2016 November Newsletter

Balmullo Community Council Newsletter 2016, [issue eight]

Photo taken by Stephen Melville

Online newsletter www.issuu.com/ balmullo

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THE MUTE SWAN & THE WHOOPER SWAN

ANDREW FALCONER

This month we look at two very similar water birds, one of which is a familiar favourite and the other which is a close relative but only a winter visitor to Britain.

The Mute Swan (Cygnus Olor), at 140– 160 cm in length and with a wingspan of 200–240 cm, is Britain’s largest breeding bird. It hardly needs description, adults being all-white and juveniles grey-brown, but the main distinguishing feature is the orange and black bill with a black knob on Scandinavia and Siberia. There have the forehead. This knob is much larger in been a few breeding records in Scotland, male birds (or cobs) than females (or from the Northern and Western Isles. As its name suggests, the main call is a loud whooping sound, usually like “hoo, hoo, hoo” and I have heard flocks flying over Balmullo before I saw them.

They are found all over our area, such as on the Eden Estuary, Birnie & Gaddon Lochs, Letham Pools and Lindores Loch. As the photo shows, they are often seen in small flocks on stubble fields, sometimes in company with Mute Swans. The fields around the Eden near Guardbridge usually offer a good chance of seeing Whoopers over pens), so the sexes are easy to separate the winter months. when seen together. Despite its name it has various calls, mostly deep snorts and grunts and it hisses when being aggressive.

The Whooper Swan (Cygnus Cygnus) is almost identical in size and wingspan, but has a yellow and black bill, with the yellow area coming to a point below the nostrils.

Flocks visiting Britain in winter normally come from Iceland, but the breeding areas also cover a wide part of northern 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

John Normand janormand1@gmail.com 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 & Ewan McIntosh 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.

NHS24 111 Rev. John Duncan 870038 jduncan@churchofscotland.org.uk M.P. Stephen Gethins 657765 M.S.P. Willie Rennie 656361 Doctors Surgery Balmullo 871164 Balmullo Primary School 659451 Bell Baxter High School 659459 Madras College 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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PHARMACY APPLICATION Pharmacist Raymond Kelly’s application for a new pharmacy at Pitcairn Practice was rejected at a Fife PPC (Pharmacy Practices Committee) hearing on 30 June, despite strong support from Balmullo Community Council. Raymond and Dr Peter Lomas of BCC both submitted appeals to the National Appeals Panel on the basis of a procedural breach of the Regulations by the PPC.

MACMILLAN COFFEE AFTERNOON We raised £665.17. I wish to thank all of you who came along and supported us – with donations of baking, books, raffle prizes etc., and spending your money. Thanks also to the lovely ladies who did the teas and coffees and washingup. To the children from Balmullo Primary School who came along, it was wonderful to see you all there. I hope that I have not forgotten anyone.

POINTS FROM THE SECRETARY’S EMAIL The Boundary Commission’s proposals for the 2018 Review of UK Parliament Constituencies which have an impact on Fife. All comments on the proposals must be with the Boundary Commission for Scotland by 11th January. The Commission will hold a public meeting on Tuesday 29 November 2016 within The City Chambers, 14 City Square, Dundee DD1 3BY Fife Forum autumn newsletter is available. It has lots of helpful information and contacts. You can sign up to it by contacting http:// www.fifeforum.org.uk/ UK Honours nomination forms available from www.direct.gov.uk/honours

BALMULLO COMMUNITY COUNCIL We are pleased to confirm that these appeals were successful. This means that the application must be considered afresh at another PPC hearing with the committee this time being made up of different members from the first hearing.

The date of the new PPC meeting has yet to be determined but once again BCC will be providing direct support to Raymond Kelly with both parties making new presentations to the BCC.

JACQUELINE STOCKTON Thank you to Haydays for their generous donation, also Balgove Larder, Clayton Caravan Park, Eden Mill, Thai Teak, Dairsie shop, Balmullo Spar, British Heart Foundation and Eric Boyd for the Whisky.

Once again, thank you all from Moyra Christie and Jacqueline.

SUE SMITH discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in all our communities. “We’d encourage you to think about how your community demonstrates its pride in its LGBT people and how we can all encourage more LGBT Fifers to continue to contribute to our towns and villages and to feel valued members of society.” They recently commissioned a film which features individual stories from LGBT people living in Fife and profiles some of the fantastic work going on by organisations here too. You can watch ‘Queer Kingdom,’ a film by award-winning filmmaker, Stuart Edwards on https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=aYK2KOfb2Ck

Leuchars Army Stations Community Forum – Record of Decisions at meeting held on 26 Oct 2016 at 1900 hrs. I can forward these to anyone wishing to read them.

Inclusion Scotland is a group that are trying to give disabled people access to politics and elected office in Scotland. This can include 1 to 1 support, sourcing of suitable training and Pink Saltire is an organisation based in Fife who providing funds to help address impairment works to improve equality and diversity across barriers. Their website is - http:// Scotland. They want to reduce isolation and inclusionscotland.org

We wish all of our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

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ANNOUNCEMENTS Newsletter – Although a few very helpful residents provide regular articles for the Newsletter, the collation of articles and adverts and much of the content is provided by 2 people.

This voluntary effort has been taking up a significant time every month and, in order to keep the Newsletter going, we have decided to reduce the number of issues from 10 to 6 each year. The deadline dates for submission of content (in line with BCC meetings) will be the second Monday of January, March, May, June (Gala issue), September and November. The newsletter will be printed and distributed later in these months. Dates for events should be provided to the editor as early as possible to allow for the longer period between issues.

BALMULLO COMMUNITY COUNCIL Homestart, East Fife - is currently looking for new volunteers to support families in the area.

Anyone interested should contact them on 01334 477548.

The Health and Social Care Partnership - are encouraging people to return any mobility equipment no longer in use, to the St Andrews recycling centre or by calling 01592 583252.

Sheltered Housing across Fife has changed its name to Retirement Housing and will be deregistered from the Care Inspectorate.

TCAT – Transforming Care After Treatment - are working with people affected by cancer, enabling them to be prepared and supported to live an Leuchars Station Car Park - It’s hoped that the independent life with confidence in their local contractor will start on-site in Mid-January and community. Contact them on 03451 555555 the work will be completed in March 2017. The ext. 493731. combined car parks will have in excess of 300 spaces, including 10 disabled. When the new car Serious litter - can be reported at park comes into use there will be a £1 daily waste.aware@Fife.gov.uk. parking charge.

The next meeting is in Burnside Hall at 7.30pm Parking Charges - It has been agreed that Fife on Monday 12th December 2016.

Council will introduce parking charges on a Sunday from 1.00 pm, starting in the New Year.

A copy of the Minutes will be available on the shelves at the Post Office.

BALMULLO BURNS CLUB The Balmullo Burns Club has now finalised the next Burns Supper for Saturday 28 January 2017 in the Balmullo Inn. We have this year asked some locals to give the addresses and toasts and expect it will be an enjoyable evening.

The committee are presently contacting the

BILL DUFF 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 tel: 870787.

The Club wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

FOR SALE FOR SALE - 16 inch dog coats.

One rain coat – almost new

Two winter weight padded coats – one almost new, one used.(Weatherbeeta)

Two high viz coats – one almost new, one used, If interested call Ina on 07711 545 927. both padded. (Petlife)

FREE New carpet off-cut, 5' wide x 12' long. Cream/brown colour. Would fit small hallway. Phone: Elizabeth 870380

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ROBINS AT CHRISTMAS

Why are there so many Robins on Christmas cards? It is true that they are familiar and much loved birds: as soon as we start to dig in the garden or to scrape up leaves a Robin will arrive, pouncing down on the grubs that our activities have turned up. Tempting them with mealworms or other delicacies, they can even be enticed to take food from our hands. It was not surprising that when the birdwatching broadcaster David Lindo organized a vote for Britain's national bird last year, the Robin took top place with 34%, more than double the second-placed Barn Owl. To remind them of home, the Britons who have settled overseas in the last 500 years have generally managed to find a local bird with a red breast to which they could apply the name 'Robin', even if it was a species quite unrelated to our own homely Robin.

This familiarity does not, however, explain why the robin has been appearing on Christmas cards for the last 150 years. That came about because the uniform of postmen between 1784 and 1861 was bright scarlet, sufficiently

JEREMY GREENWOOD

reminiscent of the bird's red breast for people to nickname postmen as 'Robins'. (Trollope fans may remember that the cook in Framley Parsonage refers to the postman as 'Robin Postman'). By the middle of the 19th century, people had begun to celebrate Christmas with almost as much enthusiasm as we do today and had started to exchange Christmas greetings by mail, some of their cards and envelopes bearing illustrations of the postman calling. By the late 1860s, cards were appearing that replaced the postman with the bird whose name it had borrowed.

In a sense, this development happened just in time, for in 1861 the postmen's uniform was changed to dark blue; the 'Robin' nickname then sank into oblivion, leaving the real Robin to decorate the post alone. There have, however, been many changes in the uniform since 1861 and in recent years we have come full circle: John Normand and his colleagues are again dressed in red. What would they say if we started greeting them as 'Robin' again?

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CUPLAHILLS FARM UPDATE

As many locals will know my father, William Melville, sadly passed away on 29th April 2016. He took great pride in farming throughout his life and ensured that the lands at Cuplahills and Lucklaw farm were left in good heart, ready for the next generation to continue with cropping earning a living form the land. The foundations were laid to enable the seeds of diversification to be sown, which subsequently enabled new enterprises including the Livery, Country Cabins, Farmhouse B&B and Environmental management work to thrive. He is sadly missed, but his legacy continues in particular through the Woodlands he planted as a means of giving something back to the environment, wildlife and the local community.

As winter finally sets in it seems like an appropriate time to look back at the 2016 harvest year. A reasonable spring meant that crops established well, however the lack of sunlight during the summer meant that yields for some crops were not as high as normal. Harvest was relatively straight forward with good spells of dry weather at the start and end of the busy period.

Grain prices have increased slightly since harvest, driven predominantly by the weakening value of Sterling which makes UK produce more attractive for the export market. A further lift in prices is still needed in order to take many crops back into position of sustainability, however this is unlikely to happen in the short term whilst world stocks of wheat, maize and proteins remain high.

The good autumn weather in 2017 has once again allowed winter crops to be planted in excellent conditions.

As part of our ongoing endeavour to try new farming techniques we have started to sow many crops by direct drilling into stubbles.

This means that the soil is not ploughed, but instead the seeds are sown directly into slightly disturbed stubble. This means that straight lines of green crops grow up through the stubbles (wheat barley, oilseed rape and green cover). The benefits of this establishment technique are:

STEPHEN MELVILLE

Non inversion of the soil minimises the risk of carbon loss to the atmosphere which in turn helps to increase soil biota and build organic matter Reduced risk of soil erosion on slopes Reduced use of fossil fuels in tractors to establish crops = lower costs This is only our first year of trying the new technique, but hopefully it will be successful and can be continued in future years.

One unforeseen problem that has occurred is that members of the public continue to walk dogs across the stubbles seemingly oblivious to the neat rows of green seedlings that represent the next year’s crops. It is kindly requested that walkers remain a little more vigilant about where they walk and keep off the planted fields to prevent damaging the crops which represent next year’s income.

Education Balmullo Primary school pupils are continuing with their work on the John Muir Trust and are using Willie’s Wood as a source of environmental education and enhancement. The children have been dividing up the snowdrop bulbs and spreading them around the wood, removing the ‘biodegradable’ tree and hedge guards and building shelters. The local Cub group also got involved with removing the hedge guards. All such assistance is very much appreciated and helps to keep the countryside looking at its finest.

St Andrews Country Cabins We have now passed our fourth year since opening the cabins and we continue to go from strength to strength. With occupancy rates approaching 70% and our Trip Advisor bookings surpassing 125 Five Star Reviews, it seems we may have got the mix of location, high quality accommodation and price and service just about right. We regularly have guests repeat booking many times over and recommending us to friends and family, which is a great endorsement for our services.

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CUPLAHILLS FARM UPDATE

STEPHEN MELVILLE

The majority of our guests come from within a 2 hour drive, Glasgow being a particularly common source along with Aberdeenshire, Angus, Edinburgh and strangely enough Fife. We also also attract international travellers with Australia, America, France and in particular Switzerland being key sources.

We have hosted several parties for village residents keen to organise a family celebration whilst being able to provide accommodation. These have all proved to be a huge success.

We have undertaken improvements to the cabins to ensure that the quality is maintained. New carpets have been fitted, new sofas delivered and exterior and interior surfaces freshened up. For the 2017 season it is intended that we will also install a new trampoline for our younger guests.

The success of the cabins means that we are now considering putting up the last two RECIPE OF THE MONTH Ingredients

cabins in 2017 to complete the site. If the next two cabins are constructed we will be on the lookout for further local cleaning staff.

The local Balmullo team that assist cleaning the cabins including Ina Cameron, Avril Buist and Derek and Evelyn Calder have proved to be invaluable over the years and the quality of their work is regularly commented on by guests. Derek and Evelyn have decided to call it a day at the cabins at the end of 2016. Their attention to detail and friendship will be very much missed. On the plus side however, we have managed to tempt another local resident, Moira Christie to take on their responsibilities.

If you have any friends or family in need of accommodation for a holiday or during a visit to see family members, or alternatively if a venue is needed for a family celebration, please feel free get in touch at enquiries@standrewscountrycabins.co.uk.

PARKIN CAKE

GLORIA HUSSEN

175g (6 oz) plain flour 175g (6 oz) black treacle 150g (5 oz) butter 100g (4 oz) dark brown sugar 2 level teaspoons ground ginger 1 level teaspoon ground cinnamon 275 g (10 oz) porridge oats 1 large egg 150 ml (5 fl oz) milk 1 level teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Pre-heat the oven to 180oC/Fan 160oC/Gas 4. Grease an 18 cm (7 in) deep square cake tin, then line the base with baking parchment.

Measure the treacle, butter and sugar into a medium pan and heat gently until the butter has melted and the sugar dissolved. Allow to cool slightly.

Sift the flour and spices into a large bowl and add the porridge oats. Mix together the egg and milk and stir in bicarbonate of soda. Add to the dry ingredients along with the treacle mixture and stir well to mix. Pour into the prepared tin.

Bake in the pre-heated oven for about 1 hour or until firm to the touch. Leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn out, peel off the parchment and finish cooling on a wire rack.

Wrap the cold parkin in baking parchment and store in a cake tin for a week before cutting into 16 squares.

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W&J HORSBURGH FRESH Pittenweem Fish In Balmullo every

WEDNESDAY

From 10am to 4pm Or place your orders by telephone 01333 310567 07751 974615 07528 301092

DEREK B CAMPBELL Motor Engineer SERVICING & M.O.T. REPAIRS

KEVIN MALONEY FOR ALL YOUR DECORATION NEEDS 01334 870241 OR 07941 545052

Tel 870328 ‘Loanhead’ Balmullo St. Andrews KY16 0BQ

#Balmullo Life

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BALMULLO S.W.R.I.

ANN FALCONER

President Ann Falconer welcomed members to President Mrs Ann Falconer welcomed members and guests to our annual business the meeting on Thursday 6th October.

Our guest speaker for the evening was local meeting on Thursday 3rd November. expert Alyson Christie who gave a talk and demonstration on “Care of your Plants & Flowers”. Alyson explained the main points to remember in looking after floral decorations and cut flowers. She made two floral arrangements to help illustrate these points, emphasising the importance of selecting appropriate foliage plants, many of which can be found locally, always checking with the homeowner before lightly pruning their specimens! The finished results were outstanding and these became the star prizes in a special raffle, won by Wilma Mackie and Elizabeth Hughes. Ann Falconer proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Alyson, particularly as she had just returned from holiday.

Balmullo entered 2 teams in the Fife Federation Annual Quiz, held at Coaltown of Balgonie on 30th September. There were 29 teams competing and the team of Ann Falconer, Mary Reilly, Evelyn Erskine and Andrew Falconer took first prize.

Voting papers were distributed for election of the new committee next month. Everyone enjoyed a tasty supper provided by committee members.

Competition winners: Fresh Floral Arrangement 

1st Jan Redpath



2nd Chrissie Hannah



3rd Grace Steven

Two pieces of Traybake 

1st Penny Wiles



2nd Grace Steven



3rd Wilma Mackie

Flower of the Month 

Mary Campbell

The meeting included the prize-giving ceremony for the year. Overall points winner was Mrs Jan Redpath with runner-up Mrs Penny Wiles. The Ina Brown Quaich was won

by Mrs Elizabeth Hughes and the Joan Gray Trophy by Mrs Linda Hamilton.

Members of Craigrothie SWI attended to supervise the election of our new committee.

Mrs Ann Falconer was re-elected as President.

Other committee members elected were Mrs Katriona Addison, Mrs Jill Dhanjal, Mrs Evelyn Erskine, Mrs Elizabeth Hughes, Mrs Wilma Mackie, Mrs Jan Redpath, Mrs Mary Reilly and Mrs Penny Wiles.

Craigrothie SWI also provided entertainment for the evening with a craft demonstration using jelly rolls of fabric, showing how the fabrics were joined to assemble a variety of items. Samples included a skirt for a Christmas Tree, a handbag and purse. This was followed by a quiz with a Scottish theme, identifying animals from the old Scots words.

Ann Falconer thanked the 4 visitors from Craigrothie for their supervision and entertainment, and everyone then enjoyed a tasty supper.

Arrangements were made for the annual Christmas party, which will be held on Thursday 1st December, when a wide variety of festive dishes will be provided by the members. We are also asking members to bring a gift for some of the residents at Stratheden Hospital. We look forward to seeing as many members as possible for this special night which has an early start time of 7.00 pm.

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MY FAVOURITE CHILDHOOD TEA MEMORY

It was my Grandmother who raised me from the time I was two years old. When I look back on my childhood, towards the late fifties, at a clearly and dearly remembered age, I loved to watch Gran put on her Max Factor deep red lipstick, face powder and spritz of perfume.

The mahogany wood extendable table, in the sitting room, seemed so big to me when I was little. Gran always dressed the table in a pretty embroidered white linen tablecloth with its attractive crotchet middle insert and crotchet corner edging. A lovely crystal vase of fresh cut flowers would be placed in the centre of the table. Around the table were matching rose coloured leather red mahogany chairs. In front of the table was the fireplace with an inviting open coal fire and the centre feature was a large mahogany and brass cased mantle clock which chimed on the hour. A pair of matching ceramic Alsatian mantle dogs were displayed on either side of the clock and looked to me as though they were always on guard. A gleaming chained mirror hung over the fireplace. In the corner sat a writing bureau which was really a writing desk with little compartments filled with bills, a little tiny drawer for stamps and the main drawer full of family postcards from their seaside holidays and letters from my Dad and Uncle who lived and worked down south. I would sit there for hours playing with my Post Office Set trying out G r a n ' s abundance of pens or cutting out the latest fashions from Appointments not her Woman's always necessary W e e k l y Mon Closed magazine.

Tues 9-3 Wed 9-5 Thur 9-8 Fri 9-6 Sat 8-3 Sun Closed

15 Main Street Leuchars 01334 848625

Gran was a good cook and I fondly remember coming home from school to the smell of

CHRISTINA JACK

her baked rhubarb pie which she served with hot custard. Sometimes a little treat would be a short stick of rhubarb which I'd dip into sugar in a brown paper bag. Large stalks of rhubarb grew in one corner of the garden. In the first half of our large back garden, similar to the front, was a lawn with surrounding neat square borders and beds full of well planned perennial flowers mostly Michaelmas Daisies, Red Hot Pokers, Chrysanthemums and Carnations. Across the garden path towards the bottom of the garden lay a plot of healthy vegetables including cabbage, potatoes, turnip, carrots and incredible crunchy, sweet home-grown peas in their pods.

I believed Gran when she would say, 'there's treasure buried in the garden and you're allowed to keep what you find but don't tread on my flowers.' I would run around the garden excitedly, hunting patiently for this treasure even though I had no hope in finding anything!

Every Saturday evening Gran would invite friends round. One of the highlights of the evening was 'high tea' consisting of either pink salmon sandwiches cut into triangles or cold ham, lettuce and tomato on a plate. Fresh bread and butter and a pot of jam and a pretty bone china 3 tier cake stand filled with home baked Victoria cake, Clootie dumpling and scones. I would take little bites of the dumpling to try to find the silver foiled sixpenny piece. Delicate China teacups, saucers and plates were laid on the table but the china cabinet held the best ones, colourful fine bone china in a nice pink rose/green leaf design with a gold rim. They were always referred to as the 'wedding China' and I don't think they ever came out! Cutlery was kept in the sideboard drawer and the knives had white pearl handles. The tea was loose leafed Ceylon, and the china teapot was warmed first and to help keep the tea warm, the teapot was dressed in a bright pink and lime green knitted tea cosy with a Pom Pom on top. You never stirred the pot as that was thought to 'stir up trouble' and a missing teapot lid meant 'visitors' were on their way. The kettle was always singing on the verge of boiling, ready to

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MY FAVOURITE CHILDHOOD TEA MEMORY

make another instant pot. Gran would always follow George Orwell's rule of making a nice cup of tea, taking the teapot to the kettle, never the kettle to the pot. My earliest memory of drinking tea was from my grandad's lap, he would pour some tea onto his saucer and let me sip from it. The tea and smell of tobacco from his pipe must have comforted me so much that I remember drifting off to sleep on his knee. In the mornings, he would often sit by the kitchen table to read his newspaper and make tea in the stainless steel teapot which he reheated on the gas cooker. Gran refused to drink it as she said it was 'stewed!' Children were expected to be 'seen and not heard,' so, as I sat at the table quietly, respectful and well behaved, I was encouraged to say, 'please' and 'thank you.' I did feel so grown up to be among the Adults, drinking my tea out of a China cup, pouring in the milk from a jug and stirring in two spoonfuls of sugar but I was always reminded not to stick the wet spoon back in the sugar bowl. We would sit around the table and talk, laugh at silly jokes and the Adults would discuss any problems that they had and I would just listen to their conversations oblivious to what it all meant! One question I was often asked was, 'what I'd like to be when I grew up?' I thought that old people told the best stories and I was always very intrigued by their yesterdays' tales. Gran would read the tea leaves left over in the cups just for fun but everyone would listen so attentively to Gran predicting their future!

I wasn't excused from the table until tea was over, the table then cleared and with one of Gran's aprons tied up to my armpits, I would stand upon a little stool to help wash the dishes. The crumbs on the rug under the table would be quickly swept up by the push and pull carpet sweeper. Next on the table, Gran's favourite tipple of Bristol Cream Sherry, the only alcoholic luxury I can remember apart from the odd Guinness that Gran and Grandad would say they took for medicinal purposes. I loved a Snowball, but as I was not quite 9 years old, I guess it would have been one tenth

CHRISTINA JACK

Advocaat and nine tenths lemonade! A couple of bars of Fry's Chocolate Cream would be broken into squares and shared between everyone. Afterwards, a few songs by the piano, my 'star' turn of 'Kiss Me Honey Honey Kiss Me' or 'Sailor' (stop your roaming) and a tear in Gran's eye whilst her guests sung 'Nobody's Child,' and 'Danny Boy.' Gran then placed on the table my 'Alice in Wonderland' Colouring Book and metal watercolour paintbox filled with tiny blobs of coloured paints. I loved mixing red and yellow to make orange and washing my thin little paintbrush in the jar between colours. A pack of glossy playing cards came out of the sideboard drawer. A 'penny' kitty would be set up and the cards dealt to play 7 card Rummy, with more tea and shortbread biscuits to finish off the evening. I wasn't allowed to hold the cards with my paint covered little fingers but I would look over my Gran's shoulder to watch her play.

When she glanced and gave me a smile and a wink, I knew she had a winning hand and that all of her winning pennies would be mine at the end of the night. I'd be given the bag of pennies to place under my pillow which endured all sorts of things from books to the crumbs from Rich Tea biscuits! My pennies were spent on 2 ounces of Kola Cubes from a jar on the top shelf of our local sweet shop.

So many wonderful memories that never die, I hope I have stirred a few fond special tea memories for you! Lang may yir lum reek!

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SCOTTISH OUTDOOR ACCESS CODE:

The lands at Cuplahills and Lucklaw farm provide an excellent opportunity for members of the public to gain access to the countryside and take advantage of the stunning scenery, views and wildlife on offer.

There are almost The Scottish Outdoor Access Code ensures that the public has access to the countryside, but also provides detailed guidance relating to the responsibilities bestowed upon landowners, but also on those that chose to utilise their right to access.

There Codes three main principles are: • Respect the interests of other people.

Acting with courtesy, consideration and awareness is very important. If you are exercising access rights, make sure that you respect the privacy, safety and livelihoods of those living or working in the outdoors, and the needs of other people enjoying the outdoors.

If you are a land manager, respect people’s use of the outdoors and their need for a safe and enjoyable visit.

• Care for the environment.

If you are exercising access rights, look after the places you visit and enjoy, and leave the land as you find it. If you are a land manager, help maintain the natural and cultural features which make the outdoors attractive to visit and enjoy.

• Take responsibility for your own actions.

If you are exercising access rights, remember that the outdoors cannot be made risk-free and act with care at all times for your own safety and that of others. If you are a land manager, act with care at all times for people’s safety.

As the land owners at Cuplahills & Lucklaw my mother and I are advocates of the SOAC and are delighted to see so many local residents making use of the 10,000m of access roads, tracks and woodland paths across that farm that are managed by cutting grass paths, filling potholes and trimming hedges.

In general the majority of those that travel across the farm cause no issue whilst out walking/cycling/running

STEPHEN MELVILLE 19

or horse riding, however there have been an increasing number of incidents whereby: Walkers have been exercising dogs in growing crops Sheep have been worried by dogs Wildlife (roe deer, brown hare, foxes, pheasants and partridge) have been chased by uncontrolled dogs and There is an ever greater presence of dog faeces left on paths or discarded in banking’s within the plastic bags.

All such incidences represent breaches of the Access Code and if they continue will require that the access officer and / or local dog warden will have to become involved.

Great efforts have been made to establish grass margins, wild bird seed, species rich grassland, native hedges, mixed woodlands and green cover crops to provide improved habitats for wildlife and to help populations thrive. It is kindly requested that walkers utilise the paths provided and keep their dogs out of wildlife areas which includes avoiding walking in the grass margins and allowing working dogs in particular to hunt through hedges and fields where ground nesting birds and brown hare seek refuge. Dogs should in particular be kept under close control between March and July.

Information on the rights and responsibilities of the land owner and members of the public accessing the land can be found at the following link: www.outdooraccessscotland.com and information specifically for dog walkers can be found at: http://www.outdooraccessscotland.com/sites/default/files// docs/dog_owners_leaflet.pdf

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LEUCHARS AND DISTRICT GARDENING AND CRAFTS CLUB

The Club held the first of their Autumn and coffee and there was a large selection season of events on 13 October with a of Cake and Candy on sale thanks to Beetle Drive. Last year we held our first generous donations.

Beetle Drive which was well attended and it was decided to make it, like our Quiz night, an annual event. Unfortunately only five people turned up, but undaunted, along with the five committee members we carried on and had a lively and fun evening with those who had come to their first beetle drive finding it very exciting.

Gwenyth Mitchell, Chairman, thanked everyone involved in making the day another success, the committee along with local helpers who set up the show, the admin. team, the catering team, the exhibitors without whom there would be no show and of course the public who came The Annual Autumn Flower Show was held in the Burnside Hall Balmullo on Saturday 29 October.

The public were met with a blaze of colour on entering the main hall with the display of Chrysanthemums, from large exhibition through anenome centred to spray chrysanthemums all of excellent quality in the opinion of the judge. The other judges also commented favourably on the quality of exhibits with good entries in the Vegetable, Pot Plants and the inter SWRI sections and a display of Honey and Beeswax candles.

In the smaller hall the Floral Art exhibits were of the same high quality along with the Children's classes.

Also in the main hall the public enjoyed tea

BILL DUFF

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along to support us. She then introduced Joyce Normand the school Secretary who presented the trophies.

Joyce kindly recited a poem she had composed especially for the Show.

Best exhibit. Kyle Bell Balmullo The L&D G&CC Children 7 to 9 years Best exhibit. Nathan Lee Balmullo.

The Johnstone Cup : Nathan Lee Best exhibit overall Children.

The Aitken Medal : Dairsie WRI. Best exhibit WRI.

The Dunfermline Cup : Mr A Ainsworth Arbroath. Best exhibit 3 Vases Chrysanthemums.

The L&D G&CC 75th Anniversity Cup : Mr D. Scott Grangemouth. Best exhibit Chrysanthemums.

The Bruce Williamson Mem. Cup : Mr N. Muirhead Glenrothes. Best exhibit Vegetables.

The George Gay Mem. Cup : Mrs W. Wheelans Cupar. Best exhibit Industrial.

The Motray Cup : Mr W. Duff Balmullo. Best exhibit Honey.

Joyce was then presented with a bouquet of flowers by Aaron Lee.

Our second event of the Autumn season was a talk on Orchirds given by Alex Barty from Perth. Alex is a very experienced and enthusiast grower of orchids who had worked in nurseries both here and in Australia gaining a vast knowledge of the different types and varieties of orchids which came over in the very interesting talk talk he gave which included a superb set of slides of orchids.

The audience gave a very warm vote of The L&D G&CC Children 6 years and under thank and it is hoped more orchids will be grown and we will have more entries at our shows.

Our next event will be a Spring Floral Art Demonstration on Thursday 16 March 2017 at 7.30 in the Burnside Hall to be given again by Andy Smith.

For any further information on the Club contact Bill Duff, Secretary, 1B Smithy Road. Tel: 870787.

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Taken outside SPAR by Bill McRae – no caption needed

CHIC O’HARE DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS

Over 35 years experience Prompt reliable service NEWPORT-ON-TAY TEL 01382 541702 MOBILE 07802 538284

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WHAT’S ON? NOVEMBER 29TH COFFEE WITH COPS. LEUCHARS COMMUNITY CAFÉ. 10.00 – 11.00 AM. ALL WELCOME. DECEMBER 1ST SWI CHRISTMAS PARTY. BURNSIDE HALL 7.00 PM 7TH BURNSIDE HALL COMMITTEE MEETING. 7.30 PM. 10TH INTERNATIONAL LIGHTS AND SOUNDS CONCERT. ST ATHERNASE CHURCH. 6.30 PM. £5 ENTRY. 12TH COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING. BURNSIDE HALL 7.30 PM. ALL WELCOME

13TH COFFEE WITH COPS. LEUCHARS COMMUNITY CAFÉ. 10.00 – 11.00 AM. ALL WELCOME.

JANUARY 2017 5TH SWI MEETING. BEETLE DRIVE & PICTURE QUIZ. BURNSIDE HALL 7.15 PM. 9TH COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING. BURNSIDE HALL 7.30 PM. ALL WELCOME. 28TH BALMULLO BURNS CLUB. BURNS SUPPER. BALMULLO INN. 6.00 FOR 6.30 PM. RUNNING AN EVENT? EMAIL ANFALCONER@TISCALI.CO.UK

OCTOBER 200 CLUB DRAW WINNERS

£50 £20 £20 £20 £20 £20

Miss Hannah, Cynicus Place

Mrs Geddes, Hillview Road Mrs Drew, Park View Mr Bayne, The Mount Ms Herrington, School Road Mr Adamson Greenacre

£10 £10 £10 £10 £10

Mrs Buist, Lucklaw Road Miss Gray, School Road Mr Baxter, Park View Mr Thommeny, Summerhill Mr Manzie, Borthwick Place

NOVEMBER 200 CLUB DRAW WINNERS

£50 £20 £20 £20 £20 £20

Mrs Tolley, The Mount

Mr Tully, School Road Mr & Mrs Smith, Pitcairn Drive Mrs Campbell, Lucklawhill Mrs Lawson, Mansfield Road Mrs McNaughton, Cynicus Place

How to Join Our 200 Club?

It's easy to join the 200 Club. Call or email Ina at twaauldgoats@btinternet.com or call 870253. It only costs £1 per entry per month,

£10 £10 £10 £10 £10

Mrs Auld, Park View Mr Morrison, Greenacre Mr Filipovic, Pitcairn Drive Mrs Shoemaker, Mansfield Road Mr & Mrs Brand, Lomond Place

and you can enter as many times as you like.

We are currently trying to raise money for various Balmullo community activities and projects. - GOOD LUCK!

Join our 200 Club :)

You could advertise here for as little as £5 per issue!

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Call Jake On 079 6978 0956

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D.C MCWALTER HAULAGE - BALMULLO

D.C McWalter started his haulage firm in 1932 and continued running it until his death in 1981.

He started with one lorry in premises where the Bowling Green is now and then moved to McWalters Fields where the new houses are situated.

His grandson, David Beatt, who lives in Sweden with his wife and two sons, was always very keen on the lorries. He had been known as a young boy to "bunk off" school to go away in the lorry for the day!

He sourced this Leyland Roadtrain from the north of Sweden. It dates from the early eighties and when it arrived at his home it was in a sorry state. He has spent the last year refurbishing it in his Grandad’s colours. He has done so with help from Stuart Dixon whose father worked for D.C McWalter for many years. It is now in perfect working condition and is being exhibited at various truck shows.

This photo was taken at Ingliston Truckfest by Gary Campbell.

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LEUCHARS QUALITY MEATS 24 Main Street, Leuchars Quality Scotch Beef Pork : Chicken : Lamb Also a selection of Steak Pies Individual Pies : Cold Meats : Eggs & Bacon Orders will be made up on request for collection: at 24 Main Street Leuchars KY16 0HN Tel: 01334 839213 Email: lqm24@icloud.com

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CLUB CARS Taxis

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JOHNSTONE PLUMBING, HEATING & GAS SERVICES www.johnstoneplumbers.co.uk

Fast and reliable service Emergency Call-Outs 207782

MILLBANK, 28 SCHOOL ROAD, BALMULLO TEL/FAX: 01334 870691

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EMAIL: info@johnstoneplumbers.co.uk

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