Ballater & Crathie Eagle, Issue 69, Spring 2013

Ballater & crathie Community magazine no. 69 Spring 2013

A view of Spring just around the corner - photo by Cat Houston

ÂŁ1 Donation

Balmoral S COTTISH H OME

TO THE

R OYAL F AMILY

Open 29th March until 31st July 2013 Castle Ballroom and NEW Exhibitions for 2013, Gardens, Audio Tour, Coffee Shop, Balmoral Collection and Gift Shop.

for further information

Tel: 01339 742 534

www.balmoralcastle.com

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Inside Your Spring Eagle:

With news from all our local groups and articles on local initatives and reflections on the past, your Spring Eagle will see you through until the better weather arrives.

Diary

All the dates for the forthcoming months:

The Crathie Pages

News from Crathie and Crathie School:

AA Box 472

Rare finds offered to the tiny museum:

4-5 22 33

Birthday for the National Park

31

Council update

New funding initiatives and plans to improve Broadband:

36

Ballater Bowling Club: 8 Ballater Community Enterprise: 13 Ballater (RD) Ltd: 18

Balmoral Estate Events: 40 Chiels : 8 Community Ward Forums: 35 DDP Project: 20 Kincardine & Deeside Befriending: 12

Ballater Historic Forestry Project News from BHFP Association:

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Rotary Club: 9 SWRI: 15

Pottering About

Finding Birkhall in the snow:

52

Scotland Rural Past Group The Glen Muick experience:

Portrait o’ a Granny Advertising:

Ballater Boules: 17

Ballater RHS Floral Art Group: 11

News of celebration plans and updates from our local Board member:

Memories o’ Granny Davidson

Local Groups:

Victoria Week: 17 Victoria and Albert Memorial Hall: 49 Walking festival: 19

47 55

Index of Advertisers: 58

Donations:

Donations are gratefully received, Full page: £60; Half page: £30; and acknowledged. You can also put Quarter page: £20; Eighth page: £10 money into our tins in the Library Discounts on 4 issue series - copy can be or Yules Newsagents. changed each issue contact Faye Swan at info@swandesign.uk.com A big “Thank You” to Sandy Donald who has made a generous donation or Tel 55345

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Mon 4

Wed 6 Sat 9 Sun 10 Mon 11 Thu 14 Wed 20 Sun 24 Thu 28

Fri 29 Sat 30 Sun 31

The Eagle Diary

...so you know What’s Going On March

BRHS meeting, Emily Holmes: Deeside Forestry, Past, Present and Future, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm Ballater School Parent Council Meeting, 7pm Ballater Business Assoc meeting, Glen Lui Hotel, 7.30pm CLAN Buttery Morning, Glenaden Hotel, 10-12noon Ballater Boules Challenge, Monaltrie Park, 10.30am Ballater and Crathie Community Council meeting, Mike Sheridan Room, 7pm BVW Brainstorm, Victoria Week meeting, Beaton Craigie Room, 7.30pm SWRI meeting, talk on Rescue Dogs by Gary Carrol, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm Ballater Boules Challenge, Monaltrie Park, 10.30am Easter Bingo, Ballater School, 6.30pm for 7pm School term ends Balmoral Castle opens for summer season Ballater Ladies’ Golf Section, coffee morning, 10am British Summertime begins

April

Mon 1 BRHS meeting, Alan Beedie: Green Tourism at Glamis Castle Garden,

Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm. Also Mini Bulb Show Wed 3 Ballater Business Assoc meeting, Glen Lui Hotel, 7.30pm Sat 6 Coffee at Lochnagar Distillery 10.30am to 12.30pm Sun 7 Ballater Boules Challenge and BBQ, Monaltrie Park, 10.30am Mon 8 Ballater and Crathie Community Council meeting, Mike Sheridan Room, 7pm Thu 11 Victoria Week meeting, Beaton Craigie Room, 7.30pm Mon 15 School term begins Wed 17 SWRI Business Meeting, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm, conducted by Finzean WRI Thu 18 Ballater Floral Art Group meeting, demonstration by Edna Matthews,

Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm Sat 20/Sun 21 Ballater Bike Festival, cyclehighlands, Victoria Road Mon 22 Ballater School Parent Council meeting, 7pm Sat 27/Sun 28 Run Balmoral

Are Your Dates Here?

For inclusion in this FREE section of the Eagle, please contact Cat Houston on 55243, 07968 941359 (texts welcome) or catrionahouston@yahoo.co.uk

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May Wed 1 Ballater Business Assoc meeting, Glen Lui Hotel, 7.30pm Sat 4 Halls Committee Silent Auction, Victoria Hall, 7.30-9pm Mon 6 May Day holiday – Ballater School closed Sat 11 Ballater Floral Art Group, Aberdeen County Floral Group Emerald Anniversary

Afternoon Tea, Aberdeen Beach Ballroom Mon 13 BRHS Open Night, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm

Ballater and Crathie Community Council meeting, Crathie Hall, 7pm Thu 16 Victoria Week meeting, Beaton Craigie Room, 7.30pm Sat 18-Fri 24 Ballater Walking Week Sat 25 Table Sale for the Halls, Victoria Hall, 10.30am to 4pm

June Wed 5 Ballater Business Assoc meeting, Glen Lui Hotel, 7.30pm Sat 8 BRHS Plant Sale on the Green Mon 10 Ballater School Parent Council meeting, 7pm

Ballater and Crathie Community Council meeting, Mike Sheridan Room, 7pm Sun 16 Bike Balmoral Thu 20 Ballater Floral Art Group meeting, demonstration by Maureen Manning:

Following Mother’s Steps, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm

Victoria Week meeting, Beaton Craigie Room, 7.30pm

Notes!

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

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Contact the Eagle

Hand in to the Library  Post to Ballater Eagle, c/o Ballater Library, Ballater, AB35 5QB

 E-mail 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 person, will do the rest. Easy!

For the rates below, four issues will be posted.

UK: £10.00 EU: £12.00 Overseas: £16.00

Contact Your Representatives

Scottish Parliament

Dennis Robertson MSP e-mail: dennis.robertson.msp@scottish.parliament.uk

 0791 955 7152 (mobile)

Westminster Sir Robert Smith MP  01330 820330, Fax: 01330 820338, e-mail: robert.smith.mp@parliament.uk Aberdeenshire Council Peter Argyle:  013398 82973 e-mail: cllr.p.argyle@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Geva Blackett:  013397 41541 e-mail: 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 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.

7 Letter from the Editor

So what does 2013 have in store for Ballater? Locally, there are always things going on, and Ballater is fortunate to have residents who work hard to encourage their fellow citizens to get out and become involved in some organisation, activity or club. It is sometimes extremely hard work to stimulate interest and support, and often the efforts of these people are not fully rewarded or recognised. Several of the articles in this issue of the Eagle, highlight the efforts being made to provide new and improved facilities in the village, or stimulate tourism with events such as Victoria Week and the Walking Festival. We should appreciate the hard work involved, and be grateful that in our small village there are people prepared to give up time and effort to make Ballater an interesting and vibrant place to live.

So, 2012 was Diamond Jubilee Year. Let’s make 2013 the Year of Support for Local Activities in Ballater and make every effort to encourage and support the individuals and groups working so hard to create a lively and stimulating community which moves with the times.

Ian Hay

Portrait: Eilidh Gow

After all the excitement and activity of 2012, what with Diamond Jubilee, Olympics and more locally, a memorable visit by the Queen to unveil our own Jubilee Cairn, we now face a new year of somewhat lesser impact. Mind you, 2013 is the Year of Natural Scotland, but what will this mean for Ballater? We are surrounded by nature, and most of us who live here accept the beauties of our hills, glens and rivers without giving them a second thought unless a particularly warm sunny day persuades us to acknowledge our good fortune in our choice of where we live.

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Local Group News

A round-up of news from our local groups Got something to say about your group - Get in touch ballater.eagle@btopenworld.com

Ballater Bowling Club

by Ernie MacIntosh

Ballater Bowling Club was founded in 1908 and has long been a stalwart club in the Dee/Don Bowling League. However, like other Deeside clubs, Ballater is critically short of members.

Sadly if membership continues to fall as they have in recent years, then B.B.C. will probably pass into history. Last season we had to rely on the same four Ladies to cover all League matches, and the Gents were also struggling for players.

Hat Night (Club Night) attendances are at a critical low, with as few as six turning up.

B.B.C. is fortunate to have support from some caravan residents. Although they take no part in Club competitions or Hat Nights, their financial support is greatly appreciated, otherwise there would be financial difficulties for the Club.

Ballater Bowling Club sorely needs new members of all ages, - no experience is needed as tuition will be given. Hat Nights are on Tuesday and Saturday evenings. The season starts in mid to late April and ends in late September, with a prize-giving function in early October.

If Ballater Bowling Club is to survive the next two or three years then please come and join us.

Chiels Finish 2012 with a Flourish

by Andrew Thain

The Chiels had a very active spell during the last quarter of 2012. It all started on Saturday 15th September when 5 members of the Ballater Charitable Chiels and an invited guest, John Jolly, completed the Deeside Way Walk (Ballater - Aberdeen 39 miles) raising money for the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital charity, The ARCHIE Foundation. The funds raised were used by the charity to further enhance its specialist pain management service, with the purchase of

additional equipment that can be used by local children suffering from chronic or long-term pain.

The Chiels were approached by ARCHIE earlier in the year with a request to see if they would consider purchasing equipment or making a donation towards supporting the specialist pain management service. Children often have to travel to Glasgow to receive specialist pain management care and this purchase of additional equipment to be used in Aberdeen will help many families by allowing the children to receive treatment locally.

Founded in 2000 and currently having raised well over £300,000 for charities in the Northeast, the Chiels started out as a walking group with an aim to raise money for causes with children at the fore. So the above request from the ARCHIE Foundation allowed the Chiels to encapsulate the

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two and return to their original roots – walking and fundraising. They have undertaken most of the major walking challenges in the UK and Ireland and so decided to stay local and complete the Deeside Way. The walk was quite an enduring route and one of the most pleasing sights was arriving at our final designation of Duthie Park where we were greeted by our invited guest’s daughter. This was rather poignant because Fern has spent a lot of her younger life attending the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital and it made the stiff legs and sore feet all worthwhile as she clapped and cheered us home!

The Ballater Charitable Chiels also made £10,000 in donations towards local causes in Deeside and the Northeast in December. Our largest donation of £6000 went to “Jo’s Trust” which is the only UK based charity dedicated to women and their families affected by cervical cancer and cervical abnormalities. Their aim is to offer information, support and friendship to

Aboyne Van Hire

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women of all ages, to help them to understand the importance of cervical screening, and to provide their own personal brand of support if their screening shows up abnormalities or if they are diagnosed with cancer.

We also donated £500 towards the Ballater Winter Festival which was held on 26th and 27th November. The Festival incorporated a large outdoor skating rink, Christmas themed stalls and of course the annual Christmas light switch on. As well as a cash donation, the Chiels also donated nearly 100 man hours in the week prior to the Festival refurbishing the Christmas lights, which are now a tremendous focal point of the village.

On the back of the light switch on, we also agreed to give the Glenmiuck Parish Church a donation of £1000 to help cover the running costs of the festive lights which adorn the church spire.

Lastly we handed over £500 to each of the following groups, Deeside Youth Musical Theatre, The Braemar Chanter group, Ballater Primary School to cover the cost of First Aid training for the pupils, Ballater Bowling Club for repairs to their clubhouse floor, and to Michael Holley who is undertaking a major sponsored cycle in aid of the British Lung Foundation.

Our next planned event will be our charity golf day at Ballater Golf Club on Friday 14th June.

Aboyne and Upper Deeside Rotary

by Mike Powell

Mobile 07808 568434

The members of The Rotary Club of Aboyne and Upper Deeside look forward to working with the communities in Upper Deeside in 2013.

It’s difficult to think of this as the Spring Edition of the Eagle when, at the time of writing, many of us are struggling with the winter weather.

This article is an update to let you know what’s been happening with your local Rotary Club since the last edition of the Eagle.

Christmas Eve saw several club members gathered on the pavement outside Glenmuick Church “socialising” with passers-by and accepting

donations for the traditional “line of silver”. People were generous, as always, and a record £320 was donated to support local causes and other Rotary charities. Thanks to everyone involved. Visitors to the village who contributed included members from the aptly named Rotary Club of Havering West in Essex.

The other opportunity for members to meet people, and help out, was the bag packing in the Co-op in Aboyne, pre-Christmas and Hogmanay, when generous customers donated an amazing total of £1,636. Our thanks to them and the staff of the Co-op for making us welcome.

In keeping with the Club’s theme for this year of emphasising support for young people, the following are being organised during the early part of this year; The second annual photography competition for students of Aboyne Academy – to encourage creativity and development of skills.

A musical evening, organised in collaboration with the Academy, on the 26th March. This will showcase the talent of young people and also raise funds for sponsoring students at the annual

residential Rotary Youth Leadership Award courses at Abernethy Outdoor Centre Our local heat of the annual Scottish Rotary primary schools quiz will take place on 19th March in Torphins School. All ten schools in our area are invited to take part.

The Club will be celebrating its thirtieth birthday this year and is continuing to flourish.

We have recruited three new members since my last report; Frank Ribbons and Lee Pascoe from Aboyne, and Ruth Powell from Coull. We are also delighted to welcome back Ian Murray, a retired founder member of the Club, as a new honorary member. Many Ballater residents will know Ian from his previous professional role as the local pharmacist or from his many other contributions to the community.

New members are always welcome. The Club meets at the Glen Lui Hotel in Ballater and the Boat Inn in Aboyne. We have a light meal followed by a speaker and/or discussion on how the club activities are being planned and progressing. Guests are welcome, so if you would like to come along please contact me; Mike Powell on

Bill Barclay

Marie Chapman

Kiltmaker Traditional Hand Crafted KiltS Thousands of tartans to choose from, all woven from the best there is.

Alterations and all work carried out to a very high standard.

Soft Fur nishings, Tarland Hand and machine work available for curtains, pelmets, tie backs, cushions and Roman blinds.

Also curtain alterations and home visits available.

Free estimates with a large collection of fabric samples.

Complete job catered for from measuring to fitting.

07769813233

www.billskilts.co.uk billthekiltmaker@aol.co.uk

Tel. 07833 175470 marieandduncan@aol.com

013398 86369 or mike.powell@tiscali.co.uk And finally a reminder about the role and purpose of Rotary. We support community groups and help them with their fundraising, help development of young people, and carry out fundraising for international aid and educational charities. The essence of this is our aim to serve our communities, locally and internationally, while having fun and making friends. Log onto the Rotary in Britain and Ireland (RIBI) website for more information. http://www.ribi.org

Ballater Golf Club Ladies’ Section

by Fiona Bannister

Lady members and social members of Ballater Golf Club are invited to a coffee morning on Saturday 30th March at 10am to mark the start of the 2013 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 look forward to welcoming you at the golf club.

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leaflets about the Mini Bulb Show are available from the library. This will be followed by an illustrated talk

by Alan Beedie former Head Gardener at Glamis, on Green Tourism at the castle. This should whet our appetite for our visit to there in July.

As usual the annual Quiz night takes place on May 13th. It is a fun, sociable evening, with wine and nibbles provided. Donations of Plants and Home Produce for the Plant Sale on Saturday 8th June would be most welcome. Last year we raised around £700.00.

The schedule for the Annual Exhibition and Flower Show in August is available at the meetings or can be picked up from the library or Rowan Antiques. We hope for a decent spring and summer and a good turnout of entries.

Why not bring a friend along to our meetings?

A warm welcome is always extended to our members, new and old, and refreshments are served after each meeting. We look forward to seeing you.

Ballater Royal Horticultural Society

Carnelian

Sadly our December meeting was cancelled due to bad weather conditions. It was a thought for many to come out on such a night. However Mark Patterson has kindly agreed to present his talk on the Eden Project at our next AGM. I hope Andy Scobie makes it over from Nethybridge for our February meeting to talk about his work as Plant Officer for the Cairngorms National Park, Rare Plants Project. As I write this, the snow is falling endlessly, but the one consolation is that our gardens all look quite stunning when covered by a blanket of snow! We can only hope for a decent season ahead!

The meeting on 4th March is on Deeside Forestry, Past, Present & Future, given by Emily Homes. Hopefully there will be a good show of bulbs at our meeting on April 1st. Remember

“Feel Good Factor”

by Elizabeth Wilson

Lynne Park Massage Therapist

Swedish Remedial Massage Thermo Auricular Therapy 1 Netherley Place, Ballater Tel: 013397 56215 Mobile: 07793354249

Befriending – A Successful Project

by Sheena Watt

The local charity “Kincardine and Deeside Befriending” is pleased to have successfully completed, with the help of government finance from its Short Breaks Fund, a project aimed at enabling carers who look after vulnerable and isolated elderly relatives, to gain respite time away from their caring roles and responsibilities.

Befriending volunteers were carefully matched to engage with elderly clients and during their visits this provided some much deserved quality respite time for their carers.

Feedback was extremely positive with all of the desired outcomes from the project achieved.

Such outcomes included improved emotional and physical wellbeing for all clients and carers together with carers having ‘guilt free’ respite time to participate in a variety of activities such as taking up a new hobby or resuming an old one, meeting friends, undertaking further education; even just taking a long walk on their own was a luxury to some carers.

ATHOLL COUNTRYWEAR For Quality Ladies’ and Men’s Clothing Accessories & Shoes Fine Gifts 13 Bridge Street, Ballater AB35 5QP

Kincardine and Deeside Befriending is delighted to announce that further funding has been awarded by the government’s Short Breaks Fund for another year, in order for this initiative to continue. One quote from a carer perhaps sums up the worth of this charity “Simply having a befriender for mum lets me spend time with the grandchildren. Afterwards I feel tired but in a different way – a happy way. It helps me to re-balance my life”.

We are looking for both men and women who have a couple of hours a week or fortnight to spare, to visit and give companionship to an older person in their own community. Please note that our volunteers do not undertake personal care or housework. Full support will be given and out of pocket expenses will be met. If you would like to find out more please phone our Banchory office on 01330 823368 or 07816958839. Alternatively you can visit our website on www.kdbefriending.org.uk

Ballater RHS Floral Art Group

by Maria Franklin

November 2012 saw the return to Ballater of flower arranger John McDonald from Gleneagles Hotel. His excellent Christmas demonstration was a ‘sell-out’. Seven diverse creations, from small and manageable to large and exceptional, displayed plants and flowers in keeping with the event’s title, ‘The Christmas Present’. The evening attracted many people from Deeside, Donside and even Aberdeen.

The proceeds of £800 go towards planned

Cindy Adams PG Dip (Coun)

Person Centred Counsellor

Tel: 013397 53810 Open: Monday-Saturday 10am-5.30pm

1 Netherley Place Tel: 07969 495399

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Thanks must go to all who have contributed to a very successful season, resulting in a healthy trading surplus. Plans are now underway to replace the site offices and make the arrival point more welcoming. It is hoped to finance the operation by using the trading surplus, supplemented by grants from external funders.

Some minor improvements and maintenance are presently in progress.

We are glad that the wardens have agreed to return before the opening on 29th March this year.

Let’s hope that the weather is kinder this season.

Last year’s constant rain made grass cutting very difficult and probably reduced bookings by touring caravans.

As this is a Community project, we would welcome any suggestions or offers of help, which should be made to the BRD office or any director.

A reminder that our website is ballatercaravanpark. com, where an online booking system is available.

improvements at Crathie Opportunity Holidays.

The Floral Art Group, with Jenny Houston as Chairwoman, has been busy developing the 2013 programme. Edna Matthews, a well known and popular local demonstrator, will present the April event. At least two outings are planned for the year as well as visits from other floral artists who are sure to inspire us with new ideas and inspirations. See the Eagle diary for some details.

As usual posters advertising forthcoming meetings will be posted throughout the village.

Ballater Community Enterprise Ltd by Paddy Wright

Ballater Caravan Park After 5 years of negotiation with Aberdeenshire Council, a lease has finally been signed.

This allows BCE to operate the Park on behalf of the Community until 2052, although it has been operated by us since April last year.

AlexAndrA Hotel •

Lunch served 12 to 2pm

•

Evening meals 5pm to 9pm

•

En-suite accommodation

•

Children welcome

•

Local real ales

•

In the Good Beer Guide 2012

12 Bridge Square, Ballater

013397 55376

www.alexandrahotelballater.co.uk

Ballater Films by Ade Scripps The Victoria & Albert Halls’ monthly Saturday film club has been moving from strength to strength with a terrific turnout for “Madagascar 3” in January despite the snowy weather and a special Bond treat in February in the form of an evening showing of “Skyfall”.

The new year saw the Mike Sheridan Room being fitted with a huge new 150” widescreen format screen, so this, and the inclusion of a surround sound system now means all films can be enjoyed as they are meant to be seen and heard.

It’s great to see that word is spreading and more people are coming in to support Ballater Films and enjoy a great movie. Attempts to set a regular slot in the month have been slightly scuppered by the varying availability of films that we think people may want to see, but hopefully over time this will iron itself out and some form of pattern can be established.

J.Lanigan Engineer

March’s film is yet to be announced as the Eagle goes to print but look out for posters and on Facebook or online for details. Tickets priced £5 will be available from Yule’s the Newsagent in the village or on the door from 2.30pm (film starts 3pm).

We hope over the coming year to expand on the genres available and welcome wider audiences.

There are plans to run a Secret Film Club during Victoria Week [Whisht], but we are sworn to secrecy about what films we might show…! At the very least it will be a wet-weather option to add to the feast of events running at that time. Keep an eye out for more clues in the coming months.

Ballater Films is a voluntary venture, run with the backing of the Victoria & Albert Halls Development Association, Victoria Week and Ballater School Parent Council. Any profits are ploughed back in to ensure the project continues on its path to develop the halls as a community cinema venue.

Crannach Coffee Shop & Bakery at Cambus O’May

C.S.M. Aerial Satellite Deeside and Donside sky approved installers

Open Thursday - Tuesday 11am - 5pm

Strathgirnoc Farmhouse South Deeside Road Ballater Tel. 013397 56227 Mobile: 07506951506 Email: C-S-M_Aerials@hotmail.co.uk Web: csmaerials.co.uk

Bread Making Courses on Wednesdays

Gift Vouchers Available Tel: 013397 55126 for details

Ballater SWRI by Aileen Barbour On the 21st November, President Anne Richardson welcomed members to our meeting and introduced our speaker Davinia Bissett of “Rock Salt and Snails” who gave us a short resume on her life’s experiences followed by an interesting talk on the food, wine and all the different types of coffee they serve. We had two competitions that month:First Competition “2 Savoury Muffins” 1. Sheena Fraser, 2. Frances Johnstone, 3. Thelma Cooper, 4. Doris Gill.

Second Competition - Marjorie Gordon Cup” “Small Baby Bonnet in 3 ply” 1. Thelma Cooper, 2. Sheena Kerr, 3. Diane Wright, 4. Deirdre Tait.

The December meeting was our Christmas Lunch which was held at Ballater Golf Club. This was a most enjoyable affair and we all received a

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present from Santa (Scott Fraser).

Our meeting in January was an Open Evening with Sales Table. The President thanked everyone for coming out on icy roads then introduced Mary Wright who demonstrated easy floral arrangements which we could try at home and also gave us plenty useful tips to get the best from our flowers. Mrs Wright kindly donated the arrangements she had done to the raffle and was asked to judge the competitions the results of which were:Competition 1 “Pencil Sketch - Flowers A4 not mounted”: 1. Jan Williams, 2. Diana Wright, 3. Frances Johnstone.

Competition 2 “Evie Murray Rosebowl” “Fresh Flowers in Frame”: 1. Mary Munro, 2. Margaret Cameron, 3. Frances Johnstone, 4. Diane Wright.

H.P.S. (Aberdeen) Ltd Integrated Building / Landscaping Services and Supplies Chanaich Lodge Provost Craig Road Ballater Aberdeenshire AB35 5NN

Tel. 01339 756336 Fax. 01339 755893 Mobiles: 07710 469563 07850 653160

Managing Director Peter Henderson Email: peter.hps@btconnect.com

Ballater Victoria Week

Deeside Books

Quality Books Bought & Sold Antiquarian, second hand & a good selection of new Scottish books and bestsellers New Books by local authors available to order from www.deesidebooks.com T-Shirts, Hats, Scarves & Gloves, Jewellery, Jellycat Toys & Puzzles, Railway Prints, Cards, Gift Wrap & much more!

Open: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm Sun 12-5pm 18-20 Bridge Street Ballater Tel. 013397 54080 Email: deesidebk@aol.com

by By Cat Houston

Amused at last year’s Messy Play

A new series of brainstorming sessions to garner ideas for Victoria Week got off to a storming start in January. The committee was delighted to welcome a few more new faces for 2013 and some stonking ideas for the week-long festival of fun, which this year runs from Saturday 3rd to Sunday 11th August.

Among the new events proposed were an (almost) daily afternoon Film Club, a food demonstration event, a Rock Night Fancy Dress Disco, something horsey and some stargazing! It has been suggested that the Sunday Fayre be moved to the Church Green to keep parade viewers in the centre of the village rather than having to persuade them to move to Monaltrie Park, but the logistics of preserving both these largescale events with limited people power requires further discussion. Anyone prepared to lend a hand to help keep these events going is welcome to get in touch with VW using the contacts below. It is planned this year that the Scarecrow Competition results could be

announced on the last day of VW and that perhaps a Family Ceilidh could be held on that last Sunday to finish the week with a bang.

The following events are scheduled to take place as usual: St Kentigern’s Concert, Ballater Songsters Concert, History at the Halls, Ghost Tours, The Big Film, Potted Sports, Messy Play, Pet Show, Lady Jennifer’s Picnic, Sports Day, Kids’ Ranger Event, Kids’ Disco (back in the Victoria Hall with dance “leaders” to show kids the moves!), Car Boot Sale and Duck Race.

Back in December, VW handed out over £3,500 in donations to local groups and charities as a result of its Silver Jubilee year efforts in 2012 and it is hoped the events will raise even more cash this year. A new theme for 2013, if indeed one is required, has yet to be settled on, but this is the Year of Natural Scotland, for example, so some events could be themed around that. What do you think?

More new ideas and volunteers are always welcome and a second VW 2013 brainstorming session took place in February with a third set to take place on Thursday March 14 in the Beaton Craigie Room, V&A Halls, Ballater, at 7.30pm. All are welcome.

For more details search for Ballater Victoria Week on Facebook, see www.ballatervictoriaweek.co.uk or call Val Norton (secretary) on 55018 or Adrian Scripps (coordinator) on 55243. Be Amused.

Ballater Boules take the opportunity by John Holley

Our eighth successful season will come to an end in about a month’s time and what a season it has been for all concerned.

The highlight of the season was the £800.00 raised by our players for the ‘Crathie Opportunity Holidays’ Charity over the Christmas & New Year period. Over two meetings whilst competing for the ‘Golden Boules Trophy’ and the ‘New Year Quaich’ the participants dug deep into their wallets and purses and broke all previous records.

After being ‘gift aided’ the final total added to the charity coffers will be £1000.00. The winners of the trophies were as follows:- Golden Boules Trophy, Martin Young and Alastair Whitson and The New Year Quaich, Ernie McIntosh and Jim Clark We have experienced the usual high numbers of players despite some pretty awful weather on some meeting days but our motto of ‘Fun, Friendship & Fresh Air Guaranteed’ has always shone through. To date we have had just one cancellation due to heavy snow in late January.

A real breath of fresh air has been the arrival of new local players and some from a tad further away like Banchory and Torphins. It was also nice

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to see house guests of our players taking part and enjoying themselves over the festive holidays.

We have three more meetings remaining, Sunday 10 th March, Sunday 24 th March and our final gathering followed by the now famous Ballater Boules BBQ on the 7th April (as Morecambe & Wise would say ‘Bring Me Sunshine!). If you are interested in joining us, meet at the Pavilion, Monaltrie Park at 10.15am for a 10.30am start. Absolutely no experience is necessary (it’s so easy you won’t believe it), you don’t need any equipment as this will be provided as will a partner if you don’t have one.

Remember, ‘Fun, Friendship & Fresh Air’ is absolutely guaranteed, what more do you need?

To close, I would like to thank all those who have helped with the running of the meetings (they know who they are) and for the players who turn out in all weathers to continue the huge success of the Ballater Boules Challenge.

The presentation ceremony - snowy conditions didn’t hamper the fun

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Ballater (Royal Deeside) Ltd

BRD continues to be involved in a number of projects from which the community will benefit.

Soon a feasibility study will be undertaken to determine the advantages of an Adult Learning Centre and advise on the courses to be available.

A project manager will also be appointed to assist in starting the Centre which will be located in the Beaton Craigie Room and in collaboration with Aboyne and Braemar and, eventually, Upper Donside. This is an exciting prospect and derived from public requests subsequent to the Ballater One Voice One Future study.

Similarly, tenders are sought for a feasibility study for a proposed Heritage Centre for the village where a more permanent display of memorabilia and photographs could be developed. Several possible sites have been identified for consideration by the successful consultants.

Arrangements are being finalised for the acquisition from The Forestry Commission of land at Dalmochie to enable the re-creation of two log cabins in memory of the lumberjacks who toiled there during the War and as a tourist attraction.

This will be with the co-operation of the descendants of these woodworkers from Newfoundland.

Planning approval has been obtained for the siting of a Welcome granite stone at the west of the village similar to that already in position on the A93 which has drawn favourable comments from the community.

The Directors of BRD are always keen to learn of ideas for projects which would be of benefit to Ballater.

The Big Red Bus

by Ian Ritchie

Most of you will have seen BRD’s big red minibus in the village or further afield. This is available for hire, with a trained volunteer driver, by any local group or organisation. The bus can accommodate up to 16 passengers. It has gentle steps and a hoist which allows access for two wheel chairs.

Recent hires have included sporting activities

by Jack Coull

such as golf outings, the judo club, walking groups and school groups, not forgetting Ballater’s Tartan Army (home games only)! Over the festive season the ‘party people’ were out in force with a trip to the pantomime in Aberdeen as well meals out both in the village and further afield. Our most regular clients are the local Evergreen Club who meet each Thursday throughout the winter and spring.

For this valuable service to the community we have to thank our group of volunteer drivers. We are always on the lookout for new drivers to this group and if you can give a little of your time it would be greatly appreciated by our clients. For further information contact Gillian in the BRD office.

If your organisation or group would like to book the use of the minibus, please also contact Gillian.

Tel:- 013397 55467 Email : ballaterdeeside@btinternet.com

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Ballater Walking Festival

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by Sandy Mitchell

Planning for this year’s Ballater Walking Festival, our 16th, is well under way and we are hoping for a good number of walkers homing in on Ballater in May. The festival will run from 18-24th May and follows the time honoured format of three levels of walk each day for six days, culminating in a ceilidh on the Friday evening. The walks range from a stroll round the Balmoral policies to a highly popular transit of the Lairig Ghru, with lots in between. As always our biggest problem is coming up with 18 walks without too many repeats over the years and without ruinous transport implications.

We hope we have achieved a balanced programme and early bookings seem to support this. As at mid-January we have over 50 walkers booked, more than 20 ahead of last year’s figure and we hope to attract something approaching 100 participants by May. This provides a considerable boost to local shops and services and is very important to the village.

Of course none of this would be possible without the unstinting assistance of a large number of locals who provide walk leaders and helpers who almost walk themselves into the ground over six days, together with all those who arrange the evening entertainment and the many other chores which an enterprise of this scale demands.

A large proportion of our walkers return year after year, an indication of our popularity, and so many familiar faces will be spotted in our streets in May. Anyone interested in joining the walks can obtain a brochure and booking form from the BRD office at 7 Bridge Street or from the Tourist Information Office in Station Square or see our web site at: walkballater.com Anyone wishing to offer assistance on the walks or in any other way, please contact me through the BRD office.

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Deeside Donside Development Project by Nick Mardall Dalmochie

The project has successfully raised the funds to purchase the site from the Forestry Commission. The legal formalities are now being dealt with and we expect the sale to be complete before the end of March. This will mean the site being owned by the community.

A partnership between BRD and the Historic Forest Project Association will be preparing the next phase of restoring the cabins which originally existed on the site.

Community Website Assistance

Once again 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 £1000 so don’t let the opportunity pass for your group to benefit!

Ballater Learning Centre

The Learning Centre initiative has secured funds to undertake business planning and preparation work for the centre. By the time this comes to print we expect that the project will be in a position to begin at least preparatory work to equip the facility.

Braemar Action plan

The Braemar Action plan has reached a draft stage which is to be endorsed by the Community Council in mid February.

Thereafter actions that have been identified by the community will be underway which will help improve the village according to its own aspirations.

Ballater Action Plan

Ballater undertook a similar exercise of action planning for the community in 2009. A lot of good work and projects emerged as a result.

This project, in partnership with the Community Council, will lead a review of the plan and look at refocusing the efforts where it is needed most.

Housing Partnership

The Prince’s Trust and the Highland Small Communities Housing Trust continue to look at options for a site on Balmoral for self build. An open day will have been held in February which will give full details of the project to the community and asked for interested folk to submit expressions of interest.

Finally as always I would ask folk to contact me if they have any project or funding they would like me to help them pursue. Nick.dddp@ btconnect.com or telephone 013397 53775

Broadband

The project continues to work on this issue. Presently we have succeeded in getting Glenbuchat and Corgarff onto a programme of broadband upgrade over the next year. This work is through a Government initiative which targets smaller communities that will miss out on the national upgrade that BT are committed to. It is likely that the work on Donside can be duplicated in the harder to reach areas of upper Deeside.

Forbes Duguid Painter & Decorator Tel .55816 el.55816

I Love Freegle by Carol Hutton Ever wondered what to do with all that stuff you don’t want anymore? Puzzle no more!

There’s no need to throw away unwanted Christmas presents or household clutter. It’s easy to give away goods to locals who can make use of them. Freegle allows members to post pictures and descriptions of anything (legal) they want to give away and puts them in touch with people locally who may want it.

It’s like online dating for stuff. Got an unloved thingamajig? Find someone who will love that hoodgeykeplunk. Freegle has over 1.4million members in over 360 UK locations doing just that.

As Co-ordinator of AberdeenshireWest Freegle Group I would encourage you to make use of this free facility. If you can’t use something there’s bound to be someone in your area who can. We provide an easy to use platform to connect people with things. Everything is free and all our groups are looked after by local volunteers.

People even want broken things. There are loads of community groups and other folks who are really happy to get a broken toaster or worn out arm chair because they like repairing things or want to teach others those skills. There’s a real groundswell of people in all communities who want to fix things.

Goods that are beyond their original purpose can also be turned into something new. This is called upcycling. For example, old washing machine drums make attractive lamps, table bases and firepits. Old house windows make

21

great greenhouses for the garden.

Extending the life of goods is really important. Reuse is more environmentally friendly than recycling which breaks material down into elements and uses masses of energy and transport to do so. 83% of sofas discarded at UK “tips” are reusable. Freegle provides a way to avoid this kind of shocking waste and facilitates the free reuse of about 500 tonnes of goods every month.

Western society has 12 per cent of the world’s population but consumes 60 per cent of its resources.

Research by Yale says we’re going to run out of raw materials within 50 to 60 years if we carry on at the current level of consumption. Reusing and sharing what we already have across communities also enables the economically challenged to have goods that would otherwise be unobtainable but are essential to maintaining a decent standard of living.

Charities, families, students, businesses, schools and all types of activity and community groups are all welcome to join their local Freegle group and start exchanging goods amongst themselves It’s a great time of year to start Freegling, January is a time when people often have a clear out or are experiencing financial hardship. Sharing stuff on Freegle - instead of putting it in a rubbish sack or local tip, or relegating it to the attic - is beneficial to people, pocket and planet.

Don’t throw it away, Give it away!

Visit www.ilovefreegle.org and enter your postcode to find a Freegle group in your area.

Also: https://facebook.com/Freegle, www.facebook.com/pages/Aberdeenshire-West-Freegle

ROY MITCHELL JOINER 76 Golf Road Ballater TELEPHONE:(013397) 55378 MOBILE: 07792 117963

and General enquiries: info@ilovefreegle.org Freegle logos to download: http://wiki.ilovefreegle.org/Logos

Local Freegle group: http://freegle.in/AberdeenshireWestFreegle or http://groups.yahoo. com/group/AberdeenshireWestFREEGLE/ Local Volunteers: AberdeenshireWestFreegle-owner@yahoogroups.com

22

Crathie School News

Cheese I went to Braemar on Thursday.

There was a lady at the school from The Cairngorm Food Project. We watched a film about cheese making. I learned that rennet is added to milk and that summer is a good time to make cheese because the grass that the animals eat is juicy. I learned about mouldy cheese. We saw equipment and got to taste some cheese. The cheese was from the Cambus O’ May cheese factory.

by Curtis P3

Castle Project We are learning about Castles and Harry Potter this term. We are researching local castles to learn more about them. We are also reading Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. We have enjoyed it so far, the book makes you want to read on. When you start reading this book you just don’t want to stop. Some of us have made Castles out of recycled things. Mr Hughes comes in on a Friday and he is working on a special project with us.

by Clint P7

Happy Haggis On Friday we had a Burns Lunch. We peeled and chopped turnip to eat with potatoes and haggis. I also had some juice. We set the table and wore kilts and did some dancing. It was good fun.

by Emilie P2

The Little Insider On Monday I went to school as usual and I opened the door. Then I heard a scratching noise. I told my teacher that I thought there was a mouse in the animal food bin.

I lifted the bird seed box and laid it down outside the door. Then I looked inside the bin.

There were two eyes staring back at me!!! It wasn’t a mouse ….. the eyes belonged to a bushy-tailed red squirrel! I jumped. Somehow the squirrel had managed to get into the food bin, where the nuts and seeds were stored. I moved the bin and then the squirrel jumped out very fast and we all screamed. I think it was more scared than we were. It was a frightening start to the first day of the week!

by Lewis P4

Jammin’ Fitness On Friday we went to join Strathdon School to do Jammin’Fitness. Jammin’fitness is putting rock and roll into dancing and it was ver y relaxing. My teacher suggested I volunteer to help with the demonstration. It was embarrassing!

First the girls went up, then the boys went up and then we all went up to teach other children the dances. It was fun but tiring.

by Morgan P5 Snowy Fun We’ve had lots of fun in the snow. We played with diggers and sledged on plastic bags. We measured the snow with a metre stick. It was 40cm deep on the picnic table. It was very cold.

by Euan P2

Crathie News

by Marion MacIntyre

Crathie Book Group Our meetings over the winter have been few and far between, with Christmas and then snow both intervening to thwart us! We managed to discuss two books however, “The Cellist of Sarajevo” by Steven Galloway, an impressive if harrowing novel, set as it was during the brutal siege of Sarajevo, and “The Girls from Riyadh” by Rajaa Alsanea, an altogether more lightweight read but interesting in giving some insight into the lives of Saudi girls of the privileged “velvet” class. We have been reading “The Casual Vacancy” by J K Rowling for some time now and hopefully will actually get to discuss it soon!

Church News The Parish of Braemar and Crathie will be holding a joint service at Braemar Church on Sunday 3 March at 9.45am during which there will be a short Communion. On Easter Sunday, there will be joint services at 8am at Braemar Castle and at Crathie Kirk at 11.30am. The Sacrament of Communion

Spencer’s of Crathie

23

will be celebrated at both Braemar and Crathie on Sunday 5 May. All will be welcome at these services.

Coffee at the Distillery The annual Coffee Morning will be held at Royal Lochnagar Distillery, Crathie, on Saturday 6 April from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

As always there will be plentiful home baking, a raffle, a sales table and a warm welcome!

Crathie Seniors Crathie Senior Citizens enjoyed a delicious Christmas Lunch on 20 December 2012 in the congenial surroundings of Ballater Golf Club.

As usual it was a lively and sociable event, with a fun Christmas Quiz to sharpen the wits while relaxing after the meal. Thanks go to Patricia Fraser and her helpers for organising such an enjoyable get together. Patricia would be delighted to hear from anyone who is eligible for an invite in 2013 (women 60 years or over and men 65 years or over who live in the Crathie or Birkhall area.) Her telephone number is 42327 and her email address is patricia@fraser3495. fsnet.co.uk

and

Crathie Bowling Club If you would like to try your hand at Indoor Bowling, Crathie Bowlers meet on Tuesday and Friday evenings from 7pm to 9pm in Crathie New Hall. New members are always welcome and for more information, call Jean Young, telephone no 42415.

Telephone: 013397 42295 Mobile: 07814 051388

Coffee at the Kirk After a well deserved winter break, the Crathie Kirk Coffee Ladies will be recommencing their ever popular Monday morning café in the Church Hall from Monday 8th April. They are looking forward to seeing old friends and welcoming new ones, so come along between 10am and 12.30pm each Monday for good company and delicious home baking!

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24

POLICE PAGE

by P.C Donald Macleod

Folks, at time of writing we are now getting back to some normality following a week of snowy weather. With the poor conditions, local officers have been kept busy closing roads and assisting motorists whilst ‘oot and aboot’. However we have not just been busy with weather issues.

Unfortunately we have noted a small rise in mindless vandalism in the village with the most notable incident being to the toilet block at the caravan park. It is very disappointing that this has occurred to a facility which helps boost Ballater’s tourist trade. We ask if anyone has any information into this incident (or any incident) then they come along and speak to us at the Police Office. The incidents that have occurred recently we strongly believe are carried out by younger persons who live locally.

Other local issues that have come to our attention are:-

People driving the wrong way down the newly introduced one -way system now in place along Viewfield Road from its junction with Bridge Street to the junction with Queen’s Road.

Yellow lines around the centre of the village have also been re-painted so please if parking in the village centre, pay attention to them as we have had a number of complaints already about vehicles parking on them.

Speed is another issue that has arisen lately.

Again please bear in mind that within Ballater it is a 30 mph zone.

Unfortunately we see all too often around the village persons not wearing their seatbelts or driving whilst either speaking or texting on their mobile phones. If you are caught using your mobile phone while driving it is a £60 fine and 3 points on your licence!!

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HorseBack UK Leadership Courses

by Jock Hutchison

Over the last four years the team at HorseBack UK has developed a Charity that is geared to �Help our Heroes Help Themselves�. The Charity provides time and space for injured service personnel to fully adapt to their life changing injuries post clinical recovery. By assisting individuals regain confidence and team skills the charity aims to ensure that guests are fully ready mentally and physically to successfully take on vocational training.

The Charity has been helped considerably from the support of Help for Heroes, not only financially, but because the relationship ensures full co-ordination with other military charities and organizations. Like Horseback they are determined to co-ordinate the recovery of our injured service personnel and therefore ensure maximum success for those that deserve the best opportunities to find meaningful and happy futures.

The ethos of the Horseback organisation has always focused on what individuals can do rather than any limitations that injuries can create, and to that end we have strived to find ways of showing the wider world the enormous resource our wounded personnel should and can be to society.

A major initiative for the 2012 season was to introduce Leadership courses to the oil industry.

This platform allowed injured service personnel to interact with management of major oil companies and demonstrate some of the skills acquired during a military career.

The courses were a great success and Horseback has a full program for 2013 with new clients coming on board.

There follows a resume of one executive’s reaction to a leadership course at HorseBack UK at Ferrar, Dinnet.

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A day at a HorseBack Leadership course Release the Beast

by Tania Kindersley If you told me that I should spend a Thursday afternoon watching five determined executives attempt to herd a fast, equally determined, black Shetland pony round an obstacle course in a wide green field, I might have expressed some surprise.

In the event, after a day immersed in the ethos of HorseBack UK, it felt oddly natural. Oh, and in this particular exercise, the pony was radioactive.

You know how business people often speak of ‘thinking outside the box’? It’s an expression worn thin with use, that now invites derision. Let’s run something up the flagpole at the same time, and see who salutes. At HorseBack, they rip up the box, and fling its scattered pieces to the wind.

As I watched them metaphorically flutter away, I thought: yes, radioactive ponies, of course.

HorseBack’s new venture is to take the principles they use with returning veterans, and apply them

to the corporate sphere. I imagine that if you are a business person, and someone mentions the words ‘leadership course’, or ‘team-building weekend’, your heart might sink into your shiny boots. I know little of this, but in my mind, for some obscure reason, it almost always involves paint-balling. At HorseBack they have no paintballs; they have ex-military instructors, and horses. It was this that I went to see.

The soldiers are the most explicable part. If someone who has led a platoon through the perilous terrain of Afghanistan is talking to you of leadership, you are going to pay very close attention. (‘We called that the valley of death,’ one of them said, matter-of-factly, about one of his areas of deployment.) What I had not quite anticipated is how philosophical some of the ideas were. It’s not just left right, left right, turn, quick march; it’s not about drilling and orders and hierarchy. They think of leadership as an art; at moments, there was almost poetry in the way they spoke of it. They use words like humanity, humility, unselfishness.

In their lists of attributes that make a great leader

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there is, at number seven, in big black letters: sense of humour. Their own humour shines through. At one point, one of them said, dryly: ‘Officers should never run.’ Slight pause. ‘It scares the men.’

There is no trace of bombast or gung-ho. They talk about character, and fairness, and judgment.

They define two kinds of courage, - physical and moral. ‘Moral courage is much harder than the physical kind,’ one of them says. I find this revelatory.

There is a great authenticity in everything they say.

‘It is not weakness to ask advice from somebody; it is weakness to think you know everything and carry on regardless.’ There is good empirical stuff here too; a touch of the academic and the scientific.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Need is spoken of; Tuckman’s stages of group development. But then, just as everything seems rational and obvious, they take Dr Tuckman’s notions of developing a team, and apply them to horses.

The equine aspect is the unexpected part.

What can a dear old Quarter Horse teach a suited and booted corporate whizz about leading a

27

company? I was a little bemused. The military aspect makes perfect sense, but standing in a sand arena learning how to turn an equine in slow circles?

It took me a while to get it. It’s about all the good, honest nouns: trust and patience and perseverance and consistency. It’s about concrete things, like body language, and knowledge. It’s about small, ordinary things, like paying attention. It’s about wide human things, like self-belief. But finally what I saw is that it’s much more nuanced than that.

A horse does not care about the size of your office, or what car you drive, or the vast salary you pull in. You cannot impress it with your MBA, or any amount of letters after your name. You cannot pull rank with a horse, or blind it with a blizzard of jargon. Most of all, you can’t fool a horse.

Equines are fabulously telepathic and instinctive. If you feel tentative or uncertain or nervous, it will sense that at fifty paces. If you are going to get a horse to trust you, to feel safe enough to do what you ask it to do, you can’t just bluster

28

and blag. You have to be strong and sure and calm and kind, to your very bones. Also, you cannot impose your will on a creature that weighs half a ton. You have to invite a partnership; you have to be polite.

So there, in the easy atmosphere of the blue Scottish hills, among Western horses and men in cowboy hats, more learning was crammed into one day than I could have imagined, and all with no whiff of school about it.

Just as my head was about to explode with all these new, interesting things, there was one last exercise.

‘We are going to release the beast,’ said the boss.

The beast, it turned out, was about 28 inches high. Another sharp life lesson: never, ever underestimate something just because it is small and furry. The Shetland has more strength and orneriness and determination in its front hooves than most people have in their entire bodies.

The exercise, harking back to the military theme, involved a fantasy scenario where the pony had

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gone radioactive and had to be isolated in a particular corner without being touched or led. The team had an array of tools available, including, to everyone’s hilarity, a chainsaw.

‘That’s a red herring,’ the boss said to me, out of the corner of his mouth. Although I swear I saw one woman looking at it with a speculative gleam in her eye.

And off they all went, intent on their task, as the tiny Shetland remembered his wild ancestry, and charged about the three acres at top speed, as if he were Derby winner, instead of a very, very short pony.

The team succeeded in their challenge, to their flushed triumph. The pony cantered into his required finishing spot, and stood, looking fabulously pleased with himself. I laughed my head off.

Afterwards, I asked one of the executives about the course. He thought for a moment. ‘Most of these things, ‘he said, ‘are death by PowerPoint.

But this...’

He paused. He smiled. He said: ‘This is real.’

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Cairngorms National Park Authority Well, 2013 has certainly started with a weather variation! I played golf on the 2nd Jan and on the 22nd we had 2 feet of snow! Anyway, what better way to begin the Year of Natural Scotland than with something to remember. To add to that, it is the tenth anniversary of the Cairngorms National Park. During the year there will many different events which tourists and residents are all encouraged to attend.

As my contribution to celebrate the tenth anniversary and Natural Scotland I have decided that it would be fitting to visit somewhere new once a month for a walk, cycle, shop, eat and drink but not all at the same time!

My first venture was actually relatively local and one of that places you pass by pretty regularly and always say I must have a walk up there some day.

It was a cold day but the sun was shining I visited a friend in Corgarff then drove over the Glas-choille towards Gairnshiel. Just before I reached the top of the Shenval I drew into the side of the road and parked. On the left there is a relatively small hill and it has a track going up, as there is a telephone mast on the top. The hill is called Mammie (The rounded hill). It is a pleasant walk although I must admit on a couple of bits I was peching! But it is worth it when you get to the top - the view is fantastic. In one direction you look up Gairnside towards Braenaloin, another goes down Gairnside towards Ballater, then if you look north you look towards Glenfenzie which is very well known but there is also Glen Beg and Glen More. This was the best bit for me. I was intrigued as to where these two glens that I had just found went, were they ever inhabited, does anyone know any history of these glens? I would appreciate any information from readers.

Once you get to the telephone mast the land rover track carries on for a short bit and there is an old fence that you can continue walking along. If you have time you could carry on down the hill to Inverenzie.

As I was parked at the top of the Shenval, I came round the side of the hill behind Clashanruich, a large house at the top of Gairnside. I was back at the car quickly and rather pleased with my achievement,

by Katrina Farquhar

which may seem small to some but it gave me a warm glow and appreciation of the landscape that I have grown up in and not always valued.

I then drove down the Shenval over the Gairnshiel Bridge and turned right along past Rinloan, Braenaloin and over the hill to Crathie for my fly cup.

As it is going to be a special year especially for those of us who live and work in The Cairngorms National Park, we should all be encouraged to record stories, photographs and film for our future generations.

A Generous Gesture

by CNPA Staff Groups and organisations looking to run activities for elderly people in the Cairngorms National Park this year were recently invited to apply for Grants of up to £200 with the aim of helping the elderly enjoy the National Park. £2000 in total is available following fundraising activities by staff and board members of the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) in their own time. The Charitable and Social Group was set up by staff working at the Park Authority to raise money for local good causes. Fundraising activities have included cake and plant sales, raffles as well as a library where a donation is made to borrow books and DVDs and lunchtime talks by members of staff or invited guests.

Chair of the Committee, Clare Muckart, said: “In the past we’ve awarded grants from this Fund to local youth groups for equipment or activities to help them enjoy and fully experience the National Park and now we’d like to help elderly people in some way.

“We hope this money might help groups go on an outing or take part in an activity in the National Park but we’re open to applications for anything that helps elderly people enjoy the Cairngorms National Park.”

Grants of up to £200 are available and interested groups were encouraged to apply in writing

by Friday 1st March 2013. This is the expected date of distribution of the Eagle, but hopefully some organisations in Ballater will already have applied for some of this funding.

10th anniversary celebrations for Cairngorms National Park by Karen Archer The Cairngorms National Park hits an important milestone this year, celebrating its 10th anniversary.

The UK’s largest national park was established in 2003 to ensure that the unique aspects of the area – both the natural environment and the local communities – are cared for and enhanced for current and future generations to enjoy.

At 4,528sq km, the Cairngorms National Park is internationally important for nature conservation, is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and has a rich cultural past.

In a decade, work by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) and a wide range of partners, has reaped many benefits. Around 200 land-based businesses and 4,800 land-based workers have benefited from various training initiatives. A £4 million programme of new and improved paths has been delivered in and around communities and there are now 320 health walks in the Park, delivered by the Cairngorms Outdoor Access Trust. There have also been several conservation projects over the past decade including rare plants, fresh water pearl mussels, raptors, wildcats and water voles.

There have been improvements to visitor information centres and the establishment of the Cairngorms Business Partnership and delivery of the Cairngorms brand – now a recognised symbol of the Park and everything that it stands for. In 10 years there have been 14 million visitors to the Cairngorms National Park contributing £115

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million per year to the local economy.

Duncan Bryden, Cairngorms National Park Convener said: “Our vision is for an outstanding National Park enjoyed and valued by everyone whether they live here or visit the Park. Somewhere that nature and people can thrive together and we all look forward to the next decade as we continue to deliver on three themes – supporting thriving communities, looking after this special place and ensuring that people enjoy the Park.”

While the focus for the next ten years will continue to be about improving landscapes and wildlife, empowering communities and helping people to get involved in the Park, there will also be a great deal of emphasis placed on improved broadband and mobile phone coverage and preparing for how climate change will affect the way we live.

The centrepiece of the 10th birthday celebrations will be ‘Celebrating Cairngorms Nature’ a free event on18 May in Aviemore for families and visitors showcasing the Park’s rich environment and vast array of wildlife. Other activities during the year include the production of DVD ‘The Story of the Park’, a photography competition and a celebration of the Park’s cultural heritage later in the year.

2013 is also Year of Natural Scotland, a national initiative celebrating Scotland’s outstanding natural beauty. So whatever you’re planning for 2013, make sure you get out there and enjoy the Cairngorms National Park and make the most of Year of Natural Scotland. www.cairngorms.co.uk / www.visitscotland.com/about/nature-geography/year-ofnatural-scotland

The McEwan Gallery

Lion Feijen - Wooden Egg Bucket with Pears - Oil on board

Please give us a call before planning a visit during the winter months Ballater - Royal Deeside - AB35 5UB

www.mcewangallery.com

Tel: 013397 55429

33

Rare Find Offered To AA Box 472

by John Holley on behalf of Team 472 As most of you will be aware AA Box No 472 located at the Cambus O’ May was ‘saved’ from completely disappearing through neglect, by five Ballater residents in 2009. Come July this year it will be 4 years since this task was completed.

The box was then transformed into a ‘mini museum’ that offers historical pictures of the box and local places of interest, as well as local maps and tourist information for travellers to the area.

Even the Ballater Eagle is made available to passing motorists. The two most popular items (apart from the Eagle!) are the original oil lamp pulley system in the roof space and the ‘Visitor’s Book’ that has attracted literally hundreds of signatures from around the world.

turn off some 150 yards from the current site. Mr. Robertson, whose father worked for Aberdeenshire Council, found the map in the loft, searched the internet, found our web site and made contact.

The item was an AA prepared map of the mileages to other destinations in Scotland emanating from Box 472 itself. In fact it is a dedicated map that was tailored specifically for Box 472. It would probably be giving the mileages to other AA boxes rather than the town or village itself. Initially there were over 1000 boxes dotted around the UK. It is very difficult to date the map but after some investigation it is thought that it is probably around 80 to 90 years old as the AA introduced these boxes throughout the UK in the 1920s. The map is in very good condition and in the very near future will be added to the ‘mini museum’ in the current Box 472.

NPC

MOLE & PEST CONTROL BPCA Accredited

Recently, we were contacted by email by Mr. Scott Robertson of Banchory who stated he was in possession of an extremely rare item that was originally housed in Box 472 when it was located at the junction of the A93 and the Burn O’ Vat

Crathie 01339742001 Mbl 07746556883

There are only around 12 to 14 boxes remaining in situ (as opposed to in museums etc) throughout the UK and around 50% of these will disappear through neglect within the next five years. Unfortunately unless individuals take it upon themselves to ‘save’ these important pieces of social history then they will be lost forever. Box 472 is listed and protected but back in 2009 there was little evidence of any protection going on and the fact that it was listed wasn’t helping much either. If Team 472 hadn’t taken the initiative it is very doubtful that it would be standing today.

Team 472 would like to thank the Ballater Police Constables who regularly visit the box to ensure all is well and who sign the visitor’s book to record their visits.

You are cordially invited to pay a visit to Box 472 the next time you are passing. Please sign the visitor’s book, look up at the original pulley system and now you are able to view the original mileage map. Do however remember to close the door securely behind you when you leave (important!).

For the full story of the saving of Box 472 visit www.box472.weebly.com

The Auld Kirk Dinner served in the award winning Spirit restaurant Tuesday to Saturday from 6.30pm Sunday lunch served from 12-2pm Locally sourced food, friendly service, stylish restaurant and bar

Bookings advisable Braemar Road, Ballater 013397 55762 www.theauldkirk.com

The Visitors Book. Please leave your message when you pass on your next journey along the A93

Community Ward Forums

Why not come along?

Marr Area Partnership, a local independent community development organisation, runs quarterly community ward forums in the Mid and Upper Deeside area. All local community groups, charities, churches, community halls, youth groups, parent councils, community councils and business associations are welcome to attend as well as agencies/service providers (eg. Grampian Police, NHS Grampian, Community Learning and Development, Aberdeenshire Council).

The forums provide an opportunity for groups to discuss diverse local issues, get training that will help them to function better, and to network with people who can tackle problems and help them get community projects off the ground. Over the last year some of the wide range of issues covered includes: Local path developments and Walking to Health Groups;

E J E

35

Training on using social media to get your message across/information out; Funding opportunities for community projects and training on doing successful grant applications Youth projects and activities; Workshops on how community groups can function more effectively; Public health based initiatives.

The forums are very informal and friendly and representatives from the groups listed above, or similar, are welcome to attend. The forums are held in the evening at various village halls in the area, are FREE, light refreshments are provided and travel costs can be reimbursed. If you would like to find out more, or to be added to the email list to receive an invite to the next forum, please contact Lizzy Shepherd on lizzy@marareapartnership.org.uk or Tel: 07786 579426.

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Station Square, Ballater, AB35 5RB phone: 013397 55005 www.edwardjemsliecarpets.co.uk email: info@tedemslie.com

36 Aberdeenshire Council

by Katrina Farquhar

In this issue I would like to raise awareness of funding opportunities for everyone in our area and it is worth having a look to see if you can get assistance from various sources. Visit the Council website for more details at www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk but I have provided a wee taster below. You can also use the Grant Net service provided free of charge by the Council.

For guidance on completing your application and for advice in dealing with the budgetary aspects of your application, 2 free software programmes have been produced. These are called “Apply Yourselves” and “Budget Yourselves” respectively and can be accessed from the Community Chains website: www.communitychains.co.uk • Aberdeenshire Educational Trusts (awards usually to schools and for arts projects) • Aberdeenshire Leader Fund for projects that benefit rural communities) • Aberdeenshire Sports Council (grants to teams and sportspeople) • Area Top-Up Funding (Community Learning and Development) • Community Partnership • Economic Development (support for new and established businesses) • Education, Learning and Leisuire: 1 Early Years 2 - Assistance for school and college pupils including uniform grants • Energy Assistance Project (help with heating and insultation) • Heritage • Local Area Committees (top-up funding, tourism grants, many others) • Social Work 1 - Start up grants for new childminders 2 - Grants to voluntary organisations with Social Work objectives • Transport and Infrastructure - Private house improvement grants (adaptations for people with disabilities) C l i m a t e C h a l l e n g e Fu n d £10.3 million available per year un til March 2015: These CCF grants up to

£150,000 per year from the Scottish Government could provide funds and support for your Community Group to reduce their community’s carbon footprint, save money and improve facilities.

CCF grants have funded community owned buildings to install energy efficient measures and community group projects to provide local energy efficiency advice. They have also funded community growing spaces and local projects to help people move away from their cars towards lower carbon transport alternatives.

Wee Jim Landscapes

James Anderson Bridgefoot, Glenmuick, Ballater Aberdeenshire AB35 5SN

Firewood Available Call for details Tel: 013397 55997 Mobile: 07821 746756 Email: weejim03@live.co.uk

There is also additional support for disadvantaged, black and minority ethnic communities and young people in developing their CCF application through new £750 Development Grants.

Innovative applications for funding are encouraged, but to be eligible for CCF grants community groups must be community-led, operate on a not-for-profit basis, prove they can achieve measurable cuts in their carbon footprint within their neighbourhood and leave a sustainable legacy in the community. From initial ideas to project implementation, groups applying for CCF funding can count on support from Keep Scotland Beautiful, who manage the fund on behalf of the Scottish Government.

War Memorial Restoration Grants Finally the Scottish Government has provided 1 million pounds for the renovation of war memorials throughout Scotland. For more information get in touch with Historic Scotland at hs.grants@ scotland.gsi.gov.uk

37

Improving Broadband – Help Aberdeenshire Council to Improve Your Service: Aberdeenshire Council is issuing broadband sur vey postcards to all addresses within Aberdeenshire as part of a bid for Government funding to improve broadband in the area. The Scottish Government has begun a procurement programme to deliver upgraded infrastructure capable of delivering broadband speeds of at least 24 Mbps to 75% of premises in each Local Authority area by the end of 2015, and a basic service of 2Mbps to the remaining 25%. Aberdeenshire Council has already agreed to contribute up to £18 million to improve broadband services in the council area but it must provide evidence of demand from residents and businesses in order to qualify for additional funding from the Scottish Government. The postcard survey was sent out from Monday, January 28.

Residents are urged to complete and return the postcards to demonstrate that this demand exists.

Graham Stuart Plumbing & Heating Engineers

Bathrooms Boiler Replacements Pressurised Systems Oil Fired, Solid Fuel or Underfloor Central Heating

The I N V E R HOTEL

Crathie, By Ballater

Log fires and a warm welcome at The Inver Tel: 013397 55627 / Fax: 56342 Mobile: 07836 562946 Est. 1975

Open to non residents Good food & fine wines Lunches & Dinners Reservations Required Telephone 013397 42345 www.inverhotel.com

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Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland

by Liz Wickes

Local residents and visitors to Ballater will have noticed a new face in town in the shape of the Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland Boutique in Bridge Street. The store, which opened in November, joining those in Banchory and Cults, is offering a very different and exciting concept in charity retailing which is proving hugely successful.

As Shop Manager Alexandra Innes explained: “Our Boutique gives our customers a better shopping experience and also attracts higher quality donations - which in turn realise higher sale prices and generate more income for the charity. Since all profits help fund the vital services CHSS provides across Scotland for people affected by chest, heart and stroke illness, this is obviously good news for everyone.

“We’ve had great feedback from our customers who have picked up labels such as Jaeger, Jobis, Basler and Michael Kors. Some customers don’t even realise at first that we are a charity store and have been known to ask for items in other sizes!

“We couldn’t run our store without the help of our wonderful volunteer team and we’d be

delighted to hear from anyone interested in giving some of their time to help. Whatever your interest - merchandising, display, advising and serving customers or sorting donated stock -, there’s sure to be something to suit you. Full training is provided as well as out of pocket expenses so why not come and join us and have the satisfaction of making a real difference to the lives of people in your local community.

“We’re also delighted to accept donations of quality clothing, accessories, collectables –anything except large items of furniture. If you chose to Gift Aid your donation it can be worth an extra 25% in monetary terms to the charity.”

For more information about volunteering for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland or donating goods please contact Alexandra on 01339 755953, pop into the store at 14 Bridge Street, Ballater or visit www.chss.org.uk.

We are Scotland’s Health Charity. All money raised in Scotland stays in Scotland.

Davidsons Chemists

Morven Veterinary Practice

Retail Pharmacy and Veterinary Chemist Group Delivering Quality Healthcare since 1897

PRESCRIPTIONS COSMETICS PHOTOGRAPHIC Over-the-Counter MEDICINES & ADVICE Mon - Fri 9am - 5.30pm Sat 9am - 5pm

10 Bridge Street, Ballater Tel: 013397 55409

Opening Hours: Monday 2pm - 6pm Tuesday 10am - 2pm Wednesday 10am - 5pm Thursday Closed Friday 12 noon - 5pm

Tel. 013397 - 55134 24 Golf Rd Ballater Aberdeenshire AB35 5RS

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Webcam at A93 Braemar Snow gate by Geva Blackett

Members of the public and businesses can use their smart phones or home computers to see if the snowgate on the A93 in Braemar is shut and thus plan journeys more effectively. The webcam, the initiative of Braemar Community Council, has taken five years to grow from an idea to a working tool.

Aberdeenshire Councillor Geva Blackett said “I got fed up not knowing if the gate was open and often got caught. I realised that many businesses and tourists were also suffering and - with technology advancing rapidly - decided as a then member of the Braemar Community

Council, to do something about it. A webcam was the obvious solution. We all depend on tourism and the webcam provides a win-win solution for residents, tourists and A93 road users alike.”

Links to the webcam for phones - http:// www.braemarscotland. co.uk/cam/phone.htm and for PCs http:// www.braemarscotland. co.uk/cam/cam.htm

The link can also be found on Aberdeenshire Council website www. aberdeenshire.gov.uk/webcams/braemar.asp

Glen Lui HOTEL Relaxation with a View Lunches served 12 - 2pm Dinners 6pm - 9pm Booking advisable to avoid disappointment Glen Lui Hotel Invercauld Road, Ballater

Licensed for Weddings Large Parties and

013397 55402 Office Outings welcome www.glen-lui-hotel.co.uk

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Balmoral Estate Walks

Saturday 13th of AprilDiscover the Shielin of Mark A walk up to the secluded and atmospheric bothy called The Sheilin of Mark. Follow the Allt Darrarie burn up onto the moorlands above Glen Muick. A day of wide open and dramatic landscapes. A mountain walk, off path on rough ground. A good level of fitness is required. Bring a packed lunch.

Distance: 10Kms (6miles), ascent 350m.

Cost: Free.

Time: 10am-3pm.

Booking essential- 013397 55059.

Sunday 21st of April – John Muir Day. Take part in a practical conservation task with the Rangers to help safeguard the wildlife of the Cairngorms National Park. Organised to celebrate The Year of Natural Scotland.

Meeting Point: Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre.

Philipp N. Stellmach Plumbing & Heating Engineer

6 Craigview Place, Ballater, AB35 5PJ

by Glyn Jones

Time: 10am-3pm.

Cost: Free.

Booking essential: 013397 55059

Monday 6th of May – Birds B4 Breakfast!

An excellent opportunity to obser ve the intriguing courtship rituals of the black grouse from the comfort of a Land Rover Discovery.

Organised to celebrate the Year of Natural Scotland.

Meeting point: Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre.

Time: 6:00am-8:30am.

Cost: £10 per person.

Booking essential, limited places available.

Monday 20th of May – Red Deer Ramble.

Accompany a ranger to discover the intriguing lifestyle and learn about the management of the majestic red deer of Glen Muick. This is also a good opportunity to observe the wildlife of Glen Muick. Organised to celebrate The Year of Natural Scotland and Biodiversity Week!

Meeting point: Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre.

Distance: 4.5Kms (3 miles), ascent 50m.

Time: 6-8pm.

Cost: Free.

Booking essential- 013397 55059.

Firewood

Telephone:

013397 55565 Mobile:

07801 947528 Email:

philipp.stellmach@btconnect.com

Tel: 013397 55997 Mobile: 07821 746756 email: weejim03@live.co.uk web: www.weejim.webs.com

Dear Editor

My name is Alexandra HarperCameron and I’m researching my family history in the Ballater area.

I was hoping some of your readers might be able to help me with some anecdotal (or any other) information regarding the Harper/Dunbar families of Cornellan.

William Harper was my grandfather and, his wife, Margaret Harper (nee Dunbar) my grandmother. My father, Harold, left Ballater in the late 1920s and moved to Canada. I believe my grandfather, William Harper, died in 1944 and my grandmother, Margaret Harper (nee Dunbar), in 1956. They had four boys and one girl. My father, Harold, and my uncle, Leonard, lived most of their lives in Canada and both have passed away. The rest of the children remained in the UK to the best of my knowledge.

I would very much appreciate any help anyone

could give me in this endeavour.

Thank you in advance for your kind assistance.

I may be contacted by email at chica676@gmail. com , Sincerely,

Alexandra (For anyone not using email who might have information for Alexandra, please pass this to the Ballater Eagle, c/o Ballater Library, and it will be forwarded to her. The Editor).

Larks Gallery

Contemporary Scottish Art

Paintings Prints Sculpture Ceramics Glass Textiles Photography Jewellery 10 Braemar Road Ballater (013397) 55888 www.larksgallery.com

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A Cautionary Tale

About 50 years ago, I worked for a year in Los Angeles. It was in the early days of cosmetic surgery, and rich American ladies were having face lifts.

You could easily recognise them because they all had surprised expressions and fixed smiles on their faces. Of course, the technology has improved a lot since then. The following is a poem on the subject by Pam Ayres called:Surgical Enhancement

I stand before the mirror, and I feel my spirits sink, I’m so bored with this old body, it’s so wrinkled, fat and pink.

It hasn’t got the shingles, or a heavy chesty cough, But it needs a few adjustments; a few sections slicing off.

So jab it, stab it, use it, bruise it, give it all a tweak,

by Betty Wilson

Insert the bags of saline, and hope that they don’t leak.

Inject the collagen, carve me a monumental pout!

So I’ll have lips of blubber once the stitches have come out.

I’m going to have my neck done, it’s so crepy, slack and loose.

They haul it up and stretch, I think they do it with a noose.

I’ve been studying my bottom; it’s not looking very well.

It needs lifting up, and sculpting, and judicious bags of gel, So as I walk down the high street, and you view me from the back, I’ll be mischievous and bouncy, like two ferrets in a sack!

And if I’m wearing Lycra, you could have a heart attack, For I’m going to be surgically enhanced.

SHORT, BARK & SIDES dog grooming

Now I’ve got another problem, that I get the shakes at night, I think it’s the result of all the cheques I’ve had to write.

I’m having liposuction on my abdomen and thighs, I’m hoping to reduce myself to a quarter of the size.

They use a kind of vacuum-cleaner needle, don’t you know, They stick it in your midriff and they drive it to and fro.

Then “Slurp”! and there’s your problem in the bucket down below, For I’m going to be surgically enhanced.

I have felt decrepit lately, but I suddenly feel better, And I smell the sweet aroma of the operating theatre.

So come on Mr. Surgeon, celebrate and pop the cork, I’ll lie on the table and you get your knife and fork.

I’m signing the indemnity and coughing up the cash,

Maybe I am profligate, extravagant and rash, I want a younger face!

To obliterate the years, I think they lift it up and loop it round your ears.

Considering my bosom, well it’s looking rather sad, But then I must remember that two children I have had, And in my fond maternity, produced a potent brew, So now the kids are fifteen stone and over six feet two.

But returning to the bristols, I don’t want the past to wreck them, So I’m going to have them surgically enhanced, like Mrs. Beckham.

I can’t afford the luxury and treatment that she can, So I’ve booked it on the cheap to have it done in Pakistan.

My husband will regard himself a very lucky man, When I have been surgically enhanced.

STATION Popular Informal Restaurant in the Old Royal Station

Open daily from 10am Station Square, Ballater

AB35 5QB

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Ballater Historic Forestry Project Association by Ian Cameron

Ballater Historic Forestr y Project Association was formed at the completion of the original feasibility study of our projected idea to recreate two log cabins at Dalmochie.

Since then time has moved on; criteria for funding tightened as funding dried up, and to obtain grant funding today the organisation requesting it has to own the asset; in our case the ground where the original camp was built.

The landowners, Forestr y Commission (Scotland), have agreed to sell, the funding is now in place and there is just the legal paperwork to sort out.

The following article in “The Illustrated” of February 8th 1941 by W.J. Passingham paints a cameo picture of war-time Dalmochie camp.

We visit a Scottish Lumber Camp Where dense forests of Scotch pines clothe the steep mountains on both sides of the River Dee at Ballater, great snow-covered spaces are

steadily widening over the slopes to show where the Newfoundland lumberjacks are working.

There are piles of snow flung high on either side of the little bridge over the Dee where sledge wagons laden with timber are drawn by Caterpillar tractors to the saw mills just outside the village.

The Newfoundland lumberjacks have been cutting down 3,000 trees a week--- roughly 10,000 cubic feet of timber --- for the British war effort during the first year of their work in the Scottish Highlands. They came from Newfoundland at the invitation of the British Government, when timber supplies from the Baltic countries were cut off and shipping space was needed for other and more urgent commodities.

From Newfoundland, experienced lumberjacks answered the call --- French Canadians, Indians, English, Irish and Scots--- all came to Great Britain on the next ship that sailed from St. John’s.

M r. E d g a r B a i r d , m a n a g e r o f t h e Newfoundland Overseas Forestr y Unit,

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Contact Brian or Angela Smith (24hrs)

was asked to establish his men in camps scattered about the Scottish Mountains where the great pines grow. Ballater became his headquarters, and out in the surrounding pine forests ninety men prepared to make a road.

Timber merchants from all parts of Great Britain came to see whether there was enough timber in Scotland to make the lumber business there a commercial proposition. What they saw impressed them, but the visitors were puzzled most by the Newfoundland methods of making a road up the mountainside to reach the tall timber.

The lumberjacks began by cutting timber right away, and stacking it in piles along each side of the proposed road.

“When it comes the snow will make the road,” the lumberjacks said confidently, and went on building log huts and cutting trees in their own expert manner.

Those piles of timber grew in number, and at first no attempt was made to move them.

There was no road until the snow came, and then fourteen Garron ponies --- especially suited to work in mountainous country --- arrived at the camp and were installed in the comfortable stables the lumbermen had already prepared from Scotch pine logs. They harnessed the ponies to strong sleds, and after a few days the rough ground between the piles of timber became a firm, smooth road leading to where the Caterpillar tractors waited to take over the hauling operations.

And today, a traveller out of Ballater, rounding the wide curve of this road, will come suddenly upon a scene he might well mistake for a typical Canadian lumber camp.

There are log huts built by the Newfoundlanders, set in a forest clearing and exposed to the bitter weather on mountain sides, which for warmth and comfort surpass anything suburban builders have produced. Moss gathered from the forest is used to stuff between the rough hewn logs and keep the huts draught proof, and spending a few minutes inside them from the bitter weather one realizes that English and Scots alike have not yet learned how to keep themselves warm.

Food is of the best, and well cooked, but different from what the lumberjacks are accustomed

to at home. The pickled beef and pork they get at home are preferred to even fresh Scotch beef. In Newfoundland forests, too, the camp cooks make all the bread, pies, cakes, and pastry needed, and the lumberjacks are apt to suspect anything which comes from a baker’s shop. “The food’s good,” they say “but we like it best when we cook it ourselves.”

“You can’t have everything,” one lumberjack pointed out, “but we’re happy here because look where we will around these forests we find scenes which remind us of home. It’s a bit warmish in these parts, but as far as scenery is concerned the place might be a little bit of Newfoundland itself.

What we have really missed here in the last twelve months is our fishing season.”

“Most of us are fishermen as well as lumbermen. Logging at home doesn’t begin until October, when we get the snow to make roads, and it ends with the spring. We go out on the Grand Banks fishing all through spring and summer. Others among us are seal fishermen and trappers.”

“But we are glad to be here and doing something to beat the enemy,” the manager, Mr. Edgar Baird, said earnestly.

“The men are working well, but we get soldiers, sailors and airmen on leave up here from the village --- and uniforms look good to the boys.

Several of them have waited until their contract expired, then joined the Forces.”

“Every lumberjack here signs a six months’ contract, after which he is free to go back home, or stay here and do what he likes. The basic rate of pay for lumberjacks in Newfoundland is two dollars a day with free board, and they get the same here --- which amounts to nine shillings a day. It is a great mistake for an experienced lumberjack to think he can do more for the Empire by joining the Forces.

They are needed here on work of national importance, and cannot be replaced. Moreover, it is not easy to train a man, however strong and fit he may be, to be a good lumberjack.”

“The felling of trees is only a small part of the work in producing logs. Trimming a tree quickly, for example, is a much more difficult operation. But the biggest problem is the transportation of trees from the spot they are felled to where they are needed,

46

and this applies especially in steep mountain districts.”

“How do you manage to make a tree fall exactly where you want it?”

I asked. “That’s easy enough,” Mr. Baird said, and led the way to where a tall tree was marked for felling. A grizzled lumberjack swung an axe in two quick strokes, and a deep notch appeared near the base of the tree. Then he used a bow-saw on the opposite side of the trunk --- cutting swiftly towards the notch. “The tree will begin to fall from the notch,” Mr. Baird explained. And where the notch was cut the tall pine bent sharply and fell. I looked about me then, and saw that every fallen tree in the vicinity lay in the same direction ready for transport.

“We try to be as good at felling trees as the Scotsman,” Mr. Baird said wistfully, “but we can’t beat him for economy in timber.”

“What comes of all the timber?” I wondered.

“It all goes to the mines for pit props,” he answered, “but enough is kept to make obstruction poles in fields and on beaches all over the country to prevent enemy airplanes landing. The big logs go to the saw mills. The best trees, tallest and straightest,

are saved for telegraph poles along the trunk roads.

At one Scottish camp alone they fell about five hundred trees a year for poles.”

“And what about re-forestation?” I said.

“Your men will eventually chop down every tree in Scotland.” Mr. Baird grinned, shook his head.

“Replanting takes place about three to four years after felling,” he said. “Don’t worry about the future. In thirty years’ time there will be more timber in Scotland than there is now.”

There are many other lumbermen from Northern Europe who also see a great future in Scottish timber--- men who were in the vast Baltic trade before the war stopped all exports to Great Britain.

Latvians, Finns and Russians who foresaw the war and the ruin of their business, came to England while there remained an opportunity to do so. Thus have lumbermen from Europe and the New World met in Scotland.

In fact the saw mills on the opposite bank of the River Dee, which deals with timber felled by the Newfoundland Overseas Forestry Unit at Dalmuchie, Ballater, is managed and directed by Latvian lumbermen.

ASBESTOS ROOF REPLACEMENT ROOFING REPAIRS 11 Monaltrie Close

GARAGE ROOF CONVERSIONS Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5PT Telephone (0800) 7076223 Mobile (07778) 776883 Email bill.garageroof@btinternet.com

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Glen Muick Scotland Rural Past Group by Glyn Jones Scotland’s Rural Past was a five-year, nationwide project, which supported local communities across Scotland to investigate deserted rural settlements dating from the medieval and post-medieval periods. The project, which was launched in October 2006, was hosted by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the National Trust for Scotland, Historic Scotland, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Through the work of the Historic Rural Settlement Trust these organisations recognised the need to improve our understanding of these rural sites and encourage their conservation by involving local people.

In September 2008 the Scotland’s Rural Past team ran a training weekend for local people at The Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre. About

47

twenty folk attended the initial training course and from that a dedicated, hard core group of six of us have continued to meet on a monthly basis to put the skills we learnt into action and record our local archaeology. Another fifty groups similar to us existed throughout Scotland. The Scotland’s Rural Past project came to an end in 2011.

However, the Royal Commission let us keep all our surveying kit and were still very keen to accept all our records.

Sandy Mitchell in the ruins of a kiln at Glen Muick

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Our initial aim was to record all the archaeology in Glen Muick to a standard which could be accepted for inclusion by The Royal Commission for Ancient and Historic Monuments Scotland on their Canmore database. The ground surveying is backed up by archival research. After four years of work we have almost achieved that aim. With only the largest and most interesting site in Glen Muick left to survey – Blacharrage - and we hope to complete this early this year.

Our surveys, so far, have been along two main strands- surveys of settlements and townships on the lower ground and surveys of individual structures further up the hills, such as shielings, still houses and animal enclosures. The ultimate objective is to produce a landscape scale map of the whole of Glen Muick with all of these

48

structures mapped so that we can compare this with other parts of Scotland. This will give us an insight into how people lived and how they managed the land over two hundred years ago. So far we have surveyed four settlements and many shieling sites. We are working from the top of Glen Muick down. Some of the sites that we have recorded have already been noted by RCAHMS, mainly from aerial photos or old editions of maps.

Other sites that we have surveyed were previously unrecorded. We record all of the settlements to 1:200 scale using a surveying technique called “plane tabling�. We also have GIS capabilities to stitch together the maps we produce. Individual structures further into the hills are recorded using a GPS (global positioning system), photographed and various measurements taken.

A quick look at the Canmore web-site will give you an idea of the wealth of archaeological sites present right on our doorstep - http://canmoremapping.rcahms.gov.uk. This data-

base holds over 300,000 records and 150,000 photographs. All of the records generated by our group are uploaded onto this web-site so are accessible to both researchers and the general public. If you go for a stroll in any of the Glens surrounding Ballater it is well worth having a look at this web-site first, as your route may be going very close to an archaeological site.

Some of the information that we have acquired from this project has been used by the Balmoral Ranger Ser vice to improve the historical information that we provide to the public. For example we have a way-marked walk around the township at The Spittal of Glen Muick and you can pick up a leaflet that takes you around this walk at the visitor centre. In February we will be installing a new information board in The Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre that interprets some of our findings. We are also organising a guided walk during Scottish Archaeology Month, in September, around some of the settlements and structures in Upper Glen Muick.

To date the group has surveyed hundreds of previously unrecorded structures, including houses, barns, grain drying kilns, enclosures, shielings and still houses. Some of these structures are sinking into the bogs on which they stand and to record them in detail preserves an important historical record of the sheer scale of human activity that once existed in these Glens. The records will be kept in perpetuity on the Royal Commission database. Once we have finished survey work in Glen Muick we will start on another Glen.

We are very grateful to both Balmoral Estate and Glen Muick Estate for allowing us access to these sites so that they can be recorded. If anyone would like any further information about the Glen Muick SRP group then drop me a line at glyn. jones@balmoralcastle.com.

Victoria and Albert Memorial Halls by Bell Macaulay

2013 is shaping up to be the year when we finally achieve major progress in our refurbishment plans. As you know, the Albert Hall and adjoining areas will be upgraded first, and we hope to do this work when some of the regular groups take a break, to minimise disruption. We are close to finalising the details, and we will keep you all fully informed as things progress.

We have been fortunate to get through the winter without too much interruption to bookings – and Spring is just around the corner!

On the subject of bookings, there is an encouraging upward trend, bringing new clients, and with all areas being used more which is excellent news.

Plans for a Learning Centre based in the Beaton Craigie Room have received a boost as funds have been made available from Aberdeenshire Council and the Cairngorms National Park

Authority to help produce a business plan to ensure viability of the centre, and a curriculum which will satisfy community and business needs for training and leisure. All the current uses will fit very comfortably into this.

Website – www.victoriaandalberthalls.co.uk there is still much work to be done on this, with calendar entries a priority, but we need to be sure that these are accurate before proceeding.

Ongoing maintenance – as always we have to keep sufficient funds to cover ongoing maintenance of the building, and to carry out repairs and work which helps the smooth running of the Halls. You may have noticed that the handles on both entrance doors have been replaced and it is now possible to gain entry without spraining wrists! Jack Coull has designed and supervised the construction of a trolley so we can now store almost all of the chairs under the stage

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50

in the Victoria Hall – much easier than lifting them on to the stage.

We have had several leaks in the roof during heavy rainfall. The weakness is in the leading surrounding the triangular vents - some areas have already been repaired, and the rest will be completed when the weather improves.

Saturday Films – Ade Scripps and his helpers have done a sterling job in promoting and showing films for youngsters (and the not so young!) once a month – including drinks and popcorn. We have invested in a much larger screen to enhance viewing and we will be showing some films which might appeal to a wider audience, perhaps at a later time.

We are at a “break even” point financially, but need to encourage more people of all ages to come along.

Don’t forget, if your group would like to organise a viewing of something of particular interest to their members, we can always try to help.

Fundraising – Ian Hay and the Refurbishment Group are doing a sterling job in attracting funding for all the work to be done, and we are building

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up a match funding pot which has been supported by a number of user groups.

In addition we have events planned over the coming months – V & A Halls 200+ Club – we will starting a new round of draws in April, and will be twisting arms to renew subscriptions before then! A painless way to support the Halls, and you can buy more than one ticket!

Saturday 4th May – a Silent Auction in the Victoria Hall – wonderful lots to be won, with some wine to lubricate the action!

Saturday 25th May – a table sale – tables can be hired at £15 each. The Halls committee will run bottle stall, cake stall, raffle and donations for entry. Donations for these tables would be very gratefully received.

Tuesday 2nd July – Alastair Savage fiddle concert in either Albert or Victoria Hall. Alastair is a violin player with the Scottish Symphony Orchestra, but he also plays the traditional Scottish music of Scott Skinner and Neil Gow and folk music, as well as some of his own compositions.

September – Paul Hughson - who performed in the Victoria Hall last year to critical acclaim has a new show entitled “Fit Like”, and proposes to bring it to Ballater in September.

Further information about all these events will be available in due course.

Finally - The Victoria and Albert Halls and their adjoining rooms provide the community with an enviable amount of space for all purposes.

Once refurbished, we will be able to accommodate all the needs of current users, from small meetings to larger groups and including sports, exercise classes, dancing, weddings and celebrations, conferences to name only a few.

Please bear with us whilst the work goes on.

There will be some disruption, but we will try to keep this to a minimum. We would be delighted if more groups could nominate a representative to come along to the monthly meetings – the minutes and agenda are circulated round all user groups – that way you will have first hand knowledge of how things are going!

Charles Davidson – The Ballater Poet

51

by Sheila Sedgwick

Approximately a year ago, Peggy Fraser contacted the Eagle and forwarded a copy of a poem written around 1910 by Charles Davidson about the shops and shopkeepers in Ballater. The poem was extracted from the book “Deeside Lyrics” and was reproduced in our Christmas issue, as Peggy felt that current residents of Ballater might be interested to read of the shops and shopkeepers of the village of yesteryear. There follows an article by Sheila Sedgwick giving some detail of Charles, the Ballater Poet.

Charles Davidson, a well known character in Ballater, lived with his wife in Albert Road.

Little is known of his early life, but it would have been similar to that of any young lad in Ballater at that time - a smattering of education and an early start on a job to help to support the rest of the family.

Like most of the male members of the family, Charlie was a keen Freemason. He was also very musical and was in demand for many local musical events. However, his real interest was in writing poetry – not necessarily of the status of Byron who wrote of the beauties of the area and of “Dark Lochnagar”, but of local events and Ballater’s residents, - always with a touch of humour. Charles Davidson was a mild man, of quiet speech and popular in the village. Usually he behaved impeccably.

On one occasion Charlie’s mild manner left him and he appeared in a different light. He did not always take to “foreigners” and when on a rare occasion he felt he had been “affronted” he did not mince his words.

The Tsar, related by marriage to Queen Victoria, came for a visit to Balmoral. The S t at i o n S q u a r e , extra wide to allow for horses and carriages and for parades of welcoming troops, was the usual reception base before the carriages drove to Balmoral. Charlie was well used to po-

tentates arriving and to handling their quantities of baggage. However, when he had to deal with the Tsar’s arrival in 1896, the Russian language and the mountains of luggage were too much for him on a pouring wet day. Charlie put some ‘immediately needed’ luggage in a waiting horsedrawn vehicle. He ignored, or deliberately did not hear incomprehensible shouts by a Cossack who obviously wanted this luggage elsewhere.

The Cossack, in a strange environment, getting wetter every minute, lost his temper with a man who, to him, was an inferior, stupid Aberdeenshire peasant. He was about to hit Charlie with his stick. “Stop” yelled Charlie at the top of his voice, “That’s maybe a’ richt in Russia, bit it winna work in Ballater”. An ugly situation was developing. Locals were lining up on Charlie’s side when a Russian security man stepped in, spoke to the Russian and pacified Charlie in what a local referred to as ‘Christian Scotch’. Charlie later commented - ‘I suppose I micht hae been shot in Russia.”

To my knowledge Charlie never recorded the event in verse.

A volume of Charlie’s poems, named “Deeside Lyrics” that give a picture of life in Ballater during his lifetime was published privately, paid for partly or wholly by the Free Masons and a number of copies still remain in the village.

Moira Melrose Kiltmaker since 1992 Quality Hand Sewn Kilts

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Pottering About...

Well, the winter weather hasn’t been as bad as a couple of years ago, but as I write I’m getting rather fed up of the white stuff and very much looking forward to even more daylight and some warmth from the sun at last. At least it’s now almost light when I start work. The glow in the east, and often the mist snaking over the river and hills, is a promise of another day of a little more light. The sudden relentless white stuff, whilst being gentler in the long term than it has been, in that it’s thawed before it starts yet again, has persuaded me to give up attempting to get the car out. Please see photos in my defence! And the walking is mighty good for me, despite being exhausting when thigh deep.

Recently, a very fancy invite arrived to a drinks reception at Birkhall and I accepted. I noted with great relief that the dress code covered items I had.

Unlike a garden party I attended a few years back where invite stated that hats were mandatory. Of

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Car there somewhere ..... course, it’s not that I don’t have an eclectic selection of colourful wacky warm hats to brighten up winter, but nothing suitable for a garden party.

So I ended up making my own. One plain borrowed floppy straw hat, one red feather boa from ebay, enough thread to sew the latter to cover

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the former and voila! Big, bold and colourful.

Rather like me!

Luckily there were no hat issues for this occasion. As I never drive in the dark (because of those ridiculously bright blue headlights that I’ve ranted about before in these good pages) I arranged a lift with a colleague who has no such qualms. She’s one of the plucky determined Home Carers that drive to Braemar twice a day, whom I’m in awe of for their dedication and bravery.

So we set off. In the dark. And the ice. And the snow. Neither of us had been to Birkhall before, and there were no directions on the invitation. One assumes the locals know I guess.

My colleague had asked someone else, who had told her the entrance was on the right off the Loch Muick road. As I knew the fence on the right of that road marks the Birkhall boundary, this made sense to me too. Very gingerly we made our way up towards Loch Muick. We did comment on the lack of other vehicles…

We passed all the fencing, still no entrance

on the right but there was a road / track, even thicker with ice and snow than the one we were on. We stopped. No mobile reception to check the interweb. We agreed the road /track to the right must at least be going in the right direction, so we braved it. After a while there were lights.

Hooray! A house, we could ask for directions.

Unfortunately there was no answer to my door knocking. So, rather deflated, we decided on the Ah, there it is ....

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for a penny, in for a pound’ 54 ‘in approach and continued. A very

steep and sharp icy bend almost had us going back but my colleague is made of stern stuff. By now, of course, we were late.

A few minutes later we came to a T-junction.

We agreed to try turning right, and a wee way down the road was gritted. Hallelujah! We saw lights and policemen with torches. Assuming we hadn’t been lost long enough to be looked for we supposed that this was, at long last, the Birkhall entrance. Two policemen checked our ID, and a chorus of “that’s the last two now” followed us as we drove up the far clearer road than we’d been on for the previous half an hour.

At the top of the stairs, a very pleasant young man offered us drinks. Most welcome I must say.

As I wasn’t driving I was delighted to choose the champagne, although my colleague did say the cranberry juice was absolutely delicious. In between nibbles – the haggis balls were particularly fine – and generous top-ups of my glass we

companionably chatted with our hosts. I made a bit of a faux pas when asked, what I thought was, “are you grown up?” and answered, “I jolly well hope so!” when actually being asked if my children were…

For a while I inwardly mused if we ever do grow up. We hopefully manage to take on the growing responsibilities of adulthood, but is coping with modern life the same as maturity? Having lost both parents I still hugely miss talking things through with my Mum. I’m the matriarch now and still feel thoroughly unprepared. I’m comfortable in my own skin and do my best to encourage my daughters to do the same, whilst encouraging them in the skills for independence – which certainly the eldest has grasped eagerly - yet there’s still such a big part of me that still needs my Mum. We didn’t always agree but I recognised her wisdom of experience and wholehearted love for me. I now fully understand the wholehearted love for my offspring and guess I need more experience to feel wise, but at least it’s something I aspire too.

So I raise my glass to wisdom, in the hope I may one day attain some semblance of it. Cheers!

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By royal appointment to H.R.H. The Queen and H.R.H. The Prince of Wales

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Portrait o’ a Granny

by Mary Munro

Granny Davidson fae Coldstone wid hae been thocht o’ as a bit o’ a slorach tae some fowk nooadays, bit she wis jist my couthy, weel lo’ed granny. A bosy fae her wis like bein’ drooned in foosty auld claes – fine smellin for a’ that. In her saft wallopy breists ye fun the smell o’ the honey dreepin in the ben-the-hoose Room, hens’ maet an corn mash, yirned milk an oatcakes fired on the brander.

Maist o’ her adult life she wis boo’ed twa-fauld an waddled aboot her chores like a deuk, black like a hoodie craw – black, wiven stockins, buttoned black sheen, black or grey stuff frock wi a black flooery wrap-o’er apron. Her face wis broon an riven wi wrinkles, bit her e’en were as blue as the bluest bluebell in a green, shady wid.

As a bairn, I thocht her affa bonny, an likit tae stroke yon lang hairs comin oot o a plook on her chin. Granda wis near eneuch God tae us bairns

55

for ye only spoke till him gin ye were spoken till, bit ye could whisper ferlies an secrets tae Granny, bosied intae her warm lap, her breath sweet-smellin like the milky guff o’ kye in the byre.

“Haste ye back!” she wid aye say as ye left for hame – an meant it, nae like some fowk fa say it, secretly hopin ye’ll forget far they bide! Ye ken thon fowk that look o’er yer shooder at a pairty, tae see fit ither body looks o’ mair interest that yersel!

Granny hid niver traivelled far afield – a trip tae Tarland wis a “reed-letter day”, bit she wis the maist contented body I iver kent, happy at the heid o’ the breem hill, wi her chuckens an her coo, an her grandchildren, in that order. Bit she traivelled in her heid, for she wis a great ane for books. Gin Mother wis like tae gie me an o’ergaun for sittin wi my nose in a book, fan there wis jobbies tae be deen, she wid aften say “Leave her be the noo –

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Come along and see us soon.

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56

books are gweed for her!”

We a brocht Report cards tae show Granny, an her gweed Room wis stappit fu’ wi school photos o’ her grand-kids. Birthdays were aften doon at Granny’s, for she aye biled a muckle clootie dumplin, wi silver threepennies wrappit in greasproof paper, an the hillie in front o’ the craft wis the best place on a fine day for an Easter picnic tae row yer hard-biled eggs.

Tae me, she’s a granny tae be prood o’ for a’ her lack o’ “sophistication”, for we can dae fine withoot that! She wis warm an couthy an gweed tae fowk. That, tae me, is a that I look for in a body.

Technology

I was visiting my son and daughter-in-law last night when I asked if I could borrow a newspaper.

“This is the 21st century, old man” he said.

“We don’t waste money on newspapers. Here, you can borrow my iPad. I can tell you that fly never knew what hit it …!

(With acknowledgement to The Pensioner Magazine.)

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general maintenance inside and out, gutter cleaning, garden tidying, chimney sweep, etc.

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Carers Week 10th to 16th June 57 Across the UK the number of people caring, unpaid for a family member or friend who is ill, frail and disabled has now risen to 6.5 million.

Every day at least 6,000 people start caring.

Becoming a carer can impact significantly on a person’s life – it takes time, energy, can leave you isolated and can be costly.

Prepared to Care? – the 2013 Carers Week campaign –will focus on how the UK’s current carer population is coping, how effectively Government is supporting the growing numbers of carers, and whether the wider population is prepared for future caring responsibilities.

Through Prepared to Care? Carers Week will highlight the impact of caring on daily life and, with an ageing population and higher incidence of disability and serious illness, encourage the public to think whether they could manage a caring role.

Prepared to Care? will also help those

already caring to make sure they are accessing all the practical and emotional support they need to care safely and look after themselves.

A new report to be published for Carers Week will highlight to Government the changes required to improve the lives of carers and the people they care.

Running from Monday 10 to Sunday 16 June 2013. Some 2,000 organisations will be involved in 10,000 Carers Week Prepared to Care? events.

Carers Week has a wide range of carers willing to share their experiences.

Contact: tel 020 7378 4955 or email media@carers.org

Keep up to date with campaign developments at

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Advertisers Index

Here at The Eagle we are keen to try things to see if they improve your enjoyment of our Community Magazine. We had a suggestion to include an index of advertisers.

We hope that even after you have enjoyed reading the articles, you will find The Eagle a valuable asset everyday, finding those all important contact numbers more easily. If you like this feature please let us know and we’ll make it a regular thing.

Aboyne Physiotherapy Aboyne Van Hire Alexandra Hotel Atholl Countrywear Auld Kirk Ballater Post Office Balmoral Estate Bill Barclay Kiltmaker Bill Yule Brian Smith Funeral Services Ltd Carnelian Celicall Crafts Cindy Adams Classic Abode Garden Services Crannach Coffee Shop and Bakery C.S.M. Aerials C.S.M. Handyman Darroch Learg Hotel Davidsons Chemists Dee Valley Blinds Deeside Animal Feeds Deeside Books Deeside Deli & Garden Shop Deeside Inn Deeside Tiler Deeside Tree Care Dee Valley Blinds D P Opticans Edward J Emslie Forbes Duguid Fraser & Mulligan Glen Lui Hotel

8 9 13 12 34 19 2 10 29 44 11 59 12 59 14 14 56 24 38 27 59 16 26 55 28 29 27 18 35 20 56 39

Graham Stuart Hairloft H M Sheridan Ltd H.P.S. (Aberdeen) Ltd Inver Hotel Invercauld Lodges Kallos Beauty La Mangiatoia Larks Gallery Marie Chapman McEwens of Perth Moira Melrose Morven Veterinary Centre NPC Mole and Pest Control Phillip N. Stellmach Roy Mitchell Shanghai Takeaway Short, Bark and Sides Speedwell Framing Spencer’s of Crathie Station Restaurant Stuart Esson The Garage Roof Company The Hair Loft The McEwan Gallery The Oven Valet The Silver Thistle Total Building Services Ultimate Hair Wee Jim Firewood Wee Jim Landscapes

17 28 54 15 37 47 52 54 41 11 32 51 38 33 40 21 50 42 29 23 43 57 46 28 32 49 53 52 59 40 36

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Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawning.

L Gizzard

Thank you to Colin Cowie for this wonderful photo of such a special place in the hearts of many Ballater residents

Perhaps not the perfect place for a relaxing seat at this time of year!

Newfoundland Loggers by Eric Beckett

Below is a photograph of Newfoundland loggers in Ballater 1940. I was wondering if any of your readers would know who the two young boys are and if they are still alive. They seem to be wearing school uniforms which might help to identify them. I can be reached by email ebeckett@nf.sympatico.ca

The Ballater & Crathie Eagle is made possible by:

Advertising, Donations, Sponsorship, Fundraising, “Awards for All” Lottery funding, and Cairngorms Leader + European Funding. A special thank you to Sandy Donald for a donation to the Eagle. 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.