Blairgowrie & Rattray
Hub Magazine February 2014
Photo Courtesy of Steve Gibas
A magazine for Blairgowrie & Rattray
What’s On, Events & Information www.blairgowrieandrattray.co.uk www.blairgowriehighstreet.co.uk
01250 871 088 eat@dalmoreinn.com Perth Road, Blairgowrie, PH10 6QB
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The Hub Magazine
February 2014
Welcome to the February 2014 Hub Magazine! We hope you enjoyed the first edition of the Blairgowrie & Rattray Hub magazine. We printed 4000 copies which were hand delivered to virtually every household throughout the town by a large number of volunteers, so a HUGE thanks to them and the One Voice Volunteer Group for organising delivery! We hope you enjoy the second edition of the magazine - we’re printing 4250 this time! We hope it helps bring you useful information as well as some light hearted entertainment. If you would like to contribute to the magazine then please email us at:
admin@blairgowrieandrattray.co.uk One Voice - The Hub - Keeping You Informed Physical Office on Upper Mill Street for info Website - www.blairgowrieandrattray.co.uk Communicating with the town - The Hub Magazine Communicating with Perthshire - Blairgowrie & Rattray Hour on Radio HeartlandFM - to be broadcast twice a week from mid February Helping to co-ordinate What’s On - The Forum Meetings Advertising Prices revised for next Issue May 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 @ £142, 2 or more issues @ £120 per issue per issue @ £108, 2 or more issues @ £96 per issue per issue @ £72, 2 or more issues @ £60 per issue per issue @ £60, 2 or more issues @ £54 per issue per issue @ £36, 2 or more issues @ £30 per issue per issue @ £30, 2 or more issues @ £27 per issue per issue @ £24, 2 or more issues @ £21per issue per issue @ £18, 2 or more issues @ £16 per issue per issue @ £12, 2 or more issues @ £12 per issue
Magazine Created by: Graphite Web Solutions, 11 Brown Street, Blairgowrie (0800 988 5521) www.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 11 Upper Mill Street, Blairgowrie (01250 871 120)
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February 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.
February: 17th Feb 19th Feb 22nd Feb 23rd Feb 25th Feb 26th Feb 26th Feb
Blooming Marvellous - SWRI Rattray Rural February Growbiz Peer Support Blairgowrie Merchants Association Meeting History Trust ‘Loval Studies Services: who we are and what we do’ Perth Citizens Advice Bureau - Blairgowrie Outreach British Legion Dance Trefoil Guild - World Thinking Day Strathmore Dementia Information February Cafe Civic Trust February Meeting - Unlocking the Medicine Chest Growbiz Complementary Therapists Group
March: 5th March 6th March 7th March 9th March 10th March 17th March 19th March 20th March 21st March 22nd March 25th March 26th March
Blethers Group March Meeting Perth Citizens Advice Bureau - Blairgowrie Outreach Trefoil Guild March 2014 Meeting - Israel - Laurie Crisp Growbiz Peer Support Group for people with Health and Disability Issues Scottish Country Dance Club Annual Dance March Then & Now Fair - Antique & Vintage Fair Growbiz Peer Support Group - Share ideas and experience All Things Crafty - SWRI Rattray Rural March Growbiz Creative Care and Support Perth Citizens Advice Bureau - Blairgowrie Outreach Blairgowrie & Rattray Forum Mtg - to look at upcoming events in the town. Blairgowrie & East Perthshire Tourist Association - Casino Night Royal British Legion March Dance Strathmore Dementia Information March Cafe Civic Trust March Meeting - Heritage of Perthshire Growbiz Complementary Therapists Group Awareness event planning
April: 2nd April. 11th - 12th April 13th April 26th April 29th April 30th April
Trefoil Guild April 2014 Meeting - Porridge - Neil Robertson Seams Right Quilters 10th Anniversary Exhibition Wellmeadow Songs of Praise Community Market - Blairgowrie Wellmeadow, 10am - 3pm Royal British Legion April Dance Strathmore Dementia Information April Cafe History Trust ‘Cast iron railings - a brief history and how to look after them’ Civic Trust April Meeting
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February 2014
Local Useful Information Here is some information you may find useful: Benefits Advice in Libraries As a result of the Welfare Reform changes, the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has created an advice service in local libraries. This is a free, confidential and impartial service and is available as a one to one advice service at libraries throughout Perth and Kinross · Benefit Advice · Welfare Reform Changes · Income Maximisation · Help with on-line benefit claims To arrange an appointment at a library near you call: 01738 450599
Silver Line Helpline for Older People Need help? Call Silver Line for FREE ANYTIME on: 0800 4 70 80 90 The Silver Line is the only free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Silver Line Scotland will be delivered by Age Scotland in partnership with The Silver Line during week days, 8am – 8pm. At all other times calls will be answered at the nation helpline HQ. Website Link: http://www.thesilverline.org.uk/
Celebrating 20 years of “Rambling”
Dam and Cally Loch area where the first walk took place all those years ago. As well as Catherine herself, there will be several other original members there. Following the walk, in the evening a meal will be served in the Rattray Bowling Club premises to which former members and supporters of the local Group will be invited where no doubt stories and anecdotes from the early days will be shared with the present members. A special speaker has also been invited to share experiences and this promises to be an evening to remember. Details for members will be published in the next Newsletter. Anyone wishing to learn more about the Ramblers or join the Anniversary walk, please contact the Secretary on 01250 873577. If you wish to come along on a walk to give it a try, you will be made very welcome. Walks are graded to suit all abilities and take place fortnightly, usually on a Saturday and this is an example of what is planned until the end of May:-
The members of Alyth & District Ramblers, now known as Blairgowrie & District Ramblers, have reason to celebrate. In March 1994, under the leadership of Margaret Brown, the group was formed and a programme was drawn up with walks leaders offering a wide variety of levels of walks. Since then, the group has expanded to a present membership of 72 and the programme, in addition to the fortnightly walks, now offers additional walking opportunities for all abilities as well as social events. After Chairing the Group for the last 13 years Sean Galbally retired at the AGM in November 2013. Now under the chairmanship of Mike Morris, the Group is planning a special day on Saturday 17th May to celebrate 20 years in existence. It will begin with members enjoying a replica walk to the one led 20 years ago by Catherine Robertson. Catherine is looking forward to again leading members to the Mill
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February 2014
Feb 22nd:- West & East Lomond Hills
Pictured at Ferryden on a recent coastal walk are regular Blairgowrie & District Ramblers walk leaders, from left Nina Bell, Agnes McRuvie, Frances Cameron, Sean Galbally and Anne Easson with Chairman Mike Morris and leader for the day Bill Phillips.
March 8th:- Glens of Atholl March 22nd:- Ben Cleuch, Ochils April 5th:- Scone Circular April 19th:- Kitty Swanson’s Bridge May 3rd:- Glen Girnaig May 17th:- Anniversary Walk May 31st:- Glen Banvie
The Blairgowrie Merchants Association The Merchants Association exists to provide a voice for the businesses within the town as well as allowing them to share information and keep up to date with changes in legislation etc. The programme for 2014 should include: Community Collaboration - organised by Perth & Kinross Council Business Growth Team Totally Local - promoting your local town Collaborating with The Weekend 2014 How to Benefit from The Junior Ryder Cup Collaboration with the Bookmark book festival Christmas 2014 - promotion
Contact Kate Fleming (01250 873990) or Steve Johnson (01250 873072) if you are interested in joining The Merchants.
The Strathmore Dementia Information Cafe 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. 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. There is also the opportunity to browse the information stands available or speak to staff from Health, Social Work or Alzheimer Scotland for information, support or advice. There are speakers arranged every 2nd month and free complementary therapies the other months. If you are worried about your memory, staff from the NHS Strathmore Dementia Service are also available to carry out a confidential memory test. No appointment necessary. If you would like more information, please contact Fiona Matthews, Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Advisor on 01738 562358 or fmatthews@alzscot.org.
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February 2014
Blairgowrie, Rattray & District Pipe Band The Blairgowrie, Rattray & District Pipe Band is set for a very promising year. This year there are many new faces in various roles across the band. David Miller, a founder member of the present band has devoted many years to the band, and the past seven of these he has guided the band as Pipe Major. In December 2013 David stepped down from this role and Derek Marr has been appointed as his successor. Brian Rumble has been the secretary for the band for the past nine years and has also decided to step down, Scott Jewell previously the bands Events Co-ordinator has now taken on the secretarial duties. The band thanks both David and Brian for their service to the band over the years. The band looks forward to playing at many engagements throughout the year including the Blairgowrie Highland Games, The Royal Highland Gathering and The Junior Ryder Cup. The band continues to be sponsored by The A.Proctor Group Ltd and The Blairgowrie Rotary Club. Band Practices are held in the A.Proctor Offices, Dunkeld Road, Blairgowrie on Thursday nights. Learners 6pm - 7pm and the Main band 7pm - 9pm. Tuition is free, just come along and join the fun. Secretary: Scott Jewell T: 01828627066 / 07543668871 E: web@blairgowriepipeband.co.uk www.blairgowriepipeband.co.uk
Dance Fitness and Fitness Classes 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 7.30pm
Rattray Hall Tuesdays Zumba 6.30pm Piloxing 7.30pm Thursdays Zumba 6.30p Bokwa 7.30pm Saturdays Bokwa 9am
Coupar Angus Town Hall Mondays Zumba 7pm Find me on Facebook Fiona Edwards or ZumbaBokwa Blairgowrie www.zumbablairgowrie.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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February 2014
New Year at Heartland FM
A second studio near Blairgowrie will boost Heartland’s potential to reach the community, allowing even more locals to actively participate in the station so Heartland FM can continue to be the Voice of Perthshire. Volunteers are always welcome and Heartland FM hopes that a second location will facilitate the training of new volunteers in the Blairgowrie area. Currently an hour long programme of all things Blair and Rattray is in the works and Heartland FM encourages anyone interested in participating – from presenting to editing and production - to pop into the One Voice office or get in touch with the station.
2014 marks a few new beginnings for Perthshire’s only radio station, Heartland FM. A change in personnel sees Kate MacRitchie take over the Sales & Marketing Role from Heather Da Vanzo. Heather will be missed by all at Heartland after a successful year and a half working with local businesses and charities across Highland Perthshire. Kate took over on January 6th and is excited to continue where Heather left off, meeting and working with the people of Perthshire to raise the profile of Heartland FM and the community it serves. Other exciting developments put Blairgowrie in Heartland FM’s sights for 2014, with The Blairgowrie Blethers group taking up a regular weekday slot and plans to build a second recording studio in East Perthshire.
Heartland FM is Perthshire’s independent community radio station, broadcasting on 97.5 & 106.6FM plus online. Established in 1992 it is the longest running community radio station in the United Kingdom. With the aim to entertain, educate, inform and encourage local participation, the station is staffed by 50+ volunteers and is supported almost wholly by the local community. Visit www.heartlandfm.co.uk, their Facebook and Twitter page @ HeartlandFM to see how you can get involved.
The Blairgowrie Blethers meet regularly in The Royal Hotel, Blairgowrie, to share local stories and photographs of a bygone era. Heartland FM are working with a selection of community groups in Blairgowrie, such as the Silver Surfers, One Voice, Friendship Cafe and The Blethers to create interviews, commentary and general updates on Blairgowrie community activities to be broadcast on 97.5 & 106.6 FM and online via www.heartlandfm.co.uk Each interview/blether segment will be roughly 4 minutes long played twice a week during daytime broadcast.
Contact details: Bruce Patterson Tel: 01796 47 40 40 email: Bruce@heartlandfm.co.uk
EPACTS
annual event has become increasingly popular over the years and many come and enjoy the fellowship and opportunity for prayer, for praise and hearing the Gospel message. On Sunday 13 April there will be an Easter Songs of Praise in Blairgowrie Wellmeadow at 3pm, weather permitting of course. If the weather is unsuitable, it will be held in Riverside Methodist Church. 2013 was the tenth anniversary of the Wellmeadow Summer Songs of Praise and this Year EPACTS has invited the Reverend Donald MacLeod, a former minister at
East Perthshire Action of Churches Together in Scotland (EPACTS) has a busy year ahead and I would urge those interested in finding out more to look on the website: www.epacts. org.uk or in the local paper. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is held each year in January in the Riverside Methodist Church. The event is hosted by different churches in the Blairgowrie area and each day there is a short service followed by a soup, bread and cheese lunch. Anybody can attend and all are made most welcome. This
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February 2014 Blairgowrie Parish Church and first convener of EPACTS, to take part. It will be held in the Wellmeadow on Sunday 10 August at 3pm. The Berrypickers’ ceilidhs,now in their eighth year, begin in June. A coffee morning will be held in the Airlie Street Hall, Alyth on Saturday 10 May to raise funds for this event. The first ceilidh will take place on Wednesday 18 June in Blairgowrie Parish Church Hall. After this there will be four ceilidhs in Blairgowrie Town Hall, one in the Airlie Street Hall, Alyth and two in Coupar Angus Town Hall. Last year was the first time one of the ceilidhs was held in Altyth. EPACTS is not a fund raising organisation and the ceilidhs are supported financially and in kind eg food for the buffet suppers, by local congregations, local farmers and last year we had grants from Perth and Kinross Council and Alyth Community Council. EPACTS welcomes any help with this important outreach work of the local churches to the foreign students working
on the farms in the area. In 2013 EPACTS arranged a public meeting to hear about the work of Street Pastors with the possibility of those interested undergoing a course of training with the Street Pastors in Perth. Recently EPACTS has been investigating Food Banks and is considering setting up a satellite Perth Food Bank in Blairgowrie once a suitable location has been found. Good progress has already been made and more details will shortly be on the website and in the local Press. This year EPACTS has arranged a return visit to Lindisfarne and in 2015 a visit to Iona has already been booked. EPACTS will be taking part in the 2014 Scotland Homecoming and over the weekend 27/28 September there will be a churches open day concluding with “Back to Church Sunday” on 28 September.
Graham Edwards
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1 Perth Street, Blairgowrie, PH10 6DQ www.grahamedwards-ca.co.uk Telephone 01250 873465
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February 2014
Julie Baird Pilates Body Control Pilates Instructor and REPs member (Register of Exercise Professionals)
Classes in Blairgowrie:
Practising for 10 years. When: Tuesday Evening Classes: 6pm-7pm and 7.10pm-8.10pm Wednesday Morning Class - 10am-11am Where: 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
Monday Metafit, 9.30am (Guide Hut Blairgowrie), Kettlercise, 6pm (Blairgowrie Town hall) Bokwa - 7pm (Blairgowrie Town hall) Tuesday Piloxing 5.30pm, (Blairgowrie Town Hall) Metafit 6.30pm (Blairgowrie Town Hall Wednesday Bokwa 6.30pm, (YW Hall Blairgowrie) Kettlercise 7.30pm (YW Hall Blairgowrie) Thursday Piloxing 9.45am (Guide Hut) Metafit 5.45pm (YW Hall Blairgowrie) Piloxing 6.20pm (YW Hall Blairgowrie) Friday Kettlercise 9.30am (Guide Hut Blairgowrie) Metafit 6pm (Guide Hut Hall Blairgowrie ) Saturday Bokwa 9am (Rattray Hall)
01828 633 017
Remember jumping in puddles, building dens, playing with mud and sticks?
Individually Designed Cakes and Artisan Chocolates
Wild Sparks provides local children with adventurous play experiences in nature.
Courses & Workshops also Available
BOOKING NOW: February mid-term and Easter playschemes for 5-12 year olds at Scottish Woodland Skills Centre, Alyth
Tel: 01250 871196 Mob: 079 79 79 19 55
Coming soon‌ After Achool Care and Wee Wild Sparks for toddlers.
www.taystful.co.uk info@taystful.co.uk
For more information: www.wildsparks.co.uk Tel: 01828 632 942
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February 2014 The Perils of Physical Inactivity
Lately I’ve been hearing lots about GPs taking more time to encourage people to be more physically active, so I thought I’d share with you some reasons why you should include exercise and physical activity in your daily routine.
Everybody knows that smoking, excess alcohol and an unhealthy diet are major causes of numerous illnesses and diseases. But did you know that physical inactivity is just as much of a contributing factor. Keeping yourself fit and active can help prevent all of the following:*Heart Disease, *Strokes, *Type 2 Diabetes, *Hypertension, *Obesity, *Hypercholesterolemia, *Depression & Anxiety and *Some types of Cancer. It can also help with the treatment of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis (as well as helping to prevent these conditions).
While there are lots of things on this list – it is by no means exhaustive! Physical inactivity is responsible for many more conditions. So how much activity do you need???
Nowadays everyone has very busy and full lives and people struggle to fit enough exercise into their routines. But really in order to stay fit and healthy you only need to do 20-60mins of activity 3-5 times each week. Do something that gets your heart rate up and releases the happy feel good endorphins. There are lots of ways in which to get huge benefits from working out – check out my website (www.sas-fitness.co.uk) for fun group fitness and personal training ideas for all ages and fitness levels or drop me an email at shari@sas-fitness.co.uk. Most of all – be positive and have fun
Shari, PT & Sports Scientist, (SAS Fitness) SCOTLAND THE WHERE? by Margaret Drummond Come to Scotland we urge, it’s so lovely, For tourists we’re right up to scratch. In our glens and high ridges We have millions of midges So remember your allergy patch. We boast international airports To bring you from Europe and such, But if you’re flying long haul It will cost you your all Via London and that’s a bit much. Tour Scotland by train if you want to As long as it’s not north of Perth, For our rail system lacks Quite a number of tracks Where landslides engulfed them in earth. But how about road as an option? You could do a round trip on a bus.
Buy a run-about ticket And if you feel sick it Will let you get off without fuss. By boat is a fine way to travel, You could see all the Western Isles, Or sail doon the watter And tune into the patter While the cold seats on deck give you piles. By car you could tour in the highlands And sample some B&Bs too. Though not all en-suite, You’ll get plenty to eat Before joining the queue for the loo. So do come and see us in Scotland, Don’t just think about it or talk. If our transport’s not dandy Then you might find it handy To just pick your feet up and walk.
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February 2014
BLETHERS GROUP Here are a couple of photos - recognise anyone? During the latter part of last year three different groups asked if they could visit during our meetings. Christine Grace of PKAVS talked to the committee about the proposed Time Bank whilst Robin Falconer, also from PKAVS, asked for help in organising photographic displays for an open day being planned for the new community wing at Rattray School on 8 February. As a result of Robin’s visit we have helped put together a collection of photographs whilst SCYD will take current photographs of the same places. This became a joint project with the One Voice Volunteer Group. We also welcomed Steve Johnson and Shona Whyte on separate occasions to carry out recordings for Heartland Radio. Steve spoke to Annette Stewart about our group and Shona recorded stories from Mike Duffy, John Dow, Iain Keay and Lawrence Hill. Shona is to continue recording local stories from members of the group. Our year came to an end with an enjoyable Christmas lunch in the Royal Hotel and after a short break in January the Blethers Group is back in full swing again having had our first meeting on 5th February. The group meets on the 1st Wednesday of the month in the Royal Hotel, Blairgowrie from 10am - 12pm to browse through our collection of old photos, have a real blether about all things Blair and Rattray and a refreshing cuppa. Funds to enable recreating our collection are raised by holding a raffle during our meetings Everyone is more than welcome to come along, you don’t need to be a “local”! If you have any photos which would be of interest to the group please bring them along. If possible we would like to copy and return them. Our next meeting will be 5th March in the Royal and we look forward to seeing old and new members.
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February 2014
YOUR LOCAL ROTARY NEEDS YOU! Come and join us Your local Rotary club serves Blairgowrie and the local smaller communities in many ways. Fundraising events have raised thousands of pounds and have benefited everyone from schoolchildren to older people in the town and countryside. We have recently helped:
The Freedom Coach
Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance
Blairgowrie Lights The Bookmark Festival
Blairgowrie and Rattray Pipe Band
Cluny Court
Blairgowrie High School Malawi Initiative
and we have sent funds to several international appeals There are many misconceptions about “who” Rotarians are… Rotary IS NOT a private club for old men. Rotary IS a world- wide organisation of men and women whose members come from all walks of life, who are young, middle-aged and older, who enjoy meeting people and getting together for social occasions. Rotary IS an organisation that has helped to eradicate polio and which continues to fund health and welfare projects worldwide. Rotary IS about you and your community. We really need new members to keep the ball rolling – if we close, our community will suffer. We meet on Wednesday evenings at the Royal Hotel for a meal, to listen to good speakers and to plan our programme to help with the funding of local organisations. Why not come along and meet us on the first Wednesday of any month and find out what we are all about. If you would like to meet us, call Jim Irving on 01250 872112 or email him on: irving165@btinternet.com and bring a friend!
Help! Our natural organic healthcare business is exploding! If you are honest, ethical & believe you are worth £2000+ a month Call Suzanne NOW
07979 466 958
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Blairgowrie & District Next Steps Wednesday (Stride for Life) Walks The Wednesday Walks Programme has returned for 2014. This is the 10th Anniversary year and we have helped well over 300 people with walking over this time. Of these we have a hardcore of approximately 60 people walking with us every week. The Wednesday Walks take place on short, low level, and sometimes urban routes with a duration of about an hour - hour and a half. These are intended as an introduction to walking with a definite social feel and a chance for a chat over coffee or tea afterwards. There are usually two choices each week, a shorter walk for those who prefer a slower pace and perhaps recovering from a long term condition, and another for a medium/ fast pace covering a slightly greater distance. Some of the routes are buggy and wheelchair friendly. The Walk Leaders are all volunteers
February 2014 and are appropriately qualified Outdoor First Aiders. The walks are open to all, however those coming for the first time are required to complete a registration form and brief health questionnaire. If in any doubt about your fitness for a walk please consult your GP or other medical advisor. Participants should meet at Blairgowrie Townhall at 9.15am. The walkers usually return around 11.30am for refreshments. The Wednesday Walks give people an opportunity to develop and take on more challenging events held on other days during the week. There is a fee of ÂŁ4 per person which covers the hire of the Townhall, bus hire and refreshments. Further information is available on www. badns.org or by telephoning Nick or Sue Cole on 01828 640763.
International Women’s Day Challenge - Saturday 8th March 2014 We aim to get more than 103 women to the top of a Carn Aosda, a Munro in Glenshee (this is the 103rd anniversary). The walk is approx 3.2km (2 miles) round trip and ascends 270m (800 feet) on paths and landrover tracks and successful summiteers will receive a commemorative medal. This event is co-ordinated and supervised by a Winter Mountain Leader and fully supported by our Wednesday Walk leaders and first-aiders who will help and encourage everyone to get there.
is first come first served and therefore there is a limit on the number of participants. Further details and entry form available from: http://www.badns.org/specials/iwd. htm or telephone Nick or Sue Cole on 01828 640653
AW Joinery For All your Joinery Services: Home Improvements Fitted Kitchens Timber Decking Solid Wood / Laminate Floors
For 2014 proceeds from the registration fee will be donated to the Scottish Air Ambulance. But you can use this event as a platform to arrange your own sponsorship for your charity of choice as well. As this year the date falls on a Saturday there is an opportunity for those normally working through the week to take part as well. Because of the limited number of bus seats it
01250 870 693 / 07876 133 342 www.aw-joinery.com
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February 2014
Blairgowrie and District Hillwalking Club The Blairgowrie and District Hillwalking Club is a friendly local Club which goes out to the hills every third Sunday (the district extends as far as Dunkeld and Forfar but walkers are welcome from anywhere!). On each meet there are three planned walks ranging from fairly level walks up to about 10 miles, through to walks with one or more mountains involved. Walkers can also plan their own routes. On most walks we use a bus with pick up points in Alyth Square and the Wellmeadow Blairgowrie. We are planning a recruitment campaign. One of the events will be a “come and try it” which I expect will be an evening workshop to let people know what the club does and how it operates as well as more practical stuff about our walks: what to wear / carry in your rucksack, how much food to carry etc. That evening will be followed up by an outdoor event where we have different grades of walks for people to sample. Look out for news of this in the local press or adverts round the area. Our current Syllabus takes us up to the end of May. Our AGM is on 28th March at 7.00 pm in The Royal Hotel Blairgowrie when the next year’s walks will be decided. Planned walks this session are: 23rd Feb Glendoll 16th Mar Glen Tilt (Blair Atholl) 6th Apr Ben Lawers 27th Apr Pitlochry to Aberfeldy through walk 18th May To be arranged 30th May to 1st June Spring Weekend Torridon
8.00 am (8.15) 8.00 am (7.45) 8.00 am (7.45) 8.00am (7.45)
OS 44 OS 43 OS 51 OS 52
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 01307 840 520 by the Wednesday before the walk or you can book using the on-line form.
Start-up grants for groups that support older people
The Community Project Start-up Grant is an initiative being tested in Perth and Kinross which aims to help people in local communities to develop and deliver activities which improve outcomes for older people. This initiative is managed by the Perth and Kinross Change Fund, from an allocation of money granted by the Scottish Government which is designed to bring about significant and sustainable improvement in how we care for our older people in their homes and communities or in homely settings. This could be about creating new activities where there is an identified need or adapting and expanding existing activities to increase the positive impact they have in communities. Grants of up to £1500 are available to any constituted community group or organisation
with a bank account and partnerships led by a community group where a partner organisation is constituted and has a bank account. Support is available to develop a constitution for your group. The Change Fund is supported by a partnership including Perth & Kinross Council, Perth and Kinross Community Health Partnership, Scottish Care, Perth and Kinross Association of Voluntary Service, Age Scotland, GPs and other Community Planning partners. The Community Engagement Team work directly in local communities to enhance links between communities and services and support communities to deliver activities which improve outcomes for older people. For more information or an application form please contact Robin Falconer – Community Engagement Worker for Strathmore: robin. falconer@pkavs.org.uk or tel. 01738 567076.
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The Hub Magazine
Food Safety & Hygiene Harrowing is the fate of little Bo Cox who contracted an E. coli infection while at Rose Lodge Nursery in Aboyne. Poor hygiene practices mean that he has been left blind, almost deaf, with no working kidney and just a quarter of his bowel. At 8am nearly every day, Bo is woken at Yorkhill Hospital for Sick Children in Glasgow for a dose of dialysis. He is allowed just a few sips of water because he is restricted to 200ml a day. If a food business is implicated in a food poisoning often the evidence is long gone, eaten or binned. The business owner and food handlers can then be prosecuted if they cannot prove that they did all that they could to ensure the safety of the food that they served. How can you do that? Well under food law you need to have a documented food safety management system in place, this is commonly known as a HACCP system.
February 2014 In the 1960’s some clever people in NASA came up with this risk based system to design and manufacture food for space flight. Hazards are identified in the planning stages and controls introduced to eliminate these or maintain them at a level that is safe for consumption. All stages of the process must be documented so that they can be audited. Any food handler must have training to the necessary level so that they know how to handle food from delivery through to service to the customer. The Royal Environmental Health Institute for Scotland provide such training courses from Elementary, which all food handlers must have, through Intermediate and Advanced for those running food businesses. As your local specialist in food safety and hygiene we would be delighted to support you for more information go to our website at - www.blackcraig.com
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February 2014
We are a Blairgowrie based consultancy committed to protecting your business dealing with today’s complex regulatory challenges in the areas of:
Occupational Health and Safety Food Safety & HACCP
(Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)
Fire Safety & FRA (Fire Risk Assessment) RHEIS Food Hygiene Courses HSE First Aid Training
We stock an ecclectic mix of beautiful objects for your home & for that distinctive present. Our stock includes Victorian & Edwardian furniture, collectibles, pictures & objet d’art. Unusual curios & retro items. Visit our Blairgowrie Showroom or Online Shop facebook.com/antiques.blairgowrie 30 Reform St. Corner Showroom, Blairgowrie, Perthshire PH10 6BD
For a free no obligation consultation contact Colin on cmurdoch@blackcraig.com, call 01250 886768 or pop into our office at 17-19 Leslie Street, Blairgowrie (shared with Alan Learmonth Wealth Management). www.blackcraig.com
TIMBER CLADDING ACOUSTIC FLOOR SOLUTIONS THERMAL SOLUTIONS GROUND GAS PROTECTION CONDENSATION CONTROL
www.proctorgroup.com 17
The Hub Magazine
February 2014
We deliver, we install, we care!
We normally deliver from stock the same day!
W.M.Coupar Wellmeadow, Blairgowrie. Tel 01250872436
Computer and Laptop Repairs. Computer Retail. Ink and Toner Sales . 1 High Street Rattray Full Service of Computer or Laptop - £35.00 Laptop Keyboard Replacement is around £29.99 Hard Drive Replacement and Operating System Reinstall from £65.00 Laptop DC Jack Repair £65.00 Virus Removal such as Ucash £35.00 Optical drive Repair from £25.00 Mainboard Replacement from £75.00 Computer Power issues repaired from £35.00 These are just a few of our repair services, other prices on request. We are registered Microsoft Refurbishers and buy laptops
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since May 2005. Tel 01250 874160 www.calutek.co.uk
The Hub Magazine
February 2014
Gardening and Landscaping
FREE Quotations on all Gardening and Landscaping works!
D A Groundcare
D A Groundcare, High Street, Rattray, Blairgowrie, PH10 7DF. 01250 875588 info@dagroundcare.co.uk. www.dagroundcare.co.uk
TRY THE NEW, REFRESHING APPROACH TO ACCOUNTANCY. WE OFFER: • A full range of accountancy and taxation services for all businesses and individuals • • A friendly and flexible service tailored to suit your needs • • Evening and weekend meetings to fit around you and your business • • Value for money fees and flexible monthly payment plans • • Free initial consultations to discuss what we can do for you • For more information please feel free to contact us on: Telephone: 01828634285/07971283491 E mail: enquiries@kwgaccountancy.co.uk KWG Accountancy Ltd, Fionnadh, St Ninians Road, Alyth, PH11 8AR www.kwgaccountancy.co.uk www.facebook.com/KWGAccountancy FRIENDLY•PROFESSIONAL•APPROACHABLE
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February 2014
C. ASSENTI & SON
Motor Mechanics & 24 Hr Recovery
CHARLIE 07904 502567
RAYMOND 07960 805429
Call
FAIRFIELD, HIGH STREET, RATTRAY, BLAIRGOWRIE, PH10 7DL
Angela or Diane
01250 873591 or email blaircopyshop@live.com
raymond.assenti@sky.com
Your Local Class Blairgowrie Bowling Club, Lochy Street Wednesdays 5.30pm & 7.30pm Call Rachel
07516 401304 20
The Hub Magazine
February 2014
Jamie Duncan Aerial & Satellite TV Extensions All types of Satellites installed TV wall mounting Phone:
07736 551 665 jdaerials@sky.com 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 97.5fm and 106.6fm 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
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February 2014
The Friendship Cafe has been blessed with wonderful kind entertainers happy to give us half an hour of their time as we munch biccies and drink a cuppie. It seems to be a fact that folk really do like to ‘do their bit’ and seem to get as much enjoyment out of the half hour or so they are performing as we do listening to them. We have professional musicians and entertainers and rank amateurs possibly doing their first Gig. Whatever, we are a really appreciative audience . For some its their only outing of the week, for others just an informal chance to catch up with friends old and new in a warm friendly atmosphere. John and Hugh from Perth our regular first Thursday of the monthers and sometimes Val from Aberfeldy comes along too. During January Wendy brought along her beautiful clarsach with a soothing recital of Irish and Scottish tunes. The next week a somewhat more raucous Burns’ themed morning with young Robin from Wick on accordion. helped along the shortbread and oatcakes as opposed to the traditional haggis and Tam o’ Shanter. Gill from Rattray next up with her strong soprano rendition of tunes old and new. During February and March we look forward to return visits from the Balmoral lads Jimmy and Geordie with accordion and fiddle with Valentine’s Day as our theme! Harry McFadden from Blacklunans has promised a visit as has Jake Donnelly. The Burrelton Ladies’ Choir will be coming along and somewhere along the line we will fit in a morning sing song ourselves. Little did we know what we had started two and half years ago with Rattray Hall open to all every Thursday morning between 10am and 12 noon. A true Community get together for folk old and young and even the occasional dog! We also have a good selection of books to borrow and newspapers to read or a game of dominos should you so wish, rather than chatting and singing. Come and try us!
J & J HOWE
30 Reform St. Blairgowrie Open: Monday – Friday 8 – 5 & Saturday 9 – 1 Still continuing our 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
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 • www.jjhowe.co.uk
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February 2014
Writer in residence opportunity for Blairgowrie As part of a partnership between BOOKMARK (Blairgowrie, Rattray and The Glens) book festival and Perth and Kinross Place Partnership**, a six-month, part-time writer-in-residence opportunity is now open for applications. The position would be based in Blairgowrie, Perthshire and would begin in April 2014. The writer-in-residence will bring an extra dimension to the preparations for the 2014 BOOKMARK festival (held for the first time in 2013) and will assist the local community to develop new works of creative writing. This will see the successful appointee working with local community groups and schools to support and promote creative writing activity, including the production of new work to be read aloud in October at the 2014 BOOKMARK festival and also be displayed as part of an exhibition in Perth Museum and Art Gallery. The writer-in-residence will also be expected to offer information and support to individuals interested in developing their creative writing talents; contribute to the further development of BOOKMARK; and work on their own project, whether current or new, in any genre of writing. Applicants must be published authors who have previous experience of leading creative writing activities with children, young people and adults. Any local writers who are interested in finding out more about this exciting position should please contact Culture Projects Co-ordinator Sara Ann Kelly by calling 01738 477037 or emailing sakelly@pkc.gov.uk The closing date for applications is Saturday 22 February 2014. **Perth and Kinross Place Partnership is funded by Creative Scotland and is a project which brings together local creative industries partners to further promote the arts sector and build a sense of identity and place through arts practice. The Place Partnership is led by Perth & Kinross Council.
Blairgowrie & Rattray Cub Scouts
Cub Scouts are boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 10½ who want to have fun, make friends and try new things. We’re the Blairgowrie & Rattray Cub Scouts, and we meet every Wednesday at 6.30pm. There are loads of fun things that you can do as a Cub Scout. You can try lots of different activities like swimming, music, exploring, computing and collecting. If you do them properly you will get a badge which you can wear on your uniform.
We are taking on new members We are also looking for names for a new Beavers Group (Ages 6 - 8 boys & girls) - contact leeann.mcleod@hotmail.com or 07528 793807
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February 2014
Gallimaufry Gifts & Crafts 58 High Street Blairgowrie
Closing on 22 March 40% off sale on most items Thank you to all our customers Open Tues – Sat 10-17.00
Tel: 01250 876515 Blairgowrie 41 Club 41 Club is a fellowship for men who have been members of Round Table. Round Table was formed in 1927 for men under 40 by Louis Marchesi, a Rotarian, who wanted younger men to socialise and serve their local community in the same way. Ours is a purely social organisation with 18,000 members nationally including about 20 in Blairgowrie. We meet informally for an evening of fellowship with a meal followed by a speaker or organised activity. Currently our members come from the following Tables
192 Jersey
219 Arbroath
735 Blairgowrie 814 Kinross
926 Dundee Tayside 1050 Dunbar
706 Epping
871 Glenrothes
1202 Inverkeithing & Dalgety Bay
This year we hosted the National Golf Competition at Rosemount and our excellent after dinner talks have included the History of Blairgowrie Junior FC, the Strathmore Railway, Amateur Dramatics, the Scottish Police Service, the Lifeboats and our very own Antiques Road Show. We made very successful outside visits to the Model Engineering Centre at Methven and Perth Gokarts. If you have been a Tabler and would like to meet some of your peers, come along to the Angus Hotel at 7.35 on the 3rd Tuesday of the month (Sept – June). Yours in continuing friendship Larry Scrimgeour, Chairman (01250 871117)
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In December 2013, BETPA were one of those involved in a Festive Publicity Campaign promoting Blairgowrie & Rattray. This came about as a result of funding being given by Perth & Kinross Council as recognition for the upheaval, inconvenience and disruption to trades and business which long-running roadworks in Rattray, and regeneration work in the Wellmeadow area had resulted in. The money had to be spent to advertise the area over the festive period. This meant that there was a period of around two weeks to spend the money! A cross-section of individuals, organisations and businesses in the town, including BEPTA, Blairgowrie Merchants, Blairgowrie & Rattray Hub and One Voice, were involved in the – at times fraught and frantic! – decision making process. Hundreds of emails were written, and many meetings and telephone conversations took place in a very short space of time. It was agreed that the money should be used to put together a fun and festive video of Blairgowrie retailers singing a Christmas song, and also for advertisements to be placed in the press. Local business Morocco Media kindly edited the video for a much reduced fee, and we managed to negotiate reduced prices for press adverts. BEPTA were principally involved in liaising with the press. Adverts were placed in the Courier, Courier Online, Perthshire Advertiser, Blairgowrie Advertiser, Evening Telegraph and Sunday Post. When STV News became involved, and came to do a news report, BEPTA was one of those who met and went round the businesses with them when they were filming. Not everyone will have been happy with what was done. However, given the very tight timescale involved, it is our view that the money was well spent. On a further, and very positive note, many locals became involved, and showed what can be achieved when we work
together to promote all that this area has to offer, to locals and those from further afield. The words “Never again!” were heard more than once, but don’t believe a word of it – there is already talk about what we can all do next! Alison Powrie BEPTA Administrator Tourism is an all year round business and I believe that in some way, everyone is involved in this. It may be something as simple as saying a kind greeting to someone in the street. I can remember when across on holiday in Northern Ireland a few years ago being pelted by nice greetings of one kind or another. Hopefully by the time this really great community magazine lands on your doorstep, Glenshee ski slopes will be buzzing with skiers and snow boarders, which will have a knock on effect on our economy. I was invited to a tourism meeting in Braemar last month and the other attendees were from our sister organisation Glenshee Tourist Association, Royal Deeside and Braemar Destination Management Organisation (DMO) and a representative from Aberdeenshire Council. In the main we were looking at the A93 from Perth through to Aberdeen and what we could do better by working together. Lay-bys, snow gates, walking, mountain biking and generally looking at how we can capitalise on what the A93 corridor can offer locals and visitors alike. I am looking forward to our next meeting and will keep everyone updated as much as I can. What happened over the festive season with the great hastily put together video is well documented by Alison’s report but may I offer my personal thanks to all those who had a hand in it. Finally, the Board of BEPTA will have met by the time you read this and we will have looked at what we can do from 2014 through to 2015. We really must capitalise on what we have on our doorstep and we can only do this by working together. Bob Ellis (BEPTA Chairman)
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Councillor Caroline Shiers
your local Scottish Conservative Councillor 2014 is finally upon us and what a year it looks set to be. The Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup along with the Year of the Homecoming and of course, the referendum on the future of our country, means that there will be an international focus on Blairgowrie. With all of this brings tremendous opportunities and especially for business and tourism. Locally, Blairgowrie Golf Club will host the Junior Ryder Cup and this will be a fantastic opportunity to really showcase what Blairgowrie and Rattray and Eastern Perthshire has to offer people who want to come for a day out or for a holiday. With this in mind we have devoted a lot of time and effort to planning how to present the town in the best light possible. Blair in Bloom are working with PKC to ensure the floral displays are as good as they always are and I am sure businesses, particularly those providing hospitality and accommodation, will be looking forward to a busy period over the summer and the time of the Junior Ryder Cup. Works are almost complete on the riverside improvements and investigative works are underway on the landslip at Oakbank Road and I sincerely hope that an engineering solution can be found to see that stretch of
February 2014 the Cateran Trail re-opened and with it the opportunity to use the riverside as a starting point for people wanting to walk the whole Cateran Trail or just a section of it. The new play area and improved seating areas and car park will hopefully encourage people to use the riverside area and then to shop in the town centre. The new traffic management system in the Wellmeadow has not been without its problems and as local Councillors we have been working with Council officers to get the problems addressed. The new lights give priority to buses and pedestrians and are now four-way controls so all of this has to be taken into account. We will ensure that residents and businesses are kept informed. This Spring we will also be seeking views on parking provision in the town and I would encourage anyone with opinions and ideas to get in touch to ensure that we get as many people involved as possible. Further information will be available later in the year and the consultation will run over a couple of months to give plenty of times for gathering opinion. Councillor Caroline Shiers Home: 01828 632 608 Work: 01738 553 990 email: cshiers@pkc.gov.uk
Murdo Fraser MSP for MidScotland and Fife
tunity to forward the case for communities in East Perthshire to receive next generation broadband. I strongly believe that rural areas must have equal access to digital services. Slow and intermittent broadband connections are a break on growth and prevent rural residents from fully engaging in the digital age.
Last month the Scottish Government announced the next areas due to benefit from superfast broadband and I took the oppor-
In January, I asked the Scottish Government what it was doing to ensure that youngsters across Scotland have a chance to attend the
Although just a footstep into the New Year, I have already been raising awareness in Parliament to the issues affecting constituents across East Perthshire. As ever I am keen to hear the views and thoughts of readers of the Blairgowrie HUB magazine.
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February 2014 Junior Ryder Cup in Blairgowrie. In their response the Scottish Government confirmed that they will be advertising the event on a variety of different platforms including social media and through schools and golf clubs. The Scottish Government must work hard to ensure that the Junior Ryder cup has the opportunity to be every bit as successful as its senior cousin in attracting visitors to the East Perthshire area. Staying with the Ryder Cup I was pleased to see Perth and Kinross Council allocate an extra 50% of funding to Local Bloom groups to help beautify towns and villages across Perthshire in anticipation for the 2014 competition. For further information on this project or to access an application form please call 01738 476476. Following a freedom of information request submitted to the Forestry Commission it has been revealed that 2,510 hectares of woodland has been cut down to make way for wind turbines, equating to the felling of over 5 million trees. The industrialisation of our countryside shows no sign of abating and the Scottish Government must reconsider the rationality of cutting down trees to make room for wind turbines. It is vital that East Perthshire protects its scenery as it is undoubtedly one of Scotland’s crown jewels. Between the 10th and 14th of February I will be holding a series of surgeries throughout
Blairgowrie and Rattray Time Bank Do you have some small jobs that need doing? Would you like to help out other people, and meet more local folk? Do you have a bit of spare time on your hands? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions the new Blairgowrie and Rattray Time Bank could be just what you need. There is a move afoot to set one up in the area and we are looking for people who are interested in becoming members, and also those who are keen to make it run. In a nutshell, a Time Bank is a way
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
Perthshire including one at St Catharine’s Centre in Blairgowrie on the 13th of February at 10:30am. If you have any issues you would like to raise with me, please do come along. 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 of encouraging good old fashioned neighbourliness and of making connections between people who have something to share and people who have a need. If you spend any time at all doing things for your community you can bank those hours and for every hour you bank you get a credit. You can spend the credits through the Time Bank when you need something. Everyone has something to offer, even if you think you don’t. People need all kinds of things, sometimes very simple things that would make their lives easier and richer, if someone was there to offer the help. It could be a bit of shopping,
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February 2014
or a hedge trimmed, trousers hemmed, a cake made, some hoovering done or a lesson in how to use a mobile phone. It could be feeding a pet, or walking a dog or making a companionable phone call, or accompanying on an appointment. It’s all about helping people to help others.
involved in any way, please do contact me. I’m initially looking for active people who have some spare time and enthusiasm. Email Christine Grace at cgrace@pkavs.org.uk or call me on 01738 42212.
If you think you might be interested getting
Pete Wishart, MP for Perth and North Perthshire
House of Commons
I recently met with constituents in Blairgowire to receive a petition about Part 2 of the Transparency of Lobbying, Non-party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Bill – commonly called the Gagging Law. We have an active social democracy in Scotland and we encourage participation of charities in public debate. I do not want to see that stamped on by heavy-handed legislation which is taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut. The initial intention of this Bill was to stop large organisations and those with large funds from having undue influence over the democratic process. The Bill is not stopping this, but it has united many disparate groups in opposition.
Contact Pete Wishart,
MP for Perth and North Perthshire at: Constituency Office, 35 Perth Street, Blairgowrie PH10 6DL
Telephone - 01250 876 576
The brakes need to be applied so that proper care can be taken to ensure that the concerns that are being expressed are heeded and I will certainly continue to put the case
Email – pete.wishart.mp@parliament.uk Website – www.petewishartmp.com
forward in favour of small charities. Further information can be found at https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/page/s/scrap-the-gagging-law#petition
tices is tragic and profoundly affects some of our most deprived communities.
I welcome the announcement that the Scottish Government will convene a summit to look at halting the growth of payday lenders. Payday lending has grown as a problem, with Citizens’ Advice reporting over 100 cases per week of hardship as a result of payday loans I have become increasingly worried that companies are becoming accepted. The human suffering caused by these unscrupulous prac-
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There should be nothing acceptable in charging 4000% interest to vulnerable families desperate for cash. While the Scottish Government’s commitment to tackle the problem is commendable, it is unfortunate that the main powers to end the unethical practices of payday loan companies currently sit with Westminster. I can be contacted at 35 Perth Street, Blairgowrie, PH10 6DL, telephone 01250 876 576 or email wishartp@ parliament.uk
The Hub Magazine
February 2014
Growbiz Charity Fundraiser GrowBiz Chairman David Rowe, and GrowBiz Admin Support Rosie Baxendine are taking part in The Mighty Deerstalker - “The toughest off-road run in the UK” - on the 15th March 2014 to raise money for GrowBiz. This is a gruelling 10km run that incorporates a 1200ft hill, natural and manmade obstacles and - to add a bit more of a challenge – is run at night with a head torch! GrowBiz – a registered Charity based in Blairgowrie - provides support to anyone thinking of becoming self-employed, or starting (or growing) a small business or social enterprise. Funds raised sponsoring David and Rosie in this event will be used specifically to provide enterprise training and experience for young unemployed people (16-25) in the Perthshire area. This is a great initiative to encourage young unemployed men and women to develop their own businesses and social enterprises through giving them the confidence, skills and experience to venture out on their own, when unemployment rates are at a record high. Donating via Rosie’s JustGiving page is easy - just follow this link and Donate: http://www. justgiving.com/owner-email/pleasesponsor/rosie-baxendine JustGiving sends your donation straight to GrowBiz so it’s a quick and safe way to donate. Without funding and donations GrowBiz would not be able to continue their service – so they thank you in advance for any amount – small or large – that you are able to contribute. If you would like further information on GrowBiz and the service that they provide, then please look at their new website www.growbiz.co.uk that provides a diary of events, useful resources and contact details for their service. Alternatively you can email Rosie directly on rosie@growbiz.co.uk
Rattray SWRI Rattray Rural members have had a busy time since the last publication of The Hub magazine. In November we had our Open Night which attracted 92 members and guests from surrounding Rurals. Shona Sutherland from Taystful gave an excellent demo on making and decorating fun items with chocolate. In December we celebrated 85 years as an Institute with a dinner and party games in the Royal Hotel. The Scottish National Chairman, Isobel Robertson, and Perth and Kinross Federation Chairman Linda Retson joined the President of Rattray Rural Muriel Brown to cut the cake, baked and decorated
by members in the Scottish Women’s Rural Institute colours. In January Joe Richards gave us enterprising ways of recouping the money from the festivities of November and December by looking at objects we had in the attic - a most enriching experience! In the future, on Monday 17th February, we have Helen McCann and Evelyn Caldow from Blair in Bloom to tell us about their work. On Monday 17th March we will have a demonstration of “All Things Crafty” by Anne Parker Smith from Hobbycraft in Dundee, and on Monday 21st April, the Federation Choir will entertaining us . All meetings take place in Rattray Church Hall in Balmoral Road at 7pm for 7.15pm. Visitors are most welcome.
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Councillor Bob Ellis
your local Scottish Nationalist Party Councillor We are now 2 months into what is going to be a very exciting year with lots of media attention going to happen in Scotland certainly as far as sport and of course the Referendum are concerned. We have had in Blairgowrie and Rattray our share of media attention over the Festive season though. We have come through what can only be described as a very difficult time as far as the many road works throughout the town are concerned. This ended though with a number of concerned people getting together and the end result was getting some welcome funding from the Council and putting together a very good and amusing video and some great coverage in the local papers as well as coverage on the television. It was a real pleasure to work with all concerned and I would like to thank them all. It just goes to show though what we can do by working together in a positive fashion and in a short period of time. I have no doubt that we could and should do this again during the year. The work down at the riverside is well on and will hopefully be finished soon but of course this is weather dependent and we have got off lightly so far as snow is concerned. I am convinced that the end result of this work will benefit the locals and visitors alike. The traffic light situation in the Wellmeadow has not pleased everyone of this I am well aware. What is happening now is that we are looking monitor the situation over a three day period from 7 am to 8 pm on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday. This will show up any further alterations that need to be done in reducing the queues. I am pleased to see that an election has been called to get the Blairgowrie & Rattray Community Council up and running again. Residents in the town and immediate area have until 4 pm on Thursday 13th February to submit their names with a supporting statement on why they would like to serve on the Community Council. I am hoping that this edition of the Hub Magazine reaches your table before the deadline in order that you might consider putting your name forward. You need to be 18 years or older and be on the electoral register as do the candidates proposer and seconder. Our town and area needs a Community Council voice and I look forward to working in a positive fashion with the new one. I am pleased that at last exploratory work has started on Oakbank Road in regard to the landslip and we now await the findings, which I will share with you all once they are available. Finally, well done to the volunteers who put up and took down the Christmas Lights, which included some new ones, they certainly lit up the town and were well received by all. Councillor Bob Ellis Home: 01250873899 Work: 01738475041 email: rsellis@pkc.gov.uk
Royal British Legion Monthly dances with buffet at George Street, Blairgowrie clubrooms - £5 Saturdays 8.30 p.m. - 11.45 p.m. 22 February - Driftin’
26 April
22 March
31 May
- Eye to Eye
- E & E - Chapparal (C & W)
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February 2014
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. JULIE BAIRD PILATES 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.
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
STILL NOT TRIED PILATES? Do you have stiff neck and shoulders? Do you have pain in your lower back?
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
NEW CLASSES COMMENCING: Friday : 5.30 pm – 6.30 pm Saturday : 10.00 am – 11.00 am Classes run in blocks of 6 weeks, £36.00 per block. Payable in advance. julzenergyhealth12@talktalk.net Mobile: 078846 468816
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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
February 2014
John Swinney, MSP for Perthshire North The final consideration of Scotland’s Budget Bill for 2014-15 took place recently. My priorities in setting the Budget have been to focus on supporting the economic recovery that is now taking hold, assisting people dealing with welfare reform and protecting our vital public services. We are seeing the first and early signs of improving economic conditions in Scotland with growth returning and rising employment and falling unemployment. It is therefore vital that we continue to support the essential ingredients of recovery. As part of a programme that will deliver £8bn of infrastructure investment over the next two years in Scotland, we will invest in a range of housing, school, college and transport developments giving a much welcomed boost to the construction industry. The Budget will maintain the most competitive set of business rates reliefs in the UK, worth more than £570 million a year, including expanding the Small Business Bonus Scheme and capping the increase in next year’s business rates poundage at 2 per cent. This is vital support for local business to assist with their costs. Expanding childcare is a priority with £250m allocated over two years to increase early learning and childcare to 600 hours and to increase the number of 2 year olds that can obtain childcare places. Many families are finding things tough financially so the government’s commitment to a council tax freeze across Scotland will bring some welcome assistance. And ensuring the continued provision of free concessionary travel and personal care give great assistance to members of the public. As the UK Government rolls out its welfare reform programme, there are many individuals
facing significant difficulties. We have offered support through the Scottish Welfare Fund to assist people struggling to deal with these changes and also to support those affected by the Bedroom Tax. Within our limited powers we are doing everything possible to tackle the effects of the reductions to our budget applied by the UK Government. We are focused on how we can make Scotland a more successful economy and how we will support individuals facing difficulty. These are the priorities of your Scottish Government and I hope Parliament supports the measures this week. If any constituent needs to contact me at all, you can do so at 35 Perth Street, Blairgowrie, PH10 6DL, by telephone on 01250 876 576 or by email at john.swinney.msp@scottish.parliament.uk
THE TREFOIL GUILD is a world wide organisation for people who have been involved in Girl Guides, but are no longer able to participate in the activities. Members wish to keep alive the spirit of the Guide Promise and Law, to carry that spirit into the community in which they
live and work, and to give support to Guiding. A branch of the Trefoil Guild started in Blairgowrie in 1995, and numbers have increased steadily to 25 members. They meet monthly in St Catharine’s Community Centre for talks on a variety of subjects, ranging from local people
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John Swinney MSP for Perthshire North can be contacted at: Constituency Office, 35 Perth Street, Blairgowrie, PH10 6DL
Telephone - 01250 876 576
john.swinney.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Website – www.johnswinneymsp.com
The Hub Magazine
February 2014 who have lead interesting lives or holidays, and to share their favourite memories, which usually include memories of camping. They meet up with members of other Guilds in Perth, Crieff and Almondbank as well as County annual meetings and the Scottish Annual meeting. Every two years there has been a three day ‘camp’ at the local Guide Outdoor Centre in the adapted old school at Newbigging near Wolfhill. Members enjoy the fellowship, crafts, sleeping in bunk beds and of course, Camp fire singing.
For Thinking Day this year, members of the Trefoil Guild will share a parade in Blairgowrie Parish Church at 11 am on the 23rd February along with Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Scouts. Following the Service, over cups of tea and coffee in the Church Hall, the Big Brownie Birthday Cake which celebrates 100 years of Brownies will be shared by the girls, their parents and members of the congregation. Please contact Moira Somerville on 01250 875240 if you are interested in joining the Trefoil Guild.
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The Hub Magazine
HAVEN CHURCH FELLOWSHIP The Haven’s 6th birthday in November was observed in the first three services of 2014 with a review of progress and the direction planned for the new year. 2013 was a special year as we decided the time had come to take our Sunday services out into the community, having been a home group up to February. Our move to Rattray Community Hall enabled us to issue a general invitation both for regular Sunday services and also for special events there and elsewhere. And to contribute to the Hub Mag! The motivation was also to open up the services to our list of friends who lacked transport to get to the out-of-town meeting place. The ‘Friends@Haven’ group has met for special events throughout these early years— some of the Friends have become regular and active members at the Community Hall. There have been four occasions in 2013 when we provided transport and finance to take the F@H group to the Compass Christian Centre in Glenshee—this continues to be a popular event, with between 20 and 30 participating in a Bible talk, outdoor and indoor activities and lunch. We have also supported some teenage members to attend camp at the Scripture Union centre at Lendrick Muir.
Blairgowrie Players
Blairgowrie Players have been selected by The Royal Shakespeare Company, as one of only 7 drama groups in Scotland to produce a Shakespeare themed project. Applications were invited from all over the UK and each area has a mentor theatre, which will work with the RSC via workshops and professional tutors. In Scotland, the mentor theatre is the Dundee Rep and already 15 Players have attended a weekend of workshops, including stage combat, voice and text, acting and movement. Club President Graham Reid said “we were fortunate in having one of our former members, who has more than a passing interest in all things Shakespeare and among other plays
February 2014 The 2014 events should be on the Hub calendar as well as on our own website. Meanwhile, our aims remain these: • To provide an outreach service, particularly to the Rattray community; • To deliver an informal and interactive style of worship and teaching in our Sunday services; • To co-operate with the local churches in such activities as membership of East Perthshire Action of Churches Together in Scotland (EPACTS), including any EPACTS initiatives for which we have appropriate resources; we take our turn in the EPACTS series of lunchtime services during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity each January in the Riverside Methodist Church hall; we also have regular contacts with the local clergy; • To extend a welcome, particularly to folk without a church connection, or who have recently moved into the area, as well as visitors to the town. Our contact details are: Website www.havenchurchfellowship.co.uk Email john&rosewilson@ havenchurchfellowship.co.uk Phone 01250 874903
that she has written is a compilation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Macbeth, which she has called Dream on Macbeth. We worked hard on our application and we consider it a great feather in our cap that we were selected. Apart from the weekend workshops, which were very intense, our Director has also spent a weekend in Stratford on Avon with the RSC, getting to know both the core RSC people and meeting all the other groups from all over the UK. Over the next few months we can expect more workshops and also visits from the tutors to follow the rehearsals. We are aiming to present our production in August and as we are deep in Macbeth country, with Birnam, Dunsinnane and Glamis close by, there is
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The Hub Magazine
February 2014 the possibility of some interesting theatrical locations. Watch the press for details. Anyone who would like to get involved in any way in what could be a unique production should get in touch with me on 01250 875 230 daytime.” At the end of February the Scottish Community Drama Association’s festival of one act plays takes place in the Birnam Institute from 27th February to 1st March. The Players are entering 2 adult and 1 youth play in this competition. The youth play “Ghostwriter” has a cast of 16, the first adult play “Waiting for Gordon” has a cast of 5 and the other adult
play “The Shoe Tags” has been written by the cast of 20. Nine plays from all over Perthshire have entered and the 2 leading plays will go to the next round, which this year is in Orkney. Meantime, following a very successful pantomime - Treasure Island - the Players have remained busy. Murder Mysteries have become very popular and the Players have presented 2 in the last month in Broughty Ferry and Perth on behalf of corporate groups. Anyone looking for an excellent evenings entertainment as part of a dinner function or conference should contact Graham Reid in the first place.
DOODLEBUGS A toddlers’ art group is to begin at The Guide Hut, Emma Street, Blairgowrie on Wednesday mornings from 10am to 11am. The non-profit venture, Doodlebugs, will offer creative play for children from six months to five years. Parents will stay with their child throughout and will be encouraged to take part. The activities include junk-modelling, drawing, arts and crafts, painting, watercolours and gluing. Each
session costs £1.50 per child, payable on the day, which also covers the cost of materials. Studies have shown that creative play supports a child’s all-round development in social, cognitive, emotional, linguistic and physical skills. The first meeting will be on Wednesday 19th February and pre-booking is advisable. Please contact Marion on 07455430003 or at mmcgowan80@googlemail.com
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