Ballater & crathie Community magazine no. 73 spring 2014 ÂŁ1 Donation
Ballater Eagle
Inside Your Spring Eagle:
A plethora of brightness to cheer your day as Winter splurges into Spring. News, features, thank yous, fundraising feats and a packed diary will keep you entertained and informed until June. pg feature 4-5 Diary 7 Letter from the Ed 17 Police Scotland 21 Keeping Council 22 The Seven Wells Walk 29 Crathie Parish 30 Crathie School 32 Ballater School 36 BIG Night Out 38 Cats Protection 39 A Day to Savour 40 CNPA 43 Thank You, Betty! 45 Pottering About 48 Relinquishing Control 53 Butchers See Red 55 Wanted: Firefighters 56 Ballater’s Bridges 58 Sandals and Socks 61 Library News cover photo supplied by Ian Cameron Advertising
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local groups
B&C Community Council: 9 Ballater Community Enterprise: 15 Ballater Films: 51 Ballater Highland Games: 11 Ballater (RD) Ltd: 15 Brandie School of Dancing: 13 BRHS: 26 Boules: 24 Bowling: 35 Community Bus: 10 DDDP: 17 Eagle Volunteers: 16 Enhancement Group: 46 Floral Art: 27 Indoor Bowling Club: 8 Ladies Golf: 8 Rotary Club: 12 St Kentigern’s: 20 SWRI: 27 Upper Deeside Music 11 V&A Memorial Halls: 25 Victoria Week: 18
handy to have
Advertisers Index: 63
Donations
Full page: £100; Half page: £50; Quarter page: £25; Eighth page: £12
Thanks to Alex and Anne Grant, and to Chrissy Morrison for their generous donations to the Ballater Eagle
Discounts on 4 issue series copy can be changed each issue contact Faye Swan at info@swandesign.uk.com or Tel 55345
Donations are gratefully received, and acknowledged. You can also put money into our tins in the Library or Yules Newsagents.
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The Eagle Diary
...so you know What’s Going On
March Tue 4 Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) Wed 5 Ash Wednesday Communion Service St Kentigern’s Church 10.30am Ballater Business Association meeting at Glen Lui Hotel, 7.30pm Thu 6 The Movie Quiz from Ballater Films, Deeside Inn, 7.30pm Fri 7 Women’s World Day of Prayer St Kentigern’s Church, 7pm Mon 10 Ballater and Crathie Community Council, Mike Sheridan Room, 7pm Tue 11 Glenmuick Parish and St Kentigern’s Episcopal Churches joint Lenten Lunch in Glenmuick Church Hall, 12-2pm Thu 13 BVW Brainstorm 3, Deeside Inn, 7.30pm Tue 18 Lenten Lunch in Glenmuick Church Hall 12-2pm Wed 19 SWRI Open Evening – Theme is “Twa Doric Quines”, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm Thu 20 Quiz in aid of Ballater Primary School, Deeside Inn, 7.30pm Sat 22 Ballater Films presents Turbo (U), Mike Sheridan Room, 3pm Ballater Films presents Sunshine on Leith (PG), Mike Sheridan Room, 7pm Tue 25 Lenten Lunch in Glenmuick Church Hall, 12-2pm Sat 29 Ballater Golf Club Ladies Section – Tea and “Pieces” at 10am Bingo in aid of the Rifle Club, Barrel function room, 7.30pm Live Music at the Deeside Inn Sun 30 Mothering Sunday; British Summertime begins April Tue 1 Lenten Lunch in Glenmuick Church Hall, 12-2pm Wed 2 Ballater Business Association meeting at Glen Lui Hotel, 7.30pm Fri 4 Easter Bingo, Ballater School, all welcome, doors 6.30pm; Term ends Sun 6 Upper Deeside Music, Lorimer String Quartet, St Kentigern’s Church, 4.30pm Mon 7 BRHS Mini Bulb Show followed by talk by Lesley Glasser – Pelargoniums, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm Tue 8 Lenten Lunch in Glenmuick Church Hall, 12-2pm Sat 12 Alistair Savage at the Albert Hall, tickets £8 from Deeside Deli, BYOB Live Music at the Deeside Inn Mon 14 Weekly morning cafe reopens at Crathie Kirk Hall, 10-12.30am Ballater and Crathie Community Council AGM, Crathie Church Hall, 7pm Wed 16 SWRI Business Meeting to be conducted by Tarland WRI, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm Fri 18 Good Friday; Ballater Library closed Sat 19/20 BikeFestival Demo Weekend and BBQ, Cyclehighlands
Are Your Dates Here?
For inclusion in this FREE section of the Eagle, please contact Cat Houston on 55243, 07805 731401 (texts welcome) or catrionahouston@yahoo.co.uk
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Sun 20 Mon 21 Thu 17 Sun 20 Thu 24 Sat 26 Sat 26/27
Easter Sunday Ballater School term starts Floral Art Demo by Gill Garrow, “Touch Wood”, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm Easter Sunday Communion Service, St Kentigern’s Church, 9.30am Quiz in aid of Ballater Pipe Band, Deeside Inn, 7.30pm Bingo in aid of the Pipe Band, Barrel function room, 7.30pm Run Balmoral May Sat 3 Tea Party for Diabetes, 17 Hawthorn Place, 10.30-3pm, all welcome Mon 5 Bank Holiday – Ballater Clinic closed from 12 noon Mon 12 Ballater and Crathie Community Council, Beaton Craigie Room, 7pm BRHS Talk by K Patterson, The Eden Project, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm Thu 15 Floral Art Talk by Ann Allan “Going for Gold at Chelsea 2013 - Far Below the Sea Blooms”, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm Sat 17 -23 Ballater Walking Festival Sun 18 Upper Deeside Music Scottish Reed Trio, Darroch Learg Hotel, 4.30pm Sat 31 Bingo in aid of the Rifle Club, Barrel function room, 7.30pm June Sat 7 BRHS Plant Sale on the Green 9.30am to 12 noon Thu 19 Floral Art Workshop “Leaf Manipulation.” Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm Sat 28 Bingo in aid of the Pipe Band, Barrel function room, 7.30pm We are seeking a new diary secretary to take on the collation of this information every quarter. Please get in touch if you would like to help. Access to email and Facebook useful.
Post Office Opening Hours
Mon, Tues, Wed: 9am - 5.30pm Thursday - 9am - 12.30pm Friday - 9am - 5.30pm Saturday - 9am - 12.30pm
Ballater Library Opening Hours Sun, Mon & Wed: Closed Tuesday: 10am-1pm, 6.30-8pm Thursday: 2-4pm, 6.30-8pm Friday: 2-5pm Saturday: 10am-12noon
Hand in to the Library Post to Ballater Eagle, c/o Ballater Library, Ballater, AB35 5QB
email to: ballater.eagle@btopenworld.com
Contributions of any kind (ideally in Word format) always welcome.
Keep in Touch with an Eagle Subscription A subscription can be a very welcome gift to farflung friends and relatives. Simply provide the name and address to whom the issues should be sent, with a cheque or postal order for ‘Ballater Eagle’ for the relevant amount and drop off your request to Ballater Library. Betty, our Subscriptions secretary, will do the rest. Easy! For the rates below, four issues will be posted. UK: £12.00 EU: £16.00 Overseas: £20.00
Contact Your Representatives
Scottish Parliament
Dennis Robertson MSP email: dennis.robertson.msp@scottish.parliament.uk
0791 955 7152 (mobile)
Westminster Sir Robert Smith MP 01330 826549 email: robert.smith.mp@parliament.uk
Aberdeenshire Council Peter Argyle: 013398 82973 email: cllr.p.argyle@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Geva Blackett: 013397 41541 email: cllr.g.blackett@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Katrina Farquhar: 07876 475403 email: cllr.k.farquhar@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Cairngorms National Park Katrina Farquhar email: cllr.k.farquhar@aberdeenshire.gov.uk 07876 475403
Eagle Who’s Who & Where Editor: Ian Hay 55941 Treasurer: Dr. Sheila Sedgwick 55292 Subscriptions Secretary: Betty Wilson 55791 Advertising Manager: Faye Swan 55345 Distribution: Andy and Julie Bloor Diary Secretary: Cat Houston 55243 Design: Ollie Ross, Stella Potter, Cat Houston, Karen Major email us at: ballater.eagle@btopenworld.com Eagle Online: http://www.ballatercommunity.com
If you would like a large print version of the Eagle, please contact Ballater Library on 55628.
Letter from the Editor It was with great sadness that the Eagle Team learned of the recent passing of Marion Macintyre. For many years, Marion has been the Eagle’s Crathie correspondent, collating community information from the village for inclusion in our magazine. She was also one of our volunteers who delivered the Eagle on South Deeside, from the Distillery Brae to Polhollick – no small task – but she took this on willingly, in her usual pleasant, quiet way. Marion was also very involved with CLAN, raising funds through quizzes and other events such as the annual Coffee Morning at the Distillery, and also working in the shop. Crathie and Ballater have lost a wonderful, active member of the community. I for one feel privileged to have known her, and will miss her happy smile, and willing approach to all aspects of her involvement with the Eagle.
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Portrait: Eilidh Gow
Contact the Eagle
A community magazine as vibrant and popular as the Ballater Eagle, could not exist without contributions of articles and photographs from local people, and from some folks further afield, as well as regular features to maintain the high standards expected by its readers. In this respect the Eagle is extremely fortunate, with many people willing and prepared to put a little work into providing stories, reflections, poems and photographs. For this we are extremely grateful, but we are ever on the lookout for new ideas and items for inclusion in each succeeding issue. Do you have an interest or talent which you might share with our readers? If so, please contact us by any of the means set out in page ?? Your input is required!! The production of the Eagle is very much a team effort, with articles etc. being checked for suitable content and edited, advertisements designed, and then articles, photographs and advertisements all put together by the designated designer for that particular issue. The four weeks prior to submission of the copy to the printers can be quite hectic, but also rewarding for those involved. We are at present actively looking for a Diary Secretary to gather and collate details of activities taking place within the Ballater and Crathie area. A certain amount of computer literacy would be welcome but is not essential. Do you wish to get involved in maintaining our magazine at the top of the popularity ratings? If so, please do get in touch.
Ian Hay
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Local Group News
Indoor Bowling by Sheila Rumbles
The Indoor Bowlers had a successful Christmas celebration get-together when everyone enjoyed themselves. We have our sessions on a Tues/Wed at 2-4pm and 7-9pm in the Victoria Hall and any new members are always welcome. Contact Sheila Rumbles on 013397 55905.
A round-up of news from our local groups Got something to say about your group? Get in touch.
ballater.eagle@ btopenworld.com
Vegetables, Herbs & Fruit Fresh Daily
Homemade in store: Quiches, Tarts, Salads, Soups, Sandwiches
Buffets catered for Fabulous Fresh Flowers Bunches to Bouquets 47 Bridge Street, Ballater 013397 55741 Open Monday - Saturday
Ballater Ladies Golf
Lady members and social members of Ballater Golf Club are invited to a coffee morning on Saturday 29th March at 10.00am to mark the start of the 2014 golf season. Coffee and “pieces” will be available for a small charge and afterwards, ladies will have the opportunity to play golf in the sweeper. The Ladies committee looks forward to welcoming you at the golf course.
Lizzie’s Tea Party for Diabetes takes place on Saturday May 3 at 17 Hawthorn Place, Ballater, from 10.30am to 3pm. All are welcome. This year’s theme is “Mad Hatters”.
Community Council
by Francis Duguid I wanted to inform the community of the meeting that we held just before Christmas. As vice chair of the Ballater and Crathie Community Council I was asked to arrange a meeting with key organisations in Ballater that are working on community projects and to look at what role the Community Council could play in assisting or supporting community projects in general. A meeting was held in the Victoria and Albert Halls on the 10th December where all the groups present shared information about what they are currently doing, planning to do, and what they would like to see done for the benefit of our community. The purpose of this, as well as being better informed, was for all of us to better support each other, and potentially collaborate where appropriate. We wanted to discuss how we can stay informed and work together to identify and address aspirations for the future of our community. The meeting was very well attended, positive and it was agreed that the Community Council should lead on a review of the original Action Plan for Ballater (BOVOF) which was prepared in 2009. As a document it set out Ballater’s aspirations and intentions and prioritised how these would be addressed. The document had a lot of positive outcomes and a huge amount of input from individuals and organisation within the community. It was also well supported by Aberdeenshire Council and the Cairngorms National Park Authority. To update this document is no easy task and we will therefore establish a steering group to look at the best means to refresh this document for the community. We are committed and determined that this should be a participatory process
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which will give everyone the chance to contribute. Following our January meeting the Community Council has endorsed me to lead this process and I will be contacting organisations and individuals to help with this review and wider consultations. Finally I would reiterate my support for a process which seeks the community’s views and helps effective working across organisations all to the betterment of the community.
DARROCH LEARG Dinner 7-9pm
Sunday Lunch 12-2pm
Recommended in the Good Food Guide Scotland the Best AA Inspectors’ Choice Hotel Darroch Learg, Braemar Road, Ballater AB35 5UX Telephone 013397 55443 enquiries@darrochlearg.co.uk
RED
10 Most of you will have seen BRD’s big red minibus in the village or further afield. Here are a few common queries answered… Who can book the Bus? Recognised community groups, such as children’s or youth groups, sports clubs, church groups, organisations for the disabled or elderly; also more informal groups or individuals needing transport to places of worship, community activities, cultural and/or educational, social events, recreational events. How Many Can You Take? The bus seats 16 people (plus the driver). It can accommodate up to two wheelchairs. Can I book the bus and drive it myself? No. We undertake to provide a trained driver. This ensures your safety, protects the condition of the vehicle and is a requirement of our remit. Who pays your drivers? Our drivers are all volunteers. What you pay goes directly towards the running costs of the vehicle.
The Big Red Bus
by Ian Richie
Can I volunteer to be a driver? Yes. We are always pleased to welcome new drivers to our group of volunteers and if you can give a little of your time it would be greatly appreciated by your community. For further information contact Gillian in the BRD office. Can I book the bus to help me move a fridge-freezer? Sorry, it’s a passenger-carrying vehicle only! If your organisation or group would like to book the use of the minibus, please also contact Gillian. Telephone: 013397 55467. Email: ballaterdeeside@btinternet.com
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Pic: Michael Preston
2014 is our 150th birthday year!
Ballater Highland Games were first instituted in 1864, with the first Gathering being held on Wednesday 27th July on the Church Green in Ballater. A crowd of around 700 was in attendance (in 2013 around 4,000 attended). The total income for the Games of 1864 was £18 9s 6d and expenditure of £17 7s 6d left a balance of £1 2s. The total prize money was £12 5s. In 1889, as the Games grew in popularity, Monaltrie Park was chosen as the new venue, with its spectacular setting between the crags of Craigendarroch and, across the River Dee, the pine-covered Craig Coillich. Wars, of course, had the consequence that there were no Games for those years, so that there have not been 150 actual Games Days, but nevertheless the Ballater Highland Games organisation can celebrate its birthday this year. Do come along on Thursday 14th August and help us celebrate, hopefully on a day of lovely weather! The officials elected at the recent AGM to serve in this birthday year are: Chairman – John Sinclair; Vice Chairman – Scott Fraser; Treasurer – Gordon Riddler; Company Secretary – Alan Mitchell; Games Secretary – Ron Drever. For more information and photos have a look at our website: www.ballaterhighlandgames.com
by Margaret Glennie and Mary Fennell
Covering the North East of Scotland
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by Ron Drever
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So far we have had a very successful season, with the string duo High Heels and Horsehair, the Maxwell String Quartet, the Williams Duo and the Arunda Wind Quartet all featuring. On Sunday 6 April the Lorimer String Quartet will be performing a fascinating programme of classical and Scottish music in St Kentigern’s. Sunday 18 May sees a return to the Darroch Learg Hotel for a recital by the Scottish Reed Trio, followed by the opportunity to join the committee and, it is hoped, the musicians for dinner. We look forward to having good audiences at the UDM concerts by these outstanding young musicians. If this kind of music appeals do come along. UDM is most grateful to Ballater Victoria Week for the donation of £100, which will be a great help towards the cost of reconditioning the Steinway piano at the Darroch Learg for the use of performers.
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Rotary
by Mike Powell
It seems premature to be thinking of spring already, as, at the time of writing this, there is a gale blowing outside and it doesn’t feel like spring is going to arrive any time soon. It was good that, for the first time Aboyne and Upper Deeside Rotary Club had a stall at the Winter Festival. The preChristmas line of silver collection, which has become an annual event, was shorter than usual and fell victim to the wind and rain. We are, however, grateful to all those who contributed. The money you generously help us to raise each year all goes to worthy causes locally and internationally, including support for the development of young people. Pictured is Ian Hay (not the editor of the Eagle – the other one!), of the Victoria and Albert Halls, being presented with a cheque for the Halls Improvement Project by Rotarian
Carnelian
Ruth Powell, the Club’s Community Services Convenor, and this year’s Club President Rotarian John Halkett. As many of you will know the Club meets twice a month at the Glen Lui Hotel where we are very well served by Susan and her staff, and twice a month at the Boat Inn in Aboyne. We are also grateful to Joanna at the Deeside Inn for hosting the Club when the Glen Lui was closed one week. New members are always welcome, so if you would like to know more about what we do, and how to join, or if you would just like to come along to one of our meetings as a guest, please contact me; Mike Powell on 013398 86369 or mike.powell21@ tiscali.co.uk We’re delighted to have recruited two new members to the Club recently - Stuart Barns from Ballater and Mike Smith from Aboyne.
Firewood
“Feel Good Factor”
Lynn Park – Massage Therapist Swedish Remedial Massage Thermo Auricular Therapy 1 Netherley Place, Ballater Tel 07793 354249
Tel: 013397 55997 Mobile: 07821 746756 email: weejim03@live.co.uk web: www.weejim.webs.com
Thank You!
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from The Brandie School of Dancing Pupils from the Brandie School of Dancing got together to say a big “Thank you!” to the local groups who helped pay for their recent acquisition of some uniform practicewear. The school, led by Ballater’s Fiona Reid, was formed around 18 years ago and with over 90 pupils from age four and up it is now wellestablished with many pupils, girls and boys, claiming trophies at local highland games every
summer. Classes are held across Deeside every week in Ballater, Aboyne and Braemar. The practicewear, consisting of natty black shorts and vest with the school’s logo on, with optional warm hoodies, was subsidised with fundraising from the school’s medal nights, and also through donations from Ballater’s Charitable Chiels and Ballater Victoria Week. Fiona said: “We really appreciate the Chiels’ and BVW’s donations towards the practicewear the pupils and their families have worked hard to fundraise for them too. It’s just fantastic, the pupils were very involved in the style of the uniform and it makes them feel part of the school. I think it gives them a purpose and in return they deliver better in class.” Fiona is adding a new string to her bow this spring when she plans to start Mini-Movers classes in the area too. Mini-Movers is designed for parents and their children aged 0 to 4 years and uses music, nursery rhymes, drama and
dance with props to provide fun-based movement activities for pre-schoolers. For more information contact Fiona Reid on 013397 56176. Pictured are some of the pupils from the Brandie School of Dancing’s Ballater class and with Fiona Reid (front centre), Charitable Chiels Brian Florence, Barry Florence, Scott Fraser and John Sinclair, and Ballater Victoria Week’s Ade Scripps.
Bill Yule PGA Golf Professional Tuition available £20 per 1/2 hour - 5 Lessons for £80 Non Members Welcome! *Gift Vouchers Available*
Stockist of:
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Ballater Golf Shop
*Open 7 Days a Week* Ballater Golf Club
Victoria Road, Ballater AB35 5QX Tel. 013397 55658 Email: shnyule@aol.com
Ballater (Royal Deeside) Ltd by Jack Coull
Dynamic Scale Loop (DSL) Manufacturer Design & Manufacture of Test Equipment/Test Rigs Laboratory Equipment Design & Repair Calibration Labview Programming
013397 55856 Techbox Systems, Aspen Lodge, Braemar Road, Ballater AB35 5RQ www.techboxsystems.com
C.S.M. Handyman J.Lanigan All the little jobs you can’t get any1 to do
general maintenance inside and out, gutter cleaning, garden tidying, chimney sweep, etc. Strathgirnoc Farmhouse South Deeside Road Ballater Tel. 013397 56227 Mobile 07506951506 Email: C-S-M_Aerials@hotmail.co.uk Web: csmhandyman.co.uk
sales@techboxsystems.com
FRASER & MULLIGAN Your local solicitor and estate agent
Buying and Selling Property Wills and Powers of Attorney Trusts and Executries Notarial Executions Resident Solicitors 24 Bridge Street, Ballater, AB35 5QP Tel No. 013397 55633 Fax No. 013397 55564 ballater@fraser-mulligan.co.uk
BRD held its AGM on 28 November and the three directors who were due to end their spell of duty all indicated willingness to stand again and were duly elected. Previous reports for this magazine have repeatedly expressed the hope that The Dalmochie Lumberjack Project would be progressing towards the conclusion of the land purchase from The Forestry Commission. We have encountered many time-consuming and frustrating legal delays but I am assured by the solicitors and insurance agents that completion is to be expected by mid-February. The ground will then be leased to the Ballater Historic Forestry Project Association who will be in a position to apply for planning permission for the cabin reconstruction. Fund sourcing continues towards the cost of a feasibility study for the proposed Heritage Centre. A local architect has kindly viewed the suggested sites and has given the project strong approval and
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provided suggestions. The granite Welcome stone sourced from a local quarry is about to be delivered to the mason for engraving and should be in place soon. We are looking at the provision of a secure electricity supply for the Church Green as the current (sic) method of cables across roadways is unsafe. Work continues to identify a suitable site for a proposed Skate Park which would be of great benefit for the youth of Ballater. Our membership stands at 180 but we are always seeking new members with interest in ongoing projects and to suggest and assist in new challenges. Membership at a one-off cost of £1 is good value and is an indication of support for an organisation which aims at benefiting Ballater and its residents.
by Paddy Wright
Ballater Community Enterprise Most readers will have noticed that the former Caravan Park offices have been demolished and replaced with a new timber-clad building, which is on target for completion in early March. Commissioning will follow and the building should be ready for the start of the season on 1st April. In addition to the Wardens’ office, it will house offices for Ballater (RD) Ltd, Ballater Community Enterprise Ltd and the laundry. The former building was originally used by the ATC, and I’m sure that the memories of many locals will have been touched by its disappearance. However, it was well past its sell-by date and not suitable for present purposes. One feature is that one complete pitch of the roof will support photovoltaic panels, the green output of which will be fed into the grid. This should significantly reduce our large electricity bills. Thanks must go to the building consultant and contractor whose efforts have ensured that the building is on time and roughly within budget.
The absence of snow and severe frosts has also been a great boon. It is hoped to have a modest opening ceremony in the Spring. Meanwhile the Board of BCE Ltd is prioritising other improvements to the site, such as refurbishment of the Toilet Block, provision of WIFI, and replacement of the wardens’ caravan. The Board of BCE is also investigating the possibility of purchasing of the park. This would save the rent which is presently paid to the landlord, and would also return ownership to the Ballater Community, where, arguably, it belongs. It was originally established by Ballater Town Council!
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Milestone Volunteers
Shortly after I became involved in the Ballater Eagle, an effort was made to expand the area covered by the news and information within each issue, and thus the area for delivery. With assistance of funding from Aberdeenshire Council and Cairngorms Leader +, a survey of homes in Crathie, South Deeside, Glen Muick, Glen Gairn, Tulloch and Cambus O’ May was conducted, to establish what interest there might be from then residents. The feedback was very positive, and in mid2004, copies of the Eagle were posted to homes in those areas. Obviously however, this was, even then an expensive exercise, and an appeal was made for residents in the now expanded area of distribution, to volunteer to deliver copies of the Eagle to these outlying homes. In true community spirit, several people offered their services and since then around
by Ian Hay
275 copies of each issue of the Eagle have been delivered in this way, thus doing away with the need for postal charges. Although some of the original volunteers are no longer able to undertake these duties, five are still beavering away on behalf of their community, and our photograph shows some of these stalwarts accepting a small token of thanks from the Eagle for their show of community spirit over the past 10 years. Unfortunately, Trevor O’Halloran, who delivers in Glen Muick, was unable to attend the photoshoot. Meanwhile of course, as always, we greatly appreciate the hard work undertaken by Andy and Julie Bloor in delivering within Ballater village.
Pictured: Eagle Editor Ian Hay says a special thank you to John Holley, Jean Holley, Hugh Inkster and Gunner, and May Clark.
Police Report
by Donald McLeod
Hopefully by the time you are reading this, the weather will have dried off a wee bit! Since the last Police report in the Eagle, officers in Ballater have been kept busy with a number of duties in and around the area. Over the last couple of months we have unfortunately seen a small spike in vandalism in the village. It is sad to see that we have some mindless individuals in the community who think that it’s acceptable to damage other people’s property. In the wider area, we continue also to be blighted by sneak-in thefts either to vehicles or property. Once again, as in previous reports, I urge you all to remain vigilant and lock things up, be it your car, shed or house door at night. If you require any crime prevention advice then staff at this office will be only too glad to provide tips on how to best secure your property. Good news is that there is a proposal for the
DDDP
Ballater office to have front office staffing Monday – Friday between the hours of 0900–1700, with effect from March. Once this proposal has been finalised, details will be published. If you require to speak to a Police officer then pop into the office or alternatively you can call the non-emergency Police line by dialling 101 and ask to be put through to the Ballater office. If no one is on duty or available, they will be advised via email to contact you.
by Nick Mardall
Community Action Plan The main point I would like to cover in this issue of the Eagle is the developments around the Community Action Plan, which are being led by the Ballater and Crathie Community Council (BCCC). The BCCC agreed early last year to look into the benefits of a community-wide approach to issues and projects within the village. Francis Duguid as vice chair was assigned the task of leading this work. As a result Francis organised a meeting, which he describes on page 9. It is commendable of the BCCC to commit to this undertaking of reviewing the previous action plan for the village and to ensure that the process voices the needs of the community and everyone has a chance to be heard. Any review and subsequent outcomes of the action plan will be supported by Aberdeenshire Council and the Cairngorms National Park Au-
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thority as it demonstrates a coherent and focused attempt by the community to address the issues which it faces. I wholeheartedly support the BCCC in this process and will assist where appropriate. Website Assistance Finally and as always a reminder about the small fund available from the Cairngorms National Park Authority to help local groups establish or improve their group or project websites. If anybody is interested in applying for this fund please contact me on the details below as I have the guidance and application forms. Several groups in Ballater have already taken up the offer and received funds up to nearly £1,000 so don’t let the opportunity pass for your group to benefit. Again I would ask folk to contact me if they have any project or funding they would like me to help them pursue. Email Nick.dddp@btconnect. com or tel 013397 53775.
Ballater Victoria Week 2014
amy muir
by Cat Houston
Photography Scrabble for new ideas
Digital Image Restoration Slide and Negative Scanning Instant Photo Printing Passport Photos Film Developing VHS & Cinefilm to DVD Photo Shoots Portraits/Weddings Cards, Prints and Postcards Camera Accessories
Station Square, Ballater
013397 55522
www.amymuir.com
THE SILVER THISTLE Highland Wear Highland Accessories Highland Dancing Bagpipe Accessories Jewellery Quality Gifts Tartan Fashion & Gifts
46 Bridge Street, Ballater, AB35 5QD Tel: 013397 56200 www.silverthistleballater.com
Two Brainstorm sessions for 2014 have brought forth a gamut of new ideas for the nine-day festival of fun in August. Suggestions for new events include a murder mystery evening, a scarecrow-themed fun run, speed dating (with a twist), a treasure hunt, a kids’ quiz, a food safari, climbing wall, ancestry event, WW1 centenary commemorations, and even a Scrabble competition. Pantomime Horse Dressage is another wacky idea that is taking legs... 2014 sees the Commonwealth Games come to Glasgow and it’s the Year of Homecoming Scotland so it is hoped these events will also inform some of the themes that make BVW special this year. A search for new team names for the different duck colours, following the success of the Ninjas (black) and Stormtroopers (white) last year, has led to the notion that local groups could “adopt” a duck colour and benefit from the proceeds. Details will emerge soon...! It is hoped that all the usual BVW favourites, such as the 4x4 Safari, Ghost Tours, and countess musical, sporting and outdoor events will also take place alongside the novelties. This year’s Pet Show and Discos theme is Hollywood Heroes and Heroines and the Scarecrows will no doubt take centrestage again. The Talent Show will be repeated. The final BVW Brainstorm 2014 takes place on Thursday March 13 at the Deeside Inn, Victoria Road, Ballater, at 7.30pm. All are welcome to Be Amused.
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Design a Tartan for BVW! It’s time BVW had its own tartan, and how better to celebrate The Year of Homecoming Scotland 2014 than by holding a competition to design one? Budding designers can take inspiration from our beautiful surroundings, all things Victorian, BVW itself or indeed anything you like. You can use coloured pencils, felt pens, paint, or any medium you prefer. Forms are available from the library and several other outlets in the village, such as Yule’s and RockSalt and Snails. You can also find more details on Facebook or online at our new-look website: www.ballatervictoriaweek.co.uk. You can design it on a computer and attach a printout or email it to myriadpro@yahoo.co.uk Remember to add your name and tell us a bit about what inspired you. It’s free and open to anyone of any age (but Ballater School’s taking part, so expect some stiff competition!) As well as the honour of seeing their tartan all over Victoria Week, the winning designer also gets to choose a toy/product from The Silver Thistle in an available tartan (Ts&Cs apply). We plan to use the tartan on printed and other materials. Closing Date: Sunday 30 March.
Tea towel bargains!
The Victorian Heritage Trail tea towels on sale during BVW are now available to order. The tea towels were kindly donated by Discover Royal Deeside and are presently on sale in Lucy’s Clothing Shop, Brown Sugar Cafe and The Deeside Inn but we would like to increase the number of places they are available and raise more funds. If you would like one, email info@ ballatervictoriaweek.co.uk or call Cat on 013397 55243. The high-quality tea towels are a snip at £3 or £4.50 posted. They make great gifts and all proceeds benefit BVW.
BVW 2014 will run from Saturday August 9th to Sunday 17th this year, a little later than usual as it wraps round the placing of the Ballater Highland Games, which this year falls on Thursday August 14th.
New-look website at www.ballatervictoriaweek.co.uk
Myriad Pro
Design and Print Services
. Adverts . Leaflets . Posters . Banners . . Brochures . Promotions . Laminating . . Copywriting . Websites . 013397 55243 / 07805 731401 myriadpro@yahoo.co.uk www.myriadpro.co.uk Cat Houston
St Kentigern’s Welcomes Vittoria by Rev. Lisa Eunson
Opening Hours: Monday 2pm - 6pm Tuesday 10am - 2pm Wednesday 10am - 5pm Thursday Closed Friday 12 noon - 5pm
Tel. 013397 - 55134 24 Golf Rd Ballater AB35 5RS
G.N. Electrical All electrical work undertaken and carried out by time served electricians. Give us a call for a free estimate: Tel: 013397 Mobile: 07728
56221 480706
St Kentigern’s Scottish Episcopal Church in Ballater is delighted to welcome its new Rector, The Rev Vittoria Hancock. She is appointed to serve the congregations of St Kentigern’s and St Thomas, Aboyne and was formally inducted on Friday 28th February by the Rt. Rev. Robert Gillies, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Aberdeen & Orkney. She will stay in Ballater, and soon become a familiar face to many here. Vittoria has spent the last year in south west Scotland, and is looking forward to being surrounded by hills again. She has years of experience as a parish priest in a variety of congregations in Wales, and was also Cathedral Chaplain and Diocesan Evangelism officer in North Wales. In addition, she also works professionally as a writer, retreat leader, and story-teller, and has even taught computing skills. Just the eclectic mix a village priest requires! St Kentigern’s Scottish Episcopal Church is on the Braemar Road in Ballater – Sunday Worship at 9.30am For more information contact John Lovie directly or through our website: www.stkentigernsballater.aodiocese.org.uk
Keeping Council by Katrina A Farquhar
As we enter into Spring, it is nearly two years since the council elections and time has passed so quickly I have to admit that taking on the role of councillor has been a huge learning curve for me. I do appreciate much more what Aberdeenshire Council does for our locality and we are extremely lucky in our area with the quality, commitment and service provided by council employees. As we are continually told of bad news stories and loss of services, we must thank all the employees who provide us with an excellent service in these difficult times. However we wouldn’t be normal if we didn’t have something to complain about! Remember, if you have any information on road faults, the free phone number is 0845 08 12 05 or text 07624 82 07 22. Online at http:// www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/roads/faults.asp Trading Standards Trading Standards are a very important part of Aberdeenshire Council services and if you have any consumer problems please get in touch with them on 01467 628323. They have also a new twitter page publicising their services http://www. twitter.com/AberdeenshireTS Pass Plus Young drivers who would like to apply for funding to complete Pass Plus should e-mail southmarr@aberdeenshirecommunitysafety.org.uk CAB Citizens’ Advice Bureau has now opened an outreach office in Aboyne on Thursdays - telephone 01224 747714 or e-mail: AdminAssist@ westhillcab.casonline.org.uk for an appointment. Carer Breaks VSA, the organisation commissioned to provide adult carers with support in Aberdeenshire, has been awarded funding for short breaks /respite care available to be applied for by unpaid carers. The funding is now called Creative Breaks (previ-
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ously Time to Live). Carers can get further information on the Creative Breaks Fund by either: • visiting the VSA website • contacting their local Carers Support and Development Worker • phoning the VSA Aberdeenshire Carers Service on 01779 490894, or • emailing: aberdeenshire.carers@vsa.org.uk
Bill Barclay
Traditional Hand Crafted Kiltmaker Thousands of tartans to choose from, all woven from the best there is. Alterations and all work carried out to a very high standard. Now living and working in Strathdon
07769813233 www.billskilts.co.uk billthekiltmaker@aol.co.uk
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The Seven Wells Walk... by Katrina A Farquhar
When Ballater Eagle e-mailed me asking for articles for the Spring Issue, it brought a smile to my face, even gave me a spring like step! Well for a few minutes. The weather has been so dark and dismal over the past few weeks that the word “spring” was very welcome. We have had a very dark winter with little snow and even though this is good for travelling, you have to think about the ski centres that are reliant on the weather so much. They have managed some skiing at Glenshee but the Lecht has been very limited. Hopefully by the time this is printed they will have had more snow and a better finish to the season. As the weather hasn’t been very bright I decided that I would tell you about a learning walk that will make you forget about the weather and hopefully lose yourself in history. You have a couple of choices where to start this walk; either from Dinnet Car Park or Braeloine Bridge Car Park in Glen Tanar. I chose to go to
Glen Tanar as it is always nice to have a look in the visitor centre, where the winter opening hours from October to April are from 10am until 5pm, Thursday to Monday. The interesting thing about this walk is the legacy of the 19th century laird of Glen Tanar, William Cuncliffe Brooks, who was rather an eccentric person who had wells built, all with various inscriptions. As soon as you get out of the car, there is a water trough, well number one, with Ceud Mile Failte (A hundred thousand welcomes), and you then follow a sign pointing to the juniper trail. You walk through a field and then onto a track – it is a bit of a climb up, known as Belrorie Hill, but the views of the Dee Valley are incredible. Morven is especially beautiful from this spot. The track comes to a fork if you go left, then on return you will come up the right one. You will see the next stone, which has the inscription Fir Mounth. Not far from here you will see well
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number two, called Snakeswell with the inscription “The worm of the still is the deadliest snake on the hill”. Illicit whisky distilling comes to mind! If you also look to the left, here you will see a sign Wilcebe Road (from William Cuncliffe Brooks, WCB, Wilcebe). Follow this road and you will pass Tillycairn Farm. As the road bends to the right you can find well number three set back a bit from the road but rather overgrown. The inscription here is “Well to know when you are Well off ”. Carry on along this road turning right at Newton Farm and pay particular attention to some strange stones in the dykes, which have a twisted appearance. You will then come to the fourth well with the inscription “Drink, Thank, Think”. I think we just have to interpret the meaning we want from this. The road then goes down to Netherton Farm, where on turning right you will see a couple of giant sequoia trees and on the wall is the sign Wilcebe Road. You then come onto the B976, South Deeside Road where you turn right and walk along it (be careful as it can be a busy road but you are only on it for a short time). When you arrive at Dinnet Bridge, there is a fifth well but it is not very easy to get to. You can see it from the Dinnet side of the bridge at the bottom of the bridge with the inscription “Alike yet so different”. You then carry on along the B976 and quickly come to the sixth well which is actually built into the dyke of Fasnadaroch House. This inscription is “The Well of Grace” but what is the story behind this one? The last and very unusual well is built into the dyke of the Old Glen Tanar School, and celebrates the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. The well has a number of inscriptions including “Shape thyself for use”, and “The stone that may fit in the wall is not left in thy way”. On the opposite side of the road is a signpost Firmounth, and if you follow this track you pass a cottage on the left. Carry on and you come to the Edward I stone and then you come back on to the track you walked up earlier in the day, retracing your steps back to the car park. As we have the Seven Bridges walk in Ballater, perhaps this could be called the Seven Wells walk?
Graham Stuart Plumbing & Heating Engineers
Bathrooms Boiler Replacements Pressurised Systems Oil Fired, Solid Fuel or Underfloor Central Heating
Tel: 013397 55627 / Fax: 56342 Mobile: 07836 562946 Est. 1975
J.Lanigan Engineer
C.S.M. Aerial Satellite Deeside and Donside sky approved installers
Strathgirnoc Farmhouse South Deeside Road Ballater Tel. 013397 56227 Mobile: 07506951506 Email: C-S-M_Aerials@hotmail.co.uk Web: csmaerials.co.uk
24 Fun, Friendship and Fresh Air!
Ballater Boules by John Holley
The Ballater Boules Challenge is going from strength to strength. We are just coming to the end of our ninth successful season with talk and ideas now turning to how we can celebrate our tenth season, 2014/2015. The enthusiasm shown by our players never fails to amaze me. Throughout the winter months in all weather conditions (and I mean all! Snow, sleet, ice, rain, showers, wind, low temperatures and, if we are lucky, a nice day) they turn out in their numbers. The proof of the pudding is that they still come back for more, so we must be doing something right!! The players always have a smile on their faces and participate fully in all the ingredients of our ‘motto’, FUN, FRIENDSHIP and FRESH AIR, GUARANTEED! An average of 40 players attend our 13 meetings throughout the season that runs from late October through to early April each year. I think that the Challenge’s popularity can be put down to a few things – a simple game, low cost, anyone can play it, ladies and gents can participate on an equal footing, competitiveness is virtually zero, fair play is to the fore, and above all, it’s FUN! As usual over the festive season the ‘Boules Challenge’ means that participants play for the
‘Golden Boules’ Trophy and the ‘New Year Quaich’ when we collect for a local ‘good cause’. This season we donated £720 to the Victoria & Albert Hall’s Improvement Fund (see photograph of presentation of a cheque to Bell Macaulay on behalf of Victoria & Albert Halls). The winners of the ‘Golden Boules’ Trophy this season were ‘Elf & Safety’, John and Ruth Burrows, while the winners of the ‘New Year Quaich’ were the ‘Boulefrogs’, Jim Clark and Ernie McIntosh. Many of you will be quietly saying to yourselves, “I wouldn’t mind giving that boules thing a go”. Well, it really is down to you to make the effort and experience exactly what I have described here. If you stay indoors then you are missing out on a couple of hours of FUN, FRIENDSHIP and FRESH AIR, GUARANTEED! We have three more meetings to go before the end of the ninth season: 9th and 23rd March and 6th April. The 6th April meeting will be our end-of-season BBQ that will take place after play finishes. All meetings are at the pavilion Monaltrie Park and start at 10.30am. Please arrive around 10.15am to enable registration to take place. Further information is available at www. ballaterboules.weebly.com or ballaterboules@ gmail.com
The Albert Hall Community Function Suite is now up and running, and many user groups have said how much they are enjoying the new facilities. Of course, we have had our teething troubles with new equipment but these will be ironed out as adjustments are made, and we learn how best to make use of everything. The project took longer than we would have wished, and we are grateful for the patience of all! As with all alterations to older buildings, more work had to be done than first anticipated, with corresponding costs. Payment for this first phase will empty our coffers, and fundraising for the next stage of refurbishment will commence in due course. We are very grateful to both the Cairngorms National Park Authority and to Aberdeenshire Council for their ongoing support, and thanks must also go to many local groups and individuals who have donated generously. The refurbishment is only one side of the coin, and the ongoing running of the Halls is a timeconsuming task. The spell of bad weather at the beginning of the year has tested the fabric of the building, with the wind and driving rain causing leaks in almost every area. The maintenance work required will need to be paid for from our operating accounts, so fundraising for both refurbishment and repairs is crucial. Health and safety of Halls users – we are considering installing a defibrillator within the building – First Aid courses now give training in use of this equipment, and since time is always of the essence on these occasions, to have one on hand would be a prudent measure. Jack Coull is taking the lead on this, and has researched what would be appropriate. Costs would be in the region of £1,100 and we are seeking separate funding for this. Do you have any ideas? Fundraising – we have several fundraising events in the pipeline – your support would be very much appreciated! Saturday 22nd March – evening showing of “Sunshine on Leith” in the Mike Sheridan
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Room, preceded by wine and finger buffet in the Albert Hall. Tickets £10 available from Yules. Saturday 12th April – Alastair Savage is paying a return visit to the Albert Hall with “A Scottish Fiddle Journey” celebrating the rich tradition of melodies both ancient and modern. Bring along your own refreshments – tickets priced £8 available from Deeside Deli. All suggestions for fundraisers gratefully received – why not organise one of your own? Films – We now have regular film showings for all the family. Ade Scripps is always looking for suggestions for films which will attract a good audience and groups can organise their own showings if they wish – contact Ade. Website and bookings – www.victoriaandalberthalls.co.uk – info@victoriaandalberthalls. co.uk Faye Swan is very successfully managing all the Halls bookings which are showing a very satisfactory increase. The Victoria and Albert Halls (Ballater) Trust – Our new SCIO (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation). We are in the final stages of transferring assets to the new Trust, and once that is complete, we will advertise a Public Meeting (probably in March) to elect Trustees to the new organisation. If we are to have a framework which provides a sustainable future for our Halls, we need to recruit trustees with the skills and expertise to maintain the building, manage day-to-day administration, promote and market the facilities and continue with refurbishment. We also need to maintain the faithful band of volunteers who help run sales, bake cakes, clean kitchens when necessary and generally “muck in” with good humour to ensure the community has a facility to be proud of. We will circulate further information in due course. Finally – we hope you are all enjoying the new facilities! Please come along to our monthly meetings - we would be delighted to see you. We are all volunteers, and if you can spare some time to help it would spread the load!
La Mangiatoia Ristorante & Pizzeria
Closing for annual holidays 18th November. Re-open 27th December Bridge Square Ballater Tel. 013397-55999
Allan Milne Joiners
63 Golf Road, Ballater, AB35 5RU Tel: 013397 55861 Mob: 07811774942
E-mail: allanmilne@rocketmail.com Established 1984
All aspects of Joinery and Carpentry. New Builds, Extensions, Bathrooms, Kitchens, Windows, Doors. Stairs manufactured and installed. One-off items. All renovation works.
BRHS
by Elizabeth Wilson
Our AGM attracted an excellent turnout, including a few new faces, which are always welcome. Afterwards, Colin Blackhall of TLC Potatoes enlightened us with a fascinating talk on his company’s high-tech production of certified mini-tubers. Free samples were handed out so it will be interesting to see the end results, perhaps at the Flower Show? The Quiz Night in December had the best turnout ever; extra tables had to be rustled up at the last minute and this fun evening was very much enjoyed by all who participated. Hopefully there will be a similar turnout for the forthcoming meetings, which take place in the Mike Sheridan Room in the Halls at 7.30pm. March 3rd: “Scotland’s Gardens” (The Yellow Book) by Paddy Scott, and 7th April: “Pelargoniums” by Lesley Glasser. April 7th is also the date for the Mini Bulb Show. Remember leaflets about the Mini Bulb Show are available from the Library. Entries for the Show should be submitted between 5.30 and 6.30pm. Our final meeting of the season will take place on Monday 12th May: “The Eden Project”, by Mark Paterson. Mark is the curator of the Cruikshank Botanic Garden in Aberdeen and has worked all over the world, as well as the Eden Project. This should appeal to everyone, gardeners and non-gardeners alike. All are welcome at our meetings and visitors can attend a single meeting at a cost of £3. Donations of Plants and Home Produce for the Plant Sale at the Hut on the Green on Saturday 7th June are most welcome if we are to beat last year’s amazing sum of just over £1,000. The schedule and Children’s Challenge leaflet for the Annual Exhibition & Flower Show in August are available at the meetings or can be picked up from the Library or Rowan Antiques. A warm welcome is always extended to our members, new and old, and refreshments are served after each meeting so why not bring a friend or neighbour along? We look forward to seeing you.
President Anne Richardson welcomed members to our November meeting and thanked members for coming out on such a dreadful night. Anne announced that it is Ballater SWRI’s 80th Birthday and that we would celebrate it at our Christmas Lunch. Gemma Powell from Clan was our guest speaker and she informed us that it was their 30th birthday. Her presentation was very informative, updating us on all of all the new services for patients and carers. Gemma was asked to judge the two competitions. Competition 1) “Christmas Tree Decoration”: 1) Diane Wright, 2) Frances Johnstone, 3) Margaret Finnie, 4) Thelma Cooper. Competition 2) Marjorie Gordon Cup, “3 Sweet Mincemeat Pies”: 1) Frances Johnstone, 2) Diane Wright, 3) Liz Emslie, 4) Thelma Cooper. On 4th December we went to Ballater Golf Club for our Christmas Lunch and to celebrate Ballater WRI 80th Birthday. The oldest and youngest members, Betty Wilson and Jude Cooper, were asked to cut the birthday cake. We had invited guests, and congratulation cards, including one from HRH The Duchess of Rothesay, who is an honorary member, were passed around members to read. It was a very enjoyable event with good food, good company and everyone
Floral Art
by Jenny Houston
SWRI
by Aileen Barbour
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received a present. Our guest speaker in January was Morag Hood who gave us a very entertaining talk plus plenty of practical gardening tips on how to look after plants and told us about her work in the gardens at Balmoral Castle. Morag kindly donated some plants for our raffle and judged the two competitions. Competition 1) “Favourite China Teacup & Saucer”: 1) Rosemary North, 2) Mary Munro, 3) Deirdre Tait, 4) Margaret Finnie. Competition 2) Evie Murray Rose Bowl, “Jar of Apple Jelly”: 1) Liz Emslie, 2) Sheena Fraser, 3) Thelma Cooper, 4) Frances Johnstone.
L-R: Anne Richardson, Eileen Ford, Jude Cooper, Betty Wilson, Marge Woods, and Ivy Duncan. Photograph by Amy Muir
It seems that a long time has passed since the Christmas event took place in November, and its success was due to the splendid arrangements produced by Sandra Halkett from Elgin. As a result, we have been able to donate £500 to Braemar Mountain Rescue. The cheque was presented to Donald Macleod, who gratefully accepted it as a donation towards the Avalanche Safety Equipment Fund. The committee has been working hard on preparing this year’s calendar of events which commences on 17th April with Gill Garrow from Elgin. She has demonstrated for us on a previous occasion in November 2011, and her title this year is “Touch Wood”. Following this, the next presentation will be a talk by Ann Allan on her experience of being in the successful team for Scotland at the Chelsea Flower Show. Her title for the evening says it all – “Going for Gold at Chelsea 2013: Far Below the Sea Blooms”. On 19th June we have a Workshop entitled “Leaf Manipulation”. In preparing the programme for the first half of the season, the committee hopes it has, and will, offer something for everyone.
Crathie Parish
by Allan Harrison
Braemar and Crathie services will revert to the summer programme as from March 2014. Services will be held at 9.45am at Braemar and 11.30am at Crathie. Exceptions to this are 2nd March when there will be a joint service at Crathie (no service at Braemar), 9 March when there will be a joint Communion service at Braemar (no service at Crathie) and Easter Sunday, 20 April, when there will be an 8am joint outdoor service at Braemar Castle and a joint service at Crathie at 11.30am. Crathie Kirk and Braemar Church will open again to visitors at the beginning of April. Opening times are 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday and 1pm to 4pm on Sundays. The Monday morning cafe held in Crathie Kirk hall will be reopening again on 14 April, from 10.00am to 12.30pm. A warm welcome awaits everyone to come and enjoy tea/coffee and delicious homebaking in a friendly relaxed atmosphere. Until the opening of the Crathie café in April, tea/coffee and pancakes will be available at Kindrochit Court, Braemar, on Monday mornings at 10.30am. The open winter has allowed Braemar and Crathie Parish Guild to meet at both Crathie and Braemar. The programme was launched in October by the Rev Ken Mackenzie who invited members to the Manse for a talk about his many years of work with charitable projects in Hungary and Romania. The Hunger Lunch in November raised almost £500, which has been donated to Mary’s Meals, an International Movement linking feeding projects with education. An enjoyable light Christmas Lunch was held at Taste in Braemar, with the Rev Andrew Wilson regaling members with tales of the lighter side of the Ministry. Many Guilds support Fairtrade goods and a talk in January from Alice McLean, including information on the wide range of goods available, provided food for thought. The Guild AGM on 26 March at 2.15pm
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in Crathie Kirk Hall will round off meetings until the autumn. Why not come along and join The Guild for a friendly chat and some interesting discussions along with a cup of tea and homebakes? A warm welcome is assured. The Church Sale will be held in Braemar Village Hall on Saturday 2 August and any craft donations would be very gratefully received. A badminton club has been set up and it meets on Wednesday evenings at 7pm in Crathie Kirk Hall. Anyone who is interested in joining can just come along, no experience necessary, or contact Karen Garioch on 013397 42344 or Allan Harrison on 013397 55061.
Crathie Opp Holidays
Crathie Opportunity Holidays would be delighted to hear from anyone interested in becoming a Friend of COH. This could involve helping out at some of our events, or joining the team who host our coffee mornings for guests, or just a bit of gardening. These are not onerous tasks and Friends come along when they can. If you like to join us, please phone Maggie MacAlpine on 013397 42100. Preparations are under way for welcoming our guests in 2014 and we hope for a repeat of the busy 2013 season. Our major fundraisers will be our Golf Day in October and we hope to host a lunch at Balmoral in November. Further details of this latter event will follow in due course.
Natasha Lloyd
Medical Herbalist Bsc (Hons)
07770 894412 Tuesdays: at the back of the Hair Loft, Netherly Place, Ballater. Please ring for an appointment.
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Crathie Primary School pupils have had an exciting start to the term with swimming lessons at the Craigendarroch, taking part in the RSPB’s Big Birdwatch, technology and “Flashes of Genius” projects and discovering about forces in Miss Hayward’s science lessons. Working on their “Flashes of Genius” and technology projects has enabled the children to improve their problem solving and practical skills using tools and technology, to learn from each other and achieve great results. Well done everyone. Pupils, and their new teacher Mrs Boyd, have made great plans for this term with everyone in the class making really excellent progress with their play and learning. The P1 children are entering a new phase of their phonics and reading, and just this week some of the children have started writing independent sentences. Wow! We have been sharing ideas, helping others and enjoying lots of active maths. Some of the highlights are recorded by the children below.
Crathie School News
Big Bird Watch
Crathie School took part in the RSPB Big Bird Watch. Every day we feed the birds at the school. Crathie is an Eco School and we care about nature, we re-cycle and we are a bird friendly school. We have been doing a lot of bird spotting and have been finding out facts about Scottish birds and birds we like. The Balmoral Ranger, Glyn came to help us and we worked in teams to do the bird watch. We saw lots of garden birds like Blue Tits, Coal Tits and Chaffinches. We are sending our results to the RSPB so they can find out more about birds in Scotland and in the UK. Thank you Glyn. By Euan (P3), Zara (P1), Kirk (P6) Fraser (P1) and Josh (P1)
Contemporary Scottish Art Glass Paintings Textiles Prints Photography Sculpture Jewellery Ceramics
winter hours are reduced so please check the website or facebook page for opening hours
Rainbow Fish by Rowan A
Burnt Toast By Morgan and Kirk (P6) On Thursday the 9th of January we got really excited about swimming because it was our first time, in 2014. Firstly the younger ones had their lessons, while the older ones were drawing and playing games, then the older ones went to get into the pool and the younger ones were playing games in the lounge. Suddenly…WOO OOOH, WOO OOOH… ! The fire alarm went off. The younger children went outside with Mrs Field, Mrs Boyd and one of the parent helpers. The older children who had just come out of the pool had to be taken in their swimsuits to the fire exit. Meanwhile outside in the car park everyone there was waiting for the fire brigade. We could hear the fire engine coming! When the firemen got to the hotel they went inside to check for a fire and to make sure everyone was out safely. Someone said it was “burnt toast!” Once the firemen were sure it was safe the children from Crathie got a tour of the fire engine.
Larks Gallery
10 Braemar Road Ballater (013397) 55888 www.larksgallery.com
Highland Yurts
These bird spotters were well equipped for their bird watching!
Tailor-made yurts Choice of seven colours www.highlandyurts.com
An Eagle by Curtis
Kirk (P6) and Islay (P2) won our Burns Poem competition with their renditions of Willie Wastle. All participants enjoyed a slightly less traditional Burns celebration with music, poetry, shortbread and hot chocolate!
Paul Spencer Tel: 013397 42295 Mob: 07814 051388
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Ballater School
P6/7 has been researching the Ballater War Memorial. They have been trying to find out about the men whose names are on it. They interviewed relatives of the fallen as part of their learning...
P6/7 recreated the Ballater War Memorial and studied tonal images
“I realised that the amount of names on the war memorial is nearly the school roll” Sophie
“I liked drinking Irn Bru. We don’t have it in Poland”
Bruno
“After a while the sound boom got very heavy” Jonas
“I liked singing Auld Lang Syne but the cross arms were a bit tricky for me” Lissy
P2/3 reproduced Renoir...
“I learned that everyone on the memorial was son, husband, father, nephew, uncle, cousin, grandfather or friend” Lucas
“It made me think I hope there is not a WW3” Ross
“The relatives were interesting” Jack O’H “It must have been horrible to get a telegram to say your son/ husband was dead” Louise
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The whole school celebrated the birth of Robbie Burns with a Burns Supper in late January, including the Arrival of the Haggis, Address to the Haggis by P6/7, Eating Haggis neeps and tatties washed down with Irn Bru, various entertainments and a rendition of Auld Lang Syne. Here P1/2 share their thoughts on the proceedings...
“I liked it when big Lexi and Rosa sang Flower of Scotland” Jayden ...and Jack Frost!
P3/4 have been studying Robert Burns
“I enjoyed watching the girls doing Highland dancing. I go to dancing too.” Olivia
“I enjoyed when we took part and sang Ally Bally Bee” Ramsay
Ballater School
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22 pupils from P5/6 took part in a ski week at Glenshee with Braemar Mountain Sports
I really enjoyed ski week and I especially enjoyed doing javelin turns. Lucas Whitehead I liked ski week a lot and my favourite thing was doing the human slalom. Eilish Macleod I loved ski week and my favourite part was when Sunnyside opened. Cameron Murray I liked ski week a lot, my favourite thing was the human slalom. Lesley Grant I loved ski week and my favourite was when we did tricks. Jack O’Halloran I liked the most about ski week was doing some jumps. Ross Flynn Ski week was brilliant and probably the best time of my life. Myles Barron It was amazing and I had the best teacher ever. Kajal Panwar I learned how to do a parallel turn. Louise Hendry Ski week was excellent. I did fall a couple of times but it was worth it. Megan Lanigan Yes I did fall off the chair lift but it was still a fantastic week. Robyn Fernie I learned how to stop using a snowplough and it was fun. Jasmin Blyth I thought ski week was the best. Joshua Barrett Ski week was the best trip I ever went on. Yes I fell over a lot but I learnt from my falls. Maddison Cromar It was great fun. I’m glad I went. Lizzie Scripps
Forbes Duguid Painter & Decorator Tel .55816 el.55816
Bowling by Mike Franklin In late January BBC2 showed the World Indoor Bowling Championships. The quality of the play was quite amazing. The bowls have an inbuilt ‘bias’ which means they do not travel in a straight line but follow a curve. Despite this, the players could make the bowls travel up to 30 yards, squeeze between tight gaps and stop at just the right spot. And they could do this consistently. Bowls at this level is, of course, a young person’s game but bowls is also a game for all ages and is played in various formats. One form of the game is indoor ‘short-mat’. This form is very popular in Ballater and is played throughout the winter in the Victoria Hall (Tuesday and Wednesday). Three mats run the length of the hall, allowing for three games to be played at a time. Mostly, these games are gentle exercises with much chatter and a break for tea but, of course, everyone likes winning more than losing. Various groups have sessions and most people will find at least one that suits them. Newcomers are always welcome and for more details contact Sheila Rumbles (013397 55905). Another form of bowling, ‘long-mat’, is not available in Ballater, the nearest location being the Deeside Indoor Sporting Club (DISC) at Banchory (in the grounds of the Tor-na-Coille hotel). As the name suggests, ‘long-mat’ is played over a bigger distance (in a purpose-built hall). This is the form of the game that was televised. Again there are various sessions appealing to people of different standards. Newcomers are welcome and the contact number is 01330 824044. In summer, outdoor bowling comes to the fore. This is the long form of the game which is played on a flat grass green. The local bowling green is next to the Golf Club in Victoria Road. Open meetings are held on Tuesday and Saturday evenings throughout the summer from late April until September but the green is also open at other times. Here also, the emphasis is on the social side of playing. However, Ballater Bowling Club
A scene from the DeesideDonside knockout comps played at Ballater in 2013.
35
does enter teams into the local league competitions and last year the Ballater Ladies’ team came top of the Deeside-Donside league. The club also played host to the finals of the Deeside-Donside knockout competitions (see picture). Newcomers are welcome and spare bowls are available for those without their own. For more details come along to the club or contact Pat Downie (013397) 55725.
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36
BIG Night Out!
NPC
Schoolhouse Ballater by Cathy Low
As I write, I’m still recovering from the Schoolhouse fundraising event – the BIG Ballater Night Out. It turned out to be a BRILLIANT Night Out in Ballater, with a great crowd of people of all ages and backgrounds supporting the event with gusto - eating, drinking, dancing and generally enjoying each other’s company – whilst raising approx £1.300 for the Schoolhouse charity. The generosity and support of so many local people has been outstanding! The Albert Hall and Sheridan room combined to offer us a great venue, which we loved using. Local youth Jono Tosh piped the evening off to great start. The bands made the night go with a bang – the brilliant Bingo Wings from Braemar and the fabulous Flites from Aberdeen and other places! I think everyone would agree that the music and entertainment they provided was exceptional. We are so grateful for their talented and generous input. We also send thanks to various people in Aberdeen for helping to organise the fantastic light show for the evening. A very important feature of the evening was the delicious rice and curry supper kindly donated by Lochnagar Indian Brasserie. It was much enjoyed and appreciated! We were delighted that Sadiq and Omar of the Lochnagar Indian Brasserie managed to come along to the event. We have to give a big shout out to Marion Hannay for making her famously delicious macaroni cheese, and also say thanks to her for being such a constant supporter of all things Schoolhouse! Next up, a vote of thanks to the generosity of Iocal businesses who donated so generously to the raffle prizes: The Station, Sheridan’s, Amy Muir Photography, Robert Demilo, the Post Office, Gow’s Deli, India on the Green, D’Tangled, Hilton Grand Vacations Leisure Club, Deeside Dance Studio, McEwen’s of Perth, and also the local individuals who donated raffle prizes, and gave generous donations. Then, there are the evercheerful and supportive Library ladies and Myriad Pro to thank for their support and technical advice,
and Babs Henderson for her encouragement. Finally, I’d also like to give a special mention to Suzy Hunter – without her constant cheery laughter and good heart this event would never have taken place! The event coincided with a volunteer reunion, so we were delighted to have a team of returned Schoolhouse volunteers helping on the night. They were a great help, fetching, carrying, setting up, selling raffle tickets, manning the bar, serving the food and so on. Special thanks also go to Kelly Hannay who worked so hard on the night, bringing her smile, banter and professional bar-tending services to the proceedings. If I have forgotten to mention anyone, I apologise. The funds raised will buy materials for the English Camp and an award will be made to a local young person (aged between 18-28) to support them to take up a place in the team of this year’s annual Schoolhouse English camp. Nominations from young people themselves, or from adults who would like to put a young person’s name forward, should be emailed to: info@school-house.org,or you can call Cathy on 013397 56333. English Camp provides great support and pre-departure training which enables volunteers to feel confident and be effective in their role, whilst living at the heart of a very different community, and contributing a valuable service to the children there. English camp uses a variety of activities – sports, games, music, dance, drama to teach the children spoken English, so a wide range of people can contribute very effectively. You don’t have to be a teacher and you don’t need to be a student. As long as you can commit to travelling to Sri Lanka around 28 June-22 July, and as long as you are very keen to be involved, that’s what matters. The placement usually costs £690. The award winner will still have to do some fundraising to meet the cost of flights (around £600) and Schoolhouse will help with fundraising ideas and support. So if you – or someone you know – would like to apply
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Cats Protection Changes Lives
In June 2011 my family and I made a journey that was to completely change our lives in a way that we could only have ever dreamed about. That journey on a beautiful summer’s evening took us to meet Liz Robinson, volunteer for Deeside Cats Protection and what we were about to witness would be nothing short of amazing. Our son, Fraser, had been diagnosed with Autism, Developmental Delays and Hypotonia (a looseness of the muscles) in August 2009 aged 18 months and we had struggled every day to manage his condition. He was a happy boy but prone to sudden emotional meltdowns and found everything too over-stimulating to cope with, he had fragmented language and a foul temper. Fraser found all the ordinary ‘milestones’ for a child overwhelming and had only started walking with the aid of leg splints in the early part of 2011 aged three.
by Louise Bailey
He was isolated and unhappy with other children and we knew we had to do something. I decided that it would be a good idea to get him a pet of his own and thought a cat would be an ideal choice, being quiet and laid back. A hundred thoughts raced through my mind on the journey to Liz, and I had no idea how Fraser would react when we got there. Liz was in her driveway ready to greet us when we arrived and she smiled at Fraser and he engaged with her straight away. Liz had two beautiful cats, Billy and Bear and as soon as Billy saw Fraser he became animated and couldn’t wait to meet him, Fraser felt exactly the same way and it was amazing to watch the tension ooze away from Fraser as he stroked Billy gently. Slowly over time Fraser began to astound us all with his progress. He began to develop as his confidence grew and milestones were met and then surpassed. Nearly three years later we now have a happy son, he has had the most amazing journey with his friend, Billy forever at his side and he is unrecognisable as the boy he once was. At the end of last year we revisited Liz to add another cat to our family and she was amazed and emotional at how far Fraser had come. She was even more amazed when I explained that she was about to be featured in my book, ‘When Fraser Met Billy’ the story of how a rescue cat completely changed the life of an Autistic Boy. Liz and her colleagues do a brilliant job and clearly rescue some very special cats, so please if you are looking for a pet, do give her a call…you never know it might change your life too! Contact details for Deeside Cats Protection are: Liz Robinson on 07789 964407 Email deeside.cats@gmail.com www.deeside.cats.org.uk When Fraser Met Billy is available from 13th February from all major book retailers.
A Day to Savour by Francis Duguid
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Living in the Cairngorms has its compensations. In February 2010, I was out in the hills on a red deer census, and covered almost 35 miles on a Grizzly Skidoo (see photograph), most of the time above the 2,000ft contour. The air temperature was in minus double digits Centigrade, nae a breath o’ wind, only the soft rustle of Mark Water 1,000ft below fracturing the deafening silence, cloudless skies with brilliant sunshine and two-inch diamond frost crystals adorning the snow.
Sunset saw the near 4,000 foot ridges of Lochnagar, Ben Avon and Beinn a’ Bhuird glowing all the shades of red, broken only by the pattern of dark snow-bearing clouds drifting in from the north east. Following the second “excursion” (which hurt!!), the eyes were diverted to focus on the direction of travel, arriving at the destination in time to hear the Archers at 19:00 hours. A memorable day out which the Nikon D80 just could not fully capture. For anyone wishing to visit the “real” Scotland, the Cairngorms National Park must be on the agenda. The Cairngorm Mountain range is the greatest land mass in the UK above the 3,000ft Munro mark, designated the South Arctic Plateau, home of the golden eagle, ptarmigan, capercaillie, red and black grouse, crossbill, red kite, buzzard, the majestic red stag and roe deer, wildcat, pine martin, red squirrel, brown trout, salmon and otter, arctic char in the remote lochs, with the graceful summer visiting osprey poaching the fish o’ river and loch and, somewhere in the lower slopes, a Laddie wie his dog.
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Ballater, Deeside and the CNPA by Grant Moir
Deeside is an important place to me. My great grandfather originally farmed just north of Ballater on the Gairn. I attended Aberdeen University and spent most of my time travelling up Deeside to climb Lochnagar and the Cairngorms. Since I joined the Park Authority last year I have been speaking with lots of people in Ballater and Deeside and it is always interesting to hear people’s views about the Park and the Park Authority. I think from most there is recognition of the opportunities that the designation of the National Park brings to the area. The views on the Park Authority vary but I hope that people can see the investment that has been made by the authority and others on the back of designation. This ranges from investment in the ranger base at Glen Tanar, to paths on many of the estates, funding for the Deeside Catchment Partnership,
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Cairngorms National Park Authority CEO Grant Moir to supporting the restoration of Braemar and Kindrochit castles. Examples in Ballater include funding for the village notice board, support for the Ballater Winter Festival and development of the Ballater brochure which is provided by the Business Association. The Park Authority, in partnership with others, also supports a number of posts in the area including Ranger Services and the local Community Development Officer, Nick Mardall, as part of the Deeside Donside Development Project. Nick is involved with communities in delivering many projects across the area and is a great asset for the Park. The Park Authority is committed to continuing to work with communities in Deeside to meet the aspirations of residents, to conserve the magnificent habitats and wildlife that contribute so much to the National Park, and to further develop
with businesses the fantastic visitor experience. We are changing the way that we are delivering Park Authority services across the Park. The planning department is relocating to Grantownon-Spey as part of delivering a more effective and efficient planning service. The main bulk of planning applications come from the Highland region within the Park and the relocation of the service will cut down on travelling and will allow for greater integration with the specialist services already located in Grantown. This means that the presence of the Park Authority in Ballater will change. We are committed to the area and at present we are looking at the development of a National Park hub office in Ballater with partner organisations. We will continue to have staff based in Ballater and have already located one of our communications team members in Ballater alongside a number of other posts. Our relationship with the Ballater community has strong foundations in the Community Action Plan, which we supported with funding and by assisting in the preparation of the plan. The key issue that came out of this initiative was, understandably, affordable housing. Housing is a controversial subject in Ballater, as it is across the National Park. The Park Authority is committed to finding innovative ways to deliver affordable housing whilst also providing an opportunity for the longer term growth of Ballater as a settlement. It is five years since the Community Action Plan was agreed, and I am pleased to say that there is an agreement with the Ballater and Crathie Community Council to formally review the plan and look at how we can work together to move it forward. The Park Authority wants to work in partnership with organisations and a good example of this is the refurbishment work at the Albert Memorial Halls, which is such a well-used facility by many groups across the village. The Halls Development Association has delivered the refurbishment but we have provided finance, support and advice. I hope this partnership continues as we look at the feasibility of locating
an Eastern Cairngorms Learning Facility at the Halls which would offer a suite of adult education courses to benefit the whole community. The Park Authority recently met with community representatives, estates and partner organisations to look at the extension of the Deeside Way from Ballater to Braemar. It is another good example of where, if we pull in the same direction, we can hopefully deliver significant investment for the area that provides business, health and conservation opportunities. The National Park is the responsibility of all of us who live in, work in or visit the area. I know from talking with a few of you how passionate people are about this area. If we can harness that energy and work together I think we can deliver a spectacular Park that we can all be proud of. More details about the Cairngorms National Park Authority can be found at www.cairngorms. co.uk or you can follow Grant on twitter @ cairngormsCEO or the Park Authority @ cairngormsnews. On the website you can also sign up to a regular e-bulletin to keep you up to date on all the news.
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The Burgh Council folded nearly forty years ago. Its Old Folks’ Treat was legendary, as most of you will know, How could it keep going, that memorable night? Well, a young and pretty angel came to set the matter right. Invitations to be sent, hotels to be booked, Transport to be organized and many turkeys cooked. Pitlochry’s concert party came from o’er the hill, With jokes and songs and squeeze box, to give us all a thrill. Santa Claus and sweeties, raffles by the score, Perhaps a taste of Lochnagar to see you through the door! So thank you Betty, and the rest, the founders of the feast. You’ve kept the party going for another year at least.
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43 Thank You, Betty Simpson!
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Salt of the Earth by Betty Wilson Many years ago, the Eagle ran a series of tributes to unsung heroes (and heroines) who had made their mark on the life of the community, many of them no longer with us. A much younger heroine, Betty Simpson, has a big influence on the village today, whether in her capacity as Practice Manager at Ballater Health Clinic, Session Clerk at Glenmuick Church, or a Lay Reader for the Church of Scotland. She has lived in Ballater all her life, bringing up two daughters with her husband Ian, and is now a proud grandmother. Betty is an unassuming lady, carrying out her various duties with quiet efficiency. Every Christmas, with the help of a committee, she organizes a treat for pensioners, including a meal in a hotel or restaurant, followed by a concert, and transport provided by local volunteers. It must be one of the best organized pensioners’ parties in the whole of Scotland! 2013 was no exception. The concert was ably compered by Alan Michie, and the comedian’s jokes and songs, and music from the brilliant piano-accordianist, were appreciated with much enthusiasm. If laughter is the best medicine, the doctors’ waiting room should have been pensioner-free the next day.
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Pottering About... by Stella Potter 45 Well, what an odd winter this has been so far! The snow boots, warm jackets, hats, gloves and scarves have been gathering dust in favour of wellies and waterproofs. Although I’m glad that Glenshee has had enough late snow for those who like to chuck themselves down wintry mountains with planks attached to their feet, I’m selfishly delighted that I haven’t had to trudge the dark, cold and challengingly snowy streets at silly o’clock in the morning. Mind you having written this there’s still time, so I may have to eat my words in the next edition. Recently I was amused by some weirdo’s assertion that the weather was smote upon us by god who is cross that some countries have had the decent human temerity to allow people who love each other to marry. Including ours: Hooray! I’m now expecting thunderbolts and lightening. Very very frightening….! I have worn specs since I was four years old. They were the bane of my teenage years as my parents insisted I had the free NHS frames. Older readers will remember these horrors: brown or black round things with bendy wires over the ears. Similar to “John Lennon” specs but far less appealing. I had constant allergic rashes to the wires and the weight of them on my nose, as ‘thin’ lenses hadn’t been invented. Also, with a stronger prescription each year, mine resembled milk bottle bottoms. (Younger readers may need to ask an older person about those too!). I also, seemingly constantly, had to pop the lenses back in and use sellotape or a plaster to keep them together. This was due to reading in bed and falling asleep with them on. Oh! The teenage angst was mightily unpleasant. As soon as I could afford to buy my own glasses I always went for colourful and wacky frames – a habit I’m delighted to continue. As time went by the thin lenses made my eyes look relatively normal, and I wasn’t allergic to the new materials. For decades I put my specs on in the morning and
tried harder to take them off before I fell asleep. Indeed, I only ever broke one pair by this method. A few years ago, I noticed that I was having difficulty reading, but my specs seemed fine. Discovering that I could read more easily without my specs was wonderful. I gather this is common in older short-sighted folk. Reading in bed hasn’t been a problem for ages. Glasses safely off, book can be read, spec-free sleep can be had. Hooray! However – there always is a however, isn’t there? – books are not the only things I read. I’m an inveterate food label reader as I want to know what I’m putting in my body. So now there’s the public label reading juggle: pop the glasses on my head (usually to randomly crash back down on my nose) or peer over the specs like a disapproving schoolmistress. I did try bi-focals but couldn’t cope with going downstairs with them. Having almost mastered the label reading juggle a new difficulty emerged. That essential of early 21st century communication: text messaging. As it takes longer to type a text than it does to read a label, I take the specs off then frequently panic as I can’t see my specs as being short-sighted they’re usually out of my reading/texting visual range. Last week, unfathomably, I’d left them on the cistern. The air was blue as I myopically peered and groped. I had no recollection of leaving them there. Oh! The joys of middle-aged angst! As I don’t fancy having them bobbing around on a string on my décolletage, perhaps I need one of those gadgets that would make them beep so I could follow the sound? I now also wonder what the next decade or so has in store for my uneasy relationship with my specs, which is only mollified by their magnificent colourfulness. To return to the always safe subject: the weather. May the sun shine on us all this spring and may we all be heartened by that life-enhancing light and warmth on our bodies and in our lives.
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The spring issue of the Ballater Eagle gives me a great opportunity to say how much we at the Enhancement Group appreciate all the help we receive from people and businesses in and around Ballater, allowing us to put on such an outstanding show every year built around the Christmas lights. Firstly, we could not do this without the Chiels and the help they give us every year. Then of course Ballater Pipe Band and Ballater School contribute greatly to the occasion. The presence of the children breathes some of that magic that is Christmas into the big switch-on, which was magnificent once again. What a crowd turned up and with the Winter Festival Group, the ice skating rink etc made our small village into a winter wonderland. The Enhancement Group again held their 12 days of Christmas Draw and thanks to everyone for their support. We also received a large donation from the residents of the Monaltrie apartments and a very nice donation from The Deeside Inn who held a quiz night in aid of the
Enhancement Group by Martin Holroyd
Lights. Particular mention must also be made of Alan Yule and Dee Valley Confectioners for their donation of sweets for the children, and the businesses that donated wine for our mulled wine. I must finally mention Dinnet Estates for the gift of the Christmas Tree and Tober and helpers for assistance with the lights. I could go on and on but I don’t want to bore you so just “thank you all”. May the Spirit of Christmas be with you all until it comes around again.
Some Winter Festival Characters...
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Reservations & Information Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Craigendarroch Braemar Road, Ballater, AB35 5XA ( 013397 ) 55858 ● www.booktoeat.com
Marie Chapman Soft Furnishings, Tarland Hand and machine work available for curtains, pelmets, tiebacks, cushions, Roman blinds. curtain alterations etc. A large collection of fabric samples. Also supply Curtain rails, poles, roller blinds and foam. Complete job taken care of from measuring to fitting. Free Estimates.
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by Geva Blackett
I recently took our youngest daughter to Venice (a trip I have done with our other three daughters). As you probably know, I am not a city person at all but there is something about the lack of traffic and the sheer beauty of this ‘floating city’ and its treasures that tugs at my heart strings, I just love it. I flew in and out of Aberdeen Airport via Frankfurt and, arriving back quite late in the evening, footsore and weary, queued with all the other passengers to have my passport checked at ‘the Border’. Standing in line I watched a woman standing behind the desks. She was watching people intently and occasionally she stopped someone after passport control and questioned them. Finally it was my turn and after a friendly chat with the officer checking passports, I passed through to collect my bag. Hardly had I turned the corner when a deep voice said “Ah! Geva Blackett” – what on earth had I done to warrant the hand on my collar, I thought guiltily. Turning round I saw Stuart Clark, previously Ballater’s own Police Sergeant, now deployed, it seems, at the airport! My initial gut wrench turned rapidly to a big smile and we got talking (I am not normally known for failing to spot a good-looking man but somehow he had escaped my scrutiny from the queue…). Councillors work closely with the police (and other partners) and of course it is our job to scrutinise their strategic plans. I sit on the Social Work and Housing Committee as well as the Marr Area Committee and I was intrigued as to what the police role at an airport could possibly be. To cut a long story short, our conversation resulted in Elected Members from across the City and ‘Shire attending a briefing at Aberdeen International Airport hosted by Police Scotland Border Policing Command, in partnership with
the United Kingdom Border Force and Aberdeen International Airport. It was a fascinating morning and extremely well organised – with time to answer numerous questions. As an Elected Member I was reassured to hear how across Scotland our ‘Border Command’ staff are bringing specialist policing skills to the benefit of our local communities. Stuart told us ‘The airports and harbours of the north of Scotland are gateways into the communities that we serve and the officers of Border Policing Command, working in close partnership with Border Force and Police Scotland, Aberdeenshire & Moray Division officers are well placed to protect our border and keep people safe.’ A small team of dedicated officers cover hundreds and hundreds of miles of coastline as well as private airstrips, ports (big and small) and of course the main airports. Don’t bother trying to smuggle anything illegal in from overseas – they will spot you! Of course all policing needs intelligence to help them in their work and sadly as we are all too well aware, the threat from terrorism is real and serious – and recent convictions have shown that there are (a minority of) people intent on attacking us. Police Scotland has a key role to play in countering that threat and maintaining national security. So, whilst my visit to the airport has reassured me that we are safeguarded by a professional and dedicated team, if you spot anything suspicious, ring the anti-terrorist hotline (0800 789 321), better it turns out to be a false alarm than a preventable incident resulting in loss of life!
Meanwhile… all the other work of a councillor continues. Not all so fascinating perhaps but equally as important – be it a community council meeting, a seminar on Health & Social Care Integration, helping a constituent or working on finding a solution to our affordable housing crisis (which I am doing with both the council officials and the Scottish Government). Finally, I am a registered distributor for the Aberdeenshire South Foodbank. If you or anyone you know are struggling to pay the bills and eat, please get in touch. In complete confidence, I will come and discuss your situation with you and can organise three days’ worth of food (vegetarian, treats for children – all possible) as well as helping direct you towards appropriate advice or help centres. As always, I am here for YOU! You can contact me on 013397 41541 or by email: cllr.g.blackett@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
2013
by Lizzie Scripps, 9 Things we loved and shared What amazing holidays Entertaining tea party Noooo! I broke my arms Too hot Yay, a newborn prince
Thatcher died Hopeman, what fun I got rabbits for my birthday R.I.P. Nelson Mandela Ten Ballater Films Everybody loved Victoria Week Exciting new year Now for 2014...
Poetry:Cornered
By Appointment to H.R.H.The Prince Of Wales The Duke Of Rothesay Picture Framer Celicall Crafts, Ballater
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The Hair Loft Ballater Hairstyling Sarah, Sarah jane, Corrina & Sylvia all stylists have had training at vidal sassoon, London and Cheynes of Edinburgh
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by Ade Scripps
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Appropriately for the spring edition of the the rear speakers that we may rent out as a public Eagle, Ballater Films will soon be hatching from art display space when we’re not using them… We are also very excited about some projects the nest, lovingly built and nurtured by the V&A Halls, and will be taking its first tentative wobbly we are working on with friends we have made steps as an organisation in itself. You can join along the way. We are currently looking at doing in the adventure if you want, to see if BF can a film with CLAN’s Children’s and Families soar alongside the Eagle as part of the Ballater department during the Easter holidays and putting on a Victoria Week spectacular with community… We’ve seen some amazing films over the Crathie Opportunity Holidays in August, after last few months: Despicable Me 2, Planes and last year’s outing was such a success. Our first Gravity being some of the highlights. Upcoming fundraising event as an independent entity is a films include a double bill on March 22nd, with Film Quiz at The Deeside Inn on Thursday Turbo (U), a very exciting animation about a March 6. Hopefully we’ll host at least one more snail taking part in the Indy 500, at 3pm, and before VW. Long-time supporters Ballater School Sunshine On Leith (PG), a musical film based Parent Council will be receiving £100 worth of around the songs of The Proclaimers, showing tickets from the proceeds of the snacks. And all in the evening. The latter event is in aid of the the Victoria Week vehicle parade entries and V&A Halls and tickets costing £10 each (£5 for supporters are invited to a special screening of children) will be available from Yules. The price Rush on Friday March 21st – please contact includes wine and nibbles, which will be available info@ballatervictoriaweek.co.uk if you haven’t from 7pm with the film starting at 8pm. Dancing had an email. If you’re part of a society/group/business and in the aisles was tricky before but now, due to some new wiring trickery, it is entirely possible, want to put on something or raise funds, get in touch, we can help! Look out for posters of our so we look forward to seeing what may happen. The sharp-eyed among you will have noticed upcoming events, check out our new website www. how great the projector we are using at the mo- ballaterfilms.co.uk or find the latest updates at our ment is. It has been very kindly lent to us by Ab- Facebook page www.facebook.com/BallaterFilms. We can’t thank everybody enough who has erdeen University and is quite frankly awesome and capable of being used at a range of events. I’m supported Ballater Films over the last two years. personally very excited about two new shelves for Join in the fun and see where we go from here... New website at www.ballaterfilms.co.uk
Turbo (U) can be seen at 3pm on Saturday March 22. Tickets £5 available from Yules
Jane Horrocks and Peter Mullan star in Sunshine On Leith (PG) showing in the Mike Sheridan Room on Saturday March 22 from 7pm.
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Butchers put their hearts... 53 on their heads?! Three members of staff from HM Sheridan helped raise over £200 for the British Heart Foundation when they took part in a fun fundraiser for the charity’s “Ramp Up The Red” campaign. Callum Taylor, Grant Anderson and John Sinclair dyed their hair red and wore red neckties over two days while shoppers were encouraged to sponsor them or donate to the cause. The Ballater butcher shop also sold Healthy Hearty sausages during the event to promote the campaign message.
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We would like to thank everyone who attended the Craigendarroch ‘Masquerade Party’ at the Deeside Inn for helping raise money for charity, half to Hilton Foundation in the Community and half to NESS (North East Sensory Support). A great night was had by all. We would especially like to thank the local businesses in Ballater for their generous donations towards our raffle - this was greatly appreciated. Businesses to be mentioned are Brown Sugar Cafe, Byzantium, De Milo hairdresser, HM Sheridans, The Balmoral Bar, Rowan Antiques, Deeside Deli, House Spa, Ian Halliday, Ian Cameron, and the Craigendarroch. A big thank you is due to Joanna Whysall and her staff at the Deeside Inn for making our party possible. The service and experience were outstanding! Claire Cameron and Andrew Nagamura
Thank You!
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55
Wanted: Firefighters
by Richard Cooper The Scottish Fire & Rescue service provide an immediate response to emergencies throughout Aberdeenshire, Moray, and the City of Aberdeen. As the geography of this area is predominantly of a rural nature, a large percentage of our firefighting personnel are ‘Retained’. This means that in many of our smaller towns, people who live and work in the town or community are employed as parttime Firefighters, who respond to emergencies whenever they are required. Ballater Fire station has recently acquired a new appliance in addition to its 10-crew appliance. This new appliance is equipped with a four-wheel drive off-road vehicle which is used primarily to tackle hill and forest fires. As a result of this increase in resources we are actively seeking to recruit more staff to join the team at Ballater. As a retained firefighter your role would be challenging and demanding. There are stressful and hazardous situations to be faced and you will be required to deal with these while providing comfort and reassurance to members of the community. You may be involved in Community Fire Safety Initiatives within your local area to help prevent emergencies occurring. Anyone who is accepted as a firefighter receives extensive training, and over time will cultivate greater skills in teamwork, leadership, and self-confidence. We are interested in men and women age 18 years or over, with good all-round fitness, and who can respond to the fire station from their home or place of work within five minutes. www.firescotland.gov.uk www.myjobscotland.gov.uk M: 07500 116116 E: Richard.Cooper@firescotland.gov.uk
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56
The Bridges of Ballater
by Sheila Sedgwick
If you walk or drive down Bridge Street in Ballater and cross the Dee by the Royal Bridge, do you ever wonder how a little village managed to have such an imposing bridge? Imagine the area towards the end of the 18th centur y. No Ballater village, only a swampy bit of ground where cattle grazed when on the droves going south for sale. The Glens of the Muick and Gairn were populated by folk eking out an existence on the land or working for one of the local Lairds. The centre was Tullich, site of an early church founded by Nathalan in the 7th century, but the Dee was a barrier to contact between the people of the glens. When in the mid-1700s Elspeth Michie discovered the restorative powers of the Pannanich wells and Francis Farquharson of Monaltrie, returning from 20 years’ exile in
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Ballater’s River Dee has seen many crossings come and go England after Culloden, developed a “Spa”, the ferry boat over the river just could not cope with the influx of visitors. Francis realised the necessity for a bridge over the Dee and for an “accommodation” village. Rough ground was available in what we now know as Ballater. Francis was not the first to envisage a bridge. As early as 1726 a document had been circulated throughout Scotland, via the Church General Assembly, asking for contributions for a Dee bridge. The sum of less than £20 was raised! I can imagine folk saying “What has a remote community in the Highlands got to do with us?” In 1775, local landowners, having collected some subscriptions and with the backing of the Annexed Estates Fund and the Synod of Aberdeen, raised £1,700, with Francis Farquharson of Monaltrie as the leading promoter. The contractor, James Robertson of Banff, built a five-span granite bridge about 100m east of the present bridge. “A beautiful and useful granite bridge”, it was completed in 1783. John Lumsden’s drawing of Ballater Bridge in 1797 shows three main arches with a small one on each side. Ballater could now develop as a
village, with close contacts with the surrounding areas. One church replaced three others and the future looked bright for the developing village. All was well until 29th August 1799 when the bridge was washed away in a flood. No bridge and no more money! Costs had increased and masons were in short supply because of the Napoleonic Wars. Finally the Heritors, chiefly Farquharsons and Gordons, acted themselves and employed John Simpson as contractor to build a bridge designed by Thomas Telford. Simpson lost money on the job, but he completed it. The total cost was £1,800. The five-arch granite bridge was completed in 1809. Invercauld Records refer to the need for a bridge, give the names of subscribers, a Telford drawing and a description in Gaelic, English and Latin. The entry ends with a Latin quotation – in translation, “That which will be favourable and most auspicious, God will do”. That bridge too went down the river in 1829, in the “Muckle Spate”. Only abutments and a pillar of masonry remained. Devastation was everywhere. Drowned stock turned up in Aberdeen harbour. There were protracted negotiations for rebuilding. A timber replacement had to suffice. Built of Braemar timber by John Gibb of Aberdeen in 1844 from a design by Thomas Telford, it was slightly west of the previous bridge. It had four arches each of 70ft span and cost £1,857, including some road improvements. It was built due to the exertions of the Schoolmaster, Rev. James Smith. Even though built of wood, it lasted longer than its predecessors – until 1885. By that time Queen Victoria had popularised Deeside, the railway had arrived, Deeside was “fashionable” for the aristocracy arriving for the “season”, the Church was rebuilt and Ballater was “on the map”. The last and present bridge was constructed of granite.
57
Architects and engineers were Jenkins & Marr and John Fyfe of Kemnay. They built a segmental-arch bridge with a width of 251ft, in four spans. The timber bridge was demolished, but the foundations can still be seen over the present parapet. Queen Victoria opened the bridge on 6th November 1885, hence the name, “The Royal Bridge.” The commemorative plaque was illegible by 1998 and was replaced. I had the pleasure of standing on the bridge with the present Queen to explain the bridge’s history. When you cross the bridge, remember the efforts made in the past to enable you to cross the Dee!
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58
Sandals and Socks Fashion by Lara Wilson
Fashion is forever changing. Buy something one week; it’s out of fashion by the next. The way we dress has changed drastically over the years. Whilst in the Victorian era it was custom to cover literally all flesh, this trend is now reversed. There appears to be a challenge to see who can wear the skimpiest outfits which are just long and wide enough so as not to reveal all. 1mm safety range and you’ve cracked it! One thing’s for certain though: Queen Victoria would not be amused. ‘Lurking-in-the-back-of-the-wardrobe’ items fly out of fashion all the time, be it flares, shoulderpads or cowboy ties. So why, why, why are sandals and socks still going strong? What is it with this fashion failure that encourages so many men to keep up the tradition? Is it the ankle-length socks rising above the sandal, topped off with pale, white legs and horrendous shorts? Or could it be the way the patterned socks so endearingly peek through the sandal gaps? Enough is enough. Listen up all you sandal saddos. If it’s hot enough for sandals, it’s too hot to wear socks. If it’s cold enough to wear socks, it’s too cold for sandals. Why do you men not understand? Pairing sandals and socks is like matching Basil Fawlty with a hotel. There’s only one way it’s going to end: disaster. Underwear divulging jeans, originating from prisons in New York and then spreading to the music industry, have created a trend that has snaked across the world like a venomous viper. Mothers are tutting at the likes of One Direction, only to welcome their son home a few weeks later with his trousers round his ankles. To the prison officers in New York, could you not have done us a favour? If you’d just let them wear the stupid belts, this fashion faux-pas would never have started. Ponchos. Creates the urge to punch-os who wear them. The shop-bought ponchos are fine; they can even be quite tasteful. No, it is the stupid, ridiculous-looking rain ponchos that take the biscuit. Since when has there been a problem with a normal raincoat? Have Gortex, Quecha and Adidas suddenly gone out of business? Yes, yes, you will argue that you didn’t know it was going to rain but, c’mon, better organisation please. Surely it’s better to carry a raincoat, just in case, rather than end up looking like a bin bag just flown in from the nearby landfill site. Sort yourselves out. Seriously. Jeggings. Even the name is annoying, let alone the actual product. What’s wrong with a pair of jeans or a pair of leggings? Why this sudden urge to combine them and create a product which really shouldn’t go past the front door. Jeggings made global headlines in September 2010 when a school in Suffolk sent 60 girls home to change after they wore the offending garments on the first day of term.
Good on you head teacher; shame your influence doesn’t spread to the rest of the jegging fan club. Nowadays, a perfectly pretty face can be transformed into a monster in seconds under a mountain of too dark foundation, clumpy mascara and wonky lip liner. Yet, this is just about bearable. It is the drawn on eyebrows, creating that fixed expression, which can be just a little scary. How do people pluck up the courage to try this look? Is it the monobrow monstrosity wriggling over their forehead that urges them to take the plunge? Yet, which is worse: a child’s scribble or a furry caterpillar residing on your forehead? Surely it’s better to carry a raincoat, just in case, rather than end up looking like a bin bag just flown in from the nearby landfill site. Sort yourselves out. Seriously. Heels are fantastic, adding class to many outfits, but too high a heel can quickly transform into a hell. Watching wannabe wags teetering across the dance floor, their knees sticking outwards, is a painful experience. It becomes even more painful for the girl herself after she trips over her passed-out friend and breaks her ankle. Be realistic here, girls. Go for the heel size you can manage. If you can’t scale Kilimanjaro, be contented with Catbells. So, whether it is sandals and socks, pants and jeans or accidents and heels, the world has some serious fashion issues that need to be addressed. Take advice from this article. Relieve your wardrobes of their burden. Be proud of your new image. Top of the trends… until the next influx of fashion comes along. Quick, grasp your week of fame while you can! (Editor’s Note: Lara is an 18-year-old student who lives in Yorkshire, but has, since a very young age, spent many happy times on holiday in the Ballater area, enjoying cycling and walking through our wonderful countryside.)
Pictured are members of the newly formed Upper Deeside Marie Curie Cancer Care Fundraising Group. Left to right: Val Norton; Aileen Barbour; Councillor Geva Blackett; Car olyn Snedden, Community Fundraiser; Sabine Muir and Dr Stanley Ewen. Get in contact if you would like to join the group, or would like to help out from time to time. Email svandessel.muir@gmail.com or pop into the library and speak to Sabine. Established 1998
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Library News
by Sabine Muir/Faye Swan
Story Times Our open story time session for under-fives is on Fridays at 2.30pm during term time. Bookbug Rhymetimes are on Tuesdays at 11am. Youth Club Visits We have also had several visits from the Youth Club for Games nights, using our Play Station 3 and Wii. Everyone is welcome to come and ‘have a shot’, although we only allow two people onto the game stations at a time. After School Crafts Club We have just started an after school crafts club for children aged 8-12 on Thursdays from 3.305.00pm during term time. Thelma van Tienen has kindly volunteered to help us with this. We plan to do lots of craft activities, like card making, collages, papier mache, clay art, crochet, knitting, weaving, making bags and phone covers, embroidery, light wood work and more. New ideas for projects are most welcome! Donations of craft materials will be gratefully received. If your child is interested in joining, please contact library staff. Easter Crafts There will be an Easter Crafts session for children during the Easter holidays. It will take place on Wednesday April 9th from 2-4pm. Mums/ Dads/Grannies/Aunts are all welcome to join in. Another theme for crafts will be the Commonwealth Games, so students – this is for you - let us know what you would like to do during school holidays! Relief maps, masks, flags, and more. Adult Craft Group? If anyone would like to start up a weekly adult crafts group, please pop in and have a chat and we’ll look at dates, times and ideas. Here’s a few to start: collages, mobiles, wind chimes, knitting, crochet… Computer Lessons We can help you get acquainted with computers. Basic lessons for beginners can be arranged by request. All welcome, just call to ask about times.
61 In the last Eagle, we placed a request for help in identifying someone from photographs sent to us from America. Several people have come forward to talk to us and we are pleased to say that our puzzle has been solved. Thanks to everyone who popped in with information about the family, including Alex Grant, Ian Cameron and Alice Ferguson. Alice informed us that she used to live next door to Margaret and her family. Indeed, she was best friends with her daughter, called Sandra, was a bridesmaid at her wedding and is godmother to her son Alec. Sandra married Duncan Steele, moved to Cheshire and went on to have three sons, Allan, Alec and Iain, as well as an adopted daughter called Elena. Unfortunately, she passed away in 1988. Alice is in regular touch with Sandra’s son Alec Steele. It is heartening that people remember Margaret and that, thanks to you, we will now be able to pass on the 20-plus photographs sent from America to Margaret’s descendants. We have another puzzle for you... We received the following email: Dear Librarian, Do you hold any information on William Bowman and Isabella Farquharson, who married in Glenmuick on the 7th Jan 1776? I have hunted long, but been unable to find anything about their parents or birthplaces. It seems like the Old Parish Records are missing for the crucial time period. Is it at all possible that your resources might be able to shed light on their origins? Both Isabel and William were living in Glengarden in 1776. This would have been covered by the Parish of Glenmuick, Tullich and Glengairn? Yours…. We will leave this request with our Ballater sleuths…
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Waterwheel
at Mill of Cosh
by Ian Cameron The water wheel shown in the photo powered the Mill of Cosh. The Girnoc Burn used to have several mills but the Mill of Cosh meal mill was built furthest up the stream and has remained the most complete. The last recorded use of the mill was for dr ying Scots Pine cones in its kiln to provide seeds for regenerating native woods.
The Ballater & Crathie Eagle is made possible by:
Advertising, Donations, Sponsorship, Fundraising, “Awards for All” Lottery funding, and Cairngorms Leader + European Funding. Thank you to everyone who supports us. We deliver FREE from Crathie to Cambus O’May. Thanks to Friends of the Eagle for delivering to some outlying areas.