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GREYLAG & PINK-FOOTED GEESE
ANDREW FALCONER
more likely to be Pinkfooted Geese, recognised by frequent calls that sound like ‘wink’ ‘wink’.
One of the common sights and sounds of Autumn is a flock of wild geese flying overhead as they migrate South from their breeding areas in Iceland, Greenland and Svalbard to Scotland, England and other areas of Western Europe.
A Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus) is a bit smaller than a Greylag, with length 64-76 cm and wingspan 137-161 cm. You can see from the photo where it gets its name, although the feet are often obscured by mud. It has a small dark head and the beak is short and stubby, with a little pink band. Like the Greylag, the plumage is generally grey-brown but the neck is noticeably shorter. Large flocks of geese,
The Greylag Goose (Anser anser) is one of the two geese found commonly around Fife, feeding on stubble or old potato fields. At 74-84 cm in length and with a wingspan of 149168 cm this is a large and bulky goose. The main identification features are the heavy orangepinkish beak, large pale grey head, generally grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish legs and feet. Some wild Greylags nest in sometimes a mix of both species, can be Northern Britain – others have become found during the winter in farming areas domesticated. all around North-east Fife. The geese seen flying over in their Photographs courtesy of John Anderson, distinctive ‘V-shaped’ formations are Crail.
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Balmullo
Chairman, Treasurer & Newsletter Andrew Falconer 870496 anfalconer@tiscali.co.uk Vice-Chairman: Alison Jeffrey 870674 alison@balmullo.net
MEMBERS
Minute-Secretary: Ann Falconer 870496 anfalconer@tiscali.co.uk Councillors: Ina Cameron
Secretary: Sue Smith 870221 secretary@balmullo.net
fife
COMMUNITY COUNCIL
councillors
Gwenyth Mitchell 870010 gwenyth@balmullo.net Peter Lomas 870848 pil77@btinternet.com
870253
twaauldgoats@btinternet.com
Colin Finlay
870578
John Normand janormand1@gmail.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
NHS24
111
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
M.P. Stephen Gethins M.S.P. Rod Campbell Doctors Surgery Balmullo Balmullo Primary School Bell Baxter High School Madras College
657765 844971 871164 659451 659459 659402
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 £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 still actively seeking a new Chairperson – a role which is very important but not too demanding. It requires chairing our monthly meeting (2nd Monday of each month, except July & August), usually lasting 1 – 1½ hours. There is cover if you need to miss a meeting. The bulk of the work is done by the Treasurer, Secretary and Minute Secretary but input and fresh ideas from a new person would be very welcome.
BALMULLO COMMUNITY COUNCIL evenings, weekends and the Christmas period.
The B945 St. Michaels to Tayport road will be closed from the Tentsmuir Junction to Scotscraig Road, starting 9 November till 12 February, from 08:15 to 16:15 Monday to Friday. The closure will be lifted during
served afterwards. All welcome.
Fife Council has launched the “Ready for Winter” campaign. Details can be found at www.fifedirect.org.uk/winter or on facebook or twitter.
We wish to thank George Smith and Christina Jack for replacing and refilling one of the large 3-tier planters at the corner of Tentsmuir Car Park will be closed at some Burnside, after it was pushed over by point in the near future for felling trees in vandals late on Saturday 31 October. danger of falling, but also during and Our annual Carol Concert is on Sunday 20 immediately after periods of high winds until December at 6.30 pm in Burnside Hall. the work is completed. Drinks (non-alcoholic) and mince pies will be
POINTS FROM THE SECRETARY’S EMAIL
The next meeting is in Burnside Hall at 7.30pm on Monday 14th December. A copy of the Minutes will be available on the shelves at the Post Office. SUE SMITH
Fife Cares Newsletter is available on the Fife We have had notification that Cupar Round Table with Santa’s Sleigh will be in Balmullo website. The Health and Social Care Integration in on 6th December Fife, Draft Strategic Plan for Fife 2016 – 2019 summary report, has been issued( a copy is on the Community Council shelf in the Spar). It is open for consultation until 6th January 2016.
To keep up to date with information relating to both Development Plans and Development Management you can follow them on Twitter @FifeDevPlan
BALMULLO COMMUNITY COUNCIL SEEKS NEW CHAIRPERSON
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OCTOBER & NOVEMBER 200 CLUB DRAW WINNERS
£50 £20 £20 £20 £20 £20
Mrs Mitchell, Hillview Mr Greenwood, Smithy Road Mr Prophet, Park View Mrs Hood, The Mount Mr Judge, Hillview Road
£50 £20 £20 £20 £20 £20
Mr Carr, Pitcairn Drive £10 £10 £10 £10 £10
Mr Noble, Hillview Road Mr Dall, Anderson Drive Mr Dobie, Smithy Road Mr Smillie, Park View Mrs McNair, Pitcairn Drive
Mr Erskine, School Road
Mr Auld, Park View Mrs Wood, Summerhill Mrs Paul, Pusk Farm Cottage Mrs Christie, Main Road Mr S Normand, Greenacre
£10 £10 £10 £10 £10
Mr Dishington, Inchlaw Mr Hughes, Hillfield Road Mr Caulfield, Pitcairn Drive Mrs Shoobridge, Lucklaw Road Mr Harcus, Pitcairn Drive
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?
DECEMBER 2ND BURNSIDE HALL COMMITTEE MEETING. 7.30 PM. 2ND PARK COMMITTEE AGM. BALMULLO INN. 7.00 PM. ALL WELCOME. 3RD WRI CHRISTMAS PARTY. BURNSIDE HALL 7.00 PM. N.B. EARLY START 12TH LIGHTS & SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS. ST. ATHERNASE LEUCHARS 6.30PM TICKETS £5 14TH COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING. BURNSIDE HALL 7.30 PM. ALL WELCOME. 20TH CAROL CONCERT. BURNSIDE HALL 6.30 PM. SEASONAL REFRESHMENTS. ALL WELCOME.
2016
JANUARY 7TH WRI MEETING. BURNSIDE HALL. 7.15 PM. 11TH COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING. BURNSIDE HALL 7.30 PM. ALL WELCOME.
RUNNING AN EVENT? EMAIL ANFALCONER@TISCALI.CO.UK
THE BALMULLO COMMUNITY NEEDS YOU TO GET INVOLVED
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KEVIN MALONEY
W&J HORSBURGH
FOR ALL YOUR DECORATION NEEDS 01334 870241 OR 07941 545052
FRESH Pittenweem Fish In Balmullo every
WEDNESDAY
From 10am to 4pm Or place your orders by telephone 01333 310567 07751 974615 07528 301092
Balmullo needs you! 14th December 2015 @ 1930 Burnside hall
R ROBERTSON Domestic Gas Central Heating Services Installation, Servicing & Repairs All types of gas central heating systems, hobs and cookers Landlord Certificates Free Estimates 559096
Colin Finlay Qualified Electrician Any jobs large or small Discounts for OAPs Balmullo 870578 Mobile 07828 547395
DEREK B CAMPBELL Motor Engineer SERVICING & M.O.T. REPAIRS Tel 870328 ‘Loanhead’ Balmullo St. Andrews KY16 0BQ
Mob: 077 0731 5932
Appointments not always necessary Mon Closed Tues 9-3 Wed 9-5 Thur 9-8 Fri 9-6 Sat 8-3 Sun Closed
15 Main Street Leuchars 01334 848625
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
BALMULLO COMMUNITY COUNCIL
You may have noticed that the Newsletter in September was later than usual and there was none for October. This is mostly because of pressure of work and family holiday commitments for our volunteers but also due to lack of material to publish. Apart from regular contributors and a few other notable exceptions, there is very little submitted
to me for the Newsletter. The content could become more varied and appeal more to readers if new contributors gave us some of their knowledge and experiences to share – holiday stories, exciting adventures, sporting achievements, technical knowledge etc. We’re not looking for literary prowess, just an interesting piece.
BALMULLO S.W.R.I.
ANN FALCONER
President Mrs Ann Falconer welcomed all to President Mrs. Ann Falconer welcomed members and guests to our annual business the meeting on Thursday 1st October. Our guests for the evening were Emily and meeting on Thursday 5th November. Ronan from I. J. Mellis Cheesemongers, who have 6 cheese shops in Scotland – St. Andrews, Aberdeen, Glasgow and 3 in Edinburgh, where the company is based.
The meeting included the prize-giving ceremony for the year. Overall points winner was Mrs Jan Redpath with runner-up Mrs Wilma Mackie. The Ina Brown Quaich was won by Mrs Mary Campbell and the Joan Gray Partner and founder Iain Mellis had worked in the British cheese industry for almost 15 years Trophy by Mrs Vera Finlayson. before opening his first shop in 1993. The Members of Kilmany SWI attended to company specialise in farmhouse cheese supervise the election of our new committee. which differs from mass-produced factory Mrs Ann Falconer was re-elected as President. cheese because the milk comes from a single Other committee members elected were Mrs herd rather than several different sources. The Katriona Addison, Mrs Jill Dhanjal, Mrs Evelyn milk is usually unpasteurised which means that Erskine, Mrs Elizabeth Hughes, Mrs Wilma the defining flavour characteristics are left Mackie, Mrs Jan Redpath, Mrs Mary Reilly and untouched. Cheeses are sourced from all over Mrs Penny Wiles. Europe, made from cow’s, goat’s and sheep’s Kilmany SWI also provided entertainment for milk. Emily brought samples of several the evening with a cookery demonstration, different cheeses, gave advice on storage and making a Cold Savoury Pasta (or Rice) dish, an answered questions. Members were then able Apricot Cake and a traybake called Rocky to sample the varying tastes on offer. Penny Roads. Members were given the opportunity to Wiles gave a vote of thanks to our visitors. taste the results and copies of the recipes were Voting papers were distributed for election of the new committee in November. Everyone enjoyed a tasty supper provided by Penny Wiles and her helpers.
provided.
Arrangements were made for the annual Christmas party, which will be held on Thursday 3rd December, when a wide variety of festive dishes will be provided by the members. We Competition winners: are also asking members to bring a gift for 4 Cheese Scones 1st Wilma Mackie; some of the residents at Stratheden Hospital. 2nd Penny Wiles; 3rd Mary Campbell We look forward to seeing as many members Photograph & caption 1st Jacqueline as possible for this special night which has an Stockton; 2nd Jan Redpath; 3rd Mary Reilly early start time of 7.00 pm. Flower of the Month
-
Jan Redpath
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READY FOR WINTER? The Fife Council Ready for Winter? campaign starts on the 9 November 2015. The campaign aims to: provide up-to-date and coordinated information on service disruptions and the local impact of severe weather promote the different ways people can stay in touch and receive direct alerts explain the steps people can take to help prepare for severe weather at home or business, in the car and their local community. Messages “Getting ready for winter is something we can all do – it takes a few simple steps – at home, in the car and our communities.” “Sign-up for alerts on www.fifedirect.org.uk/alerts and you’ll get all the latest news as it happens about facility closures and services disruptions.” “Stay in touch, there are lots of ways to stay informed: Online - www.fifedirect.org.uk/winter - all the news and information you’ll need is online – register for alerts at www.fifedirect.org.uk/alerts Follow-us on facebook.com/fifecouncil and twitter.com/fifecouncil Listen to Kingdom FM, Forth One and Tay FM Check DigiTV – Sky channel 539 and Virgin channel 233, press red Call us on 03451 55 00 11 (faults and repairs) and 03451 55 00 99 (out of hours)” The council has a comprehensive plan for the winter. We work round the clock, 7 days a week including during public holidays and do all we can to keep services running whatever the weather.” Campaign activities Publicising the online information centre via FifeDirect - www.fifedirect.org.uk/winter Programme of news releases from November to February, each promoting different aspects of preparation and response including the customer contact channels. Distribution of customer information through local offices and public buildings, including NHS. Direct information to parents through education. Information for parents through parent e-mails and school bulletins Updated information for vulnerable adults (as required).
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A J INNES Painter & Decorator
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andyinnes1986@gmail.com
JOHN STEVEN Plumbing and heating CORGI REGISTERED
WILLISON MOTORS QUEEN STREET - TAYPORT Free collection & delivery service from local and surrounding areas MOT Car Sales Servicing & Repairs
MONDAY – FRIDAY 8am to 5.30pm
3 Tarvit Court - Cupar - Fife
Saturday 9am – 3pm Sales MOT’s until 1pm
Phone 01334 653922
www.willisonmotors.co.uk
Tel: 01382 552720
VIOLIN TUITION From RETIRED PROFESSIONAL VIOLINIST (Former Leader of the Scottish Opera Orchestra) All ages and stages taught, from beginners to advanced/Diploma level, and including preparation for Conservatoire entrance. For further information please contact
ANGUS ANDERSON 01382 540076 (Home) 07708 454770 (Mob)
Balmullo
Bowling Club Play outdoors in summer Indoors in winter
Variety of competitions and friendly matches every week No experience required. All welcome to join. Call John on 870196
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BALMULLO BURNS CLUB According to legend a group of farmers sitting in an inn in mid winter discussing how to brighten up the long cold and dark evenings decided to get together with friends and celebrate the anniversary of Robert Burns birth and this annual event grew into what is now a world wide Federation. So it was that a group of locals sitting in the newly built Balmullo Inn decided to brighten up the winter evenings in the village and formed the Balmullo Burns Club in 1980 and held the first Burns Supper in 1981, followed by a series of Scottish musical evenings. The original four were Bob Crowe, Jim Cameron, George Spence and Mitch Mitchell. Bob Crowe arranged the music and came knocking on my door with " I hear you play the pipes could you come down to the pub and pipe in the haggis at our Burns Supper " and so a long association began. The Burns Suppers have been a success over the years with in the early years Jim, George, and Mitch ably standing up and Addressing the Haggis, giving the Immortal Memory, toasting the Lasses, and giving various recitations, I still remember George's Tam O' Shanter an impressive feat of memory. Many others have come and gone over the years and somehow along with a few others I have survived and next year we will be holding our 36th Burns Supper. Now that we have limited our activities to
BILL DUFF only holding an annual Burns Supper there is only the requirment to hold a couple of committee meetings to decide on speakers, caterers and musicians and to get together on the day to set up the venue. The present committee although commited to maintaining continuity of the Club are looking to some younger people in the village to take on the running of the club, and would be prepared to stay on for a few years to help a new committee to get established and understand the organisation of the club. Although I have until last year only been involved in piping I have enjoyed listening to the many varied speakers over the years and now as Secretary am involved in the wider activities of the Burns fraternity. The Club also sponsor and judge the school's Burns competition and I was invited to join the waiting list for the Cupar Burns Club and attend their Burns Supper. As I have mentioned before there are many clubs/societies in the village in need of support and I hope that the Burns Club can be maintained for the forseeable future. Anyone thinking of getting involved in helping to run the Club can contact me on 870787 or our Chairman, David Wilson 870306. Details of the 2016 Burns Supper which will be held on Saturday 30 Jan. 2016 will be in the next magazine.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
OVEN CLOOTIE DUMPLING
Ingredients
Method
200 g / 8 oz self-raising flour 1 tsp mixed spice 100 g / 4 oz sugar 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 100 g / 4 oz margarine 2 medium eggs, beaten 300 g / 12 oz sultanas 1 teacup water 1 grated apple
1. Put all the ingredients except flour and eggs into pot and boil for 2 minutes. 2. Leave to cool then add flour and eggs. 3. Mix well and divide mixture into 2 tins (1 @ 2lb and 1 @ 1 lb). 4. Bake at 300째C for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.
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MACMILLAN SEPTEMBER TEMPORARY COFFEE TRAFFICAFTERNOON REGULATION25TH ORDERS & CHARGING FOR COMMUNITY EVENTS We made £570.
Chocolates from our local Post Office; a Decorated Cake from Moira Christie; Bottle I wish to thank everyone who came along of Whisky from yours truly; a donation of £50 who helped with setting up, baking, from the Balmullo Inn which paid for the hall donations and spending their money. and more. Without you all we would not have managed to make the money. We had lots of lovely A special thanks to Lynn for setting up and Raffle prizes handed in; Cream Tea for two clearing away at the Hall. Thank you all again from Balgove Larder; voucher for a ‘Hair Do’ and my apologies if I have forgotten anyone. from Louise of Leuchars; £25 Voucher from Strathkinness Tavern; Box of Moira Christie and Jacqueline Stockton
COME TO THE NEXT BALMULLO COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING ON DECEMBER 14TH AT 1930 NEST-BOXES: NOW'S THE TIME TO GET BUSY With the nesting season behind us, now is the time to clean out nest-boxes. If you don't clean old nests out, birds will just build nextyear's nest on top of the old one and, within a few years, there's a danger that the box will be so full of old nest material that it becomes unusable. More importantly, the old nest is likely to be infested with the larvae and pupae of fleas. As temperatures rise in the spring, the pupae hatch into adult fleas, ready to leap onto any birds that enter the box. And when I say "ready" I mean it: they will often creep out of the entrance hole of the box and wait on the outside for any bird that approaches, jumping onto it as soon as it gets near. Birds tend to avoid a box if they can see fleas clustered around the entrance. A friend of mine proved this by putting little black marks, looking roughly like fleas, around the entrances of some of his nextboxes. Fewer of the boxes adorned with these marks were later occupied by birds than were boxes without marks. This early in the winter, there are unlikely to be adult fleas in the nests and, in any case,
JEREMY GREENWOOD
bird fleas mostly don't bite people: nonetheless, I always wear rubber gloves when cleaning nest-boxes. Some people wrap the old nests up in plastic bags and put them in their landfill bin but that's a waste of plastic bags. It's fine to put them in the compost heap or in a corner of the garden where they can rot away naturally – the fleas will not survive. Of course, I am assuming that your nestboxes have hinged lids, making access easy. If yours have fixed lids, then the best thing is to get to work with the screwdriver: take the lid off, clean the box out and remount the lid with a hinge so that access will be easier nest year. (I rarely bother with a proper hinge but use lengths of old bicycle innertube: much cheaper!) Don't delay. It's not just that, according to the strict letter of the law, one should clear out old nests before the new year. More importantly, birds are already inspecting boxes in preparation for next spring. We ought to do our bit to get the accommodation ready.
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LEUCHARS AND DISTRICT GARDENING AND CRAFTS CLUB BILL DUFF flowers by Aaron and Nathan Lee. Ann Duff won the George Gay Memorial Cup for the best exhibit in the Floral Art Section and Nathan Lee, Aaron Lee, and Rebecca McQueen won trophies in the Children's Sections. Local exhibitors who were sucessful: Cut Flower Section. - A. Smith. Vegetable Section. - W. Duff. Pot Plant Section. - F. Sauberlich, G. Reid, A. Jeffrey and C. Finlay. Floral Art Section. - A. Duff and A. Smith. Industrial Section. - P. Wiles, M. Pasley, C. Finlay and M. McQueen. Childrens Section. - Nathan Lee, Aaron Lee, Sophie Bell, Kyle Bell and Rebecca McQueen. Honey Section. - C. Finlay and W. Duff. W.I. Section. - Balmullo SWI And finally the Novice Section where new exhibitors are given the opportunity to try out their skills Margaret McQueen for her baking and Lynn Murphy with her cactus. The Club held another successful Autumn The committee thank all for their Flower Show in the Burnside Hall on contributions in making this a wonderful Saturday 31 October which was well show and hope to see them all again next attended by the local public. year. Although the Chrysanthemum section was At the end of the show Gwenyth thanked the down on previous years entries to other committee and all the local helpers who sections remain fairly static. come along to set up the show and help on There were good entries in the vegetable show day without whom the show would not and floral art sections and the judges go on. reported that they felt the standard of entries generally was very good. The cake and candy stall and the raffle proved to be very popular. The trophies were presented by Liz Johnston from Leuchars, who along with her husband Derek had donated a trophy for the best overall exhibit in the childrens section of a miniature garden in a seed tray, and was presented with a bouquet of
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REFUGEE CRISIS
THE BURGH CHAMBERS, QUEEN ST, TAYPORT WILL BE OPEN 1PM TILL 3PM ON THE LAST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH TO COLLECT YOUR DONATIONS THE DONATIONS WILL THE BE TAKEN TO THE DUNDEE REFUGEE SUPPORT CENTRE AT SWAN HOUSE, DUNDEE TECHNOLOGY PARK. VOLUNTEER TO HELP AT CENTRE FACEBOOK/DUNDEE REFUGEE SUPPORT Visit the facebay shop https://www.facebook.com/pages/DundeeRefugee-Support-Facebay/959583014132600?sk=app_189977524185 click on “shop now tab” and buy items – money received will go toward transportation costs etc. WINTER IS APPROACHING THE REFUGEES NEED YOUR HELP WARM CLOTHING – JUMPERS, SCARFS, JACKETS, HATS, WEATHERPROOF CLOTHING ETC, AND TOILETRIES, SHOES/WELLIES – ANYTHING YOU CAN THINK OFF THAT WILL HELP THE REFUGEES SURVIVE A HARSH WINTER.
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YOUR MEMBER OF SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT After a fairly poor summer, but a sunny autumn, November has arrived with its wind, rain and leaves falling regularly – and with it remembrance of those who had fallen in serving their country. I was fortunate to be able to attend the annual poppy appeal reception hosted by the Presiding Officer in the Scottish Parliament. I was also at services in both Cupar and St Andrews on Remembrance Sunday where there was a substantial turnout from the Army who have at last arrived in Leuchars – the Military Police contingent were particularly striking in their red hats. Although 70 years have now passed since the end of World War Two, interest in these services of remembrance seems to me to have increased in recent years. There was certainly no shortage of attendees in both Cupar and St Andrews. At the end of November, an important climate change conference in Paris will begin. For many people, climate change is one of the key issues of our time and while there is regular argument about whether a particular climatic event is the result of climate change – climate change deniers are now a diminishing group. In the UK we can see the effect of climate change by the increase in average sea levels, by the earlier onset of spring and summer to plant life, and the intensity of many bursts of rainfall . This month, a UN expert warned of the continuing severe threat posed to food security by climate change which could substantially increase the numbers of the world’s population suffering from malnutrition. In the UK ,the Independent Committee on Climate Change have highlighted the need for new policies to increase energy efficiency, to support low carbon power investment ,to develop the market for low emission vehicles (particularly relevant in the light of the VW scandal) and the need to promote low carbon heat.
ROD CAMPBELL
In addition, the committee highlighted the continuing need to reduce emissions on an international basis. Progress on this front has been limited but expectations for Paris are now more optimistic because of the greater interest of both China and the USA in taking steps to reduce emissions, even if in China’s case, it seems little more than a promise for future action . In Scotland while we are making good progress on expanding renewable energy,y particularly in contrast to the rest of the UK, this progress may well be threatened by recent policy changes at a Westminster level. Meeting the 42% emissions reduction target by 2020 is likely to prove challenging, however the Scottish Government remains committed to it. Good progress is being made on the amount of waste being composted, recycled or reused and a reduction in the amount of household waste sent to landfill to less than 50% has been achieved. Many constituents have written to me on that subject and i am glad to support the Pope’s call for action. A clear lead from the Paris talks is essential and I hope they go well.
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MONTEATHS
Accountants & Tax Consultants APPOINTMENTS: MORNING, AFTERNOON or EVENING OUR OFFICE, YOUR HOME or PREMISES Minimum Hourly Rate Increases for 1st October 16-17 rises from £3.79 to £3.87 18-20 rises from £3.13 to £3.30 21 upwards rises from £6.50 to £6.70 National Living Wage From April 2016 25’s and over increase from £6.70 to £7.20 Pension Schemes for Auto - Enrolement If you manage your own Paye and reporting to HMRC then please find out about the new pension scheme. IT IS OBLIGATORY. In 2016 and 2017 every employer will be registering and they need to find an administrator and a pension fund that will take them. Many funds are up to their ears in it already and will be turning down business. So that will leave some employers without a decent scheme, the dregs of administrators and perhaps having penalties from HMRC for not being setup on time. We are organized and can provide the service. But even if you choose not to use ourselves, get moving soon. FINANCIAL ADVICE WE HELP - WE SAVE YOU MONEY FULL ACCOUNTANCY AND COMPLETE TAXATION SERVICES WWW.MONTEATHS.COM Cairnfield, 14 School Road, Balmullo, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 0BD Tel 01334 870343 - Fax 01334 871004 E mail : morag@monteaths.com
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HEDGEHOGS David Paterson sent us this photograph and note on 15th September. We were delighted to see a hedgehog in our garden (Pitcairn Drive) last night - we can’t remember the last time we saw one! As hedgehogs appear to be in trouble, due to threat of habitat, we thought we would share our news and encourage others to look out and encourage their activity in gardens. Further information is available at http:// www.wildaboutgardensweek.org.uk/ and http://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/visit/ wildlife/h/hedgehog/ Last year we also had several visits from a hedgehog to our garden in Inchlaw but have not seen it since the winter – possibly the main road, near Balmullo Inn – another same animal reported by David? unfortunate traffic victim – their main Unfortunately, the last hedgehog I saw danger. recently was deceased at the side of the BLOW A RASPBERRY THIS CHRISTMAS Tayside is renowned for its soft fruit. With the UK bathed in balmy temperatures during November incredibly, we are still picking raspberries. In fact it seems like the warm weather will never end. This is unusual as the average temperature is usually around 5 degrees C whereas we have seen double figures so far.
the crunchy sweetness and slight chewy centre with raspberries and a little liqueur of your choice. If you’re looking for a home made gift idea why not heat some cider vinegar then add raspberries to a sterilised bottle. Add the vinegar, seal and then turn regularly. By Christmas the liquid will be an intense crimson colour. With a handwritten label and a ribbon it’s the equivalent of a It’s hard to imagine that Christmas is just a summer reminder when we most need few weeks away cheering. Strangely enough raspberries and soft fruit If in doubt, cheat! in general, do have a starry role at this time of year. For the festive season we are real Even if you buy a cheesecake, try a Tesco suckers for soft fruit. After all, they do look New York style vanilla version you can make like jewels on the shortest of dull days in a raspberry sauce to die for. I can hear the sighs of delight from here. Using good the smoky ends of the year. quality raspberry preserve, raspberries and Vitamin C and luxury. Does it get any better? a little liqueur. Heat gently until the sauce Therefore a shot of vitamin C and a touch of simmers, add liqueur and keep tasting until luxury never goes amiss. So what can you you fall over. Enjoy! do with all those Tayside raspberries to create something special this Christmas? Why not try a raspberry Pavlova balancing
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MIKE’S MOTOR RACING HEROES As I have moved away from local I.T. for the time being, I thought that I might write about a subject that I have always been fascinated by. Motor Racing. Over the next few months I shall be letting you know my opinion of who I have admired and revered as true racing heroes over the years. My first profile, is of a local born lad, that many older residents will remember. Jim Clark. He was classed by many, as arguably the greatest and naturally gifted motor racing driver ever seen in Formula 1. Jim was born in the wee village of Kilmany, just over the hill from Balmullo, in 1936. He was the son of a Scottish farmer. At the age of four he moved to a large Berwickshire farm. There, Jim learnt how to became an expert farmer, eventually running a twelve hundred acre farm in Berwick. He became a specialist in the field of cattle and pedigree sheep, and he also became an accomplished pilot too. However, his real genius, was behind the wheel of a car. He was not just fast, but he destroyed top fields time and again, often in inferior cars. Firstly having had to learn to drive in secret, Jim was only ever allowed to drive farm vehicles and it was frowned upon by his parents to ever consider “racing” cars. But race cars he did. He became a racer more out of curiosity. In 1956, having just turned twenty, he looked for a cure to
MIKE WITHERS
long weekends at the farm. The solution was to compete in a local motor race. Clark won. His success came naturally, and over the years, he progressed to the pinnacle of the sport. He talked about being confused as to why other racers couldn’t lap as quickly as he could. He was brilliant in the wet, and he possessed a lighting combination of reflexes and instincts He was able to get the most out of cars that other drivers were unable to master. He also possessed gentle vulnerability made him popular with fans and his colleagues, but all were in awe of his talent. Clark was a modest man who had no desire for riches and fame. In fact, even after five time F1 World Champion, Juan Manuel Fangio, called him the greatest racer of all time, the running joke was that Clark loved to buy sheep more than he did to race cars… In 1961 he was involved in a terrible accident that killed Ferrari driver Wolfgang von Trips and claimed the lives of fourteen spectators. Clark was unhurt, but was accused by some of being to blame. He seriously considered retirement, but was persuaded to continue by his then boss, Colin Chapman. In 1963 and in 1965 he became F1 World Champion, and was at the height of his powers, when in 1968, he was killed when a tyre blew whilst competing in a F2 race. Fellow F1 driver Chris Amon said “"If it could happen to him, what hope did the rest of us have?" after Clark's untimely death. The world had lost a brilliant driver and Scotland had lost its favourite son. At his own request, Jim Clark's headstone lists him as being a farmer ahead of him being a driver, which defines him as a farmer first and foremost. You can visit Jim’s bronze statue at Kilmany which stands as a gentle reminder, of the birthplace of F1’s greatest ever driver.
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SAYINGS FROM FIFE 1.
MARY REILLY
“Wha will tae Cupar, maun tae Cupar”
The High Court on its travels sat in Cupar, therefore anyone who insisted on having their grievances decided formally by law, went to Cupar. 2.
A definition of a Fife Laird – “A pickle land, a muckle debt, a doocot and a lawsuit”
There were many small landowners in Fife with pretentions to social standing. A pigeon loft or doocot was the only source of fresh meat in the lean months of winter & spring. Until turnips were planted for winter feeding for stock, almost all of the cattle were slaughtered at Martinmas, 12 November and the meat was salted to preserve it. By April & May, this meat could be less than tasty and nutritious. A doocot was a great asset. Throughout Fife there are many examples from the basic lectern-shaped ones to the elaborate statements of wealth and privilege such as can be seen at Anstruther and Ravenscraig. 3. Dysart for coal and salt, Pathhead for meal and malt, Kirkcaldy for lasses braw, Kinghorn for breaking the law How Kinghorn acquired this unfortunate reputation remains a mystery. Coal and salt were two of Scotland’s principal exports until the mid-eighteenth century. Sea water was trapped in huge pans by the shore and coal was used to dry it off leaving the salt residue. Both colliers & salters were amongst the worst jobs in the land and until 1801 were officially serfs who were bought and sold with the land on which they worked. The work they did was harsh and dangerous and both men and women were employed. In the mines, the men dug the coal and the women carried it in baskets on their backs to the surface. Coal working was done in families and it was worthwhile for a miner to marry young and acquire a wife to carry his coal. Otherwise he had to pay a “friend” or outsider to work for him. Many families always married within each other as no girl from a free home would willingly accept the lot of a coal-bearing miner’s wife. 4.
“I’ll gar yer lugs ring like a Culross girdle”
Culross was famous for making the flat iron plates with a hooped iron ring which could be suspended over a fire. These were much used in Scotland especially for baking oatcakes and scones. While the iron was struck it had a bell-like sound, so the threat was plain. Do not attempt to explain this to an American visitor to whom the word girdle means an oldfashioned female undergarment. 5.
“It’ll be the ‘Mars’ for you, my lad”
A threat used by mothers to their sons who were misbehaving. The Mars was a former wooden warship, latterly a hulk moored in the Tay off Woodhaven. Boys who had fallen foul of the law, sometimes for quite petty misdemeanours, were sent there for firm discipline and training in useful trades. Many went eventually either to the Royal or Merchant Navy, but the training was severe, probably brutal by the standards of the 21st century.
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