Blairgowrie & Rattray
Hub Magazine August 2014
Photo Courtesy of Keathbank Photography
A magazine for Blairgowrie & Rattray
What’s On, Events & Information www.blairgowrieandrattray.co.uk www.blairgowriehighstreet.co.uk
The Hub Magazine
August 2014
01250 871 088 eat@dalmoreinn.com Perth Road, Blairgowrie, PH10 6QB
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The Hub Magazine
August 2014
Welcome to the August 2014 Hub Magazine! There’s lots coming up in the next few months with the Rattray Art Festival, Braemar Night, The Highland Games, Perthshire Open Studios, The Walking Festival, The Junior Ryder Cup, Bookmark and more - what a great place to be and a great place to visit! Community groups, clubs and organisations can add their details for free to the hub website (www.blairgowrieandrattray.co.uk) and have any events listed so please let us know by using the email below or calling Steve on 01250 873072.
admin@blairgowrieandrattray.co.uk One Voice The One Voice Office and Booklore Second-hand Bookshop have moved next door into the premises previously occupied by the Toy Box. We hope the new premises will help us to continue to provide the information and knowledge the local community requires. With the hub website and this magazine we are reaching more people than ever before so if you want your group or event included, drop the information off with us and we will get it onto the website and/or in the magazine.
We are here for the community! Updated Advertising Prices revised for next Issue November 2014 (inc VAT) Back Page Full page colour Full page B/W 1/2 page colour 1/2 page B/W 1/4 page colour 1/4 page B/W 1/8 page colour 1/8 page B/W
per issue @ £156, 2 or more issues @ £132 per issue (Available) per issue @ £120, 2 or more issues @ £108 per issue per issue @ £78, 2 or more issues @ £66 per issue per issue @ £66, 2 or more issues @ £60 per issue per issue @ £40, 2 or more issues @ £33 per issue per issue @ £33, 2 or more issues @ £30 per issue per issue @ £27, 2 or more issues @ £25per issue per issue @ £20, 2 or more issues @ £20 per issue per issue @ £15, 2 or more issues @ £15 per issue
Magazine Created by: Graphite Web Solutions, 11 Brown Street, Blairgowrie (0800 988 5521) www.graphitewebsolutions.com, steve@graphitewebsolutions.com Printed via: The Copy Shop, 18 Reform Street, Blairgowrie (01250 873 591) Thank you to all One Voice Volunteers for article/advertisement collection and magazine delivery: One Voice Volunteer Group, 13 Upper Mill Street, Blairgowrie (01250 871 120) Magazine articles are the responsibility of the article owner, The Hub Magazine accepts no responsibility for the content.
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The Hub Magazine
August 2014
What’s On Calendar for Blairgowrie & Rattray This is taken directly from The Hub website www.blairgowrieandrattray.co.uk Add your events to the Hub, it’s free for groups, clubs and organisations. Businesses can take a paid listing on the High Street website www.blairgowriehighstreet.co.uk and have their events added to the What’s On calendar.
August: 23rd August 26th August 28th August 29th August 30th August 31st August
Glenshee Archaeology Project, Blairgowrie History Fair, 11am Wellmeadow Picnic in the Park, Davie Park, Loon Braes Parknership & SCYD, 12 - 3pm Strathmore Dementia Information Cafe, St Catharines Centre, 10am - 12pm Community Council Public Meeting on Oakbank Road, Town Hall at 7.30pm Blairgowrie & Rattray Forum Meeting, 5.30pm, Royal Hotel Blairgowrie Wine Circle August meeting, The Dalmore Inn, 7.30pm Strathmore Intergenerational Network, Rattray Connect, 2 - 5pm Blairgowrie & Rattray Highland Games Quiz to raise funds, British Legion 7pm Blairgowrie Community Market, Wellmeadow, 10am - 3pm Rattray Art Festival (30 & 31st August), Rattray Hall, 10am - 5pm Strathmore Screen: How To Train Your Dragon 2 at 4pm and Jersey Boys at 7pm
September: 3rd September 6th - 14th Sep 6th September 7th September 11th September 12th - 14th Sep 17th Septemeber 19th September 25th September 27th September 28th September 30th September
Blethers Group, Royal Hotel 10 am - 12pm Perth Citizens Advice Bureau, SCYD, 10am - 12pm Trefoil Guild, Pat Graham - Women at their Best, St Catharines Centre, 7.30pm Perthshire Open Studios Braemar Nght Blairgowrie & Rattray Highland Games, Bogle’s Field, 10am - 5pm Blairgowrie & Rattray Community Council Meeting, Adult Resource Centre, Jessie Street, 7pm Blairgowrie & East Perthshire Walking Festival Perth Citizens Advice Bureau, SCYD, 10am - 12pm Ericht Scottish Country Dance Club Charity Dance, Town Hall, 7.30pm Blairgowrie Wine Circle meeting, The Dalmore Inn, 7.30pm Blairgowrie Community Market, Wellmeadow, 10am - 3pm Antique & Vintage Fair, Angus Hotel, 10am - 4pm Strathmore Dementia Information Cafe, St Catharines Centre, 10am - 12pm
October: 1st October 5th October 9th October 10th - 12th Oct 15th October 28th October 30th October
Perth Citizens Advice Bureau, SCYD, 10am - 12pm Trefoil Guild, Pam Cairns – Truth behind the Fiction, St Catharines, 7.30pm Fundraising Quiz for the Christmas Lights, British Legion, 2pm Blairgowrie & Rattray Community Council Meeting, Adult Resource Centre, Jessie Street, 7pm Bookmark 2014, The 2nd Bookmark Book Festival Perth Citizens Advice Bureau, SCYD, 10am - 12pm Strathmore Dementia Information Cafe, St Catharines Centre, 10am - 12pm Blairgowrie Wine Circle meeting, The Dalmore Inn, 7.30pm
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August 2014
Oakbank Road Land Slip Public Meeting on Tuesday 26th August Blairgowrie Town Hall at 7.30 pm All welcome The format will involve a panel of invited guests, hopefully representing all aspects of the problem, with opportunities to ask questions through the chair.
Full details on : http://www.brcommunitycouncil.org.uk/
The meeting will be mediated by David Bailey, Chair, BRCC
Please come and support this event if you can. Oakbank Road update
Members will not have a vote as they are not on the electoral role, but will be fully involved otherwise in our debates & deliberations. Their advice will be sought on all matters, particularly those subjects of significant interest to the young.
Blairgowrie & Rattray Community Council (BRCC) is setting up a Town Hall public meeting to bring everyone up to date on the Oakbank Road situation. The Public Meeting will be held in the Blairgowrie Town Hall on Tuesday 26th August, starting at 7.30 pm. Full details can be found on the attached advertisement. It is important that we get as much community support for this as possible, so if you are interested, please come along.
We shall also be discussing our course of action to fill the four vacant BRCC seats. The choice is either to leave the seats vacant, call for an election, or co-opt volunteers. BRCC members will be voting on which option they prefer. Elections for the seats cannot be held until the current BRCC has been in existence for six months, so we are looking at 21st September onwards if it is decided to hold an election. If you are interested in possibly standing for election to BRCC, please contact Tracie Dick, our secretary via : BlairgowrieCommunityCouncil@pkc.gov.uk or any BRCC community councillor, before the 11th September meeting. Please remember, the public are very welcome to all scheduled BRCC meetings, which are held on the second Thursday each month, except for August and January.
Community Council membership, possibly to include Young Members From the outset, the current BRCC members have been keen to involve our younger citizens in what we do. Young people are the future of this country, so we feel that they should have the opportunity to be involved in the local community affairs. With this in mind, BRCC will be discussing Associate Membership for a limited number of young people from the community at the Thursday, 11th September meeting, to be held in the Adult Resource Centre in Jessie Street starting at 7.00 pm. We have been advised that the minimum allowed age for membership will be 15. Associate
David Bailey Chair BRCC
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Perthshire Open Studios full colour brochure for the 2014 event is out! This stunning publication includes details of the 220 artists in 138 venues across Perthshire and Kinross-shire, who will be opening their doors from 6-14 September to welcome visitors to their workshops, studios and display spaces. A wealth of talent is on WE ARE OPEN 6th-14th SEptEmbER 2014 show: Painting, Photographic Art, Sculptures, Ceramics, Textiles A guide to find the artists, makers and creators opening their studios across stunning Perthshire. and other unique works of art and craft. Many will be giving demonstrations and offering taster sessions to visitors, making it an ideal day out for all the family. The brochure is organised in coloured routes to make it easy to plan a trip, taking in as many of the venues as possible. There are suggestions for eating places along the way and, to help visitors make that initial selection of what to go and see, there will be MISS a Showcase Exhibition at The Bield at Blackruthven from 30 DON’T August to 14 September with samples of the artists’ work as well as a display of art by renowned Scottish artist, Kate Downie. The event this year is being supported by EventScotland and is perthshireopenstudios.com a partner in the Homecoming Scotland programme. Perthshire Open Studios would like to thank EventScotland, Perth and Kinross Council and all the local businesses who have kindly sponsored us. See our website perthshireopenstudios.com where you can download a copy of the brochure and start planning now how many venues you will be able to visit! If you have a mobile phone or tablet, look out for our App which will be available nearer the start of the event. Se wca Sho Bield, At OPEN thE ibition n, neAr exh kruthve guSt c u A A Bl R h 30 pERt SEptEmbE 14
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The Hub Magazine
August 2014 Blairgowrie and District Hillwalking Club Since May we have had outings to Lochnagar, The Trossachs and the Northern Cairngorms. The weather has been a lot kinder than earlier in the year. The Lochnagar trip on a dry windy day with some sunny periods saw two Munros, two Tops and a Corbett being climbed. The day in The Trossachs was dry, warm and sunny. The two Corbetts, Ben Vane and Ben Ledi, were climbed from Glen Finglas with the descent down to the Pass of Leny. The Northern Cairgorms also laid on a dry day with one group exploring the forest tracks in Glenmore and around Loch Morlich. The other group climbed Cairngorm, Scotland’s 5th highest Munro, from the Ski Centre car park and then had a lovely walk along the edge of the Northern Corries with dramatic and excellent views. The Club also enjoyed an excellent weekend in Torridon topping out on 6 Munros, two Tops and 6 Corbetts as well as completing several low level walks. The flora and fauna included orchids, alpine azalea, purple saxifrage, golden eagles, ring ouzels and dotterel. A club meal in Kinlochewe allowed the members to share their experiences. A Come and Try evening attracted a number of possible members and raised funds with a Bring and Buy Sale. This was followed up by a Come and Try walk, once more in good weather, which saw five guests on the summit of Ben Vrackie. As a result of these activities and the associated publicity several new members have joined the Club and others have expressed interest. Most recently the members enjoyed a BBQ at Kirkhowe of Ruthven with most of them walking from Alyth via Hill of Loyal and Barry Hill. Earlier good weather gave way to thundery showers
but this did not dampen the party spirit. The club is in good heart and is looking forward to the following activities:
Upcoming Walks Date 24th Aug 12th Sep 26th Sep 5th Oct 24th Oct 16th Nov
Venue Mount Keen(cars) Kirk Yetholm Harvest Dance Glenshee Slide Show Glen Isla (cars)
Visitors are welcome at all times. You can find out more about the Club and an outline of the walks on our website: www.bdhc.org.uk. If you would like to come on a walk please contact the meet secretary on 07951 653 076 or 01307 840535 by the Wednesday before the walk or you can book using the on-line form.
Individually Designed Cakes and Artisan Chocolates Courses & Workshops also available Tel: 01250 871196 Mob: 07979 791 9 55 www.taystful.co.uk info@taystful.co.uk
Coire an’t Sneachda 7
The Hub Magazine
August 2014
The Friendship Cafe
They waltz to well loved Scottish tunes Some even try the Twist, There’s nothing they like better Than a morning spent like this.
The Rattray Friendship Cafe Is just the place to be For a lovely mug of coffee Or a good old cup of tea, There’s often nice home baking, Which always is a treat For there’s nothing goes down better Than a tasty bite to eat.
Some Thursdays there are singers Come along to entertain When everyone can sing along And join in the refrain. Folk really love the old songs best The words of which they know, Reminding them of happy days From many years ago.
Then comes the entertainment, We know we’ll be impressed, For the Cafe organisers Have signed up the very best. Musicians play to cheer us up And all the people smile, And if anyone has worries They forget them for a while.
And so on Thursday mornings To the Friendship Cafe come, It’s guaranteed to cheer you up, There’s no one ever glum! And when it’s time to go back home, You know it won’t be long Till Thursday comes around again With tea and friends and song.
And now and then the music Tempts some dancers to the floor, They trip the light fantastic And keep coming back for more.
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The Hub Magazine
August 2014 Julie Baird Pilates Body Control Pilates Instructor and REPs member (Register of Exercise Professionals) Practising for 10 years. When: Tuesday Evening Classes: 6pm-7pm and 7.10pm-8.10pm Wednesday Morning Class - 10am-11am St Catharine's Community Centre, Blairgowrie Core Strength, Flexibility, Bone Density Management, Back Maintenance, Injury Prevention and Injury Rehabilitation are covered in my classes. 1 - 1 or Group visits are also welcome if this is more suitable for your needs. Matwork classes - pre-booked and paid per block.
07963 088 112
Nature and your wellbeing. There is a growing understanding that sustainable health (physical and mental) requires not only effective medical methods, but also healthy environments and healthy lifestyles. This is the idea of wellbeing: something more than just an absence of illness. Inactivity can be linked to many mental health issues. Active involvement of people in green and forested areas is therefore significantly associated with better wellbeing and health. Spaces like these can provide a haven for people to escape to from the stress they may be experiencing. Our senses begin to ease and are infused with renewed energy when we view and experience natural landscapes which include trees and other vegetation. Studies of environmental influences on psychological restoration highlights the significance of healing environments, such as woodlands, as an antidote to stress. In Great Britain our understanding of both physical and mental health is largely based on our knowledge of illness. Recently however, attention has been shifted to recognise the many psychological, social, physical and environmental influences that are associated with health, espe-
cially nature. Wellbeing is not just about physical fitness, it is spiritual, psychological, and cultural. The concept of wellbeing goes much further, including ideas like happiness, optimism, self-esteem, self-expression, quality of life, realising ones potential, personal satisfaction with life and fitness to enjoy the freedom of outdoor exploration. It can be a highly effective place to relax, renew your senses, explore yourself and increase your own level of wellbeing by getting yourself outdoors and being surrounded by nature. Why don’t you try taking a walk down to ‘The Knockie’, ‘The Ardblair trail’, ‘Bluebell Wood path’ or the ‘River Ericht path’ and see how you feel being outside and being part of nature. Maps of these walks can be viewed electronically at www.pkc.gov.uk/paths. You can also pick up the Local Path Network Brochure from the Blairgowrie Visitor Information Centre for the cost of £1. Take more time to look at the landscape, listen to the birds or watch the way the river is flowing through the land. Take time for yourself. Claire Thomson Rural Involvement Worker, PlusPerth
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The Hub Magazine Cllr Caroline Shiers – Scottish Conservative Blairgowrie and Glens At the end of the last school term I was delighted to attend the annual prize giving at Blairgowrie High School. It was an excellent event which not only recognised the academic, sporting, extra curricular and community achievements of many of the young people but also some of the musical talents of Blair High pupils. Well done to all involved. In June, I also had the opportunity to attend the East Perthshire Commonwealth Games held in Blairgowrie on a damp Tuesday. Not that the weather dampened the enthusiasm for all the pupils of local primary schools who attended and had the opportunity to hear an inspirational address from local adventurer Mark Beaumont. Mark was fresh from his journey around the world with the Commonwealth Baton. Shortly after this event the Baton arrived in Blairgowrie and what a fantastic day that was. It was great to see such a huge turnout and the event at Blairgowrie Golf Club where the Commonwealth Games and the Junior Ryder Cup were marked together with the success of Bradley Neil in the British Amateur Championships really set the tone for the Junior Ryder Cup coming to town later this summer. I hope that local residents will go along and watch the competition in September and who knows we may see yet Rattray Curling Club The summer sun may be beating down, but arrangements are already in place for this year’s curling season. The club will again be curling in Forfar and Perth splitting our internal competitions between both venues, and competing in four external leagues, The Agricar in Forfar and The Lomond, The Strathmore and The Tummel, in Perth. The season kicks off at the end of September/ early October, but before then we have the
August 2014 more local golf stars. Around the time of these events meetings were held with Council officers to look at the various local sports and leisure facilities. There is increasing demand on the facilities we have and a need for improvements. The buzzword from the 2012 Olympics and 2014 Commonwealth Games is “legacy” and that is what we should be aiming for with these improvements. To secure funds to deliver facilities for everyone in our community. On other issues, I can report that we continue to meet with council officers to look at ways of improving the flow of traffic around the town coupled with other roads and traffic issues which continue to cause concern. There are also a number of local grounds maintenance issues which we need to address and which have been raised by residents over the summer. I have received positive feedback about the improvements at Blairgowrie Cemetry and have passed these on to the team who look after the grounds there. Finally, thanks to Blair in Bloom for once again ensuring the town looked great and provided such colourful displays to be enjoyed by residents and visitors. If you would like to contact me then please call me on 01828 632608 (h) 01738 553990 (w) carolineshiers@gmail.com or on facebook. summer challenge. An evening at GoKarting in Perth, on 16th. August to determine the club’s champion Go Karter!! If you fancy trying curling, or know someone that does, and want some fun and fellowship through the winter, then why not join us. There is plenty of opportunity to learn and there are lessons for beginners and more experienced alike. So give Margaret our secretary a call on 01828 670323
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August 2014
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1 Perth Street, Blairgowrie, PH10 6DQ www.grahamedwards-ca.co.uk Telephone 01250 873465
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The Hub Magazine Hame Leave by Margaret Drummond (in memory of my Great-Uncle JamesStevenson) “Mither, Mither!” Meg’s cries shattered the weekend quiet, bringing Kate Stevenson rushing to the door in alarm. Her daughter was racing towards her, skirts hitched up, hair flying. “It’s James, Mither! It’s James!” Meg could hardly speak as she gasped for breath. Fear gripped Kate’s stomach. It was late 1916 and news of deaths in the Great War seemed to have engulfed the area. Tears were being shed every day for beloved young men gone off to fight, never to return. “What have ye heard, Meg? Has something happened to James?”, Kate asked fearfully. “No Mither”, Meg gurgled. “He’s here. He’s hame on leave!” Just then Kate spied her youngest son, Black Watch kilt swinging as he walked up the brae, surrounded by children chanting “Kiltie kiltie cauld bum” as he laughingly chased them off. Kate stood for a moment, taking stock of him and noting the weariness the broad grin couldn’t hide, before thankfully wrapping him in her arms. For a short time at least, her world was in order again. James had volunteered early in the War and so far survived, but Kate was also worried for her older married sons who were in reserved occupations but now felt under threat of call-up because of the carnage of the Western Front. “Where’s faither?”, asked James, poking his head inside the cottage. “He’s oot walkin’ the dugs”, replied Kate as she ladled out some broth for her son, “but when he gets back we’ll get all the family roond.” James supped his soup, before fatigue claimed him and he fell asleep before everybody arrived. His leave lasted a week, a few meagre days into which he packed as much as possible, storing up memories to take away. Football with his brothers, walking with the old man, long family chats - all balm to his shredded soul. He woke each morning to the sound of the village coming to life, men’s heavy boots trudging to work and women blethering around the communal well. Drawing the water had been one of his chores before the war, but now he couldn’t bear to look down the well’s dark abyss. He had seen too
August 2014 many black holes, hunkering in the mud of the trenches. Aye, and in the blood too. Meg took it upon herself to clean her brother’s uniform, running a flat iron along the kilt pleats whilst screwing her nose up in disgust at the sizzle of lice lurking there. James was newly promoted to Lance-Corporal and she unpicked the hastily sewn tunic stripes to secure them with her own neat stitches. The tarpaulin strapped to the kit bag puzzled her. “What’s it for?” she asked, scrubbing it down. “It serves many purposes”, her brother answered quietly. “Groundsheet, pillow, cape, tent. Shroud as well if that’s to be my fate”. At that he strode outside, leaving Meg to stare bleakly at the offending article. James went back to war, his kit bag bulging with food and money from well-wishers. Kate and Meg waved him off, stifling tears till he was out of sight, flanked by friends intent on seeing him to the station. By the Summer of 1917 letters from James had became fewer and were little more than a hurried scrawl. Meg had written to tell him about her recent wedding, quickly arranged because her lad was due for call-up, but all she got back was a best wishes greeting on a war issue postcard. And so they waited for word, until the fateful day when sounds of deep distress coming from the Stevensons’ cottage brought folk running to see what was wrong. Meg rushed from her own wee house nearby to find her parents weeping sore tears of anguish as they called out that their dear laddie was dead. The news did not come by telegram, but from a neighbour whose soldier nephew had passed on the word that James had fallen in battle. A few days later an official cable arrived, followed by an officer’s letter.. He wrote well, using fine words like ‘brave sacrifice’ and ‘high regard’ but it didn’t make the family feel any better. James was killed in action aged 25 in Ypres on 1st of July 1917 and, like so many others, lay dead in a foreign land that might as well have been the moon, so far away did it seem to those who mourned him. A few years later Meg’s third child, a son, was named for her dead brother. by Margaret Drummond
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St Catharine’s Centre is a purpose built modern building that was completed in January 2004. Facilities to rent include a large carpeted hall and two bright meeting rooms. The groups below are some of those who currently enjoy the facilities at St. Catharine’s For availability and more details please contact the coordinator, Anna Bowman at the above telephone number or email address. STILL NOT TRIED PILATES? Do you have stiff neck and shoulders? Do you have pain in your lower back?
NEW CLASSES COMMENCING: Saturday 27th August : 10.00 am – 11.00 am Classes run in blocks of 6 weeks, £36.00 per block. Payable in advance. julzenergyhealth12@talktalk.net Mobile: 07846 468816
Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland
provide a weekly group at St Catharine’s Church Hall on a Monday morning where people with a communication difficulty following a stroke can be supported to participate in a variety of activities. The group is coordinated by a member of CHSS staff and is supported by a team of trained volunteers.
If you would like to find out more contact Hazel Staniforth on 01738 783887.
Ericht Spinning Group
Meet in the hall on the first Tuesday of the month 10am - 3pm. £5 full session/£2.50 half session Tuition in spinning and other hand crafts (wheel available) New members always welcome.
Contact F Young 01250 873392 for more info.
BLAIRGOWRIE & DISTRICT TREFOIL GUILD
BLAIR BELLS Handbell ringers. Thurs evening from 7 till 9. New members welcome – any age; any musical ability. Contact: Mary McGregor 01250 873735.
Questions of Belief
This small group meets to discuss issues about faith and belief. There are no certain answers! We welcome anyone from any church or none. 4th Wednesday from Sept - May, 1.45pm. Contact: M Hall 01250 883437
Blairgowrie Sugar Art Club Demonstrations in cake decorating. We meet on the 4th Monday of the month in the hall. New members very welcome, contact Agnes Hanlin 01250 874961
St Catharine’s Ecumenical Lunch Club
meets monthly to share Guiding memories, for fellowship and to have interesting talks on occupations, lives, or travels of local people. Good way to meet new like minded people. First Wednesday of Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec, Mar, Apr and May at 7.30pm in St Catharine’s. For information, telephone (01250) 875240.
Not really a “club” as there are no membership requirements! We offer a 2 course lunch to everybody, all faiths or no faith and all ages. Wednesdays 12pm September - June For more information contact Anna Bowman on 01250 874583
Mothers’ Union
JULIE BAIRD PILATES
Meet 3rd Thursday of the month at 10.15 till noon. Anyone is welcome to come along. For more information contact Sarah on 01738 710440
Tues Evening 6pm - 7pm & 7.10pm - 8.10pm Wed Morning - 10am-11am Contact: Julie on 07963 088 112 julesbpilates@yahoo.co.uk Body Control Pilates Instructor, and REPs member (Register of Exercise Professionals) Practising for 10 years.
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Blairgowrie Adult Education Association Lip reading - Thursdays 2 - 4pm Dru Yoga - Thursdays 7.30 - 9pm Pilates - Fridays 11.30am - 12.30pm
For more information contact Pam Drysdale, telephone 01250 873641
St Catharine’s Guild
Speakers on varied subjects such as overseas mission, spiritual and physical health, travel, outings to places of interest. Always with tea, cakes and chat. Underpinned by prayer.
3rd Tuesdays from Sept - May, 2.30pm. Contact M Hall 01250 883437
Drimmieburn & Meikleour Womans Rural Institute. Meetings are held in St Catharine’s Centre on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from September to May. For more details please contact the Secretary, H Theaker on 01250 871162
Stitch ‘n Time
We are a friendly group of quilters who meet on a Wednesday afternoon at 2-4 in the hall. All abilities are most welcome Help given if needed. For more information please call Angela on 01250 883330.
Blairgowrie, Rattray and District Local History Trust Meet 4 times a year, usually on the 3rd Thursday of the month in January, April, July and October. The aims of the Trust are to collect, record, preserve, arrange, display and publish items of local history. If you are interested in helping with the work of the Trust contact the secretary, Jean McIntyre, on 01250 884278 or jeancmcintyre@aol.com
The Hub Magazine
August 2014
Jamie Duncan Aerial & Satellite
TV Extensions All types of Satellites installed TV wall mounting
Phone:
07736 551 665
01250 873591 blaircopyshop@live.com
jdaerials@sky.com
A friendly and efficient local firm of solicitors and estate agents Property purchases and sales Wills and executries Family law Powers of Attorney Miller Gerrard, Solicitors & Estate Agents The Studio, 13 High Street Blairgowrie PH10 6ET Telephone 01250 873468 Email mg@millergerrard.co.uk
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Website www.millergerrard.com
The Hub Magazine
August 2014 Councillor Bob Ellis your local Scottish Nationalist Party Councillor
I can tell you, learning all the different names and when to plant inside and outside. Well done to Blair in Bloom.
Traffic congestion in the Wellmeadow area is and probably always will be the centre of attention in Blairgowrie & Rattray. It also has a more wider ranging audience from those travelling from the south, heading north and vice versa. Are we ever going to solve the problem? I think not. Tourists from all over come here to East Perthshire at different times of the year to explore our hidden gems and the countryside and the Council and your Councillors will always try and do their best to try and make the situation better.
Preparations are still underway for the Junior Ryder Cup, which is being held at Rosemount and I am well aware that Brian Scott (Head Greenkeeper) his staff and all those involved at this great golf club have pulled out all the stops in making sure that the best of the Juniors have some great games amongst some scenic and challenging fairways, dotted with challenging bunkers and sloping greens. The eyes of the world will be upon us and afterwards on Gleneagles for the Ryder Cup. I wish all competitors well in these competitions.
The problems at Oakbank Road rumble on and we should be getting or have had sight of the latest documentation regarding the landslip. I have said it before and I will keep saying it, I just as you all do, want a positive solution to the situation. It is a possibility that the Community look to take ownership of this part of Oakbank Road in order to get it re-opened for pedestrian use. I would be only too happy to look into this as I am sure many others would be.
Finally, I feel that I have served my time as a volunteer down in Glasgow at the Commonwealth Games. It has without doubt been hard work but very enjoyable and a great way get to know the Commonwealth countries and their athletes. I was part of a small team looking after the Northern Ireland Team for three weeks and they were great to work with and very, very friendly. It was a very successful Games from start to finish and one that I was proud to be part of.
By the time you all read this edition of the Magazine, the judging involving those very hard green fingered volunteers under the leadership of Helen McCann will have been completed. They work tirelessly throughout the year to make our town look beautiful and colourful and my hat goes off to them. We attend their monthly meetings and it is an education,
Highland Games
In this great year of sport for Scotland, and in particular Perthshire, the Blairgowrie and Rattray Highland Games is gearing up for another exciting year of action across the usual variety of events. Heavy Eventers have spent the last few months honing their ox-like physiques in order to swing, throw and bellow longer, louder and deeper than anyone else. Highland Dancers have been leaping, pointing and pirouetting their way through the summer
Councillor Bob Ellis Home: 01250873899 Work: 01738475041 email: rsellis@pkc.gov.uk
in preparation. And you can be sure that there is ne’r a cobweb to be found in the drone of a Great Highland Bagpipe for a hundred miles! There is something honest, unpolished and timeless about being involved in a traditional highland games- be you spectator or competitor. We, out on Bogle’s field on 7th September, will be part of a tradition which goes back millennia- following directly in the footsteps of our forebears. In terms of footsteps, one of the dances which will be
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August 2014
done is the spectacular sword dance whose origins are believed to go back to the time of Malcolm Canmore (1031-1093). It is understood that this dance was done with the sword of a defeated enemy crossed over the dancer’s ownone wonders if it was done following the battle of Bannockburn in 1314, whose 700th anniversary we mark this year. Legend has it that the dances were used to train for agility in battle, and the sword dance done barefoot- for added spectacle! If you have never been to a highland games before, you will soon learn that the dancing is not done on a sprung dance floor; and the acoustics of the pipes differ tremendously from Perth Concert Hall, and, you’d be right to be amazed by the highly polished Sir Chris Hoy velodrome in Glasgow, but let’s hear it for the local field. It is here that everyone is welcome and you can you see an incredible array of top athletes coming together before your very eyes - in the same way our forefathers and mothers have done for centuries, and to be able to do all this whilst sipping a cool drink or licking an ice-
cream? What a privilege to be part of! If you cannot wait for Sept 7th at Bogle’s Field for the competitions to start rolling, then please come to our Quiz Night where teams of 4 will battle it out under the judicial eye of Alistair Gibb in the British Legion on George Street on 29th August, £5 per person (Doors open 7pm). You never know, if the battle is epic enough then perhaps a dance will be created to honour it… LET THE GAMES BEGIN!
Mary Brown IIR MAR REFLEXOLOGIST Foot and/or hand Reflexology in your own home or in my treatment room in Blairgowrie. Reduced rates for Carers Reduced rates for 1st Session Contact:- Mobile 07885476031 email - mary.reflexology@gmail.com
Find Your Fit the fun way with Fiona Edwards Qualified Exercise to Music Instructor
Join me for fun energising easy to follow dance fitness routines that can assist you in weight/inch loss, raise your fitness levels and motivate you on your healthy lifestyle journey. Introduce yourself to a healthier happier you!
Timetable. Alyth Town Hall Mondays Bokwa 5.30pm Wednesdays Zumba 6pm Alyth Bowling Club Wednesdays Piloxing 7.15pm Coupar Angus Town Hall Mondays Zumba 7pm
Rattray Hall Tuesdays Fusion32 6.30pm Piloxing 7.30pm Thursdays Bokwa 6.30pm Classes £3.50 or 10 for £28 - Bargain! Check with Fiona that classes are on.
Find me on Facebook Fiona Edwards or ZumbaBokwa Blairgowrie www.findyourfit.co.uk mobile 07921 180 715 Please get in touch with any query, also available for teambuilding corporate events. Exercise has never been so much fun with a warm friendly atmosphere, prepare to smile. Remember consistent Effort = Results.
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Your Local Milkman
The Strathmore Dementia Information Cafe
Family Run Business Local deliveries 6 days a week
The Strathmore Dementia Information Cafe meets on the last Tuesday of the month in St Catharine’s Church Hall, George St, Blairgowrie, PH10 6EY, from 10am-12pm.
Milk, Cream, Cheeses, Butter, Yoghurt, Fresh morning rolls
This is a drop-in cafe where people living with dementia, their family and friends can come along to meet with others and chat over a cup of tea or coffee.
Organic products, fruit juices Newspapers also delivered
If you would like more information, please contact Fiona Matthews, Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Advisor on 01738 562358 or fmatthews@alzscot.org.
Local free range eggs 01250 874227 17
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Open Doors Weekend-A4 advert.indd 1
August 2014
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ACG Accounting Services Working with Sole Traders and Small Businesses Based in Alyth, we specialise in Sole Traders, Small Employers and Small Businesses in Blairgowrie and East Perthshire. First consultation is free, so don’t be afraid to give us a call for an informal chat on how we can help. We concentrate on providing a professional and friendly service allowing you to focus on managing and growing your business and doing the work you enjoy, rather than being overwhelmed with administration. Fees are fixed for all our services so there are no surprises and no hidden or set-up costs. We offer a flexible payment plan as an option. A professional, personalised, friendly and confidential service is central to our business approach.
36 Smythe Street, Alyth. Tel: 01828 634140 ; Mobile: 07999694006
Email: enquiries@acgaccountingservices.co.uk
Now offering sports profiling for golf, rugby & swimming Want to improve your performance or reduce the risk of injury? How does your profile compare to that of an elite athlete? Book in for a sports profile assessment.
www. acgaccountingservices.co.uk
ALL CONDITIONS TREATED • Back pain, Neck pain • Muscle and joint pain • Rehabilitation-surgery/fracture • Sports injuries • Acupuncture • Antenatal/Postnatal • Mobility Problems • Headaches • Arthritis • Sports Massage
TEL: 01250 870062
www.blairgowriephysiotherapy.co.uk 20
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August 2014
It appears that Mrs Shakespeare helped her husband with at least two of his plays. She has written her masterpiece ‘Pyramus and Thisbe’, performed by a group of Athenian rustics, as part of William’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. Nick Bottom, a weaver, Francis Flute, a bellows mender, Tom Snout, a tinker, Robin Starveling, a tailor and Snug, a joiner, are all persuaded to take part in presenting their tedious brief play at the wedding of Duke Theseus and his bride, Hippolyta, on their wedding day – at night! Meanwhile, there are tensions in the fairy world between Oberon and Titania and in the real So many wines… so little time! How do you fancy trying some wines which you may not have tasted before? Blairgowrie Wine Circle (BWC, or ‘the wine club’ for short) is a friendly group of local people who share the enjoyment and appreciation of wines. We meet about once a month to try out a varied selection of wines, accompanied by a nice meal to help soak up the alcohol! It’s a great chance to try out some wines which you may not have tasted before. No specialist knowledge is required and no-one is too serious about the wine-tasting. Indeed, you can be sure of enjoying a good night, in friendly company. The club’s monthly meetings are usually held on the last Thursday of each month at The Dalmore
world between the young lovers at the Royal Court. Lysander and Demetrius are both in love with Hermia, with Hermia in love with Lysander and Helena with Demetrius. Time for young Puck, Oberon’s lieutenant, to intervene. Somehow the plan goes wildly wrong, with Titania falling in love with Nick Bottom, who has now turned into an ass. Happy ever after? Join the fun to find out! Mrs Shakespeare has a particular influence on ‘Macb …. The Scottish Play’. William thinks that the Scots seem to find the play rather difficult to follow. So, Mrs Shakespeare comes up with an easy-to-follow version. The actors will perform William’s proper English version of each scene, followed by Mrs Shakespeare’s superior Scottish version. What follows transforms William’s magnificent tragedy into a couthie laugh-out-loud comedy. You have never seen anything like it! Presented through the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Open Stages project with mentoring from Dundee Rep, Blairgowrie Players have created a two hour feast of unmissable fun with “Oor Wulliam”. See it and weep! Inn. In place of a July meeting, we have a summer barbeque in early August, and in late November, we hold an annual dinner, when we break out some of the wines which we have been keeping in store. Guests are warmly welcomed at all our events. Our next 3 monthly meetings will be held on Thursday 28 August, Thursday 25 September and Thursday 30 October – all at the Dalmore. The annual dinner, also at the Dalmore, will be held on Friday 28 November. If you’d like to attend any of these events, please contact either Gillian MacMillan (01828-627467) or Rhona MacLean (01250-875613). Richard Ferguson
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Supporting enterprise in Perthshire Thinking of starting your own business - or wishing to expand your current one? GrowBiz is a community-based enterprise support service covering Eastern and Highland Perthshire. We provide support to anyone thinking of becoming self-employed, or starting (or growing) a small business or social enterprise. We’re friendly and approachable, and all our services are free and confidential. Peer Support Group meetings in Blairgowrie: 26th August – Decisions, Dilemmas & Risks - Alan Garratt and Joyce McQuilken 22nd September - Finance and Funding for your Business - Simon McCaig www.growbiz.co.uk for more information
Blairgowrie & Rattray Illuminations It’s only August, I hear you say, but a lot of behind the scenes work is already taking place to ensure we have a wonderful display of Christmas Lights that we, here in Blairgowrie & Rattray, have come to enjoy. Our band of dedicated volunteers has to spend many hours checking the lights and repairing them before they are able to put them up. The Blairgowrie & Rattray Illuminations Committee are very grateful for all the work done by the volunteers, which would not be possible if it weren’t for the generosity of the local business community, local residents and organisations for their donations. Recently we have been very fortunate to receive sizeable donations from Blairgowrie, Rattray & Alyth Quiz League, Blairgowrie Parish Church Social Club, Flippin Brilliant Fundraisers
as well as the proceeds from the Wishing Well, courtesy of the Blairgowrie & Rattray Community Council. We are very grateful for all donations, big or small, as at the time of writing we do not receive any outside funding. Our own fundraising efforts kick off on Sunday 5th October, with a Quiz in Rattray Bowling Club at 2 pm. We welcome teams of 4 with an entry fee of £5 per person. Please contact Margaret on 01250 870372 to book a place for your team. The lights this year will be erected on Sunday 16th November and, as always, we ask, that if you are in town that day, to exercise care and consideration towards the volunteers involved in this activity.
Advertise in The Hub Magazine Call Steve on 01250 873 072 22
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August 2014
Nikki Murdoch
Professional Bookkeeping with a smile –
DSM, RMT, DIR, ART (Redg)
Reflexology and Massage Therapy
• Maintaining sales and purchase ledgers • VAT returns • Year end accounts for sole traders • Cash flow and monthly forecasting • Payroll processing and CIS payments and returns • Self assessment • Online filing of HMRC returns Other Services include: Secretarial assistance Provision of competitively priced accounting stationery.
Reflexology Prices: 1 hour - £35 30 mins -£18 Massage Prices: 1 hour -£35 40 mins -£28 30 mins - £24 Appointments at Blairgowrie Physiotherapy For more information or to book an appointment
Tel: 01250 886 768 / 07546 598963
17 High Street, Blairgowrie PH10 6ET, Tel 01250 798501, email: sclimieofficeservices@gmail.com
£5 off your first treatment with this advert. 23
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Heartland FM Heartland FM is the longest running community radio station in the UK, set up in 1992 to fill a gap where there was no other radio service. It still operates the way it did from the outset with only one paid part time member of staff and over 40 volunteer presenters, plus others who work together to keep this unique service on air. Recently HFM bought the license to broadcast on 106.6 FM and moved the transmitter in Perth, which now allows it to broadcast into the East Perthshire and Blairgowrie area. As a volunteer, not for profit organisation HFM has an open door policy for new presenters and contributors willing to be trained and keen to learn new broadcasting skills. Currently we are looking for daytime and specialist music presenters, editors and technical staff; if you are interested, contact the station manager Bruce Patterson on 07793673206 or email bruce@heartlandfm.co.uk . Heartland broadcasts on 97.5 FM and 106.6 FM on the shared digital Access channel and the Ninewells and Royal Victoria hospital network on 87.6 FM. Heartland FM encourages enthusiastic volunteers to contact the station via studio@heartlandfm.co.uk. For sales enquiries contact Kate on 01796 47 40 40 or sales@heartlandfm.co.uk
farah adams - solicitor & notary public “a refreshing approach� wills & executries property power of attorney commercial employment law dispute resolution legal advice for tourism industry
DELICATESSEN, FINE WINES & SPIRITS CHARCUTERIE, CHEESES, PRESERVES
for a free consultation call: 01250 874 485 fax: 01250 808023 Mob: 07719 855 856 e-mail: farah@adams-law.co.uk www.adams-law.co.uk
23 High Street, Blairgowrie, PH10 6DA Tel: 01250 798 151 Email: james@cornerstonedeli.co.uk
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J & J HOWE
30 Reform St. Blairgowrie Open: Monday – Friday 8 – 5 & Saturday 9 – 5
HIGH QUALITY
REMOVALS and STORAGE • • • •
Complete removal service Local and Long distance Specialist to the Islands Large containerized storage warehouse • Get free quote for your removal
AUCTIONS and VALUATIONS • • • • •
Auction sale on Mondays 6pm Goods on view from 2pm day of sale Also Saturday 2 – 4 Office open Tues and Wed 8.30 – 4 See weekly list and auction dates on-line www.jjhowe.co.uk
VISIT OUR INTERIOR SHOP
Selling carpets, cushionfloor, blinds and curtains with a measuring, estimate and fitting service. Samples to take home and check the colours in your room.
For further details of all these services phone 01250 872361 or email matt@jjhowe.co.uk
John D Oliver Electrical & General Property Maintenance
‘One stop for all your computer and web services’ Satisfaction guaranteed with a no fix, no pay policy
Electrician with 40 Steve Saunders years experience
PC repair Laptop repair PC running slow? Advice on all software Complete tune-up Computer set up & from only £45 installation Upgrades Custom PC design & build Network support PC system improvement Spyware removal Virus removal Wireless set up Tuition Steve Saunders
tel: 01250 873014 mob: 07989 533836 email: info@microblair.co.uk web: www.microblair.co.uk
PAT testing
General Property & Hotel Maintenance All at Competitive rates Free Estimates
tel: 01250 873014 mob: 07989 533836 email: info@microblair.co.uk web: www.microblair.co.uk
Call 01250 872600 or 07754097993
Free pick up and return service
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Davidsons Veterinary Supplies Welton Road Blairgowrie (just past Tesco’s) 01250 874486
www.davidson-vs.com Home delivery available
For all you need for pets, horses, poultry and country clothing. Locally made dog kennels.
Large range of horse feed and pet food FREE HOME DELIVERY ON ORDERS OVER £50
Dog pen panels available. Drontal dog & cat wormer. Dr Johns, Hills, Royal Canin, James Wellbeloved & Burns dog food available.
10% OFF ALL PURCHASES WHEN YOU VISIT OUR WELTON ROAD SHOP
Frontline flea & tick control stocked. Small animal range of feeds in stock.
ONE VOUCHER PER HOUSEHOLD
New range Dickies workboots now in.
Valid until 30.09.14
The Blairgowrie Stride for Life Wednesday Walks resume on 13th August after the Summer break. The new programme is as follows: 27 Aug 3 Sept 10 Sept Trail) 17 Sept 24 Sept 1 Oct 8 Oct 15 Oct 22 Oct 29 Oct 5 Nov 12 Nov 19 Nov Trail)
Mill Dam Ardler – Meigle Drimmie Woods – Alyth (Cateran Redmyre Loch Loyal Road – Alyth (Cateran Trail) Dunkeld Inver – Birnam Inchtuthill Hill of Gourdie Newtyle Railway walk (Water Backie) Dunkeld Cathedral Glamis Hunters Hill Airlie Enochdhu – Kirkmichael (Cateran
Wednesday walks are short duration low-level sometimes urban walks. They are intended as starter and more social activities, and designed
to allow people the opportunity to get fitter prior to undertaking more serious and extended walks in more remote countryside as they wish. As well as ‘walking and talking’ there are refreshments afterwards. If you are new to East Perthshire these walks are an ideal way of finding out about the area and making new friends. On our Wednesday walks no special equipment is needed other than appropriate outdoor clothing. There is a charge of £4 per person which covers use of the town hall, refreshments, and bus. Meet at Blairgowrie Town Hall 0915 for 0930 depart. Return times vary, depending on where we go but we are usually back between 11:30 and 12:30. Futher details can be found on
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RESTAURANT & BISTRO Delighted to serve you! www.cargillsbistro.com Open all day, every day. Serving coffees, home baking, breakfast, lunch, snacks and evening meals
01250 876735 Riverside, Lower Mill Street, Blairgowrie. PH10 6AQ
AW Joinery
PEST PREVENTION & CONTROL KITCHEN DUCTING / EQUIPMENT DEEP CLEANING FIRE EXTINGUISHER SUPPLY & SERVICING FIRE RISK ASSESSMENTS • GREASETRAP EMPTYING WASHROOM SERVICES & PRODUCTS • PAT TESTING FOR A FREE SURVEY, QUOTE OR ADVICE
FREEPHONE 01250 875555
www.grahampestcontrol.com • info@grahampestcontrol.com 27
For All your Joinery Services: Home Improvements Fitted Kitchens Timber Decking Solid Wood / Laminate Floors
01250 870 693 / 07876 133 342 www.aw-joinery.com
The Hub Magazine
August 2014
Rattray Arts Festival Rattray Hall on Balmoral road has undergone extensive renovations and is the ‘In’ place to be seen the weekend 30th and 31st August for the 5th Rattray Art Festival. Open 10am to 5pm both days over 40 Artists will be exhibiting their latest paintings along with a few select Crafts. Two big attractions this year will be the paintings of internationally known wildlife artist Jonathan Sainsbury exhibiting in Blair for the first time alongside a traditional ancient ‘Craft’ from a Perthshire Distillery! There will be gin tasting all day on Saturday only with the chance to purchase one of the unusual flavours sold under licensing rules. Some of the artists taking part as well as Jonathan will be well known Philip Raskin with his unusual take on Scottish land and seascapes. Other regulars will include Barbara Robertson, Michele Hewitt, Cece Mills,Trevor Taylor, Andrew Hunter, Wendy Mackey, Tricia Sutherland, Marion Paterson and many many other well known local artists. Local water colourist Robert Graham’s painting of Entry to Old Rattray has been seen extensively round the country on flyers and posters as well as featuring in magazines. Robert has a new selection of local water colours to exhibit as well. Should you need
a new walking or shepherd’s stick Bob Gellatly from Scone will have what you want along with a selection of fishing flies. Bill Ellis from Butterstone is returning with his very popular model wooden toys which will fascinate adults as well as the kids. Suzanne Scott will be back with her wacky cards and gifts. Refreshments will be served all day in the Back Hall for a small donation and entry to the Exhibition is by voluntary donations. The artists have agreed to donate 20% of any sale to Charity. The Charities supported this year are Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) and Wisecraft, a local Workshop and part of PKAVS. All income goes to the Charities and the event is funded by local kind Sponsors. The town bus goes past the door or the 57 to the end of the road. Parking in the streets opposite. For further details check out the new website on http:// www.rattrayartfestival.co.uk
Little’s Restaurant 4 Wellmeadow, Blairgowrie PH10 6ND
Tel: 01250 875358 A Dining Experience Not To Be Missed Willie Little is passionate about all things fishy so our daily changing specials always feature a variety of fresh fish and shellfish Local, seasonal meat and game not forgetting freshly made pizza Open Tuesday – Saturday www.littlesrestaurant.co.uk 28
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August 2014 Community Markets
The next Community Market is on the 30th August in Blairgowrie Wellmeadow from 10am - 3pm. The Market is not only an opportunity to support local producers and showcase the work of craft-workers resident in and around Blairgowrie, but to find out what’s going on in the area at our local Community Information Point. The Blairgowrie Group SWRI will also be at the next market to let you see that the WI is not just about making jam, although they do make darn good jam, so why not come and see what they are all about. Meigle SWRI celebrate their 95th anniversary this year and have their own facebook page. Research shows that markets help bring life into towns aiding regeneration and encourage social interactions particularly between rural and urban communities. PLUS Perth www.plusperth.co.uk Tel: 01738 626242 77 Canal Street, Perth PLUS is a member-led local charity and social movement which gives hope and opportunity to those affected by disadvantage; mainly to those with experience of mental ill health and substance misuse. The PLUS office is open Mon-Fri 9.30 – 4pm
Outdoor
Explore
try
Try
Archery from £5 per 1 hour
sea kayaking from £15 per 1Hour
www.outdoorexplore.org.uk Beginners welcome; Archery min age 7+; Sea kayak 16+ sessions delivered locally but also available at your venue! For details call: 07904 324 102 email: info@outdoorexplore.org.uk
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Frances Fleming, the BEPTA Director with the “Love To Eat “ brief, is looking to talk to BEPTA members and others in the Blairgowrie area who are interested in promoting themselves locally and to a wider audience. It is hoped that during the summer, autumn and winter, businesses can work together to promote the abundance of locally grown and locally made produce. Anyone interested in getting together to plan an event or discuss an idea please email frances.fleming@tiscali.co.uk. “My idea is to help promote the BEPTA businesses through the resources we have available, ie the web site, through networking and through cooperation”. Please get in touch. We are also in the process of tidying the Love to Eat garden. This is situated at the top of Reform Street, and is planted with edible plants. We have asked Blairgowrie High School pupil, Dulcie Robertson, to design us a new painted sign, which we very much look forward to seeing. Having seen the draft sketches, we know it is going to look fabulous! Our members Fresh & Vintage are looking at making some bunting to hang, and we will be planting more too. A huge thanks to the ladies from Blair in Bloom who have already tackled and tidied the garden for us. If you would like to help out with developing the garden, please contact Alison on visiteastperthshire@gmail. com BEPTA continues to market the Junior Ryder Cup which comes to the area in September. The publicity of this is helped greatly by the success of Bradley Neil, who is a fantastic advocate of the sport and the area. During the period of the Junior Ryder Cup, we will see many visitors, and it is a great opportunity for us to market ourselves. We want people to go away talking about what a great area this is, and to return here. It is a great chance for local businesses to get involved and to market
August 2014 themselves - we would be delighted to help with ideas and marketing. If anyone intends to have any events, offers etc, please email and let us know. The intention is that we can bring together everything which is happening in the area into a programme of events. World Jampionships, which started with BEPTA, has moved on as it grows bigger, but will not lose sight of the fact that it was “born in the berry fields of Blairgowrie”. Although we are not actively involved, we maintain our links - we are to be sponsoring the Junior Jampionship category, and will be involved at the Dundee Flower & Food Festival, when the winners will be announced. As always, we are full of ideas and plans which are much greater than our abilities, which are limited by lack of numbers and time - we are always on the lookout for people or organisations to help out. If you would like to get involved in BEPTA, however much or little, please email us on visiteastperthshire@ gmail.com.
Joyce McQuilken helping you to make changes
local experienced & accredited find out more on: www.joycemcquilken lifecoaching.co.uk and book a free intro session: joyce@joycemcquilken lifecoaching.co.uk 01250 870170 ~ O7789 164822
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Restaurant & Shop Riverside, Lower Mill Street, Blairgowrie, Perthshire PH10 6AQ Telephone: 01250 872292 www.lairdshouse.com
Summer Offers & Events Monday to Friday Lunch: Soup & Sandwich Deal Wednesday Night: Fish & Chips - Buy 1 get 1 free Thursday Night: Special Steak Menu incl. free drink Friday Night: Live Music & Special Menu Sunday Lunch: Roast Menu (changes every week) We are open from 10.00am every day, & in addition to the cafĂŠ/restaurant,we have an interesting and unique gift & craft shop for you to browse round. For the kids we have a special day menu and a safe play area.
We look forward to welcoming you!
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On the 18th of September residents in Blairgowrie will make the most important political decision of their lives and in my final column before the vote I would like to make the case for staying part of the UK. For 300 years Scotland has been a member of the world’s most successful political and social union and I believe it is a union with a strong future. As a country of 5 million people we have access to a market of 60 million which has resulted in Scottish businesses selling 65% of their goods to the rest of the UK. Any threat to this relationship and the movement of goods and people is a threat to thousands of jobs in Scotland. Agriculture is a key sector within the local Blairgowrie economy yet we are still in the dark as to whether Scotland would retain its EU membership. What we do know is that by being outside of the European club there would be huge consequences for our farmers and businesses. However it would also be disastrous if we took EU membership without the current opt-outs negotiated by the UK government. Only by staying part of the UK can we secure the current status of our EU membership. Scotland currently enjoys the best of both worlds. We have a strong Scottish Parliament standing up for our interests and controlling many key tenets of Scottish life; education, health and justice. But we are also represented on the world stage as part of a much larger country. This platform allows Scotland to negotiate trade agreements which boost our export capabilities; the Scotch whisky industry has been particularly well served by this relationship. Furthermore, devolution isn’t complete. The Conservatives, Labour and the Lib Dems are all agreed on the need for further powers for the Scottish Parliament. This will result in more decisions being made in Scotland which can only benefit our democracy. As part of the British armed forces, Scottish servicemen and women are playing key roles in peacekeeping and defence initiatives around the world. Men and women from Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland have stood shoulder to shoulder for centuries and can count among
Murdo Fraser MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife
Can be contacted at his regional office: The Control Tower, Perth Airport, Scone, Perth PH2 6PL Telephone: 01738 553990 Email: Murdo.fraser.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Website: www.murdofraser.com Tweet him @ twitter.com/murdo_fraser
their achievements the defeat of fascism and the spread of democracy. The UK has the third largest defence budget in the world, £34 billion, and over 20,000 people are employed in defence related jobs or at the Faslane naval base. The ties that bind this island are far stronger than those that wish to tear it apart. This was seen during the Olympics, World War One commemorations and at the Commonwealth Games where athletes from England, Wales and Northern Ireland were cheered as loudly as those competing for Scotland. We know what the future looks like by staying part of the UK, more jobs, more powers and more growth. However, going on our own is a leap into the unknown of which no-one knows the consequences. The choice is clear: for a stronger, fairer, richer society we must vote No in September. As always I can be contacted at the Control Tower, Perth Airport, Scone, Perth PH2 6PL tel: 01738 553990 or email:murdo.fraser.msp@ scottish.parliament.uk
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Stylish & Innovative . kitchenware .. cake decorating cake tin hire . gifts & cards
27 HIGH STREET, BLAIRGOWRIE, PERTHSHIRE PH10 6DA Tel: 01250 875140 ONLINE SHOP: www.blairgowriecookshop.co.uk J B BUICK BUILDER All types of building work undertaken New build Renovations Conversions Garden Walls Extensions
TJ’s Childminding Registered Childminder in Blairgowrie
Spaces Available
01250 870909
Tiling and Plastering FREE ESTIMATE LOCAL BUILDER SINCE 1975
www.tjschildminding.co.uk
Tel 01828 632661 mob 07540926699 33
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August 2014
Cinema has a new home in the Town Hall! East Perthshire’s community cinema, Strathmore Screen, is about to start up for the new season, and will be treating cinema-goers to the increased capacity and extra blackout that Blairgowrie Town Hall provides. “We’re really excited about the change of venue”, said Lesley Crichton of Strathmore Screen. “It’s been a difficult decision to move from Rattray, and we’ll miss the living room atmosphere and the helpfulness of the Rattray Hall committee. But we must continue to provide the best services possible for the people of East Perthshire, and there’s no doubt that the Town Hall will be a fantastic venue to come and see a film. What definitely won’t be changing is the warm welcome, friendly atmosphere and fantastic
Blairgowrie and Rattray Timebank. We’re up and running and we have signed up 16 members so far. That’s 16 people who are offering to help out with things you might need. Our members are offering all kinds of things. If you’re off on holiday and need your plants watered – we can help. You can have your dog walked, your prescription collected, your shopping picked up, or a lift to the Doctor’s surgery. It’s worth asking because we may well be able to help, even if it’s sorting out your mobile phone, filling out a form, or just having someone round for coffee and a chat. In return you may well be asked to help someone else out. Time Banking is very simple. For every hour you spend doing something for somebody, you earn a time credit. Then when you need something you can ask the Time Bank and we will try and find someone who can do what you’re asking for. You spend your time credit on the service you need, and the person who has done it for you earns one for doing it. The idea behind it is to offer help to people who
home baking! We continue to work with Film Mobile Scotland who provide us with their expertise and state-of-the-art digital projection equipment”. The season kicks off on August 31st with How to Train your Dragon2 (4pm) followed by Jersey Boys (7pm), in Blairgowrie Town Hall. Full details are available at www.strathmorescreen. co.uk (where you can sign up for our newsletter!) and you can follow us on facebook (Strathmore Screen) and Twitter (@strathscreen). need it whoever they may be, but in particular, elderly folk who may not have anyone, or who just don’t like to ask neighbours or family. The Time Bank takes away the embarrassment of asking and in fact it works across the community for everyone, and the more it is used the wider the networks and the more friendships and connections that are made. If you earn too many credits and you can’t use them all, they can be donated to the community pot which is a fund of time credits for people to use who aren’t able to earn their own. So if you’d like to get involved, or if you know of someone who might want to use the services, please get in touch because we have people ready and willing. We have a drop-in at Wisecraft on Lower Mill Street every Friday from 10am to 11.30am, except for the last Friday of the month when we will be at Community Connect@ Rattray also from 10 to 11.30. We’ll be delighted to see you and we can offer a cuppa and a chat. Alternatively you can get hold of us the conventional ways by phone 07761233418 and email bandrtimebank@gmail.com.
PKAVS Mental Wellbeing Service provides support to over 80 local people aged over 16yrs who are recovering from poor mental health and wellbeing. With two locations - The Walled Garden, Muirhall Road, Perth and Wisecraft, Lower Mill Street, Blairgowrie, our service supports individuals in their journey of recovery to lead healthier, active and more inclusive lives. Activities include: creative arts, gardening, joinery and exercise along with the opportunitiy to gain work experience within our Walled Garden Café which is open to the public daily from11am-3pm. We accept self-referrals and referrals
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The Hub Magazine
August 2014
from other agencies. If you feel that you need some support and wish to attend as a client please contact our Co-ordinator ( Laura Pack) at laura.pack@pkavs.org.uk or call us on- The Walled Garden 01738 631777 or Wisecraft 01250 874777. Volunteers are also essential to delivering and developing our service. If you are interested in becoming a part of our team our current volunteer opportunities include Cafe assistant, Woodwork/Joinery assistant, Volunteer driver, Creative Arts assistant and Walk Leader. These are advertised on our websites www.pkavs.org.uk or www.vaperthshire.org. We need your support now, please get in touch! Hill Primary needs your help – NOW The Ericht Trust held its AGM and a Public Meeting on Monday 21st July at the Royal Hotel. The Public Meeting was well supported with approximately 100 people listening to reports as to the progress made in the past year specifically the development of the disused Hill Primary School site. The Trustees had been tasked at previous meetings to prepare a feasibility study and this formed the basis of the update. A revised layout, on advice from the Heritage Lottery Fund, had majored on the communities needs following the survey completed the year before. This involved the development of the top building only, demolishing the middle and lower buildings and laying out car parking and gardens in the space released. This work would entail a Probable Cost of £5.8m which the Trustees considered would be difficult to raise in the current circumstances. The Business Plan had been revised in line with the changes described and it highlighted that the projected expenditure exceeded the income! The Trustees had analysed both the capital cost and the income and expenditure estimates and amended them to reflect what was considered a realistic cost and running regime, but still it would not be viable or sustainable. Vice Chairperson Myra Shearer asked those
present and the whole community should ask themselves – DO WE WANT TO SAVE ELEMENTS OF THE HILL PRIMARY SCHOOL FOR THE COMMUNITY? If the answer is YES then Myra asked that ideas and offers of help would be welcome by the Trustees. Specifically there is an urgent need for working groups to be formed to develop further areas such as:1. The Building restoration and use. 2. Funding for both Capital and Revenue. 3. The Arts /Craft Studios 4. Cinema 5. Café/Restaurant 6. Heritage and Museum 7. Children’s Play Areas 8. Outside Areas – Community Gardens/ Parking etc. Contact us at www.theerichttrust.co.uk or via the One Voice at 13 Upper Mill Street by letter, e-mail or phone 01250871120.
Opportunity to get your work published! Place Settings, an anthology of pieces inspired by the theme of Place. We’re looking for short pieces – no more than 300 words - in any form - poetry, story, letter, play, memoir, diary... Send your piece to Joan Lennon (BOOKMARK’s Writer in Residence) at joanlennon@clara.co.uk - she’ll have the job of making the selections! ONE submission per person, please. All ages welcome. Deadline for submissions: Wednesday, 17th September 2014
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Blairgowrie & & Rattray Rattray Highland Highland Games Games Blairgowrie Blairgowrie Blairgowrie&andRattray Rattray HighlandGames Games Blairgowrie Highland Blairgowrie & Rattray Highland Games
Sunday 7th September 2014 Sunday 7th September 2014 Sunday 7th September 2014 Sunday 7th September 2014 Sunday 7th September 2014 Bogles Field, Field, Essendy Essendy Road, Blairgowrie Bogles Bogle's Field, Essendy Road, Blairgowrie Bogles Field, Essendy Road, Blairgowrie
Bogles Field, Essendy Road, Blairgowrie Bogles Field, Essendy Road, Blairgowrie 10am - 5pm 10am—5pm Opening parade and raising of the flags 10am—5pm 10am—5pm 10am—5pm Opening parade and raising of the the flags flags at at 12.30pm 12.30pm at 12.30pm Opening parade and raising of 10am—5pm Opening Openingparade paradeand andraising raising of of the the flags flags at at 12.30pm 12.30pm Opening parade and raising of the flags at 12.30pm
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Competitions for: Highland Dancing, Solo Piping, Heavy Events, Running, Cycling, Tug o’ War, and Kilted Hill Race. Attractions include:
Competitions for: for: Highland Dancing, Solo Piping, Piping, Heavy Heavy Competitions Highland Solo Wrestling, PipeDancing, Bands, Marching Band, Competitions for: Highland Dancing, Solo Piping, Heavy Competitions for: Highland Dancing, Solo Piping, Events, Running, Running, Cycling, Tug-O-War, and Kilted Hill Hill Competitions for: Cycling, Highland Dancing, Solo Piping, Kiddies Mini Highland Games, Dog Show, Events, Tug-O-War, and Kilted Events, Cycling, Tug-O-War, and KiltedHeavy Hill Events,Running, Running, Cycling, Tug-O-War, and Race. Trade Stands, Amusements, Highland Warriors, Events, Running, Cycling, Tug-O-War, and Kilted Hill Race. Race. Race. Birds of Prey,Race. Pleasanton Fire Engine, Attractions include: include: Wrestling, Pipe Bands, Bands,Challenge, Marching Band, Band, ArdblairWrestling, Stone Challenge, Golfing Attractions Pipe Attractionsinclude: include: Wrestling, Pipe Bands, Marching Marching Attractions Wrestling, Pipe Bands, Marching Band, The Blairgowrie v Rattray Community Tug o’ War... Kiddies Mini Highland Games, dog Show, Trade Stands, Attractions include: Wrestling, Pipe Band, Kiddies Highland Games, dog Show, Trade KiddiesMini Mini Highland Games, dogBands, Show,Marching Trade Stands, Kiddies Mini Highland Games, dog Show, Trade Stands, Amusements, Highland Warriors, Birds of Prey, Prey, Pleasanton Kiddies Mini Highland Games, dog Show, Trade Stands, Amusements, Highland Warriors, Birds of Pleasanton Amusements,Highland HighlandWarriors, Warriors,Birds Birds of of Prey, Prey, Pleasanton Amusements, Fire Engine, Ardblair Ardblair Stone Challenge, Golfing Challenge, Amusements, Highland Warriors, Birds of Prey, Challenge, Pleasanton Adults £7 Fire Engine, Stone Challenge, Golfing Fire Engine, Ardblair Stone Challenge, Golfing Fire Engine, Ardblair Stone Challenge,Tug-O-War... Golfing Challenge, the Blair v Rattray Community Fire Engine, Ardblair Stone Challenge, Golfing Challenge, the Blair Community Children & Concessions £4Tug-O-War... (under 5’s free) the BlairvvvRattray Rattray Community Tug-O-War... the Blair Rattray Community Tug-O-War... the Blair v Rattray Community Tug-O-War... Family (2+2) £18 Adults £7, £7, Children Children & & Concessions Concessions £4 £4 (under (under 5s 5s free), free), Family Family (2+2) Adults Adults£7, £7,Children Children&&free Concessions £4(under (under 5sprogramme free), Family (2+2) Includes car £18 parking and5s Adults Concessions £4 free), (2+2) Adults £7, Children & Concessions £18 £18 £4 (under 5s free), Family (2+2) £18 Includes free car parking and programme £18 Includes free car parking and programme Includes free car parking and programme Includes car parking and programme Includesfree free car parking and programme Find us on www.blairgowriehighlandgames.co.uk Find us on Find Find us on Facebook www.blairgowriehighlandgames.co.uk Find us on Facebook www.blairgowriehighlandgames.co.uk www.blairgowriehighlandgames.co.uk Facebook www.blairgowriehighlandgames.co.uk Facebook www.blairgowriehighlandgames.co.uk