MBC News 186 - FEB-MAR-APR

mbC Milltimber

Bieldside Cults

Photo Credit Craig Baker

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News Issue 186

Feb - Mar - Apr 2020

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C H E C K

O U T

O U R

N E W

O N L I N E

S T O R E

: w w w . h o l b u r n o n l i n e . c o . u k

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e are trying to make the process of sending us information as simple as possible. We are all volunteers and cannot man the office 24 hours. editorial : Please submit the file as a word document.

Wanting to add pictures with your editorial? Then please submit them as jpg/pdf ’s separate to your word document.

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adverts : Send as high resolution jpg or pdf files. Upload and book direct from the website www.cbmcommunity.org.uk OR send your copy as an email general enquiry : mbcnews@cbmcommunity.org.uk editorial enquiry : mbcneditorial@cbmcommunity.org.uk advert enquiry : mbcnadvertising@cbmcommunity.org.uk Or post to : mbc news, c/o lyndhurst, deeview road south, cults, ab15 9na

contact details mbc team : 07415 659161 editor (carol) assistant (christine) 01224 863519 advertising (freia) 01224 864466 accounts (david) 01224 862262 what’s on locally (eleanor) 01383 279355 layout (sue) 01224 868524 distribution (peter)

deadline: 01 april 2020

distribution of the magazine - may 2020

Editorial

M

y daughter asked me what my New Year Resolution was going to be this year. I hadn’t thought of one and, put on the spot, couldn’t come up with anything original. This either meant I thought I was perfect the way I was or scared I would be too weak to stick to a plan of self-improvement. For the sake of any doubt, it’s definitely the latter. I could have tried one of the ready-made labelled trends: Dry January, Veganuary; it’s only a month but then I quickly excused myself from that as I already had plans made for January which involved being neither dry nor vegan. So, I settled for thinking about it. If you did give up alcohol or ate a vegan diet in January, then “well done”; I admire your resolve. Are you keeping it up though?

Or did you count the days and celebrate with a glass of fizz or a burger on 1 February?

The new year of 2020 will see the return of popular festivals to Aberdeen and you can read about them and other on-going projects in the article from our councillors in this issue. Peter Roberts has also written a short article on the revamped Aberdeen Art Gallery with some fabulous photos showing the interior. Definitely worth a visit. Until the weather improves there is plenty going on to keep us all busy. Put your feet up and read your MBC News to find out more.

The team of volunteers who deliver MBC News brave all sorts of weather to make sure nearly 5000 households in the area receive their copy. By way of a thank you, the MBC News team would like to invite all those distributors for a glass of wine and some nibbles on Saturday 28th March. (Non-alcoholic and vegan options available) I’m looking forward to seeing you all again so please put the date in your diary. Please see the notice below for information.

Until next time,

NB : the editorial content for this issue should be relevant for reading in mid-May thru to end of July 2020 and beyond.

Carol

Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Community Website http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/

MBC News Delivery

The Community Website serves the Cults Bieldside & Milltimber Community Council (CBMCC), MBC News and the MBC Festival.

Happy New Year 2020 to all volunteers who help get a copy of the MBC News into each household in the Cults, Bieldside, Milltimber and Countesswells area (or at least most, as I think a few of our more remote residents miss out). We can always use new volunteers to take the place of those who move away or decide to take a rest from delivering, so if you think you can spare an hour or so four times a year, please let me know – contact Peter Roberts 01224 868524 or email roberts.peter53@gmail.com

The website is not Facebook and so may not have the immediacy of such social media but does provide information which tends not to change so frequently. Notices of CBMCC meetings are posted on the website including minutes of the meetings and planning reports. Those of you who contribute to or who wish to advertise in MBC News can submit/upload their contribution and pictures and adverts via the web pages. Deadline dates for copy for MBC News are also posted and you can read the last few issues on line.

Contact Graham Payne, 01224 868827.

Your Privacy matters to Us The MBC News Team is committed to following correct data protection practices and respecting your privacy. Our new privacy notice explains how we collect and use personal data for the purposes of preparing and delivering the MBC News and provides

the data processing information required. The Data Privacy notice can be found on the MBC News page at www.cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news-team/

The MBC Hews team would like to say thank you to all those who deliver the magazine and we are planning to hold a drinks and snacks event on Saturday 28 March from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Cults Kirk Hub. Please note the date in your calendar and do let us know if you are able to come along so we can ensure enough food and drink is available – responses to Peter Roberts, details above.

CULTS BIELDSIDE AND MILLTIMBER COMMUNITY COUNCIL Here we are entering a new decade. I hope you are keeping track of our changing environment. I am not referring to climate change but to the high construction and building activity that continues to mark our area. A visitor from 2010 would be lost between the new roads and new estates that have sprung up around here. I believe that is a good experience. Living in a sleepy village with old trees and traditional lampposts may be attractive for a while but eventually one will realize that change and advancement make life more interesting.

However, all change needs to be managed and that is where the CBMCC Community Plan comes in. I hope you have had the opportunity to look at that document on our website; if not, please do. We are aware that there are many potential plans floating around to extend developments in our area – a compliment because it means people want to live here – but we need your views on what change is acceptable in terms of our quality of life. Please give us your thoughts.

The new Scottish Planning Act has also brought in the idea that ordinary citizens could have some forward views. It requires now that communities be invited, and assisted, to produce a Local Place Plan that will be taken into account when authorities are preparing the Local Development Plan or are deciding on planning applications. These Local Place Plans will be mainly concerned with the development and use of land and buildings; ours could be created as a subset of our Community Plan. Another reason to get your views in!

Switch-on event, being mostly indoors, did not suffer much and was a very successful follow up to last year’s first edition. A surprising number of carol singers braved the downpour but overall attendance suffered. Still, £225 was collected during the concert for the VSA’s projects. I wish to thank the many volunteers and helpers whose contribution to community life made these CBMCC events possible and successful.

What plans for 2020?

I hope that we can make progress with improvement of footpaths in the CBM area and with the creation of a display area at the Shakkin Briggie. We will also continue our efforts to improve safety on the Old Deeside Railway line path. Regarding our engagement with the Health and Social Care authorities, next year presents a substantial challenge as we are caught in a reorganisation vacuum that will not be resolved until 2021. We have generated plans to improve the information on potentially life-saving defibrillators in the area.

To maintain the colourful display of flowers in planters and hanging baskets during summer we need your urgent support, financially and physically. Why not adopt a planter? Financial support is also welcome to maintain the display of festive lights during the Christmas period. Please contact us if you can help.

All this in addition to our usual attention to planning matters (see the planning liaison officer’s article) and anything else that could affect the quality of life in the CBM area. We will do our best to assist you with any public issue of concern and you are always welcome to attend our monthly meetings to bring these to our attention or to just get a flavour of the proceedings.

I am looking forward to a happy year of positive change.

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mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Community Council Members David Anstee Eleanor Brennan Colin Caldow Lindsay Davidson Matthew Dickie Del Ellbec Guus Glass Tane Moorhouse Colin Morsley Graham Payne Tania Qadir Peter Roberts Jim Smith Peter Smith Chris Taylor

vacancy

Cults Cults Cults Bieldside Newton Dee Bieldside Cults Cults Milltimber Cults Milltimber Bieldside Cults Cults Cults

01224 864466 01224 862262 07763 241892

01224 864925

Chair

01224 733108 01224 868827

Planning Liaison Officer Treasurer

01224 868524

Secretary/Vice Chair

- Associate Members

Road and Pavement Gritting

Alastair McKinnon

City Councillors

01224 346638 01224 522178 or 01224 734712 01224 346615 or 07732 172225

Philip Bell Marie Boulton Tauqeer Malik

Future Meetings 27 February 2020 26 March 2020 23 April 2020 28 May 2020 25 June 2020 July 2020

Venue

Deeside Christian Fellowship Church – Café, Milltimber Cults Community Centre – swimming pool entrance Deeside Christian Fellowship Church – Café, Milltimber Cults Community Centre – swimming pool entrance Phoenix Community Centre, Newton Dee Village (tbc) No meeting

All meetings start at 7:00pm

Email: cbmcc@cbmcommunity.org.uk Website: http://www.cbmcommunity.org.uk/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/cbmcomcouncil Twitter: @cbmcommunity

mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

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CULTS BIELDSIDE AND MILLTIMBER COMMUNITY COUNCIL Planning Matters!

Some major new applications will come forward early in 2020 and may be with the Council planners by the time you read this, so I expect 2020 to be busy. Meanwhile there were 45 new planning applications in the last quarter with most being for extensions or garages in existing properties but a third were for work on protected trees due to disease or damage.

Major Developments in Our Area: Milltimber South – Readers will recall that the open land South of the North Deeside Road in Milltimber was a late inclusion in the 2017 Aberdeen Local Development Plan (ALDP2017) due to the decision of the Scottish Government Reporter, with an allocation for 60 housing units and 1225m2 of retail/commercial space. After an initial public consultation in 2017, Bancon Homes and the Dr William Guild’s Managers of the Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen came forward with a new Proposal of Application Notice for the development of the site and put on public exhibitions in Milltimber in November and December. They have presented the comments they received from the public to the ACC Planning Development Management Committee (PDMC) and were expected to make a formal planning application in January.

In common with many local residents we would much prefer that this development did not go ahead but we have reluctantly accepted the allocation of the site in ALDP2017 and will continue to engage closely with Bancon and the ACC Planners to try to get the best available result.

Inchgarth Road Development of Retirement Housing and Care Home – The application for Planning Permission in Principle was due to come to a Pre-Determination Hearing before the PDMC on 13 January. We have asked for the opportunity to present the Community Council view and will emphasise the level of community support for the proposed new link road between North Deeside Road and Inchgarth Road and the potential demand for high-quality “retirement-friendly” housing.

Binghill House –The developers are now putting forward a scaled-down proposal to include only the redevelopment of Binghill House as (provisionally) a 40-bed care home and 56 new retirement-friendly properties (a mix of one- and two-bedroom units in about 40 separate buildings) within its curtilage. The housing would be moved North, closer to Binghill House than in the original plan, and about 6 protected trees would have to be removed. A small shop and café mainly for the use of residents is included and there would also be an allotment area. This revised proposal would remove the proposed development of the Page 6

farmland East of Binghill House which was deemed “unsuitable” for inclusion in the 2022 Aberdeen Local Development Plan, a recommendation which the Community Council supported. The proposed housing would still be contrary to ALDP2017 so the developers will need to make a persuasive case to take this forward, and we remain cautious about the possibility of incremental development. At present the applicants are seeking a ruling from the planners on whether a full Environmental Impact Assessment is required.

Contlaw Road – The Stewart Milne Group (SM) proposal for 30 homes, of which 8 would be affordable, was approved by the ACC Planning Committee in August. The level of developer contributions will be as previously set out and two new pedestrian crossing points will be provided on Contlaw Road. We await feedback from SM on how the long-term viability of the proposed Community Woodland Trust and maintenance of the play park equipment within the development will be assured. Meanwhile SM is working on the Section 75 legal agreement for the development.

Countesswells – the construction of Phase 1 development, around 1260 homes, continues with over 300 occupied. Some of the new affordable properties have been taken by Hillcrest Housing Association to house families displaced by the Haudagain roundabout scheme. The contract for the new link road from within the Countesswells scheme to the Kingswells roundabout has been let and will involve a complete closure of the C128c Cults-Kingswells road for about 12 weeks, commencing in March 2020.

The new Countesswells Primary School is temporarily housed in Hazlewood School with the Head, two teachers and 32 children. The planning application is currently being considered and completion of the new school is scheduled for late 2021.

The planning application for Block C3 of the development has been approved with some conditions relating to parking around the proposed retail shops. Meanwhile a legal agreement for a 4000m2 food store is understood to be close to completion.

The Countesswells shuttle bus service continues to attract new users. Unfortunately, it will have to be diverted during the C128c closure but is still expected to make a convenient connection with Westhill – Aberdeen services.

Friarsfield – at the time of writing CALA was preparing a planning application for the next phase (Sunnyside) for submission early in the New Year.

This will be for a further 82 houses with the first units being complete in Summer 2021 and the full development taking about three years. A public exhibition was due to be held in late January.

A similar mix of house types to the existing development will be offered. The new link road bypassing Jacob’s Ladder is due for completion around

mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

the end of February. Following recent flood events, it is likely that the existing drainage capacity of the site will be enlarged to cope with the additional houses.

Oldfold Farm – CALA was also about to submit an application for Phase 3 for 150 housing units in line with the previously agreed Masterplan.

They expect to start work in late 2020 or early 2021 and the work will take about six years. The noise and dust from dealing with a rock band found on the previous phase caused severe upset to local residents but we are assured that ground investigations have not revealed anything similar for the new phase. Ryden continues to market the proposed “mixed-use community facilities” on behalf of the Seven Incorporated Trades who are the landowners. CALA’s application to revert to their original proposal to have these in place before 400 houses are built, has been approved by ACC and their Section 75 agreement modified to suit.

Community support for a retail shop has been sporadic so we hope that some other creative ideas for the community facilities will come forward.

Land behind Bieldside House and Bieldside Lodge – The developer put forward a Construction Method Statement as a condition of his Planning Permission to build a new house but this was refused by the PDMC as it gave insufficient reassurance that the heritage structures in the grounds of Bieldside House would be protected.

Also, the siting of concrete mixers and pumping units on North Deeside Road would have caused disruption and safety issues to traffic. The applicant has a right of appeal. We were surprised that the strong public disapproval of any restrictions on their Deeside Way access was not seen as a material planning issue. The City Council City Growth and Resources Committee has now approved a motion which would prevent all vehicle access to the Deeside Way except for Council and statutory utility vehicles and for essential maintenance (e.g. tree surgery) by existing property owners.

Care Home Next to Marcliffe Hotel – this proposal for a 65-bed care home to be located East of the Marcliffe has been refused because it is considered to breach ALDP2017 planning policies on loss of mature trees and parking. The planning officer had recommended conditional approval. The applicant has a right of appeal.

Road Works You can keep up to date on road works in our area through our Community Council Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cbmcomcouncil/ and also on our website at www.cbmcommunity.org.uk. You can also find road work updates at www.tellmescotland. gov.uk/notices/aberdeen-city and through www. aberdeencity.gov.uk/roads transport and parking/ check road closures and diversions.

Colin Morsley

planning@cbmcommunity.org.uk

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

CULTS BIELDSIDE AND MILLTIMBER COMMUNITY COUNCIL City Centre Masterplan Update Queen Street Redevelopment Councillors have approved a development programme for a new residential quarter in the heart of the city.

and high-quality public realm. Aberdeen City Council’s City Growth and Resources Committee approved the development programme and work plans, subject to agreement with appropriate public sector partners and statutory bodies. The Queen Street project’s estimated Gross Development Value is approximately £150 million, with development planned to take place in 2020-2026.

A brief setting out the aspirations for the type and quality of the housing as well as the streetscape and green space is being drawn up. Proposals will be sensitive to buildings of special architectural or historic merit. A report for the committee also described the reform of public sector services – which could include integration and co-location – as a key principle of Queen Street’s regeneration Festival of light to brighten city centre

The vision for Queen Street would deliver more than 300 homes and incorporate a civic hub, cultural assets, enhanced heritage features

The sea and coastline will provide the inspiration for the Spectra light festival when it marks the start of Aberdeen City Council’s 2020 events programme.

Spectra will be held from February 13-16 at venues including Marischal College Quad, Broad Street, St Nicholas Kirkyard and Aberdeen Art

Gallery. The festival brings together work from national and international artists and includes interactive light sculptures and building projections.

Installations will include work by artist Dodda Maggy, who has explored the myths that connect the people of the North Sea coast to Iceland. Double Take, a new co-commission between the RSPB and Spectra, will highlight the biodiversity of coastal waters and Designs in Air (UK) will bring their 3D street art to the festival and with a menagerie of sea creatures.

Spectra began in 2016 and attracted 35,000 visitors in its first year and is returning after the three-year contract ended in 2018.

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mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

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News from Councillors The last quarter of 2019 saw many exciting things happening in Aberdeen: the opening of the P&J Live, followed by the opening of the transformed Aberdeen Art Gallery; the perimeter fencing went up around UTG to allow for the redevelopment of the gardens due to reopen in Summer 2020; scaffolding went up round Provost Skene House which will result in external restoration and internal reimaging, creating the Hall for Heroes; the Art Gallery has already welcomed over 100,000 visitors since re-opening in November and the Remembrance Service was once again held at the War Memorial.

In the run up to Christmas, the Christmas village returned to Broad Street with an excellent Christmas market full of local products and produce.

The Christmas parade down Union Street drew some of its biggest crowds and that wasn’t because Cllrs Boulton and Bell were appearing as Mary and Joseph on the Nativity float! A Carol Service for the lighting of the Christmas tree at the Castlegate was supported by the Salvation Army Band and the TUTTI Choir from APA. Our friends from Norway, who donate the tree, brought a lovely Norwegian Choir and despite the heavy rain the evening was truly magical.

As we move into the first quarter of a new decade, there are many more things happening in the city; the return of the Spectra Light Festival and the Granite Noir Crime Writing Festival, both of which have new and exciting additions to their programmes. Details can be found on the Council Website and APA Website.

Locally, we are still working on ways to improve safety on the Deeside Way for users whether on foot, cycle, horseback, young or old. Recently, there was a committee decision ensuring that we respect the use of the Deeside Way. This follows longstanding concerns that the integrity of the Deeside Way was being undermined. Concerns grew following the severing of the Deeside Way due to the building of the AWPR and the lack of a suitable alternative for people to safely reach the other side of Milltimber Brae. This saw a petition of 1600 signatures being brought to the council. Various other incidents from motorbikes, speeding cyclists, dogs not being properly controlled, to concerns over unsuitable motorised equipment being on the Deeside Way led to various initiatives being undertaken by a group of partners. City councillors brought forward a motion to the City and Resources Committee which saw the following agreed:

Decision: (i) to note the terms of the Report; (ii) to note the Deeside Way is valued as a Core Path, National Cycle Route and a wildlife corridor designated as a Local Nature Conservation Site and as such the general public’s right to make use of it, primarily for walking and cycling both recreationally, and as a means of commuting to include disabled access and horse riding; (iii) to note paragraph 3.5 of the report confirms “There are no general rights of access for motorised vehicles over the Deeside Way”; (iv) to note Aberdeen City Council (Parks and Outdoor Areas) Management Rules number 4 as adopted by virtue of S112 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982; and (v) to note 3.9 and 3.10 of the report which supports the fact that use is currently restricted, and therefore instructs the Chief Officer Corporate Landlord to restrict use on the Deeside Way to: (1) maintenance/refuse collection by the Council and its contractors, (2) access for statutory undertakers, utility companies and telecommunication companies (in emergency and non-emergency situations); (3) emergency services vehicles; and (4) any appropriate non-emergency services vehicles required to attend to matters of public safety or Health & Safety, and prohibit any other access by any other vehicle for any other purpose without consent from the City Growth and Resources Committee.

City councillors are still in dialogue with the AWPR Team and Transport Scotland to try to create a path which will stop the need for users of the Deeside Way having to walk along a section of road that has traffic using it and no pavement.

The Community Council held stopping stations on the Deeside Way, supported by the Police, the City Wardens and Sustrans, gathering users’ views on how safe they felt and ideas on how things could be improved. We are continuing to review the situation and are currently looking at possible new signs with more helpful wording in order to make people aware of others using the Deeside Way. All three city councillors are still receiving complaints from residents about dog walkers not picking up their dogs’ poo. This is particularly upsetting when it is outside peoples’ houses and on areas of grass where children play. We accept that most dog owners do pick up after their pets, however there are still some who don’t. Please pick it up and dispose of it responsibly.

In December, an event was held at Milltimber Primary School displaying the final design for the new Milltimber Primary School which will be located off Binghill Road above the new CALA development. The building of the new school and associated road will commence in spring this year with completion, hopefully, for the start of the new school year in August 2021. Plans can be viewed on the Council’s website.

The small playpark off Kirk Brae in Cults is being upgraded with new equipment; hopefully already in place by the time you read this article, just in time for the nights getting lighter.

Councillor Boulton, Councillor Bell, Councillor Malik

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mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Retrofitting Your Home The way forward to save energy

The UK’s piecemeal approach to installing energy-saving measures isn’t fit for purpose. A radical solution is needed – one that reduces the need to heat by so much that clean energy generated and stored on site will suffice to meet it.

The technology now exists to reduce a home’s energy demand by 80 per cent by combining retrofit products, which represents a crucial step towards meeting the government’s new ambition of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. But how can we retrofit enough homes in time?

We need a whole-house approach that works at scale, and this means a product built in the factory. A terrace of homes may all look the same but in practice they all have slightly different measurements, therefore panels have to be individually designed to achieve a tight fit, where 10mm gaps between standard one-size panels would be too big to achieve airtightness.

By creating high demand for volume and moving assembly into factories, we get bespoke measures that are quick to install while at the same time reducing costs and making products more energy efficient.

There is a five-home pilot scheme in Maldon, Essex being carried out where two pairs of semi-detached houses were fully retrofitted, while one side only of the third pair was retrofitted.

Retrofit measures undertaken:

Stephen Flynn – new MP for Aberdeen South I am delighted to be writing this column for the first time as the MP for Aberdeen South. A snap December election posed numerous challenges for organisers, activists, candidates and voters and I would like to thank all those who took part in our democratic process.

Political divisions have understandably garnered attention but, despite our differences, the election campaign in Aberdeen South was well-mannered. This is testament to my fellow candidates, and I would like to thank them for their good nature and thoughtful contributions.

My focus is now firmly on delivering on my election pledges. I was a little late arriving at Westminster in comparison to others due to the birth of our first child, but my first day was an important one as I kept my promise to vote against Brexit. As I move forward, ensuring a sustainable transition to net-zero emissions, tackling austerity and fighting to protect our place in the EU will be at the forefront of my work. But my job isn’t just about what happens in Parliament, it’s about what happens in Aberdeen.

As a councillor I always sought to fight the corner of the communities. This is an approach that I will take forward in my new role. I am aware from the campaign trail of several issues in the local area, from broadband coverage to concerns over planning matters and I will be seeking to address these as best I can. However, I am conscious of the fact that there are, likely, many more and if you feel I can help with any matter please do not hesitate to let me know.

A super-insulated and airtight shell has been wrapped around the existing structures and triple-glazed windows installed.

Mechanical ventilation will pre-warm fresh air using residual heat from the stale air it expels.

Roof and wall panels with 200mm of mineral wool insulation were produced off site and installed using a crane. The wall insulation extends below the damp-proof course, and glued polybead insulation has been blown into the 300mm void below floors to prevent any through-draughts.

The chimney has been capped and sealed and high-performance doors have been added.

A compact, fully integrated Factory Zero energy module, which contains an air-source heat pump, hot water tank, solar photovoltaic (PV) inverter and mechanical ventilation, has been connected to the back of each property, and the integrated monitoring kit will keep the energy supplier and the occupant informed about performance with real-time measurements..

Battery storage will also enable electric energy to be stored for use when needed rather than exported to the grid, which does not offer much return

STOP PRESS To the Residents of Milltimber West and Countesswells You are NOT directly represented on your Community Council.

Without Government funding the cost is too high, but once 40,000 retrofits are in the pipeline – which is the plan by 2030 – costs can halve. It would then be entirely possible to self-finance high-volume, low-carbon makeovers from energy and maintenance savings.

The Community Council has just one vacancy

I’ll keep an eye on this pilot scheme but there are many other projects and initiatives being undertaken by science and the government on which I will report in the next edition.

Please apply to be co-opted and have a say in matters that may affect your quality of life!

James G Smith Community Councillor

I hope to have a constituency office up and running as soon as possible but, in the meantime, I can be contacted by email on stephen.flynn.mp@parliament.uk.

mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

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Ladies’ Lunch Invite

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mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

CULTS BIELDSIDE AND MILLTIMBER COMMUNITY COUNCIL

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mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

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Page 11

No Climate Emergency Here!

Last December, just before the General Election, our city council voted to declare there is no climate emergency in Aberdeen. So, it’s business as usual – keep calm and carry on – no transformative thinking needed here!

It’s comforting to know there is no climate emergency in Aberdeen while elsewhere Planet Earth is either burning to a crisp or deep under water. And it matters not that right here in Scotland, yet more new high temperature records were broken in the immediate days either side of New Year!

Which brings me to Milltimber’s endangered, precious green fields. By the time this is published the Bancon Homes and Dr William Guilds Managers planning application for residential/retail development on the Milltimber South fields is likely to have been lodged and the subsequent 21-day period for public comments may also have expired.

Concerned residents may be afforded limited opportunity to influence minor aspects of the proposed development layout, but not substantially. We should weep that Milltimber must surrender its final and most precious asset – that principal feature which makes it such a desirable place to live – for yet more houses and retail unit(s) which few desire or need. Milltimber has given much to the cause of the area Local Development Plan – a farm for circa 550 houses, numerous smaller pockets filling every gap, a planned care home complex, and the AWPR. All communities contribute to advancement but Milltimber appears to be carrying more burden than necessary. If and when these irreplaceable fields are built over and lost forever, developers will have taken everything available within the community boundaries – I trust they will be satisfied with their work!

Common sense in the newly informed era of 2020 tells us clearly that these fields should never be developed. What might have seemed okay in 2009 and 2017 is not anymore. 2019 was a defining year for mass understanding of the critical dynamics of our environments and 2020 must be the year positive action begins to reverse the damaging results of our past. Our city and community planning authorities can still avoid approving what would be one of the worst planning decisions ever, so we wish them well in their deliberations and arriving at the only rational decision possible.

Experts in relationship conflict resolution utilise a tried and tested set of three questions for the protagonists which are established mainstays to successful outcomes. Paraphrasing for the Milltimber South fields these become: Does this development NEED to be built?

Does this development NEED to be built here?

Does this development NEED to be built now?

Three clear “Yesses” for Milltimber South Development??? Not remotely by any standard. It’s a big NO from me – and from many others too. Time is running out – restore these fields to their rightful greenbelt status and plant trees – that is appropriate sustainable development in 2020.

Malcolm Ellice

[Note from Editor : “The area was included for development in the current LDP by the Scottish Government Reporter and not the Aberdeen City Council; it was not supported by them nor by the CBM Community Council.“]

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mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

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Walk in Cults: Heritage, the River Dee and Climate Change Sunday 29th March at 2.00 pm – Meet outside Cults Hotel This is a walk for all the family organised by the Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber Community Council. The walk is part of the

events of Climate Week in March.

The basic walk is 1.5 miles (Cults Hotel, Cults Station, Allan Park, River Dee, Shakkin’ Briggie, Den of Cults) with options to extend to 3.5 miles (Inchgarth Reservoir, River Dee and return via Deeside Way) or 4.2 miles (RGU).

The walk will include short, 5-minute talks at some heritage locations (eg. Shakkin’ Briggie) and on how climate change is, and will be, impacting on the River Dee. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear – walking boots are advised.

Some parts of the paths are wet and rough in places, with tree roots etc. The route is dependent on weather conditions and may be subject to change.

Start and Finish: Outside Cults Hotel, North Deeside Road, Cults.

Free event with no booking required.

For more information contact: Peter Smith, cbmcc@cbmcommunity.org.uk Climate change week: https://www. climateweekaberdeen.org/

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mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

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Page 13

Climate Change – What does it mean for me?

Most of us know about climate change now. We have watched Blue Planet, heard all about the never-ending Australian bush fires, the tsunami, droughts, mass extinction of species, flooding, melting of the icecaps. We know the terrible impact that climate change is having and want to stop it getting worse but it is difficult to know what each of us can do about it and how it will impact on us here in the North East.

We may know some things that we could do to make a difference – consume less, eat less animal products, fly less, have a pollinator friendly garden, plant more trees, use renewable energy and public transport but what about other things we can do. Some of these individual behavioral changes need to be facilitated by the right infrastructure, regulations and incentives so what is the government doing and what will a net zero carbon Scotland mean for us in the Oil & Gas capital of Europe?

Climate Week North East is 10 days of 120 events taking place in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire. It runs from 20th to 29th March 2020 and is designed to show what we can all do to make a difference to reduce our carbon footprint and live sustainably. The events are fun and stimulating, providing knowledge and inspiration for everyone to take small (and big) steps in the fight against climate change.

Be stimulated and spurred on by the showcase of the community initiatives; have fun at the Hazlehead Green Family Fun day on Saturday 28th March; check out some parts of Cults you didn’t know about on a guided walk along the Dee with the Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber Community Council while learning how climate change is going to affect the Dee; take a bike out for a spin with CTC from Hazlehead or Duthie Park; learn to craft and upcycle by popping along to Sonya Angus’s shop in Cults for an upcycling demo; tour recycling and community projects; eat a free zero waste meal at Ruthieston Community Centre; attend activism workshops; watch films; learn and discuss at talks and conferences; make wild meadows or plant trees. No matter what your age or pursuits – there is something for you to enjoy in the Climate Week programme in the City and Shire. The full programme of events can be seen on www.climateweekaberdeen.org or the CWNE facebook page.

As Alison Stuart, Aberdeen Climate Action, says: “There are so many great initiatives taking place in the North East that concentrate on really living sustainably. It is inspiring and heartening to see how everyone is coming together to create community ‘eco’ projects, grow our own food, repair and upcycle, walk and bike more, consume less and really promote a sustainable lifestyle. Climate Week is a great way of highlighting this and the actions we all can take. It shows that taking action can be fun and demonstrates the real benefits of living sustainably.”

Why not come along to a few events and make a pledge for Climate Week North East to make a positive change in your life and to the lives of others at https://www.wearedonation.com/businesses/aberdeen-climate-action/campaigns/climate-week-north-east/ Full list of events here: http://www.climateweekaberdeen.org More on Aberdeen Climate Action here: www.aberdeenclimateaction.org and www.sustainableaberdeen.com Contact Alison Stuart, ACA mobile number: 07779279583; Alison@aberdeenclimateaction.org Available for interview.

Sunday Morning Worship @ 10.30am 1 Quarry Road, Cults AB15 9EX Creche Under 5’s Jesus And Me 3-12 years Film Nights Our popular film nights continue on the 8th Feb, 14th March & 11th April – films to be decided. Please see our website for details.

Evening Services – Soul Space @ Cults Kirk Cults Parish Church 6pm – 2nd Feb, 1st March & 5th April. A quieter service for those seeking peace in their lives.

Holy Week – our joint services this year will be at Peterculter Church of Scotland at 7pm 6th - 10th April

For Children and Young People Messy Church (all ages including adults) – 13th Feb, 12th March & 9th April at Cults Kirk Centre arrive from 3.30pm for a 4pm start, finishing by 6:00pm (evening meal included) Friday Café (S1-S4) – Cults Kirk Centre 3:30-6pm for more information about activities for children and young people contact one of our Youth & Families Worker Abbie, on the telephone number below.

Easter Celebrations: Sunday 12th April 10.30am at Cults Kirk.

Look out for new groups starting soon!

THE HUB CAFÉ AT CULTS KIRK CENTRE IS OPEN TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY 10am to 3pm SNACKS, SCONES AND LIGHT LUNCHES (NEW VOLUNTEERS WELCOME TEL 869028) For more information on the many events taking place at Cults Kirk and Cults Kirk Centre, please refer to www.cultsparishchurch.co.uk  01224 869028  cultsparishchurch@btinternet.com Our minister is Rev Shuna Dicks  01224 861692  revshuna@btinternet.com Page 14

mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

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Community Event Update

T

he community event which took place in September 2019 gave an overview of children’s emotional development, cybersafety, drugs and alcohol issues related to young people and their families.

The event was well attended by a variety of people, many of whom, following the event, completed a survey. The survey clearly highlighted the desire for further information on topics including managing worry or anxiety, screen time, friendships and peer pressure. 90% of people who attended the event said that they would like to further develop their ability to support a child’s wellbeing. A number of the feedback comments we received welcomed the expert input and believed it would be worthwhile spending more time on individual topics which would allow for information to be shared and questions to be asked, which in turn would lead to individuals feeling more confident in supporting their young people.

When you become a parent or are responsible for young people there isn’t a handbook which can fully prepare you for what may or may not happen. As a parent you can often feel isolated when things go wrong; you feel that everybody else appears to being doing a better job; you don’t want to discuss your family’s private business for the fear of being judged or causing problems for your children. Hopefully following the first event we can be more confident in realising we all go through ups and downs; that’s just life. Given the positive response to the initial evening, it is our intention to arrange further events in early 2020 at different locations between Peterculter and Cults.

A few key messages from the evening to remember as we start 2020: Make sure that your children know that you love them and are proud of them; Talk to them about their day and how they are feeling; Use social media, bloggers, TV, news reports, films etc. as opportunities to chat to your child about issues that they might find difficult to talk to you about; Make an effort to understand your child’s interests and get to know their friends and their family; Choose your battles; Teens are going through a rapid phase of development, remember it won’t always be like this!

Here is a reminder of the links people found useful: Young Minds: A mental health charity with a focus on building resilience in young people and families - https://youngminds.org.uk/ Cyber Safe Scotland - https://www.cybersafescotland.org/ CREW Scotland – a drugs awareness and harm reduction charity, https://www.crew.scot/ Thank you to everyone who attended and to partners who helped make it happen, the local Churches, NHS, ADP, Police Scotland, CyberSafe, Crew, acis and Aberdeen City Council.

Councillor Marie Boulton

mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

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Page 15

Our Front Cover

F

or spring, we were given an allocation of crocus and muscari bulbs from Aberdeen City Council. Many of these were planted in the grass verges around the entrances to Cults Academy and Cults Community Centre by pupils of S1. Thank you to them; we are most grateful for their help.

A considerable amount of money was saved last year by watering the hanging baskets ourselves, rather than paying for Aberdeen City Council to do it. This was time consuming for those involved and more help is needed if we are to do the same this year.

is actually the front cover of Craig Baker’s book.

A bit about the book...

Aerial Aberdeen aims to show Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire from the perspective of professional pilot and aerial photographer Craig Baker, Mountains, rivers, lochs, castles, cliffs, beaches, dunes, industry, towns, villages, festivals and more. This project was shot with professional cameras from drones, planes and helicopters over many sunrise and sunset adventures between 2015 and 2019.

Another project to look out for is Scottish crime film Mortem from which some aerial filming locations feature here. Craig was based in Scotland flying turboprops between the highlands and islands for Scottish airline Loganair. Kerofai offers creative and technical aerial image and aerial video products and services worldwide. Visit kerofai for commissions, licences and merchandise.

Finally, a reminder that all the above does not happen without funding. If you, as an individual, a business or part of an organization, would like to contribute, donations would be very gratefully received and may be made via the website, http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/donate-to-mbcbm/, or by contacting me if you prefer a cheque.

If you are interested in helping with MBCBM activities, please contact Graham Payne, treasurer@cbmcommunity.org.uk, tel.01224 868827. It could be simply by adopting a planter and offering to water as required or help with planting in spring or summer. Every little bit helps.

The book is available for £39.99 from the website -

www.kerofai.com

CRAIG BAKER BSc ATPL Thank you to Craig for the use of the photograph on our front cover this issue.

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mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

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Drs Mckeown, Morton, Smith, Booth and Rowan C ults

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tel : 0345 337 1140 fax: 01224 860171 tel: 0845 337 1140 fax: 01224 860171 cults.administrator@nhs.net We would like to thank all of you who kindly donated to our sponsored 10k for The Stroke Rehabilitation Unit in Aberdeen. It was a very rainy day but doctors, nurses, community team and staff, along with friends and family all turned up and took part enthusiastically and in great spirits.

We are delighted to say that we raised in excess of ÂŁ6000! This will help to pay for much needed equipment.

We would also like to thank family and friends of the late Mr Neil Daun for their kind donations to Cults Medical Group in his memory.

Flu vaccinations are still available. We would like to encourage any of our patients who are eligible for a free flu vaccination to book an appointment with our Practice Nurse.

Please remember that community pharmacies are your first port of call for all coughs and colds and sore throats; most are viral and will need to run their course aided by products from the pharmacy that can help make symptoms tolerable.

We now have an NHSG Pharmacist in the practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Any questions or concerns you have regarding prescribed medications, such as drug interactions, side effects or alternative products can be answered by them. Please contact Reception if you have a query.

Finally, I am delighted to welcome our new GP, Dr Alison Monro, to Cults Medical Group. I am sure she will be a great addition to our wellestablished medical team.

Mrs Yvonne Spalding Practice Manager.

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mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

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Page 17

Camphill School Camphill Wellbeing Trust is a medical charity which aims to support an extended approach to health and wellbeing.

We offer therapeutic options to address illness, improve resilience and maintain wellbeing.

Our particular expertise includes: •

Learning disabilities,

Camphill School Aberdeen has launched a campaign to raise funds for a new tractor.

Can you help make our wish come true?

Our 21-year-old tractor is coming to the end of its life and desperately needs upgrading. We now need a new, two-seater tractor to support Camphill School’s farming work, which provides meaningful work and learning experiences to children and young people with additional support needs. And, for the first time, this will enable our students of all ages to ride in the tractor and learn the vital tractor duties that help to run our farm.

including autism, ADHD

The mum of Jak, a student at Camphill, said,

•

Children’s health: 0-18 years

•

Chronic conditions,

“Thinking back to what Jak’s life was like before, the progress he has made in the two years at Camphill School is remarkable. He now has a purpose in life and his childhood dream of being a farmer has come true. We are so proud of Jak.”

•

Mistletoe therapy

e.g. ME, stress, allergies

To find out more, contact us on: 01224 862008 or by email: admin@cwt.scot

www.camphillwellbeing.org.uk Camphill Wellbeing Trust is a business name of Camphill Medical Practice Ltd A limited company registered in Scotland No.SC120539 Charity No. SC016291 Registered office: St John’s, Murtle Estate, Bieldside, Aberdeen AB15 9EP

Camphill School needs £24,000 to buy a much-needed tractor and we are asking for your help to support young people like Jak to reach their fullest potential. If you can donate or ask the company you work for to help, each donation will bring us a step closer to reaching our target.

Donating is easy: Cash – drop off at Central Office, Murtle Estate.

Cheque – drop off or post to Camphill School, Central Office, Murtle Estate, Bieldside, AB15 9EP. Bank Transfer – RBS Account Number: 00124110 Sort-Code: 8349-40.

Reference: Your name, Tractor Online – via our Virgin Money Giving appeal page http:// uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/camphill-tractor Thank you for your support.

Alex Busch, Executive Director

Camphill School Aberdeen (CSA) is a local charity providing a day nursery, school, residential and day services for children and young people, many with additional support needs. We are based on three campuses in Bieldside and Milltimber, where over 130 students are supported to reach their fullest potential.

By focusing on our students’ abilities, each young person is supported to grow their confidence, independence and skills which can lead to fulfilling their potential and meeting their aspirations.

If you would like further information about student admissions, recruitment, fundraising, or anything else, please call us on 01224 867935 or email office@crss.org.uk.

Camphill Wellbeing Trust is a business name of Camphill Medical Practice Ltd A limited company registered in Scotland No.SC120539 Charity No. SC016291 Registered office: St John’s, Murtle Estate, Bieldside, Aberdeen AB15 9EP

www.camphillwellbeing.org.uk

Page 18

Camphill School Aberdeen is a business name of Camphill Rudolf Steiner Schools Limited - Charity Number SC015588 and Registered company No.SC103899

01224 862008

mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

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Simeon News I write this in early January and nearly everything is back to normal after a very busy and enjoyable Christmas time. At Simeon we are blessed with good friends, family, staff and volunteers, all coming together to make Christmas a special occasion full of fun, praise and new memories.

Some of the highlights since the last edition were: a ‘frightful’ Halloween party; visits from St Devenick’s Sunday School and Amber Kindergarten; a Christmas Party organised by the Friends of Simeon; a performance by Cults Academy Music Pupils; a fun Nativity play featuring our volunteers and residents; celebrations and special meals on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve; not to mention our now traditional participation in the Nippy Dipper!

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributes to Simeon life over the year. It never fails to amaze me how lucky we are to have such great people giving what they do for the benefit of our residents and community. I would like to wish everyone reading this happiness and good health for the year to come. Let’s make 2020 a year of celebrating diversity in all its forms. In keeping with this aspiration, to start the year we had a beautiful demonstration of Japanese culture from our volunteer Saya who showed our residents a traditional tea ceremony and calligraphy writing.

Simeon Care is a care home with Nursing for up to 23 older adults. If you or someone you know might be interested about moving to Simeon or feel you could volunteer or contribute to life in our community, you can find out more by visiting our website www.simeoncare.org.uk, like our Facebook page, call 01224 862415 or email info@simeoncare.org.uk “May you live all the days of your life”, Jonathan Swift Cairnlee Road, Bieldside, AB15 9BN www.simeoncare.org.uk Charity Number SC012239

Saturday 21st March 10 am – 12 pm Hillview Community Church A fun community event!

Tea, coffee, home baking and best decorated cake competition.

Games, chocolate tombola, toy & book sale Bargains galore on the mothers day stalls and a chance to win hampers!

The Rainbows, Brownies and Guides of Cults look forward to seeing you there!

mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

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Cults ASG Active Schools Pupil Leadership A large number of Active Schools activities in the Cults ASG are delivered by volunteer parents, pupils, teachers and students. At Cults Academy, I am very fortunate to have a great group of volunteer pupils who help to deliver a huge range of Active Schools activities such as badminton, table tennis, netball, tennis, girls-only activities, athletics and hockey.

In the last few months, 22 Cults Academy pupils have taken part in sports leadership training that Active Schools have delivered. In August, 15 pupils completed Sports Leaders UK ‘s “I Can Lead” training course which focused on hockey and netball; and in November, seven pupils took part in a citywide boys only “I Can Lead” course which focused on football and basketball.

These training courses are aimed at: building confidence as young leaders when standing in front of a large group of kids and giving clear instructions; giving experience of planning, delivering and evaluating coaching sessions; giving coaching drills and content which can be used in coaching sessions; understanding the roles of umpires and officials, and helping prepare for being in charge of a group of kids!

To complete their Sports Leadership training, the pupils must complete 30 hours of volunteering at clubs, as well as five hours of leading warm-ups, drills, games and activities. A number of these pupils have since started volunteering at clubs and events across the local schools, supporting coaches or delivering activities themselves.

John Dixon Active Schools Coordinator (Cults ASG)

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mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

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Aberdeen Art Gallery 2020 Programme

From March 21 to June 7, the gallery will host the first solo exhibition in Scotland by internationally acclaimed artist, Haroon Mirza.

Waves and Forms will highlight the artist’s ongoing exploration of waveforms and the responses they evoke.

attracted support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. In addition to the new BP Galleries, two flexible exhibition spaces will present work by local schools, groups and societies, and also create Artist-in-Residence opportunities.

The work of a number of well-known artists is to be celebrated at Aberdeen Art Gallery as part of the 2020 programme.

The BP Portrait Award – one of the most prestigious painting competitions in the world – will return on October 10 and run to January 23, 2021.

If you have not yet had the opportunity to visit the gallery then I recommend you do so during the coming year – it is a great part of Aberdeen’s cultural offering.

Zandra Rhodes: 50 Years of Fabulous (July 4 to September 20) will be one of three major shows staged next year.

Aberdeen Art Gallery re-opened in November after a £34.6 million redevelopment, which

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mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

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Page 21

Worship Service Sunday 10.30am

with crèche & Children’s Church

Hillview is a place to connect with God; a family that cares for one another and loves to serve the community.

We would love for you to join us on a Sunday at our worship service.

To find out more about us please get in touch or check us out on Facebook and Twitter.

@hillviewabdn

@hccabdn

Ascend

Sunday 6pm S1 - S6

mainly music

Thursday 9.45am 0 - 5 years

GOALSIDE

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Hillview Community Church | Earlswells Road AB15 9NY | www.hillview.cc | info@hillview.cc | 01224 868096

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mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

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Milltimber School & Nursery PTA

parents was fantastic and we are keen to continue to support this important local charity.

Consultations have continued around the plans for a replacement, purpose-built school for Milltimber on a new site within the Oldfold Farm development, and we are hopeful that work will commence soon to allow the school to be built and ready for us to move in to by August 2021…

It’s an exciting year for us at Milltimber School and Nursery as we continue on our improvement journey and see the plans for our new school progressing.

Building on all the positive developments across our school from last year, we have been busy improving life and learning for our children and have a clear vision for 2020 and beyond: to work together, as pupils, staff and parents, to be the best that we can be!

get a team together and do some swotting up! Our school discos take place in the school on Friday, March 27th.

At Milltimber, we are proud to involve parents in the life of the school and in their children’s learning, and it is proving to be beneficial all round. Partnership with parents is important for our school’s development and there are many ways in which parents can become involved, for example through the Parent Council, Parent Teacher Association (PTA), or as a parent helper across a range of classroom projects and activities.

Funds raised through the PTA provide a wide range of resources for the school and nursery and we are always grateful for the PTA’s dedication and enthusiasm. New faces – and new ideas – will always be welcomed!

Developing the curriculum – indoors and outdoors – is a priority within our school this year, as is our commitment to continue to develop our support for the additional needs of our children.

The PTA is working as hard as ever to put together a program of engaging and entertaining activities to raise vital funds for the school Events already in the calendar include the everpopular Milltimber PTA Quiz Night, which takes place in the Milltimber Community Hall on Saturday, March 21st. Plenty of time for you to

We are continuing to foster strong relationships within our local community.

We are proud of the links we nurture with our friends at Tor-Na-Dee and Craig Court, and we are delighted to have supported Instant Neighbour in an appeal for food for families in need in Aberdeen. The response from pupils, staff and

mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

We are very proud of what we achieve across our school and nursery every day and we look forward to achieving more great things together as the year progresses.

Remember, you can read about what’s happening at our school in our lively school magazine, The Buzz, which is on our school website: https:// milltimber.aberdeen.sch.uk You can also follow us on Twitter: @ milltimbersch And on Facebook:@ MilltimberPrimarySchoolParentCouncil, @ milltimberPTA

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Page 23

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Culter’s own ladies’ chorus, Albacappella is looking forward to an exciting 2020 after seeing off 2019 in style. The a cappella group had a busy Christmas which included singing at Drum Castle, Crathes Castle and Castle Fraser, as well as corporate festive events in Aberdeen.

The new decade began for Albacappella with a performance at the Baker Hughes Burns’ supper at the prestigious P&J Live. The chorus was invited to the annual all-staff event after singing for the oil and gas service company during Christmas celebrations.

Albacappella is made up of over 30 women who sing a cappella style, in fourpart harmony. From traditional barbershop tunes to modern pop, the chorus loves to sing a wide variety of music styles and it has recently developed a Scottish repertoire which has been enjoyed across the UK. As specialists in Scottish songs, Albacappella was the perfect accompaniment to the Burns celebration, pleasing the 400-strong audience with traditional and modern Scottish songs. Inspired by Scottish landscapes and time-honoured folk songs, Albacappella’s Scottish songs have been known to bring a tear to the eye of many a proud Scot. From the stirring Loch Lomond to the Proclaimers’ 500 miles, Albacappella is proud of its growing Scottish repertoire.

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Chairperson Linden Tapper said: “We have an exciting year ahead as we start to prepare for the annual ladies’ barbershop convention which is taking place in Bournemouth in October. We have a retreat in the early part of the year to focus on our singing technique and performance style and we are planning to learn several new songs during the year.

“Performing at P&J Live for Baker Hughes was a fantastic start to the year. Our Scottish songs are always so well appreciated as they can bring back memories for local people and we all enjoy seeing the wonderful reaction of the audience.

“2020 will be a great year for Albacappella and we are always looking for new members to join in the fun. Any lady who enjoys singing should come along to our rehearsals at St Peter’s Heritage Hall on Wednesday evenings from 7.30pm. Our members are a mixture of local women and ladies from across Europe and we welcome all newcomers. No experience is required – just a love of singing and a sense of fun!”

Page 24

mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

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mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

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Page 25

The Arts Society Grampian is the new name for the Grampian Decorative and Fine Arts Society (GDFAS). Although the name and logo have changed the programme of riveting and varied lectures with superb illustrations remains as exciting as ever.

We warmly welcome back all existing members for a new season of lectures and would be delighted to meet visitors, who having come once, won’t be able to resist coming back for more. Visitors are invited to make a donation of £8. Lectures start at 7.30pm

2020 February 12 Silk Road: A Textile Journey March 11 Nicholas and Alexandra – Tyrants and Martyrs of Imperial Russia

April 8 May 13

June 10

Please note the venue is Room N242, the Sir Ian Wood Building, The Robert Gordon’s University, Garthdee Road. From the Bridge of Dee, take the first left out of the roundabout along Garthdee Road. At the second set of lights after Sainsbury’s, turn left on to the RGU Campus and bear right at the first junction. The Sir Ian Wood building is to the left of the Faculty of Health and Social Care. There are a number of car parks on the campus, some of which may involve a few minutes walk, so allow time for parking. For more information please ring Alison on 01224 869639 or Hazell on 01561 340333.

Come and Join Us Annual fees are reduced for new members: First year membership for one year is £55 Family membership for two years is £110 (A family is a parent(s) and any number of kids) There is also associate membership at £26.50 Contact David Steele at 01224 868485 or at dusteele@talktalk.net

You will be welcome

The Story of Beatrix Potter Fundraiser: Earlier start at 6.30 pm. Followed by: Mad Men and the Artists – how the advertising industry has exploited fine art William Morris at Home

News from St Devenick’s Playgroup We are delighted to welcome the children back after the festive break and look forward to a fun and exciting term with them!

Our playgroup is for children aged 2.5 to 5 years old and runs weekday mornings during term time. We have both an indoor hall with lots of resources and an outdoor playground for children to play in and explore.

Last term we had an exciting build up to the festive season; the children (and staff) enjoyed lots of crafts, baking, party games, singing and even bulb planting! In December, the children sponsored and decorated a tree at Cults Parish Church and went on a Christmas trip to visit their tree. The children practised and performed a Christmas concert for their families which was wonderful to see and hear!

Last term we said “Goodbye” to Michelle Wright (formerly Hutchinson) after four years of managing the playgroup. We would like to take this opportunity to wholeheartedly thank Michelle for her enthusiasm, dedication and time - not just during her time as manager, but over her many years of working at the playgroup. We know you will miss all the stories, anecdotes, games, activities, crafts and glitter!!! On behalf of the staff and parents we wish you every success in your new adventures.

The Playgroup Committee have been very busy and last term successfully secured funding from our local Keystore Community Fund and OWLNEG to help improve the outdoor learning environment in the playgroup garden. The garden project is now well under way thanks to a team of parent helpers. The garden now boasts new den building, mud kitchen and rockery areas. The path has been made more accessible and the sandpit has been enlarged and filled. We look forward to seeing the children enjoy the garden space and continue their learning outdoors in the coming Spring months. The garden will continue to be improved upon over the next term thanks to those who helped raise money through our crowd funding page. This money will (among other things) fund the creation of a bug hotel and the introduction of plants to the rockery and planting areas.

BIELDSIDE, ABERDEEN

Monday -Friday 9.10 am – 12.20 pm For children aged 2 ½ to 5 years

The Committee are looking forward to hosting other social events for our families, friends and the wider community as a whole, and hope to follow on from the success of our celebratory Ceilidh. We will be holding a Quiz Night in February and our annual Race Night in May this year. The children will also be involved in planning and taking part in a sponsored toddle in our summer term.

Funded Spaces Available

News from Rising Fives Our Rising Fives group runs every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon for children in their pre-school year. The sessions include a real mix of fun activities to suit all – science experiments, baking, crafts, food activities and plenty of outdoor fun – along with a healthy snack.

St Devenick’s Playgroup is based at St Devenick’s Church Hall in Bieldside. Playgroup runs Monday to Friday 09:10 – 12:20, with the optional Wednesday Lunch Club (12:20 – 13:30). We currently have both funded and non-funded spaces available. Rising Fives runs on a Tuesday and Thursday 12:30 – 15:00. If you would like further information about any of the above, please contact our Playgroup Administrator stdevenicksplaygroup@gmail.com or give us a phone on 01224 867431.



Friendly, dedicated, qualified staff



Not required to be potty trained



Spaces available for 2 to 5 days a week, including funded spaces



Lunch Club Wednesdays (12:20-1:30pm)



Healthy snack provided each day



Bright hall and outdoor playground available everyday



Plus our Secret Garden is set up for outdoor learning experiences

ALSO….. RISING 5’S for pre-school children Tues & Thurs 12.30 –3pm and

TOTS & TODDLERS Wednesday’s 9.30—11.30am

Email: stdevenicksplaygroup@gmail.com

www.stdevenicksplaygroup.btck.co.uk

01224 867431

T

he full programme of walks, talks and social meetings for the year 2019 – 2020 is on our website https://www. cultshillwalkingclub.org.uk/. Please note we have changed to a more secure server, hence https://xxxxx.

Our December walk was The Seven Bridges of Ballater. Not only were the Santa Hats in evidence, which is always the case for the December walk, but some silly outfits also. The weather was good and there was a fine turnout for the last walk of the year.

The new year resolutions may well have been forgotten by now but we walk throughout the year and if anyone thought about walking but hasn’t yet, then why not give us a try?

Forthcoming Diary of Talks and Walks

5 March Presentations from Members re trips to Myanmar and Austria.

15 March The Buck of Cabrach 2 April 19 April

Talk –‘Scotways’, Glen Clova

Bob Aitken

1 -4 May 14 May 17 May

Weekend Away to Arrochar AGM An Socach

New members are always welcome to come along and see the varied programme we offer. Evening meetings are normally held at Cults Community Centre starting at 7.30pm.

Contacts: Chairman, Paul Dumont 01224 863938, chair@ cultshillwalkingclub.org.uk, or Membership Secretary, Judith Metcalf on 01224 869572, membership@cultshillwalkingclub.org.uk

Our next deadline is 01 April 2020 for the May-June-July magazines. Book your space as quickly as possible. Editorial prior to 01 April is brilliant!

Thank you for supporting MBC News.

Exercise Classes to Music

See listing at back of MBC News for class times. or visit www.FSAberdeen.co.uk

CULTS

Improve Fitness, Flexibility and Strength Have fun !

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SOCCER COACHING

Where: Hillview Church When:

Ian Wilson Soccer Coaching is running Wednesdays after school football coaching for boys during term time and girls at Hillview Church. To book, Time: or for further information, please visit 3.30 – 4.30 (4-6 years) our website or call us on 4.30-5.30 (6 years+) 07770996767.

Cost: £50 per term

IAN WILSON SOCCER COACHING 23 Friarsfield Road Cults Aberdeen AB15 9LB 07770996767 www.ianwilsonsoccercoaching.com

Pressure Cleaning Services, For a no obligation quotation Tel: 01224 518508 Email: hello@smartenmydrive.com Website: www.smartenmydrive.com

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Peterculter Medical Practice At the time of writing this article, predictions are for a proper blast of winter conditions later in January and beyond. We now have a contract with a local landscaping business who are providing us with a gritting and snow clearing service to keep the paths to our building and the carpark areas as clear and safe as possible. In the past, we have relied on the medical and admin staff to do our best to keep the paths as clear as possible, but our new arrangement should be much better; ultimately safer for all who use our service.

There has been some recent expansion to our link practitioner and pharmacist workforce at the practice, reflecting the significant workload of those professional colleagues and the recognition of their importance within the delivery of the full primary care service. The link practitioner helps the primary care team address factors which can affect a patient’s health or wellbeing, aiming to achieve positive solutions in individual cases by addressing issues that are not strictly ‘medical’ ones. For example GP’s will often see patients with problems where physical and/or mental health is being significantly affected by factors such as social isolation, alcohol abuse, financial difficulties, stress or housing issues (to name just a few) and it is with these issues that the link practitioner can help. The pharmacist takes on: monitoring of repeat prescriptions; helps with significant medication changes following attendance at a hospital clinic or an admission to hospital; deals with any medication-related queries from patients or staff colleagues on a daily basis; and liaises between the medical staff at the practice and the community pharmacies. They also undertake monitoring and audit of quality issues in our prescribing and medicines management work.

Our longstanding district nurse colleague, Thora Baeyens, has recently retired. We would like to thank her for her many years of dedicated work with us here and wish her a very happy retirement.

Best wishes, Dr D C M Harris

The Elephant in the Room Disclaimer: Cults Bowling Club wishes to make clear it has no intention or desire to offend in any way whatsoever any elephant— or any other wild animal—that might be reading this article.

What does it mean to be a member of a small club, in particular, a small bowling club? The answer is that you have to do much more than sit on committees and make decisions. You have to set about implementing these decisions ie. go and do the actual work.

Throughout the season we play against other clubs in Aberdeen and we always provide them with what you might call afternoon tea.

Our members do the catering for these games, week in, week out. (I have to admit that it is our ladies who always take on this chore.

(Tradition dies hard.) As well as that, over the winter months, at our various social occasions, the bulk of the catering is provided by our members.

But there is also a men’s working group!

Throughout the whole year this group turns up every Tuesday morning (and more often if required) to work on routine maintenance.

During the summer, they will cut the hedges, weed the paths, clear the gutters, wash the windows,…. Over the winter, they will repaint the outdoor bench seats and the fences, clean and tidy the equipment used during the playing season, revamp the diches surrounding the green, and much more. Last winter, we had a major refurbishment of the club.

We calculate that the club saved more than £20,000 because of work done by members.

Well, they got a rowie most mornings (one each).

What does this direct involvement in the club mean? It means the club is ours! Why go to a “men’s (or women’s) shed”, when you can join Cults Bowling Club?!

What about this elephant lounging in the corner of the room? There is a common saying; “If you don’t have a decent green, you don’t have a bowling club”.

The green is the elephant. During the season the green is cut three times a week. It is fertilised, scarified, deep-cored, lovingly tended and Cults Bowling Club can claim to have one of the top greens in Aberdeen. We employ an outside contractor to do this work and that costs the club about £9,000 a year.

Now this is a sum that would be chickenfeed for, let’s say, a well-off, local golf club but to a bowling club with a membership of about 100 and an annual fee of £110 it is a considerable burden. Do the maths.

There are smaller bowling clubs than Cults in Aberdeen and beyond. They cope by doing much of the green maintenance themselves, but it is not easy. There is one simple solution, of course - increase our membership and so increase our bank balance. Come and join us!

You will be part of a friendly, well-knit club.

An Open Club Cults Bowling Club welcomes every expression of interest—for bowling, for social events or for both. Contact the club. Talk to a friend about it. Drop in on any Tuesday morning and have a chat—and a coffee.

The club’s web site is www.cultsbowlingclub. weebly.com. There you will find details of our programme and general information about the club. You may also contact Findlay Baxter at: Tel: 01224 868263 or at findlaybaxter@yahoo.com

New Year, New Club, New You

Happy New Year from all of us at Peterculter Golf Club! We’re kicking off 2020 with a wide range of membership offers, opens to enter and a focus as ever, on family. This spring we are running our third annual Family Open Day on Sunday 29th March from 2-5pm, all are welcome to attend. We’ll have face painting, a bouncy castle, BBQ and lots of fun golf activities for all the family to enjoy, including snakes and ladders putting and golf football. Come along and enjoy a fun, free afternoon and discover all that we have to offer here at Peterculter.

This year, we are working hard to grow our Junior section, working with the junior members to provide tailored events for teenagers interested in golf. Our Junior Membership starts from £60 for ages 7-17.

We are welcoming all ideas for junior events so please let us know by contacting us on marketing@petercultergolfclub. co.uk. We’re also continuing our successful Transitional Membership for young people up to the age of 29, as well as our incredible Family Membership, so don’t miss out, there’s plenty of deals to be had!

For more information about our fantastic membership offers, please contact us on membership@petercultergolfclub.co.uk

Rotary Club of Aberdeen Deeside Primary School Public Speaking Competition This year’s competition was held at Airyhall Primary School on Tuesday 1st October. A total of eighteen P7 school pupils from five local primary schools competed against each other for the coveted Rotary trophy. They’re choice of topics were; Our Democratic World Our future planet Who is my inspiration?

The maturity and skill at presenting was quite amazing for people so young and they were all a credit to both their schools and their parents. The judging was by a panel of Rotarians who scored, based on talk structure, quality of content, skill in delivery and interest and enjoyment for the audience.

The overall winner was Luca Condrea-Tarbet from Cults Primary school who gave a talk on ‘Our Future Planet’ and presented his view of a future high-speed transportation system called Hyperloop.

Charity Quiz Night Our annual quiz night held at the Cults Hotel on Friday 11th October was another

Rotaract Club also attended and invited the RGU Students to join them at their meetings held on Thursdays at the Northern Hotel, Aberdeen. They explained that they were a ‘Younger Version of Rotary!’

opportunity for teams of four to pit their wits against the quizmaster with a stovies break and raffle.

Whisky Trail and Tasting This was held on Friday 8th November at the Cults Bowling Club. Teams answered questions as they worked through clues of distillery locations around Scotland tasting various malts as they went.

Easter Anguston 29th October 2019 Ten RCAD volunteers helped out at the VSA Visitor Centre where paint brushes were wielded to give the benches and signs a makeover.

Christmas Lights Switch on Events 23rd November RCAD was able to provide volunteers to help at both Culter and Cults events even though they were held on the same day.

Partners Night 30th October 2019 Members and partners met at the Ashvale restaurant for a fish supper followed by bingo.

Ongoing We are always open for new members who will be made most welcome if they wish to attend a meeting.

International Students Evening Students from the current RGU MBA course were invited, for the tenth consecutive year, to visit the club on the 20th November. The students, from many points on the globe, then each gave a brief speech about where they were from and answered the questions they had been given with some really funny answers. All of them thanked the club for the evening. Members of the Aberdeen

To find out more about our Club at Aberdeen Deeside, contact secretary Harry Arnold at 01224 740986, or secretary@ aberdeendeeside.rotary1010.org. Or see more about our activities at; aberdeendeesiderotary.org.uk Aberdeen.Deeside.Rotary @rotarydeeside

Aberdeen Tai Chi Chuan ’88 ¥ Tai Chi Chuan is a gentle Chinese martial art suitable for any age.

¥ The practice develops awareness,

coordination and ßexibility. ¥ It relaxes and strengthens the body and calms the mind. ¥ It improves circulation, health and balance. ¥ Practitioners suffer less from trips, slips and falls.

We are the longest-established TCC Club in Aberdeen.

We teach the empty hand sequences of circular, free ßowing, whole-body movements and partner exercises like Òpush handsÓ. Advanced students learn weapons forms.

The ClubÕs six qualiÞed instructors between them have a total over 100 years of Tai Chi Chuan experience.

Adult Classes only: Wednesday evenings 7-9:30pm Cults Sports Complex, Quarry Road, Cults.

Want to know more about Tai Chi?

New beginners group starts Wed 9 September 2020 For details contact Bill Strang (Club Sec) william.strang5@gmail.com

Page 30

mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Cults Bridge Club

Footpath Group News The Stony Brae footpath linking Friarsfield Road and Craigton Road and Core path 63 from the middle of the Friarsfield development (Craigsbank Drive) to Craigton Road via the former Waldorf school have been reopened. The latter path had become overgrown and some vegetation has now been cutback by volunteers.

The Footpath Group of the Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber Community Council (CBMCC) is planning a programme of footpath clearances during the spring and summer. It would welcome any suggestion of footpaths in the Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber area requiring maintenance. The group is also organising a walk on March 29th as part of the Climate Change Week. See separate notice in this issue of MBC News.

A list of local walking groups, together with sources of information about local walks is now on the CBMCC website. Go to http://www. cbmcommunity.org.uk/, select CBM Community Council and, then, activities.

Cults Bridge Club is one of the oldest clubs in the MBC area, having started up in 1957.

At its first AGM, the members unanimously passed a resolution “proposing the preservation of the informality of the Club as that had been a major attraction to the initial members.”

And that has remained the driving philosophy of the Club ever since, resulting in it being one of the more popular bridge clubs in Aberdeen and, until this year, always having had a waiting list.

Bridge of a good quality is played but having an enjoyable evening in a friendly environment has remained the key. It has welcomed, traditionally, some who might also play elsewhere and others who have only recently been taught how to play. The combination of social interaction and mental stimulation works for the young and old, and bridge is a magnificent example of this in action. And with the total combination of different hands being 635,013,559,600, even after 63 years, it is unlikely we have played the same hand twice!

We play on a Monday evening at Cults Bowling Club from 7.00pm until around 10.00pm for some 22 weeks a year; from October until March (plus a fun Christmas party!).

Any pairs interested in joining us should contact our secretary Margaret Kelly kellymmargaret@hotmail.com

Forecourt Art Group As April approaches, the Forecourt artists are well into preparations for the 2020 season. We are delighted to welcome nine new artists to the group for this season, bringing with them new pictures and crafts which will be on sale

to the public. The new season will begin at the Heritage Tearooms, Peterculter on Saturday April 4th and will open every Saturday and Sunday from 2-4pm through to October 26th.

Visitors will have a chance to view the paintings on display, chat to the artist on duty and refresh themselves with excellent teas and home bakes.

This year we are even more excited to announce that we will be having a Preview Evening on Friday April 3rd at the tearooms from 7-9pm.

This will be a cheese and wine evening when visitors will get a chance to not only see this year’s exhibition before the official opening on 4th but also to meet most of the artists, to talk about their work and have the chance to buy paintings before they go on general display.

There will also be other paintings and prints for sale which are not part of the exhibition and several artists will be selling a variety of crafts.

Everyone is most welcome to come along to this event. There will be a wide range of greetings cards on sale from many of the artists made from their artwork.

If you are following us on Facebook I hope you are enjoying our ‘Spotlight On The Artists’ and having an opportunity to look at some amazing artwork. We look forward to seeing you at the 2020 exhibition.

Further details visit our Facebook Page ‘Forecourt art group’ or contact Paula Silvester forecourtartgroup@ outlook.com

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Page 31

WESTHILL & DISTRICT COMMUNITY MINIBUS Two Community Minibuses (with towbars) are available for hire by clubs and non profit-making organisations.

One bus takes 14 passengers + driver, the other takes 16 passengers + driver Driver Supplied or Self-Drive

CONTACT: DAVID RITCHIE T: 01224 744058 or 07989 637461 E: westhill.minibus@gmail.com

Hugh Will Property Maintenance All types of building work and property maintenance undertaken including extensions, garages, wood burning stove & fire place installation, pointing, harling, slating, repairs, ground work etc.

Experienced tradesmen, references available on request.

Call or email for a free, no obligation quotation. h.will251@btinternet.com Tel: 01224 733423 Mob: 07791804278

Page 32

mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

STEPHEN MILLS GARDEN SERVICES TEL: 01224 749616 or 07798 892 746 e-mail: sm56@btinternet.com

On April 25th we will be holding our annual Open Day where we would like to invite everyone, members and non-members, to come along and see what Cults Lawn Tennis Club has to offer.

We will have lots for you to do on the day so make sure you come prepared. There will be basket drills for all abilities, cardio tennis demonstrations, fun games for Juniors and Minis, social tennis matches and a chance to meet members and have any questions answered over some refreshments. We can provide racquets for those who need them.

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Business & home users Mac Computer set up Windows Virus removal iPads Advice on what to buy iPhones Help with your website iPad/iPhone/iTunes support One-to-one help Contact Val Muir: 01224 735001 Email account set up val@auchterdeen.scot System restore & recovery www.auchterdeen.scot Printer installation

AS SEEN ON

C

ults Lawn Tennis Club is getting ready for the new season starting on March 1st 2020. We shall be officially opening the season with a social tournament on March 21st for all our members.

For our junior members we plan to start up Thursday Junior Night again in mid-March. This is where our junior members get to take control of the courts to play fun games together.

 GARDEN MAINTENANCE

         

Cults Lawn Tennis Club

Thanks to our 6 fantastic all-weather floodlit courts, members at Cults Tennis Club are able to play tennis throughout the winter months. Even during the off season we have a packed schedule for our members with coaching, box leagues, adult and junior evening play and social play on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, Wednesday evenings and Tuesday & Thursday mornings.

Cults Tennis Club offers a comprehensive coaching programme for all ages and abilities; full details can be found on the club website www.cultstennisaberdeen.co.uk or by contacting our head coach Gareth Rennie. We are offering a special Beginners Membership of £60 for the year for new players who attend the beginner’s lessons on Sunday Evenings.

No matter what your ability, if you are interested in playing tennis, you are welcome to join us. To learn more about the club, please don’t wait until the Open Day, come along to our social sessions on Tuesday & Thursday mornings or Saturday and Sunday afternoons and meet our members and have a game, or check out the website www.cultstennisaberdeen.co.uk, or contact either the club secretary Hilary Leigh (secretary@cultstennisaberdeen.co.uk) or our head coach Gareth Rennie (g.rennie@cultstennisaberdeen.co.uk). We look forward to meeting you all.

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mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Page 33

Cults Playgroup News A very happy New Year from everyone at Cults Playgroup. Last term we welcomed several new children into the group during October, November and December and though some children moved on to the school nursery in January, we look forward to more new recruits joining us in early 2020, and are now almost at capacity.

Last term was full of special days and celebrations. An ‘Autumn walk’ to collect conkers led on to thoughts about the season and lots of art and craft activities. Halloween saw all the children doing ‘spooky’ art and craft, dressing up, and bobbing for apples. Guy Fawkes night on November 5th led to some very impressive splatter pictures, depictions of the night sky. We marked St Andrew’s Day with Scottish music and a Scottish snack of oatcakes and cheese.

Book Week Scotland from 18th to 20rd November allowed the children to bring in their favourite books from home. Masks and paintings followed from the reading of ‘The Gruffalo’ and the role play area was used to act out ‘Under The Bed’ During December there was much enjoyment on the theme of Christmas. A wide variety of art and craft activities used large quantities of brightly coloured paints. The children enjoyed hand printing on a large sheet to make a giant Christmas tree in the playroom which was decorated as the days went by. The children also made ‘star’ baubles out of card for a tree in the Cults Parish Church Christmas Tree Festival. It was also fun to dress the tree, and finally visit the church with Rev Shuna Dicks to hear the story of the nativity and see all the trees fully decorated. The end of term finished with a party and sing-along concert for parents, carers and friends.

Amongst all these activities we have continued to use the garden despite the colder weather.

Our Spring bulbs have been planted and we watch their growth with anticipation. The mud pit has lived up to its name and is always popular, especially when there is a puddle in it!

The trikes, big balls and trampoline continue to be popular.

The playgroup committee continue to be busy.

They look forward to hosting the ever-popular Burns Night Supper on 25th January 2020.

So, dig out your kilt and dancing shoes in preparation for an exciting night!

Cults Playgroup runs each morning of the week in the North Hall, Quarry Road, from 9.00 am until 12.10 pm. If you would like to know more, then do get in touch: mobile 07842 470828 or email cultsplaygroup@gmail.com

The Stonehaven Fireballs

The weather on this New Year’s Eve was perfect for being out on the streets and it offered a great opportunity to see the Stonehaven Fireball Ceremony.

A large crowd gathered along the High Street to watch around 50 volunteers swing the fireballs they had made, as they walked up and down the street between the High Street Cross, near Arbuthnott Place, and the harbour for 20 minutes or so.

The Stonhaven Hogmanay Fireball Ceremony is believed to go back 150 years, although the first documented event was in 1908. Today each swinger makes their own fireball, deciding on the size, weight and contents to burn. The construction has to meet the required safety criteria and a cage is fabricated to hold the flammable materials which today tend to include wood, coal, cardboard and nonsynthetic fabric material (old pairs of jeans are popular). The balls are swing tested to check for flaws and then given a brass tag with a unique number.

Just prior to the ceremony, paraffin is poured onto the material in the balls, which are then lit, and they are dragged to The Cross. As the Clock Tower bell rings at midnight, the fireball swingers are led down the street by two pipers. It takes a fair amount of strength to keep the balls swinging as the holders walk up and down the street. At the end of the display, as the fireballs start to diminish, the balls are thrown into the harbour to be extinguished. The cages are recovered the following day and checked.

The event is highly recommended – there is also a grand fireworks display immediately after the parade, which is best seen from the harbour.

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mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

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Milltimber Scout Group News There has been lots going on in the Milltimber Scout Group over the winter months.

Our beavers enjoyed evenings with autumn fun games and sparklers, and a cinema visit with other beavers from across Aberdeen. They also organised a collection for the Cyrenians and enjoyed craft activities and games in preparation for Christmas.

Milltimber Scout Group Annual Jumble Sale

A team from Milltimber Cubs took part in the District Football Tournament in November and played well, reaching the semi-finals. The cubs also enjoyed preparing for Christmas and decorated animals of the stable for the Christmas Tree Festival in Cults Church.

Our scouts entered three teams in the ‘District Mission Impossible Night Games’ at Templars’ Park and one of our teams won the trophy for the second year running; congratulations to all who took part! Scouts are also looking forward to Winter Camp in February, staying at a bunk house in Braemar, with a day at the Glenshee Ski Centre and hiking in the local area.

Members of our cubs and scouts joined other youth groups for the Remembrance Day Parade and service at Peterculter Parish Church on Sunday 10th November and representatives from our scouts laid the wreath at the Peterculter War Memorial.

Our group executive committee organised the successful Burns supper and ceilidh in January; always a popular and lively event! Finally, we will be holding for our annual jumble sale at Cults Academy on Saturday 28th March with all proceeds used towards running our group.

Many thanks to our executive committee, leaders, young leaders and helpers who have made the group successful and we are all looking forward to another exciting year in 2020!

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mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

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The Mixing Bowl Aberdeen In August, the Mixing Bowl was invited to Inspire on Beach Boulevard to run a Soup Making Workshop with the people the charity supports and some of their carers. It was a lively afternoon of chopping, stirring, seasoning and finally tasting four different soups. Charlie House came along to join the fun too as both charities were involved in the Deeside Local Food Festival this year. Thank you again to both charities for your enthusiasm at the workshop and your support for the festival.

In October, we were treated to a Middle Eastern banquet of learning, demonstration and feasting! Lamya Atrakchi and her friendly team of Syrian refugees created a delicious three course meal for their guests which they served ‘meze style’ in small dishes for everyone to share.

We also enjoyed a display of Syrian traditional dancing … which always seems to encourage others to join in…. and helps with digestion!

November saw our first ever ‘Gnocchi Gnight’ – a workshop to learn how to make potato gnocchi from scratch plus two different sauces. With 16 cooks there were a lot of potatoes and they needed to be roasted first then scooped out.

Eating the double roasted skins as an appetiser was a big hit too because they were really crispy – zero waste cooking! Lynn Mutch expertly guided us through the workshop and the gnocchi were a big hit.

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mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

Thank you to all our workshop leaders of 2019. No qualifications are needed – just a passion to share a dish. Maybe you have a family recipe you think others might enjoy or you have learnt a dish on your travels – please do get in touch – we would love to hear from you.

Whether you are a keen cook, complete amateur or are just looking for a fun evening out you are welcome at the Mixing Bowl to share in the fun. Please check the website for further details of our forthcoming events: www. mixingbowlaberdeen.co.uk

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Cults Library News Happy New Year from Cults Library! We hope that you enjoyed the festive season and are looking forward to 2020. Have you made any New Year’s resolutions? For those of you who have, the library has a wide selection of books and other media that can help you on your way! Check out our online catalogue to see how we can help you achieve your goals: https://aberdeencity.spydus.co.uk/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/MSGTRN/WPAC/HOME If your resolution is to save money in 2020, the library can help you there too. If you buy on average two books a month, you can save around £200 a year borrowing books from the library instead. To register as a member just visit us at the library and remember to bring along a form of ID or go to our website and complete the registration form.

For those of you who have received new smartphones, tablets or IPADS for Christmas, have you downloaded any of the apps that Aberdeen City Libraries give you access to? If you are a library member you can download ebooks and eaudiobooks straight to your device using our Borrowbox app. You can also download newspapers using Pressreader or stream music with Naxos Music. All these apps are free for library members. You can also download our library app to reserve or renew your library items on the go. For more information on any of these resources please ask at the library.

We are thrilled to announce that Granite Noir is returning to Aberdeen in February. Authors such as Ian Rankin, Stuart MacBride, Caro Ramsay, Chris Brookmyre and Ben Aaronovitch will be presenting talks and workshops as part of the weekend long festival that celebrates Scottish crime fiction. For more information or to book your place visit https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/made-in-aberdeen/granite-noir/ Bookbug sessions at the library continue to be popular with our preschool children and their families. Bookbug sessions are free and last around thirty minutes, including songs, rhymes and stories. They can be a great way to meet other families in the area and they can help children develop social and language skills. Most importantly Bookbug sessions are fun! We hold sessions every fourth Monday afternoon at 2:15pm. The next session dates are: 3rd February, 2nd March, 30th March and 27th April. There is also a Bookbug app that can be downloaded so that you can practise songs and rhymes between sessions.

Wishing you all the best for 2020 Cults Library Staff Cults Library: 429 North Deeside Road, Cults, AB15 9SX Call us on: 01224 868346 Email us on: cultslibrary@aberdeencity.gov.uk

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mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

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Milltimber Playgroup News What an exciting term we had. As always it was very busy especially with the excitement of Christmas approaching. Our numbers continue to grow and we are always delighted to welcome new faces into the playgroup family.

The children embraced the change in weather and went on a number of winter walks. We enjoy discussing the change in seasons and talked about how animals survive the winter climate. Consequently, we talked about hibernation and the children even decided to hibernate themselves under blankets.

It was a fantastic season for collecting leaves, so we took advantage of this and used them for many of our crafts. One of our favourite crafts was leaf painting. We have also recently put pens and notepads at every play area encouraging children to explore drawing and writing.

We want our children to explore and make choices for themselves; to encourage this we froze toy animals and the children had fun exploring how to free the toy animals from the ice. The children then had the opportunity to learn how ice melts and changes to water. This has been one of our favourite activities. Christmas crafts and baking were also high on our agenda this term and we made our very own Christmas tree out of tissue paper and boxes.

We encourage reading to develop early literacy skills. After reading Jack and the Beanstalk, the children were curious as to why Jack and his mother had no food left or money to buy food. This sparked a discussion about those less fortunate and consequently our families generously put together a food hamper for those in need at this time of year.

Many of the children also attend the Wednesday and Friday Forest School sessions. This is a great opportunity for them to experience outside learning in a nature-based context. The adventures around the woods are very exciting and we often get to jump and splash in puddles. We enjoy exploring our environment and taking an interest in all the different items we find. This term included discovering different kinds of mushrooms and also very soft green moss that the children thought was as soft as a cushion.

Activities we particularly enjoyed this term were climbing, learning to work together and jumping in all those muddy puddles.

As the weather got colder, we sledged down hills and even tried to do some snow angels without the snow!

About Milltimber Playgroup and Forest School: we operate from the MCA hall, five days a week during the school term. In addition to our weekday morning sessions, we offer an optional lunch club and a wrap around service, if required, which transports children to Milltimber School Nursery’s afternoon session providing seamless childcare from 9:15am until 3:35pm, Monday to Friday. We also offer the wrap around transportation service from Milltimber School morning nursery and lunch club for our Friday afternoon Forest School session, which means childcare from 8:30am to 2:40pm. There are currently spaces available in some of our sessions: should you be interested then please contact our Playgroup Manager Julie McWilliam on 07740 575273 or email milltimberplaygroup@hotmail.co.uk to find out more or alternatively to arrange a visit and meet the staff; we look forward to welcoming you!

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mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

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mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

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mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

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What’s On Locally

I

always think we have a lot going on in this area, but I am delighted to say that for this edition I have been advised of five, yes five, new activities. Have a look at the listings for the River Dee Damsels, Cults Bridge Club, Culter Men’s Shed, Aberdeen Water Polo Club and the Cults Social Health Walk.

Thanks as always to the club/event organisers who update me with changes to contacts, etc. This listing is only as accurate as what I am told.

Keep active! Enjoy the broad range of activities we are so lucky to have in our area.

Best wishes, Eleanor Brennan Tel 862262 email: brennaneleanor@yahoo.co.uk

Abbreviations for the venues CASC -

Cults Academy Sports Centre

CAP -

Cults Academy Pool

CBC -

Cults Bowling Club

CKC

Cults Kirk Centre

-

CPCWC -

Cults Parish Church Worship Centre

CPS -

Cults Primary School

CSC -

Cults Scout Centre

DCFC -

Deeside Christian Fellowship Church, Milltimber

HCC -

Hillview Community Church

ISP -

International School, Pitfodels

MCAH -

Milltimber Community Association Hall

MEHC –

Murtle Estate Hall, Camphill

MPS -

Milltimber Primary School

PCH -

Peterculter Church Hall

PCND -

Phoenix Centre, Newton Dee

PSC-

Peterculter Sports Centre

PVH –

Peterculter Village Hall

SCC -

Scout Centre, South Ave, Cults

SDCH -

St. Devenick’s Church Hall, Bieldside

SPHH -

St. Peter’s Heritage Hall, Peterculter

WRIH -

WRI Hall, Kirk Crescent, Cults

Page 42

Fitness, Sport and Dance Badminton - Junior, CASC Saturdays, 1.30 -5.30pm Sept to April Email CultsJuniorBC@gmail.com

Badminton - Adult, CASC Mondays & Tuesdays, 7.30-10pm Contact Rob Wheadon, Tel. 323711 BADMINTON - SOCIAL, CPCWC Fun session, all levels welcome Mondays, 7.15-.30pm Contact John Troup, Tel. 732701 BADMINTON - SOCIAL, MCAH Mondays, 1.30-3.00pm Wednesdays, 10.30-1200noon Contact Marion Anderson, Tel. 732505 CULTS CANOE CLUB Regular trips for all levels of ability email - cultscanoe@gmail.com CULTS BOWLING CLUB All ages very welcome. Summer Bowling, Winter Activities Contact David Steele, Tel. 868485 www.cultsbowlingclub.weebly.com CULTS CRICKET CLUB Contact Aqueel, Mob. 07956 825673 CULTS FIT FOLK, WRIH For men and women over 55 Wednesdays 10.00-11.00am Contact Ellie Whyte, Tel. 861204 CULTS HILLWALKING CLUB, CPS Indoor session 1st Thursday of the month 7.30 -9.00pm Walks on Sundays, 10 days after the meeting. Contact Paul Dumont, Tel. 863938 or email chair@ cultshillwalkingclub.org.uk BONACCORD MBC HOCKEY CLUB, HCC P4-P7, Wednesday, 6.00-7.00pm Newcomers welcome S1 – Senior, 7.00-8.00pm email: info@ bonaccordmbc.net Mob. 07434 192089 CULTS LAWN TENNIS CLUB 32 Abbotshall Place, Cults Contact Hilary Leigh (Sec) email: secretary@ cultstennisaberdeen.co.uk or Gareth Rennie, (Head Coach), 07714 753607 Email: g.rennie@ cultstennisaberdeen.co.uk www.cultstennisaberdeen.co.uk CULTS OTTERS SWIMMING CLUB, CAP Development swimming classes and Junior Coaching sessions. Contact Jo Gibson, Tel. 868124 email: cults.otters. lts@gmail.com www.cultsotters.org.uk CULTS SPORTS COMPLEX , CASC Open Mon- Fri, 5.00-10.00pm & 8.30am-5.00pm on weekends.

Fitness Suite, Exercise Classes, Indoor Swimming Pool, 2 Sports Halls, Dance Studio and AstroTurf pitch Contact Tel. 507685 CYCLISTS’ TOURING CLUB GRAMPIAN Weekly rides led by trained leaders.

Cyclists at all levels of ability and newcomers welcome www.ctcgrampian.org.uk

mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

FITNESS CLASSES WITH RACHEL Main Hall, Queen’s Cross Church Thursdays, 9.30-10.15am Circuits, 10.30-11.15am Sculpt & Tone 11.30-12.00am HIIT Contact Rachel, Mob. 07586-262886 Instagram @Rachie179

FITNESS FOR OLDER ADULTS, CKH Thursday Aerobics 10-11am Strength and Balance 11-12 noon Contact Laura Walker, 07773 021851 Email: laurafitnessherwayltd.co.uk FLEX ‘n STRETCH TO THE BEAT PSC Wednesdays 8.00-9.00 pm Varied fitness levels. Contact Anne Low, Tel. 868553 CULTER YOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB Boys’ & Girls’ Teams, aged 6 to 19 years. Training most days.

Contact Jason White, Mob. 07541 027846 or Tel. 869474 www.culteryouthfc.com email: culteryouthfc@gmail.com FOOTBALL IN THE COMMUNITY, Wed, 4.00-5.00pm 5-8 year olds Contact Dons in the Community Tel : 650472 or 650432 Pre-School Football (KCC) Mon, 1.00-1.30pm., 1.30-2.00pm., 2.002.30pm. Fri, 9.30-10.00am 10.00-10.30 am 1.30-2.00pm. Classes also at Airyhall Community Centre) www.aberdeenfootballfun.co.uk GOALSIDE Fun football coaching and games, P3-P7 Fridays during term time, 6.15-7.15 pm £10 per term. Tel. 868096 or email: info@hillview.cc GRAMPIAN CARDIAC REHABILITATION ASSOCIATION Exercise classes at Kippie Lodge, Milltimber, RGU Sports Garthdee and other venues in Aberdeen Contact Douglas Pacitti, Tel: 01569 763372 e: d.pacitti@gcra.org.uk or speak to the Cardiac Nurse at Cults Surgery w: www.gcra.org.uk YOUTH HOCKEY COACHING Tuesdays, 5.45-7.00pm end Aug to Easter - Robert Gordon’s College pitches, Countesswells Road. Run by Gordonians Hockey Club but boys and girls from P4 to S4 from all schools are welcome. Sticks can be provided. More details at www.gordonianshockey.com KARATE Various sessions around this area – see website for full list. Mondays 6.308.00pm., ISP Fridays 4.30-5.30pm., CPS Contact Ronnie Watt, Tel. 734607 www.karate-scotland.info FRISKIS & SVETTIS EXERCISE CLASSES Monday, 7.30pm., HCC, Basic (Rosey) Tues 6.30pm., CASC, Medium (Ashwini) Tuesday, 7.40pm. CASC, Flex/Stretch (Kirsty) Saturday 10.00am., CASC Basic (Rota) Contact Rosey, Tel. 310380 Just turn up - no need to sign up for a block - all welcome

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Fitness, Sport and Dance Pilates, Peterculter Sports Centre : Mon. afternoon, Tues afternoon evening, Thurs. evening Camphill School, Murtle Wed. evenings Cults Kirk Centre Fri. mornings All classes must be booked in advance. Contact Solveig, Tel. 861421 solveig@pilatesaberdeen.com www.pilatesaberdeen.com

SOCCER FOR 4-10 YR OLDS, CPS Wednesday afternoons, term time only 3.30-4.30pm, Boys and Girls aged 4-6 4.30-5.30pm Boys and Girls aged 6+ Contact Ian Wilson, 07770 996767 SOCCER FOR OVER 30’s, CPS Thursdays, 7.30-9.00pm during term time. Contact Alistair Brown, Tel. 943042 Peterculter sports centre Coronation Road, Peterculter Tel. 732069 Fitness studio, aerobics classes, creche. Monthly membership or ad hoc prices SWIMMING, CAP Adult Lane sessions Mon 8.30-10.00pm Wed and Friday 7.30-8.15am, Public session, Wed 8.30-9.30pm, Thursday 8.15-9.30pm and Friday 8.00-9.30pm Sat and Sun - Adult Lane swimming 8.30-10.00am folowed by public swimming 10.00-12.00 noon. All welcome. Continues during school holidays. Contact Sports Aberdeen, Tel. 866282 TAI CHI CHUAN 88, CASC Wednesdays, 7.00-8.30pm. Beginners class available Contact Bill Strang, email William.strang5@gmail.com TAI CHI (TAIJI), CPCWC Tuesdays 10.30-12.00am Drop in and beginners welcome. email - ruyischool@gmail.com www.ruyischool.com CHI KUNG (QIGONG), CPCWC Wednesdays 10:00-11:30am Drop in and beginners welcome. email ruyischool@gmail.com www.ruyischool.com

CULTS SOCIAL HEALTH WALK,CKC Thursdays 10.30am meet Cults Kirk Centre All year around. FREE. Gentle walk for 30-60 mins, followed by coffee and chat. Contact Brian Harrison, Tel. 047928 Mob. 07719 501361 email bharrison@sportaberdeen.co.uk SEAFIELD WALKING GROUP Alternate Wednesdays, leaving 9.15am from Countesswells Avenue. Coach transport. Long and short walks each outing. Contact kate.graham13@ btinternet.com Come and join our friendly 50+ group FIRST WALK FREE Woodburn WalkING GROUP Rambling for the over 50s Meet alternate Tuesdays at Hazlehead Bus Terminus Travel by hire bus Average walk +/- 7 miles Contact Joyce, Tel. 323925 or Maureen, Tel. 318075 ABERDEEN WATER POLO CLUB Fridays, 7-9pm Aberdeen Sport Village Sundays 1.20-2.20pm International School (ISA) Contact Doris aascwpu19team@gmail.com https://www.aberdeenwaterpolo. org.uk/ ASHTANGA YOGA, CKC Energetic Ashtanga Vinyasa Flow Yoga Class Mondays, 6.30-7.30pm Vinyasa Flow Yoga Class for Beginners (slower, more relaxed pace) Mondays, 7.30-8.30pm One to one yoga development sessions also available. Contact Simone Barnett, Mob. 07985 384402 Drop in £7, discounts for block bookings.

AURINKO YOGA Sundays, 4.30-6.00pm Contact Aidan Mulkerrin, 07710 495552 FOREST YOGA All levels - 10-11am on a Friday morning. Rivermead, 3 North Deeside Road Bieldside AB15 9AD Fun, thoughtful sequenced practice.

HATHA YOGA, CKC Mixed class, beginners welcome.

Wednesdays, 7.00-8.00pm Contact Deborah Thompson, Mob. 07821 704826

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mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

IYENGAR YOGA Mondays 9.30-11am and Beginners on Thursdays, 12.45-2.15pm., at Peterculter Church. Tuesdays 6.30-8.00pm. at Culter Mill Social Club Wednesdays 6.30-8.00pm at South Holburn Parish Church. Contact Fiona Bochel, Tel. 732119 email fionabochel@gmail.com YOGA, CKC Wednesdays, 9.30-10.45am All levels welcome. Contact Fiona Webster, Mob. 07977 790648 or email Feigh63@hotmail.com YOGA, CKC Wednesdays, 7-8.30pm Hatha Yoga Contact Fiona Britee, Mob. 07855 874601 Or email fionabritee@ hotmail.com

Dancing

ABERDEEN KILT KICKERS AMERICAN SQUARE DANCE CLUB (WRIH) Mondays 7.30-9.00pm Beginners 9.00-10.00pm Mainstream Dancers Thursdays 7.30-10.00pm Mainstream and Plus Dancers Contact Tom White, Tel. 318963 www.aberdeenkiltkickers. org.uk ADAGIO BALLET SCHOOL RGU sports centre Variety of classes for children and adults Contact Ewa Ritchie Mob. 07801 499393 or Email ewaritchie@yahoo.co.uk.

BALLROOM DANCING, CASC Monday 7.00 -8.00pm & 8.00-9.00pm Beginners and more experienced dancers welcome. Contact Barney Phillips, Mob. 07342 789965 www.ballroombarney.com DANS SENIOR Fridays 11.00-12.00noon during term time Disco, Jazz, Rock, Swing - there’s no age limit for dancing! Nothing complicated, just simple, inspiring moves. No need to book, just come along! £3.50 for non members, £3 for Friskis & Svettis members. Tel. Jackie, Mob. 074270 14700, Fiona, Mob 078852 88121 or www.fsaberdeen.co.uk

KAREN BERRY SCHOOL OF DANCE Classes for children and adults available in Cults and Peterculter For details see website www. danscentre.com or contact Karen Berry, Tel. 647341 TAYLOR SCHOOL OF DANCE, MCAH Recreational & Vocational classes available Classical Ballet, Modern Theatre, Tap, Jazz, Street Jazz, Boys Only Street Moves, Contemporary & Parent and Toddler Dance Contact Helen Colleran, Mob. 07531 811506 email admin@taylordance.com www.taylordance.com GENTLE EXERCISE, INCL DANCE, CPCWC Thursdays, 2.30-3.30pm Sept. to Dec., Jan. to Mar. Contact Fiona Murray, Tel. 702305 MAINLY MUSIC, HCC Music and movement for prepreschoolers and their caregivers, followed by coffee and chat for the adults while the children play.

Thursdays during termtime, 9.45am Contact Claire MacLeod, Mob. 07746 304795 email mainlymusic@hillview.cc OLD TIME & SEQUENCE DANCE CLASS 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of each month 7.45-10.00pm. £5.00 per class Dunbar Street Community Hall, Old Aberdeen Contact Eileen or James, Tel. 314953 Scottish Country Dancing, WRIH Tuesdays, 7.30-9.30pm. (mid Sept. to end March) Contact Sheila Fyfe, Tel. 868164 Wednesdays, 7.30-9.00pm Not suitable for complete beginners Contact Lynn Wood, Tel. 636128 SINCLAIR SCHOOL OF HIGHLAND DANCING Children and adult highland dancing classes available in Cults.

For more information contact Carolanne Sinclair on 07972 104774 or email sinclairhighlanddancing@gmail.com

Property Health Check If you own or are thinking of buying a property, I offer a property health check. I am an independent, local chartered surveyor providing a non-intrusive property health check.

Focusing on identifying problems and recommending solutions I provide photographic evidence plus an estimate of repair scope and cost.

Typical scope and cost for an average property include: •External roof survey of condition/concerns - £50 •Internal damp, water survey of condition/concerns - £50 •Thermographic survey for building efficiency and integrity - £75 For more details: Tel: 07833489095 Email: keithdewar@gmail.com

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Page 43

Hobbies and Social CULTS O50 CLUB, CKC Wednesdays, Lunch from 11.45am Announcements/speaker 12.45pm Other activities include bridge and scrabble, walks, theatre, cinema, local history outings, garden visits, art appreciation, a book group – the list is endless! Open to anyone over 50, not only Cults residents Details of activities www.cultsparishchurch.co.uk/o50 Contact Libby Brand, Tel. 867717 or Meg Forbes, Tel. 868843

MILLTIMBER O50 CLUB, MCAH Meet monthly in the winter on Wednesdays at 2.00pm for talks. Other social events include walks, cycle rides, theatre visits, outings, garden visits, lunch outings and city breaks. Annual favourites are BBQ, Games night and a Christmas Party. Open to anyone over 50. New members are welcome.

Contact Brian Conn Tel. 733073 or Robin Dyer, Tel. 733850 Cults Art Club, CCC This is a self help group for Adults held in Cults Community Centre on Wednesday nights from 7.30-9.30pm during school term. Contact Gordon Crooks Tel. 07784838341 FRIENDSHIP IN ART DCFC Fortnightly - Fridays 10-12noon Contact Tel. 739180 BIBLE STUDY, HCC Term time Tuesdays 9.30am for coffee. Class 9.45-11.15am Open to all women and children aged 0-5.

Contact AberdeenBSF@gmail.com or www.bsfinternational.org ABERDEEN bridge CLUB 14 Rubislaw Terrace, Monday to Thursday - 7-10pm Classes available for beginners and improvers. Club Tel.:644773 www.aberdeenbridgeclub.co.uk CULTS BRIDGE CLUB, CBC Mondays, 7.00-10.00pm October to March Contact Margaret Kelly, Tel. 311446 or email: kellymmargaret@ hotmail.com PETERCULTER BRIDGE CLUB, PVH Fridays, 1.15-4.00 p.m., Sept.-April Contact Ellen Smith (Sec.), Tel. 867028 email - ellen.aberdeen@btinternet.com

WOODEND BRIDGE CLUB Monday evenings and Friday afternoons mid Sept to mid April.

Woodend Bowling Club. Ample parking. All welcome. Contact Chris Blunt. Tel. 317298 CALLIGRAPHY GROUP, Sessions arranged according to demand Contact Isobel Archibald, Tel. 867303 THE HUB CKC Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, 10.00am-3.00pm To volunteer as a helper, contact the Hub Manager, Tracy Gordon, Mob. 07503 867682 ABERDEEN CANINE TRAINING SOCIETY, HCC Wednesdays, 7.00-9.00pm Contact Tel. 01467-643101 www.aberdeencaninetraining.co.uk

MILLTIMBER COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, MCAH Wide range of activities for all ages General enquiries Tasha, Tel. 739797 To hire the hall Margaret, Tel. 732477 www.milltimbercommunityhall.com facebook ‘Milltimber Community Hall’ Craft & Needlework Class, Wednesdays, 1.30-4.00pm 10 lessons, £70 Beginners and more experienced catered for Contact Yvonne Weir, Tel. 732098 email:weir323@btinternet.com ABERDEEN CHORAL SOCIETY Rehearsals Mondays 7.30pm Queens’s Cross Church Hall New members very welcome www.aberdeenchoral.org.uk ABERDEEN CHORUS - SWEET ADELINES INTL. Come and sing with us in harmony.

Open to girls/ladies over 14.

Mondays, 7:00-10.00pm Curl Aberdeen, Eday Walk, AB15 6LN www.aberdeenchorus.scot Albacappella, SPHH Ladies singing group Wednesday from 7.30pm -9.45pm www.albacappella.co.uk Facebook : Albacapella

FOLK EVENING, CKC Monthly on the 2nd Friday, 7.30pm.

Both musicians and listeners most welcome. Bring your own beverage.

Contact Jan Johnson, Tel. 867951 MILLTIMBER GARDEN CLUB (MCAH) 1st Wednesday of the month at 2pm.

Contact Jacky Hatchwell, Tel. 861736 Aberdeen Gaelic Club Brings together Gaelic speakers and individuals interested in Gaelic language and culture. The Club organises Gaelic language evening classes, day courses and other social activities including a monthly coffee afternoon and children’s club on the last Saturday of each month (except July and December) in the Boys Brigade Hall, Crimon Place, Aberdeen, 2.30-4pm, to which all are welcome. email clubgaidhlig@gmail.com for more information.

TALK GERMAN Courses for beginners and more advanced, depending on numbers and interest. Contact Erik Stien, Tel. 734149 Mob. 07774 896421 ABERDEEN ITALIAN CIRCLE Talks (usually in English) on Italian subjects and social events Thursdays 7.15pm (every 2/3 weeks Oct-May) Rubislaw Church Centre, Beaconsfield Place email abital@btinternet.com or Tel. 635792 https://aberdeenitaliancircle.wordpress.com Italian Classes for Adults bieldside From Beginners to Advanced Contact Enrica, Mob. 07786 827714 email encoit@talktalk.net www.italianlanguageaberdeen.co.uk CULTS LIBRARY Open Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 10am-1pm, 2-5pm; Wed. 1.007.00pm and Sat. 10am-1.00pm.

Books, CDs, DVDs, Blu-Ray, Audiobooks Free Wi-fi and PC access with print/scanning/ photocopying facilities. Bookbug sessions every 4th Monday at 2.00pm for preschool children.

CULTS LUNCH CLUB, CKC Mondays 12.00-2.00pm (except July) New members most welcome.

Contact Jacky Hatchwell, Tel. 861736 CULTER AND DISTRICT MEN’S SHED Shed in The Bush, off Malcolm Rd, Peterculter Meetings Mondays 1-4pm, Wednesday 10-1pm other times by arrangement. Membership is free. For further information visit www.culterdistrictmensshed.org.uk Cults Music to Remember Singing for people with dementia, their families, carers and friends, followed by refreshments Alternate Tuesdays, 10.15-11.45am Contact Lilian Brown, Tel. 742532 MISSIONARY CRAFT WORKSHOP, DCFC Fortnightly - Wednesday, 10.0012.00noon Contact Tel. 739180 THE MIXING BOWL, SDCH Community-led food interest group designed to bring together anyone interested in good food.

Meets monthly. Contact Rachel Gambro, Mob. 07964 698789 www.mixingbowlaberdeen.co.uk PETROLEUM WOMEN’S CLUB International friendship club for women working in or connected to the oil industry. Meetings with speaker, 1st Thursday of the month.

Coffee mornings, 3rd Thursday of the month. Other activities include ten pin bowling, walks, bridge, golf, dinner club, mah-jong and a book group. Contact Fiona Hassoun, Tel. 749683 or Liz Gove, Tel. 876169 email pwcmembership@yahoo.co.uk www.pwcos.com ABERDEEN PHILATELIC SOCIETY Meets fortnightly on Thursdays 7.309.30pm. Rubislaw Church Centre, Fountainhall Road Contact Chris Jefferies, Tel. 705676 VISIONS PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB Thursdays 7.00-9.00pm. Ruthrieston Community Centre, Holburn Street.

Relaxed, informal club welcomes all levels of photographic experience. email visionsaberdeen@gmail.com https://visionsphotographyclub.com

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mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

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CULTER PIPE BAND Meet Mon & Wed 7.00-9.00pm/ Culter Parish Church, Peterculter All ages and experience levels welcome Contact: Susan Falconer, Mob. 07540 530705 GRANITE CITY PIPES & DRUMS Monday 7.00-9.00pm. Cults Academy dining hall. All experience levels and ages are welcome.

Contact Heather Dallas, Mob. 07794 786546 email: info@ granitecitypipesanddrums.com ROCK CHOIR, HCC Thursdays, 8.00-9.30pm. www.rockchoir.com RIVER DEE DAMSELS Fly Fishing for ladies of all ages on the River Dee. Regular days out and Come and Try days. Beginners very welcome. Contact Tara Spiers email: riverdeedamsels@gmail.com

ABERDEEN TOASTMASTERS (PUBLIC SPEAKING CLUB) Meets at Northern Arts Club (NAC), 1st, 3rd, 5th Thursdays of every month - 7.00-9.00pm Visitors are welcome - no cover charge. www.aberdeentoastmasters.org.uk Matthew Mtumbuka - Tel. 861028 email : matthews@mtumbuka.com

Saltire Society Promotes all things Scottish. Meets monthly on Tuesdays, normally in Rubislaw Parish Church. Contact D J Robertson, Tel. 484061 SCRABBLE CLUB, MCAH Fridays, 2.00-4.00pm. Players at any level are very welcome Contact Joan Thomas, Tel. 733218 email joanat218@yahoo.co.uk

GARDEN SERVICES GardenDesign Design Garden

UPHOLSTERY & CRAFT CLASSES, WRIH Tuesdays, 9.30-12.30pm and 1.00 -4.00pm. New students welcome at any time. Refreshments provided Contact Susan Roe-Curran, Mob. 07773 521389

TreatedWood Wood Fencing Fencing Treated

ABERDEEN WINE & FOOD SOCIETY Meets monthly in restaurants in and around Aberdeen www.aberdeenwine-food-society.co.uk/ email - aberdeenwineandfoodsociety@ gmail.com Inma Lopez, Mob. 07552 552286

TreeWork Work Tree

SCOTTISH WOMEN’S RURAL INSTITUTE, WRIH 1st Thursday of every month, 7.309.30pm. (Not July or August) Contact Lynn Pithie, Tel. 867614

Rotary Club of Aberdeen Deeside Wednesday ‘s 6.15 for 6.45pm in the Cults Hotel. www. aberdeendeesiderotary.org.uk For more info contact the secretary, Harry Arnold, Tel. 740986 email secretary@deeside. rotary1010.org

MD

GRAMPIAN WOODTURNERS, SDCH Meet last Sunday in the month, 2.00pm. New members are most welcome. Meetings consist of member participation, demonstrations etc., Contact Alan Mackay, Tel. 01651 863007 YAK & MAK First Tuesday of the month, 7.30pm Come chat (Yak) and make (Mak) your own crafts Tel. 868096 or email: info@hillview.cc

Grass Cutting Cutting Border Border Edging Grass Edging ShrubPruning Pruning/Trimming Shrub / Trimming HedgeCutting Cutting Hedge

Liability Insured Competitive Rates Reliable Liability Insured & Friendly Free Estimates Competitive Rates Private & Reliable & Friendly Commercial

Free Estimates Private & Commercial

Turfing Turfing

Landscaping Landscaping Planting Planting Bark/Chips Bark / ChipsLaid/Supplied Laid /Supplied GardenClearance Clearance/Tidy Garden /TidyUps Ups.

Mike Duffus Tel: 01224 732872 Mobile: 07742 761 763

Mike Duffus Tel: 01224 732872 Mobile: 07742 761 763 E-mail: mdgardenserv@btinternet.com E-mail: mdgardenserv@btinternet.com

Scott Blair Painter & Decorator

Established 1986 Interior & Exterior Wallpapering & Ames Taping

LEARN SPANISH Private classes given to individuals and small groups by a native Spanish speaker. Contact Carmenza Inglis, Mob. 07557 194415 email: hola_aberdeen@hotmail.com

Call. 07989211194

E. scottgeorgeblair@gmail.com

Painting & Decorating

All decorating work welcome plus: Ames Taping Skimming Coving Interior and Exterior work General Maintenance work in house and garden For free quotes call Oliviu Docea 07913 082637 01224 740276

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Children & Youth Groups AIR TRAINING CORPS 107( Aberdeen ) Squadron, Prince Charles Cadet Centre, Albury Road , Ferryhill, AB11 6TL Parade Mon & Wed 7-9.30pm Open to Boys and Girls aged 13-17 www.107aircadets.org email 107@aircadets.org Tel. 590679 CASPER AFTER SCHOOL CLUB, CPS Contact Marion Skea - Mob. 07762 250550 Milltimber BREAKFAST AND After School Club, MPS Mon.–Fri., 7.30 to 9.00am and 2.45 to 6.00pm Contact Diane Forbes, Mob. 07525 855348 Cults Toddler Group. (CPCWC) Thursdays 9.30-11.30am during term-time Contact Jemma Mathieson, Mob. 07870 621734 or Lindsey Patillo, Mob. 07803 173158 BILINGUAL PARENT AND CHILD GROUP Wed. and Fri 9.15am to 11.10am.

Gilcomstoun Primary School Babies and toddlers introduced to Gaelic through arts, crafts, play and song. You don’t have to speak Gaelic to attend. Tel. 0777 939 8289, croileagan@gmail.com.

Facebook: Croileagan Obar Dheathain.

DARULBAYAN ARABIC CLUB, CKC Arabic Language and Quran Recitation for 7 to 14 year olds Saturdays 10.00-12.30 pm during term time. Contact Darulbayan team email darulbayan.aberdeen@gmail. com for more details.

Milltimber Playgroup MCAH Playgroup - Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9.151145am (Term time) Forest School sessions Wed 09.15-11.45am & Fri 12.2014.40pm. Daily lunch club 11.45am12.15pm. Wrap around transport to/ from Milltimber Nursery also available.

Contact Julie McWilliam Mob. 07740 575273 or email milltimberplaygroup@ hotmail.co.uk CULTS PLAYGROUP, CPCWC Mon - Fri 9.00am-12.10pm during term time in the North Hall, Quarry Road Contact Pam Crowe, Mob. 07842 470828 or email cultsplaygroup@gmail.com

St Devenick’s Playgroup and Rising 5s, SDCH Playgroup: Monday-Friday, 910am –12.20 pm Lunch club, Wednesday 11.50am – 1.00pm Rising 5s, Tues and Thurs 12.303.00pm. Tots and Toddlers, Wednesday, 9.30-11.30am. All of the above are during term times. Contact Janis McVean, Playgroup Tel. 867431 or email - stdevenicksplaygroup@gmail.com www.stdevenicksplaygroup.btck.co.uk SOUTH DEESIDE UNDER FIVES Fun and friendly childcare for children from birth to five years Maryculter Community Hall (next to the Old Mill Inn), South Deeside Road Baby & Toddler Group – Mondays 9.30am-11.30am Twos Group – Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 9.30-11.30am , Rising Fives – Tuesday lunchtimes 12noon- 2pm Mob.: 07966 163953 email info@southdeeside-under-fives.co.uk www.south-deeside-under-fives.co.uk THE ARK - PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP, DCFC Tuesdays, 9.45-11.30am. Contact Tel. 739180 MAINLY MUSIC, DCFC Thursdays, 10-11am, parent & pre-school Tel. 739180 Mother & INfant Massage Classes Nurturing, Supportive. Crathes Castle Estate Contact Fiona, Mob. 07588 471511 email. babysfirstlovegroups@gmail.com RUGBYTOTS ABERDEEN Various locations, including Cults For children age 2 to 7 Free Taster Sessions email aberdeen@rugbytots.co.uk www.rugbytots.co.uk WHO LET THE DADS OUT, DCFC Last Saturday of every month (term-time) 9.30-11.00am, dads, grandads and kids Tel. 739180 or admin@dcfchurch.org FUSION FRIDAYS, DCFC Every Friday (term-time) 5.30-6.00pm P1-P7 6.00-9.00 p.m. – S1 – S6 Tel. 739180 or admin@dcfchurch.org FRIDAY CAFE FOR S1-4, CKC Meet Fridays 3.30-5.30pm during term time. Contact Abbie - abscass27@ outlook.com or email Clay - clayton. sangbarani@hotmail.com Tel. 869028

ASCEND YOUTH GROUP, HCC Youth Group for S1-6 Sundays during termtimes, 6.00-8.00pm Tel. 868096 or email info@hillview.cc Youth Hockey Coaching on Tuesday evenings for P4 to S4 by Gordonians Hockey Club at Robert Gordon’s College astroturf pitches on Countesswells Road from 5.15-6.30pm.

Children from all schools are welcome and sticks can be provided.

GUIDES, BROWNIES and RAINBOWS

We are very lucky to have active Rainbow, Brownie and Guide Units in the Milltimber and Cults area. This is due to the hard work and dedication of all the Leaders. Previously as an Organisation we could give you a list of all the Units in the area, the name and contact details of the Leaders and as an interested parent you could contact the Leaders directly, but now due to our Nationwide “Safe from Harm” Policy we can no longer publish this information. We now have a Website that you can visit and register an interest for the age group you want a place in for your daughter. It is a simple procedure and once you have registered, a Guider should be in touch within 3 weeks to say if there are places available or if your daughter will be placed on the waiting list. You will be asked to put in your Postcode, the type of Unit you are interested in and if there are more than 1 suitable Unit you will be asked to put your 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice.

Rainbows are for girls aged 5-7yrs Brownies are for girls aged 7-10yrs Guides are for girls aged 10 yrs plus The web address is www.girlguiding. org.uk/ interested or you can call Tel. 0800 169 5901 These are also the means by which any Adult can register an interest in helping with any of the groups, as we are always keen to welcome new Volunteers.

(Text from Joyce Cowie, Division Commissioner.)

Beavers, Cubs and Scouts

21st Aberdeen (Cults) Scout Group, SCC www.21staberdeenscouts.org.uk Beavers Mondays and Wednesdays, 5.30-6.30pm Open to boys and girls aged 6-8 Contact email 21staberdeenscouts@gmail.com Cubs Wednesdays, 7.00-8.30pm Thursdays, 7.15-8.45pm Open to boys and girls aged 8-10 Contact email 21staberdeenscouts@gmail.com Scouts Fridays, 7.30-9.30pm Contact email scoutleader@21staberdeenscouts.org.uk 65th Aberdeen (Milltimber) Scout Group, MCAH Beavers - Mondays 4.15-5.15pm Contact Fiona Douglas, Tel. 735523

Cubs - Tuesdays 6.30-8.00pm Contact Marion Anderson, Tel. 732505 Scouts - Fridays 7.30-9.30pm Contact Iain Anderson - Mob. 07514 547071

VENUES FOR HIRE

Cults Bowling Club Club House available for hire from midSeptember to mid-April. Bar open on request. Contact David Steele, Tel. 868485 email: dusteele@talktalk.net Cults Kirk Centre/ Cults Parish Church Worship Centre Rooms/Halls available for various activities Contact Tel. 869028 Hillview Community Church The Sports hall building is available for birthday parties or other events. Contact Tel. 868096 or email: info@hillview.cc Milltimber Community Association Hall For Group Lets Mon-Friday, contact Tasha, Tel. 739797 For Private Hires, Sat-Sun, contact Margaret, Tel. 732477 St Peter’s Heritage Hall Howie Lane, Culter Attractive facility available for one-off events and regular weekly lets. Contact Mob. 07874 766285 WRI Hall, Cults Bookings for weekly activities only, not one-off private lets Contact Sheila Fyfe, Tel. 868164

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mbc NEWS Issue 186 Feb-Mar-Apr 2020

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Life at Lathallan – The School Castle by the Sea

L

ocated on the edge of the rugged North Sea coastline, Lathallan School is a truly unique independent school for pupils aged five to 18.

Lathallan offers a co-educational experience and optional boarding, with additional nursery facilities available for children aged six weeks to five years.

Founded in 1949, Lathallan is based within expansive 60-acre grounds at the historic Brotherton Castle in Johnshaven – complete with an outdoor classroom and on-site farm. It is easily accessed from the city, with school buses taking just 40 minutes from Aberdeen thanks to the AWPR. At Lathallan a well-rounded education is prioritised, with pupils encouraged to focus on academic goals while being nurtured and supported to reach their full potential in extra-curricular areas where they show talent, such as sport, music or art. With smaller classes than other city centre-based independent schools, pupils enjoy a learning experience tailored to their individual strengths.

Lathallan pupil Millie Wark (17) is currently enjoying her final year at the school and is hoping to study Veterinary Medicine when she leaves next year. She said: “Lathallan is more than a school; I’ve made so many friends, enjoyed incredible experiences and developed academically, creatively and musically throughout my time here.

“Lathallan has helped me pursue my dream of becoming a vet. I’ve gained eight A’s at Nat 5 level and five A’s at Higher, and I’ve also been able to tailor my studies thanks to each class having an average of 12 pupils.

This really matters. In small classes you have the confidence to put your hand up for help or to express opinions and you develop stronger teacher-pupil relations.

“In Chemistry, within a small class in our new science centre, I’ve been able to choose a topic on eggshells that is directly relevant to veterinary studies.”

As a keen artist and musician, Millie has also been able to develop her creative passions throughout her education. She added: “Lathallan has helped me flourish in other ways and there are so many opportunities on offer at the school to help you discover hidden talents.

“I’ve played almost every sport – netball, hockey, tennis, kick-fit, swimming, badminton and cross country.

“I’ve also learned to sing, have become lead drummer in the Lathallan Pipe Band, climbed to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, volunteered in an orphanage in South Africa and was commissioned by Thorpe Molloy to produce a 3D driftwood-based dolphin sculpture, after winning a competition in S1.”

Outdoor learning and preparing pupils for the working world is a key priority at Lathallan, with teachers providing a rich and engaging educational environment which goes beyond the classroom.

This focus is obvious on arrival at the school’s impressive grounds which are equipped to provide inspirational educational and recreational spaces for pupils. This has helped Lathallan become Scotland’s number one Independent School for the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh’s Award with the highest percentage of sign-up and completion, per pupil roll, at Bronze, Silver and Gold level every year since 2015.

Millie, who gained her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award during her studies, added: “There are unspoiled views across that North Sea coastline from our school and we study in a castle that is set within vast grounds. We are at one with nature and breathe fresh air every time we walk to class.

“We grow and eat our own food, look after pigs and chickens and learn about where all our produce comes from and the importance of using local suppliers to reduce carbon emissions.

“It is a beautiful and inspiring place that will be so hard to leave behind when I finish S6. Who wouldn’t want to come here?”

For more information please visit: https://lathallan.org.uk/

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Opportunity to shine

 Small class sizes

 Classrooms in a castle  New science centre

On-site school farm 

 40-minute direct bus service from North Deeside Road

www.lathallan.org.uk