Ballater & Crathie Eagle, Issue 72, Winter 2013

Ballater & crathie Community magazine no. 72 winter 2013

Ballater’s Royal Bridge by Mike Franklin

ÂŁ1 Donation

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Inside Your Winter Eagle:

Cosy up with your winter Eagle, look back on a summer of fun and sunshine, and makes plans for the year ahead. There’s lots going on in and around Ballater

Diary

4-5

Aberdeenshire Council 18/20 Scottish Episcopal Church - a short history 19 The Crathie Pages 23 National Park Update 27 Cairngorms Wildcats 34 Pastorale 35 Schoolhouse Ballater 36 Cat Woman v. Shark 38 Little Blue Lights...

40 Marie Curie Care 41 Pottering About 44 Hilton Highlights 46 The Way it was at the End of the War 48 Our Emblem 50 Film Review: The Fifth Estate 52 Letter to the Librarian 55 Ghost at the Barracks 57 Heady run for Glory 59

Advertising

Local Groups Ballater Films: 31 Ballater Halls Indoor Bowling Club: 9 Ballater (RD) Ltd: 15 BRD Ltd Walking Festival 2014: 16 Ballater RHS: 10 BRHS Floral Art Group: 8 Ballater Victoria Week: 42 Library News: 13 Old People & Over 50s Associations: 14 Rotary Club: 12 Upper Deeside Art Society: 9 V&A Memorial Halls: 29

Handy to have Advertisers Index: 63 Ballater Surgery over Xmas: 39

Donations

Full page: £100; Half page: £50; Quarter page: £25; Eighth page: £12

Thanks to Sandy Donald, David and Mair Wright and to Agnes and Tony Short for their generous donations to the Ballater Eagle

Discounts on 4 issue series copy can be changed each issue contact Faye Swan at info@swandesign.uk.com or Tel 55345

Donations are gratefully received, and acknowledged. You can also put money into our tins in the Library or Yules Newsagents.

The Eagle Diary

...so you know What’s Going On Sat 30

Sun 1 Mon 2 Tue 3 Wed 4 Sat 7 Sun 8 Mon 9 Tue 10 Sun 15 Tue 17 Wed 18 Fri 20 Sun 22 Tue 24 Wed 25 Thu 26 Tue 31 Wed 1 Thu 2

November

Ballater Winter Festival, Church Green, ice rink open 12-7pm Christmas Lights switch-on, village centre, 6pm approx.

Jetsonics, new wave, noisy guitar band, Deeside Inn, 9pm

December

Ballater Winter Festival, Church Green, ice rink open 11am-4pm BRHS Open Night: Quiz, wine and mince pies, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm CLAN Quiz, Glenaden Hotel, 7.30pm Holy Communion, St. Kentigern’s Church, 2.30pm Ballater Business Association meeting, venue tba, 7,30pm SWRI Christmas Lunch and 80th Birthday at Ballater Golf Club, 12.30 for 1pm Christmas Fair, Ballater School, 11am-1pm Upper Deeside Music, Darroch Learg Hotel, 4.30pm Ballater and Crathie Community Council meeting, Mike Sheridan Room, 7pm Holy Communion, St. Kentigern’s Church, 2.30pm Christingle Service, St. Kentigern’s Church, 9.30am Holy Communion, St. Kentigern’s Church, 2.30pm Indoor Bowls Fun Night, Victoria Hall, 7pm Primary School Christmas Assembly, St. Kentigern’s Church, 2pm Ballater School term ends Village Carol Service, St. Kentigern’s Church, 4pm Christmas Eve Service with Communion, St. Kentigern’s Church, 11.30pm Post Office closes at 12.30pm Christmas Day Service with Communion, St. Kentigern’s Church, 9.30am Surgery closed Post Office closed Surgery closed Post Office closed Post Office closes at 12.30pm Surgery closed Post Office closed Surgery closed Post Office closed

January

Are Your Dates Here?

For inclusion in this FREE section of the Eagle, please contact Cat Houston on 55243, 07805 731401 (texts welcome) or catrionahouston@yahoo.co.uk

Mon 6 Tue 7 Mon 13 Wed 15 Sat 18 Wed 22 Sat 25 Wed 29 Mon 3 Sun 9 Mon 10 Wed 12 Fri 14 Wed 19 Sat 22 Mon 3

Wed 5 Mon 10

Ballater School term starts Indoor Bowling restarts in Victoria Hall Ballater and Crathie Community Council meeting, Mike Sheridan Room, 7pm SWRI Talk by Morag Hood, Balmoral Castle gardener, M Sheridan Room, 7.30pm Pop Johnson and Friends, free open music session, Deeside Inn, 9pm-ish Mad Arthur’s Fat Dog Band, Deeside Inn, 9pm, £5 Quiz night, in aid of Ballater Shooting Club, Deeside Inn, 7.30pm Burns Night Pop Johnson and Friends, free open music session, Deeside Inn, 9pm-ish

February

BRHS talk by Hugh Donohoe: The Honey Bee, M Sheridan Room, 7.30pm Upper Deeside Music, Williams Duo (wind duo + organ), St. Kentigern’s Church, 4.30pm Ballater and Crathie Community Council meeting, Mike Sheridan Room, 7pm Pop Johnson and Friends, free open music session, Deeside Inn, 9pm-ish St Valentine’s Day SWRI Talk by Claire Cameron on Sign Language, M Sheridan Room, 7.30pm Quiz night, in aid of the British Legion, Deeside Inn, 7.30pm Ladies Cocktail Night, Deeside Inn, 8pm-late, £15pp

March

BRHS talk by Paddy Scott: Scotland’s Gardens, M Sheridan Room 7.30pm.

Pop Johnson and Friends, free open music session, Deeside Inn, 9pm-ish Ballater and Crathie Community Council, M Sheridan Room, 7pm

Post Office Opening Hours

Mon, Tues, Wed: 9am - 5.30pm Thursday - 9am - 12.30pm Friday - 9am - 5.30pm Saturday - 9am - 12.30pm

Ballater Library Opening Hours Sun, Mon & Wed: Closed Tuesday: 10am-1pm, 6.30-8pm Thursday: 2-4pm, 6.30-8pm Friday: 2-5pm Saturday: 10am-12noon

Contact the Eagle

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

 email to: ballater.eagle@btopenworld.com

Contributions of any kind (ideally in Word format) always welcome.

Keep in Touch with an Eagle Subscription A subscription can be a very welcome gift to farflung friends and relatives. Simply provide the name and address to whom the issues should be sent, with a cheque or postal order for ‘Ballater Eagle’ for the relevant amount and drop off your request to Ballater Library. Betty, our Subscriptions secretary, will do the rest. Easy!

For the rates below, four issues will be posted.

UK: £12.00 EU: £16.00 Overseas: £20.00

Contact Your Representatives

SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT

Dennis Robertson MSP email: dennis.robertson.msp@scottish.parliament.uk

( 0791 955 7152 (mobile)

WESTMINSTER Sir Robert Smith MP ( 01330 826549 email: robert.smith.mp@parliament.uk ABERDEENSHIRE COUNCIL Peter Argyle: ( 013398 82973 email: cllr.p.argyle@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Geva Blackett: ( 013397 41541 email: cllr.g.blackett@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Katrina Farquhar: ( 07876 475403 email: cllr.k.farquhar@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK Katrina Farquhar email: cllr.k.farquhar@aberdeenshire.gov.uk ( 07876 475403

Eagle Who’s Who & Where Editor: Ian Hay ( 55941 Treasurer: Dr. Sheila Sedgwick ( 55292 Subscriptions Secretary: Betty Wilson ( 55791 Advertising Manager: Faye Swan ( 55345 Distribution: Andy and Julie Bloor Diary Secretary: Cat Houston ( 55243 Design: Ollie Ross, Stella Potter, Cat Houston, Karen Major email us at: ballater.eagle@btopenworld.com Eagle Online: http://www.ballatercommunity.com

If you would like a large print version of the Eagle, please contact Ballater Library on 55628.

Letter from the Editor

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Portrait: Eilidh Gow

The 3 monthly cycle relating to the production of each issue of the Ballater Eagle has over the years developed into a well oiled machine. The Eagle Team members all work very well together and it is only occasionally that things go a little awry. Each member of the Team knows what is required of them. They volunteer to undertake specific duties and happily get on with things without fuss.

An example of this occurred following receipt of the autumn issue from the printers. Normally, Andy and Julie Bloor are our village distributors, delivering almost 1000 copies of the Eagle to residences in the village but the day prior to receiving the Eagle from the printer, Andy had an operation on his knee and Julie too was “hors de combat”.

What were we to do? We had no need to worry!! The Bloor family had taken responsibility for delivery, and this would be achieved, with Andy supervising from his crutches and his daughters Vicki and Christina doing the trips up people’s garden paths and drives. We are extremely grateful to them all for their devotion to ensuring that Ballater folk received their quarterly infusion of local news and information.

Another wee problem arose last issue when it was announced that Ballater Post Office was to close! Panic ensued as we had nearly 80 envelopes addressed to subscribers requiring postage stamps. Fortunately, things settled down after a couple of days, service was resumed and our subscribers too received their copies. All in all, it was an exciting time for us around early September, but in the end all turned out very well, with an almost seamless service to our readers.

Meanwhile, John Henderson, who has undertaken deliveries in Crathie for a fair number of years, moved into Ballater and is no longer in a position to continue to do this. Again, we are so grateful to John who has cheerfully trudged up farm tracks in the area, all in the cause of “community”. Thank you, John.

On visiting Betty Wilson a few days after the autumn issue had been distributed, she laughingly asked why the photograph of the Ballater Songsters on page 58 had not been used to illustrate her poem about being “Vertically Challenged”. She pointed out that she was in the centre of the photograph, but entirely hidden by Sheila Rumbles conducting the choir!! Betty was highly amused by this graphic example of the subject of her poem.

I am very grateful to the entire Eagle Team, distributors, designers, advertisers, those who contribute articles, and everyone who helps to produce what many readers tell us is an excellent community magazine, for their enthusiastic support. I wish them, and all our readers an enjoyable Festive Season and a healthy, successful 2014.

Ian Hay

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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

BRHS: Floral Art Group

by Jenny Houston

The well-attended Annual General Meeting on October 17 got off to an entertaining start with local demonstrator Mary Wright giving us some helpful tips, advice and ideas with her presentation entitled “Autumn Splendour”.

Members were invited to enter a competition to show their floral interpretation of “Cup Cakes” and Mary was asked to perform the difficult task of picking winners from the twenty one entries. Congratulations to Wilma Glashan for coming 1st, with Mildred Coull a close 2nd and Diane Cook 3rd.

Several of the arrangements were given to Sluiemhor.

All the demonstrations this year have been, as

Vegetables, Herbs & Fruit Fresh Daily

Homemade in store: Quiches, Tarts, Salads, Soups, Sandwiches

Buffets catered for Fabulous Fresh Flowers Bunches to Bouquets 47 Bridge Street, Ballater 013397 55741 Open Monday - Saturday

ballater.eagle@btopenworld.com usual, of a high standard and, of course, we also arranged the flowers for Walking Week. In the Victoria Week Scarecrow Competition Margaret Cameron’s superb effort “Eliza Doolittle” came second. In the BRHS Show in August, I am delighted to report that Kathleen McCulloch won, not only the Deeside Cup for the “Best Floral Arrangement”, but also the trophy for “Best in Show”. Evelyne Baikie won the Abergairn Trophy for the “Best Novice in Floral Art”.

We also had two outings; the first of these was in May to the Beach Ballroom, Aberdeen for afternoon tea followed by an outstanding demonstration by Sandy Bailey from Basingstoke.

The second was to Drum Castle and Grounds where we were given an absorbing guided tour

by Diana Robertson (The Head Gardener) and then witnessed florists at work preparing arrangements for the castle itself.

The Committee remains the same as last year, with the exception of Maria Franklin, who has decided to step down. Maria has been a stalwart supporter of the work of the Floral Art Group, over recent years but has displayed her talents and skills behind the scenes, and for this the Group expressed its gratitude and thanks.

Maria’s departure left one vacancy on the Committee and I am pleased to report that Margaret Finnie was unanimously elected to join an already hard-working team.

It only remains for me to thank Audrey Macrae for acting as Chair on a temporary basis, Ruth Burrows our First Aider and, of course, Ivy Duncan for that welcome cuppa. Last but not least, thank you to all the members of the BRHS Floral Art Group for their continued support.

By the time this goes to press we will have had our Christmas Charity Event in November, and the proceeds will be given to Braemar Mountain Rescue. So begins another year starting in April.

Upper Deeside Art Society

by Helen Jackson

Upper Deeside Art Society (UDAS) celebrated its 21st birthday this year with a very large cake, cut by Exhibition Organiser, Jan Williams, at the morning preview for the annual Ballater Exhibition.

For those of us who enjoy and benefit from the Society we are in debt to the four founding members; Alison Ewan, Dorothy McEwan, Andrew Manwell and Bob Watson. In 1992, with a small band of enthusiasts (some of whom are still members) from the Ballater area, the Upper Deeside Art Society was formed.

The aim of the Society was, and still is “the promotion of the visual arts and in particular fine art through practical experience in painting, drawing and related skills.”

At the time, there were many amateur artists taking instruction and an umbrella organisation was needed to enable amateur artists to exhibit and sell their work. The first meeting was held in July 1992 and featured a talk by the artist Howard Butterworth with 33 people joining the Society (there are over 100 to date).

The Society gained charitable status in 1994. The first three exhibitions were held at the McEwan Gallery, Ballater and in 1996 it was moved to the Victoria Hall where it has been held every year since.

Monthly workshops and demonstrations continue throughout the year in the Art Department of Aboyne Academy and prove to be a source of inspiration to beginners and seasoned artists alike.

These sessions are very reasonably priced and are always happy, sociable occasions.

Of course the talks, usually on a Friday afternoon in the Aboyne Bowling Clubhouse, are open to non-members and provide an entertaining and sociable afternoon with a cup of tea and biscuits afterwards.

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All the information about future events can be seen on the UDAS website www.udas.org.uk Finally, we are delighted to announce that the beautiful painting kindly donated by Sandy Youngston for raffle at this year’s Ballater Exhibition was won by Ballater local, Diane Wright.

Ballater Halls Indoor Bowling Club

by Sheila Rumbles

The Indoor Bowling has begun and we hope for a happy and enjoyable season. We will be having our Xmas Fun Night as usual and it will be held on December 18, commencing 7pm. After the festive season is over we will commence again on Tuesday January 7, 2014.

New members would be most welcome.

Darroch Learg Dinner 7-9pm

Sunday Lunch 12-2pm

Recommended in the Good Food Guide Scotland the Best AA Inspectors’ Choice Hotel Darroch Learg, Braemar Road, Ballater AB35 5UX Telephone 013397 55443 enquiries@darrochlearg.co.uk

10 Ballater Royal Horticultural Society Ballater Royal Horticultural Society had a very successful 137th Exhibition and Flower Show on August 17 & 18 with the best turnout of exhibits, (721) in the past twenty five years; an amazing feat given the pattern of the weather this year.

Locals and visitors alike commented on the fine displays. For the first time ever, the Patron’s Quaich was won by Kathleen McCulloch, a member of the Floral Art Section, for her outstanding display, “Fireworks”. The Children’s Challenge attracted many items and there were some splendid entries. Thanks to all who participated in making the show such a success.

Prizewinners

Congratulations to all the talented prize-winners listed below.

Alex Copland Rose Bowl For The Best Garden In The Village - Rosemary O’Shea and Margaret Crawford; Patron’s Quaich For The Best Exhibit In The Show - Kathleen McCulloch; Claire Bruce Cup For The Best Exhibit In The Children’s Section - Megan Lanigan; Margaret Anderson Memorial Cup - Colin Campbell; Sandy Anderson Memorial Cup - Arthur Menzies; Cook Cup - Murray Reid; Copland Trophy - Ivy Duncan; Dee Valley Cup - Paige

by Elizabeth Wilson

Middleton and Amelia Fraser; Deeside Hotel Cup - Kathleen McCulloch; Allan Forbes Trophy - Jane Oliver; Captain Frai Trophy - Marcus Humphrey; Glenmuick Cup - Birkhall; Green Inn Trophy - Ivy Duncan; Jock Gray Memorial Trophy George Baikie and Birkhall; James Hay Memorial Trophy - Murray Reid; Murdoch Cup - Arthur Menzies; Paget Memorial Trophy - Deirdre Rattray; Webster Cup - Deirdre Rattray; Anderson Cup - Ivy Duncan; Ballater Amenities Cup - Murray Reid; Butcher’s Cup - Amber McIlwain; Cassie Trophy - Murray Reid; Donald Coutts Cup - Jane Oliver; Manse Cup Alex Melvin; Monaltrie Trophy - Malcolm Jarvis and Jane Oliver; Society’s Trophy - Jane Oliver; TSB Cup - Colin Wilson; Ann Mortimer Cup - Colin Wilson; Peter Appleyard Trophy - Hannah Thom; Abergairn Trophy - Evelyne Baikie; Banksian Medal RHS Award - Malcolm Jarvis; Garden Gift Vouchers - Murray Reid and Jane Oliver; Cocker’s Vouchers Colin Campbell and Alex Melvin.

Autumn is upon us and the seed and bulb catalogues are arriving thick and fast and preparations for next year’s show are already underway!

Invercauld House Visit

Forbes Duguid Painter & Decorator Tel .55816 el.55816

Around thirty members accepted the invitation from The Garden History in Scotland Society to explore the gardens and grounds of Invercauld House on October 19. The afternoon weather looked promising as we arrived.

We were welcomed with a presentation on the history of the Farquharson family, Invercauld House and the work done on the gardens to date. Thankfully this was in the ballroom as the heavens opened not long after our arrival.

The rain however didn’t dampen our spirits and we braved it heading out to enjoy a guided tour of the garden and grounds taking note of the stunning autumn colours, the surrounding landscape and the incredible progress in the gardens over the past five months.

The sumptuous refreshments provided by the staff of Invercauld House were very welcome afterwards! Thanks must go to all who helped organise this event. We hope the Society will be able to return in a few years to see what further developments have taken place.

All Welcome

We hope members, new and old, and visitors will enjoy our forthcoming meetings.

Our AGM will have taken place by the time this issue is distributed.

Brian Gibson, our former Treasurer, has moved to Perthshire. Fortunately John Burrows has agreed to take on this role, for which we are very grateful. Jim Clark has agreed to continue

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as Chairman and Elizabeth Wilson as Secretary.

Anyone wishing to join the Society can do so at one of the meetings or send their £4 membership fee to the Secretary, Elizabeth Wilson, Duneire, 11 Viewfield Road, Ballater.

Meetings take place at 7.30pm in the Mike Sheridan Room in the Halls followed by refreshments, giving everyone a chance to chat.

All are welcome.

Look out for the posters displayed throughout the village or the Eagle diary advertising the dates of future meetings. Let us hope for a kinder winter than last year and that none of our meetings will have to be cancelled.

Editor’s note - “owing to a computer failure at the Ballater Eagle, there is unfortunately no report from SWRI this issue.”

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Aboyne & Upper Deeside Rotary –

Members of Aboyne and Upper Deeside Rotary Club have had another busy year and we’re looking forward to the festive season.

We plan to have a stall at the Winter Festival on November 30, and we hope to meet many

of the residents and visitors to Ballater, as we did at the Games in August.

As well as it being a fundraiser for the many good causes we support locally and internationally, it’s an opportunity for you to chat to members and find out more about what we do.

Our focus on supporting young people is continuing this year and some of the projects we are currently working with are: - The annual Rotary primary schools quiz - Schoolhouse Dental Project, based in Ballater but working in Southern India - Shelter Boxes for the Syrian refugee crisis - Young Musician of the Year at Aboyne Academy - Support for the global drive to End Polio through working with primary schools - Rotary Youth Leadership Awards – for annual residential courses at Abernethy

by Mike Powell

- Counselling for adults and young people through One-to-One Counselling.

There is also a social side to Rotary and the picture below was of a recent gathering at the Potarch Hotel where members, partners and guests enjoyed good company and brunch.

New members are always welcome, so if you would like to know more about what we do, and how to join, or if you would just like to come along to one of our meetings as a guest, please contact me; Mike Powell on (013398 86369 or email mike.powell21@tiscali.co.uk.

“At Christmas I no more desire a rose Than wish a snow in May’s newfangled mirth; But like of each thing that in season grows.”

William Shakespeare

Library News

by Sabine Muir Reading Challenge Winners

Lots of children took part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, sponsored by Total E&P, UK and many prizes were collected.

In addition, there was a collage competition with the theme of the Year of Natural Scotland.

Our star reader was Logan Beedie, who collected a £20 book voucher.

Winners of the Collage competition: In the 3-5 category: Erin Kilpatrick In the 6-8 category: Clare Aiken In the 9 plus category: Hannah Thom.

Well done to all the children for taking part.

All the winners’collages are displayed on the Aberdeenshire Libraries facebook page.

Aden, Ethiopia and the U.K.

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In August 2010 Martin moved to Glen Muick near Balmoral in Aberdeenshire where he is currently living.

His works are in public and private collections in Australia, USA, UK, India, Holland, France & Malaysia.

His website is: https://sites.google.com/site/ martinbbo00/

Come along and have a look.

Housebound Service If you would like some books or Talking Books (books on CDs or cassettes), and are unable to visit the library, give us a ring on (55628 and we will pop some round to your house.

Bookbug Rhymetimes We have a weekly session of Bookbug Rhymetimes for babies and children under three, to learn some rhymes and listen to some stories.

You don’t have to book for this event, just come along, enjoy the session and have a wee chat with other mums afterwards.

Friday Story Time Please come along with your child to our weekly Story Time for children aged 3-5.

Again, there is no need to book.

Art Space We have a small exhibition of paintings by Martin Gash on display at the moment.

Martin was born in India in 1952 and for the first twenty years of his life lived in Sri Lanka,

Bill Yule PGA Golf Professional Tuition available £20 per 1/2 hour - 5 Lessons for £80 Non Members Welcome! *Gift Vouchers Available*

Stockist of:

Ping / Titliest / Nike / Glenmuir / Srixon

Ballater Golf Shop

*Open 7 Days a Week* Ballater Golf Club

Victoria Road, Ballater AB35 5QX Tel. 013397 55658 Email: shnyule@aol.com

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Ballater Old People’s and Over 50’s Association by Ruth Burrows

The Association’s AGM will be held in March so please keep an eye open for Posters, and Press releases advising the date. It is hoped there will be a good attendance at the Meeting as this is a chance for members to choose venues for 2014 trips.

New members are always welcome. I can be contacted on (53244.

Photo by Amy Muir

Following on from our outing to the Cairngorm Mountain Railway in May, 46 people visited Elgin in September when it was good to welcome new members.

The coffee stop at the recently refurbished Aberlour Hotel was excellent and the sun shone on us in Elgin. The return journey saw High Tea taken at The Grouse Inn, Lower Cabrach which was enjoyed by all.

C.S.M. Handyman J.Lanigan All the little jobs you can’t get any1 to do

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

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

“You can change somone’s day with a kind word.”

Virginia Reynolds

FRASER & MULLIGAN Your local solicitor and estate agent

Buying and Selling Property Wills and Powers of Attorney Trusts and Executries Notarial Executions Resident Solicitors 24 Bridge Street, Ballater, AB35 5QP Tel No. 013397 55633 Fax No. 013397 55564 ballater@fraser-mulligan.co.uk

Ballater (Royal Deeside) Ltd

by Jack Coull

sion of a skate park for the youth of Ballater. There is considerable enthusiasm and, with the support of Councillor Blackett, we will try to identify a site acceptable to the community. Only then can we commence planning permission and funding.

A feasibility study has been completed for the Adult Learning Centre and the findings and recommendations will be discussed.

The Community Bus will require replacement in about 3-4 years. Some funding is already in place but much more will be required to meet the expected cost This is a valuable community asset which must be maintained and we are ever grateful to the band of volunteer drivers, without whom the venture would fail.

By the time this edition of the Eagle is published we will have held our AGM at which we hope to retain the support of the residents of Ballater and gain approval for our projects chosen to benefit the community.

Another busy quarter has gone by, with all members of the Board of Directors engaged on various projects. Sadly we have lost the valuable contribution of Brian Gibson who resigned from BRD on moving south. We wish Brian and Fran well in their new home.

Some of our projects are hampered by funding difficulties as The National Park draws up plans for its replacement funding mechanism. The Dalmochie Forestry Heritage site is, at last, making progress as the legal matters which were frustrating our efforts appear to have been resolved.

This means that we will soon be in a position to finalise the purchase of the ground and commence the next legal step of leasing it to The Historic Forestry Association. We are also now able to proceed with the plans to place a granite welcome stone at the west of the village and, hopefully, this will be in place within the next few months.

We are keen to investigate further the provi-

Myriad Pro

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2013

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16 Ballater Walking Festival 2014

by Sandy Mitchell

As winter approaches, some of us at BRD are already actively planning for next spring. In May 2014 we shall be holding the seventeenth Ballater Walking Festival.

and glens. The Strenuous walks are usually led by professional leaders but the Medium and Easy ones are led by locals with some knowledge of the hills.

This event has, over the years, brought large numbers of walkers into the village each May, boosting local shops, hotels and B&Bs. Typically we attract around ninety participants who come from all over the country and beyond, to enjoy a wide range of walks in beautiful countryside as well as good company and social activities.

As well as the leaders, each walk requires the services of several helpers to provide backup to the leader in the event of an emergency but also to keep the walkers entertained and cheerful.

The event runs over six days and next year’s dates are 17th- 23rd May. Each day from Sunday to Friday we provide three levels of walk, Strenuous, Medium and Easy.

These range from serious traverses of major hills and passes, to gentle strolls on lower hills

Cindy Adams

Person-Centred Counsellor We all have the potential to grow and change I offer you a safe, supportive, respectful, trusting and confidential space, enabling you to find your way forward through whatever is troubling you

The best choices are those you discover for yourself Counselling can help you focus on the choices you have and how you are going to implement them into your life

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This requires a little local knowledge – a supply of local stories which may or may not be true is always useful – and some acquaintance with the hills. We require a first aider on each walk and some training in mountain safety is also provided but basically it’s just an excuse for a good day out in the hills!

Over the years the leaders and helpers have been largely drawn from the Probus Club but by its nature, this means that many are no longer in the first flush of youth and some of our stalwarts are no longer able to complete the harder walks, some of which can be up to twenty miles. Therefore an influx of younger people is essential if we are to continue to run the festival safely. Leaders and helpers can do as little or as much as they please from helping on an easy walk to leading walks every day.

We also put on a series of evening social events – quiz nights, talks, a dinner and a ceilidh, all of which need organizers and people to lend a hand with raffles, etc.

It can be a very rewarding experience being involved, and many long term friendships are formed as most of our walkers return year after year.

If any Eagle reader feels they would like to help us in any way, please contact Sandy Mitchell (55479, email: sanlin@ifb.co.uk Further information on the Walking Festival can be found on the web site at: www.walkballater.com.

17

Ballater School 2014 Calendar The Parent Council, with the help of the children, have put together another great calendar for 2014 including school dates and events and featuring artwork by the children of Ballater School. A great Christmas gift for family and friends!

If you would like to purchase a calendar please either: e-mail:email bspc.calendar@gmail.com bspc.calendar@gmail.com - bspc.calendar@gmail.com OR telephone: Jane Aiken on 55100 The calendars are ÂŁ5.50 each and an envelope can also be purchased for an additional 10p if you plan to post it or give it away as a gift.

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Councillor Matters

18

by Katrina A Farquhar

Citizens’ Advice

The Citizens’ Advice Consumer Service provides free, confidential and impartial advice on consumer issues. Visit http://www.adviceguide. org.uk or call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on: (08454 04 05 06 (9 - 5pm Monday - Friday) If you do not require consumer advice but wish to contact Citizens’ Advice about another matter you can email on the following link. Please ensure you supply a postal address and telephone number to help provide a prompt response trading.standards@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Scam Warning Voucher Scam Warning - Trading Standards would like to highlight a scam that is currently in circulation involving the purchase of vouchers.

Consumers have reported receiving unsolicited calls from a source purporting to be a representative from a government department who advises them that they are entitled to a voucher which can be redeemed at a later stage for a much higher value. The consumer is instructed to purchase the voucher via a ‘PayPoint’ terminal with an initial cost to the consumer of £200. The purchase is processed and the voucher printed off by the terminal and handed over to the consumer.

The consumer receives another call from the scammer and is asked for the number printed on the voucher - without this it cannot be redeemed for the higher value which can be as much as £3000. Of course, this is not the case as the voucher cannot be redeemed for a higher amount.

To report a scam or for further advice, call Consumer Direct Scotland on (08454 040506.

Winter Travel

Morven Veterinary Practice Opening Hours: Monday 2pm - 6pm Tuesday 10am - 2pm Wednesday 10am - 5pm Thursday Closed Friday 2pm - 5pm

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

There is a new bus timetable in place and this can be viewed online at:www.aberdeenshire. gov.uk/publictransport/timetables/index.asp As we are getting closer to winter and icy roads, remember there is lots of information on the website regarding road closures, school closures and routes gritted. You can also use the website to report any problems and to ask for grit bins to be filled. To access road fault reporting go to: www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/ roads/faults.asp

The Council’s main issues report and the budget meetings are taking place or will have taken place by the time the Eagle is printed, so if for some reason you haven’t managed to have your say, please get in touch and any comments will be passed on and added into the process.

As always, I am here if you need to get in touch. Contact details are (07876 475403 and cllr.k.farquhar@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Short History of the Scottish 19 Episcopal Church by Rev. Lisa Eunson

The Scottish Episcopal Church is exactly what the name describes: formed in Scotland, governed by Bishops (in Latin, episcopalis) to gather together in worship of God (church). The heritage and history stretches back to Columba and Ninian, among the first to establish Christianity here. Until the 16th century the Scottish Church was a single, united, entity, but at the Reformation it divided into three denominations - Episcopal, Presbyterian and Roman Catholic.

The Episcopal and Presbyterian churches were each, at times,the established Church of Scotland until the Revolution of 1689 - when King James was replaced by his daughter Mary and her husband William of Orange. The Episcopal Bishops declined to recognise the new King and Queen and so the Presbyterian Church became the established Church of Scotland, and has been since then.

In 1689 around 66% of the population of Scotland was Episcopalian but the percentage declined during decades of persecution following the Risings of 1715 and 1745, which sought to put the descendents of King James back on the throne and in which the Episcopal Church took a prominent part.

In more recent years the three ancient churches of Scotland (and other denominations who have found their home here) have come to value strong relationships with each other, to share in the care of local communities, and to work together, locally and nationally, for a strong and healthy future.

St Kentigern’s Scottish Episcopal Church is on the Braemar Road in Ballater – Sunday Worship at 9.30am For more information contact John Lovie directly or through our website: www.stkentigernsballater.aodiocese.org.uk

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20

Aberdeenshire Council

by Geva Blackett

After a long and mostly fabulous summer it is hard to believe winter is almost upon us again.

In the last issue, hardly had I put ‘pen to paper’ about the Post Office when the issue was resolved – for 12 months anyway.

I meet regularly with Post Office officials and promise I will keep reminding them, if they need it, that Ballater must have a full time post office service that meets the needs of the community it serves.

About DHP

We all know about the so called ‘Welfare Reform’ brought in by the Westminster Government earlier this year – the most (in)famous reform being the ‘Bedroom Tax’.

If you are of working age, claim housing benefit and ‘under-occupy’ your property you

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may have noticed a reduction in the amount you receive. With such a shortage of ‘alternative’ housing available, particularly in real life rural Scotland, this reform may cause difficulty.

Examples of such difficulties may be: • If your child is at university they still need a home to come back to in the holidays, • If you need a carer (and this could be your husband/wife/partner) to sleep in a separate bedroom at night – that is not taken into consideration.

• If you just have a bedroom too many and there is no suitable property to move to.

For many people this is proving a real burden on already stretched incomes through no fault of their own! However, you may be able to claim a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP).

To be considered for a Discretionary Housing Payment you must be in receipt of: • Housing Benefit; or • Universal Credit (that includes support towards a rental liability); and • require further financial assistance towards your rent or housing costs Aberdeenshire Council only has a limited fund that can be used for Discretionary Housing Payments, therefore all claims are carefully considered before any award is made but please, if you are in difficulty, or you know someone who is, don’t let that put you off.

There is no automatic entitlement to Discretionary Housing Payments. Aberdeenshire Council will look at each case individually, considering how much income a person has and how much they have to pay out each week.

Some examples of when someone may require extra help include (but are not limited to): • you live in a council house and your housing benefit has been reduced because you

•

Councillor Blackett with Dennis Robertson MSP outside Ballater Post Office

• •

are under occupying your property your housing benefit has been reduced because of the benefit cap you are sick or disabled and cannot work you have large debt

• • •

your rent is very high and you are looking for cheaper accommodation you are caring for a relative or friend and have to pay a lot in travel costs your housing benefit has been reduced because of a non-dependant reduction.

Discretionary Housing Payments are paid on a temporary basis to allow you time to make changes to your circumstances.

For example, a Discretionary Housing Payment may be awarded until you find more affordable accommodation or until you reduce your

debt. You will need to consider how you pay your rent long term without a Discretionary Housing Payment.

21

If you are awarded a Discretionary Housing Payment you will be advised how long the payments last for. This can range from a few weeks to a maximum of 12 months.

To apply, just call (08456 08 01 49 or download the form from http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/benefits/ct_benefit/DiscretionaryHousingPaymentApplication.pdf

Planning Dept. Move?

I recently met with Grant Moir (the Cairngorms National Park Authority Chief Executive) to discuss, amongst other things, his plan to remove the Park planning department from Ballater to the other side of the hill - i.e. Grantown.

Until such time as we find out precisely what his plans are, I cannot really comment other than

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to say that we have always felt like the ‘poor relation’ on this side of the Park and I have to ask if replacing a whole service with a ‘hub’ is acceptable?

I am also relaying that message to the powers that be in Aberdeenshire Council who might share some of that hub space. I agree it would be useful to have a council office accessible to people in Ballater but am not convinced the National Park’s plans have been thought through properly yet. Hopefully (surely?) they will consult the community here before putting a paper to the Board for agreement and I urge you to consider carefully what is being suggested and make any objection known to local Board members as well as officials.

know, am certainly not frightened of standing up and saying what I think! So, I wait with interest the proposals to be put forward by the Park and their future in Deeside!

Finally… may I take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a great Hogmanay!

I am always here to help you. Please feel free to email me at cllr.g.blackett@aberdeenshire.gov. uk or phone me on (013397 41541. I look forward to hearing from you.

“There are two seasons in Scotland winter and July”

Please feel free to speak to me about any concerns you might have – unlike the other Ward councillors, I am not on the Board so can perhaps take a more objective view and as you

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Crathie News

by Marion MacIntyre

Crathie Book Group

We have temporarily had to say farewell to another of our members – Megan has relocated over the winter and we are missing her lively and insightful contributions to the group discussions.

We are looking forward to welcoming her back next summer!

We have had rather a confused few months and have only managed one book recently, “Atonement” by Ian McEwan which was a fairly demanding read but a rewarding one in the end.

Many of the group also went on to watch the film of the book starring Keira Knightly and James Macavoy, which stuck fairly closely to the plot of the book and was well worth watching.

Church News Braemar and Crathie churches will be combining services over the winter months, with joint weekly alternate services held during November, December and February, starting in Braemar Church on November 17. Watchnight Services will be held in both churches on December 24 – further information to follow.

Although the popular Crathie Monday café has closed for this year, Kindrochit Court, Braemar has taken over with the provision of refreshments on Monday mornings.

There will be a special Christmas Café in the Church Hall, Crathie on Monday December 9 from 10am to 12 noon. Tea, coffee and delicious home bakes will be on sale, and there will be a seasonal sales table to help fill stockings!

The Parish Guild will be meeting monthly with a programme of speakers, events and activities – syllabus available from Pat Thomson ((41214) or Bell Macaulay ((55745).

On Friday December 13 at 7.30pm popular entertainer Bruce Davies will be performing “Songs for the Season” – a mix of Christian

23

and secular Christmas and other winter songs in Crathie Kirk. The perfect warm-up to Christmas! Tickets priced £6 – (42344 for information.

Crathie Bowling Club Crathie Bowling Club meet on Tuesdays and Fridays from 7-9pm in Crathie New Hall. They are always delighted to welcome new members.

For more information, call Jean Young, (42415.

Crathie Seniors Patricia Fraser has been busy compiling her list for the Crathie Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch and she doesn’t want to miss anyone out!

So she would be delighted to hear from anyone who is eligible for an invite this year (women 60 years or over and men 65 years or over who live in the Crathie or Birkhall area.) (42327 or email patricia@fraser3495.fsnet.co.uk

Larks Gallery

Contemporary Scottish Art Glass Paintings Textiles Prints Photography Sculpture Jewellery Ceramics

winter hours are reduced so please check the website or facebook page for opening hours

10 Braemar Road Ballater (013397) 55888 www.larksgallery.com

Hogmanay at the Hall Bring in the New Year at Crathie New Hall!

From 9pm on December 31 into the wee small hours of 1st January 2014, when Eddie Esson and his band will keep your toes tapping.

Come along for a great Hogmanay – if you would like more information contact Jean Young, (42415.

Crathie Opportunity Holidays

Crathie Opportunity Holidays has had a very successful 2013 with almost full occupancy from April to October.

The coffee mornings for guests have been well received and will be continued in 2014.

These events, as well as keeping the gardens

Crathie School

Here are some of the things our new P1s have enjoyed doing since they started at Crathie School My favourite thing to do is to play outside in the playground. I like the swing best.

Rowan F. I like doing my reading because I learn lots of things. I like playing the fishing alphabet game.

Rowan A. I liked making a Roly Poly bird. I like painting and making Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Door.

Zara I like running about outside. Curtis makes me laugh. I like having fruit snack in the classroom.

Fraser

Science

At science Mrs Hay teaches us about Electricity. We put a battery in the holder, we put wires on it and we made it light up.

We cut a paper flower and folded the petals up and when we put it in a bowl of water the petals unfolded.

We colour in the spinners and put them on the motor. The motor made them spin round, they made a different colour.

By Euan P3

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tidy, are carried out by the Friends of COH who come along when they can. If you would like to join us, please contact Maggie MacAlpine on ( 42100.

Our major event of the year was our Golf Day at Balmoral in October. Despite the inclement weather and transport difficulties caused by the closure of Balmoral Bridge, all participants had an enjoyable day and we raised ÂŁ5600.

Thanks go to all our sponsors and those who helped to make the day so successful. As always, thank you to all our local friends and supporters.

Music Mrs Gledson teaches piano to the older children.

Mrs Malone teaches music to everyone in the school.

We all did violin for six whole weeks. We really liked violin and we would like to do it again.

By Morgan P6

26

Crathie School goes to PGL

Some Crathie School Pupils went to PGL in Dalguise for a weekend.

When I went to PGL I liked the Giant Swing. The best thing about it was I turned around and someone said ‘have a banana’, then I saw him pull the rope and I got a fright.

The second best is the zip wire. I thought it was so good! My favourite food was the burger and tomato sauce.

It was fun. Mrs Field had to read us a story the first night - it was Harry Potter.

By Curtis P4

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CNPA

by Katrina A Farquhar

We have had a fantastic summer this year and really seen the Cairngorms National Park in all its glory and as I write this the autumn colours are really beautiful. It makes me realise just what a special place we live in.

I would like to share a “gardens and policies� visit at Invercauld House with readers. The new tenant, assisted by The Garden History Society in Scotland, invited local groups to the Gardens on Saturday, October 19 to see the works in progress at Invercauld House.

We parked at the Keiloch car park which is maintained by the estate and has a pay and display system and all monies raised are used in maintenance of paths within the estate. You could then either walk up to the house or Ian Johnstone drove the BRD bus up and down to the house. Unfortunately it was one of the wettest days we have had for some time so most people used the bus, including myself! We went up the main drive and admired all the huge trees in changing colours, the water in the Dee was considerably higher than it has been recently due to the rain we had overnight.

After driving up through the parkland we could see Invercauld House and some modern art sculptures that have been introduced at the side of the house which certainly provided some discussion. On arrival at the front of the house we then congregated in the ballroom where Rebecca Kimber Danger, Land Agent for the new tenants, introduced herself and the staff who had worked so hard to prepare for the open garden day. Simon Blackett provided an insight to the history of Invercauld and the Farquharsons who had developed various parts of the grounds and shaped them into what we see today. Vanessa Stephen followed by providing a detailed description of the evolution of the design landscape since 1703 including a pond, Victorian Garden and Produce Garden. Finally Donald Rodger, Arboriculturist,

27

gave us a real insight to the trees that have been planted over the last 140 years and where they came from.

As we had all really come along to see the gardens and grounds, we decided just to brave the rain. Paul Booth has put a huge amount of work into restoring the gardens. The gardens are very informal which adds to their beauty. From

the front of the house there is a large grassed lawn and if you look across the Dee you are looking

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straight into the Lion’s Face which has had a trim, - the trees covering it have been taken down so you can actually see the large rocky face. We then headed round the side of the house and into a shady wooded path with huge Douglas Firs and Giant Sequoia better known as the Punchy Tree. As we went along, the area opened up and we arrived at a lovely secluded spot which is the Victorian Woodland Garden. This has a little stream meandering down and a huge variety of trees and with them all in vibrant autumn colours, it was stunning. There is a small terraced part which has been constructed from local materials making it fit well within the site. The renovation works have just tidied up around here so you can see the stonework and a number of the dead limbs have been taken off the trees giving the area a very private feeling.

After having a look around studying the labels on the trees which has been done as part of the project, we then headed along another path, arriving at a small gate which led us into the Produce Garden. This area had been neglected for many years up until this year and the transformation is amazing considering there was still snow lying on it in May. It is enclosed by a beech hedge

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and there has been some new hedging planting to split the area up in future years. Although this is still very much a work in progress there were some annual flower beds which were still vibrant with colour even in October although this was just down to the good weather we had recently.

The plans are to have a fully working vegetable and flower garden, and retired Balmoral gardener John Young has been helping out with information as to what plants will do well in our climate.

When we left this garden we then walked along a grassy, tree lined road, the Long Terrace Wa l k , w h i c h also leads up to the Farquharson monument.

Then back to the house and into the ballroom which the gamekeepers had transformed into the tearoom for our afternoon tea. The spread was fabulous, lovely sandwiches, scones and cakes washed down with tea from china teapots! The rain of course then went off and you could walk back to The Keiloch or get transported in the mini bus again.

All in all it was super afternoon and really encouraging to see the gardens and policies being brought back into use, using what was already there and enhancing it. The House and Gardens are not open to the public but we are informed that the garden opening may become an annual event The Keiloch Car Park is open all year around and is an excellent starting place for walking in the area. Go to www.cairngorms.co.uk and click visit, choose Braemar and have access to lots of information about the area. You can also access walking routes at www.braemarscotland.co.uk.

29

Victoria & Albert Halls

By Bell Macaulay

that they now have excellent facilities to enjoy!

The upgraded kitchen and toilet facilities will allow us to market the suite of rooms widely, giving some much-needed income for future stages of the refurbishment. Many user groups are very supportive of the work, but as we move to the second stage of the refurbishment – insulation and heating – the fundraising starts again. This time round with a new Halls Trust in place, replacing the original Trust formed in 1879, we will be in a position to apply for larger sums of funding e.g. the National Lottery grants.

There will be a community meeting, hopefully in the new year, to elect directors to the new Trust – a very responsible position with commitments, but a worthwhile way to serve the community.

Further information will be available before the meeting.

By the time you read this, the first stage of refurbishment will be complete and the Albert Hall Community Function Suite will be providing an attractive and comfortable setting for wedding receptions, celebrations and all manner of events in addition to the many weekly bookings.

Our heartfelt thanks are due to Allan Milne and his team of local contractors who have been working very hard to a tight deadline. Having local people undertake the work made such a difference, with advice coming by the bucket-load and in great good humour. The high quality of the work, despite the pressure to finish in time for our first wedding reception, is superb.

We also have to thank the many groups who were inconvenienced by the works. The upside is

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Fundraising

Accessing public funds is a skill which requires knowledge and dedication, and we have a very able fundraising team led by Isla Imrie and Nick Mardall. Isla has already started on funding applications for the next stage.

Pre-Christmas Table Sale

The Winter Fair will be part of the Winter Festival, taking place on November 30 in the Victoria Hall. Tables are available – contact Bell Macaulay on (55745, or download a form from the halls website – see below.

Summer Ball

Jenny Gow has agreed to help us with an event in 2014, possibly using our newly refurbished Function Suite in the Albert Hall.

All suggestions for fundraisers gratefully received – why not organise one of your own?

Films

We now have access to a high quality projector, and Ade Scripps has been working on the next

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series of film-shows. Ade is always looking for suggestions for films which will attract a good audience, and groups can organise their own showings if they wish – contact Ade on ( 55243.

Website

Information about all the Halls including floor-plans is available on-line at www.victoriaandalberthalls.co.uk but we have not transferred bookings to the system until the refurbishment is complete and we are reasonably confident that the system works.

Contact

The hall-keeper now has a dedicated mobile phone to receive messages about the Halls. Please only use in an emergency - Mobile (07786 449759. The nominated duty member can be contacted on (07598 808018 for any other queries.

Come and Enjoy!

Finally, we hope you all enjoy the Albert Hall Function Suite! Help us spread the word, and consider what you can do to help – we always need volunteers, and attending our monthly meetings is a good starting point! On behalf of the Halls committee, I wish you all a joyous Christmas and a very Happy Hogmanay – and make it one of your resolutions to help the Halls Trust with the next stage!

Winter Festival

Ballater’s Winter Festival returns on Saturday 30th & Sunday 1st for a spectacular weekend of fun. The skating rink (open from 12noon - 7pm on Saturday, 11am 4pm on Sunday) is even bigger than last year, and activities include market stalls, Sheridan’s superb Hog Roast, mulled wine, Alfie’s Fair & Candy Floss, children’s games, and a Bouncy Slide. Santa will be here from 2-4pm as well.

The Christmas lights will be turned on at around 6pm on Saturday, followed by the Ballater & District Pipe Band march along Bridge Street.

Ballater Films

by Ade Scripps

The project that aims to bring films back to Ballater’s V&A Halls continues to go from strength to strength.

The October showing of Monsters University was a sell-out, with the allocation of free tickets to the Ballater School class with the most successful Victoria Week scarecrow helping to boost sales. November saw another popular animation, Despicable Me 2.

Warming the cockles for the Christmas season will be a charity showing of Whisky Galore, in aid of CLAN Cancer Support, planned for mid-December. Tickets will be available from the CLAN shop in the village and Yules newsagents as usual. Tickets will cost £10 and will include nibbles and a glass of wine or whisky. This event is supported by Royal Lochnagar Distillery.

Ballater Films hopes to further boost the winter gloom in January or February with an evening

31

showing of the Proclaimers musical Sunshine on Leith, this time in aid of the Victoria and Albert Halls. See local press, Facebook and posters for details nearer the time.

The Victoria Hall now boasts a 150-inch screen, ideal for fundraising film evenings for your group or charity. Get in touch with Bell at the halls, or Cat or Ade on (55243 or email info@ballatervictoriaweek.co.uk

Meanwhile, Ballater Films would also like to increase the availability of advertising opportunities to more local businesses, on what must be the largest advertising space in the village!

Static ads are on screen for around 10-15 seconds and costs £15 per screening, blocks of five £75.

Audiences are growing and proceeds assist in making Ballater Films a viable sustainable project.

If you are interested in advertising your business or event, get in touch via myriadpro@yahoo.co.uk

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Pupils have been writing and painting and exercising their creative talents Thank you for all your thoughts, poems and pictures!

Living in Ballater

Ballater

I like living near Ballater because it is quiet. I like to hear the birds singing and the wind blowing and the deer roring.

Max Dunne P2

Butterflies

This is my butterfly. I painted a pattern on one side. I then folded it over. I unfolded it and it was exactly the same.

We call this symmetry. Olivia Jakubiak, Neve Evans, Anna Parfitt and Leyton Muir, P1

A tattoo girls at we squeezed in or feet. Wh washed off

Autumn Scene by Orla Evans P3/4

I like living in Ballater because one day when I was fishing I caught a fish in the River Dee. It was fun and I like living in the trees because I have a quarry. I like swimming at the Craigendarroch because I can touch the bottom of the pool. I go to swimming lessons. I like going to Ballater School. In the winter I can go on the ice on the pond near my house.

Ranolph Whitehead P3

A new rhyme for the ‘Gran, Can You Rap?’ Poem Gran was in her chair she was eating a pie when I tapped on her shoulder to see if she could fly.

Gran, can you fly? Can you fly? Can you, Gran?

And she opened one eye and said to me, “Man, I’m the best flying Gran this world’s ever seen. I’m a tip-top, slip-slap, fly-fly queen.”

Kirsty McLeod P3

33

ter School

tterflies

I painted a en folded it was exactly e. call this ry. Olivia ak, Neve , Anna and Leyton P1

My Magic Box

Henna

A tattoo – like a decoration often worn by young girls at weddings and festivals. Henna leaves are squeezed into a paste. Patterns are made on the hands or feet. When it dries it turns bright red. It can be washed off with water.

Morgan Strachan P4

I will put in my box The lap of steely grey waves from Sheldaig, The taste of ice cream on a silky sanded, sunsetting beach, A lullaby sung to hush a baby I will put in my box The scent of freshly baked marshmallow cupcakes, The happy, jazzy sound of 1920s music, The euphoric, excited, alive feeling Christmas morning brings.

My box is lovingly crafted from ice with golden edges and a rainbow swirl on the lid. The hinges are made from purple butterfly wings. You hear the song of a robin as you open it.

In my box I shall feel more alive than ever before. I shall do gymnastics effortlessly and play with rabbits for eternity and never get tired.

Hannah Thom P7

My Magic Box

I will put in my box The most softest and fluffiest cat ever, An ice cream van with the most tastiest flavours of ice cream ever, The most cooling and sinky sandy beach I will put in my box The most amazing refreshing and coolest drink, Flying dogs with big ears and big paws, An unlimited supply of every food in the world and they tasted better than normal and juicier than normal.

My box is fashioned from gold and diamonds and rubys, with emeralds incrusted round the edges and in the corners. Its hinges are made of wishes and secrets.

I shall fly around and look at everything and land on a cloud and go to sleep.

There is a nice cloud pillow and a cloud bed.

Jonas Law P7

34

Cairngorms Wildcat Project

The Cair ngor ms Wildcat Project is celebrating after a successful night at the ‘Nature of Scotland’ awards.

Held on the evening of October 30 in Edinburgh, the Cairngorms Wildcat Project won the innovation award, having impressed the judging panel with their work to bring land managers and conservationists together to gather vital information to better understand the species and raise awareness of their plight. The project was also shortlisted for the Species Champion Award.

The Nature of Scotland awards were launched by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) in 2012 to recognise excellence, innovation and outstanding nature conservation in Scotland. The Cairngorms Wildcat Project was launched in 2009 to protect the wildcat’s future in the Cairngorms National Park and raise awareness of the species’ plight. The iconic Scottish species is threatened by hybridisation with domestic cats, and the confusion in cat

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identification that this creates in the countryside.

It is now rarer than the Bengal tiger with fewer than 400 thought to be left in the wild.

The project, which concluded last year, worked with gamekeepers to help them to identify wildcats in the field to ensure their predator control was wildcat-friendly. It also worked with local vets and cat welfare charities to encourage responsible cat ownership and neutering of feral cats. Camera trapping also revealed wildcats on estates where they were not thought to live, while the public was able to report sightings and make donations to the project.

Will Boyd-Wallis, the Cairngorms National Park Authority’s Head of Land Management & Conservation and Chair of the Wildcat Project, said the awards were the result of commitment from all partners.

“We’re delighted to have received this recognition and it is particularly special to win it in the Park’s 10th anniversary year. When we began the Cairngorms Wildcat Project we always knew it had to be the start of something bigger if we are to save the Scottish wildcat from extinction. The lessons learned from the project were both invaluable and influential in shaping the new national Conservation Action Plan for the species. The award is further proof that there is broad support for saving this fascinating species.

“Through the fantastic support of the estates, gamekeepers, farmers, vets and cat welfare volunteers in the National Park, as well as the joint effort of all the project partners, we have achieved a great deal. The future of the wildcat is still far from certain, but the award demonstrates this is a model conservation project that could be applied to wildcat conservation in other parts of Scotland and beyond.”

Pastorale by Ian Mitchell Summer heat hangs heavy in this hollow in the hills, Undisturbed, the village afternoon draws on.

No lethargy here — the glory of the day calls forth new strengths.

With silent, deep-sensed rejoicing in a life in paradise, Locals and strangers alike, at work or play, Share happy wonder at the day’s perfection.

The peaks reflect in the river’s placid pools, And gardens erupt with colour and perfume.

And the lazy smoke climbs to the clear blue sky, Slim columns, erect, untroubled, high.

Pale morning mists now shroud the hills and glens, Now dissipate and give free rein To the purple warmth of heather-painted hills, Russet and gold of bracken and fern, To ease the passage of the shortening days Towards the dark coming of long winter’s chill.

Leaves scurry about the quiet streets of a village Left to itself by homeward-hurrying strangers.

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Scatters in fragments, driven by the gale.

Swollen by melting Grampian snows and sudden showers, The river rushes round its village-cradling bend, And birds in budding trees along its banks Herald the imminence of life renewed.

High on the hills the roaming deer return To pastures once well-worn, now springing fresh again.

The breeze, still tingling after early morning frost, Brings later promise of the mellowness to come.

And the swirling smoke, its fragrance undiminished, Confirms the news that winter now is finished.

(Inspired by that essential ingredient of the ‘real Ballater’ — the smell of wood smoke.)

And the fragrant smoke, with promise of its woody heat, Beckons folk home to their fireside seat.

Snow sweeps down the glens, the mountains all white-mantled.

Frost-fronded firs and skeletal oak and birch Stand guard by ghostly river-banks, fringed with ice.

Silent, all-enveloping, this ermine shroud settles on its domain, Bestowing light to the night, relieving the grey of day.

Wisps of whitened breath accompany festive greetings As Christmas comes, and then the Highlander’s New Year, Defying the cruellest barbs of wind and weather.

And the frantic smoke, torn, shredded, wild and pale,

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Schoolhouse Ballater - Home & Away! by Cathy Low …Away….

Having written previously in the Eagle about the work of Schoolhouse in Sri Lanka and India, I thought readers might be interested in an update on the English Camps, Dental Camp and other volunteering work carried out during the summer months.

Leaving the Schoolhouse B&B in capable hands to get what would turn out to be the glorious Ballater summer season underway, we embarked on the third year of Schoolhouse English Camps and the first dental one. Several other volunteers worked in individual placements in children’s homes and schools in both countries.

The volunteers had already been to Ballater for their training weekends and were all fired up and culturally prepared for the adventure ahead.

The English Camp would have something of the gypsy spirit about it as we roved from one location to the next - one week in a rural school on the west coast near Sri Lanka’s international airport, one week in a school in the north in Jaffna which is slowly recovering from being at the heart of 30 years of armed conflict, and then two weeks in rural Tamil Nadu, south India.

More than 600 children attended the camps and their English teachers received training in using activity-based teaching methods to raise

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the confidence and ability of the children to speak English - a valuable life skill for people in developing countries.

English camps are hard work, and activities are often carried out in the heat, dust and humidity of the scorching day. We painted, crafted, played sports and games, sang songs, danced (Strip the Willow and the Macerina were great favourites!), did drama, and all activities led to an end of camp concert.

The enjoyment of the children - and the progress they made with speaking and understanding English, was clear to see. The enthusiasm of the volunteers, their energy and determination to make a difference, was equally clear. The welcome and appreciation shown to us was heartwarming. Life-giving sweet milky tea and spicy snacks were provided at breaks and at the concerts, many speeches were made and inevitably there were tears and laughter all round.

The dental camp got underway alongside the third week of English camp, and ran for three weeks with the first two dental students and then for a further two weeks with another three dental students. The students worked hard in villages, a refugee camp, a children’s home and a school.

They screened over 700 people who normally have no access to dental care and treated those in pain in under-utilised local dental surgeries, supervised by local dentists. The support from the local Mission Hospital and dental practice was invaluable and the students grew in confidence and expertise as they diagnosed, filled, scaled and extracted on a daily basis. The local dentists were delighted to make the contact with these young,

soon to be qualified professionals, and the many people who had painful teeth fixed were delighted with the programme.

We saw volunteers grow and develop before our eyes - we watched strong bonds form as they supported each other through the challenges of being far from home - and far from the comforts of home. We saw them become confident and resilient, taking everything in their stride from bucket showers and squat loos, to water shortages and curry for breakfast.

We’ve been back in Ballater since the beginning of August and the continuous flow of people through the B&B has swept us along until now, and with the approaching winter months, the sea of faces has slowed to a stream, and we begin once more to look ahead and plan the projects for next year.

We plan to return with more dental students to provide regular screening, treatment and dental education. We are currently working on dental education materials to be used in English camp as well as in the dental programmes. We also hope to initiate a similar outreach dental programme in Jaffna, northern Sri Lanka - again running alongside an English programme. The heat and the dust, the noise and the colour, the intensity of the camps seem very far away now, but as we settle into the dark nights, we know that it won’t be long until it’s time to get going once again on the next chapter of Schoolhouse Abroad.

We very much hope that next year, we’ll have at least one Deesider in our volunteer team and with that in mind, watch out for a Schoolhouse fund-raising dance night early next year, where we hope to raise funds and use some to support

a local youth to take up placement.

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….and at Home

This has been a very busy summer at the B&B. All of our guests have been lovely, each has their own story to tell but a particular group of recent guests are perhaps of special interest. In mid October four former Women’s Land Army members came to stay (aged 86, 87, 88 and 89).

They were on their way to Fochabers to participate in a ceremony at a statue of a land girl there. The statue was made by their driver, artist Peter Naylor. These ladies were an absolute joy - full of life and fun and stories, tempered by a few tears as they spoke of lost loved ones and days gone by. They made us truly appreciative of the work they and so many other fantastic women like them did to nourish the nation - both with the food they produced and their spirit.

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38 Cat Woman v. Shark Liz Robinson, the intrepid coordinator of the Deeside Branch of Cats Protection, successfully completed a sponsored shark dive at the Deep Sea World in Edinburgh on 29 September 2013. Liz received an hour’s instruction before diving and then spent a further half an hour in the main tank in the company of biting crabs and fish and sharks that weighed 44 stone. These did not faze her and indeed in comparison to Liz’s phobias of water and cold temperatures, they were a minor inconvenience.

Summoning all her courage, Liz did not allow her two greatest fears to deter her and raised over £1,100 for Deeside Cats Protection. On her own admission, she did not enjoy the experience, but considered her ordeal to be worthwhile to bring much needed funds to the branch which helps many stray and abandoned cats and kittens. Vet bills and running costs are high and whilst every

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penny raised or donated to the branch is spent wisely, in these financially challenging times the number of cats and kittens needing help does not fall.

The Deeside Branch of Cats Protection covers a large area from Banchory, Finzean and Tillypronie to Aboyne, Ballater, Braemar and Glenshee and all places in between, dealing with some very difficult situations where stray and abandoned cats and kittens are concerned.

Nevertheless cats that do come to the branch receive the best possible care and attention and the volunteers give their time willingly, knowing they are helping animals who just need a second chance to find a “forever” home. The branch is also heavily involved in the preservation of the Scottish wildcat by trapping feral domestic cats, neutering and returning them to the wild afterwards. This prevents the highland tigers from cross-breeding with domestics and creating hybrids.

Liz and the rest of the team at the Deeside Branch of Cats Protection are immensely grateful

to everyone who sponsored Liz’s shark dive. The funds raised will allow the branch to help many more cats and kittens in need. However whilst cash donations are always most welcome at the branch, contributions of bedding and blankets, food and food bowls, toys, scratch posts, litter and litter trays are likewise appreciated and collection of any such items can be arranged by telephoning (013398 80457 or e-mailing Deeside.cats@ gmail.com The Facebook page is Cats Protection Deeside Branch.

Another simple but effective way to help raise much needed funds for the branch is to register with www.easyfundraising.org.uk when you next do an on-line shop. You don’t pay anything extra, but a donation is made to Deeside Cats Protection every time you buy something online with the partner retailers of www.easyfundraising.org. uk - it’s that straightforward!

Liz and the volunteers of Deeside Cats Protection would like to wish the Ballater Eagle admin team and the Ballater Eagle readers a Purrfect Christmas and a Peaceful and Prosperous New Year.

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Little Blue Lights and a Wedding Cake by John Holley

One of my early memories as a young Police Constable stationed at Cannon Row Police Station, Westminster, London of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, goes back to 1963. (I have numerous others).

I was on night duty at Cannon Row (10pm to 6am) and had been posted to a ‘Royal’ movement of H.M.Q.M. at the ‘Wedding Cake’ (Queen Victoria’s Memorial) junction with The Mall and Constitution Hill to facilitate her progress as she made her way back to Clarence House, her London home in The Mall.

Her Majesty had been to The Royal Albert Hall for a function. To a nervous young PC, my task was a big event and I was under no illusions that I had to ‘get it right’ and importantly, please no accidents with the royal vehicle under any circumstances. All the Royal vehicles had a small blue light, slightly bigger than a half a crown piece, in the centre of the windscreen which was always

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illuminated at night when a member of the Royal Family was on board.

The vehicle was due at 10.45pm at my designated junction, and as usual we were ‘on post’ 10 minutes before the stated arrival time. 10.45 came and went and all this time my eyes were peering into the darkness up Constitution Hill towards Wellington Arch straining to catch sight of that minute, blue light in the centre of the royal vehicle’s windscreen.

11pm came and went.

This was before the advent of personal radios and ‘playing things by ear’ was your only choice. I then began to think, “Have I missed her? Is she really as late as this? Shall I go back to the nick? What if she comes after I’ve gone? What if she has an accident at ‘my’ junction? Will I be sacked before I had started my career in the Metropolitan Police? What if..?”

The doubts multiplied by the second.

I was beginning to see a small blue light in every car coming down Constitution Hill. This is her...no it isn’t...this is the one....no it isn’t.

11.15pm and I am sure this is THE one...yes it is...that’s the blue light I’m looking for. This was THE one. Now I must stop the roar of London’s traffic around the ‘Wedding Cake’, extremely difficult with the poor street lighting in that area and fraught with danger of a ‘prang’.

The Royal car swept by very gracefully, - there she was... in the rear seat, lit by a small light above her, showing off a magnificent light blue evening gown with all her jewellery glittering in the light against the night sky. To top it all a brilliant tiara whose facets caught every light possible...and then she was gone, into the darkness, once more.

Thank goodness I didn’t leave my post thinking that I had missed her. Oh well, I’d better rush now and relieve the PC on Downing Street for his ‘refs’.

Memories!

Marie Curie Cancer Care

by Roxanne Hadley

Given the choice, most of us would want to die at home, in fact 63% of us would, surrounded by the people and things we cherish. Marie Curie Cancer Care makes this possible. Our nurses provide free hands-on care for people with all terminal illnesses in their own homes, and vital emotional support for their loved ones.

Whether someone has cancer, heart failure, dementia or another disease, we do whatever it takes to make things easier. This could mean relieving their pain, helping them in and out of bed, or just answering those troubling questions.

We give comfort – and take away the fear. We allow families to make the most of the precious time they have left together.

And we’re there day or night, until the very end. But the sad fact is, every five minutes someone in the UK dies without the care they need at the end of their life. That’s why we urgently need to reach more people – and why we’re counting on your support. Whether you give your money, time or simply your voice, you’ll help us make people’s final days as good as they can possibly be.

In the North East of Scotland there are currently 37 nurses who have provided just over 21,000 hours of nursing care during 2012/13.

With the local office raising £239,000 and the cost of nursing for Marie Curie being £857,000 you can see there is a big need to raise more.

In the Ballater and Braemar area we currently have 9 nurses providing care in their local community and further afield. Our nurses will travel across North East Scotland to provide care where it is needed.

So how can you help? A vital source of income for the charity is through our network of Fundraising Groups. We currently have 9 Fundraising Groups in North East Scotland and are looking for volunteers for a group in Ballater and Braemar. The Fundraising Groups take part in the charity’s key campaigns and also

41

hold their own events in their area.

Locally in the last year, our fundraising groups raised an additional £65,000 for Marie Curie Cancer Care. This additional income will help fund 3 registered Marie Curie Nurses for a year. With this additional income we can help more families at their time of need.

Another way in which you can help your local Marie Curie Nurses is by helping collect at one of our Great Daffodil Appeal collections in your town. The average collector raises £80 in two hours of collecting which helps provide 4 additional hours of care. You can also place our Daffodil boxes into local shops at the beginning of March and collect and count the money at the end of the month. For more information please contact Roxanne Hadley, Community Fundraiser at roxanne.hadley@mariecurie.org. uk or on (01224 284382.

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42

Ballater Victoria Week

Several Ballater groups and organisations and a few national charities have benefitted from the annual handout of profits as a consequence of Ballater Victoria Week.

Over £4,000 was distributed at the group’s AGM in November, after the nine-day August extravaganza raised a similar amount. Among the dozen or so organisations who received donations of between £100 and £1,000 were the Ballater Pipe Band, the Victoria and Albert Halls, Drumoak SSPCA, Ballater Winter Festival, Erskine Homes and the Fire Fighters Charity.

The fabulous weather this year made for a real buzz around the village, as hundreds enjoyed the scarecrow trail, duck race, pet show, vehicle parade and talent show alongside various sporting and musical events. CLAN Cancer Support and Crathie Opportunity Holidays were also able to take advantage of the boosted village population to fun-

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draise for their causes while the Ballater Songsters’ concert raised £1,000, which was divided between the halls and CLAN. Plans for next year’s BVW will start in earnest in the new year, with ideas such as a Speed Dating night and Scarecrow Trail Fun Run already having been mooted. New faces, volunteers, spare pairs of hands and fresh ideas are always welcome. What would you like to see happen? If you would like to get involved with Victoria Week and help make 2014’s event in the year of Homecoming even more special, then get in touch via Facebook, info@ballatervictoriaweek.co.uk or call Ade on (55243.

BVW 2013’s Beneficiaries are as follows: Victoria & Albert Halls Development Fund: £1,000 Ballater Winter Festival: £400 Erskine Homes (on behalf of The Queen’s Guard): £300

“Perhaps I am a bear, or some hibernating animal underneath, for the instinct to be half asleep all winter is so strong in me” Anne Morrow Lindberg

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The Fire Fighters Charity (on behalf of the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service): £300 Friends of the Fiona Brandie Dance School: £300 Ballater Pipe Band: £250 SSPCA Drumoak: £200 Glenmuick Church: £200 Ballater School Parent Council: £200 CLAN Cancer Support: £200 Ballater Toddler Group: £150 HomeStart Ballater: £150 Deeside Youth Music Theatre: £100 Upper Deeside Music Society: £100 Ballater Old People’s and Over-50s Association: £100 Ballater Local History Group: £100 This year’s AGM poster, created by BVW Co-ordinator Ade Scripps and inspired by a well-known album cover, was well received by many.

How many Ballater worthies and BVW stalwarts can you spot…?!

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44 Pottering About...by Stella

Happily, winter took its time coming this year: I so enjoyed that late seasonal warmth followed by the glorious autumn colours, and all of October without snow. I just hope it’s not lulling us into a false sense of security…

Not having taken a summer holiday this year I’ve been having great fun fitting in the rest of this year’s annual leave. I’ve been to some lovely places, the most stunning of all was doubtless the Isle of Lewis, that I briefly visited with my eldest.

I couldn’t have done it without her. As I can’t drive in the dark I took the plunge and small expense to put her on my car insurance. I must admit that it was with great trepidation that I slid into the passenger seat. Not because I don’t trust my daughter’s driving - indeed I’m very comfortable in her passenger seat. It’s just that it’s my car, and I somehow feel all proprietorial over my red metal box. Not rational, I know.

The eldest is used to a diesel car so I was also

Potter

concerned she’d stall. She very neatly avoided that, even with a couple of hill starts. However, I couldn’t help myself to occasionally exclaim, in what I hope was not a squeal: “Slower, please dear”. And I’m not quite sure what the two hitchhikers we picked up made of us, but as we picked them up at dusk in pouring rain 30 miles from their destination and took them right to their door they didn’t complain.

Despite getting up at silly o’clock to do a morning’s work, before venturing Ullapool way via my daughter’s home, I had no trepidation boarding the outward ferry. The crossing - although a little late - was relatively calm and hassle free. I was however, dreading the return journey. Having had a few trips to Shetland it’s always been blowing a humungous hoolie on the return crossing. Indeed, the last trip to Shetland was with the same daughter and a friend of ours in a wheelchair. I wrote a few issues ago about us being the ship’s entertainment trying to control the wheelchair on the wildly rolling

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deck. That was the only time I have ever seen my poor daughter actually go green. Having been seasick she is understandably nervous. However, much to our surprise, the return trip was on time and very gentle. Not bad for venturing on ferries in November!

Lewis is stunning. Very similar scenically to Shetland without the voes you have to go all the way round. Although some dislike the tree-free scenery, I love it. The contours of the hills are clear and stark, unhidden by foliage, (rather like the pleasure of seeing my skull shape when my hair was shaved,) white sandy beaches, aweinspiring cliffs with the sea crashing into huge white foam. Yes, it was chilly with a lazy wind but it was November.

We were mightily impressed by the public transport. Our friend lives rather remotely, an hour’s drive from Stornoway. Despite this it was possible to get to the return ferry on public transport, which entailed being picked up just two minutes walk away from our friend’s house.

After a few wee detours to collect and deliver some children to school, we met the Post Bus which probably needlessly had a sign saying Stornoway slid into the left hand visor. There followed a scenic tour of post boxes to be emptied and we arrived in town bang on time - all for £4.20.

(Take that Bluebird buses with your fares being more than the cost of a car journey - unless you’re over 60 of course.) There was craic on the bus too, with an interesting collection of accents: the lovely lilting Island, Eastern European,

mainland Scots and English.

We had some time to wander around and do a spot of shopping – the Red Cross shop was particularly excellent.

Then we needed food and coffee so looked for a café. The first one seemed far too upmarket for us wet and windblown scruffs with rucksacks. Then we found Stornoway library. What a great place!

It had a café which provided excellent coffee and home cooking, and no-one looked askance at two laden and bedraggled yet colourful women. Mind you, it must be awful tempting for the librarians to indulge in home baking every day…

As I write I still have more annual leave to take, my next sojourn being to the central belt: wild remoteness and fast-paced urbanity all a few hours from home. What a wonderful country this is!

As we move inexorably towards the Solstice, with winter feast, pressie fest and Hogmanay, whatever floats your boat at this time, I wish you all much love and laughter with family and friends. Cheers!

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Hilton Highlights

The refurbishment at Hilton Craigendarroch is almost complete and already earning great reviews. The previous Hilton hotel has closed and a £4.1 million investment has seen the development of 32 new luxurious Vacation Club Suites.

The new Craigendarroch Suites, which operate as part of Hilton Grand Vacations Club, offer luxurious accommodation sleeping two to four people, with lounge and small kitchen area and Suite owners will also have access to the exclusive ‘Oak Room’ members’ lounge.

Meanwhile, the work in the Country Club is also progressing towards completion. The former restaurant and bar area have been completely refurbished and re-opened as the Keiller Brasserie and Lounge. These have been named in honour of the Keiller family (founders of James Keiller & Son Chip Marmalade) who originally built the house on Craigendarroch Hill in 1891 as a family

by Alea Masson

home. The Keiller Brasserie has been carefully designed to offer a tranquil and welcoming setting.

Locally-sourced produce and seasonal ingredients feature high on the menu and this, coupled with excellent customer service and great prices, is quickly earning a reputation as a great dining experience among locals and resort guests alike.

Whether you fancy a coffee and chat, lunch, dinner or a night out with friends, the fine furnishings and friendly welcome make the Keiller Lounge a perfect place to relax and enjoy great local food.

With a range of dishes from ‘lite bites and nibbles’, to steak sandwiches, North Sea haddock or afternoon tea, the menu has something for everyone.

Both facilities are open daily to non-residents all year round. A special effort is made for young diners with a separate kids menu and activity packs, providing something for the whole family.

For reservations in the Keiller Brasserie, you can now use our online booking facility by visiting www.booktoeat.com and searching Ballater, or by calling Resort Reception on (013397 55858.

Country Club Leisure Facilities

Both residents and non-residents can enjoy a range of leisure club activities incorporating swimming pools (including a children’s pool with slide and complimentary baby swimming nappies), steam room, sauna, gym, snooker, squash, tennis and an adventure playground.

The House is a hair, beauty and health spa located in the Country Club, offering a full complement of luxury ESPA treatments including hairdressing.

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48

The Way it Was at the End of the War

Once again my mailbox has provided me with subject matter for my contribution to the Ballater Eagle. This aerial photo of the Dee valley that I recently received shows just how starkly Ballater came out of the war.

On the south side of the river is a bare Creag Coilleach, as left after the men of the Newfoundland Overseas Forestry Unit harvested the 640 acres of Scots Pine for pit props. Britain ran on coal in those days; ships, trains and factories all consumed coal, and, to mine the coal, vast quantities of pit props were desperately needed, and that was why Newfoundland lumberjacks were brought over here to help with the war effort.

In the photo you can see the drag roads that the many Garron ponies and Caterpillar tractors used to skid the trees down to the roadside. There is a fringe of trees left at the foot of the hill, and

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in the clearings you can see first Dalmuchie croft, and slightly higher up, the site of the Newfoundlanders’ log cabin camp. Moving along the track, the dark shadow seen on the left is the granite quarry opened in 1884 to supply the stone for the latest bridge across the Dee. Further along is the old curling pond pavilion and much further on the policies of Braichley House, now known as ‘House of Glen Muick’.

If we cross the river and start from the bottom of the picture, the remains and extent of the Latvian timber merchants’ Novellie sawmill can be clearly seen. The Latvians left the Baltic in the 1930s and came to Scotland to escape Hitler’s wrath; they built sawmills at Ballater and also at Kingussie on Speyside. The Ballater mill was served by a railway siding off the Deeside line, speeding the sawn timber on the way to the coal mines. Most of the trees from Creag Coilleach came to this mill.

By comparing this picture with what we see on the approach to the village today, the massive expansion of Ballater down the valley in the last sixty years is clear. At that time the first building in the village was the burnt out shell of the original Riverside Garage. The Army had requisitioned the garage at the outbreak of the Second World War in order to store and control the fuel supplies, but, conveniently, the fuel tanks caught fire on the morning of the monthly audit! The garage was not rebuilt and fully operational again until 1950.

In addition to the Newfoundlanders, there were all the local contractors and whole companies of the Canadian Forestry Corps felling trees in the Dee valley all the way up to Mar Lodge.

By the end of the war 500,000 tons of sawn timber had left Deeside stations for the war effort. All this timber coming into Ballater station created a massive bottleneck of timber trucks, tractors with trailers and the usual station yard traffic of coal and lime.

49

by Ian Cameron The heavily laden Canadian Army trucks from sawmills at Mar Lodge and Abergeldie were not prepared to stand all day in a queue; they simply brought in their bulldozers and created their own loading bank on the opposite side of the main line. They then created a oneway system for their trucks, entering the station where the sweetie factory stands today, unloaded their trucks, then skipped over the railway lines and left by a road they built across the fields to reach Tullich Road one field east of the Riverside Garage.

In our picture you can see this road leaving the railway line and running along the top of the ploughed field to reach the A93. In the station area can be seen the engine shed and the much longer carriage shed, where the Royal train spent the war years.

Most of my information here is no new revelation, indeed most can be read in ‘Plant and Roots’. What is new, however, is the photograph showing the countryside as it was then, a visual aid that vividly leads to easier understanding of the text. In my mind, this picture has a perhaps greater role to play.

Today, both Pannanich and Creag Coilleach hills constitute Forestry Commission Scotland’s Pannanich Forest. These hills are both steep and granite hard, leading to very difficult forests in which to build the harvesting roads that are

necessary for truly sustainable forestry.

The most economic solution in cases like this is, and the temptation is overwhelming, to clear-fell the trees, exactly as the volunteer Newfoundlanders did in 1940-43.

But Ballater lives on tourism, and people who choose to live in a National Park surrounded by the beauty of nature.

This picture is the most powerful deterrent I have yet to see against any commercial policy of clear-fell on our backdrop to Ballater.

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Our Emblem

by Isma Munro

There are Scotland and England and Ireland and Wales, With their rivers and lakes, their hills and their dales.

Each regards its own emblem as something unique, Whether thistle, the shamrock, the rose or the leek.

Why such choices were made maybe nobody knows, Of the thistle, the shamrock, the leek or the rose.

Compared to the thistle, how vapid the rest, For everyone knows, our emblem’s the best.

The rose may be pretty, and its perfume be sweet, Yet its life is so short and it fades in the heat.

For a few days it blooms, ere its petals they fall, But the true Scottish thistle keeps on growing tall.

Since the leek is a veg., it may land in the soup, In a pot with a chicken brought out from the coop, And because it is eaten, it soon is no more, But the thistle is safe, with its prickles galore.

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Not a vestige of grandeur has shamrock so green, While its shy little flower so seldom is seen.

Though revered by the Irish this emblem may be, Much more handsome by far seems the thistle to me!

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There’s the Order of Thistle, of which Scots are proud, And of which they may boast and so noise it around.

No such order of rose has there ever been, Nor have ones of the leek or the shamrock been seen.

Purple thistle, green shamrock, red rose, tasty leek, Would they vie with each other if they could but speak?

I’d but guess at the words of the last mentioned three, But the thistle would say “Whaur daur meddle wi’ me?”

(Editor’s note: Isma is a former resident of Braemar, and a nonagenarian who has had books of poems published, mainly in the Doric. She has willingly given her permission for this poem to be printed in the Eagle.)

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“The Fifth Estate”

Film Review by Sasha Potter

Depicting the rise and fall of the website WikiLeaks, “The Fifth Estate” follows the events from 2007 almost up to the present day explored through the relationship between founder Julian Assange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and his tech savvy co-conspirator Daniel Domscheit-Berg (Daniel Bruhl).

In my opinion there is something you need to keep in mind before attacking this film. Yes, it is based on true events and loosely on DomscheitBerg’s book documenting the time, but it is not (and no biopic ever really can be) entirely accurate. Look at this as an interpretation and a piece of art, not a documentary.

I did however go into this film with a certain amount of scepticism. The main reason I had reservations was partly how soon all this had seemingly become “history”. I was under the impression it’s all still going on, - Julian Assange

is still taking refuge in the Ecuadorian Embassy, and there’s still controversy over the sentencing of Chelsea Manning - so surely the story isn’t really over yet? I am also always a little sceptical about the portrayal of people who are still alive, especially since Assange himself expressed such

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disapproval of the film. I’m not sure how happy I would be about being presented to the world through something I have no control over and which could contribute to people’s opinion of me.

However with optimism for Benedict Cumberbatch’s performance – (when has he ever let us down in that department?) - I went in with as open a mind as I could.

Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed the tone of the film which reminded me in part of “The Social Network”. It had the same sort of emphasis on the power of technology in

53

modern society and the breakdown of a friendship at the heart of it. All the big events which people who followed the WikiLeaks saga will be looking for are there, culminating in the release of unedited US cables which ultimately caused the fracturing of a delicate relationship between Assange and Domscheit-Berg.

I very much enjoyed the use of CGI in this film though not in the typical idea of explosions and monsters we associate with it. Throughout, we are transported to a metaphorical office illustrating the inner workings of the WikiLeaks website with desks out to the horizon and no roof so the strip lights can be seen with the sky stretching out above them. This was particularly effective showing that it really was only these two men working from two laptops who were having such a destabilising effect on the most powerful government in the world.

This friendship was perhaps the most interesting aspect of the film, the contrast of

the two characters was excellent.

Cumberbatch did not disappoint giving what people who know Assange have described as a “chillingly accurate” portrayal of an incredibly focused and committed, but ultimately flawed man whose paranoia does not detract from the morality of his cause.

Domscheit-Berg gives us a more calm and thoughtful alternative who considers the consequences of the website’s actions much more seriously. Having seen and been very impressed

by Bruhl’s portrayal of Niki Lauda in Ron Howard’s F1 film “Rush” earlier this month, I had high expectations and was not let down in the slightest. In his role as the character the audience sympathise with, he did his job perfectly.

The well-constructed relationship demonstrates well to the audience the issues involved.

Is it worth giving the world the whole truth when it could put people’s lives at risk?

The film maintains your attention very suc-

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cessfully, - at no point was I twiddling my thumbs wishing there were more explosions. In my mind that’s a mark of good storytelling.

The Fifth Estate is, however not without its faults. I felt the weakest aspect of the film was the romance between Domscheit-Berg and his on/off girlfriend Anke (a worthy performance by Alicia Vikander). It seems a bit sidelined by the rest of the narrative, perhaps rightfully so when there are more important issues being raised in this film than Domscheit-Berg’s love life, but a little more depth in that area wouldn’t have gone amiss.

On the whole, this is a very enjoyable film which does fairly evenly present the moral implications of putting information out into the world without censorship. It communicates its messages well, if a little blatantly. As Assange sums up his philosophy, quoting Oscar Wilde; “Man is least himself when he talks in his own person, but if you give him a mask he will tell you the truth.”

Whether it is an accurate portrayal of Julian

Assange and the whole WikiLeaks saga I don’t know and I doubt anyone ever really will but if you look at it as a piece of fiction, and not an attempt to meticulously re-enact events, it is a very good film.

It even finds time to add a hint of humour, suggesting Sarah Shaw was signing off offensive texts with Hillary Clinton’s name, which amused me greatly.

Whatever you think of the politics and whatever you think of Julian Assange, I believe this film is worthy of more praise than it has been getting from the critics and it’s well worth a watch, even if it is just to hear Benedict Cumberbatch’s Australian accent.

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Letter to the Librarian The following is a letter received at the Library seeking a possible home for photographs taken of a lady believed to hail from Ballater. We are taking the liberty of publishing the letter in the Ballater Eagle in the hope that someone might have information leading to the family concerned. The Eagle has details of Dr. Stanley’s postal and email addresses, and will be happy to pass these to anyone who may be able to assist in this quest.

Dear Librarian, I write with an unusual message, namely to request your assistance in locating the children of a deceased woman who was most likely raised in Ballater. If successful in this endeavor, I ask that the enclosed photos be delivered to one or both children or to their families. First, some background to this request.

Some months ago after the death of an aunt and during the cleaning out of her house in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan, an album of photographs was discovered and presented to me for identification.

I knew right away the story behind the pictures since I lived with the gentlemen in question in my early years and had met the mother of the lady in question during a visit to Ballater in 1955!

I was also introduced to the lady many years ago when she accompanied my uncle to Michigan to meet our clan. Sadly, she was quite

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ill and died shortly after this visit. I believe that her given name was “Margaret, but I really cannot be certain. It was too many years ago.

My great aunt Elizabeth Hunter resided in Ballater at Westfield Terrace. It was she who took me to visit the mother of “Margaret”. Most likely the reason behind this visit was due to her nephew (my late uncle James Ogg Burnett) who had been seeing the daughter and no

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doubt because Elizabeth Hunter and this lady’s mother knew each other.

Margaret, if indeed this was her given name, most likely was raised in Ballater and married a young man who was killed in action in North Africa. It seems safe to surmise that he was with a Scots regiment.

Margaret was a widow with two young children to raise and might well have wished to retain a widow’s pension rather than get too involved with another man. I do believe she was the reason for James Burnett making yearly treks to Scotland. Be as it may, it wasn’t until the final stage of her life that she agreed to come to the United States for the above visit.

The pictures are centered on “Margaret” and her friends. It could be that someone in Ballater who makes use of the Library might recognize someone in these photos, and the lady in question.

I realize that this is a long shot, but my alternative lines of enquiry seem limited. Perhaps space

might be found to pin a few of these photos for public viewing.

If an advert in the local newspaper might broaden the audience, I am most willing to pay the charges, including possible postage costs if a relative is identified. Finally, if after a reasonable span of time and with no leads, I recommend the photos be burned.

Hopefully, that will not be necessary; somewhere in Scotland is the lineage from this lady and they deserve to have these images.

Thank you for your co-operation, Dr. William R. Stanley, Department of Geography, University of South Carolina PS. Just as the Eagle was going to print, information was received giving details of the lady’s name and of her descendants. Further information will be given in the next Eagle.

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The Ghost at the Barracks

by Sheila Sedgwick

If you go along Queen’s Road at night and pass the Barracks, do you ever see the ghosts that come just before midnight and wander round the area that was once scrub and heather before the present building was created after a move from the area that is now Ballater’s car park?

Go in imagination to the site of the Battle of Culloden, to Drumossie Moor. It was 16th April 1746. The day was dreich. Sleety snow was blown by a strong wind. The battle was over in a couple of hours. The hungry Highlanders, under the command of Lord George Murray, were exhausted by a long march before the battle.

I have found Murray’s letters to his wife and daughter, written on the eve of battle, which show it was not his idea to fight on the boggy ground of Drumossie but it was Charles Edward, the “Young Pretender”, who insisted. The Prince chose the ground on which to fight and insisted on fighting at that time. His forces were no match for the Duke of Cumberland’s Redcoats.

Three Macgregor sons, Callum, James and John from the Jacobite and Roman Catholic family in Glengairn were in Monaltrie’s Regiment.

16 year old John, lying wounded on the field, was killed by Redcoats while his wounded brothers watched from the shelter of some trees. On the long trail home, James died, leaving Callum alone.

A handsome man and a good swordsman, unknown to Deeside residents, he had a wife, Nettie Gordon from Glenmuick. Few knew of the handfasted marriage because she was not a Roman Catholic like the Macgregors. The couple had been in the habit of meeting in the little clump of trees where the Barracks now stand, and Callum promised when he returned he would go there every night, an hour before midnight.

After Culloden, homes were burned, including the Macgregor base in Glengairn.

Ballater at that time did not exist. Nettie visited

57

the clump of trees regularly, bringing with her a baby daughter, born after Callum left. She became more hopeful about Callum’s return when men trickling back from Culloden told her Callum had been alive after the battle.

One autumn night, Nettie waited for almost an hour. Suddenly, three soldiers appeared.

One grabbed her, another snatched the baby and ran off. She cried out and from a hiding place in the bushes appeared three Highlanders, one of whom was Callum. Haggard and wounded, the three faced the soldiers. Callum managed to kill one. Meanwhile his screaming wife was beating her hands against the other.

The soldier ran his sword through her. Callum fought him too and was victorious.

He held his dying wife in his arms and

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swore he would find the baby daughter he had never seen if it took him to the end of time. More soldiers arrived and the wounded Callum and his friend were killed.

A Highlander, mad with rage, dishevelled and ill-kempt, with a torn kilt, bleeding from his wounds and with his claymore dripping blood, comes back to the place where his wife died. Nettie comes too, to meet her husband. They embrace and stay on the spot – now the Barracks until cock-crow, then they move off in their search for the baby. According to local lore a compassionate soldier rescued the baby and found the Glenmuick

grandparents. There is in the Baptismal Register the name of a baby called Euphemia after Nettie’s mother, with the correct address.

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A Heady Run for Glory

by Arthur Chisnall (Wee Chis) On a cold, dreich Saturday afternoon, as the grey Scotch mist that had already shrouded the hill crept insidiously over the White Woodie, I noted that it would not be long before it would reach the Cinder Path and envelop the thin row of pines that offered some meagre protection against the wind for the sparse crowd of football supporters. Most were men and loons, and they stood hunched up and miserable in its lee, their big, flat bonnets offering little protection against the penetrating drizzle, as they watched the closing stages of a rather lack-lustre game on the village pitch. For the last thirty minutes there had been little to lighten the mood and the score remained doggedly at Nil – Nil. With only a few precious moments to go before the final whistle however, a brief moment of excitement occurred when at last “Doddy Eck” managed to break through our opponents’ dour defence, only to send the ball skimming over the crossbar of their goal for yet another near miss. A ripple of laughter quickly followed the groan of despair that arose from the disappointed Ballater crowd, as several mimicked the away team’s supporters with their Doric shouts of “Buckie Ba, Buckie Ba!” The referee for the day was a popular wartime soldier called Galloway. He was one of the “Donkey Wallopers” (RASC Horse Transport) currently stationed in the village and he was also their regimental team’s permanent goalkeeper.

Well known for his fearless acrobatics in the goalmouth, he was held in high esteem by the budding goalies among the local loons, who tried their best to emulate his famous dives across the goalmouth as he brought about another thrilling “Galloway Save”.

I saw Galloway glance at his watch as the

59

Buckie goalkeeper positioned the ball and took a long run-up for what I thought must surely be the last kick of the match. A big farm loon with legs that could well have been hewn from one of the nearby Craigendarroch oaks, his mighty kick sent the ball sky high and well up to the halfway line where I marked their left winger. With trepidation, I then realised that not only was the ball heading straight for me, but also and more alarmingly, I would be expected to do something with it!

Although I could run fast enough and enjoyed the game, I was not really a footballer, my footballing skills being quite elementary compared to the likes of our star player, Alec Grant. I had only been given the chance to play on the right wing at the very last moment, due to a severe shortage of regular team players. I stood rooted to the spot, as the heavy brown ball, growing Established 1998

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ever larger, descended towards me.

“Ower here, min” shouted Kenny McRae our inside right, “Heid the ba’ tae me, Chis”.

In those days, footballs were made of a thick leather casing containing an inflatable rubber bladder and it required someone with a certain degree of skill, such as “Saddler Smith” to inflate them to the correct pressure and lace them up properly. Unlike the balls of today however, they absorbed moisture and on a wet day such as this, the added weight was considerable and they were also prone to lose their shape. I had suffered a few times previously from a smack in the face from such a ball and a header was something a thirteen year old laddie like me would normally prefer to avoid, especially when the thick leather laces had been left a bit proud, for they leave a nasty bruise. Without the skill to trap the ball with my feet, my only hope was to place myself directly in its flight-path, hunch my scrawny shoulders and

hope it would bounce off my skull in the direction of my nearest supporter, the energetic Kenny.

When it finally came, the blow was powerful and battered me to the muddy ground, but although feeling a bit groggy, I still managed to scramble quickly to my feet. The ball lay only a few feet away, and jealously ignoring the shouts of my team-mates to pass, I managed to kick it forward and ran after it, heading determinedly for the Buckie goal. Figures loomed up in front of me, and head down, I jinked around several backs who shouted at me, but seemed unwilling to challenge my solo run for glory. I was invincible, and seemed to be floating on air, and then all of a sudden, there in front of me, yawning widely, was the goalmouth, with only the goalie in his grey jersey to thwart my progress. I fully expected him to rush out and tackle me, but he just stood there on his sawdust line, mouth agape and clearly in a quandary. He began waving his arms about and shouting something, but if he thought that

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would put me off, he’d have to think again for I was giving no quarter!

Although my head ached a bit and I felt a bit strange, I ignored it all as a warm sense of euphoria enveloped me. Nothing was going to stop me now, the village was to have a new hero and as my shot hit the back of the net, I dimly heard the referee blow the final whistle. I had won the game for Ballater and I turned, fully expecting to receive the joyful plaudits of my team-mates.

But something didn’t seem right, for there were no cheers or congratulations from the Ballater players now gathering around me, only expressions of bewilderment and disapproval. It was then, with a sinking feeling, that I had a sudden flashback of the Buckie goalie as he took that last kick. He had been wearing a yellow jersey!! Hands on hips, our own goalie, Ian Forbes in his dark grey goalie’s jersey, was glowering furiously at me. “Fit are ye playin’ at ye daft gowk?” he roared. “Ye’ve jist scored the winning goal for Buckie. Did ye no hear Alfie Dawson and me shouting that ye were gaun the wrang road?”

It was with horror then that I realised why none of our confused backs had tackled me.

All of a sudden my legs seemed to turn to jelly and the world around me started to spin. I would probably have collapsed, but in an instant the referee was by my side. Quickly, Galloway put his strong arm around my shoulders and held me up. In his broad Yorkshire accent he said, “Ee lad, that was quite a thoomp on’t napper that tha took. I think tha moost av got theesen concussed and like as not, it made thee a wee bit puggled.”

To the surrounding players he said, “Now lads, tha mun be disappointed like, but it’s not really this young un’s fowt. E tried his best an it takes courage to ‘ead an ‘eavy wet ball like yon. It ain’t sumaht ah’d ‘ave been keen to do masen tha knows.” Turning back, he gave me a close look and said, “Now Chis lad, ‘ow many fingers am I ‘oldin’ oop?”

61

Coming from Galloway, this was praise indeed, and by the time our team and spectators had left Monaltrie Park to the gathering gloom, most were having a good laugh at the episode and I was recovering quickly with no harm done, except for that to my pride. Sadly, my run for glory that day had come to nothing. I made a vow never to play “Heid the ba’” again, and err long, a shout of “Hey, Chis ye Ba’ Heid, are ye sure yer gaun the richt road the day?” soon lost its sting – like the pain in my head.

(Editor’s Note. The above article resulted from “Wee Chis” recently overhearing a conversation in a barber’s shop, during which the football savvy barber (aren’t they all?) was reminiscing about football matches played with leather footballs.)

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