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GREY SEAL & COMMON SEAL For a change in this issue, we feature mammals rather than birds. The Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) is the more common of the two species found in the North Sea and locally in the Forth, Tay and Eden Estuaries. Bulls, weighing up to 300kg & as much as 3.3m in length, are much larger than cows which are up to 200kg and 2.0m long. The straight head profile with nostrils set far apart and roughly parallel is the most distinctive feature seen when only the head is visible. The bulls are generally much darker than cows which can vary in colour from light grey to brown. Pups are born in the autumn (September to November) on rocky shores. There are large colonies of grey seals
ANDREW FALCONER
snout (like a dog), with v-shaped nostrils. Their colour is very variable from grey to brown but they are usually covered in fine spots. Pups are born in late Spring or early Summer. Pups are very well developed at birth and can swim and dive when just a few hours old. This lets common seals breed in estuaries where sand-banks are exposed for only part of the day. Numbers of common seals on the east coast of Scotland have been reducing so are harder to see, but possibly hauled out on the sand at Tentsmuir or under the Tay Rail Bridge at Dundee.
on the Isle of May in the Forth and the Farne Islands off Northumberland. The Common (or Harbour) Seal (Phoca vitulina) is much smaller than the Grey Seal, up to 130kg in weight and 1.85m in length. Bulls are a little larger than cows. The head shape is more rounded and has a distinctive Photos courtesy of John Anderson, Crail.
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Balmullo
COMMUNITY COUNCIL
MEMBERS
Chairman Colin Finlay 870578 colinfinlay52@gmail.com
Secretary: Sue Smith 870221 secretary@balmullo.net
Treasurer & Newsletter Andrew Falconer 870496 anfalconer@tiscali.co.uk
Minute-Secretary: Ann Falconer 870496 anfalconer@tiscali.co.uk
Vice-Chairman: Alison Jeffrey 870674 alison@balmullo.net
Councillors: Ina Cameron
fife
councillors
Gwenyth Mitchell 870010 gwenyth@balmullo.net Peter Lomas 870848 pil77@btinternet.com
870253
twaauldgoats@btinternet.com
Maggie Taylor 07872 423841 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
Useful Contacts Burnside Hall Keeper Lynn Murphy 870466 GALA Committee: 077 8033 5250 http://balmullogala.weebly.com Community Police Officers 101 PC’s Susie Martin Non Emergency Police Contact 101 Dog Warden 0345 155 0022
Statements made or opinions expressed in this Newsletter do not necessarily reflect the views of the Balmullo Community Council or any of its officers.
John Normand janormand1@gmail.com
NHS24 M.P. Stephen Gethins M.S.P. Rod Campbell Doctors Surgery Balmullo Balmullo Primary School Bell Baxter High School Madras College
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657765 844971 871164 659451 659459 659402
Advert Prices - Small £5, Half Page £10, Full Page £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 us know.
#Balmullo Life
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ANNOUNCEMENTS We are delighted to announce that Colin Finlay has volunteered to take on the role of Chairman from January. Colin has been a Community Councillor for over a year, but more importantly has been a resident of Balmullo for many years and knows the village and community well. This offer was unanimously approved at our December meeting.
Balmullo Gala Committee needs improved storage facilities for all of their marquees, gazebos and other equipment. The hut at the back of Burnside Hall is overflowing and not fully watertight. Storage facilities on site at the Park would be a great improvement, POINTS FROM THE SECRETARY’S EMAIL Steve Bargeton, Communications and Public Affairs Manager of St Andrews University has offered to attend a meeting of the Community Council to discuss the closure of the A919 from 15th February to 8th April. This is for pipe laying work in association with the development of part of the former paper mill site at Guardbridge as an energy RECYCLING Fife has a very good record of recycling, with regional centres and local facilities provided by Fife Council. You might assume that good recycling practice is just a matter of common sense and responsible behaviour – but unfortunately some residents seem to be lacking these. An example of this was seen recently when someone dumped a microwave oven at the Burnside Hall recycling point. Assuming that this must have been brought in a vehicle, it could have been taken to either St Andrews or Cupar recycling centres which have collection facilities for electrical appliances. Given that most residents visit Cupar or St Andrews for shopping, a special trip should not be needed. Another situation arises with the cardboard
BALMULLO COMMUNITY COUNCIL reducing the need for loading, unloading & transporting everything before and after the event. The Park Committee are agreeable to a “container” being sited on a hard standing in the Park, close to the old Portakabin. This would be 20 feet by 8 feet by 8 feet, which is lower than the hedge at Lomond Place. The aim is to have it in place by the end of May and the Community Council agreed to support a planning application. The next meeting is in Burnside Hall at 7.30pm on Monday 11th January 2016. A copy of the Minutes will be available on the shelves at the Post Office. SUE SMITH centre. He will attend the meeting on 11th January.
B945 St Michaels to Tayport - Carriageway resurfacing UPDATE. The road will be fully open by 15:30 on 17th December until 4th January, when the next phase from Kirkton Barn to Tayport will commence. BALMULLO COMMUNITY COUNCIL and paper bins at the Hall. These fill up rapidly, especially when boxes are not broken up. After Christmas this can be a real issue. Please firstly fill up your household bin as effectively as possible. Then use the recycling point but if the containers are full, please don’t dump paper and cardboard on the ground. Inevitably it will end up blowing around the car park or Burnside or Borthwick Place, giving local residents or the hallkeeper a mess to clear up. If it rains or snows it will become an unsightly soggy mess. Again, keep it until you’re going to Cupar or St Andrews and take it to the recycling centre. These are open normally over the festive period except for 25 & 26 December and 1 & 2 January.
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DECEMBER 200 CLUB DRAW WINNERS
£50 £20 £20 £20 £20 £20
Mrs Macpherson, Hillview Road
Mr Chalmers, Smithy Road Mr McLennan, Pitcairn Drive Mr Robins, Hillview Road Mr Duff, 1B Smithy Road Mrs Leask, Park View
£10 £10 £10 £10 £10
Mr Eccleston, Inchlaw Mr Chalmers, Park View Mr McMurtrie, Mansfield Road Mr Stewart, Pitcairn Drive Mrs Buist, Lucklaw Road
How to Join Our 200 Club? - It's easy to join you like. We are currently trying to raise the 200 Club. Call or email Ina at money for various Balmullo community twaauldgoats@btinternet.com or call activities and projects. 870253. It only costs £1 per entry per month, and you can enter as many times as
GOOD LUCK!
WHAT’S ON?
JANUARY 7TH WRI MEETING. BURNSIDE HALL. 7.15 PM. 11TH COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING. BURNSIDE HALL 7.30 PM. ALL WELCOME. 22ND BALMULLO BOWLING CLUB. PRIZE BINGO. EYES DOWN 7.30 PM. 30TH BALMULLO BURNS CLUB. BURNS SUPPER. BALMULLO INN. 6.00 FOR 6.30 PM. 30TH BALMULLO GALA COMMITTEE. FAMILY CEILIDH. BURNSIDE HALL. FEBRUARY 3RD BURNSIDE HALL COMMITTEE MEETING. 7.30 PM. 4TH WRI MEETING. BURNSIDE HALL. 7.15 PM. 8TH COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING. BURNSIDE HALL 7.30 PM. ALL WELCOME. 19TH BALMULLO BOWLING CLUB. PRIZE BINGO. EYES DOWN 7.30 PM.
RUNNING AN EVENT? EMAIL ANFALCONER@TISCALI.CO.UK BALMULLO BURNS CLUB The Balmullo Burns Club has now finalised the next Burns Supper for Saturday 30 January 2016 at 6.00 pm for a 6.30 pm start, in the Balmullo Inn.
BILL DUFF The committee are presently contacting the people who normally attend and there will be some tickets available to others. These will be available from either the Chairman David Wilson tel: 870306 or the Secretary Bill Duff We have invited a couple of very knowledgable speakers to Address the tel: 870787. Haggis and give the Immortal Memory and The Club wishes everyone a Merry Christmas expect it will be an enjoyable evening. and a Happy New Year.
THANK YOU!
JOAN AULD
I would like to thank everyone who sent beautiful get well cards and the good wishes during my stay in hospital. I am at home now and feeling so much better. Thanks once more it is nice to know people are thing of you. Kindest regards from Joan Auld
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BALMULLO S.W.R.I.
ANN FALCONER
President Ann Falconer welcomed members being pulled around the hall in the cart. and special guests to the annual Christmas Annie and Rudolph were presented with gifts party on Thursday 3rd December. by committee members. Everyone enjoyed an excellent Christmas buffet with a wide variety of festive dishes provided by many volunteer members. Thank you to all of those involved for their efforts in making the meal so enjoyable. Mary Hutchison, a member from Cults WRI, entertained us with humorous stories and poems on a festive theme, causing great hilarity and laughter all round. The raffle was then drawn and some special prizes were won. By popular demand, little elf Annie Claus and her bosom buddy Rudolph the Reindeer returned to distribute Christmas presents. Rudolph had a colourful little cart to carry the presents around and Annie ended up ACTS OF KINDNESS Kindness is something to be remembered and should be shared like sunshine which brightened the spot in my day when I received a surprise in the post, two good old fashioned lovely handwritten letters from my young, eight and nine year old granddaughters. Words certainly have power as their little words describing how much they love and appreciate me certainly touched my heart. Isn't it wonderful how sometimes, the littlest things can touch you in the perfect way? We want children to do nice things because it is helpful to others and also makes them feel good too. The best example to children in the meaning of kindness is for adults in their lives to demonstrate good deeds. It's just a thought, but to me an act of kindness is a gift to you, as well as the person you give it to.
Ann Falconer ended the evening with a Christmas poem by Longfellow and then gave a vote of thanks to everyone who had helped make the event such a success. The first meeting of 2016 will be on Thursday 7th January at 7.15 pm in Burnside Hall. The evening will be a Members’ Night entitled memories. Please remember that subscriptions are due to be paid to the Treasurer. Competitions will be Two Ginger Biscuits, a favourite Christmas Ornament and Flower of the Month. We are always pleased to see new members. A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. CHRISTINA JACK Let us all be kind today and share simple acts of everyday kindness. Take in your neighbour's dustbin..... Leave a book you have read for someone else to read with a note inside for them to pass on..... Listen to someone who needs to talk, you only have to listen to them! ..... Compliment a stranger if you feel they are having a bad day.....Allow elderly people who are struggling with their shopping trolley to go in front of you at the checkout.....Hold a door open especially to people with pushchairs or wheelchairs.....Be a courteous driver! ..... Pick up litter in the village and help to keep Balmullo retain its 'Beautiful Fife Silver Gilt Award.' .....Why not bake some scones or homemade soup and take to your elderly neighbours who are housebound.
Fife Cares Winter Newsletter is now available on the Fife website.
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RECIPE OF THE MONTH Ingredients 125 g (4 oz) self-raising flour 6 tablespoons clear honey 1 tsp. ground ginger ½ tsp. baking powder ¼ tsp. salt 75 g (3 oz) margarine 2 tablespoons milk 15g (½ oz) flaked almonds 1 egg, beaten 50g (2 oz) soft brown sugar Method 1. Sift flour, ginger, baking powder and salt together into a bowl and rub in margarine
DUTCH HONEY CAKE until mixture resembles breadcrumbs. 2. Add honey, sugar, egg an milk and beat thoroughly for about 2 minutes until mixture is smooth and creamy. 3. Turn mixture into a grease and lined 18 cm (7 inch) square cake tin and sprinkle the almonds evenly over the top. 4. Bake in a moderate pre-heated oven 180°C (gas mark 4) for 30 minutes or until firm to touch. Turn out and cool on a wire rack. 5. Spread lightly with unsalted butter to serve, if liked. Makes 15 slices.
LEUCHARS AND DISTRICT GARDENING AND CRAFTS CLUB BILL DUFF Our talk on Orchids in November had to be December and AGM to March. This is to ease cancelled due to weather conditions making the pressure on the Treasurer as it has been it impractical for Alex Barty to come from felt that with the autumn show at the end of Perth. Alex has agreed to give us a talk next October, time was tight to get the accounts year and we are presently making up next finalised and audited for an AGM in year's programme. November. With weather conditions in mind we have The committee is also working on next year's decided to limit our talks series to autumn schedule and have arranged the judges and and spring and so our next will be 10 March agreed show dates of: Summer – 6 August 2016 when Andy Smith will give a Floral Art 2016. Autumn – 29 October 2016. demonstration followed by a Quiz night on Finally the Club wishes everyone a Merry 14 April 2016. Christmas, a Happy New Year and good We held an Extraordinary General Meeting to growing in 2016. change the dates of the financial year to end
BALMULLO BOWLING CLUB After reading about the Burns Club I thought I would write a small piece about the Bowling Club. It started in 1984 a few years before I and many of today’s members joined. When several of us joined in1989, some 25 years ago, we were in our mid- forties. At that time there were approximately 40 members, but the Club had very little money in the bank. The Club has now turned this around and, with lots of hard work from the members, has now money in the bank but members
JOAN AULD are dwindling, to the point where we struggle to put out the 16 players we need for friendly games. We play as far afield as Kirkcaldy and into Angus and Perthshire. We have made a lot of friends this way. If any couples, families or singles would like to try the game, all you need to start are flat soled shoes or trainers. At the moment we play indoors on Wednesdays in the Clubhouse at 7pm. Come and have a go.
Thank you Jon Gill, for producing such great front covers for our Newsletter over the last three years. You will be a tough act to follow! Have a happy 2016, and all the best in your future endeavours. - Mike & Andrew.
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WINTER DRIVING Driving in severe winter weather poses many challenges. Cars can get stuck in snowy conditions even on familiar roads, forcing the driver and passengers to spend the night on the roadside. Plus, with the closure of the Forth Road Bridge over December, there are a number of diversions in place which mean increased journey times (please check Traffic Scotland for updates). Make sure that your vehicle is prepared for cold weather and if you have to head out in the snow and ice then follow our driving advice below. Before you leave Tyres: If possible, considering buying winter tyres, which are designed to grip the road better in icy, wet and snowy conditions. If this is not an option, ensure your standard tyres are inflated correctly and that you have a minimum of 3mm of tread on your tyres to cope with wet and slippery conditions. Battery: In winter, the battery will run down quicker than in warmer weather. Where possible take a long journey to top it up. Engine: Modern engines are more robust than older ones. All the same, depress the clutch when starting as this will reduce drag on the engine when starting, and preserve the battery. Screenwash: Keep this topped up and use a proper additive at the right concentration to prevent it freezing. Fuel: Keep your tank topped up - that way if you are caught out, you'll have enough fuel to make it home or run the engine to keep warm. However, it's essential to keep snow from blocking the exhaust as noxious fumes can leak into the vehicle. Windows: Clear all snow and ice from the windscreen, windows and the roof of the car before driving off. Locks: A squirt of WD-40 will help prevent your door locks freezing up. Warm clothing: Your car may be warm on the inside but if you have to step outside, you could be in trouble if you have not got any warm clothing with you. Always pack the
FIFE COUNCIL following: warm coat, hat, gloves, sturdy boots, a blanket to keep you warm if you get stuck. Take some food, chocolate, biscuits, water and a hot drink if you can. Always carry a fully charged mobile, and some old bits of carpet, or cat litter, to put under the tyres when stuck and a shovel to clear snow. Driving Tips Snow and Ice: Gentle manoeuvres are the key to safe driving in these conditions as stopping distances can be up to 10 times longer. Pull away in second gear, easing your foot off the clutch gently to avoid wheel spin. Up-hill – avoid having to stop part way up by waiting until it is clear of other cars or by leaving plenty of room to the car in front. Keep a constant speed, choosing the most suitable gear well in advance to avoid having to change down on the hill. Down-hill - reduce your speed before the hill, use a low gear and try to avoid using the brakes. Leave as much room as possible between you and the car in front. If you have to use brakes then apply them gently. Release the brakes and de-clutch if the car skids. If you get stuck, straighten the steering and clear the snow from the wheels. Put a sack or old rug in front of the driving wheels to give the tyres some grip. Once on the move again, try not to stop until you reach firmer ground. If you do encounter a skid, steer gently into it - for example, if the rear of the car is sliding to the right, steer to the right. Do not take your hands off the steering wheel or stamp your foot on the brakes Police Scotland has produced a short video showing drivers how to make simple checks on their vehicles, and giving advice on safe winter driving. The film features Sergeant Debbie Allan and constable Fraser Cameron from the Police Scotland Road Policing Unit. https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=OTINPHGD9DA
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WINTER REFLECTIONS
Well, it's often said, where did that year go then? Christmas being just around the corner, what do you love about Christmas? Is it the Christmas trees wrapped in garland with their pretty twinkling lights and listening to the excitement of the kids as they talk about Santa? The month of December with its inclement weather and shortest days makes it more difficult for gardening as the daylight hours are limited. So, as the garden begins to rest and while the gardening season is still fresh in your mind, rather than waiting until Spring to try to remember everything, you may want to reflect back over the year, in your garden, what worked well and what didn't work well. If you are like us, beginner gardeners and nearly OAP's, but thanks to our lovely neighbouring garden expert, Eunice, for her friendly, helpful advice, we are proud of what we have achieved in our first garden. Start by writing down all of the things that went well, everything you were most proud of as these are the things you want to plan to grow again next year. Next, think of the things that didn't go so well, we discovered planting shrubs and plants too close together was our main garden blunder! Upon your reflection, you can think of how to improve your garden next year and make out an 'ideas' list. In the Spring your list will help make it easier to re-plan your garden layout and what you would like to do differently. Winter gives you a good time to look at your garden and decide how to set it up, where each plant will go and what types you want to grow. You don't want to overcrowd your ideal garden with plants, so maximise and oh.... remember not to plant over your Tulip bulbs which should be already planted before the first frost.
GEORGE SMITH & CHRISTINA JACK
If you took photos, these would be most helpful upon reflection, e.g. does a plant need moving? Do branches need removed from large shrubs or trees to allow more light into your garden? See your garden shine in the winter sun! Try at least once a week to go around your garden picking up leaves and fallen twigs and pull weeds before they get big. Weeds are a pain especially if they populate your flower beds or line the cracks between your paving and if you don't get them under control prior to the beginning of winter, you could face a massive de-weeding job come springtime. In snowy weather, be kind to your plants and shrubs and brush off any snow but don't worry about the smaller plants as snow acts like a blanket to them. Gently remove snow from branches as branches piled with heavy snow could weigh down and possibly break. Give all of your garden tools that you have used over the past few months, a good cleaning to remove all the dirt and rust. We used a mild detergent to disinfect our plant pots ready for use in the Spring. Remember to look after the birds to help them survive the winter. Our bird table is well stocked with bird seed and fresh water supply. The robin certainly appreciates as it delightfully rewards us with its beautiful song and the bright red glow of its breast in the winter sunshine, as it darts around our garden. P.S. Help us make this article a feature by submitting your handy tips through future Newsletters. HAPPY GARDENING!
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BALMULLO PRIMARY SCHOOL Primary 1/2 - Primary 2/3 - “We liked all the singing, I We all had a liked the song ‘How can it be?’ – Katie lovely time dressing up for our M u s i c a l NativityHosanna Rock! We practised our song lots and lots of times to make it sound really good for our Mummy’s and Daddy’s. We all had lots of FUN! “Mary and Joseph are sitting in front of Baby Jesus” - Chrissie “I liked dressing up and singing “They travelled to Bethlehem on a Donkey” the songs” – Liam Erin
“The Wisemen are ready to go off and give the presents to Jesus”- Josh
Primary 5/6 Christmas Enterprise P6/5 have been busy making gingerbread men to sell at our Christmas Enterprise market stall next Thursday. We have had great fun decorating and icing our men and have nearly 100 for sale!
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BALMULLO PRIMARY SCHOOL
Backpack Project We are in Primary 2/3 and we are organising a “Backpack Project” for the Mary’s Meals Charity to help children in Africa to go to school and help them learn. Please will you help us?
Towel Shorts or skirt, t-shirt or dress Flip flops or sandals Soap bar, toothbrush, toothpaste Small ball Spoon
This is what we thought when we watched a clip of the children getting their backpacks in Africa. I felt excited. I felt happy that children got a backpack We should fill a backpack I’m worried some children won’t get a backpack I was sad – my brain was telling me that some people didn’t get a backpack I feel really good about this and I can send one of my bags and still have good memories of my school bag. I feel really happy we’re doing this.
Handy Hints
Clothing for children aged between 4 and 12 is suitable Second hand items are fine if they are in good condition Label your backpack to say whether it is suitable for a boy or girl and suggest what age Don’t include liquids or food, including Do you have an old back pack that you liquid soap, toys or sweets. This would can donate and fill with some things cause problems at customs. that the children would like, especially pens, pencils, paper, clothes? Below If you would like further information you you will find a list of items that would be c a n l o o k o n l i n e : - h t t p s : / / useful. If you would like to help but www.marysmeals.org.uk/get-involved/ aren’t able to fill a back pack – don’t the-backpack-project worry you can send in loose items and we can top up other bags. We will collect the back packs in January – we will give you a date nearer What to Pack the time. We hope you have fun doing this! Notepad Pens, pencils, crayons Eraser, ruler, sharpener, pencil case
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Primary 6/7 We in Primary 6/7 have been focusing on The Solar System. We have created art work, reports, and puzzle sheets. We found out about all the different planets. We are also working hard for the Christmas Enterprise by baking Snow men Co oki es, Orange Chocolates and Hot Chocolate Sets. The cold winter weather inspired us with our Wonderful art work of Winter Trees for our Display board.
Balmullo Primary School meets Hayston. The children and parents of Balmullo Primary School recently met Hayston, a Guide Dog Puppy. They had raised funds through enterprising activities in order to name a puppy. Children, staff and parents submitted suitable names, all with a community theme and Hayston was chosen. Pictured are some Primary 6 and 7 children with Hayston, Staff from Guide Dogs and Mrs Wendy MacPherson, the teacher who co-ordinated the fundraising topic.
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YOUR MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
May I begin by saying how pleased I am to contribute to the Balmullo community newsletter. It’s a great way to find out what's going and to celebrate local achievements like the village's success in gaining a Silver-Gilt award in the Beautiful Fife competition. Community Spirit I know a lot of hard work goes on to ensure that communities look their best and this accolade is a great credit to everyone involved. We are very lucky to have such close-knit communities and recently I've been seeing a lot of people and groups working together for the betterment of the community. The North East Fife Toy Drive is a great example. It may not be very obvious but there are so many families struggling just now but with volunteer groups like the Toy Drive, which ensures no child in this area goes without a gift this Christmas, as well as all our hardworking local food banks, those in need know people care and are doing their best to make sure they don't have to go without. The huge amount of donations made to my office for both the Toy Drive and food bank
STEPHEN GETHINS Christmas hamper appeal, has shown great community spirit and it's heart-warming to see. Broadband Your newsletter also highlights issues which are significant in the area and one of them is broadband. I frequently hear concerns about the slow speed of broadband across many parts of North East Fife and Balmullo certainly isn't alone in having problems with the slow speed. I can reassure you that I am in regular contact with the service providers and will continue to press for updates on improvements to the network. RAF Leuchars Another issue which I'm sure has been of interest to the Balmullo community has been the Government's Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) which had implications for the former RAF base at Leuchars. While I am pleased that the Army is now settling in, I believe the base is still the best place for the RAF and di not think the Conservative Government took the case for re-opening the base into proper account in the SDSR. I was very disappointed to hear nine new P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft would not come to North East Fife and wrote to Defence Secretary Michael Fallon MP to say I felt he had missed an opportunity. Leuchars is ideally placed to be a massive asset to the UK's air defence capability and there is no doubt the former Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition government made a huge mistake in closing it. In addition to writing to Mr Fallon, I submitted an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons which received supported from MPs across Fife, Tayside and beyond. The link can be found at http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2015-16/735 2016 I have been very pleased to get to know a lot of people during my first year as your MP and look forward to meeting even more people and helping with issues that may affect you and your families as we approach a New Year. I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and all the best for 2016 and please do not hesitate to contact me if the is anything I can do to assist you.
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IF WOOD PIGEONS WERE RARE…
The Wood Pigeon is a striking species. Not just large and with a bold stance but with a beautiful plumage: soft greys blend with the vinaceous upper breast; the glossy green and blue neck has a bold white patch on each side; and when a Wood Pigeon leaps into the air to escape a disturbance, flashing white crescents on its wings signal its alarm. In the breeding season it draws attention to itself with its territorial display. Shooting steeply upwards in flight, it turns sharply downwards, delivering one or more wingclaps at the top of the flight – the sound probably not made by striking the wings together but by a whip-like crack of the flightfeathers as the wings beat forcefully down. An even more familiar sound is the persistent coo-COO-coo, oo-oo of the territorial call, so redolent of warm summer afternoons. If Wood Pigeons were rare, birdwatchers would go far to see them. But they are too common to excite us. No doubt most gardens in Balmullo are visited by Wood Pigeons at least occasionally and one only has to step outside for a few minutes before one sees one flying over the village. Indeed, they are found not only everywhere in Fife but in the whole of Britain, though scarce in the Outer Hebrides, Shetland and the Highlands. The species is one of the commonest breeding birds in Great Britain, with over 5 million pairs (almost 50% of the total European population). Only the Chaffinch and Wren, with nearly 6 million
JEREMY GREENWOOD and nearly 8 million breeding pairs respectively, are more abundant. There were far fewer Wood Pigeons in the past. They have benefited from the planting of small woodlands across the landscape, for woodland is the ancestral habitat for the species, providing food in the form of young leaves, berries and acorns, and nest sites in tall bushes and in sheltered places in the trees. But the main benefit that we provide Wood Pigeons is now our farmland, where they can gather spilled grain at harvest time and feast on the leaves of clover and oilseed rape, especially in the winter. The great expansion of acreage sown with winter rape in recent decades has, indeed, probably been responsible for the species' rapid increase in numbers. Not surprisingly, being so abundant and feeding so much on crop plants, Wood Pigeons are a major agricultural pest. For this reason, it is legal to shoot them at any time. If you shoot one, don't waste it: thanks to a friend in the village, I can confirm that they not only look good but they also taste good. For many years, it was thought that Wood Pigeons from continental Europe came to Britain in most winters, to benefit from our mild climate (and our clover and winter rape!). It is now clear that this does not happen. Yet large flocks of Wood Pigeons can sometimes be seen flying along the coast – some years ago a friend watched a total of 25,000 heading south from Barry Budden on two successive November mornings and there are some spectacular videos of flocks on Youtube. It is thought that these are not long-distance migrants but are birds that have set out looking for new feeding grounds and, on encountering the coast, have turned along it rather than heading out to sea. But ornithologists are still not sure whether this is the correct explanation of these large flocks apparently on the move. How little we know about many of our commonest birds.
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SCOTTISH HISTORY In researching the history of any local area in Scotland, there are a number of well known sources that come immediately to mind. The principal ones are the Old and New Statistical Accounts. The former gives a description of every parish in the land in the mid-1790’s. The latter does the same for the period about 1845. The original inspiration for this huge undertaking was the brainchild of Sir John Sinclair of Ulbster who felt that the economic development of Scotland could only be advanced if this information was freely available. Sir John sent a list of questions to every parish minister as he was certain to have the required standards of literacy and was also in a position to find out the answers if he did not already know them.
MARY REILLY through, as when he describes with horror the attempted assassination of King George III in 1795. In this context, it must be remembered that the French Revolution was at its height and both King Louis XVI and his Queen Marie Antoinette had been very recently sent to the guillotine. Thomas reveals too that he read this in the ‘Advertiser’, which shows him to be a man of means who could afford the luxury of a newspaper and also that he was keenly aware of his duty as a clergyman to inform and direct the opinions of his congregation. The New Statistical Account paints a very different picture of Scotland, especially lowland Scotland. The country was now well on its way to industrialisation, which was something of a mixed blessing. Leuchars parish had not yet been absorbed into the railway network that was to draw it into the manufacturing age, but the Rev. David Walker was the first minister to have his photograph taken. He noted that the tendency now was for farm workers to live in villages, rather than actually living on the farm where they worked In his view this was not a good thing as there were young men unsupervised and liable to be easily led astray.
The questions were wide-ranging and covered the history of the parish, a geological and geographical description, a list of any industries and manufactures as well as any other matters that the minister felt were relevant. For example, the Rev. Thomas Kettle of Leuchars described the people of Leuchars as ‘sober, well-informed and persevering’. He knew about the potato blight or ‘curle’ as he described it, and also the exact number of hand loom weavers that there were, only one of whom wove fine Scotland is fortunate to have these unique damask. documents and copies are available at all of the main libraries which have a reference Occasionally, some personal opinions come section.
Happy 2016 from all at the Balmullo Community Council.
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MERRY
CHRISTMAS
& A PROSPEROUS
NEW
From Paul, Morag & Mark & all at Monteaths
May your God go with you
YEAR
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