2012-Dec

ISSUE

10

THE COMMUNITY COUNCIL’S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Balmullo Newsletter www.balmullo.com & www.issuu.com/balmullo

DECEMBER 2012

In this issue Challenge Africa

2

Council Contacts

3

Editorial

4

Announcements

4

Bowling Club

4

S.W.R.I.

4

200 Club

6

L&DGCC

6

PC Gavin Rae

6

What’s On?

8

Points from BCC Mail

8

Shortbread Biscuits

8

Curling

10

Burns Club

10

Rod Campbell MSP

14

Sir Ming Campbell MP 16 Christopher Trotter

18

John Normand

18

Balmullo Primary

20

Eggs-sell-ent Presents

22

Christmas Quiz

24

Christmas Facts

24

Unexpected Visitor

31

The Balmullo “Winter Wonderland”

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CHALLENGE AFRICA I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who attended the Pub Quiz in aid of Challenge Africa! You have made a real difference and helped me reach my £3,500 target!

I left for Africa on 16th November and returned on 1st December. It was the most amazing experience and I could not have done it without all the support given to me from friends, family and strangers! I would like to thank Balmullo Community Council again for the generous support I received from them.

Together with 22 other apprentices I ventured out to the Kibera slums in Kenya and visited the children who will now be given one hot meal a day, when before they would have had no meal.

They have been given some books, stationary but most of all hope for the future. Despite the abominable living conditions the smiles on every child was infectious; it was a pleasure to be part of this.

We then moved onto Makat, near Lake Natron in Tanzania where I camped for 5 nights in the wilderness, waking up to Tanzania’s famous lesser flamingo’s and zebra was wonderful. During

LAUREN MACQUEEN our time here we walked 1 hour to the local school where I helped build 2 extra classrooms and a water tank which will provide 6 months’ worth of clean drinking water. I also helped teach some English and deliver medication that we had brought for the children. Every day was over 40 degrees Celsius with no breeze, which made working a lot harder than it would be in the UK. The community were so grateful for all the help we gave them and they gave us a very cultural Masai celebration at the end with lots of singing and dancing.

The second week was spent climbing Mount Meru and battling with the extreme weather conditions at around 3,500m before hitting the summit. It was very hot on the first day of climbing but the following day we woke up to a blanket of snow. . It was very surreal.

The trip has been absolutely fantastic, I am very lucky to have been part of it. Thank you again to everyone who made this happen; together we have made a difference and given communities the chance to sustain the help received.

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BALMULLO COMMUNITY COUNCIL Newsletter: Ina Cameron 870253 twaauldgoats@btinternet.com

Members

Chairman: Zoë Sanders 1zoesanders@gmail.com Vice-Chairman: Alison Jeffrey alison@balmullo.net Treasurer: Andrew Falconer anfalconer@tiscali.co.uk Secretary: Sue Smith secretary@balmullo.net Minute-Secretary: Ann Falconer anfalconer@tiscali.co.uk

Councillors 870674 870496 870221 870496

Useful Contacts Burnside Hall Keeper: Lynn Murphy The Minister Rev. Caroline Taylor caro234@btinternet.com Dog Warden Community Police Officer: P.C. Gavin Rae

John Normand janormand1@gmail.com Gwenyth Mitchell gwenyth@balmullo.net

870010

Fife Councillors Maggie Taylor 01382 552718 cllr.margaret.taylor@fife.gov.uk Tim Brett 01382 330905 cllr.tim.brett@fife.gov.uk Bill Connor 077 1866 8792 cllr.bill.connor@fife.gov.uk RAF Aircraft Noise:

01334 839471

870466

GALA Committee: http://balmullogala.weebly.com

870038

Member of Parliament Sir Menzies Campbell

656361

0845 155 0022

Member of Scottish Parliament Rod Campbell

844971

0845 600 5702

Statements made or opinions expressed in this Newsletter do not necessarily reflect the views of the Balmullo Community Council or any of its officers.

Advert Prices   

Small Half Page Full Page

£5 £10 £20

You can rent advertising space on a month by month basis or on a longer term basis. The Balmullo Newsletter has a circulation of 700 and is hand delivered FREE of charge. TO ALL ADVERTISERS – Please check your advert. If you would like to remove it or change it in any way, please let me know. Either by phone or email. My details are on page 3 of this newsletter - Ina Cameron.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS Thank you to all who attended our last meeting of the year.

We are attempting to have the flood on the path at the end of Burnside Hall ground repaired. Fife Council have said they have not adopted this path but since it is part of the Core Paths we feel they are responsible for it’s repair. We will keep you informed.

We are attempting to obtain a grit bin for Dunedin Park.

The application for a Pharmacy within the Pitcairn Practice premises was approved by the Fife PPC but we are aware that there have been at least 2 appeals against the decision. If we still have a

EDITORIAL

COMMUNITY COUNCIL positive result after the appeal hearing, the Pharmacy will open within 2 months. Once more we have to await results.

We hope to see some of you at the Family Carol Singing in Burnside Hall on 16th December. We also hope to meet up with some of you at our next Council Meeting on 14th January. Until then .....

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year A copy of the Minutes will be available on the shelves at the Post Office.

Our next meeting is Monday 14th January 2013, hope to see you there.

INA CAMERON

Attended a meeting at the Burnside Hall where we all wished Chairman Keith Parker best wishes on his forthcoming move to Findhorn, where he and Julie have bought a house. Bon voyage, and keep the wind in your sails.....

Have been advised of an offer at Plumb Centre of 2.5kg bags of grit for £3. The offer continues ‘till 31st December. There are Plumb Centres at Dundee, Cupar and St Andrews.

The play area in the park will be re-opened on Monday 17th January for the children to enjoy the new equipment.

We hope you all have a jolly Christmas and a happy time over the New Year. Look forward to seeing some of you at our next meeting in January.

Remember, the pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity but the optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.

Articles for the next newsletter should be sent to me by 16th January.

BOWLING CLUB There will be Prize Bingo at the Bowling Club on the following dates. It starts at 7.30pm, and everyone is welcome to come along. Dates are: - 18th January - 15th February - 13th March.

BALMULLO S.W.R.I. President Ann Falconer welcomed members to the annual Christmas party on Thursday 6th December.

All present enjoyed an excellent Christmas buffet with a wide variety of festive dishes provided by the members. Beautiful floral table centres were arranged by Marjorie Pasley. Thank you to everyone involved for their efforts in making the meal so enjoyable.

Grace Steven won a hilarious festive game of Bingo. Our special guest was Santa, of course, who distributed presents to all. Each member also received an illustrated booklet charting the first 60 years of Balmullo Rural, with contributions from Grace Steven, Mary Reilly, Wilma Mackie and Ann

ANN FALCONER Falconer.

The first meeting of 2013 will be on Thursday 3rd January at 7.15 pm in Burnside Hall. The evening will be a Members’ Fun Night. Please remember that subscriptions are due to be paid to the Treasurer.

Competitions will be 2 iced mincemeat tarts, ornament “nearest your front door” and Flower of the Month. We look forward to welcoming any new members.

A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

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THE 200 CLUB DRAW - DECEMBER’S WINNERS £50 £20 £20 £20 £20 £20 £10 £10 £10 £10 £10

Mrs Duncan, Park View Miss Aitken , Dunedin Park Mr Thommney, Summerhill Mr Colford, Clay Road Mrs Fraser, Borthwick Place Mrs Smart, Smithy Lane Mrs Munn, Park View Mrs Wilson, Park View Mr Adamson, Greenacre Mrs Tivendale, School Road Mrs Danders, Lucklawhill

How to Join Our 200 Club? - It's easy to join the 2 0 0 Club . Ca ll o r ema il I n a a t twaauldgoats@btinternet.com or call 870253. It only costs £1 per entry per month, and you can enter as many times as you like.

We are currently trying to raise money for various Balmullo community activities and projects.

LEUCHARS & DISTRICT GARDENING AND CRAFTS CLUB

BILL DUFF

The AGM of the Club was held in the Burnside Hall who have exhibited for a good number of years on Wednesday 21 November, Gwynyth Mitchell in and Jackie MacPherson from Guardbridge who has the chair welcomed everyone to the meeting. assisted with the admin. at the shows.

She thanked the committee, club members, and exhibitors for their support of the activities of the club throughout the last year but voiced her concern for the continuation of the club due to the number of vacancies that now arose due to the retirement of officials and committee members.

The Treasurer’s post has been filled by Helen MacPherson from Guardbridge who has helped in the past and kindly agreed to take on this important post.

Lastly, after a 2 year sabbatical, I happily agreed to return as Secretary.

Reports from the Chairperson, Secretary, and I had decided a couple of years ago it was time to Treasurer were all positive and showed the club move on and help out on the other side of the continued to be financially healthy. bench, so to speak, with judging and studied for Leslie and Jacqueline Bisset have moved to and passed the judges exam of the National Abernethy to be near family, necessitating Vegetable Society, but to be honest missed the replacement Secretary and Treasurer. buzz and camaraderie of being involved with the Ally MacMillan, Raymond Crush, and Marjory local show, so I'm glad to be back.

Pasley have come off the committee for various (PS from Ed.) A lot of villagers will miss being able reasons. to go to Leslie with bits of flowers or various leaves Gwenyth thanked them all for their work and to ask what they are from. I certainly know I will.

Thanks for your constant help Leslie and I hope commitment to the club over many years. you both enjoy your new home near your family – The committee was returned to strength with the Ina election of Bill and Liz Loudon from Guardbridge

NOTES AND ADVICE I have on several occasions carried out patrols in and around Pitcairn Drive, Balmullo, although incidents of vehicles parked on the pavement were few, vehicles were in some instances causing a restriction on the pavement. This was going on even when driveways were empty!

P.C. GAVIN RAE park in close proximity to these vehicles parked on the opposite side of the road, causing restrictions to other vehicles getting past the bottle neck.

I am putting this note in the Balmullo Newsletter to highlight the issue for all residents of Balmullo (noted same issue in other streets) and asking them I also noted that due to the placement of to have more consideration for pedestrians/ driveways it does cause issues with vehicles motorists and other residents when parking and properly parked on the road when other drivers raise it with visitors/family members also.

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WHAT’S ON? DECEMBER 31st New Year’s Eve Family Party, 8pm to late in Burnside Hall JANUARY 2013 14th Community Council meeting in Burnside Hall 7.30pm. All welcome 18th Prize Bingo at Bowling Club. Eyes Down 7.30pm. All welcome 19th Burns Supper in Balmullo Inn. Phone 870328 for tickets or information 27th Paths Group walk, leave Burnside Hall at 1pm FEBRUARY 11th Community Council meeting in Burnside Hall 7.30pm. All welcome

15th

Prize Bingo at Bowling club. Eyes Down 7.30pm. All welcome MARCH 11th Community Council meeting in Burnside Hall 7.30pm. All welcome 13th Prize Bingo at Bowling Club. Eyes Down 7.30pm. All welcome 24th Paths Group walk, leave Burnside Hall at 1pm

Running an event? Email twaauldgoats@btinternet.com

POINTS FROM THE COMMUNITY COUNCIL MAIL SUE SMITH Strathclyde Police have produced a booklet how much we should be investing to further called, ‘The Little Book of Big Scams.’ It is a improve services.’ useful guide to many of the scams currently You can respond by writing to; Freepost, running in the UK. You can download the RTBT-EEXB-EJRT, Scottish Water, Daldowie booklet from the Strathclyde Police website. If Office, Uddingston, Glasgow, G71 7RX or you don’t have internet access ask a friend of sending an email through their website neighbour to download it for you. www.scottishwater.co.uk/yourviewscount .

Scottish Water have launched a major Comments must be received by 12th February consultation asking customers to help shape 2013. the future of water and waste water services If at any time you feel your water supply has in Scotland between now and 2040. a strong chlorine smell or you are unhappy They state that, ‘We are particularly with it’s colour you can phone the Water interested in your views regarding future Board and ask for advice. Their number is charges and the balance between these and 0845 600 8855.

Join in the fun at the next Balmullo Community Council meeting on 14th January 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

SHORTBREAD BISCUITS Ingredients

8 oz. plain flour 1 oz. ground rice 6 oz. block butter (Anchor recommended) 3 oz. caster sugar

ANN FALCONER electric mixer, use a flat or “K” beater. Roll out on lightly floured board to ¼ inch thickness.

Cut out biscuits using a variety of shaped cutters (many available including Christmas favourites) and place on baking tray.

Bake in a moderate oven – 140oC, for 30-40 minutes, until very pale golden colour. Remove from oven and dust with caster sugar. Leave to Place all ingredients in mixing bowl. Knead togeth- cool on baking tray because biscuits will be soft er until mixture forms a soft dough. If using an and harden as they cool.

Method

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MERRY CHRISTMAS

& A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

From Paul , Morag & Mark & all at Monteaths

May your God go with you

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CURLING The season is well and truly underway with games at both Kinross and Perth now beginning to flow thick and fast. The season kicked off with one of the club’s major internal competitions, the Pot Lid Bonspiel, which saw a rink skipped by the evergreen A Robertson take centre stage with a commanding win. Play in the internal club league, the McIntosh, is only just underway but early season form would suggest that C Lindsay’s rink of R Cowan, M Wyse and S Francis will be a very difficult one to beat. The Pairs competition, unfortunately, was blighted by a whole host of last minute call offs but it, nevertheless, proved to be not only hard fought but also highly enjoyable with G Lindsay and M Paterson taking the title of Forret Pairs 2012/13 champions, a title which automatically catapults them into the Cupar Province Finals.

In external competition, President R Cowan again won the Cupar Province Points with Forret picking up the team prize of the Rollo Rosebowl. In the Cupar Province League, Forret continues to challenge for honours in a league within which they’ve consistently performed well in and in the Loofie League, Forret after 3 games and 2 wins finds itself in the wrong half of the league when loss is more highly regarded than success. The Loofie has seen new recruits Balmullo’s N Howie, Pitscottie’s J Stewart and Strathmiglo’s D Bell all make impressive club debuts. Forret won the Willie Bell trophy after a huge win over Falkland and in the District Medal, a rink skipped by P Lang

BALMULLO BURNS CLUB

BILL ROLLO demolished a shell shocked Raith and Abbotshall by 17-2. Returning to the Province, Forret, as last year’s winners of the Cupar Province League, found itself competing in the Province Finals at Greenacres. After securing 2 wins from their first 2 games, a freak accident on the ice to skip C Lindsay robbed Forret of victory in the 3rd game.

They competed extremely well throughout but failed to progress any further beyond the qualifying stages.

On an extremely positive note, this season’s influx of new curlers has resulted in the resurrection of an old competition, the Tweedle Dee/Tweedle Dum. This competition is aimed at the less experienced curlers when 2 less experienced curlers are teamed up with 2 more experienced. There are 3 rinks featuring, of course, 6 new starts. It’s a great learning experience with curlers performing in a much more relaxed and informal setting when the importance of the taking part most certainly overrides the importance of the result. We’ll keep you posted on developments in that one.

The club is also planning holding a social gathering after our New Year Bonspiel and a fun Wine Tasting evening at a local venue later on in the season. We’ll keep you posted on that one as well.

If you would like to learn more about curling and more importantly Forret, please don’t hesitate to contact Secretary, Linda Mould, on 01334-828248 or Mary Campbell on 01334-870328.”

ANN FALCONER

On 30th November, most appropriately, we held our St. Andrew’s Night dance at Balmullo Inn. Music was ably provided by well-known accordionist Deirdre Adamson accompanied by Graham Sherrit on drums. All present enjoyed great music, a variety of dances and the interval snack of hot stovies.

Our next event is the annual Burns Supper in Balmullo Inn on Saturday 19 January 2013. Guest speaker is Jim Dunsmore and after the meal and speeches, there will be dancing to the music of John White.

Tickets will be available from Committee members nearer the time at the price of £10 (members) or £15 (non-members – subject to space available).

FOR SALE HP 3 in 1 wireless printer. New (still in box), plus complete set of inks. £45 – phone 870898

TAKEN FROM Balmullo Primary School a little girl's silver scooter with black handles and flashing base. If found please return to the school or call 870897 THANK YOU.

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RODERICK CAMPBELL MSP So this is Christmas, and what have we done? Another year over, and a new one just begun. John Lennon – Happy Christmas (War is over).

2012 Has been a very busy, very exciting year for myself, personally, and for North East Fife and Scotland as a whole. It has been my first, full calendar year as an MSP with achievements including the announcement of improved broadband speeds in areas of North East Fife.

Unfortunately, we are not yet at a stage where everybody can enjoy superfast speeds, but I am continuing to press service providers, such as BT, to improve their provision throughout the constituency. This combined with the Scottish Government’s target of a minimum speed of 2Mbps for everybody in the country by 2015 should ensure we can all enjoy improved internet usage in the near future.

Away from Holyrood, we have all been able to witness a momentous year of sporting achievements – from the Olympics, to the Ryder Cup, the US Tennis Open and the Tour de France.

It is, of course, a shame that Fife Thistle ended their 2011/12 season as they did, but perhaps the New Year will see a push for promotion from them.

Nobody will forget the numerous scandals that captivated our collective interest, including press regulation and the Saville/BBC problems. These will not, and should not, be easily forgotten and I hope many lessons can be learned from horrific mistakes that took place in the past. We must ensure such gross practices cannot happen again, and that innocent members of the public are Another memorable event – the Queen’s protected.

Diamond jubilee – also took place this summer. I In addition, the dedicated members of the Armed wrote in the June edition of this newsletter that Forces should be in everybody’s minds at this time.

Her Majesty has seen significant changes to her Several thousands of men and women will be own family, and yet more change is due following absent from their family home over the festive the announcement of the Duchess of Cambridge’s period, risking their lives on a daily basis. This is a pregnancy. We will all be aware of the Duchess’ particularly poignant issue with RAF Leuchars so links to nearby St Andrews and also of the nearby. I am sure we would all wish everybody in heightened anticipation surrounding the birth of the armed forces, or related to somebody who is, the future monarch. It therefore came as little the best of wishes for this Christmas, and New Year surprise that “Kate Middleton” was the 5th most and that they are able to return to their families Googled term in the past 12 months in the UK. soon, safely.

A very merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. Finally, I would like advise you that my office will Let’s hope it’s a good one, without any fear. John be closed for a few days over the Christmas Lennon – Happy Christmas (War is Over). holidays but shall reopen from early January. I This time of year is always one for reflection. As I encourage you all to get in touch with me if you have mentioned, it has been an excellent year for have an issue with which you believe I can be of individuals – such as Andy Murray and Katherine help.

Grainger – and society as a whole. Whilst we may I’d like to sign off by wishing all residents of not have had a particularly warm, or sunny, Balmullo, the surrounding area, and anyone else summer the general good feeling was strong. who reads this newsletter, a very Merry Christmas However, we also have time to reflect on less and a Happy New Year. happy events.

Roderick Campbell MSP

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SIR MENZIES CAMPBELL MP “People often ask me if I am obsessed about politics. I always say no: I am obsessed about sport. So looking back over 2012 it is the Olympic and Paralympic Games which loom largest in my mind. It is not often that the British can hold our heads up high when the roll call of sporting achievement is read out! But this summer the nation watched spellbound as records tumbled and medals mounted to a succession of our sportsmen and women.

People talk about legacy in terms of the future use of the Olympic venues but I hope the Games will be remembered for inspiring a new generation of young people – girls in particular – to get into sport. It is unacceptable that there is still a gender imbalance when it comes to the number of school children participating in sport. With role models like Jessica Ennis, Katherine Grainger and Nicola Adams, I hope more young women will take up sport. There is a role here for Government and I have been pressing both the Westminster and Scottish Governments over their plans to promote sport in schools.

2012 has also been notable for political developments. Lord Leveson’s inquiry into press standards dominated the year and we have seen the strengths and weaknesses of British newspapers laid out in stark terms. The issues raised by Lord Leveson’s report are profound. It will take time to reach a solution which can claim all party support but, as is demonstrated by the number of letters and emails I have received, it is clear that the public wants this matter resolved in a way which will protect individuals who find themselves the subject of improper press interest.

re-election of Barack Obama but there is much interest in what he will be able to do in a second term of four years, having been so frequently criticised of timidity in his first. Unrest in Syria, Israel and Palestine and most recently Egypt continues.

Lasting solutions to the problems which blight the region, particularly Israel Palestine, have at times seemed further away than ever.

I am particularly disappointed that the future of the RAF base at Leuchars remains uncertain. We had been promised a statement from the Defence Secretary about military bases before Christmas but once again this been postponed, this time because of the unexpected impact on the Defence budget of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement. It remains my view that RAF Leuchars is in the right place at the right time and doing the right job.

Most people in North East Fife would agree that it should be left to get on with it.

We enter 2013 with a great deal of uncertainty in the air. The Scots are never deterred from Events overseas made headlines in the UK celebrating at New Year but I fancy this year the throughout the year. Like others I celebrated the celebrations will be more muted than usual.”

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ROAST VEGETABLES WITH CHICKPEAS AND ROSEMARY 1 squash about 400g cut into wedges 1 aubergine helved lengthways then halved across the middle and cut into wedges 1 onion, peeled and cut into chunks 3 cloves garlic peeled and cut into rough slices 2 red peppers cut in half, seeds removed and then cut in thick strips 3 carrots peeled and cut into wedges 200g swede peeled and cut into wedges 2-3 potatoes cut into cherry tomato size cubes and dried on kitchen paper or dish towel 3 tblsp rapeseed oil ½ tsp allspice 2 tsp coriander seeds 150ml tomato passata 3 tblsp cooked chick peas tblsp chopped rosemary and a few sprigs

CHRISTOPHER TROTTER

Photo - Caroline Trotter

Rosemary is one of the herbs still going strong at this time of year, this recipe is based on one from the Moro book but I have used more seasonal vegetables as well. During demos people often ask what to do with squash or pumpkin, well here is an idea…. I often don’t peel them but if you don’t like the toughish skin then peel away.

Chickpeas can be bought ready cooked in a can and are perfectly good or you can soak the dried variety over night and then simmer in water for a couple of hours to cook. In which case you will need 80g dried ones. Lightly salt the aubergine and leave for half an hour to allow some moisture to come out, rinse and dry on kitchen paper or dish towel. Turn the oven to gas 7 220C. Mix all the vegetables in a bowl with the oil and spices. Spread out evenly in a large roasting tin, its important not to crowd the vegetables or they wont roast well. Place in the hot oven and cook for about 45 minutes to an hour turning every 15 minutes or so, til cooked and lightly coloured.

Heat the chickpeas with the passata then stir through the vegetables adding the chopped rosemary and check for seasoning.

Serve as a main course with a few sprigs of rosemary or as a side dish with meat or fish.

Don’t forget the whole hog is still available as a great Christmas present, only £21.50. Email me ct@christophertrotter.co.uk . Cooking classes also make a great Christmas present.

JOHN NORMAND Balmullo Postman John Normand would like to thank all his customers for their generosity and gifts, and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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BALMULLO PRIMARY SCHOOL

ANNA COGGINS

We are now all looking forward to the end of term and the chance to relax with our family and friends after a very busy term.

leading the school end of term Assembly with a traditional nativity. This is always a much loved and magical event that no Christmas should be without. The girls and boys are now looking forward to a special visit to the Nursery by Clydebuilt Puppets who will be entertaining them At the start of with their version of ‘The Three Bears’.

D e c e m b e r The whole school travelled to The Rep in Dundee preparations began to share the excitement of this year’s Christmas for the whole school production of ‘The Snow Queen’. The opportunity production of Dick to see a professional production and take in the Whittington. The staff and children are to be atmosphere proved to be a very memorable commended for their hard work, commitment and experience for all. The children were transfixed by motivation they have shown in putting together a the story which was brought to life by the actors, marvellous performance which showcases the the stunning scenery and magical special effects talents of so many. including ‘real snow’!

Traditional Christmas crafts and artwork have featured in every classroom, as the children busily created cards, calendars and decorations for their families. Mr Duff shared his talent of candle making with every class and the children enjoyed making their very own candle to take home to light the dark winter evenings.

No one would argue that it has indeed been a very busy time recently but through it all everyone has remained in the best of humour and worked so hard together to make this Christmas a truly wonderful event.

It has been a real pleasure to share this happy and exciting time with staff, pupils and parents and I The Nursery boys and girls have also been ‘out and would like to wish you and your families a very about’ and spread a little happiness for the Happy Christmas and best wishes for a peaceful residents of the Servite home at Redcroft Place in New Year.

Leuchars where they sang Christmas songs and Kind Regards, recited their poem ‘The Chubby Snowman’ to the delight of the residents. The Nursery children and Mrs Anna Coggins staff have also been hard at work and will be

Wishing all readers A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year From Colin Finlay Your Local Electrician

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CHRISTMAS QUIZ Sit down and let your Christmas meal settle while you tackle our Christmas quiz. All correct answers will be put in for a draw and the winner will receive a bottle of wine. List your answers on a sheet of paper and pop them in an envelope which you can put in the box on the shelves at the post office. Mark envelope for Ina Cameron.

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What did the first ever SMS text message, sent December 3rd 1992, read?

Which Christmas carol includes the lyrics “all seated on the ground, the angel of the Lord came down and glory shone around?

Which Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland banned Christmas in 1647?

The Beach Boys had a Christmas number one US hit single in 1966 with which song?

What is the most common gift received in a Christmas cracker?

Which famous scientist born on Christmas day was the first scientist to be buried in Westminster Abbey in London?

Which British Monarch gave the first royal Christmas broadcast to his empire on Christmas Day 1932?

Which English author wrote the book “A Christmas Carol”?

From Which town had Mary and Joseph come before arriving in Bethlehem?

Name the Christmas Song with the initials WIAWW? Which 3 dimensional puzzle, sold by Ideal Toy Corp., was the most popular Christmas gift in 1980?

Name the character played by Macaulay Culkin in the film ‘Home Alone’?

‘Ilex’ is the scientific genus of which type of Christmas foliage?

Which spirit based sauce is traditionally poured over Christmas pudding?

In the Christmas song ‘Jingle Bells’, how many horses pull the sleigh?

By what other title is the film ‘National Lampoons Christmas Vacation’ known in the UK? Which hand held Nintendo product was reportedly the most popular Christmas gift in 1989?

What ‘MAW’ was a UK Christmas Number One in 1988 for Cliff Richard?

“He’s making a list and he’s checking it twice. He’s going to know who’s naughty and nice” is taken from which Christmas song?

Who played the Grinch in the 2000 film?

CHRISTMAS FACTS If you count all the gifts given in “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” you’d get 364, which means a gift for every day of the year -- except Christmas.

Holly wreaths are universal symbols. Ancient druid and pagan cultures believed holly had magical properties because it stayed green all year long, and would often wear sprigs and berries. Later, when Christianity took hold, holly wreaths became a popular holiday ornament. It is said that the sharp leaves and the round shape represent the crown of thorns, and the red berries represent the blood of Christ.

The traditions of trees, mistletoe and elves all stem from pagan roots. In fact, a lot of Christmas traditions actually pre-date Christianity. Same with Easter. Look it up.

Christmas trees are edible. Many parts of pines, spruces, and firs can be eaten. The needles are a good source of vitamin C. Pine nuts, or pine cones, are also a good source of nutrition.

The average Christmas tree takes seven years to grow to a height of six to seven feet. ...and is used for about two weeks…

Humphrey Bogart and Sir Isaac Newton were both born on Christmas day and famous clowns W.C. Fields and Charlie Chaplin both died on Christmas day too.

In A.D. 350, Pope Julius I, bishop of Rome, proclaimed December 25 the official celebration date for the birthday of Christ There are two Christmas Islands. The Christmas Island in the Pacific Ocean was formerly called Kiritimati.

And the other is Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean.

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UNEXPECTED VISITOR

ANDREW FALCONER

I recently had a phone call from a friend who lives in Lomond Place. He had an unusual bird visiting his garden – “a bit like a cockatiel” and wondered if I had any idea what it m i g h t b e .

Fortunately I had seen and heard it myself so knew that it was a Ring-necked Parakeet!

These birds are obviously not native to Britain but may have been introduced or escaped from zoos or aviaries.

Its Latin name is

Psittacula

krameri

and it is a native of Central Africa and Southern Asia, but breeds in open woods, parks and gardens in European countries like Holland, Belgium and Germany. There is also now a population of at least 20,000 in London and South-east England, which has started spreading out to other areas of Britain. It’s not clear if that’s where our bird has come from.

It is about 40cm long, including a tail of about 25cm. The pink ring around its neck identifies our bird as a male. It has been seen in the tall trees on Quarry Road (where it probably roosts overnight), at the Primary School, in gardens on Lomond Place, Burnside and Dunedin Park and flying over The Mount and Pitcairn Drive – in other words all around the village.

I have not been able to get close to it yet, so the photograph above shows a similar male bird (possibly the same one?) in Crail last year, and was taken by my good friend John Anderson.