2017 March Newsletter by Balmullo Community Council

Balmullo

Balmullo Community Council Newsletter 2017, [issue two]

Picture by Lucy P7

Online newsletter www.issuu.com/balmullo

REED BUNTING AND YELLOWHAMMER

This month we look at 2 birds of farmland and freshwater margins, which look quite different (in adult summer plumage) but the similarities in size and shape show they belong to the same family of

ANDREW FALCONER The Yellowhammer (Emberiza citronella) is slightly larger at 15.5 – 17 inches long and breeds commonly in farmland, woodland edges and wooded pasture. Resident numbers are increased in winter by visitors from Scandinavia and larger flocks are seen then. The male in spring and summer has a striking bright yellow head with a few darker marks on cheeks ands crown. The back is olive-brown with darker streaks and the breast is also mainly yellow with some reddish tinges and a few streaks. The bill is small and pale blue-grey. Again the female is less striking, having a grey-green head, with only a little yellow and a yellow-buff breast, more streaked than the male. Like the Reed Bunting, it has white edges to the tail often apparent in flight. A winter or early spring walk up Cuplahills track or along the path from Burnside, is almost certain to be brightened up by a few flighty Yellowhammers. The male’s song is a series of notes with a longer highpitched finish, sometimes likened to “a little bit of bread and no CHEESE” (find one and listen!) Photos courtesy of John Anderson, Crail.

Buntings. Both are relatively easy to see around Balmullo. The Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus) is 13.5 – 15.5 inches in length, very similar in size to a Sparrow, and is usually found in reedbeds, shrubbery on wet grounds or pond margins, but also in drier sites. The male often sings from the top of a bush or reed stem in spring, so is easy to see then. In breeding plumage, the male is easily identified by its black head with broad white collar and narrow white moustachial stripe. The back has brown, buff and dark streaks, while the tail has white edges (usually noticeable in flight). The female is less obvious, but has a well-marked “face” with pale buff stripe above the eye, a browner back with less contrasting colours and a more streaked breast. In winter plumage, the sexes are more similar, but the male is always paler and less streaked beneath. The bill is small and dark grey.

Balmullo Chairman Colin Finlay 870578 colinfinlay52@gmail.com Treasurer & Newsletter Andrew Falconer 870496 anfalconer@tiscali.co.uk Vice-Chairman: Alison Jeffrey 870674 alison@balmullo.net Secretary: Sue Smith 870221 secretary@balmullo.net Minute-Secretary: Ann Falconer 870496 anfalconer@tiscali.co.uk Councillors: Ina Cameron 870253 twaauldgoats@btinternet.com John Normand janormand1@gmail.com Gwenyth Mitchell 870010 gwenyth@balmullo.net Peter Lomas 870848 pil77@btinternet.com

fife

councillors

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

COMMUNITY COUNCIL

CONTACTS

WHAT’S ON?

Useful Contacts Burnside Hall Keeper Lynn Murphy 870466 GALA Committee 07780335250 http://balmullogala.weebly.com 20TH COFFEE WITH COPS. HARBOUR CAFÉ, Community Police Officers 101 TAYPORT. 10.30 - 11.30 AM. Susie Martin & Ewan McIntosh 20TH FASHION SHOW FOR ST. Non Emergency Police 101 ATHERNASE. MADRAS COLLEGE KILRYMONT. Dog Warden 0345 155 0022 7.30 PM. £7.50. NHS24 111 Rev. John Duncan 870038

APRIL

MAY 4TH

SWI MEETING. OUTING TO BIRCHWOOD COTTAGE GALLERY. 5TH COFFEE WITH COPS. HARBOUR CAFÉ, TAYPORT. 10.30 - 11.30 AM. 8TH COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING. BURNSIDE HALL 7.30 PM. ALL WELCOME. 18TH COFFEE WITH COPS. HARBOUR CAFÉ, TAYPORT. 10.30 - 11.30 AM. 20TH FIFE SHOW. KINLOSS HOUSE, CUPAR. 8.30 AM – 5.00 PM. £10 (UNDER-14 FREE). 27TH FUND-RAISING CONCERT. ST. ATHERNASE. 7.30 PM. ADULTS £10, UNDER-18 £5

JUNE 10TH BALMULLO GALA DAY! 12TH COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING. BURNSIDE HALL 7.30 PM. ALL WELCOME. RUNNING AN EVENT? EMAIL ANFALCONER@TISCALI.CO.UK

jduncan@churchofscotland.org.uk

M.P. Stephen Gethins 657765 M.S.P. Willie Rennie 656361 Doctors @ Balmullo 871164 Balmullo Primary 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.

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

MONTEATHS Accountants & Tax Consultants APPOINTMENTS: MORNING, AFTERNOON or EVENING OUR OFFICE, YOUR HOME or PREMISES

Have you had a 2015.16 Form 800 tax calculation from HMRC

– Did you check it? Or did you assume it must be correct because it came from HMRC and was nicely printed. Remember; HMRC employs human beings. Sometimes they make mistakes AND their computer systems haven’t been working properly.

Some of the calculations have been wrong. P60 figures and the amounts reported by HMRC have been different. Codings The letter “S” denotes that you are living in Scotland. The letter “L” denotes you are living and breathing - Good news. The letter “K” means you have more untaxed income than allowances.

The letter “X” denotes that the tax is not to be calculated cumulatively. “BR” means tax at Basic Rate(20%) “D” is tax at 40% “NT” means – no tax – lucky you.

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

THANK YOU TO GOOD SAMARITAN On the 11th of January my husband sustained a fall in the car-park at Petherum Bridge in St Andrews. He was helped to his feet by a man who would not give his name but did say in the course of conversation that he lived in Balmullo. This unnamed Good Samaritan also took the time to drive my husband to the hospital as he was clearly shaken and unfit to drive. I would like to thank him very much for his kindness.

My husband has quite recovered but the visit to the hospital did uncover the likely underlying cause of his fall, for which he is now taking medication - a good result for him. We are very grateful that this stranger took the time to make sure he was all right and I would be exceptionally pleased if our appreciation was made known to him. Sincerely, Rosemary Logan

BALMULLO BURNS CLUB The Club held another successful Annual Burns Supper on the 28th January in the Balmullo Inn with mainly local speakers giving the various addresses and recitations throughout the evening. The Club also again supported and adjudicated at the school's Burns Competition, where there was the usual high standard of singing and recitation which gave us a difficult time deciding who to present with the trophies. This year's AGM was again poorly attended but the existing committee agreed to continue for another

ANN DUFF year and have set 27 January 2018 for next year's Burns Supper. David Wilson moved on to the post of President, Bill Duff to Chairman, Ann Duff to Secretary, and John Finlayson remained as Treasurer. Committee, Mary Campbell, Grace Steven, Ina Cameron and Maureen Turner. All of the above can be contacted for information on the Club or if anyone is interested in getting involved with the running of the Club. Ann Duff, Secretary - Tel: 870787

LEUCHARS AND DISTRICT GARDENING AND CRAFTS CLUB By the time this is in print the Club will have held its AGM and it is expected that the existing Officers and committee will continue for another year. On the 16 March we had our annual Floral Art Demonstration given again by local demonstrator and exhibitor Andy Smith. Andy made up a number of varied floral designs to his usual high standard accompanied by humorous chat, tips and explanation of the sources of inspiration for his designs including one which came from his visit to the Audi factory in Germany. All the exhibits were raffled at the end of the evening to the delight of the audience. Our next event will be another Quiz Night on Thursday 13 April at 7.30 in the Burnside Hall

BILL DUFF

accompanied by soft drinks and nibbles at the interval which gives us all time to get our breath back. The Quiz is mainly general knowledge and has always been a light-hearted if somewhat competitive evening. Although it is made up of teams of 4, individuals are very welcome and will be made into teams on the evening. Entry ÂŁ2.50 per person with prizes for the team with the highest score and a booby prize as encouragement for the lowest. The Sweet peas have been sown and I am hoping for a good show this Summer. Happy gardening and I hope to see lots of you and exhibits at the Show.

The Balmullo Community Council Needs You!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BALMULLO COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Coffee with Cops - PC’s Ewan McIntosh and Peter Holmes will be attending at Mana Café, Newport on Thursdays 20th April, 18th May and 29th June, and at Harbour Café, Tayport on Fridays 7th April, 5th May and 2nd June, all between 10.30 and 11.30 am. Resurfacing of A914 - Resurfacing of A914 from St Michaels to Lucklawhill has been included as part of the 2017/18 Area Transportation Works programme. Speed Limit Lucklawhill - Traffic Management will go ahead with the introduction of a 30mph limit where the national speed limit of 60mph currently applies, following unanimous approval by the Community Council. Whinny Brae will not be included in this speed limit since it is a rural road with only one property access. A914 Roundabout – This is to be replanted (and paid for) by Fife Council. RingGo Phone parking - You can now pay for parking in Fife with a credit card or debit card rather than using cash at a machine. There is a smartphone

app which can be used for this purpose. You can register with RingGo by using RingGo smartphone app or on the internet at www.myRingGo.co.uk/ register. Balmullo Gala – The Football Tournament will be held in the park on 3rd & 4th June from 10.00am. Balmullo Gala will be from 12.00pm to 8.00pm on 10th June. Fly-Tipping – We would like to thank Cathy Kinnear, School Road, for organizing collection and proper disposal of carpet and underlay which had been dumped at the entrance to Lucklaw Wood on Quarry Road. This has been reported to Fife Council. The next meetings are in Burnside Hall at 7.30pm on Monday 10th April and Monday 8th May 2017. A copy of the Minutes will be available on the shelves at the Post Office.

THANK YOU Just a few lines to say a big thank you to everyone who puts their used stamps in the box at the shop. It is very much appreciated and they go to a good cause. Thanks again...Val Phillips. FOR SALE Tefal Actifry – brand new, still in box. £60.00 Call 07974 795721 Balmullo Can Deliver

#BalmulloLife POINTS FROM THE SECRETARY’S EMAIL A consultation on four statutory supplementary guidance planning policy documents, part of the Fife Development Plan will start on the 17th March and run for 7 weeks, closing at 5pm on the 5th May. The areas to be consulted on are Planning Obligations, Making Fife’s Places, Affordable Housing and Minerals.

SUE SMITH Fife Cultural Consortium keeps us up to date with events in Fife. A major event coming up is the Voluntary Arts Festival 5-14th May. To find out about events and opportunities loom at their website at http://www.onfife.com

FEBRUARY 200 CLUB WINNERS MARCH 200 CLUB WINNERS £50 £20 £20 £20 £20 £20 £10 £10 £10 £10 £10

Mrs Wood, Summerhill Mrs Donnelly, Pitcairn Drive Mrs McNaughton, Cynicus Pl. Mrs Frew, c/o Bowling Club Mr Dobie, Smithy Road Mr Lorimer, Smithy Road Mrs Finnie, Smithy Road Mr Webster, Pitcairn Drive Mrs Thoms, Burnside Mrs Duncan, Park View Mrs Geddes, Hillview Road

£50 £20 £20 £20 £20 £20 £10 £10 £10 £10 £10

Miss Smith, Dunedin Park Mr Nicholls, Pitcairn Drive Mr Bayne, The Mount Mrs Duncan, Dunedin Park Mrs Allan, Inchlaw Mr Angus, Mansfield Road Mr Adamson, Greenacre Mr Clark, Anderson Drive Mrs Paterson, Pitcairn Drive Mr Harrow, Melville Close Mrs Mitchell, Hillview Burnside

HOW TO JOIN It's easy to join the 200 Club. Call or email Ina at t w a a u l d goats@btinternet.com or call 870253. It only costs £1 per entry per month, and you can enter as many times as you like. We are currently trying to raise money for various Balmullo community activities and projects. GOOD LUCK!

FUNDRAISING CONCERT IN ST ATHERNASE CHURCH ON SAT. 27TH MAY, 7.30PM ‘CHAMBER EVENING’

MUSIC

FOR

SUMMER’S some Scottish pieces such as My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose. A more upbeat feel will be provided by Brahms’ Hungarian Dance and a lively Piazzolla Tango. th On Saturday 27 May at 7.30pm in the historic Norman church of Leuchars St Athernase, a group of The second half of the concert will feature viola and top musicians will take to the stage in a concert of piano duo Jess Wyatt and Douglas Holligan, in a varied and familiar chamber works. The concert will programme of Bach balanced by Russian composers. be to raise funds for the restoration of the church, The duo, who are both alumni of St Andrews which is sadly in need of attention, and will be given University, perform together regularly and have by local musicians St Andrews String Trio, and viola played at the Byre Theatre and at Edinburgh Society and piano duo Jess Wyatt and Douglas Holligan. of Musicians, most recently in a performance of Shostakovich’s Viola Sonata Op. 147 last October. The first half of the concert, performed by the St Jess Wyatt studied with Jane Atkins (principal viola of Andrews String Trio, will pair familiar pieces with the SCO) at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, some lesser known works. The trio, which is made up graduating with distinction before pursuing a freelance of Melanie O’Brien (violin), Jess Wyatt (viola) and career as a performer, as well as being in demand as a Graham Leicester (cello), was founded in 2012 and teacher. Douglas Holligan studies with Philip Fowke has performed at the Younger Hall, St Andrews and has taken part in masterclasses with Artur Botanic Gardens and for Dundee Chamber Music Pizarro, Susan Tomes and Martin Roscoe; he has also Society. Its members enjoy busy musical (and non performed on Radio 3. The duo will perform Bach’s musical!) careers and are well known local Viola da Gamba Sonata in D BWV 1028 and Jesu Joy performers and teachers. The trio will play J S Bach’s of Man’s Desiring, paired with Rachmaninov’s soaring famous Wachet Auf (Sleeper’s Wake) and part of his Vocal and Glazunov’s melancholic harmonies. Art of the Fugue arranged for string trio, as well as

THE BALMULLO SWI - FEBRUARY

JAN REDPATH

President Ann Falconer welcomed members, guests We were then introduced to Thomas Cochrane, 10th and members of the public to our Open Evening on Earl Dundonald, who was born near Hamilton in Lanarkshire, however spent most of his early life in Thursday, 2nd February, 2017. Culross, Fife. It had been his father’s wish that Everyone thoroughly enjoyed an illustrated talk by Cochrane join the Army, however, he decided to join Balmullo SWI Vice President, Mary Reilly on the the Navy at age 17 as a midshipman serving beside subject, TWO FAMOUS SCOTS. many lads, much younger than himself. He took his first command, at age 23, of HMS Speedy. He had a We were introduced to the life and works of Robert varied career, and in later years, served with the Adam, a Fifer, born in Kirkcaldy but who moved to Chilean Navy, Brazilian Navy and Greek Navy. On his Edinburgh at an early age. Adam was a famous father’s death, Cochrane inherited his peerage and neoclassical architect and furniture designer. During was restored to the Royal Navy in 1832 as a Rear his life he studied architecture throughout Europe, and on his return from the Grand Tour, set up Admiral. business in London, where along with his brother, focused on designing the elaborate decoration and furnishing of numerous famous houses and buildings throughout Britain.

Following our talk, guests and visitors were invited to enjoy a delicious light supper prepared and served by the Committee Members, before the Raffle was drawn and competition winners announced.

Competition Winners : 2 x Girdle Scones  Grace Steven  Gina Baird  Linda Hamilton

Seascape photograph  Linda Hamilton  Winnie Whyte  Penny Wiles

Flower of the Month  Gina Baird  Mary Campbell  Vera Finlayson

STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING WITH BUTTERSCOTCH SAUCE

VERA FINLAYSON

Pudding Ingredients

Sauce Ingredients

1. 2. 3. 4.

Put the dates in a bowl with the bicarbonate of soda and add 300 ml boiling water. Pre-heat the oven to 180oC/Fan 160oC/Gas 4. Beat the butter and sugar with an electric whisk until pale. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla then sift in the flour. Add the dates and liquid and mix well. Spoon into moulds to about two-thirds full and put them onto a baking tray (or spoon all the mixture into the baking tin). Bake for 20 minutes. To make the sauce, gently melt the sugar in a pan until it forms a caramel, then whisk in the butter and cream. The caramel will harden – just keep it over a gentle heat, stirring occasionally until it melts.

OUR MP

The news that Leuchars Station is to become the main Army base in Scotland is good news for North East Fife and, I’m sure many will agree, the investment in the area is very welcome. Leuchars and the surrounding villages of Balmullo and St Michael’s have a long history of living side by side with service personnel and their families with children attending local primary schools and events like community galas welcoming and enjoying input from their military neighbours. When the RAF left the area was dealt a real economic blow but the resilience shown by many local businesses and the community has shone through and I hope that the expansion of the base enables many new, fruitful relationships to grow and has a positive impact on the whole area. Another very welcome boost to the area is the £24 million investment by the University of St Andrews in the former paper mill site at Guardbridge. The cash is part of the £1.84 billion Scottish-Government backed Tay Cities Deal and the University investment will see the redevelopment of a large area of derelict buildings next to its award-winning Eden Campus green energy centre. The site will soon be home to 350 university staff and it’s fantastic to see the potential being created for new industry to work alongside academic excellence. Also moving with the times is Scotscraig Golf Club which, this year, marks its bicentenary. This is a fantastic club which, as well as a great location, has an amazing history. I was pleased to be able to visit recently and put down a motion in Parliament marking the occasion. The team at Scotscraig, like others I met during my round-table discussion on golf at Ladybank recently, know they have challenges ahead but they are seeking innovative solutions to ensure the future of their club and its place in the local community.

STEPHEN GETHINS Congratulation are also due to the team at Tayport Community Trust which has just secured £128, 589 of funding from the Big Lottery Scotland Fund. The Trust will use the funding for their PLANT (People Learning About Nature in Tayport) initiative which will support 650 people of all ages as well as 150 volunteers, through intergenerational gardening and recycling activities. PLANT will enable people will all levels of experience to enjoy gardening, growing produce and valuing their contribution the natural environment. This is another great way of bringing the community together with people of all ages getting involved. Not only are the plants a wonderful addition to the town, but taking part in gardening and promoting recycling initiatives are great for community spirit is great and a good way of getting to know other people. One issue which a huge number of constituents have been in touch about is the UK’s departure from the European Union. Many of those who have contacted me are European Citizens who live and work in North East Fife, many of them in the Balmullo and Taybridgehead area. Their contribution to this area is extremely valued and I have been doing all I can to make representations on their behalf as Article 50 legislation goes through Parliament. This is why I put forward amendment (NC27) to the European Union (Withdrawal of Notice) Bill to make sure that the rights of residence of European Citizens are protected. I am happy to hear from anyone who has concerns about how the UK leaving the EU will affect them.

OUR M.S.P.

WILLIE RENNIE

The Ministry of Defence has announced a £1.7 billion investment programme in military bases in Scotland including Leuchars. It’s good news and means that the base can become the major focus for the army in the whole of Scotland. It also means we can bring the Black Watch 3 Scots home to its traditional recruiting grounds and the base can, potentially, be a new home for other Scottish Battalions. I will be pressing the MOD to accelerate the investment programme so that the army can be settled into east Fife as soon as possible. I hooked up with East Neuk First Responders to learn more about their outstanding work. Gillian Duncan and Adrian Snowball explained about the charity’s busy year responding to 220 emergency calls, including 17 cardiac arrests. The dedicated team of responders is busy training and recruiting new team members and supporters. The roll out of the defibrillators across the area ensures that the East Neuk is probably one of the best equipped parts of the country which helps to mitigate for the rural nature of the area. I cut the ribbon to officially open the new Training and Resource Centre for the International Fire and Rescue Association. The charity supplies second hand equipment and trains fire services all over the world. The new centre in Thornton was the old transport depot for Fife Council and now will provide the charity with stores and training facilities.

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

farm sheds now comprise a café, farm shop and rustic steak barn.

I recently met the Chief Constable of Police Scotland to discuss his policing plan for the next decade. We explored the current needs including on cybercrime and the mistakes of the past with centralisation.

I have participated in two events on mental health recently. The first was in the Scottish Parliament with the Scottish Association for Mental Health. The second was with students at St. Andrews University. It is an important issue for me which is why we urged the Scottish Government to increase funding for I recently visited services in the recent budget discussions. Balgove Larder near St. My office is at Unit G3, The Granary, Coal Road, Andrews. In just Cupar. KY15 5YQ. The opening hours will be a few short years weekdays 10am-2.30pm. The phone number is 01334 Will Docker and 656361. Contact me by e-mail at his team have taken t h e willie.rennie.msp@parliament.scot business from concept to a b u s t l i n g You can follow me on twitter @willie_rennie e n t e r p r i s e O n F ac eb ook h tt p :/ / ww w .f ac eb ook .c om / steeped in local WillieRennieFife produce with great plans for On the Scottish Parliament the future. With http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/msps/currentmsps/ the assistance of Willie-Rennie-MSP.aspx European grants, the redundant

Balmullo Primary School Football Club - Our Football Club won a full Football Kit courtesy of an Arnold Clark Competition. The Pupils also designed the unique Club Logo for the fabulous new kit. The children are pictured wearing their new kit along with Coach, Mr John Normand, Mr Colin Murray, General Manager (Arnold Clark) and Carly Cargill, Sales Consultant (Arnold Clark).

Balmullo Primary School P2/1 - We are continuing our partnership with Guide Dogs for the Blind by supporting pups in training. Pups of all ages have joined us at school to develop their confidence in a busy workplace. Guide dog trainees Bill and Flynn have returned to school with Mrs MacPherson. The children were amazed at how much they had grown! Bill was busy visiting other classes and was a very good boy during school assemblies. The children enjoy cuddling him and take responsibility for checking he has toys, water and company! He was very good listening to reading groups. Flynn also listened to stories and children reading. He learned a lot of maths during the inservice training day! Guide Dog Pup Zaza joined us in school for two days. She is a 5 month Golden Retriever. We helped her gain confidence in the playground, she listened to stories with us and gave us lots of cuddles. We are hoping she will come back! The community Police Officers came to school to tell us about their job. We asked lots of interesting questions and we were very excited to be in the police car with our friends. We loved trying on uniforms and we stood beside â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bobâ&#x20AC;? who helps to slow down speeding drivers. The nursery children came to join in the fun. Some of us would like to be police officers when we grow up.

School Cook - Mrs Julie Houston our school cook retired in December after over 25 years’ service. She was presented with flowers and a gift voucher from all the staff and pupils of Balmullo Primary School at the Christmas Nativity afternoon. Julie also received a surprise visit from Mr Angus Thomson, Senior Manager, Catering and Cleaning, Fife Council who presented her with a bouquet of flowers and gift.

Primary 7 - had a week’s residential visit at Ardroy Outdoor Centre at Lochgoilhead in February. They were able to take part in a variety of activities including abseiling, canoeing, 'the squeeze', orienteering, conservation in the local woodland and team building activities. Everyone came back tired but having had a wonderful experience! Balmullo Nursery News - We are delighted to announce that after our recent inspection by the Care Inspectorate we have been awarded an EXCELLENT for Quality and Support. This is the highest grade possible! We were also graded VERY GOOD for the Quality of our Environment.

levels of engagement, exploration and learning” “Skilled staff interactions and open ended play materials meant children were very confident in leading their own learning” The team (past and present) have worked hard on the development of the nursery and are very proud of this result. We look forward to sharing our good These are some of the comments from our report: practice with other colleagues and nurseries in Fife. “The innovative partnership with ‘Guide Dogs for the We would like to thank all parents who contributed Blind’ had a positive impact on the children which positive comments to the Care Inspectorate enriched their learning”. questionnaire and to all our families who support the daily life of the nursery. “Children’s learning was enhanced through regular experiences within the community linked to current You can view the final report at interests”. www.careinspectorate.com (Care Inspectorate report for Balmullo Nursery “The thoughtful layout of the playroom, neutral décor and November 2016) direct access to the garden contributed to the children’s

A flock of 39 Waxwings visited Hayston Park area during January - Andrew Falconer

Balmullo and Eden Estuary from Balmullo Quarry

Eric Murphy, Quarry Manager

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

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

SERVICING & M.O.T. REPAIRS Tel 870328 ‘Loanhead’ Balmullo St. Andrews KY16 0BQ

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

DOORS, WINDOWS, FLOOR COVERINGS, TILING, WET WALL, KITCHENS, BATHROOMS, BEDROOMS, RENOVATIONS, EXTENSIONS, ATTIC CONVERSIONS, FENCING, DECKING, WOODEN SHEDS AND GARAGES, ROOF REPAIRS, PAINTING, ROOF LINE AND GUTTERING

FOR ALL YOUR PROPERTY NEEDS

THE BALMULLO SWI - MARCH Assistant President, Wilma Mackie, welcomed members and Guest Speaker, Susie Williamson, to our meeting on Thursday, 3rd March, 2017. Susie Williamson is the Fundraising Manager of Seamab, which is a residential educational establishment, near Kinross, where vulnerable children between the ages of five and 13 years, with complex needs, receive specialist care, support and education. It is the only one of its kind in Scotland. Seamab has a school, with accommodation for the children in the form of three bungalows, which are about a mile away, and are set up like a family home. Susie gave a most informative talk about the background of Seamab and how children come to be with them. She explained that nurture and care, is the most important part of their work, knowing that every child is unique. The children are helped to learn to trust again, and form relationships. The school can only accommodate 15 children, however they have a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw upon, in the form of 90 carers and support, some of whom work on a day to day basis, covering round the clock care, with other support, in the form of specialised outside agencies. Although they have some funding through local authorities from the areas the children come from, they rely heavily on donations, to allow the children to have the little ‘extras’, which other children have

A VERY SPECIAL FASHION SHOW!

JAN REDPATH as part of their normal lives. Following her talk, Susie answered a number of questions from the Rural members, and a vote of thanks was given by Wilma Mackie. The rural members and guest enjoyed a delicious light supper prepared and served by the Committee Members, before the Raffle was drawn and competition winners announced. Competitions: Knitted Toy

Gingerbread Person Flower of the Month

Jill Dhanjal

Joyce Normand

Gina Baird

Penny Wiles

Ann Falconer Penny Wiles

Vera Finlayson

Our next meeting will be on Thursday, 6th April, 2017 at 7.15pm, where Margaret Watson, will give a talk on Birchwood Cottage Gallery and Tearooms Member’s competitions will be 2 x Empire Biscuits (Joan Gray Trophy) - Easter Card - Any Craft Flower of the Month. As always, new members will be made very welcome. Due to the hall being used for local elections, our May meeting will be an outing to Birchwood Cottage Gallery and Tearooms.

ALISON JEFFREY

Ladies!..... Make a note in your diaries..... Thursday The following are some of the retailers whose 20th April 2017. clothing and accessories will feature on the evening.... Leuchars St Athernase Regeneration Fundraising Committee will be hosting a very special Fashion Show in the Main Hall of the Kilrymont building of Madras College, St Andrews.

M&S.... WALLIS.... TOPSHOP.... COAST.... DOROTHY PERKINS.... ASOS... EASTEX.... KALIKO.... PHASE EIGHT.... PLANET.... NEW LOOK.... PRECIS.... FRENCH CONNECTION.... AUSTIN REED.... RIVER Doors will be open at 7.00pm the fashion show will ISLAND start at 7.30pm. With current stock from such a range of very well A high quality raffle will be available on the evening. known retailers at much reduced prices, this is an opportunity to enjoy an evening with your friends, A wide selection of current clothing from very well have fun trying on the clothes you have seen known High Street stores will be modelled by modelled and know that you are helping to raise professional models. You will then have the opportunity to try on (in changing rooms) and buy money to regenerate St Athernase. from the large stock of clothes and accessories which Tickets cost £7.50 each and can be purchased in will be available on the night. Everything will be advance from Alison Jeffrey 870674 offered at greatly reduced prices - often as much as 50% off the normal retail price. Plenty parking is available at the school.

THE SPEED OF TRAVEL Friday, 3rd February, marked a historical event as the final piece of the 122 deck sections which complete the 1.7 miles, was lifted into place. Another link between Fife and Lothian, an engineering marvel on a truly epic scale, we now have a new Forth bridge, the Queensferry Crossing, estimated to cost £1.35 billion. This new bridge will be fitted with special barriers that will prevent it from having to close in high winds. It is designed to take some of the strain of the existing road bridge which carries around 70,000 vehicles per day, more than double of the expected 30,000 when the bridge first opened in 1964. The next steps, apart from electrical, will be the general construction of the bridge deck pavements and roads, using many layers of different materials for sealing/ bonding, waterproofing etc. New approach road layouts are already in progress and roads connecting t o t he b r i d g e a re be i n g up g r a d e d . Isn't it amazing how roads and other tarred surfaces came into being. In the deep distant past, roads were mere dirt tracks and with a mix of horse muck and mud after the rain, would become dangerously impassible and very slippery. People never ventured far as most walked since their only transport was mainly horse and cart or bicycles. Two men were responsible for the Tarmac Invention 1845. John Loudon McAdam and Edgar Purnell Hooley. Their invention changed the world. John Loudon McAdam, our Scottish inventor from Ayr, thought it would be easier if the roads were covered in tarmac. First he layered the roads with large rocks to drain the rain water. He then smoothed on a layer of broken up rocks so that the heavy carriages wouldn't stick in the mud. John McAdam thought that the heavy carriages would sink the stones to make the surface become more firm. Soon after cars became used on the roads, the sharp stones punctured many tyres as these were made of hard rubber In the Victorian days. Alas, he had failed to make the stones stick together. In 1901 a great improvement was invented by Edgar Purnell Hooley, an Englishman from Nottingham. He accidentally discovered tarmac. One day when he was passing a tar works, he noticed that a barrel of tar had been spilled onto the road. A pile of gravel had been dumped upon the tar to try to stop the mess. He noticed that the area had become free from dust and the gravel had stuck together with the tar. He named his discovery 'Tarmacadam' after the inventor John McAdam.

CHRISTINA JACK Tarmac is still used in our modern day but the roads are now topped with a layer of Asphalt or Bitumen. This makes the surface good for our tyres and reduces the risk of vehicles skidding although fuel spillage and bad weather conditions can still affect the tyre grip and cause the road surface to deteriorate and break up. This top layer is also recyclable ecofriendly. It can be broken up and mixed in among the new tarmac for repairing the roads which will become useful when filling in all the potholes and cracks. So, next time potholes drive you crazy, take a moment to think, 'without tar,' what would they do to fill the potholes? Karl Benz car – earliest automobile

and Fact for Thought The first speeding ticket issued back in 1896 was to a Mr Walter Arnold of East Peckham, Kent. He was fined one shilling for speeding at a reckless eight miles an hour in Paddock Wood, exceeding the two mile an hour legal speed limit as he sped through the town in his Karl Benz. Mr Arnold was caught by a policeman who had given a five mile chase on his bicycle! Can you picture that image of the policeman pedalling up alongside the car, 'Excuse me Sir, are you aware that you are driving ‘four times the limit?' Mr Walter Arnold was one of the country's first car dealers to sell the imported Benz cars from Germany. His company then went on to make its own cars, the 'Arnold Motor Carriage' based on the Benz. *Four times the limit! Nowadays, that would be 280 miles per hour! What would the fine and jail sentence be for that, I wonder?

CHIC Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;HARE DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS

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

A J INNES Painter & Decorator

Pains Of Labour No Time? Too Busy?

FREE ESTIMATES INTERNAL & EXTERNAL VERY HIGH STANDARD EVERYTIME

Help Is At Hand. Gardens, Garages, Maintenance Clearing, Removal Anything Considered.

Call Andy on 079 2040 3412 or 01382 782684

Reasonable Rates

andyinnes1986@gmail.com

Call Jake On 079 6978 0956

JOHN STEVEN

WILLISON MOTORS

Plumbing and heating CORGI REGISTERED

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

Hate Ironing?

Problem Solved

No Time To Do It?

Call Me Aileen on 07814 618402

Don't Get Steamed Up

Tel: 01382 552720

£10 per hour WILLIAMSONS TAXIS Freephone 08000 858181 Airports ~ Contracts Full / Half Day Tours Distance No Object 4 ~ 6 ~ 7 ~ 8 Seaters 01334 476787 01334 839279 www.williamsonstaxi.co.uk

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

Mobile : 077 0731 5932 11 Mansfield Road, Balmullo

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

CLUB CARS Taxis

01334

838555

479900

info@clubcars-standrews.com www.clubcars-standrews.com

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

MOB: 07966 937842

EMAIL: info@johnstoneplumbers.co.uk