Blairgowrie & Rattray
Hub Magazine
Spring 2015 Sponsored by Rosemount Travel
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Your personal travel designer based in Blairgowrie minute interview
with Bradley Neil Blairgowrie Berries & Cherries Tartan see Page 9
In this edition: One Voice
Rainbows & Brownies
Discover Blairgowrie
Community Sports Club
The STV Advert
Local Angling Association
The Ericht Trust
Welcome to the Berry Pickers
Update from the Community Council
Discover Blairgowrie
www.discoverblairgowrie.co.uk
Timebank
Discover Blairgowrie Magazine
Spring 2015
01250 871 088 eat@dalmoreinn.com Perth Road, Blairgowrie, PH10 6QB
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East Coast Jazzmen - Thursday 11th June Open 7 Days 10am - 9pm for coffee 12pm - 9pm for meals
Unique Restaurant Attentive Service Excellent Cuisine
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Discover Blairgowrie Magazine
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Welcome to the Spring 2015 Magazine! The Magazine has received funding via PKAVS (Perth & Kinross Association for Voluntary Service) to help boost the community content of the magazine and we are delighted to provide another packed issue with their support. The volunteers in One Voice are now taking a bigger role in helping to source articles from groups and clubs to help ‘lighten’ the content and hopefully ensure we cover all aspects of the community. To that end this magazine has been roughly organised into sections including: • Community Information • Community Groups, Clubs etc • Sports, Leisure & Outdoors If you would like to include your community club/organisations information, please pop into the One Voice office on Upper Mill Street or email:
admin@discoverblairgowrie.co.uk
New Name for the Magazine In line with the STV Advert for the town that has been organised through the Business Association and the new Discover Blairgowrie website which replaces the Hub and High Street websites, we aim to re-name the Magazine to ‘Discover Blairgowrie’ the One Voice Hub Magazine for Blairgowrie & Rattray. Please let us have your comments on this and the direction we are taking for the town. The aim is to promote the town and encourage visitors and locals alike to explore what we have and to take an active part in the community. We thank you for your support.
Advertising Prices Inside front/back 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 @ £138, 2 or more @ £124 per issue, annual @ £117 per issue per issue @ £120, 2 or more @ £108 per issue, annual @ £102 per issue per issue @ £78, 2 or more @ £70 per issue, annual @ £66 per issue per issue @ £66, 2 or more @ £59 per issue, annual @ £56 per issue per issue @ £40, 2 or more @ £36 per issue, annual @ £34 per issue per issue @ £33, 2 or more @ £30 per issue, annual @ £28 per issue per issue @ £27, 2 or more @ £24per issue, annual @ £23 per issue per issue @ £20, 2 or more @ £18 per issue, annual @ £17 per issue per issue @ £15, 2 or more @ £14 per issue, annual @ £13 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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What’s On Calendar for Blairgowrie & Rattray This is taken directly from Discover Blairgowrie website www.discoverblairgowrie.co.uk Add your events, it’s free for groups, clubs and organisations. Businesses can take a paid listing on the Discover Blairgowrie and have their events added to the What’s On calendar. May: 25th May 26th May 27th May 28th May 29th - 31st May June: 3rd June 4th June 11th June 13th June 17th June 18th June 20th June 21st June 25th June 26th June 27th June 30th June
July:
Tee Time at Rosemount - Rotary Club from 8am Blairgowrie Golf Club Strathmore Dementia Cafe 10am-12pm St Catharine’s Church Hall, George St Growbiz - Peer Support Group 6:30pm–8:30pm Rattray Community Facility Growbiz - Board Meeting. 6:30pm–8:30pm The Angus Hotel Blairgowrie Wine Circle - Tutored Tasting, 7.30pm, The Dalmore Inn Blairgowrie and District Hillwalking Club Spring Weekend: Ullapool Blethers Group June 10am - 12pm The Royal Hotel Citizens Advice Bureau 3 Jun 10am - 12pm SCYD, 21 Leslie Street Trefoil Guild - 3 June Afternoon outing Stanley Mills Benefits Advice in Libraries - pre book only 10am to 12pm Blairgowrie Library Blairgowrie & Rattray Community Council Meeting 7pm Rattray Connect World Gin Day - BOOKMARK 12pm - 3pm The Dalmore Inn Berry Pickers Ceilidh 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm Blair Parish Church Hall Business Association June Business Breakfast 8am The Royal Hotel Citizens Advice Bureau 17 Jun 10am - 12pm SCYD, 21 Leslie Street Benefits Advice in Libraries - pre book only 10am to 12pm Blairgowrie Library Blairgowrie Genealogy Group Open Day, Library from 10am to 12pm Blairgowrie and District Hillwalking Club Walk 7am Beinn a’ Bhuird Walks Blairgowrie Wine Circle - Blind Tasting, 7.30pm, The Dalmore Inn Jess Smith - Berry Time at Blair 2.30pm - 4pm Blairgowrie Library Blairgowrie Community Market June 10am - 3pm Wellmeadow, Blairgowrie Strathmore Dementia Information Cafe 10am-12pm St Catharine’s Church Hall
1st July 9th July 10th July 12th July 15th July 18th July 23rd July 25th July 26th July 28th July
Blethers Group July 10am - 12pm The Royal Hotel Citizens Advice Bureau 1 Jul 10am - 12pm SCYD, 21 Leslie Street Berry Pickers Ceilidh 1 July 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm Blair Town Hall/Church Hall Blairgowrie & Rattray Community Council Meeting 7pm ARC, Jessue Street Ericht Scottish Country Dance Class Dance 7.30pm Blairgowrie Town Hall Blairgowrie and District Hillwalking Club Walk 7am Laggan Walks Berry Pickers Ceilidh 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm Blair Town Hall/Church Hall Citizens Advice Bureau 15 Jul 10am - 12pm SCYD, 21 Leslie Street Blairgowrie and District Hillwalking Club BBQ, Glen Ogilvy Blairgowrie & Rattray Forum Mtg 5.30pm The Royal Hotel Berry Pickers Ceilidh 25 July 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm Blair Town Hall/Church Hall Blairgowrie Community Market July 10am - 3pm Wellmeadow, Blairgowrie Blairgowrie Wine Circle - Summer BBQ, Hill Park Strathmore Dementia Information Cafe 10am-12pm St Catharine’s Church Hall
2nd August 12 August
Blairgowrie and District Hillwalking Club Walk Linn of Dee - Lairig Ghru Walks Berry Pickers Ceilidh 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm Blair Town Hall/Church Hall
August:
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One Voice Hub Magazine Spring Edition. History of One Voice.
One Voice Volunteer Group Association, better known in Blairgowrie and Rattray as One Voice, has been running a Community Office in Upper Mill Street for the past six years. It was set up by by Jessie Shaw and four other volunteers, taking on a name which pre-existed before the Association was founded. The Office was funded by a grant for the first year, in order to undertake the aims of One Voice, of getting all sectors of the Community of Blairgowrie and Rattray together to discuss matters related to the health, vigour and promotion of our town, and to try to sort out any issues which may hinder that. In order to sustain that work after the first year Booklore was set up; a second-hand bookshop, to provide an income which would cover rent, and all other overheads incurred, such as utilities and insurance. As a registered charity, One Voice is run by volunteers. There are no paid employees. Sometimes our income from the sales of books and photographs comes close to covering our costs, though this is difficult to achieve at times. We are very grateful to all those who donate books for sale in Booklore. The office and Booklore are open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm for sales and donations but please ring first if you have a large number of books to donate. Please note that we do not accept DVDs or CDs for resale.
Volunteers.
Our Volunteer numbers have grown over the years to sixteen who man the office and sort books on a rota basis. Four of our original volunteers still help in the shop and office on a regular basis. We must not forget all of the other volunteers (around thirty) who give their time four times a year, to deliver 4200 FREE magazines to the households in Blairgowrie and Rattray.
The One Voice ‘family’.
Recently One Voice has taken on a more active role in sourcing articles for the quarterly Magazine and we hope to widen the scope of these, with your help. We are grateful for a grant from a PKC Dementia Care initiative to enable us to do that. In future editions we hope to include articles and items about gardening and wildlife and have local guest chefs with their tips and recipes. If you have ideas about what you would like to see in future editions, look for the information at the end of this piece. One Voice not only puts its name to the Office and the Magazine but also to the Forum which meets on a regular basis - every four to six weeks - in the Royal Hotel at 5 30 pm. Usually on a Thursday. These Meetings enable the business community and those in voluntary groups to get together to discuss up-coming events and offer support for any group which request it. Everyone is welcome to attend these Meetings. Check the website for dates and times. The new discoverblairgowrie.co.uk website is a recent acquisition to the One Voice portfolio, as we host this for the Community of Blairgowrie and Rattray. It is a valuable tool both for local residents and visitors alike, to access a wide variety of information about the local area. The recent STV advertisement to promote Blairgowrie and Rattray to a wider audience, is proof that working together for a common goal is both productive and rewarding to all. Seventy Six businesses and organisations within the Town put money into the pot to pay for this initiative and Perth and Kinross Council kindly matched the amount raised pound for pound. Hopefully, this advertisement will aid Blairgowrie and Rattray’s future prosperity. Heartland Radio, based in Pitlochry, also plays its part in the story of communication, cooperation and information in this area of East Perthshire, with a segment of the weekly schedule containing
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programming about Blairgowrie and Rattray residents, with Shona Whyte doing a series of interviews with local people. Heartland can be found between 96.6 FM and 101.5 FM So, One Voice is, as it seems, an organisation which is the Community of Blairgowrie and Rattray: The Hub Magazine, the Forum, the Website, The One Voice Office, all a means to an end, really, to get people talking to each other, to support each other and most of all enjoy a thriving and vibrant Community which ensues from that.
Books and more books!
From the beginning of May into June, Booklore has a ‘Buy One Get One Free’ offer on all Gardening Books. Future offers will include Travel and Art and Craft books. We have a wide range of paperback fiction books (starting price 10p), and crime fiction paperbacks by all of the popular crime writers. Hardback fiction and hardback crime fiction are both priced at 50p per book. You will find a wide variety of titles in all categories, at very reasonable prices. Our Collector’s Corner is a comfortable place to sit and browse through the fact and fiction of the past. We also stock a small selection of new books published by local authors. We have a dedicated area for Scottish fiction and non-fiction, past and present. We also offer a range of photographs of Blairgowrie and Rattray, in the past, for sale. P.S. We are always looking for volunteers to help us. This does not necessarily have to be in the office or the Bookshop, but behind the scenes in book valuation, helping our Treasurer with her growing workload, help with online book sales or with the quarterly delivery of the Hub Mag. If you have any time or expertise to spare please contact us at 13 Upper Mill Street, telephone 01250871120 or email at onevoicevg@btconnect.com. FINALLY! We value your ideas and suggestions as to the future content of the magazine, so please take a minute to consider this and fill in the slip below: You can pop your completed slips into the One Voice Office between 10 am and 4 pm Tuesday to Saturday. Have you looked at our Facebook page? https//www.Facebook.com/Blairgowriebooklore https//www.Facebook.com/DiscoverBlairgowrie
Please Complete and Return to One Voice on Upper Mill Street or email us at onevoice@discoverblairgowrie.co.uk What would you like to see in the magazine?
Have you seen the STV Advert, what did you think and should it continue?
Any other ideas?
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What’s it all about and where’s it going?
Discover Blairgowrie
Discover Blairgowrie is a coming together of community and business. We all feel Blairgowrie is in a very good position just now to pop our heads up and say, “Look at us, please come Discover Blairgowrie”! Lots of small towns, even some cities, are struggling to show what they have to offer and have been trying different ways to get noticed in the world of tourism. You may have heard of various options, for example - BIDs (Business Improvement Districts) DDPs (Destination Development Plans) - often these options rely on one sector of town life. We believe there is more to Blairgowrie and Rattray. The vibrancy of the community sector is exceptionally strong, there are so many residents out there keeping our town alive and kicking week in and week out. Equally, we have a strong business sector creating and sustaining a healthy town centre, the outer lying businesses and industries and also those working from home, all gaining substantial recognition within their fields and putting Blairgowrie on the map. It is important to us, to not only involve community and business, but to also maintain communication. We all need to keep talking. This is one of Discover Blairgowrie’s advantages. Discover Blairgowrie is: • an STV advert • a website - www.discoverblairgowrie.co.uk • a Facebook page – Discover Blairgowrie • a Twitter page - @discoverblair • a magazine delivered free of charge through 4250 doors • a physical body in the form of personal communication via volunteers - The One Voice Community Office, Upper Mill Street • a forum meeting at which anyone can attend Discover Blairgowrie will continue to grow to help achieve optimum communication within Blairgowrie and Rattray and promotion outwith. We also have good relationships with other tourism bodies, BEPTA and Visit Scotland, we are all singing from the same hymn sheet. It’s not all about tourism though. We do recognise tourism is a great source of income for a town these days, however, we believe our most important priority is our residents. We should all be able to enjoy a good quality of life and work together towards sustaining it. So we encourage you to keep talking, Discover Blairgowrie and Rattray and help enhance this great town!
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The East Perthshire News - 1 Year On Where we’ve been In the past year we have produced 50 shows (we only missed 2), a 2 hour Christmas special, and a 2 hour New Year Special. We’ve done over 200 interviews. My own personal highlights were being stopped by a very large highland cow on a footpath, halfway up a mountain, en route to an interview with 30 huskies, and an emotional interview about the children of trafficked sex workers in India. I would like to thank Daniel for his wonderful efforts all year, despite 6th year exams, running his own business and starting university. Not just in presenting the programme, but turning out in all weathers to record local artists for the Christmas/New Year shows. Where we’re going Just before Christmas Ross joined us and we’re delighted to have him on board. With Ross and Daniel doing alternate weeks it takes some of the pressure off Daniel and gives a different flavour to the programme. We were also very lucky to welcome Gordon Croll, formerly head of horticulture at Dundee University as our resident gardening expert. He will give seasonal gardening advice each month and present special features on gardens in Perthshire. He is also keen to help with non-gardening interviews. We will continue to use guest interviewers, where possible, to give a more in-depth presentation for our listeners. This has been a great success. We have also just welcomed Ian McKenna to our team. At the moment Ian is helping with jingles and what’s on but we hope he will become more involved this year. Main goals for this year To increase our audience using Social Media - a facebook page and a webpage on HFM To expand our interview base when it’s appropriate e.g. interviews about Perth should attract more listeners who will learn about East Perthshire To present programmes which will highlight East Perthshire as a place to come and visit. New things for this year: • In the Scotland’s year of Food and Drink a monthly cooking slot, by a local chef - a different chef each month • More expert interviews • A monthly look at what’s available for tourists • A “pause for thought” slot once a month - Rev. Harry Mowbray has agreed to do this A big thank you to everyone who’s helped and been involved. Special thanks to Dr. Jessie Shaw and Steve Johnson who started this whole thing, and to Bruce and Heartland for keeping it running and trusting us to do the right thing. Also, to the community, who have welcomed us with open arms. Shona Whyte (interviews) Daniel Duncan (programme creator) Ross Gibbons (programme creator) We aim to provide a voice for the community so please let us know if you have something to say!
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Blairgowrie Berries & Cherries Tartan Once again we find ourselves stunned by the talent and passion within our home town. This time it is in the form of master craftsman Ashleigh Slater. Ashleigh designed the “Blairgowrie Berries and Cherries Tartan” on the Loom in his studio and shop “Artificer” in Leslie Street, Blairgowrie. Along with Melanie Thomson of Thomas Thomson (Blairgowrie) Ltd they now have copyright. Ashleigh is appealing to the businesses and community of Blairgowrie and Rattray to grab this opportunity and use it to its fullest potential to help promote our town. Happy Feet (under the auspices of the Ericht Country Dance Club) and Cargill’s Bistro immediately showed their support and placed commissions. Will you be next ?? Presently, the Tartan can be purchased in its hand woven form and orders are being taken for mill woven. The mill woven, which will be harder wearing and more versatile, will be in “Artificer Studio and Shop” with Ashleigh in June or July. You will see the “Blairgowrie Berries and Cherries” Tartan encapsulates the colours of our locally produced berries perfectly. This is a great opportunity for Blairgowrie and Rattray to say “This is our Tartan”. There are plans to launch the tartan in late August. To be one of the first to own or wear “Blairgowrie Berries and Cherries” Tartan order now! Either pop in and see Ashleigh in his studio or email warpweftweave@live.com
Orders and Commissions now being taken!
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Rainbows, Brownies & Girl Guides CAN YOU HELP? Girlguiding is a worldwide organization, mainly for girls and women, and in the UK there are 500,000 members, including 100,000 leaders who are all volunteers. Locally, in Blairgowrie and Rattray, there are 3 Rainbow Units, 3 Brownie Units and 1 Guide Unit plus a new one to open after Easter. In Alyth there are 1 Rainbow Unit, 2 Brownie Units, and 1 Guide Unit. Coupar Angus has 1 Rainbow Unit, 1 Brownie Unit and 1 Guide Unit In each category there are waiting lists This means many young people are excluded from joining because there is a serious shortage of leaders. Unit Leaders and Assistant Leaders work together in each Unit. At least one Leader has completed the Girlguiding Leadership Qualification, and she has overall responsibility for the Unit, although this is often shared between a team. Leaders and Assistant Leaders work with the girls to plan a variety of activities, both indoors, outdoors, and even abroad, and keep records up to date. They are female, aged 18 - 65. If you should decide to become a Leader, or Assistant Leader, you will be assigned a Mentor to help you complete your qualification, and an experienced local support network of volunteers is there to help. For those who don’t wish to commit to becoming a Leader, but do want to work in the Unit with girls and young women, the role of a Unit Helper is ideal. Helpers are vital to guiding, because Girlguiding has a recommended adult –to-child ratio. Unit Helpers and Occasional Helpers can be part of a rota which can be agreed between the volunteers. Here is a quote from a current Leader: “The qualities needed to be a Leader, in my opinion, are reliability, honesty, fun loving, enjoy challenges, being open minded, and seeing myself as a positive role model to young girls. What I get out of being a Leader is an opportunity to learn and grow as a person, fun opportunities, friendship, and an enormous sense of satisfaction seeing the girls have fun and thrive”. It has been well documented that girls who have been Guides have self confidence and are caring and reliable members of the community in which they live. When compiling a CV, it is an accepted fact that having Girlguiding in your life will be regarded as an attribute. In fact, the Head Teacher of a Blairgowrie Primary School has approached the District Commissioner to ask for a Guide Unit to be started in her school. Therefore the new Unit is planned after Easter, but it needs Leaders…..if you would like your daughter, niece, or friend to benefit from this century old organization, why don’t you contact the District Commissioner – Morag Ness: alythandblairdc@outlook.com ? You won’t regret it! Moira Somerville – Secretary of the Trefoil Guild for Blairgowrie & District aka “Granny Guides” (who considers that becoming a Guide in 1947 was one of the most satisfying things she ever did.) Pictured right - Rainbow Sleepover
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I am writing this just prior to the April weekend when Blair in Bloom and the Parknership hold their annual litter picks. Thanks to both groups for the effort put in to this annual spring clean of the town. Litter is an issue raised with me on a regular basis by residents and businesses. Sadly, there does not seem to be an easy solution and the cost to the local authority of cleaning it up is substantial. Recently, we have had the community payback teams assisting with clear ups in a number of areas and this has made a real difference. A lot of work goes on in the local schools to start when children are young educating them on the importance of looking after our environment. If there is a litter “hot spot” you would like attended to then please let me know. Road safety issues also continue to dominate and a meeting with officers in the area around the High School and the Recreation Centre will be held in the next couple of weeks. There are also continuing efforts to alleviate parking issues around the Rattray School, Community Campus and other areas. We will shortly have a site visit from members of the Environment Committee to look at the Oakbank Road landslip and I hope that we will begin to work towards a resolution of this long going problem. Finally, the trial turning off of the lights in the Wellmeadow should be carried out before the end of June. As always, please feel free to contact me on 01828 632608 (h) 01738 553990 (o) or email carolineshiers@gmail.com or on facebook
Avenue Care Services are currently looking for Social Care Officers to work in Blairgowrie, Rattray, Meikleour, Carsie and Rosemount area. Salary £7.60 - £8.10 p/h unqualified & £8.60 - £9.10 p/h qualified. We deliver care to people in their own homes to a high quality of service. Duties will include washing, dressing, personal hygiene, meal preparation and domestic cleaning. Various hours are available between 7am and 11pm, 7 days per week. Own transport is essential. We are looking for people with caring personalities who have perhaps looked after an elderly relative personally. No experience is required as full training will be provided. Contact Yvonne Smith 01383 622233 or 07585519409 or email ysmith@avenuescotland.co.uk for an application pack. For further information about our services access www.avenuecareservices.co.uk 11
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A Warm, East Perthshire Welcome for the Berry Pickers Picture the scene. It’s a warm, May evening in a quiet Scottish Town. As you walk by, you hear the sound of a Scottish Country Dance band, and laughing voices. Curious, you go inside, and there you find something truly surprising. It’s not a group of highland dancers, nor is it a local fundraiser for some good cause. The room is full to the rafters with students from as far away as Russia. Their laughter echoes around the hall, as they come to grips with the rather complex Scottish dances. Despite their long day, the room is filled with joy. They are obviously loving their first brush with Scottish culture. It all began 13 years ago when Jean Napier and a few friends at St Mary’s South Church, decided to introduce students, working on the local farms, to a little bit of Scotland, namely the Ceilidh, and with it, to offer the hand of friendship from the community they will share for the next few months. Since then, it has grown increasingly popular, and is now organised by East Perthshire Action for Churches Together in Scotland (EPACTS). The students, mainly European, are taught Scottish country dancing, with live music and a buffet supper. The events are hugely successful, cost the students nothing, and at the height of the season are attended by as many as 250 students. They have proved so popular that they are now held in Alyth and Coupar Angus, as well as Blairgowrie Town Hall. EPACTS comprises most of the main-line local churches in the Blairgowrie area and the Ceilidhs are entirely supported by donations of food and money from the congregations, as well as by fund raising events, such as coffee mornings, auctions and raffles. Perth and Kinross Council and Alyth Community Council have generously contributed, and the vital support of local farmers helps to make it possible. The students love it. Their behaviour is impeccable, and this makes it all worthwhile for the organisers, who see this to be valuable outreach work for the churches. So, next time you walk down this quiet street, and hear the sound of pipes and laughter, think about the berry pickers, who are so far from home, enjoying a little taste of Scotland. If you would like to make a donation in cash or food then please contact Moira Sommerville (01250 875240) who organises the buffet suppers, or speak to the EPACTS representative in your church. Times and locations or Ceilidhs can be found on www.epacts.org.uk/ or www.discoverblairgowrie. co.uk.
Booklore @ One Voice 13 Upper Mill Street
Massive Stock Clearance Sale: Starting 1st May 2015…… All books (excluding Collector’s Corner and Scottish Fiction and Non-Fiction and new books by local authors) priced at 50p!!!! Come along and get your bargain books! Open 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Saturday inclusive. Sorry, not open Sundays. 12
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Granny Pat’s Speedy Coronation Style Chicken.
You will need:
225g Cooked chicken, cut into bite, sized pieces 2 heaped tablespoons of mayonnaise A sprinkle of ground black pepper
heaped dessertspoon mango chutney 1 level dessertspoon Korma spice paste
Method: Place all of the ingredients except the cooked
chicken into a bowl. Mix well. Add the cooked chicken and fold into the sauce. Put into a serving bowl. The amount of the mayonnaise, mango chutney and spice paste can be varied according to taste. The Coronation Style Chicken can be served with a salad, for two hungry people or used as a filling for jacket potatoes or sandwiches. 'Place Settings' resulted from time spent by Joan Lennon as BOOKMARK's former writer-in-residence. During her residency, she inspired people to write in any way they liked about 'Place', then selected pieces to form the anthology. Blairgowrie High School pupils submitted a collection of wonderful artwork form which Joan chose a selection of images to accompany the writing. The collaboration proved to be a great success, culminating in an exhibition of elements of the project in Perth Art Gallery and Museum at the end of 2014.
Iona by Jennifer Turnbull Sigh of the sea Washing the shore Translucent as light upon stone Cry of the wind Rushing through air Filling the corners and cracks Chanting of rain Insistent as drums Percussive, persuasive as prayer Call of the birds Hovering above Rising into the white Song of the spirit Carried within A stillness, a centre of light
Boats by Ellie McKenzie (S3 BHS)
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Heavyweight support for Ericht Trust announced !! Two significant bodies have found the Ericht Trust’s Hill Centre Project worthy of acclaim. Professor Hume of the Association of Industrial Archaeology presented the Trust with their National Initiative Award and £300 at an Open Meeting held at the Royal Hotel on Tuesday 28th April attended by over 60 supporters. The Award was in recognition of the Trust’s efforts to save the listed printworks in Reform Street by relocating them in a working environment within the Hill Centre Project. The second Award was from Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) supporting the Hill project with a grant of £40,000 from their Perth and Kinross Sustainable Development Fund. This is their flagship award and will help significantly in the progressing of the purchase and development of the disused Hill Primary School in the town. Chairman Ian Gordon welcomed the news and emphasised that it would not only greatly assist the project, but encourage those working hard to fulfil the vision of a community resource in the old school. The news of the awards was followed by updating presentations by Myra Shearer on other funding applications in hand, supported by Ron Inglis who detailed the funding strategy. Jessie Shaw then highlighted the urgent need for community involvement to enable funding success and Mike Stevenson informed all as to the current status of the site acquisition. The audience then asked questions and gave advice which was noted for further consideration. If anyone would like to support the Trust in helping with developing this community resource please contact them via the links on their website at www.theericht trust.co.uk or phone the One Voice Office 13 Upper Mill Street, Blairgowrie on 871120 to leave details and someone will contact them. Professor Hume (AIA) presenting the Award to Ian Gordon, Chairman, Ericht Trust (right)
To Succeed, this Project Needs Your Support - Please answer these questions on this form: Do You Support The Hill Primary Project? Do you think Blairgowrie and East Perthshire needs a centre such as is being proposed? Do you think the old Hill Primary should be preserved/ renovated for this purpose?
Please return form to One Voice, 13 Upper Mill Street or email us at info@theerichttrust.co.uk
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Since the last marvellous community Hub Magazine, there has been a fair bit going on in the town, with litter picks and various town conversations. The litter pick was as usual very successful and I would like to thank all of those who took part. For the first time in many years though, I was not able to take part. The litter issue is still ongoing through and on the 1st May Blairgowrie & Rattray Access Network (BRAN) did a pick down the Welton Road and this has prompted one of the members who is also a Community Councillor to bring to the elected members and others attention about the amount of all kinds of litter including dog waste that is in and around the town. We are now entering the true start of the tourist season and we will take steps together to see what can be done. Oakbank Road continues to be the bane of everyone’s lives but I am hopeful of a decision on the matter next month. We are led to believe that the traffic light situation and by this I mean the trial switch off, will take place this month and will last two weeks. Please take care whether you are a driver, cyclist or pedestrian. The situation of the Piggy Lane football pitches and other recreation amenities have been discussed at organised meetings with Officers and I welcome the efforts from everyone involved and again I am hopeful of a resolution shortly. I can be contacted on 01250 873899 or by email bob.ellis2@btinternet.com
Perth Citizens Advice Bureau: Benefits Advice in Libraries (BAIL): Benefits specialist Sarah MacLean is running a series of one to one benefit advice sessions at Blairgowrie Library, 46A Leslie Street Blairgowrie. Sarah can: • Run benefit entitlement checks • assist with completing applications (including online applications) • Provide advice and guidance on challenging sanctions • Provide advice and guidance in instances where applications have either been unsuccessful or awarded at a lower rate than expected. Sarah also seeks to maximise client income by ensuring that they are aware of all forms of support to which they may be entitled, i.e. discounts for heating. This service is by appointment only: To make an appointment please call 01738 450599. In keeping with the principles of CAB, all advice provided by Outreach services is free, confidential, impartial, independent and empowering. Limited company registered in Scotland; registered office 7 Atholl Crescent, Perth, PH1 5NG. Registration number 153915; charity number SC003259
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Why an STV advert for Blairgowrie and Rattray?
Very good question! We can tell you how it all began, could you let us know if it was worthwhile?
Coffee and a chat
Many, many months ago Lesley and Steve met for coffee and a chat to catch up. Having previously worked together on a couple of projects, one being the Christmas video ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ (consisiting of them running around town with a mobile phone camera each, videoing the amazing high street business owners and staff which was then edited by the equally amazing Morrocco Media and ended up on You Tube and the STV news). The chat began to swerve to discussing Blairgowrie. Lesley said “Did you know, we get lots of visitors who come to Blair just for a few hours? They are newly retired or on a day off, on a short family trip or just ‘going for a drive’ and loving their days out. They take short day trips, often by bus (no need to worry about parking) go for a walk, have a coffee or some lunch and a look round the shops.” “I can understand that” said Steve “Blairgowrie has so many roads leading in to it and we have 2 cities only 30 odd minutes away. We are in a great location to get to easily”. “Do you think we could try and let more day trippers know about Blairgowrie?” questioned Lesley. And so, the many, many, many months began . . .
Meeting with STV
The decision was made to meet up with STV to find out what was involved, was this really a feasible idea? They met with Ian Reilly, Business Development Manager at STV. Now this poor guy had no idea what he was getting himself into! Ian showed a short presentation of the pricing and packages STV offered, he enquired as to the objective and the thought behind it and between the 3 of them, realised the option with the best opportunity to prove effective was a package of 144 advert viewings shared between peak time and day time on STV Dundee and Angus area and 5 full days of online takeover of the STV Dundee
Spring 2015 and Angus news page. The cost - £7440.00 Ok, so now the idea had been formed and the facts researched. Basically it could go ahead, but no - “We are not going to even consider this a working idea until we have spoken to as many people as we can. This is for Blairgowrie and Rattray as a whole, not just business” both agreed.
Back to running around the streets!
It was felt the best way to really know if folks thought this would be worth a go, was to talk face to face and simply ask “What do you think about advertising our town on STV? Should we try it? And, would you pledge £50 towards it, should it go ahead?” So off round the streets they went, after speaking with 20 plus businesses and groups and 99.6% saying it was a good idea and pledging, Lesley and Steve began to realise they needed help. It takes time to speak with people, time that is well worth it but as we all know time is short these days. So, up pops Anna Bowman “Why don’t I speak with my neighbours on the High Street” Phew, thank you Anna! Next up Stephen Page “I’m more than happy to help” Brilliant Stephen! Thank you. Now there were 4 running the streets.
This isn’t just about business.
We need to speak with the community. The most obvious place to start was the One Voice Office. One Voice held regular community meetings called The Forum. They were asked to spread the word, ask the questions and please let us know the outcome – did the community of Blairgowrie and Rattray think an STV ad was worthwhile trying? They came back with lots more pledges! We were up to 60 pledges by businesses, individuals and community groups = £3000. Still a long way to go! At this point people began to ask, why didn’t you ask people to pledge more? You could have been a lot further on. This is where it’s important to remember – “the STV advert isn’t about one person, 2 people or 4 people, it’s about all of Blairgowrie and Rattray and showing people
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Prove it !
outwith (and within) our community that we have a great town to live in, work and visit. Had the pledges been higher, less people would have been needed to be in agreement”
Lastly, we had to prove what we were saying in the advert was true “Blairgowrie, the berry capital” “Loads of outdoor activities” “Lots of independent shops”. Jeeso this was taking forever !! Jessie Shaw and the One Voice Office came up trumps again “We’ll get the proof ” excellent! Thank you Jessie and One Voice.
It was time for more help.
A meeting was set up with John Swinney. Lesley and Steve poured out their thoughts, the latest update and again asked “Do you think an STV advert is a good idea? Is it worthwhile trying?” John listened to all their thoughts, absorbed, offered advice and then wrote to Perth and Kinross Council suggesting we meet. Thank you John. Alison Seggie & Alan Graham from PKC came out and listened, they too could see the wheels turning, the thoughts going on and a progressive plan of action really coming together. Within a very short matter of time, PKC pledged their support to the extent of 50% of the total cost!!! Also, “Keep speaking with us, we can work together” Jings ! this was really going to happen.
Last minute hiccup
Ian Reilly from STV “So, where are folks going to click through to online? Where will the online advert take them?” Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhh we need a website !!!!! Enter Discover Blairgowrie. After mulling over various names and ideas Discover Blairgowrie became the choice (it was what the advert was asking people to do so it fitted well) We are not sure exactly how many hours were spent by Steve Johnson creating the website but judging by the emails being sent at odd times during the night and the very dark lines under his eyes, we reckon at least 100 hours! The determination to have the website up and running in time for the ad was so strong. Thank you Steve.
STV
We now had the funds so we met with Ian Reilly again. “That’s us Ian, go ahead and do your thing” Oh man! Poor Ian. “great Lesley and Steve, thank you for choosing to work with STV. Now we need to create the ad’. We need your story board images, voice over, music . . . . . . . “ Safe to say we had many, many more meetings with Ian! To create an advert, STV get a team together who take your idea, your objective and they put it on screen. Getting the images was without a doubt THE hardest and most frustrating bit. Photographic help was received from Tina Gliddon, Clare Damodaran, Stephen Page, Steve Johnson, Anna Bowman, BEPTA and more (even Lesley!). All great images but they didn’t blend and they didn’t complete the story. As Stephen Page walked back to work practically chucking his camera out the window in frustration, he bumped into Angus Forbes. Once again, we came across the amazing Blairgowrie and Rattray community spirit “I’ll take some shots for you” Thank you Angus! Angus spent hours running around, setting the scenes and taking the pictures. Can’t tell you the relief! Everyone was able to agree on the message the images relayed AND STV were happy!
Good to go
Ok, so the ad is ready, the website is ready, the town is ready – The first showing of the advert will be on air between Emmerdale and Corrie, Monday 23rd. The Discover Blairgowrie website goes live at 4pm to coincide.
Hmmmm hiccup number 2!
Phone call at 4.40pm “Really sorry Steve, the creative team forgot to get ‘clearance’, the earliest we can let the advert go live will be Wednesday” Oh for goodness sake! Oh well, nothing to do but wait . . . . . . The advert aired on the Wednesday and for the following 2 weeks. It has been on again, and is due on late May as this comes through your doors. Believe it or not, this is the abbreviated version of the story! We hope you have made it to the end and found it of interest. We really would be massively grateful to receive your feedback on the STV advert, the Discover Blairgowrie website and this magazine, it is all about Blairgowrie and Rattray and so, you are the content and the reason! See page 6 for feedback form!
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MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE. This scheme is supported by the P & K Home Safety Partnership. It is especially useful for people who live alone, so that in an emergency their personal details such as next of kin and drug therapy is easily obtained, for example, by Ambulance or Fire Rescue personnel. To explain this useful device further, the resident’s details are stored in a plastic container (as in the photo shown) which is stored in the fridge. A sticker bearing a green cross is put on the fridge door, and another one below the light switch at the front door. Emergency services are trained to recognize the stickers which give them immediate access to the container and the information they require to aid the individual concerned. These containers are free and can be obtained at the One Voice Office, 13 Upper Mill Street It has been just over a month since Discover Blairgowrie was launched giving residents and tourists a one stop shop in which to access information about news and events in the local area. This project has huge potential and Blairgowrie now joins a list of Perthshire towns including Aberfeldy and Pitlochry to have their own website devoted to their community. This resource in addition to the successful TV advert can help increase Blairgowrie’s profile amongst domestic tourists and visitors from around the world. Official statistics have shown that farm income has reached its lowest level in five years. In 2013-14 the average Farm Business Income was £31,000, down £600 on last year and 25 per cent (£10,000) over the past five years. I believe that these latest statistics must act as a wake-up call for the Scottish Government and I am calling on them to deliver an alternate to their current digital CAP application process. As a result of accessibility problems only 53 farms have completed the registration process out of a total of 22,000. In May I called on the Scottish Government to increase the speed limit for HGVs on ‘A’ roads. As of April this year HGVs travelling on ‘A’ roads in England and Wales are permitted to travel at 50mph (up from 40mph), however this legislation does not apply in Scotland. The UK Government took this decision under advisement from driving organisations such as the AA, the RAC, the Institute for Advanced Motorists and the Road Hauliers Association. The current speed limit was set in the 1960s and vehicle technology and stopping distances have improved dramatically since then. Increasing the speed limit will save English hauliers up to £11 million a year and will also increase safety whilst reducing emissions. The trial 50mph speed limit on the A9 has proved successful and I am worried that if the Scottish Government does roll this out as a 50mph speed limit along the rest of the country, our economy will be held at a competitive disadvantage. If we are serious about reducing emissions and increasing safety on our roads we must consider an increase in HGV speed limits and I will continue to press the Scottish Government on this issue. 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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Spring 2015 Blairgowrie Town Hall Association. As an on-going part of the Associations development and maintenance of the Hall in conjunction with Perth & Kinross Council the Hall has been undergoing a major survey and testing of the electrical wiring etc.
In the process some small repairs have been made including the replacement of 29 emergency lights. The testing has shown that it is necessary for complete new set switchgear to be installed. To allow for this vitally important work to be done it will unfortunately require the hall to close for a whole week. The Association were very mindful of the consequences for regular users so in conjunction with PKC and the contractors the Hall will close from Monday 1st of June until Sunday 7th June. Letters are being sent for those who will be affected by this short closure. The Town Hall is an important focal point for Blairgowrie and Rattray, hosting many activities within the large auditorium. Activities range from keep fit, displays, contests, shows, parties and more. There is also a smaller hall or large dressing room available for smaller groups or meetings. Availability and terms can be found online under Blairgowrie Town Hall, www. blairgowrietownhall.co.uk.
The Blair in Bloom committee hopes to continue the success we had in last year’s competitions. We will be entering the Beautiful Scotland and Take a Pride in Perthshire campaigns. The judging for this is in early August so we are hoping everyone will get behind us in making the town look its best. April has been a busy month for us. We started to clear and weed our many beds throughout the town. Many thanks to the Community Council which has taken over the upkeep of the Love to Eat bed at Townhead. It has been planted with fruit which is grown in the area for people to try. Our new bluebell Spring banners have been put up in the Wellmeadow. We held the annual Keep Scotland Tidy litter pick which cleaned up many areas of the town. Then potted thousands of plants for our displays of flowers in containers, beds and baskets. We have contacted businesses to arrange the supply of the hanging baskets which bring so much colour to the town. Please get in touch if you would like one.They are enjoyed by visitors and locals who love to see Blairgowrie and Rattray looking so bright and cheerful.. We have some new helpers this year but are always looking for more - if you, your business or your organisation would like to help us with our work it doesn’t need to be with gardening. Help with fund raising, marketing or publicity would all be very much appreciated. Helen McCann Tel 01250 874000
Chairman email blairinbloom@aol.com
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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
Website www.millergerrard.com
RBS Inspiring Enterprise - Micro Grants GrowBiz has secured an RBS Inspiring Enterprise grant to assist women in Eastern Perthshire to become self-employed or to start a business. This includes £7500 available as small grants between £100 & £500, for women who have sought assistance from GrowBiz (or attended local network meetings) in the area. More information at our website: www.growbiz.co.uk Our events diary is now confirmed until July 2015 - http://growbiz.co.uk/events. Please be aware that these are subject to change – best to check the website a day or so before an event to ensure that you have the correct details.
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Blairgowrie & Rattray Community Council (BRCC) Looking to the Future of Blairgowrie & Rattray As promised in the last issue of the Hub magazine, I am very heartened to report that we have recently welcomed two Young Associate Members to the BRCC at our April Meeting. Aaron Cannon & Jordan Reid were unanimously elected by the full members to serve on BRCC until the end of the current term of office. This will be on 5th November 2015. From the inception of this current BRCC, we have wanted to represent all age groups within our community. With this in mind, & in accord with the publication ‘Good Practice Guidance for Local Authorities & Community Councils’, we decided to recruit up to 4 Young Associate Members. We now have two slots filled, & will be looking to fill the other two once the High School exam time is over. Aaron & Jordan’s participation in our meetings and our workgroups will be a vital part of BRCC functioning. They will be able to represent not only their age group, but their community as a whole. Aaron & Jordan and their generation will be the future of this community, and should have the chance to influence the way it develops and changes as time goes by. Their opinion will be important on a huge range of issues. Their BRCC membership will also look very good on their future CVs! Town Hall Open Event Speaking of the future, BRCC is going to run a Town Hall Open Event on Friday 19th June 2.30 pm until 6.30 pm to which you are cordially invited. It is your township, so come & have your say. This event will be broadly similar in format to that held on 14th November last year. The emphasis this time will be on the future of Blairgowrie & Rattray, & will cover planning issues, in particular consultation on the Local District Plan 2018 to 2023. BRCC have already made early representations on a number of issues, particularly the need for affordable housing & for a multi discipline Recreation Centre for the town. PKC planning department have asked to come along, & we have invited the representatives of the mooted the West Park development, ABO Wind (Green Burn Wind Farm), as well as Pro & Anti windfarm groups, just to keep the debate balanced. Discussions are continuing with other interested groups who may wish to participate. BRCC will be running a table at the event & seeking your views on any & all matters which you deem important to you & to our community. Come along & let us know how you would like Blair & Rattray to develop in the future. Wellmeadow Traffic Lights We are still awaiting the trial shutdown of the Wellmeadow traffic lights to see if this produces an improvement in the town traffic flow. PKC advise that the contractors are in the process of obtaining a temporary pedestrian crossing kit. This will address concerns about pedestrian safety during the week-long trial. The traffic lights will be bagged over, & there may also be a temporary 20 mph speed limit imposed throughout the Wellmeadow traffic area during the trial period. Watch out for public notices on this subject in the press & on the BRCC website. Oakbank Road Landslip The site visit by the elected members of PKC’s Environment Committee to Oakbank Road is due to take place before the end of May. Members of the BRCC Oakbank Road working group have offered to conduct members of the PKC Environment Committee around the site of the landslip individually, although the offer to the Environment Committee as a whole was turned down as their visit is meant to be a ‘closed’ event, we were informed. The PKC recommendation on preserving access to Oakbank Road is probably going to be made at the June meeting of the PKC Environment Committee. Let us trust that common sense prevails ! Cont’d over
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BRCC AGM 14th May 2015 The AGM will probably have passed by the time this edition of the Hub reaches you. Just to let you know that I shall be standing down as Chair at that meeting. I agreed to do this for one year to help get it up & running. It is now time for a fresh face with a fresh approach to take this on. I have had the support of a great team of members who have worked diligently to advance the community interests. I would like to thank everyone who has made it a privilege & a pleasure for me to represent Blairgowrie & Rattray as BRCC Chair. Our June meeting is in the Grey Barn, Rattray (aka Rattray Connect), on Thursday 11th June 2015 at 7.00 pm through to 9.00 pm. It is your Community Council. Please come along & join us. All are welcome. David Bailey Chair BRCC
The Amazing Wildlife of East Perthshire
Spring is here at long last – writing this in mid-April, I can hear willow warblers, blackcaps and chiff-chaffs singing away in the garden – all of which are beautiful to hear! Our summer migrants are arriving back from their wintering grounds in Africa and our winter migrants such as fieldfares, redwings and pink-footed geese are leaving us and heading north to start breeding in Iceland, Greenland and Scandinavia. One of the most eagerly awaited summer arrivals is the osprey, which overwinters in Western Africa. Here in Perthshire we are very lucky to have the ideal habitat for ospreys, with lots of lochs filled with fish, and tall trees for nesting. Just a few miles west of Blairgowrie, Loch of the Lowes is one of the most famous osprey sites in the UK and the current pair has already laid three eggs. Sadly, the well-loved and long-term resident female known as Lady, has not arrived back at Loch of the Lowes, making way for a new female. Queen bumblebees and butterflies are out of hibernation and making the most of the wild flowers in bloom. Keep an eye out for Comma butterflies and let Butterfly Conservation know if you spot any – these are butterflies working their way north with warming temperatures and Perthshire is an important staging post for them. I was quite excited when I saw one in Loon Braes a couple of years ago! Have a look at the wild garlic along the Riverside – the flowers are a favourite of many butterflies. Our mammals are preparing for breeding or may even have already produced some young. I saw some baby red squirrels in Alyth Den at the weekend – they were beautiful – and another of our famous rodents – the wild beavers – are soon going to have kits. I will be running a number of Perthshire Wildlife events over the summer to help both locals and holiday makers enjoy the wonderful wildlife & beautiful countryside that we have here in East Perthshire. From yellowhammers on farmland, beavers on our rivers and burns and magnificent birds of prey in our hills, we are very lucky to have such a wealth of wildlife. For more info contact me on events@ perthshirewildlife.co.uk or see www.perthshirewildlife.co.uk or www.facebook.com/perthshirewildlife Daniele Muir Perthshire Wildlife
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S & C Garden Services Professional and Reliable
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For further details of all these services phone 01250 872361 or email matt@jjhowe.co.uk
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Blairgowrie Physiotherapy Ltd. is now at 1 High Street, Blairgowrie and is now able to offer various classes within our purpose built Studio.
PILATES Strathmore
Kerry Lawrie is the only Chartered Physiotherapist/Pilates Instructor in the area teaching within the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute (APPI) and offers classes on a Thursday.
Jo Barron is a Realistic Pilates Instructor offering classes on a Tuesday and Thursday for all abilities on a 1:1 basis or in groups.
TUESDAY 9.45am - 10.45am & THURSDAY 10am - 12pm CONTACT Jo 07730413674
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DANCE
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Morven @ Let's Dance provides fun and exciting Street Dance and Ballet Classes from age 2 to adults. Classes are held on a Tuesday & Friday.
TUESDAY: 4pm - 7pm & FRIDAY: 5pm - 8pm Contact Morven to book on 07597985224
YOGA Julie Driscoll is a well established Hatha Yoga Instructor offering classes on Monday and Wednesday for all abilities.
Aileen Davidson is a well known Hatha Yoga Instructor in the area with years of experience and now holds a Yoga class on a Thursday evening.
MONDAY: 2pm - 3.15pm & WEDNESDAY: 7pm - 8.15pm Contact Julie 07818004754
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Ailagoy
THURDAY: 5.30pm - 6.45pm Contact ourselves 01250870062
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SMALL GROUP PERSONAL TRAINING Suzie Black offers Small Group Personal Training on a Wednesday. An advanced personal trainer with 9 years' experience of group and individual work.
WEDNESDAY: 11am - 12pm Contact Susie to book on 07914700988
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Spring 2015
Perthshire’s largest stockist of Refurbished Laptops and Computers
1 High Street Rattray, Blairgowrie Perthshire, PH10 7BT www.calutek.co.uk 01250 874160 Opened May 2005
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 £35.00 Optical drive Repair from £25.00 Mainboard replacement from £75.00 Computer Power issues repaired from £35.00 These are just some of our services
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
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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
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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 Free pick up and return service
Discover Blairgowrie Magazine
Spring 2015
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.
“BLUEBELLS” photographs Blue Bell woods Blairgowrie. Blooms o’ the forest we aften see , like bluebells roond the roots o’ trees , carpetin’ a’ the forest flair , bonnie bluebells aye sae fair. Ye fair enhance the forest trees, by bein’ there fer a’ tae see Bringin’ joy tae folk like me, ’O’ bonnie bluebells in the breeze. Folk aye walk alang yer way, tae fair enjoy a lovely sicht , an see the bluebells grow in May , an pleasure frae yer blooms sae bricht. David Ferguson
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1 Perth Street, Blairgowrie, PH10 6DQ www.grahamedwards-ca.co.uk Telephone 01250 873465
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Spring 2015
River Cruising Feature by Pauline, Personal Travel Designer - Rosemount Travel, Blairgowrie A personal butler, five-star surroundings, unlimited drinks and ever-changing views as you sail through Europe. I’d never tried a river cruise before but when I got the opportunity to join the first sailing of Scenic Tours’ brand new ship, the Scenic Jasper, I jumped at it! For those of you who are familiar with river cruising, you’ll know all about the benefits; docking right in the heart of historic cities and picturesque villages and seeing spectacular scenery around every bend… and what scenery! We sailed through the Netherlands and Belgium, setting our sights on the magnificent windmills and charming houses, with a host of activities in each port to discover the very best of the area. I took a guided tour of delightful Bruges, tried my hand at clog painting and even enjoyed a traditional meal with local people in a working church - If guided tours aren’t your thing – you can even go at your own pace with Scenic Tailormade; a GPS-enabled device that means you can make your own tour, highlighting places of interest as you pass them – even better, you can use it to direct your way back to the ship when you’ve completely lost your bearings! Excursions aren’t the only thing included with Scenic Tours, a line who proudly boast you can leave your wallet or purse at home. Australian-owned Scenic Tours introduced their first luxurious ultra-all-inclusive cruises to Europe’s rivers in 2008 and now have 12 impressive ‘Space-Ships’ in their fleet offering large cabins, fabulous public areas with floor-to-ceiling windows – and even a choice of restaurants. Delicious main meals are taken in the Crystal Dining Restaurant or there’s mouth-watering pastries, pizzas and other treats in the Riverview Café. You can relax over an Italian in the evening at Portabellos and, for guests in top suites, there’s even Table La Rive, an exclusive chef ’s table where food and wine are expertly paired. Complimentary drinks are always free-flowing too, so whether it’s a cocktail on Sun Deck or a pre-dinner aperitif in your cabin, it’s all included. You’ll be spoilt for choice for where to stay, every cabin has wonderful river views from Standard Suites to spacious Balcony Suites and opulent Junior, Royal and Royal Panorama Suites. Wherever you lay your head though, you’ll enjoy a personal butler service, complimentary mini-bar and unbelievably comfy beds! There’s lots of itineraries across Europe, including France, Russia and new for 2016, Portugal’s Douro and further afield, the magical Mekong. Prices start from £1,395 for 8-day 2015 river cruises, call me for more information on 01250 874627 or why not book a personal appointment with Pauline ?
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Media Release
282 High Street Perth PH1 5QS Telephone: 01738 624872
Perth and Kinross Credit Union (PKCU) is celebrating two milestones this month. Firstly it was only in April 2014 that the Credit Union was given official permission to start recruiting Members, taking deposits from savers and offering loans. Secondly In that first year the Credit Union has enrolled over 500 members with Member 500, John Lilburn from Perth recently signed up in the office at 282 High Street watched by Credit Union Manager Anne Walker. In the first year of operation PKCU has approved over 200 loan applications and has attracted almost ÂŁ200,000 in deposits from savers. Perth and Kinross Credit Union is an ethical lender and part of the remit is financial inclusion. Manager Anne Walker said “We encourage savings, even at modest levels, and are then in a position to help savers with responsible loans if they need them at a later date. Everyone benefits from having some money put aside, and even modest savings gives access to ethical loans which offers Members some peace of mind should an emergency arise in the future. We hope to open an outreach facility in the PKC offices on Leslie Street in June. Membership of Perth and Kinross Credit Union is open to anyone who works or lives in Perth and Kinross and more information is available from PKCU at 282 High Street Perth or at www.pkcu.org.uk
Cal Mac Deliveries Phone number : 07783 563516 Hours Mon - Fri 9-4 Sat & Sun 10-2 Tired of booking delivery slots at inconvenient times sometimes days in advance? Only wanting a little shop but feel obliged to get a bigger one to make it worthwhile? Sick of substitutes or not getting some of your items at all? Want your products from more than one shop? Then why not try my fast, same day, low cost service and I will take as much care doing your shopping as you would. P.V.G. approved and fully insured.
Blairgowrie, Carsie and Rattray free delivery. Other destination prices available on request.
20% off service charge on production of this advert. Cash on delivery.
Here to make your life a little easier. 30
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Little’s Restaurant a relaxed and informal haven in the centre of Blairgowrie
varied menu with daily changing specials seafood is our speciality but meat and game always available as well as vegetarian options and freshly made pizza Open Tues – Sat (closed Sun and Mon)
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings (4.00pm – 7.30 pm) we are serving a 2 course meal (main course and dessert) for £12.95 per person
4 Wellmeadow, Blairgowrie PH10 6ND Tel: 01250 875358 Blair and Rattray Timebank News Isn’t Scottish weather wonderful? Who knew that Scotland could revert to winter after such a short Spring? Stay warm and well and if you need help to bring in the logs, or put up the sunshade we could well help to find you someone. We have all kinds of things on offer from our talented members, including companionship, heavy gardening, transport. Basically if you ask, we’ll see if we can find somebody to do it. The Blair and Rattray Timebank is growing and we’re really pleased to be connecting members so skill swaps are happening. Amongst lots of other things, we have organised lifts to hospital, skip runs, a (small) tree being felled, some gardening, and most recently a keybox to be made and hung. We’re also helping to find people to help when other organisations need them. We’re busy but we want to be busier, so we organised a free lunch at St Catharine’s Centre earlier this month – and in the true spirit of time banking, the soup and rolls were all made by members. We also had a table recently at Tesco where we handed out in excess of 70 membership packs – not all of which have been returned so if you have one and you’d like to join please fill it in and get it back to us. We’re planning to start a regular coffee afternoon based around a group activity soon, at least once a month and we’d like some feedback from you all about what would interest you. In Stanley, for example they have a knit and natter group which is very successful, or it could be a bowling group, or walking, or whatever there is a demand for. So if there is something you’d like to be part of and it’s lacking in the town, give us a shout and we’ll see what we can organise. Don’t forget Timebanking is about receiving as well as giving. People are often reluctant to ask but if you don’t ask no-one can give and no-one can earn Time Credits. Plus there is strong evidence to say involvement in your community and being busy is very good for your health, so ask us for something and make someone healthy! Contact the brokers Ivy and Joanne at bandrtimebank@gmail.com and 07761233418
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The 5 Minute Interview - Billy Mackay Billy has managed Blairgowrie Juniors for over 25 years.. How long did you play for Glasgow Rangers? I played for Rangers for 7 years from 1977 - 1984 What is your best memory from your time at Rangers? Making my debut on the opening day of the 1977-78 season against Aberdeen at Pittodrie when I was 16 When were Blairgowrie Juniors formed? 1946 How long have you been Manager? I have been involved with the club since 1987 - 25 years as Team Manager What kind of football do you like them to play? Fast-attacking football and to always give 100% What are your targets for the season in the League/Cups? To try to gain promotion to the Premier League by finishing in the top 2 of the North Division. At the moment we are in the semi-final of the G.A. Cup. What’s your best management achievement with Blairgowrie Juniors? The season (2008-2009) when we won 5 out of our remaining 6 league games to stay in the Premier League, against all odds, after having been in the relegation zone for much of the season. What does the future hold? Hopefully the club will keep moving forward and continue to be a big part of our community. Average age of team this season is around 25. If anyone is interested in joining to either play or to help behind the scenes please contact myself Mike Coyle. Billy Mackay 01250874244 Mike Coyle 07504650475 Thanks to Ron Whyte for compiling the interview.
Appointments Tel: 01250 884252 DSM. DARM. Dip. MANIP., SMTO REMEDIAL MASSAGE & MANIPULATIVE THERAPY
Treating:
Repetitive stress injuries Sciatica and more Neck and shoulder pain Back pain
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Blairgowrie & Rattray Community Sports Club B&RCSC (football section) are an ever expanding club run by volunteers, aimed at getting boys and girls playing football in the area. With youth teams at 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2003, 2002, 2000 & 1999 age levels as well as two amateur teams Balmoral Utd & Rattray AFC and our Junior outfit Blairgowrie Junior FC. We have recently started our girls section for 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006s. Would you like to become part of our club as a volunteer, coach or have a child looking to get involved in football? Then please see our facebook page for more information. Contact: gavintolmie@yahoo.co.uk
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Ever wondered what BEPTA does to market Blairgowrie & East Perthshire? Much of our marketing is carried out further afield, with a view to attracting visitors to the town. We thought that we would give you an idea of some of the things we have been involved in:We attend tourism courses in Scotland when costs allow. We have advertised in Scottish Field in February, and are doing so again in the May edition which is distributed at the Royal Highland Show. We also have an online advert in Scottish Field We have adverts in tourism guides, such as the Highland & Moray Tourism Guide about to be printed. We are about to put up new themed and seasonal banners in the Wellmeadow. We are again co-sponsoring Blairgowrie, Rattray & District Pipe Band Playouts over the summer months, which are extremely popular with visitors to the area. We are promoting the Year of Food & Drink –if you have any events going on please let us know. We are assisting with promotion of the Bookmark Festival 2015. We are working with local golf clubs –not only did we work with them for the Junior Ryder Cup last year, we are looking to promote golfing further in this area. We work closely with Heartland FM radio, and are currently preparing a feature on Top Things to do in the area. We work closely with VisitScotland, who attend our monthly meetings. We also try to work in collaboration with our members, other individuals, groups and organisations both locally and further afield, to promote our area. The more we work together, the more effectively can we get the message out about this fantastic part of the country. On the 1st April in the Angus Hotel, BEPTA held their annual AGM. It was very well attended with around 50 people listening to a range of speakers and much interaction. It was probably one of the best AGM’s we have had to be honest. The speakers were an 11 year old who with his sister and mother gave a presentation about his wins on the jam and marmalade competitions, a presentation from officers within VisitScotland and then by Philip Smith who is the Chairman of Glenshee Tourist Association and also on the working group for the Spittal of Glenshee Hotel project. We also had a leaflet and information swop with both members and potential members and are in the process of recruiting another two Directors. If you would be interested in working with us, please get in touch – visiteastperthshire@gmail. com Some of our new members: The Cateran Cafe
Outdoor Explore
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Strathmore & the Glens
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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
PHONE 01250 875555
www.grahampestcontrol.com • info@grahampestcontrol.com
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SCOTTISH SOLICITOR AND NOTARY PUBLIC YOUR TRUSTED ADVISERS WILLS & EXECUTRIES
EMPLOYMENT LAW
PROPERTY
PROPERTY LETTINGS & MANAGEMENT
POWER OF ATTORNEY
HOSPITALITY & TOURISM LAW
COMMERCIAL
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
CALL NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION Tel: 01250 874485 Mob/Legal: 07719 855856 Mob/Property: 07739 915043 Email: farah@adams-law.co.uk or david@adams-property.co.uk Visit our website at: www.adams-law.co.uk
Opening Times Monday 9am till 5pm Tuesday 9am till 5pm Wednesday 9am till 5pm Thursdays 9am till 6pm (late night) Friday 9am till 5pm Saturday 8am till 2pm Gents cut £7.50 Kids £5.50 OAP’s £5.50
Call: 07534 931 933
No Appointment Necessary OAP Special Wednesdays £4.50 37
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Blairgowrie Rotary Club is about to celebrate its 68th birthday and is in good health as it sails past the two thirds of a century mark. It has around 20 members plus several associate members and meets every Wednesday at 6pm in the Royal Hotel. Like all Rotarians, members believe strongly in the global movement’s central ethos of “Service above Self ” and the Blairgowrie club also has a particularly strong social side. Most meetings include a pre-dinner speaker on subjects as varied as holistic medicine and therapeutic massage to the work of the fire brigade and wartime memories of the Japanese occupation of Singapore. Club members also enjoy many additional interesting and social events, such as monthly wine tastings hosted by club members in their own homes plus competition evenings with other clubs, and twice-yearly quiz nights and trips to Pitlochry Festival Theatre. The club is strongly focused on fund-raising for good causes and is at the top of the league in Scotland for the amount raised per member. It may be a relatively small club but, as the saying goes, it punches well above its weight. Their biggest annual fund-raising event is the spring golf tournament held at Blairgowrie Golf Club, which coincides with the annual publication of the Blairgowrie trade directory, another long-standing local Rotary achievement. The club also sponsors two local teenagers every summer to attend the RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Association) camp at Aviemore, and makes donations to many local sports clubs, charities and deserving causes. It recently provided a new table tennis table at Newhill Community Campus for the benefit of enthusiasts and pupils. The club has contributed to Rotary International projects such as the campaign to eliminate polio worldwide and assisted people in India who have lost limbs. The club also counters the widely-held misconception that Rotary is an all-male bastion—both current president and secretary are women, as is the previous president. The club is most welcoming to new members—and to anyone who would like to come along one Wednesday evening to “see what it is like”. They will not be disappointed. We have recently donated £2000 to FSH -First Steps Himalaya. FSH look after children and the communities in the rural areas. In April 2014 a team of 7 Rotarians from District 1010 went to the two specific areas, which have been devastated now by the earthquake, to teach staff in the new Early Years programme for children. The people walked for miles to the two centres in which we had our projects. It is heartrending to see the area we knew so well badly destroyed. These families no longer have homes, they have nothing. It will take decades for Nepal to recover, if ever. If you would like to donate please contact Liz Mason, Secretary of Blairgowrie Rotary Club. Here are a couple of pictures from our contacts over in Nepal.
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Blairgowrie & District Hillwalking Club
Affiliated to the Mountaineering Council of Scotland Web: www.bdhc.org.uk The members of The Blairgowrie and District Hillwalking Club have had a variety of interesting walks since the start of the year. After our New Year Walk round Loch Leven the next outing of the year was a walk from East Haven, near Carnoustie, to Auchmithie, along the Angus Coastal Trail. A good turn out, good weather and a great fish supper in the Bell Rock Restaurant all helped to make this a great day out. For a mid-February trip to Balquidder some members enjoyed better weather than others. A walk along the disused railway line from Killin to Kingshouse in good conditions contrasted with the very windy conditions experienced at the west end of Loch Voil by a group climbing the Corbett, Stob a’ Choin, and another group on the Munros, Beinn Tulaichean and Cruach Ardrain. On the Newtonmore walks bracing conditions with snow showers and well filled burns caused plans to be adapted but some hardy souls managed to climb the two snow-topped Munros, Carn Sgulain and A’Chailleach, while others walked up Glen Banchor as far as the flooding would allow. A group walked from Ralia to Ruthven Barracks via one of General Wade’s roads and some enjoyed spotting the colourful “wildcats” on the Wildcat Trail round Newtonmore. Cars were used for the long drive to the head of Glen Lyon for a real mixture of fast changing weather; clouds, weak sun, brief showers of rain, hail or snow and strong winds on the Munro summits. One group climbed a snow filled gully to reach the Munro, Stuc an Lochain, while others climbed another Munro, Meall Buidhe, with a third group having a good walk to the Corbett, Cam Chreag. An exhilarating day on the hills was rounded off with refreshments beside a log fire in the Fortingall Hotel! By the time you read this we will have had outings to Glen Feshie and to Tyndrum for Ben Oss and Ben Dubhcraig. The Club held the Annual General Meeting in The Royal Hotel and the following officials were elected: President: Ian Richards, Vice President: Stuart Nichol, Past President: Jane Clark, Secretary: Evelyn Menzies, Treasurer: Nina Bell, Publicity Officer: Rob Robertson, Ordinary Members: Anne Crombie, William Wilson. Bruce Henderson has agreed to take over as Meet Secretary from the middle of June. Our web site (www.bdhc.org.uk) is an excellent source of information about the club and has helped to recruit a number of new members - we look forward to welcoming many more. Hillwalking is an excellent way to enjoy the magnificent scenery and wildlife of Scotland and to experience the variety of weather while at the same time becoming fitter! Why not give it a go? The membership covers a wide range of ages and abilities (and there is no correlation between the two!) and the variety of destinations and activities reflects this. Our meets cover everything from low level glen walks and coastal walks to scrambling on the Munro ridges and snow gully climbing in winter. Each meet has a variety of suggested walks of different lengths to suit all abilities. Prospective members can attend two meets before deciding to join. Visitors will always be welcome at social events and club nights. To register for a meet or for information visit the website: www.bdhc.org.uk or (until the end of May) phone Neil/Alice MacLeod (07951 653076) or Jean/Brian Ruffhead (01307 840535). From June onwards phone Bruce Henderson (01334 870866) The programme up to the end of August is: 29-31 May Spring Weekend: Ullapool 21 Jun Beinn a’ Bhuird (South Cairngorms) 12 Jul Laggan 18 Jul BBQ Glen Ogilvy 02 Aug Linn of Dee – Lairig Ghru 23 Aug Ben Vorlich & Stuc a’ Chroin
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RATTRAY BOWLING CLUB Rattray Bowling Club is in Middle Road, Rattray, Blairgowrie. We are a friendly, successful and progressive club with fantastic facilities for our members to enjoy. During the bowling season we have games against other clubs, competitions, social events and we offer free coaching for new members by qualified coaches. In the winter months we have carpet bowls, dominoes, pool, card evenings, pool and social events available. Everyone is encouraged to participate in any or all of these events. At Rattray Bowling Club we strive to encourage the community to come along and try the sport of lawn bowls as this is a sport which is suitable for people of all ages and physical abilities and a fantastic opportunity for families to enjoy a sport together. We have free coaching sessions on Monday evenings from 6.30pm to 7.30pm starting on Monday 27 April when anyone is welcome to come along and try the sport. The new outdoor season starts this year on Saturday 11 April. Under the initiative of “Try Bowls” Rattray Bowling Club is offering four free coaching sessions for everyone when hopefully people will join the club and take advantage of our reduced membership for new members. The membership for the first year for adults is £25 and junior membership for under 16 yrs is free. Rattray Bowling Club also encourages the community to hire the facilities of the club for private functions e.g. parties, quizzes, sports etc. For further details of any of the above contact Catherine Kinnear, secretary of Rattray Bowling Club on 01250 872298.
Blairgowrie, Rattray and District Angling Association. (BRDAA) Blairgowrie Angling Club was formed on the 23rd March 1840 by local landowners and businessmen with an interest in the pursuit of angling as a pastime. W.S. Soutar proposed a set of rules which were discussed and adopted by these original members. The members followed their interest on the rivers Blackwater, Ardle and the Ericht but enjoyed outings to various other lochs in the vicinity also. In 1881 it was agreed to have a competition on Loch Leven and members endured a long journey starting at 4am and returning late at night due to the trip being completed by horse and buggy! In May 1882 James Crockart a notable angler and sportsman was the first Blairgowrie angler to represent the angling club at the Scottish National Club Championships. The club continued until the 11th June 1924 when at a meeting held in the Temperance Hall it was decided by all
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The association started with 23 members and in accordance with their wishes to make angling available to others finished their first year with 68 members. Administration of the association was and still is achieved by regular meetings which are held during the seasons with an AGM being held at the end of season. All members are invited to attend the AGM but normally only elected committee members attend monthly meetings. As the association expanded, a greater variance of members from different backgrounds joined and the sport of angling was therefore enjoyed by a far wider cross section of the public at reasonable cost and no longer the preserve of a select few. Competitions continued and members’ access to the rivers and lochs locally as individuals or in competitions became a regular occurrence. Through the generosity of local riparian owners, landowners and others the association has maintained a good selection of waters for its members to fish. The association benefits from long agreements with riparian owners including Sir. William Macpherson and many others for fishing on the Ericht whereby at reasonable cost members & guests can fish for salmon & trout. Currently the association has 314 eligible anglers for the 2015 season. Potential members can apply for membership by printing and completing an application form from the association website www.brdaa.co.uk/ or collecting a form from Kate Flemings Shooting and Fishing shop. Membership is restricted to anglers residing within the old postal area of Blairgowrie though this may change in the future. Fees for membership are set at a very reasonable rate. There is a joining fee for adult members of £25 and an annual subscription of £35 which allows access to the River Ericht and association lochs. Junior members have no entry fee and pay an annual subscription of £6. There are fees for fishing Fingask Loch and White Loch which are both regularly stocked to ensure good sport for the anglers, these fees are kept at an economical rate particularly for junior anglers. Guests are encouraged to fish the association waters at reasonable cost and this benefits both members and the many businesses in Blairgowrie and district in many ways. Fishing for salmon, sea trout, brown trout and grayling takes place on the river Ericht using either spinning or fly rods. The biggest trout recorded was caught above the bridge at Blairgowrie by W. Turner and weighed 7lbs 12ozs (3.51Kg) caught on a size 14 ginger quill. Both association lochs contain wild brown trout to a good size with fish in the 5lb (2.27Kg) caught most years. Fingask is stocked with rainbow trout throughout the season and occasional stockings of blue trout. Trout fishing is by fly rod. There are large pike in Fingask and anglers fish for them during the winter months if the loch is not frozen! Anglers are encouraged to release all large pike caught. The association members follow the Tay District Salmon Board guidelines for conservation on the rivers and has a very high rate of catch and release to its credit. The lochs have their own catch limits and rules which members follow and are displayed in the boathouse at the lochs. The association has a record of making angling accessible to novices, juniors and other groups. We actively support the Scottish charity Angling for Youth Development (AFYD) who regularly fish the Fingask Loch during the season and support the actions of Perth & Kinross Association of Voluntary Service (PKAVS) when they fish our lochs. Further information on the association can be viewed on www.brdaa.co.uk/ detailed history of angling and Blairgowrie generally can be viewed by searching for History of Blairgowrie by John A. R. Macdonald. Article supplied by Peter Lock Secretary of BRDAA in e’mail interview with the Hub Magazine
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Austin Wilkie Music
100 Years Ago by Margaret Drummond
Piano/Keyboard Teacher & Organist Austin Wilkie DIPLCM
Such a smooth young boyish face, Apprehension in his eye, Asking himself the question Will I live or will I die?
Introductory Offer “3 Lessons for £30” Could you spare only 10 minutes every day? Would love to learn to play the piano, keyboard or Organ?
Arms around his family, Trading banter with his mates, All heady with excitement, But God only knows their fates.
Impress your family and friends Why not try our Introductory Offer and learn from beginner to graded levels or just for fun, Classical, Modern, Jazz, or Pop it’s entirely up to you, all ages welcome and tailored just for you! 1 - 1 Tuition Theory included from a qualified Teacher
Father’s warm hand on shoulder, While Mother gives up her place For a last hug from his sweetheart As the tears run down her face. We’ll all be here to meet you When you come back soon, they say But heavy hearts belie their words As the troop train pulls away.
Call Austin now on 01250 876104 07909 801760
I was pleased to see that Scotland’s most vulnerable households will receive help to make their homes warmer and cheaper to heat thanks to a £103 million investment to tackle fuel poverty. This includes a new £14 million loans scheme to offer homeowners interest-free loans of up to £10,000 for energy efficiency measures. The Scottish Government will also launch the next phase of its Cashback scheme, to make £10 million available to homeowners and private tenants, and £5 million for social landlords. Through the scheme, private sector households will be able to claim up to £5,800 for installations recommended by an energy advice report, and households in remote areas will be entitled to greater amounts to cover the increased costs they face. In 2014/15 1,700 social landlord tenants benefitted from the Cashback scheme, while it delivered 4,000 energy efficiency measures to 3,400 households in the private sector. These measures; combined with £65 million for area-based fuel poverty schemes (including £2,019,000 in Perth and Kinross) and funding for support and advice to householders, takes the Scottish Government’s commitment to tackling fuel poverty and improving energy efficiency in 2015/16 to £103 million. Anyone with fuel poverty concerns should seek free and impartial advice on reducing their energy costs or for support for home insulation, boilers or central heating, by contacting Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282. Key figures from education and business will join student leaders in developing plans to help more students from disadvantaged backgrounds in Scotland to enter and succeed in higher education. The Widening Access Commission recently met to take matters forward. The Scottish Government wants every child, whatever their background, to have an equal chance of benefitting from higher education. The new commission has a broad range of expertise and
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I am particularly pleased that there are also two student representatives, as their perspective is crucial. The Commission was announced as part of the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government, guaranteeing a move towards 20% of university entrants coming from the most disadvantaged 20% of society. If anyone needs to contact me, I can be reached at 35 Perth Street, Blairgowrie, PH10 6DL, 01250 876 576 or email john.swinney.msp@scottish.parliament.uk
CANINE CUTS DOG GROOMING
Microchipping Bathing, Drying, Clipping Handstripping ,Nails Etc All your dogs needs catered for All ages and sizes
Bring this ad along and receive 15% Discount http://canine-cuts.webeden.co.uk/ 3 High Street , Rattray , Blairgowrie 01250 872040
Strathmore Health and Social Care The Strathmore Health and Social Care open-event was well attended on Friday 24th April at Blairgowrie Town Hall with over 70 feedback postcards completed. Local people and a wide range of health, social care and third sector staff joined the conversation on the future delivery of health and social care services in Strathmore. There was also the chance to share views and ideas at the Blairgowrie Community Market on Saturday 25th April. The conversations have almost finished in Strathmore but this is only the beginning of an ongoing process. Locally based teams will now look at the information gathered and identify the priorities for the area to feed into the health and social care strategy and decide on actions that can be taken on the points raised by the community. There is still time to share your views and ideas. Simply send an e-mail to communityengagement@pkavs.org.uk or call the Community Engagement Team at PKAVS on 01738 567076
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How might visitors see our town? Like this?
or Like This?
All the various organisations and agencies are to be congratulated for their continuing efforts to promote our town and its attractions; by all accounts the current local ITV advert has also been successful in this regard with reports of increasing visitor numbers. Our visitors, be they relatively local or from further afield hopefully find us to be a welcoming lot and should enjoy our surrounding countryside as well as the town attractions to the full. Sadly there are some issues which might mar their enjoyment. Notable amongst these is the access issue along Oakbank Road, a litter problem in many places, fly tipping along lanes leading out of the town and dog mess along pathways and elsewhere. Various community groups are working hard to persuade Perth and Kinross Council to take a more pragmatic view towards the Oakbank Road closure and allow full pedestrian access with appropriate signage. We hope to see progress within the next month or so on this one. As to the other problems, these are all self inflicted and can hopefully be addressed by the concerted efforts of community organisations and indeed members of the public. It would be good to see a broad approach to these avoidable eyesores and threats to public health. A coordinated effort involving education, public awareness, and ultimately enforcement, would be a very welcome step forward. In these days of austerity surely the money currently spent in clearing waste from or streets could be better used to provide much needed support services elsewhere? If you are interested in helping us out, please contact One Voice on 01250 871120 or by email onevoice@ discoverblairgowrie.co.uk.
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Local Business Contacts
FINANCE/MORTGAGES
This is a list of businesses who support Discover Blairgowrie and are members of the local Business Association. Contact admin@discoverblairgowrie.co.uk if you would like to join.
Graham Edwards Mortgage 01250-873465
ACCOUNTTANTS/BOOKKEEPERS ASI Outsourcing
01250-770100
Graham Edwards Accts
01250-873465
ACTIVITIES/OUTDOOR Find Your Fit
07921-180715
Julie Baird Pilates
07963-088112
Outdoor Explore
07904-324102
Susie Black Fitness
07914-700988
BARBERS/HAIRDRESSERS Just For gents
07909-115392
COMPUTERS/INTERNET
HEALTH/COACH Blairgowrie Physiotherapy
01250-870062
Care Crew
01828-627600
Joyce McQuilken Coach
01250-870171
HOTELS/ACCOMMODATION/TRAVEL Angus Hotel
01250-872455
Rosemount Travel
01250-874627
RESTAURANTS/CAFES Cargills Bistro
01250-876735
SHOPS All Things Fair
01250-874238
Blair Copy Shop
01250-873591
Booklore 01250-871120 Something Special Flowers
01250-873237
01250-873072
Warp Weft Weave
07846-486135
Microblair 01250-873014
WM Coupar
01250-872436
ESTATE AGENTS/SOLICITORS
TRADESMEN
Adams Law
01250-874485
John Oliver Electrician
Miller Gerrard
01250-873468
Alex Robertson Painter/Dec 07597-394057
Property@Hodge
01250-870006
Graphite Web Solutions
01250-872600
SPRING CLEANING (WITH A TWIST)
Spring clean your mind its nooks and crannies,
AW Joinery
From all that’s there and lurks around,
For All your Joinery Services: Home Improvements Fitted Kitchens Timber Decking Solid Wood / Laminate Floors
You’ll be surprised the space it gives you, You’ll be surprised how good it feels, Just like spring time’s yearly challenge, to rejuvenate the natural world, So gather strength from this great wonder,
01250 870 693 / 07876 133 342 www.aw-joinery.com
Spring clean, refresh, renew your mind.
Barbara Lynch
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Open daily from 10.30am Enjoy Cargill’s for Morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea or snacks and evening meals or simply a glass of wine. We will be delighted to welcome you!
Free parking and disabled access
Lower Mill Street, Riverside, Blairgowrie, PH10 6AQ
Call 01250 876 735
www.cargillsbistro.com A CHARTERED PHYSIOTHERAPIST CAN:
Correctly assess & diagnose your problem
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Perform Sports specific screening & injury prevention.
Also offering Sports Massage and Swedish massage:
Put yourself in safe hands of the only private Chartered Physiotherapists in Blairgowrie & Strathmore area.
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Fully qualified massage therapist ANY MASSAGE WHEN YOU PRODUCE THIS ADVERT
Call: 01250 870062 www.blairgowriephysiotherapy.co.uk 1 High Street, Blairgowrie, PH10 6ET A CHARTERED PHYSIOTHERAPIST CAN:
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Useful Phone Numbers
Adult Resource Centre ..............01250 871 910
Blairgowrie Community Hospital
.......................................................01250 874 234
Reception.......................................01250 874 466
Social Services Day Care ...........01250 877 843
Strathmore Older People’s mental Health
Freedom Bus Adult Care Services
Team ..............................................01250 877 843
.......................................................0845 3011120
GP Unit .........................................01250 877 854
Care at Home ............................01738 476 7000
District Nurses .............................01250 872 030
OTHER UESFUL NUMBERS
Health Visitors .............................01250 876 668
Alzheimer Scotland
Dundee Dental Hospital ............01382 660 111
Dementia Advisor ......................01738 562 358
Ninewells Main Number ........... 01382 660 111
Anti-Social Behaviour Team .....01738 476 173
Perth Royal Infirmary .................01738 623 311
Blairgowrie Community Care Area Office
Royal Dundee Liff Hospital .......01382 423 000
.......................................................01250 871 910
NHS 24 ............................................................111
Blairgowrie Housing Area Office
CHEMISTS
.......................................................01250 872 051
Boots .............................................01250 872 029
Blairgowrie Library ....................01250 872 905
Davidsons .....................................01250 870 282
Blairgowrie Registration of Births, Deaths &
SURGERIES
Marriages .....................................01250 877 002
Ardblair Medical Practice ..........01250 872 033
Blairgowrie Social Work Office .01250 872 255
Strathmore Surgery .....................01250 872 552
Blairgowrie Standards.Warrants 01250 877 017
VETERINARY SURGERIES
Blairgowrie Tourist Information Centre
Blairgowrie Veterinary Surgery .01250 872 061
........................................................01250 872 960
Thrums Veterinary Group .........01250 871 010
Community Connect, Rattray .....01250 871 538
LEISURE CENTRES
Care at Home ..............................01250 871 901
Community Campus ..................01250 871 967
Police ...............................................................101
Live Active ...................................01250 871 360
Scottish Gas Emergencies ..........0800 111 999
SCHOOLS
Scottish Water ..............................0845 6018 855
Rowanbank Community Centre
Newhill Primary School ............01250 871 941 St Stephen’s Primary School ......01250 871 950
These numbers have been taken from a copy
Rattray Primary School .............01250 872 389
of the old Blair Blast. If you have any correc-
Blairgowrie High School ...........01250 871 200
tions or suggestions for additions then please
POST OFFICES
let One Voice know on Upper Mill Street
Blairgowrie (in Co-op) ..............01250 872 766
(01250 871 120)
Local Delivery Office .................01250 872 766 ELDERLY ACTIVITIES Health Community Collaborative Hosptial Day Room ....................01250 874 466
47
Pauline, from Rosemount Travel is your personal Travel Designer, based here in Blairgowrie: “I believe a memorable holiday doesn’t happen by chance. Getting it right takes research, planning and more importantly, time. Of course time is precious, which is why I offer a personal and flexible service based on your individual needs. However much you need taken care of. I’ll create a unique set of ideas for your ta trip - With 30 years of experience in the Travel Industry, I can really help you make the most of everything including saving you money! So, whether it’s round the world for a year or down the road for a weekend, you’ll have a holiday designed exactly for you”
Here are just a few endorsements from (very) satisfied customers already enjoying the high level of service and attention: “You have been a delight to deal with and have made our booking process very simple” - FM, April 2015 “Pauline, thanks so much for sorting our trip - It all went well and the boys were very happy...keep up the good work” - LS, March 2015 “Many thanks Pauline on your first class service in arranging our travel to New Zealand” - AM, February 2015
Why not arrange to meet up soon? I would be delighted to arrange a personal appointment at your convenience! Telephone: 01250 874627 Mobile: 07712 622391 E-Mail: pauline@rosemounttravel.co.uk Website: www.rosemounttravel.co.uk Facebook: Rosemount Travel
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