomeoftheP6andP7childrenfromBanchory-Devenick.WhiletheyareawayMissMurray,PupilSupportAssistant,andparentvolunteerswillberunningthePrimary6Bikeabilitytraining.
Thisyear’sHealthWeekwillstartonMonday20June.KippieLodgehaveindicatedtheirinterestinsupportinganumberofeventsovertheweekandsowelookforwardtoourassociationwiththem.DuringtheweekthewholeschoolfromNurserytoPrimary7willcompletethesponsoredwalkandtakepartinsportsday.Wewillkeepourfingerscrossedforfineweathersothatwecanmakethemostoftheweek.
TheannualCrynochCupfootballtournamentandfamilybarbecuewillbeheldinJune.Lookoutforfurtherinformationaboutthisgreatdayout.Thoseofyouwithchildrenatthelocalschoolsshouldhearaboutitthroughyourschool.
Wewouldlovetowelcomemoremembersofthecommunityintotheschoolforourcoffeeafternoons.Again,pleaselookoutforinformationontheseeventsor,ifyou,oranyoneyouknow,wouldliketobeinvitedtoanyfutureevents,pleasecontacttheschoolandwewilladdyoutoourguestlist.
HeadTeacherChristineSawardEmail:lairhillock.sch@aberdeenshire.gov.ukwww.lairhillock.aberdeenshire.sch.uk
Schools
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Nature ClassesDiscover nature - play and explore outdoors.
Weekly classes for 0 to 2 years and 2 to 5 year olds.
Birthday PartiesToast marshmallows, build dens, climb trees and stomp in mud… outdoor birthday fun for
two to ten-year-olds!
Contact Mandy Tulloch on07929 465680 or visit
www.mudpieadventures.co.uk for more information
MaryculterBabiesandToddlersWeareafriendly,informalgroup,whomeeteveryThursdaymorning(9.30-11.30am)inMaryculterchurchhall.Anyonelookingafterchildrenfrombirthtopreschool(andthosewithbumps!)arewelcometocomealongandjoinusforacuppaandtochat,sharetipsandlocalinformation.
Childrenareabletoplayinasafeandfriendlyenvironment,sharingavarietyoftoys.Itisanexcellentwayforchildrentosocialisewithpeersandthosewhowillbecometheirschoolfriends.Snackisprovidedforthechildrenonarotabasis.
Costis£2perfamilypersession.
Schools&Playgroups
AberdeenGreenSchool
TheAberdeenGreenSchoolwillbestartingafulltimeFilmandDramaprograminSeptember2016for14-19yearolds.Thisprogramwillprovideallareasofstudyaroundfilm,drama,art,creativewritingandtechnicalskills.
WehaverecentlyincorporatedRole-Play-Learningintothecurriculum,andhavejustfinishedaroleplaycentredaroundtheHighlandClearances,entitled"TheEvictor'sTrial”.
Thegroup(aged14-17)arecurrentlyestablishingayouththeatrecompanyandtheEvictor'sTrialisthegroup'sfirstcompletedpieceofwork.Itisaself-devisedplay,basedonthehistoricaltrialofPatrickSeller.WorkingfromtheAberdeenGreenSchool,thegrouphaveusedtheirengagementwithroleplaytoresearchanddevelopthestoryandthecharacters.
Theplayexploresthemessuchassocialclass,justiceandhumanity,whilstbeingbothfunnyandmoving.Theaimistoengageaudiencesbymakingthemavitalpartoftheoutcomeoftheplay.Theaudiencewillactasjurymembersandenteraverdictwhichwilldeterminetheendingoftheplay.TheEvictor'sTrialasksvitalquestionsaboutsociety,truthandthewaywere-tellhistory.
WehopetobeshowcasingtheplayattheAberdeenYouthFestivalbeingheldinAberdeenthissummer-July29thtoAugust6th.TAGScanbeaccessedonapart-timebasisforHomeschoolersorforschoolleaverswhoaredecidingtheirnextmove.
Formoreinformation,pleasecontact:DianeElliott07507682372diane_elliott@theaberdeengreenschool.orgwww.theaberdeengreenschool.org/TheAberdeenGreenSchool,Maryculter,Aberdeenshire,AB125FT
Redwing Riding School Lessons and Forest Rides For all ages and stages
The Redwing Show Saturday 4th July 2016
Tel: 01224 732952 email:[email protected] www.blaikiewell.com/redwing
EastlandLodge, Maryculter, AB12 5FS
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MaryculterRainbowsTheMaryculterRainbowshada slowstart to this term - thefloodingofCorbieHallsawuswithnowheretomeetandhalf
ourbelongingwashedaway!WenowmeetatLairhillockSchoolandthegirlsarelovingtheirtemporaryhome.
Wearepleasedtowelcometwonewhelpersthisterm,RachelCammsandRaewynDows. WearegoingtobeworkingtowardsourMessybadgeandthegirlsarelookingforwardtomakinglotsofmess!
Thegroupiscurrentlyfullanditwillbesummerbeforewehaveanyspaces.PleaseregisterontheGirlguidingwebsiteifyouwouldliketobeplacedonawaitinglist.
Ifyouwouldliketogetinvolvedpleasegetintouch.IfanyonewouldliketojointheRainbowspleasegototheGirlGuidingwebsite
www.girlguiding.org.ukandfollowthelinkstoregisteryourinterest.
Leader:IreneForbes
MaryculterBrowniesIthasbeenabusy term for theBrownieswho have been completing a SwissThemed Challenge badge as one of ourLeadersJoanne isawaytoOurChalet theWorldGuidingCentretoworkfor3months.
TheBrowniesare lookingforwardtohearingaboutheradventureswhenshereturns.
Wehavebeenchocolatetasting,havecarvedsoap,andwearegoingtubingsoonatthedryskislope,theclosestwecangettoasnowsportthisyear.
Also, we celebrated World Thinking Day when we attended the AnnualServiceatMaryculterTrinityChurch.WehavebeendesigningbirthdaycardstosendtoourPatrontheQueentocelebrateher90thBirthdaytoo. Wehopeshelikesthemwhentheyarrive.
WewanttotakethisopportunitytothankeverybodyinthecommunitywhohavesupportedussincethefloodsatCorbieHallandmostespeciallyMrsSewardattheschoolforhelpingusfindourtemporaryaccommodation.
AtthistimewehaveawaitinglistofgirlslookingtojoinBrownies.Toregisteraninterestpleaselogontohttps://enquiryym.girlguiding.org.uk/Guides
Leader: [email protected]
MaryculterGuides1stMaryculterGuidesarecurrentlywithoutaleader.
UnfortunatelysincethefloodasaresultofStormFranktheyhavebeenunabletomeet.
TheGuidesareanenthusiasticgroupof16girlswhoarelookingforsomevolunteerstocomeforwardandhelpthemcontinuetomeet.
IfyouthinkyoucanhelppleasegetintouchwithmeorregisteryourinterestonlinewithGirlguidingatwww.girlguiding.org.uk
YouthGroups
Wanttoseewhat’shappeningwiththeweatherlocally?
CheckoutBeannachar’swebcambasedin
Banchory-Devenick.It’supdatedevery
2minutes!
www.beannachar-weather.co.uk
GirlguidingMaryculterOpentogirlspredominantlylivingintheMaryculter,NetherleyandBanchory-Devenickareas.
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MaryculterBeavers
WemeeteveryTuesdayat1730hrsto1900hrsattheScoutHut,Maryculter.Newmembersaged6and7yearsoldalwayswelcome.
LasttermtheBeaverstackledtheirCommunityImpactbadge.ThisinvolvedgettingtoknowabouttheMaryculterFriendshipClubandmeetingsomeofthemembersandhearingabouttheiractivities.TheBeaversundertookasponsoredwalktoraisesomefundsfortheFriendshipClubandanimpressivesumof£280wasraised.SomeFriendshipClubmemberswereinvitedtoaBeavermeetingwheretheBeaverswereontheirbestbehaviourandservedteaandcakes,icedbytheBeavers.
LatelytheBeavershavebeenbringingtheirpetsalongtothemeetingsandexplaininghowtheylookafter,feedandexercisethem.Nospiders,ratsorsnakesthisyear,thankfully!
HelpwithadditionalLeadersisagainrequired.Anyoneover18willingtogiveregularhelppleasecontactmyselffordetails.BeaverLeader:KathleenPaterson01224868676
CubsThroughoutthisAutumn/Winterperiodthecoldbutreasonableweatherhasallowed,formostnights,
continueduseofourlocalMaryculterwoodsforactivities;suchaswoodandcampcraft,settingofawildlifephototrapandsomeexcitingstealthgamesinthedark.ThisyearhasalsoseenustryingtogivesomethingbacktotheMaryculterWoodlandTrustwiththeplantingoftrees,installationofbenchesmadebythecubsectionandamorningshardgorsebrashingtohelpclearsomeofthescrubgroundforfurthertreeplanting.
InSeptemberbeforeitgottoochillywemanagedaveryenjoyableweekendcamponthebanksoftheDeenearTemplarswhichincludednaturewalks,gamesandgeneralrelaxationatthecampfirewithobligatorymarshmallowsandhotchocolate.
FortheCubsCentenaryyearwearedevelopinganexcitingprogramofactivitiesincludingourannualweekendcamptoMuirCottagenearBraemar,cycletrailsinDurrisforestandmuchmore.
Day:Mon,weekly(schoolterm),Time:18:15-19:45,Place:TheScoutHut,Maryculter
MaryculterCubswelcomesboys&girlsbetweentheagesof8and10½.Wecurrentlyhavespacessoifyouhaveachildofthisagewholikestheoutdoors,andwouldliketofindoutmore,pleasegetintouch.IainMorrison(07738455524)orGaetanCardinal(07876513666).
ScoutingMaryculterOpentoboys&girlspredominantlylivingintheMaryculter,NetherleyandBanchory-Devenickareas
YouthGroups
Beavers meeting members of the Maryculter Friendship Club
Stonehaven Land Train The land train will be running on weekends until the summer holidays when a new timetable will be in place. Leaves Market Square at 11.00am, 12.00 noon, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. When the farmers market is first Saturday of the month, it starts at 1.30pm. Fares are: Adults £5, Children 2 - 12 years £3, Family 2 + 2 £14 For up to date information check Facebook: Stonehaven Land Train
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ScoutsTheTroopcurrentlyhas20Scoutsincluding10newinvestituresthisterm(whichmightbearecordfortheunit),3YoungLeadersand6AdultLeaders.Whiletheseareveryhealthynumbers,wearen’tfullyetandarealwaysonthelookoutforanyboysandgirls,agesfrom10½to14,thatwanttogiveScoutingatry.TheautumnandwintertermshaveseentheScoutsworkingontheirTeamworkandSkillschallengebadges,
coveringavarietyofteambuildinggames,fitnesstraining,sewing,ironingandbicyclerepair.WealsofocusedonknotsandlashingsforthePioneeringActivitybadgeinpreparationforthelightereveningswhenwecangetoutsideandconstructropebridges,watchtowersandcatapults–allfrom8’pinepoles.OurmainfocusduringthespringandsummertermsistoprepareforSummerCamp.ThisyearweareventuringabroadtotheDeKluisScoutCentreinBelgium.TheprogrammehasyettobefinalisedbutislikelytoincludeaWWIbattlefieldtouronthe100thanniversaryoftheSomme,avisittoachocolatefactoryandtheobligatoryhikesandgettingmuddy.KevinStewart 01224861048
AuchluniesExplorers Explorersaged14-18yearsmeetatMaryculterScoutHutfortnightlyonTuesdayeveningsat7.15-9.15pmForfurtherinformationcontactBobMichie,Tel:01569764536(daytime),01569762082(evenings)
YouthGroups
Culter Theatre Club presents
Blithe Spirit a Noel Coward farce
9th, 10th &11th June 7.30pm at Culter Village Hall
Tickets £10 available from the hall tel 01224 734371 Seating is cafe style BYO drinks and snacks
URY PLAYERS present
Chase Me Up Farndale Avenue s'il vous plait!
A comedy tres saucy by David McGillivray and Walter Zerlin Jnr
Thursday 16th & Friday 17th June 2016Stonehaven Town Hall
Curtain up: 19:30 Tickets £10 available from The Rose Bowl, Barclay Street, Stonehaven from May.
The hall will be set out cabaret style, so please feel free to bring your own refreshments
Cardiodanceworkoutforallagesandabilities(Nodanceexperiencenecessary)
Comeandexerciseyourbrainalongwithyourbody!
Freetastersession(usualprice£6.00)
Tuesdays11.15am-12.15pmatPeterculterSportsCentre
[email protected]/niascotland.com
Nature Kindergarten on Thursday mornings at Maryculter Woods for
children aged 3-5 yrs
Outdoor Nursery Opening Soon!
For details on how to book a taster session or find out about our new nursery visit www.muckyboots.org.uk
or contact Dawn on 07939 547016
Hunt for bugs, cook on the
campfire & get marvellously
muddy!
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MaryculterCorbieHall&FieldThereportfromtheCorbieParkthistimehastobedominatedbythefloodingthathitusattheendof2015.LikemanyotherpropertiesalongthebanksoftheDee,thefieldandthehallweresubmergedinfloodwateronthe30thDecemberbystormFrank.Thefieldfloodsafewtimeseveryyear,butonthisoccasionthecombinationofmeltingsnowandheavyrainfurtherupDeesideresultedinawaveoffloodwatersweepingallbeforeitalongtheDeevalley–includingourCorbiePark.
ThehallhasneverbeenfloodedbeforebutStormFrankleftitstide-markonthehallwallat1.11metres.Everythinginsidewassaturatedandsoiled.Adevastatinganddepressingsight.
FacebookplayedavaluableroleasdidtheSDVpageincommunicatingourplightaroundthecommunity.Somanypeoplewantedtohelpclearupandateamofvolunteersandhalluserscombinedtoemptythehalloftrashedgoods,carpetingandelectricalequipment.Howevertheweatherhadnotsettledyet,andafewdayslaterthehallwasoncemoresubmergedtothedepthofabout30cm.
Thehallwasinsuredforflooddamage,andafterawaitforanavailablelossadjustertodecidewhatwouldbefeasible,abuildingcontractorhasbeenappointedtoreinstatethebuildingtoitsformercondition.Thiswillinvolveacompletestrip-outofallwalls,flooring,kitchenunits,doorsandelectrics.
Asatwriting,thestripping-outisaboutcomplete,butthestructuraltimbersneedtodryoutfurtherbeforefreshpanellingcanbeinstalled.WehavetheMayelectiontohostsothathastobeourlatesttargetdatetore-open.
Thechangingroomswerealsounderwater,but,asthewallsareofbrick,thedamagehasbeenless-althoughtheremaybelong-termdeteriorationyettoemerge.Tilingmayyetstartpeelingoffwalls.
Unfortunatelywewerenotinsuredforitemskeptoutofdoors.Thatincludedfencing,thecar-parksurface,benches,thedefibrillator,themowerandthegoalposts.Wehavealreadyreceivedsomegrantsanddonationstowardsthereplacementofthoseitems,whichisgreatlyappreciated.
Thefieldwillrecover,althoughthereseemstobemoreundulationsthanbefore.Againateamofvolunteers,mainlyfromtheFootballClubs,helpedcleardebrisfromtheriverbankswiththehelpofthelocalfarmerandhisloader.TherehasbeenconsiderableerosionbytheCorbiealongitsbankandalsobytheDeeattheMilltimberBridgecorner.WherethereoncewasabarrierofscrubandtreesthereisnowaclearviewoftheDee.Icanimagineafewfootballsaregoingtobelostdowntheriver.
CommunityHalls
TheCommitteeappreciatesthatusergroupshavebeenseverelyinconveniencedbytheunavailabilityofthehall.Let’shopeitisrefurbishedsuccessfullyandcanoperateformanymoreyearsbeforethenextonce-in-a-life-timestormstrikes!
Forhallbookingscall07960231855oremailmaryculterhall@yahoo.co.ukFacebook:CorbieHall&FieldMaryculter
CookneyCommunityHall
AsIwritethisarticle,CookneyHallhashostedtwosuccessfuleventsthisyearalready,theNewYear’sDanceandBurn’sNight,bothofwhichhadbigturn-outsandwentdownwell.Wealreadyhaveanumberoftheregulareventsintheplanningstageforlaterintheyear,includingaHalloweenDanceon29October.
AlthoughtheHallhasregularlyusedbyadogobedienceclassandcarpetbowlers,we’realsolookingforotheropportunitiestobringsomethingdifferenttothecommunity.Asyoureadthisyoumayalreadybeawareofregularcoffeemorningsandhathayogaclasseswhichhaverecentlystarted,detailsofwhichcanbefoundonourFacebookpage(seebelow).Moreanddifferenteventsarebeingconsidered,butwe’dliketokeepyouinsuspendersforjustalittlelongerwiththose.
TheCommitteearestilllookingatwhatotherfacilitiescanimprovetheHallandareconsideringanupgradetothesoundsystemandtheinstallationofahearingloop.
Forthelatestnewsonwhat’shappeningattheHall,pleaseseeourFacebookpageatFacebook:FriendsofCookneyHall
Asalways,ifyou’dlikefurtherinformationabouthiringtheHallforafunctionorcelebration,pleasecontactWillieAnguson01569730123orbye-mailatwgangus@btinternet.com
BobMcKinney,[email protected]
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Banchory-DevenickFreeChurchBell
Duringthesummerof2015itwasdecidedbyagroupofBanchory-DevenicklocalstofindapermanenthomefortheBanchory-DevenickFreeChurch’sbell,whichhadexperienced“abitofanomadicexistence”nighonthelast50years.
Thehistoryofthebell,asweareledtobelieve,emanatesalongthefollowinglines:-
1861–Thebelliscommissioned,castandbequeathedtotheBanchory-DevenickFreeChurchbytheBrothers,Sisters,NephewsandNiecesofMr&MrsThompsonofBanchory.TheministeroftheChurchatthistimewasCraigieHood(whosewifewebelievewasrelatedtotheStewartsofBanchory-Devenick).
1968-During1968adecisionwastakentoclosetheFreeChurch,withthevastmajorityoftheCongregationjoiningthe“newchurchatthebottomofthehill”ie,theBanchory-DevenickChurchofScotland.
Aworksparty,consistingofMessrsDavidCruickshank;LouisDonald;BobMannandBillSnowie,wastaskedtoremovethebellfromtheFreeChurchbelltowerand“keepitsafe”,astheChurchBuildingwasgoingtobesoldforhousing.ThebellendedupinJockston`s“fermclose”,whereitremaineduntil1981.
1981-ThebellwasremovedfromJockstonandplacedinthebasementofArdoeHallforbettersafekeeping.Thebellremainedtheretillthehallclosedin2013.
2013-ThebellwasagainonthemoveandthistimeitendedupinamembersgarageatLynhurst,Cammachmore.
2015-Atasessionmeetinginlate2014,thefuturerestingplaceofthebellwasagainraised.MessrsGrantandSimpsonsteppedforwardandofferedtofindasuitablesettingandrestingplaceforthebell,withintheChurchyardbackatSt.DevenicksontheHill.Howeverbeforethiscouldbedone,adrawinghadtobepreparedshowingthelocation,sitingandsupportforthebell,andsubmittedtoAberdeenshireCouncilLandscapeServicesfortheirformalapproval.
Duringtheaboveperiod,several“designmeetings”withtheblacksmithtookplacebackatTheCrossroads,inthegarageatWhinhilltocomeupwiththedesignandfabricationofthesupportframeforthebell.
LateAutumn2015,sawthecompletedbellstandcomebackfromthegalvaniser`sand,withthehelpofaneighbour,concretebasesweredugandcastandtheframeandbellwerefinallyerected.
SpecialthanksforhelpandassistancehavetogotoBlacksmithIanBowieforthemanufactureoftheframe,andmyneighbourIanHarrisonforhislabouringeffortsattheChurchyard. Jim Grant
Banchory-DevenickFreeChurchBell
ROOM FOR HIRE The new soft play centre, Scallywags, is now open in Stonehaven,
conveniently placed on the waterfront promenade. The premises also have a room available for hire for parties, meetings, groups etc. Contact Scallywags directly to discuss
your individual requirements! Tel 01569 766600 www.scallywagssoftplay.co.uk
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Hogmanay 2015 will possibly be remembered most for its Muckle Spate when water levels on the River Dee rose to new records. Jane and Ewan MacInnes of Home Farm Maryculter unfortunately had several of their riverbank fields inundated with floodwater.
As the waters receded they noticed a series of molehills quickly appeared along a fence line in the middle of the floodplain, an area of around 70 acres. Where had the moles been during the seven days when the fields had been submerged? Had they moved far enough south, away from the river, to find dry land or had they somehow managed to stay underground for what seems like a considerable amount of time?
For such small animals, they could fit on your hand, moles can dig tunnels for an impressive 200m a day, moving around 5kg of soil. That is 500 times their bodyweight. They work on four hour cycles, being active for four, then sleeping for a similar time, all day every day. It is therefore possible Jane and Ewan’s moles travelled inland to higher ground.
Another option is that they moved deeper underground. Moles dig two types of tunnels – those lower down are permanent passageways and nesting areas, whilst the upper runs are used for foraging. It is thought that moles are also adapted to re-breathe their air, being able to tolerate higher levels of carbon dioxide. Regardless of their depth they eat worms, grubs and larvae not roots and bulbs and it is estimated they need to consume half their bodyweight each day - about 20 worms. It could be that the riverbank animals therefore moved deeper down into their lower runs.
Moles are also good swimmers. I am not suggesting they became aquatic for a week but they could have swum to dryer areas as river levels rose. There is a great video clip of a mole swimming in a tunnel at www.arkive.org/mole/talpa-europaea/video-06.html!
As the level of the Dee subsided it softened the soil making it easier for the animals to dig. This along with them looking for new food sources encouraged them to excavate new runs and hence to throw up new molehills at the end of their feeding tunnels along the fence line.
Mole saliva contains toxins that paralyse their prey to keep them alive for later consumption. Their fur is short enough to move backwards and forwards allowing them to tunnel in both directions without getting matted with soil. Adults are usually solitary but breed between March and May. The gestation period is 30 days and one or two litters are born a year. Each litter has three to six young that are suckled for four to five weeks at which point they live their nursery den, travelling above-ground. This is a vulnerable time for young moles, many of whom fall prey to owls, buzzards, stoats, dogs and cats.
In gardens moles can pretty much ruin your lawn, making the ground sunken, uneven and unsightly. Solutions include trampling the soil down to flatten the tunnels or using a hose with a trickle of water to wash the soil back into the holes. Many gardeners regard molehills as a superior topsoil though. The moles have aerated it and it is likely to be pest-free thanks to birds who will have removed most of the bugs. You need to add compost but it is a great medium for growing seeds and wonderful in container gardening.
Children also love investigating molehills. Carefully remove all of the soil from a fresh hill with a sweep of your arm and using a stick carefully prod the ground until it gives way. This is the entrance to the tunnel and is about the size of a toilet roll tube. Dare your children to put their fingers in and see if anything bites!
Mandy Tulloch
NatureNotes
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Fromboguscallerstoroguetraders,doorstepcriminalsarecunning,creative,andveryskilledatdeception.Theywilluseanumberofwaystotryandgainentrytoyourhometostealandtrickyououtofmoney.Anyonecanbefooledasthesepeopleareprofessionalconartists.However,theover60sareoftenspecificallytargeted.WhatisDoorstepCrime?Boguscallerstrytogetintoyourhomeorobtainpersonaldetailsbypretendingtobesomeonethey’renot.Theymayclaimtobe: • Councilstaff • Meterreaders • Charitycollectors • PoliceofficersInreality,theyarecriminalstryingtostealcashandvaluables.Roguetradersusuallycold-call,claimingtobeworkersofferingtomakerepairsorcarryoutworkonyourhouse,gardenordriveway.Inrealitytheychargeinflatedpricesforshoddyorunnecessarywork.WeDONOTrecommenddealingwithcold-callersforpropertymaintenanceandrepairstoyourhome.WhatcanIdo?Stop!Thereareanumberofthingsyoucandotohelpyourselffrombeingcaughtout: • Beonguardifsomeoneturnsupunexpectedly. • Useadoorchainorbar. • Alwaysputthechainonbeforeopeningthedoor. • Keepitonwhiletalkingtocallers. • Don’tfeelembarrassed-genuinecallersexpectyoutobecareful. • Ifyoudon’thaveadoorchain,checkfromthenearestwindow.Remember,doorchainscanbeeasilyfitted. • Ifyou’renotsure,don’tanswerthedoor.WhoshouldIcall?…ifIfeelthreatened,unsafeorsuspiciousofacaller? • Contactthepoliceimmediatelyon999.…ifIseesomethingsuspiciousinmyarea,orwantmoreadviceaboutdoorstepcrime? • Contactthepoliceon101. • Tryandtakeanoteofvehicledetailsorregistrationnumbersanddescriptionsofanyonesuspicious.…ifIwanttocontactthepoliceanonymously? • ContacttheindependentcharityCrimestopperson0800555111.Youcanalsovisititswebsiteat
www.crimestoppers-uk.org.…tofindoutmoreabouthomesafetyservices? • Contactyourlocalpolicestationon101toarrangeafreesecuritysurvey. • ContactyourlocalTradingStandards:SomeoperateNoColdCallingZonesorhavelistsofapprovedtraders.
NominatedNeighbourSchemeTheNominatedNeighbourSchemehasbeencreatedtohelpdeterdoorstepcriminalsandprotectolderandvulnerablemembersofourcommunities.So,howdoesitwork?AsaNominatedNeighbouryouagreetohelpverifytheidentityofanypersoncallingatyourelderly/vulnerableneighbour'sdoor.Thecallerwillbesenttoyourdoor,youchecktheiridentityandifyou'rehappythatthecallerisgenuine,youreturnwiththemtoyourneighbour'shouse.Youstaywiththemuntilthecallerleaves.
Tofindoutmoreaboutthescheme,contactlocalpoliceon101.
PoliceScotland
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Aswestarttoemergefromwhathasbeenanespeciallytoughwinter,theworkloadforNKRCCremainshighbecauseofthehugelevelofconstructionactivityinourarea.
AstheAWPRworksescalate,theissuessurroundingtheprojectremainhighonouragenda.ThereisbarelyadaygoesbywhenNKRCCisn’tinsomekindofdialoguewiththelocalauthoritiesorthecontractors,inrelationtotheissuesbeingraisedinour
community.Whetheritisdamagetotheexistingroadsandverges,abnormalloadscausingholdups,poorstandardsofdriving,extendedhoursofworkingetcNKRCCare‘onthecase’almostconstantly.MembersofthecommunitycouncilhaveevendrivenourlocalMSParoundthearea,sohecouldseefirst-handsomeofthechallengesthattheconstructionphaseiscausingforourcommunity.Infairnesstotheprojectteamthey,alongwithrepresentativesofthelocalcouncils,haveattendedandgivenpresentationsattwoofourrecentmeetings.Furtherpublicmeetingsandpresentationsbythecontractorsarebeingscheduled–sopleaselookoutforfurtherupdatesandfeelfreetocomealongandputyourpointsacrossfirsthand.
ObviouslyabigissuetohitourareawastheseverefloodingcausedbyStormFrankovertheNewYearperiod.WatershavenotbeenthathighontheDeeinlivingmemory.Fortunately,althoughbothMilltimberandParkbridgesweresubjecttotemporaryclosures,neitherseemtohavesufferedlongtermorirreparabledamage.Howeverwehavetothinkaboutallofthosewhosehomesandbusinesseswereimpacted,especiallythosewhoarestillaffected.
PlanningAllplanningapplicationsarereviewedatourmonthlymeetings.Mostarefairlystraightforwardanddonotgenerateanycommentorconcern.Occasionallyanapplicationdoesgiverisetoconcerns.Thesearediscussedandmayresultinaletterofconcern,objectionorindeedsupportbeingsenttotheCouncil.YouwillfindcopiesofallofthesesubmissionsontheNKRCCwebsite.
400ClubSinceSeptemberNKRCChasgiven£200toMaryculterSeniorCitizenstowardstheirChristmasparty.MaryculterWoodlandsTrustreceived£300,halfoftheirestimatedrequirementtoimproveaccessgatesandsecuritytotherecentlypurchasedwood.
Thankstoallwhohavepurchasedticketsfor2016–andtothecommunitycouncillorswhobravedwintertoinviteyoutotakepart.
LocalnotforprofitgroupsareinvitedtoapplyforfundsbysendingsendarequesttotheNKRCCSecretaryatleasttwoweeksbeforeourmonthlymeetingsinFebruary,April,June,August,OctoberandDecember.
Therequestshouldinclude:• Afulldescriptionofwhyyourequirefunding• Theoverallcostoftheitem/activity,aswellastheamountoffundingbeingrequested• Evidenceofotherfundraisingefforts• NominationofsomeonetospeaktotherequestatthenextNKRCCmeeting
Theseguidelinesaretheretohelpavoidsituationswhenwedonothaveenoughinformationtocometoadecision.400Clubfundsarelimitedandareallraisedandusedlocallyforthegoodofourcommunity.
NorthKincardineRuralCommunityCouncil
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400ClubPrizesCashprizewinnersinthelastsixmonthsincluded:R.Baxter,Banchory-Devenick I.Morrison,Netherley M.Beard,NetherleyT.Penney,Netherley S.Black,Maryculter, A.Rappach,NetherleyN.Cowan,Blairs B.Scott,Maryculter D.Cowie,MaryculterC.Spark,Netherley C.Hand,Maryculter M.Tulloch,NetherleyT.Hastings,Maryculter O.Werngren,MaryculterD.Law,NetherleyK.Willox,Netherley V.Law,Netherley T.Winmill,NetherleyC.MacTaggart,MaryculterWoodlandTrust,Maryculter G.Masson,Netherley
Congratulationstoallofthosewhohavewonandbestwishestotherestofour400Clubmembersforfuturedraws!
RoadsWhilstthereisnodoubtthatthevolumeandintensityoftrafficiswayinexcessofwhatwasanticipatedwhenourlocalroadswerebuilt,thebiggestsingleissueweactuallyfaceisstillthegenerallypoorstandardofdriving.
Thespeedsseenonourroadsnetworkandthegenerallackofcare,attentionandanticipationremainhugeconcerns.
Asmentionedinpreviouseditions,NKRCChasaplaceforreportingincidentsandaccidentsonourwebsite:www.nkrcc.org.uk.TheintentionofthisfacilityistohelpusbuildahistoryandbodyofevidencethatwecanusetotaketotheroadsauthoritiesandthePolicetodemandattentionandaction.
FutureMeetingsDuetothefloodingmentionedearlier,CommunityCouncilmeetingsarebeingheldinLairhillockSchoolforthenextfewmonths.ThemeetingsareonthethirdMondayofeachmonthat7.30pm(exceptJulyandDecember).Welookforwardtowelcomingyoualongtohearwhatisgoingonandjoininthediscussions.Checkourwebsiteforagendadetailsandconfirmationofthemeetinglocation.
Drew Russell - Chair
NorthKincardineRuralCommunityCouncil
NorthKincardineRuralCommunityCouncilContacts
Visitourwebsiteandfacebookpagetogetthelatestinformation
Website:www.nkrcc.org.ukFacebook:NorthKincardineRuralCommunityCouncil
-NKRCC
SharonPark(Secretary)Email:[email protected]
Meetingsareheldonthe3rdMondayofeverymonthexceptJulyandDecember.
VenueistheCorbieHall,Maryculter.Allwelcome.
Wealsohaveinformationpostedonthenoticeboardsat
Banchory-DevenickSchool,EastandWestMaryculter,CookneyHallandCorbieHall.
Teas & Coffees Cold Drinks Soups & Sandwiches Filled Rolls
Traybakes Cakes Pastries
Open from 10.00am daily @Claretsplgc Free WiFi
Adam Hunter Lounge available for entertainment or corporate hire
seats up to 27 (16 boardroom style) catering if required
Children’s Birthday Parties with golf instruction also available on request
Tel 01224 865751 Paul Lawrie Golf Centre, South Deeside Road, Ardoe
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TheMuckleSpates
Inyearstocome,willwelookbackattheeventsofthelastfewmonthsasbeinganaturaldisastertosurpassthoseofthepast?Perhapsitispartlyduetosocialmediathatweareinstantlycloseto“theaction”andaremuchmoreawareoftheimpactoncommunitiesandlivesaswewatcheventsunfoldalmostbytheminute.Sohowdidthe“MuckleSpate”of30thDecember2015shapeup?
HighwaterontheDeeisnotthatunusualtous–weareallawareoftherisinglevelatCorbieParkasthefootballpitchturnsitselfintoawaterpolopark.However,onthatparticulardaythewaterrose-androsewithincrediblespeed.Atlunchtime,thewaterwasatburnlevelbuttherewaslittletoindicateitwasgoingtorisesodramaticallyoverthenextfewhours.By4pm,waterafootdeepwasatthedooroftheMillInn.Byeveningthewaterwasoverthetopofthereceptiondesk.ThepowerandvolumeofwatersurgingdowntheDeeValleygougedoutanewdeeptrenchatMaryculterHomeFarm,destroyinghundredsofmetresofdeerfencingandwashingaway400balesofsilage.MobilehomesandcaravansatDeesideHolidayParkwereleftbobbinglikecorksastheHelicopterCoastguardandFireServiceshelpedtoevacuateresidentssafely.AttheCommunityHall,theflood-markcouldbeseenonthenoticeboardfivefeetoffthefloor.Thetidalwavehadsweptawaythehut,equipmentandtoysusedbytheBrownies,GuidesandUnder-5s.ManyofthebridgesdownthelengthoftheDee,includingtheMaryculterbridge,tookabatteringandhavehadtoundergostructuralsurveys.MotherNaturestillhadastinginhertailas,nosoonerhadtheclean-upoperationsbegunbutthewatersroseoncemoreinthefirstweekoftheNewYear,thistimecausingadditionalproblemsalongthewatercoursesoftheGormackandCulterBurnsandtheMillsideareaofPeterculter.
ThemeasurebywhichallfloodsarejudgedistheGreat-or“Muckle”Spateof1829.TherearemanymarkersalongthelengthoftheDeeindicatingtheheighttowhichtheriverreachedthatyear.ThiswasreportedintheAberdeenJournal,thefollowingdayonWednesday5thAugust1829undertheheadline“AWFULANDDESTRUCTIVEFLOOD”.
Sincethegreatstormsin1799and1812,nosimilarvisitationhashappenedinthisquarter,thatcouldatallbecomparedtothedelugeofMondaylast.Theconsequencehasbeenthefloodingoftherivers,streams,andburnsofthedistrict,toadegreethatisbuttoofatallyevincedbythescenesofdevastationandmischiefthatmarktheircourse;andthelamentabledestructionofthehopesofthehusbandman,inhavinghiscorns,hissheepandcattle,andhisprovender,sweptofftheirbanks;whileeveninfieldsmorefavourablysituated,thedamageoccasionedbythelodgingofthegrain,wearegrievedtosay,istoanamountalmostincalculable.
TheMuckleSpatesbyCallumStuart
FloodingDecember2015attheOldMillInnandCorbieHall,Maryculter
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IntheriverDeetherisingofthewaterwasfirstperceptibleonMondayafternoon,aboutfouro’clock,fromwhichhouritcontinuedtoincreaseuntillateonTuesdaymorning,whenithadattainedanelevationofabout8feetaboveitsordinarylevel,andinsomeconfinedplacesnotlessthan12feet;andthequantityofwaterdischargedbyitmaybeestimatedfromthefact,thatatthetimeofdeadlowwater,thewholeexpanseofourharbourwasfilledtotheheightofanordinaryspringtide.
ThewaterofFeughrosesoastocoverthebridge,butwiththeexceptionofcarryingawayapartoftheparapet,itdidnootherdamage.Theaspectofthismountainstream,whenatitsheight,wassingularlyawfulandgrand.“
AlaterreportconfirmedthatthedifferenceinwaterlevelonthedayofthefloodcomparedtoaweeklaterattheBridgeofBanchorywas24feet.AttheBridgeofFeugh,wherepartoftheparapethadbeensweptaway,itwasreckonedtohavebeen27feet4inchesabovenormallevels!
Althoughtherewillhavebeenmanyincidentsinbetween,theheadlineintheAberdeenJournalonWednesday27thJanuary1937reads:
“TREMENDOUSSPATEONRIVERDEE-GREATESTFLOODINGRECORDEDFOR108YEARS”.
“Monday’sriseoftheriverDeewasthegreatestsincethe“MuckleSpate”of1829.TheheightoftheriverattheBridgeofDee,Aberdeen,wasonlyeighteeninchesbelowtheflood-markreachedthen.
AtCairntontheriverrosefourteenfeetabovenormal,whilein1920,thelasttimetherewasseriousflooding,itrosetwelvefeet.–Theriverfellsharplyyesterday,andtheDeevalleyseemssafefromfurtherdamageatpresent.
The“MuckleSpateof‘29”hasbecomerenownedinsongandstoryoftheNorth-east,andiscommemoratedintheflood-markontheBridgeofDeeatAberdeen.The1829markstillremainsthehighest,butithasbeenstronglychallengedbyMonday’slevel.Thelatestissixincheshigherthanthelevelreachedin1920.AlreadyofficialsofAberdeenandKincardineCountyCouncilshavebeenmakinginspectionstoascertaintheextentofthedamage.Roadsseemtohaveescapedlightlybutseveralbridgeshavebeenbadlydamaged.
Ofthebridges,theheaviestcostthatwillfallonthecountycouncilsseemstobethebridgesatMaryculterandCrathes.Bothwillprobablyhavetobeclosedforsometime.Acasualsurveyofthe“Shakkin’Briggie,”atCults,revealsdamagesoextensiveastoindicatetheimpracticabilityofrepairingthepresentstructure.PeopleresidingalongthevalleyoftheDeewentinlargenumbers-andformilesinmanycases-tovisittheflood.Therewasgeneralagreementthatneverinlivingmemory,had“sicasicht”beenwitnessed.
TheMuckleSpatescontinued
TheOldMillInnandfloodedpitchesatCorbieHall,Maryculter,Dec2015
�22
Farmerssustainedconsiderableloss.Notonlywerestacksofhay,turnipsandouthouseswashedawayfrominundatedholdings,butsheepandpoultryweredrowned.Duringtheheightoftheflooding,MrStewart,farmeratInchferry,andhisfamilyhadatryingordeal.Thesteadingwassurroundedbywater,andthebyresandstableswereflooded.Horseswereforatimealmostuptotheirnecksinwater.Onestirkwasdrownedandmuchdamagewasalsodoneinthestackyard.”
TheStewartFamilyatInchferrywerealsoatthecentreofthefloodinNovember1951.
EveningExpress,Wednesday7thNovember1951:“DEESIDEFARMDEVASTATION”
“Itwascleaningupdayto-dayintheNorth-East.AsthewatersofDee,Donandotherriversreceded,housewives,farmers,industrialistsandpublicofficialssurveyeddamagerunningintothousandsofpounds.
MrOliverStewart,whosefarmatInchferry,Maryculter,wasthesceneofsomeofyesterday’srescues,isprobablythemanhardesthitbythefloods.An“EveningExpress”reporterfoundhimsurveyingasceneofdevastationinandaroundthefarmsteading.
Thetwenty-onepigswhichweresweptawaybytheracingwatersoftheDeewerevaluedatabout£4000.HehasalsolostTibby,hisracingpony,whichwaswell-knownatshowsintheNorth-East.Allexceptafewofthepoultryperished.Twocowswhichstoodthroughoutthefloodinapartlysubmergedcourt,areamongthesurvivors.Damagetocropandpropertyonthefarmwasequallyheavy.Thegrainstacksaresodden.Theapproachroadtothefarm,ontheimprovementofwhichMrStewartspent£51onlylastyear,isinworseconditionthanever.FencesinthisdevastatedpartofDeesidearefestoonedwithstrawandturnips–andinonecaseadeadharecaughtonawire.“
Thepreviousnight,theareahadbeenthesceneofanevacuationas31peoplehadtoberescuedfromthefloodingattheInchofCulter,theCaravanParkandtheMillInn.TheywererescuedbyboatmenusingasalmoncoblefromAberdeenharbour–butnotwithoutalittledrama.
“Withthecaravanscleared,theboatmenbrought“ashore”ontheirseventhandlasttripMrJ.MathiesonandMrsO.Stewart,wifeofthefarmerofInchferry,halfamileupstream,whosetwodaughtershadbeenrescuedearlier.Buttheagedcouple,MrandMrsA.Stewart,parentsofthefarmer,steadfastlyrefusedtoleavetheirhome.MrStewart,whoisblind,iseighty,andhiswifeseventy-three.Theoldcouplerefusedtomoveuntiloneofthelifeboatmennoticedaphotographofadeep-seafishermanonagrandpianointheroom.Thephotographshowedafirstmatewhowasinthesameshippingcompanyasthelifeboatmanandpromptedtheremark:“Lookhere,ma’am,thatphotographthereshowsachaplikemyselfwhohasnotonlybeenadeep-seafishermanforseveralyearsbutworkedinthesamecompanyasIdid”.ThephotographwasthatofasonofMrsStewart.MrRitchiecarriedMrStewarttosafetyandsturdyBillLyoncarriedMrsStewart.MrO.Stewart,thefarmer,remainedatthefarm,alongwithaPolishfarmhand,inordertocareforthefarmstock.Hepromisedtoleaveifthefloodwatershouldthreatentorise.”
ButallofthiswillseemstrangelyfamiliartothosewhowereaffectedbythefloodsinDecemberandJanuary–Iamsuretherewillbemanystoriestoldtofuturegenerationsofthe“MuckleSpateof2015”! Callum Stuart
TheMuckleSpatescontinued
�23
The Lairhillock Inn is open 7 days a week for tea/coffee, lunches and evening meals.
Look on our website for menus and opening times.
Netherley, Near Stonehaven, AB39 3QS
Tel: 01569 730001 Fax: 01569 731175
Email: [email protected]
www.lairhillock.co.uk
Learn the art and tradition of carriage driving Arrive in a horse-drawn carriage for your wedding
Enjoy a farm tour and riverside drive Visit our unique carriage collection
Bring disabled friends for a drive Let us take you for a drive to mark a special occasion
We can do all this and much more with our experienced horses and ponies. We also have a self-contained flat overlooking the River Dee – ideal for
business visits or short breaks.
Jane and Ewen MacInnes, Home Farm, Maryculter Tel: 01224 732310 and 07889 340362 Email: [email protected]
www.marycultercarriages.co.uk
NORTH BURNSIDE
KENNELS AND CATTERY
“where part of your family becomes part of ours”
Tel 01224 733474
Netherley Road, Burnside,
Maryculter
!!!
Tel$01224%867174% Repair'Specialist'Used'Car'Sales'
South!Deeside!Road,!Aberdeen,!AB12!5YQ!Email:[email protected]$www.coplandmotors.co.uk'
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[email protected] www.paragon-systems.co.uk
Paragon Systems (Scotland) Limited The Office, Corbie Cottage, Maryculter, AB12 5FT
Accredited Heat Pump Installers
Adverts
�24
SolsticeNurseries
SolsticeNurseriesisasocialfirm(thatisanotforprofitorganisation)whichworkswithpeoplewhoarerecoveringfrommentalhealthissues.
WearehavingtwoOpenDayeventsthisyear.TheseOpenDaysareafantasticopportunitytosellourplants(herbaceous,grasses,
heathers,alpines,climbersandshrubs)tothegeneralpublic.
ThefirstOpenDayisonSaturdaythe28thMay,10.30amto3pm,whichistheendofChelseaFlowerShowwhenweareallthinkingaboutourgardens.
ThesecondOpenDayisonSaturdaythe9thofJulybetween10.30amand2pmwhichisattheendofHampdenCourtFlowerShow,whenwewillhaveavarietyofdifferentplantsinbloomforyoutoseeandbuy.
ThelocalGuildhaskindlyagreedtocomeandsharetheseeventswithusservingcoffee/teaandhomebakes.
AdmissionisbydonationforSolsticefunds,andwewillbesellingbric-a-brac(donationsofbric-a-bracwelcome)aswellashavingsomenewstallsandotheractivities-watchourwebsiteandfacebookpageforfurtherdetails.
Welookforwardtoseeingeveryonewhohascontinuedtosupportusandsomenewfacestoo.
WearealsoattheBanchory-DevenickSchoolFairon28thMay,WesthillWellbeingEventonSunday22ndMayandAberdeenRockGardenEventatDuthieParkon14thMay
Location/mainentrancebySouthDeesideRoad
DrumduanWalledGarden,SouthDeesideRoad,Banchory-Devenick,Aberdeenshire,AB125YLTel01224865907www.facebook.com/solsticenurserieswww.solsticenurseries.co.uk
SolsticeNurseries
SOLSTICE NURSERIES
OPEN DAYSSat 28th May
10.30am - 3.00pmSat 9th July
10.30am - 2.00 pmAdmission by donation
Plants, trees, climbers and ferns for sale, homebakes, teas, coffees and lots more
Stalls including Papillon Landscapes, Beannachar Crafts, Sadie’s Pet Portraiture,
Forever Living, Sunnyside Farm, Yatai Drumduan Walled Garden, South Deeside Rd,
Banchory-Devenick, AB12 5YL Tel 01224 865907
Sunnyside Home Farm
Free Range Eggs
Sunnyside HouseMaryculterAberdeenAB12 5GT
On B979 Netherley Road
Order online athttp://www.SunnysideHomeFarm.com
The home of free range food
SunnysideHomeFarm@SunHomeFarm
01224 73441507971 406021
tel:mob:
GMO
Feed
Free Range Pork, Sausages & Bacon
Hen, Duck & Goose
Saddleback & woolly Mangalitza
Growing People and Plants
�25
Preparingforbirthisoftencomparedtopreparingforamarathon;alongleaduptotherace,preparingbothmindandbody–andyouwouldn’tapproachamarathon,orforsomeofus,evena5kmrace,withouttraining.
Hypnobirthingistheperfectwaytoprepareforbirth;itisacompletechildbirtheducationprogram.
Coupleswhoprepareusinghypnobirthinglookforwardtotheirbirthexperiencewithjoyandexcitement,knowingthattheyarebothpreparedandreadytoplayanimportantpartintheirbaby’sbirth.
Fearistheenemyofbirthing.Whenwefeelfearourbodypreparesfordanger.Itdivertsbloodtoourarmsandlegsreadytorunandfight,takingbloodandoxygenawayfromthemusclesthatweneedtobirthbabiescalmlyandcomfortably.Hypnobirthingusesself-hypnosistocreatedeeprelaxation,allowingthemusclesinthebodytobirtheasily.Itteachesbreathingtechniqueswhichwillcreateafeelingofcalmnessandcontrol.Itteachesmums-to-beabouttheirownbodiesandhowtheyweredesignedtobirth;itteacheshowtopreparementallyandemotionallyforbirth.Fearsrelatingtobirthorpregnancycaneasilybereleased,allowingwomentoapproachbirthingwithjoyandpositiveanticipation.
We’veallseentheroleofnewfathersinbirththroughfilmsorTVprograms–whetherfaintinginthecorner,refusingtoenterthebirthingroomorbeingclawedtobitsbyhispartner!Thegenerallyperceivedroleinoursocietyinvolvesthedadlookingawkwardandfeelinghelpless.
Itdoesn’thavetobethiswayatall.Hypnobirthingisawonderfulwayforfatherstoprepareforbirth;itprovideseducationaboutthebiologyofbirthingsoeveryoneunderstandshowbirthingworks.Theycanplayanintegralroleinensuringacalm,comfortablebirthfortheirpartnerandbetheadvocateforthesafebirthingoftheirweeone;andcanmakeahugedifferenceinhowpositivetheexperienceisforallinvolved.
Thecouplelearnaboutself-hypnosistogethersothedadlearnshowtohelpthemumdeeplyrelax,sothathermusclescanworkwellandincomfort.Lighttouchmassageistaught,whichbooststheproductionofendorphinswhichblockpainsignals.Bothparentswillhavetimetoworkthroughanyfearsoranxietiestheymayhaveaboutlabourandbirth.
Mostimportantlyitputsmumanddadbackincontrolofthebirthandletsthemapproachitwithpositiveexcitement.
IfyouwouldlikemoreinformationaboutHypnobirthingcontactJadeGordonat
AberdeenHypnobirthingon01569549530or07930599432
www.aberdeenhypnobirthing.co.uk
�26
Kincardine&DeesideBefriending
VACANCY - Honorary Treasurer
AnHonoraryTreasurerisrequiredforKincardine&DeesideBefriendingtosupportasuccessfullocalcharityinitsquesttoreducelonelinessinolderpeople
Kincardine&DeesideBefriendingislookingforaCommitteeMemberwithfinancialexperiencetooverseetheorganisation’sfinancialaffairs.
Thisisanopportunitytobecomeinvolvedwithalocalcharitythatisoperatingamuch-neededbefriendingschemeforolderpeoplewiththreemembersofstaffand100volunteers.Itwasestablishedin1996,andhasrecentlybeennominatedfortheQueen’sAward(thisislikeanMBEforvolunteergroupsandrecognisestheoutstandingworkvolunteersinthefieldandonmanagementcommitteeshavedoneintheirowncommunities).
TheTreasurerwillbeworkinginco-operationwiththeAdministratorintheStonehavenoffice,andwillguideandadvisetheManagementCommitteeonallmattersrelatingtothefinancialadministrationandcharityaccountingofKincardine&DeesideBefriending.TheTreasurerwillbeamemberoftheManagementCommittee,andwillneedtoattenditsmeetings(2hoursevery6-8weeks).
TheCharityisabletoreimbursereasonableout-of-pocketexpenses.
Anyoneinterestedshouldcalltheofficeon01569765714oremailinfo@kdbefriending.org.uk
Youcanfindoutmoreaboutourworkonourwebsiteatwww.kdbefriending.org.uk.
Kincardine&DeesideBefriending
Come along and enjoy our 7000ft Indoor Play Den
Amazing Racing Slide & 4 Lane Astro Slide, Climbing Wall Tower, Giant Ball Canyon
Awesome Sports Arena, 140 seater restaurant Birthday Parties from £10.99
All weather attraction at Storybook Glen with 20 acres of active outdoor learning
Free Parking
Open daily 10am - 5.30pm Den Entrance Fees Glen Entrance Fees Under 1yr FREE Under 1yr FREE 1-3 yrs £3.95 1-3 yrs £3.95 4+ yrs £4.95 4-14 yrs £4.95 Adults/OAPs FREE Adults/OAPs £2.95 During busy periods, admission is limited to 90 mins
The Den and the Glen, Maryculter,
off South Deeside Road, Aberdeen AB12 5FT, Tel 01224 732941
www.storybookglenaberdeen.co.uk
BlairsMuseumoffersauniqueinsightintoScotland'sCatholichistoryandheritagewithspectacularcollectionsspanningmorethan500years.
OpeningTimes(ApriltoOctober) Saturdays,SundaysandLocalHolidayMondays2-5pm.Visitorsareverywelcomeoutwiththesetimesandthroughouttheyear,byarrangementatatimetosuityou.Groupvisitscanincludeaguidedtourandrefreshments.
Fordetailsofupcomingeventspleasevisitwww.blairsmuseum.com [email protected] Tel:01224863767
�27
SincethelastissueoftheReviewthenumberofChapeltonresidentshasmorethandoubled.Thereare75homesoccupiedandnearlyalltheapartmentsinHumeSquarearenowlitup,transformingtheareaintoarealcommunity.
Teacakehasalsomovedintotheirnewlargerpremisesthereandstillqueuesareformingoutsidetotastetheirpopularcakeselectionandlunchtimesoupsandsandwiches.
AttheendofOctoberProvostVernalopenedHumeSquarewitnessedbyresidents,thebuildingteamsandlocalcouncillors.ShortlyafterwardsLindaPirieopenedthedoorsatCroftNurseriesandnowhasnearly50youngchildreninitscare.
Withthesquarecomplete,workatChapeltonhasbeenfocusedonthreekeyaspectsthroughthewinter.Firstly,therehasbeenanumberofeventsorganisedtowelcomeandintroducethenewhouseowners.Thesecondtaskhasbeentoattractpublicityforwhathasalreadybeenachievedonsiteandtoencouragemorevisitorsfromfurtherafieldtocomeandseethebuildingqualityinthetown.Lastlyagooddealofattentionhasbeenpaidtolookingforwardandadaptingtheplanstomeettherequirementsoftheareaandlocalneeds.
ResidentshavegottogetherforanadventChristmasLightspartyinTeacakeandgatheredatStTernan’sfortheirfirstfamilyChristmascarolservice.AneighbourhoodwatchtalkhasbeenorganisedandanEasterEgghuntsetupatElsickHouseforallages.LookingforwardtherearemorecommunitywoodlandplantingswithbarbecuesandwearehopingtodoabigcharitybikerideandwalkstartingandfinishingatChapeltoninearlySeptember.
DuringtheautumntheBBCcametofilmtheemergingcommunityandwearelookingforwardtoseeingtheresultsshortly.‘HowScotlandWorks’wasapopulardocumentaryprogrammeandChapeltonwillbefeaturedonthefirstepisodeofthenextseries.Aradioadvertisingcampaignusingresidents’commentsappearedonOriginal106andNorthSoundforamonthandthishasbeenfollowedupwithaprintedpublicitycampaignthisspring.
ThewintermonthshavegiventheteamachancetoplananddesignthenextstagesofCairnhill.HavinglistenedtocommentsfromlocalsandanalysedtheneedintheareaweareholdinganOpenDaytoshowcasetheideasanddesignsthathavecomeforward.Singlestoreycottages(orbungalows)featureandsodoseveralnewhousetypesalongsideapubwithapartmentsaboveandaretirement‘village’.
[email protected]:Chapelton
Chapelton
�28
Good food and drink, using the best of local produce and suppliers
Open 11am to late Wednesday to Sunday
Serving Coffee, Lunches and Dinners
Thursday Night Specials & Friday Nights Live Music with Guest Musicians
For reservations and information on menus, forthcoming events, private hire and weddings visit
www.thestackrestaurant.com 14 Dunnyfell Road, Muchalls, Stonehaven, AB39 3RP
Tel 01569 730393
Having a special event that needs catered or want us to take our restaurant to you? Let our sister company take care of it.
www.smart-cuisine.co.uk
YourLocalFarmShop
Whatisproducedattheshop?AwiderangeofawardwinningcheesesincludingBadentoyBlue,CoosROot,Fit-like,SmokedDeesider,GraniteCity
andmoreBroonCoocheeseandBlueCheeseoatcakes
RangeofyogurtsandcheesecakesFreerangeduckandheneggs
Home-rearedwelfare-friendlyrosevealSeasonalfruitsandvegetables
Comeandtryasample!
OpendailyexceptSundayfrom9amto6pm
TheDevenickDairyatBishopstonFarmBanchory-Devenick,AberdeenAB124RSTel782476Email:[email protected]
TENT FOR HIRE
The Maryculter Scouts Group has a large canvas Mess Tent which is available for local community members to borrow in return for a donation to the
Scouts Group.
The tent measures 24' by 14' by 7' high. It is a heavy duty canvas mess tent, and as such it comes with a steel pole
frame and quite a weighty canvas.
It requires a minimum of 3 people (preferably 5) to erect and dismantle it. To ensure this is done correctly the
Group insists their own experienced tent pitcher helps with assembly. A donation of £50 minimum is suggested in light of the effort involved, especially if the tent has to be dried
after the event.
To check on the tent's availability and suitability for your event, please contact: Les Paterson 01224 868676
�29
HavingworkedhereatBeannacharforaround12yearsasadriverandIrecentlygottheopportunitytoliveonsiteandhavetakenovertheroleofMaintenanceCoordinator.
NowhavinglivedhereforoverayearnowIdecideditwouldbeanideatosetupa
weatherstation.Thereisahugerangeofequipmentavailableonthemarket.However,mostisaimedatthebasichomeuser,andtendstobeunreliableandinaccurate.Idecidedtoinvestinasemi-professionalsystemwhichconsistsofanautomatedraingauge,anemometerandoutdoortemperaturesensor,andprovidesquiteaccuratemeasurements.Thedataisthenuploadedautomaticallytovariousonlineweatherloggingsites.Ialsowantedtosetupadedicatedwebsiteofmyowntodisplaythedata.Thisprovedtobethemosttimeconsumingparttogetallthedatapulledtogetheranddisplayedcorrectly.Ihavealsotriedtoincludeadditionaldatafromthirdpartieswhichmaybeoflocalinterest.
Irecentlymadetheadditionofawebcamtodisplaythecurrentlocalconditions.Currentlythisuploadsastillimageeverytwominutes.Thewebsiteisstillworkinprogress,andIhopetomakefurtheradditionswherepossible.Hopefully,Iwillbeabletomakeitabitmoreinteractive,allowinglocalpeopletocontributeweatherrelatednewsandpictures.
EachAprilweorganiseourownlitterclearupofTollohillWoods,whichbordersontoourestate.AberdeenshireCouncilprovidesuswithlitterpickersandandarrangesupliftoftherubbish.Eachyearweclearanunbelievableamountoflitterfromthewoods.It'squiteshockingreally.ThewoodsareownedbyBanchoryLeggartEstateswhodecidedtoopenthemupforpublicaccessabout13yearsago.Generallythepublicarequiteconsiderateandrespectfulonhowtheyusethisarea,butlittertendstobeabigproblem.It'squitesurprisinghowsomedogwalkerswillclearuptheirdogwaste,thenthrowtherebagintothebushes,ortieittoatree!Theestatedoesn'tprovidelitterbins,andusersareexpectedtotaketheirwasteawaywiththem.
TherehavealsobeensomeproblemsaroundtheTollohillareawithsomedogwalkerscuttingthroughfieldsandprivateproperty,andevencuttinglargeholesinfencestolettheirdogsthrough.Thishascausedsomefrustrationforfarmersandlocalresidents.WearefortunateinScotlandto
havearighttoroam,butregretfully,thiscanoftenbeabusedbysome.
AtBeannacharwenowhavetwonewcraftworkshopswhichhaverelocatedoverfromCamphill'sMurtleEstateatMilltimber.Asculptureworkshop,andaToolsForSelfRelianceworkshopwhichworkswithhttp://www.tfsr.org/andreceivesdonatedhandtoolsandrefurbishesthemtoprovidetoolkitsforthirdworldcountries.TheseworkshopsareanewadditiontoourexistingoneswhichprovideavarietyofskillsandtrainingforourstudentsatBeannachar.
Andy Slapp www.beannachar.co.uk 01224 861200
BeannacharCamphillCommunity
�30
SCALLYWAGS IS A BRAND NEW INDOOR FAMILY RUN SOFT PLAY CENTRE
IT GIVES KIDS A FUN & SAFE ENVIRONMENT TO BE THE TRUE SCALLYWAGS THEY ARE!
90 Minute Play Under 1’s FREE 1 - 3 Y/O £4.00
4+ £5.00 Scallywags, Beach Front Promenade, Stonehaven Tel 01569 766600 www.scallywagssoftplay.co.uk www.facebook.com/scallywagssoftplay
�31
MaureenWattMSP
Sincethelastissue,floodinghasbadlyaffectedmuchofDeeside.Peoplehaveralliedtogetherandworkedwithcharitiesandgovernmenttoassistthosemostaffected,demonstratingthebestofDeesidecommunityspirit.IwaspleasedtosupporttheScottishGovernmentinproviding£16mof
fundingtoassistaffectedhomesandbusinesses.IhavealsoworkedwithcolleaguesincallingforAberdeenCityandShireCouncilstoensurethemoneywasmadeavailableasquicklyaspossibletothosewhoneededit.
MycolleaguesStuartDonaldsonMPandCallumMccaigMPhavepushedfortheUKGovernmenttoapplyforEUSolidarityFundmoneytofurtherassist,whicheventuallyhappened.Iampleasedthatanapplicationhasfinallybeenmade,andIhopeadditionalsupportwillbeavailable.Ihopepeoplewhowereaffectedarenowmanagingtogetthingsbacktonormal.
Bythetimeyoureadthis,campaigningfortheScottishParliamentelectionwillbewellunderway.It’sgoodtospendtimetalkingtopeopleacrosseverycorneroftheconstituencywithanenthusiasticteam,eventhoughtheweatherhasbeenunusuallypoorthisspring.Whateveryourpolitics,it’sworthconsideringtheoptionsandmakingsureyoumanagetocastbothyourvotes.
IhopeeveryonehereinSouthDeesidehasagoodsummer.I’vebeensupportingVisitScotland’s#scotspiritcampaign,wherewecanallhighlightthebestofourlocalarea.Thissummermightbeagoodtimetorememberwhatabeautiful,welcomingpartoftheworldwelivein,andtakeaweebreakinourownpartoftheworld.WeknowhowmuchDeesidehastooffer,solet’smakesureothersdotoo!
MP,MSPandCouncillors
StuartDonaldsonMP
ItisagreatpleasuretobeabletocontributetotheSouthDeesideview.SinceenteringParliamentIhavebeenchampioningcausesthatareimportanttopeoplelivinginWestAberdeenshireandKincardine.
ThishasincludedaccesstobroadbandandproblemswithinternetprovidersparticularlyBT.Accesstodecentinternetissoimportanttomanyaspectsofourlives.IwasdelightedthattheScottishGovernmenthasputanextra£10milliontowardsbroadbandinfrastructureinAberdeencityandshire.However,despiteimprovementsininfrastructuretherearemanywhowillstillexperiencedifficultyinaccessinginternetspeedsfitfor21stcenturylifestyles.Ifyouareexperiencingproblemswithaccessingtheinternetorindealingswithyourinternetproviders,IwouldencourageyoutogetincontactwithmeandIwillendeavourtohelp.
TherecentdropinoilpriceshashadaneffectonjobsacrosstheNorthEastincludinginWestAberdeenshireandKincardine.ThatiswhyIhavebeenpursuingtheGovernmenttoreducethetaxburdenontheoilandgasindustry.Thiswillhopefullyrestoreconfidenceandensurestheoilandgasindustrysurvivesandthrives,whilstcontinuingtoencouragetheinnovationskillsandexperiencethattheindustryisalreadyworldclassin.
Iandmyofficealwaysstandreadytohelpconstituentswhatevertheissue,sopleasedonothesitatetogetincontact.Youcancontactmyofficebyphone01330828171orbyemailStuart.Donaldson.MP@parliament.uk.
WouldyouliketoreachallthehouseholdsintheruralNorthKincardinearea?
Thispublicationishand-deliveredtoover1000premisesTwoissuesperyearinSpringandAutumn
WhynotconsiderplacinganadintheSouthDeesideView?ContactLynneon01569739132
Email:[email protected]
�32
FinallyIshouldaddmycongratulationstothetrusteesoftheCorbieHallforalltheworkthey–andmanyothers-havedoneinbringingitbackintouseafterthemajorfloodingearlierthisyear.Remarkable.
CllrCarlNelsonInlateDecember2015intoearlyJanuary2016,StormFrank(andtwosubsequentperiodsofpersistentrainfall)resultedinunprecedentedrainfallacrossAberdeenshirecausingwidespreadandlargescalefloodingfor
multipleareas.
Amajorincidentwasdeclaredontwooccasionsrequiringlargescalemulti-agencyresponseandrecoveryefforts.Significantdamagewascausedcreatinglongtermandhighcostinfrastructureandcommunityimpacts.
PoliceScotlandchairedthemulti-agencyresponsephaseofStormFrank,withtheinitialeventfocussingonDeeside.AtthemeetingoftheLocalResiliencePartnership(LRP)on31December2015,responsibilityfortherecoveryphasewaspassedtoAberdeenshireCouncil.Followingtheinitialresponsephasewhichlastedseveralweeks,alltheemergencyservicesandvariousAberdeenshiredepartments,andmanyvolunteers,workedtohelpthosewhohadlosttheirhomesandbusinesses.Ofcoursetherewasalsoseriousdamagetobridges,caravansites,androads.
AStrategicRecoveryGroup(SRG)chairedbyStephenArcher,DirectorofInfrastructureServiceswassetupwithrepresentativesfromeverycouncildepartmentservingonit,includingAreaManagers.TheSRGwillreporttotheStrategicLeadershipTeamandCouncilCommitteesasappropriate.
TheSRG’saimis:“WorkingwithlocalcommunitiestorestoreAberdeenshiretonormality”Strategicobjectivesare:WorkingacrosstheCouncilandthecommunitytoensure:Localcommunitiesareengaged,consulted,informedandsupportedatallstagesoftherecoveryprocess.
CllrIanMollisonThreeissueshavebeendominatingtheheadlineslocallyoverthelastfewweeks–theChapeltondevelopment,thestateoflocalroads,andbuildingoftheAberdeenby-pass.
Thelasttwoareofcourseconnected.Thecommunitycouncilhasbeenveryactiveinkeepingthe
impactonthelocalityatthetopoftheagenda.Theirpublicmeetingsarewellattendedwithby-passcontractorsandcouncilofficersbeingheldtoaccount.NodoubttheseissuesarewelldocumentedelsewhereintheSouthDeesideView.
Aswellasthestateoflocalroadscausedbyheavytrafficfortheby-passtherewasalsogreatdebateaboutextendingthehoursconstructionworkcouldbecarriedout.IwaspleasedwhencouncilofficersruledoutSundayworkinglocally.TheofficerswhodecidedontheapplicationwereIamsureinfluencedbythestrongcaseputforwardbyresidents.
Oneanomalywhichsurfaced(ifyoupardontheplayonwords)wasthedifferentwayrepairstodamagecausedbycontractors’vehicleswascarriedout.Onlyinourpartofthebypasswastheworkcarriedoutbycouncilemployeesandthecontractorsbilled.NorthoftheDeethatworkiscarriedoutbythecontractorsdirectly.Thankfullythatisbeingresolvedastheamountofworkwasdrainingcouncilresourcesawayfromroadmaintenanceelsewhere.
TurningtoChapelton,thedevelopersareplanningtobuildbungalowsandaboutiquehotelinthenextstage.Iamawarethattherehasbeenagreatdealofinterestinthebungalows,especiallyasfewdevelopersareprovidingany.
MeanwhiletheDukeofFifehaswonacourtbattleoverwhethersome£8millionshouldbepaidtotheNorthEast'sstrategictransportfund.TheCourtofSessionhasruledinfavouroftheChapeltondeveloper,andtheyneedonlypay£287,000.TheyfundingwasduetobeusedonmajorprojectssuchasanewbridgeacrosstheDee.ThedecisioncouldhaveimplicationsforcouncilsacrossScotland.AberdeenCityandShireStrategicDevelopmentAuthorityisconsideringappealingtotheSupremeCourt.
MP,MSPandCouncillors
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Thesafetyandwelfareofallengagedinthedeliveryoftherecoveryplan.AllCouncil’sinfrastructure,assetsandroadsarerepaired.Thehealth,wellbeingandhousingneedsofcommunitiesaremet.Appropriategovernanceandresourcesareinplacetodelivertherecoveryplan.
Theseareonlyafewofthemanystrategicobjectives.Workisongoingtoestablishthefullextentandcostsofthedamagecausedandremedialactionrequiredtorestorenormality.ThescaleoftheCouncilinfrastructuredamagealonewillresultinrecoverycostspotentiallyrunningintomillionsofpoundsandmayrequirearequestforfinancialsupportfromScottishGovernment.
Detailedsurveyworkisbeingundertakenacrossallaffectedareaswithanumberofoptionsbeingdevelopedtoreturnaffectedareasbacktonormal.Oncedetailedcostestimatesareknown,theywillbecollated,prioritised,reportedandmonitoredaspartoftherecoveryprogrammegovernance.
IhopeyoucanseefromthisreportthatAberdeenshireCouncilhasalong,hardtaskaheadofit.Wewishthemwell.
MP,MSPandCouncillors
CllrAlisonEvison
ThefloodswhichhitAberdeenshirecausedhugesufferingtoindividuals,devastatedbusinessesandattackedtheheartofthecommunity.Theresponsebyresidentshoweverwasfantastic,andtheteamsof
volunteerswhichcametogethertohelpintherecoveryshowedtherealspiritofthisarea.IrecentlyattendedameetingofCulterCommunityCouncil,andwasimpressedtohearpositivediscussionabouthelpingourareasouthoftheriverafterthefloods.
AberdeenshireCouncilissupportingaFloodRecoveryAppealsetupbyFoundationScotland,whichwilldistributefundstosupportindividualsandcommunityorganisationsrecoveringfromtheeffectsoftheflooding.Grantsareavailabletoindividualsaswellastovoluntaryandcommunitygroups.Itisexpectedthatthefundwillprovidealegacyofsupportforfutureneed.
Donationstothefundcanbemadeathttps://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/flood-recovery-appeal/donate-aberdeenshire/
Thosewishingtoapplyforfundscandosoat:https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/flood-recovery-appeal/apply-for-funding/ItwasmovingtoattendthemeetingoftheSouthDeesideUnderFivesatwhichthedifficultbutnecessarydecisionwastakentosuspendthegrouptemporarily.TheCommitteehadgiveneveryefforttofindinganalternativeoutcome,andtheircommitmentwasgreatlyappreciated.AberdeenshireCouncilofficersareawareoftheimportanceofthistypeofearlyyears’provisioninthearea.
TheworkontheAWPRcontinuestocreatechallengesforresidentsandtheCommunityCouncilhasbeenveryhelpfulinsettingupmeetingswiththeteam.AnyissuesrelatingtotheconstructionprojectcanbereferredtoJohnWilsonbyemailtoJohnW@aberdeencity.gov.ukorcanberaisedbypoppingintotheAWPRVisitorCentreatthefootoftheNetherleyRoad.RoaddefectscanbereportedtotheCouncilthroughtheAberdeenshirewebsite.
InFebruarytheBudgetagreedbyAberdeenshireCouncilincludedasubstantialincreasetotheAreaTop-UpFund.AnygroupswishingtoapplytothisfundshouldcontactKarenMcWilliamatViewmountinStonehaven.
TheworkoftheNorthKincardinePublicArtGroup,withwhichIhavebeeninvolved,isprogressingrapidlyandatreasuremapoflocalwalksshouldsoonbeavailable.Thiswillbeaccompaniedbyaweb-sitewithdetailsofplacesofinterest.HopefullythiswillinspiremanyexcitingexplorationsinNorthKincardine.CongratulationstoPortlethenAcademyfortheexcellentprogressbeingmadeinbothachievementandattainment.ItisgreattoseePortlethenappearinginmanypositivemediareports,whetherforinternationalworkinthecurriculum,education-businesspartnershipswithlocalcompanies,orformusicandsport.Finally,congratulationsalsotoallthoseinvolvedinthesuccessfulcommunitybuy-outoftheKirktonofMaryculterWood.Thisisarealassetwhichwillnodoubtbewell-used.
SurgeriesareheldinPortlethenAcademyonthe2ndMondayofeverymonth7pm-8pm(excludingJulyandAugust).Visitmywebsiteatwww.alisonevisonscottishlabour.com.
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StonehavenHeatedOpenAirPoolisauniqueattractionofferinghealthyfuneverydayinsummer;andit’sonthedoorstepforanyoneinSouthDeeside!
Openeveryday,theseasonisfromlateMaytoearlySeptember.Thefirstimpressionofthepoolisthatit’shuge–builttotheOlympic-sizeofthe1930s,it’sjustover50mlongandabout18mwide.Itissurroundedbyanattractive,art-decobuildingwhichsheltersthepoolandsunbathingterraces.Whendivingintothewater,orwalkingdownthesteps,yourfirstthoughtsareofhowwarmthewateris!Thebuoyant,saltyseawaterisfiltered,disinfectedandheatedtoafairlyconstant29°C;usuallywarmerthanmuchoftheMediterranean.
ThepoolisstaffedandoperatedtoahighstandardbyAberdeenshireCouncilwhilethecharity“TheFriendsofStonehavenOpenAirSwimmingPool”fundraiseandvolunteertheirtimetomaintain,promoteandenhancethePool.Theseeffortsresultinfunforkidswithsessionsontheinflatableswoopee,floattoysandapaddlingpoolforthesmallest‘swimmers’.Alsopopularwithkids,butenjoyedbyallages,isthelong(andfast!)chute.TheSplashcaféserveshotandcolddrinksandtastysnacksdaily,whileoutsidethereislotsoffreeparking.
Therearequietswimswithnomusicandnounaccompaniedchildren,timeswithlanesavailableforseriousswimming,aswellastheFunSessiontimes.Inhighseason–thelocalschoolholidays–openinghoursarelongerandthereareweeklymidnightswimswithdiscomusic.
Ticketsarevalidallday,andtherearemulti-dayandseasonticketsavailabletobuywhichoffergoodvaluetolocals.Fulldetailsofopeningdates,timesandpricesareonthewebsitewww.stonehavenopenairpool.co.ukandFacebook:StonehavenHeatedOpenAirPoolTel01569762134Email:[email protected]
Schloss Rothenburg Wines Wholesale Importer of Wines (Est. 1978)
Independent, local wine merchant, personally sourcing wines from around the world. From everyday easy drinking wines, to fine wines and champagnes. Most of our wines are not available anywhere else in the area.
Mixed cases available, delivery included. Contact us for our current wine list or if you are looking for a wine in particular, we are always pleased to try and source it for you.
Sinead Graham Sunnyside Farmhouse Maryculter AB12 5GT Email: [email protected] Web: www.schlossrothenburg.co.ukTel: 01224 733110
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AWeeDram?
Untilitclosedin1986,aMasswasofferedeveryWednesdayintheBlairsCollegechapelforthecollege’sbenefactors.Sadlythemanywhocontributedtothecollegeoverits157yearhistoryareinfrequentlyrememberednow.ThankstoarecentenquiryIhadachancetodoalittleresearchofmyownintooneofthosebenefactors.Thechapelopenedin1901andabovethealtarisafourpartstainedglasswindowbythefirm,MayerofMunich.TheleftsectiondepictstheAnnunciationwiththeinscription:‘PleaseprayforthebenefactorJohnGordonSmithEsq.Minmore.’
JohnGordonSmithwasborninGlenlivetin1822andwassenttoBlairsCollegeasalaystudentforfurthereducationatatimewhenmostwouldhaveleftschoolbytheageof10.Hisfather,George,wasawhiskydistillerwho,in1824,hadmadehimselfunpopularwithsomebyobtainingalicencetodistilsothatitwasalllegalandaboveboardwhenmostwerenot.AfterleavingBlairsJohnworkedinabankinElginandtheninalawyers’officeinEdinburgh.Hewasconsideredbyhisfathertobethemoreableofhistwo
sonstolearnaboutcommerceandthelawwhilehisolderbrother,William,providedthepracticalhelptohisfatherinrunningthefamilybusinesswhichincludedfarmingaswellasdistilleries.TragicallyWilliamsuccumbedtoconsumption(tuberculosis)in1846aged28soJohnmovedbacktoElgintofinishhislegaltrainingandspendmoretimehelpinghisfather–thedistilleriescouldnotmeetthedemand.Indeedthebrandwassosuccessfulthatotherswereusingthename‘Glenlivet’inordertoenhancetheirsales.In1870Johnandhisfatherregisteredthenameastheirtrademark,ayearbeforehisfather’sdeath.Butitwasnotuntil1884andafterafortunehadbeenspentinlegalfeesthatthematterwaseventuallysettledwithJohnsolelyabletousethename‘TheGlenlivet.’demonstratedeveninmusicbyJamesScottSkinner’spopularStrathspeyentitled‘TheGlenlivet’anddedicatedtoMajorSmith,Minmore.
Johnwasagreatinnovatorembracingthelatesttechnologytofurtherimprovethebusiness-heinstalledatelephoneatthedistilleryin1895;inthefollowingyearelectriclight,usingthedistillery’ssteamengineandin1897asteammotorcartmadeitsappearance.Johndidnotmarrybutbytheendofhislifein1901,hadmade‘TheGlenlivet’theworldfamousbranditremainstothisdaywitheverybottlebearinghisnameafterhisfather’s:‘GeorgeandJGSmith.’BothareburiedinthegraveyardatTombae,Glenlivet.
AdetailfromtheportraitbyHorsburghpresentedtoJohnGordonSmithbythe6thVolunteerBattalion,GordonHighlanders.CourtesyofChivasBrothers’Archive.
DuringhislifeJohnwasactiveinthecommunity–joiningthe6thVolunteerBattalionoftheGordonHighlandersatitsinceptionin1867andbecomingitshonorarycolonelafterhisretirementin1891;breedingpolled(hornless)andshorthorncattle(prizewinnersattheRoyalHighlandandAgriculturalSocietyofScotland)andClydesdalehorses;sittingonseverallocalcommitteesparticularlyoverseeingroadsinUpperBanffshireandalsoontheboardoftheGreatNorthofScotlandRailway;servingasadeputylieutenantaswellasanhonorarysheriff-substituteofBanffshireandsponsoringmanycommunityandcharityeventsintheGlen.AndhedidnotforgetBlairsCollege.
Johnisdescribedasa‘liberalbenefactortotheCollegeandcontributedtothenewchapelathisAlmaMater,BlairsCollege,whichwasofficiallyopenedonthe23rdOctober1901withtheBishopofAberdeenandformerrector,AeneasChisholm,preaching.BishopChisholmwasgratefultothebenefactors:“Iwishtoaskyouoneandalltojoininthegreatactofworship–thefirstMasswhichisbeingsaidinthischurchto-day–firstinthanksgivingtoAlmightyGodwhohasraisedupthosebenefactors,andsecondlyinaferventactofimpetrationthatHewouldshowerdownuponthemallmannerofgracesandbenedictions,whethertheybelivingordead:ifliving,aneverincreaseofgraceandhappiness;ifdead,thatHewouldgrantthempeaceandlifeeverlastingwithHimself.”
UnfortunatelyJohnhaddiedafewweeksearlieronthe13thSeptemberandbecauseoffailinghealth,itseemsunlikelythatheeversawhiswindowinitsplaceabovetheBlairsCollegechapelaltar.MayheandallthebenefactorsofBlairsCollegeberewardedasBishopChisholmwished.AndperhapswecanalsorememberJohnGordonSmith,Blairentian,withaweedram!
IanForbes,studentandteacheratBlairsCollegeandmanagerofBlairsMuseum.BlairsMuseum,SouthDeesideRoad,Blairs,AberdeenAB125YQtel01224863767Emailmanager@blairsmuseum.comwww.blairsmuseum.com
AWeeDram?
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MeikleCareweWindFarm
Meikle Carewe Wind Farm
The Meikle Carewe Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund supported several groups and projects in the area during 2015. Local groups who benefitted were Maryculter Driving For The Disabled £1200, Maryculter Friendship Club £1000, Maryculter Woodlands Trust £1260 and Lairhillock School Parent Council £3075.
The fund is administered by Kincardineshire Development Partnership (KDP) and managed by a Decision Making Panel made up of members of the local community councils. The fund is open for applications from 1 July to 30 September. A panel made up of representatives from the community council areas along with a representative from Kincardineshire Development Partnership (KDP) will then meet in November to consider applications.
www.kincardineshiredp.org/wind-farm-funding.html
You can find out more about the Wind Farm itself at www.meikle-carewe.co.uk
Friday 10th June
Aberdeenshire Hypnotherapy Are you having problems with
Stress and Anxiety, Lack of Confidence, Phobias and Fears, Weight Issues
Smoking, Sleeping?
Are these holding you back? Aberdeenshire Hypnotherapy can help
Now offering a half price taster/relaxation session to see if it feels right for you!
Find us on Facebook:
Aberdeenshire Hypnotherapy
Emma Armes Dip. Hyp
(HSOH) GQHP GHR Reg. CNHC
Reg.
Phone: 07415-535445Email: [email protected]
based in Cammachmore, opposite Newtonhill
South Deeside View & North Kincardine Rural Community Council
PLANT SALE & COFFEE MORNING
Great Selection of bushes, seedlings, herbaceous plants, herbs, vegetables & anything else green and growing!
SATURDAY 14th MAY 10.30am - noon
CORBIE HALL, MARYCULTER Adults £2.50 Children 50p includes tea/coffee/juice & homebakes
Profits going to Maryculter Scouts who are kindly assisting on the day
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Are you due a £122 rebate on your electricity bill from the
Wind Farm? £8,300 unclaimed! Did you know that there is £8,396 unclaimed from residents in the Meikle Carewe Wind Farm area who are eligible for a discount on their electricity bills? That’s over 60 homes. LEDS (Local Electricity Discount Scheme), appliable to Meikle Carewe Wind Farm, is offering people living and working within 3.5 kilometres of the 12-turbine wind farm an annual discount of £122 of f their electricity bill. The first LEDS payments at Meikle Carewe Wind Farm were made in May 2014. Make sure you get yours!
Check if this applies to you by visiting www.res-leds.com
Meikle Carewe Wind Farm Community Fund Applications open
1st July 2016 Applications for funds can be from groups and projects which benefit the communities living in our area. Over £20,000 available. Guidance and applications forms can be found on the Kincardishire Development Plan website at
www.kincardineshiredp.org/wind-farm-funding
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UsefulNumbersandInformation
BusServicesNumber103NicollCoaches0156137726www.aberdeenshire.go.uk
MontoFriCookneyChurch0735NetherleyBusShelter0738Banchory-DevenickCrossroads0753AberdeenLeggartTerrace0758AberdeenBridgeofDeeASDA0808
AberdeenBridgeofDeeASDA1745AberdeenLeggartTerrace1750Banchory-DevenickCrossroads1755NetherleyBusShelter1812CookneyChurch1815
Number204StagecoachBluebird01224212266www.stagecoachbus.com
StrachantoAberdeenviaBanchory,KirklandofDurris,KirktonofMaryculter*,WoodlandsofDurris,OldMillInn,BlairsPostoffice,LeggartTerrace,HolburnJunction
MontoFriDepartsStrachan0715ArrivesUnionSquare0820
DepartsUnionSquare1305TerminatesBanchory1401
TuesandFriOnly*DepartsBanchory0945ArrivesUnionSquare1038
DepartsUnionSquare1720ArrivesStrachan1827
Number22&23Kincardine&MearnsA2BDial-A-Bus01224665599(9.30amto3.30pmMontoFri)www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Aberdeenshirecouncil'sA2Bdial-a-busservicesprovidewheelchair-accessibledoor-to-doortransportforpeoplewhohavemobilitydifficulties.Theserviceisalsoopentopeoplewholiveinareaswithlimitedpublictransport.Inordertotravelyoumustregistertobecomeamember.
No.22ThursdayweeklyStonehaven-Netherley-Cookney-PortlethenDownies-Findon-Portlethen
No.23TuesdayweeklyKirktonofDurris-KirktonofMaryculter-Blairs-Banchory-Devenick-Portlethen
MPs,MSPsandCouncillors
StuartDonaldsonMP02072194618 [email protected]:StuartDonaldsonMP
[email protected] Facebook:MaureenWatt
CouncillorAlastairBews01224784594 [email protected]
CouncillorAlisonEvison07855682845 [email protected]@Alison2812Facebook:AlisonEvisonScottishLabourforAberdeenSouthandNorthKincardine
CouncillorIanMollison07747638348 [email protected]:CouncillorIanMollison
CouncillorCarlNelson01569730733 [email protected]
Castles DrumCastle,GardenandEstate
DrumoakCastle,Shop&TearoomOpen11.00-16.00
Gardens11.00-16.15Groundsopenallyearround
CrathesCastle,GardenandEstateByBanchory
Castle,GiftShop,Cafe,WalledGardenOpen10.30-17.00Estateopenallyearround
ww.nts.org.uk
DunnottarCastle Stonehaven
Castleopen9.00-18.00Tel01330860223
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GetAWPRupdatesONLINE TransportScotland www.transport.gov.scot NorthKincardineRuralCommunityCouncil(NKRCC) websitewww.nkrcc.org.ukMEETINGS NKRCCmeetingsareheldonthe3rdMondayeachmonth(excludingJulyandDecember) Comealongandaskquestionsofthepeopleinvolvedandseetheirpresentations. PleasecheckNKRCCwebsiteforinformationaboutindividualmeetingattendeesandtopics.
HomeDeliveries
NeilGammie,FernieflattFarm,Kinneffdeliversfreerangeeggsandhay/strawbalesfromonTuesdaysandFridays.Orders,byphone,e-mailoronlinemustbeinby5pmthedaybeforedelivery.Minimumorderis£8andpaymentondeliverybycashorcheque.Tel:01569750374/07790558880,Email:[email protected],www.fernieflattfarm.co.uk
FishGeorgeFairweatherdeliverswestoftheB979roadonThursdayafternoonsandeastoftheroadonFridayfrom11am.Phoneordersaheadtoestablishapproximatetiming.Tel:07974311326
CoalJ.H.RobertsofAuchenblaedeliversordersinourareaonMondaymornings.Stocksofavarietyofsmokelessfuelsanddomesticcoaltosuitmosttypesofstovesandopenfires.Alsostockwoodpelletsforwoodboilers,recycledwoodbriquettes,peat,softwoodlogs,heavydutyplasticcoalbunkersandkindlingbothfordeliveryandcollection.Tel01561320335
BookingsofHallsandGroundsLairhillockSchoolChristineSawardTel01569732520,Email:[email protected]
StTernan’sChurchCommunityRoomSheila Tel01569731608Audrey Tel01569730600
MaryculterChurchHall&GlebeFieldAnneMassie Tel01224732071
UsefulNumbersandInformation
CookneyCommunityHallWillieAngusTel01569730123Email:[email protected]
MaryculterCommunityHall&CorbieFieldTel07960231855Email:[email protected]
MobileLibrary
FortnightlyonThursdayswww.aberdeenshire.gov.uk
26May,9,23June,7,21July.Callforfuturedates.
KirktonofMaryculter 9.00-9.10amFernieslackCottage,Blairs 9.20-9.30amDolleucharsCroft 9.30-9.40amBanchory-DevenickCrossroads 10.05-10.25am
AberdeenshireCouncil
GeneralEnquiries 03456081208www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Police
Emergencies 999or112Non-emergencies 101Crimestoppers 0800555111DrugsInformationLine 0800371553
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What’sOn
May
14 PlantSale-NKRCCSDV
14 SolsticeNurseriesatDuthiePark
16 NKRCCMeeting
22 SolsticeNurseriesatWesthillWellbeing
28 SolsticeNurseriesOpenDay
28 Banchory-DevenickSchoolFair
June
4 AberdeenAeromodellersHeliNats
5 AberdeenAeromodellersHeliNats
9/10/11 CulterTheatreClubProduction-BlitheSpirit
10 CookneyHallCoffeeMorning
16/17 UryPlayersProduction-ChaseMeUpFarndaleAve
20 NKRCCAGM
26 AberdeenAeromodellersLongestDayFly-in
July
1 MeikleCareweCommunityFundopensforapplications
4 RedwingRidingSchoolOpenDay
9 SolsticeNurseriesOpenDay
Aug
15 NKRCCMeeting
Sep
19 NKRCCMeeting
30 MeikleCareweCommunityFundapplicationslastday
Oct
17 NKRCCMeeting
29 HalloweenDanceatCookneyHall
In-TREE-ging! Willthistenacioustrunkgodowninhistory?
RooteddefiantlyinfrontofKingcausieHouse,Maryculter,it’smakingalaststandagainsttheAWPRslicingandblastingallaroundit.
Whatisitssurvivalsecret?Doyouknow?
SouthDeesideViewPublishedinspringandautumn
