The South Deeside View Winter 2018

Winter 2018

The

South Deeside View 2019 Plant Sale &

Coffee Morning

Sat 18th May 10am to noon at

Corbie Hall

Inside: Protect Banchory-Devenick Whooper swans pay a visit HRH The Princess Royal meets local group

Tickets Ian 01569 739399 Facebook: The South Deeside View

Facebook: The South Deeside View www.nkrcc.org.uk/sdv

CONTENTS

Seasons Greetings!

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4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 28 30 31 32

The beautiful front cover photo was taken locally

by Claire Cameron Photography. There are some wonderful wildlife images on her Facebook page and you can see some of these on the Protect BanchoryDevenick community page too - read all about them and the work they are doing in this issue.

Aberdeen Aeromodellers, Cookney Bowling Club, Westdyke Dee Vale Ladies FC, Broadband Glendale FC, Reading Group Maryculter driving for the disabled, Maryculter SWI Maryculter Woods Voluntary Community Ambulance Association Lairhillock Primary School Banchory-Devenick School, The Herbert Protocol Maryculter Beavers, Cubs Blairs Museum Natures Notes Church Notices Maryculter Rainbows, Brownies Volunteers required Maryculter Scouts, Explorers, Music Group Community Halls, Solstice Nurseries Portlethen & District Men’s Shed Protect Banchory-Devenick North Kincardine Community Council MP & MSP Local Councillors Chapelton Woodman, spare those trees Part 3 Uselful contacts Library online services, Police Scotland Diary dates

We have had some unusual visitors to the area in the form of Whooper swans, who passed through around the same time as the geese. More about them in Nature Notes.

Fancy volunteering? There are lots of opportunities to do so with clubs and schools locally. Looking ahead to springtime, there is our annual Plant Sale at Corbie Hall on Saturday 18th May. Please consider keeping any spare or split plants you might have before then, which we could include for sale on the day.

Do you know anything about the screen print from the old Netherley School on Page 9? Photos or articles of local interest always welcome for our next issue.

Lynne, Mandi and helpers

Cover photo credit: Claire Cameron Photography

Battery Recycling Put your batteries in the pink battery bag and leave out with your usual collection.

Need more bags? Leave one tied to your bin lid or phone Wasteline tel:03456081207 or email waste@aberdeenshire.gov.uk. Batteries collected are AA, AAA, Size C, Size D, Button, Square, Mobile phone and Laptop batteries.

A relaxed community run event for folk to get together for a cuppa, some cake and a chat.

There is always a good selection of homebakes, and you’re welcome to have as many cuppas and slices of cake as you wish!

Hunt for bugs, cook on the campfire & get marvellously muddy!

Come along any time between 10am & 12 noon.

This is a non profit event. Your entry fee goes towards the hall fees and supplies. Excess profit is donated to local causes throughout the year.

Thank you for your support!

Elaine 01569 730374 Emma 01569 731052

2019

15th February 19th April 21st June 16th August 18th October 6th December

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Nature Kindergarten for 3-5yrs Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays during term time at Maryculter Woods

Funded places available Also Spring, Summer & Autumn holiday camps For details on how to book a taster session or find out more visit www.muckyboots.org.uk or contact Dawn on 07939 547016

Community & Leisure Aberdeen Aeromodellers

Westdyke Dee Vale Ladies Football Club

Have you recently watched the Battle of Britain Model Squadron on TV and thought about trying out RC aeromodelling?

Early 2018 saw a new head coach at Westdyke Ladies (now fully integrated with Westdyke Girls Club). The ladies squad are the final step in the pathway for girls from under 7s, up through the ages until the senior team.

Playing in division 1 North of Scottish Womens Football League (SWFL), Westdyke Ladies have enjoyed mixed fortunes on the pitch and currently sit mid-table.

During October in the final few weeks of the season, Westdyke will be hoping to finish as high up the league as they can and then begin preparing for the 2019 season.

Players are of all ages, right from 14 up to 42, and we always welcome new people along.

Training over the winter break, will be Tuesday 6-7.30pm at the new Lqwsondale Sports Club 3G pitch in Westhill.

B A N C H O RY- D E V E N I C K

A B E R D E E N A E RO M O D E L L E R S F LY I N G C LU B

A A M F C .CO.U K

Why not come along to Aberdeen Aeromodellers Flying Club, located in Banchory Devenick where we welcome new members and public wishing to spectate or with a view to beginning in the sport. Open year round the main flying times are 0900-1900hrs for nitro, petrol & turbine models. Electric models may be flown outside these times. Members can be found at the club most days of the week when the weather is favourable for flying.

Recent activity has seen some of our members travelling to competitions throughout Europe, competing in the Euro Heli Series as well as the UK events with some good results. The British National Championships were also attended by some of our members for a whole weekend of flying and socialising. The fixed wing members have attended events in Germany and right now we have members down at the BMFA National centre for a JMA event which is dedicated to model turbine powered aircraft.

Facilities at the club include a large well maintained grass surface for flying activities, ample car parking, aircraft & helicopter starting tables, club house providing charging facilities, tea/coffee and toilets.

There is also an outdoor seating area with picnic and BBQ area. We also have club trainer aircraft so an initial experience flight can be offered to potential members.

The club is able to provide training as required on both fixed wing and helicopters. We welcome everyone. No experience is required.

For information about the Westdyke Ladies contact. westdykeladies@gmail.com or find us on Facebook:

Broadband Update Unfortunately there is not much to tell at present. Some FTTP (Fibre To The Premises) has gone live in Maryculter for lucky people should they wish to have it! AB12 5FE, AB12 5FF, AB12 5GB, AB12 5GD, AB12 5GJ are all accepting orders as of early November. Please note that not all properties have been upgraded. Some already have access to fibre via a street cabinet (FTTC) and some are still awaiting an upgrade.

There has been little progress in Netherley with latest estimates for work completion potentially being pushed to April 2019 with scant evidence of much work being carried out. Most activity to date seems to be around the Maryculter and Woodlands of Durris areas.

Keep up to date with latest info at Facebook: Fibre for Netherley, Maryculter and Surrounding Areas.

Now is a good time to join and take advantage of the half price membership until the end of the year.

For further details on Aberdeen Aeromodellers Flying Club please visit our web site www.aamfc.co.uk or follow us on Facebook at Aberdeen Aeromodellers Flying Club

Check status using your postcode/phone number at scotlandsuperfast.com.

Cookney Bowling Club The meetings are usually on Thursdays from 7.30pm at Cookney Hall and the sessions last for about 2 hours. We have Competition Night on Mondays.

A new addition of a recycling bank has arrived at Cookney hall. It is ready and waiting to accept your your bagged and unwanted clothing, paired shoes, handbags, belts, towels, bedding sheets, towels, curtains etc.

Arthur Durward 01224 319701

The only items not recyclable are actual duvets or pillows.

The term BYOB normally associated with the hall can also now mean Bring Your Own Bag!!!!!

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Community & Leisure Glendale Football Club

North Mearns Reading Group

A new season, new players, and after six weeks of the season, a new manager.

Neil McCubbin, our manager of the last four years found the challenge of trying to find a winning combination with all the new faces too great, and decided that the baton should be handed to someone else. Step forward, Simon Darwin - our Assistant Manager for the last 2 years, and who is now been ably assisted by one of our new faces to Glendale – Mike Johnson – welcome Mike.

The North Mearns Reading group is an informal group that meets every four to six weeks and we take turns to host each meeting.

Please get in touch if you would like to be considered when places become available.

As said earlier, results had not gone our way to date, but over the last few weeks, a more “settled squad” has emerged and things would appear to be turning the corner.

Nature Classes

On a more upbeat note our Annual Old Crocks v Young guns game during the Aberdeen Holiday Weekend, turned out to be a good day, with a very healthy turnout for the “old Crocks”. Although giving a great account for the first 60 minutes, the Crocks legs then began to feel the pace of the young Guns, who eventually ran out comfortable winners.

Discover nature - play and explore outdoors. Weekly classes for 2 to 5 year olds.

Birthday Parties Toast marshmallows, build dens, climb trees and stomp in mud… outdoor birthday fun for two to tenyear-olds!

Contact Mandy Tulloch on 07929 465680 or visit www.mudpieadventures.co.uk for more information

Thereafter, it was onto the Ploughman in Culter for our post-match meal (and a few refreshments) and our annual Awards Ceremony for the previous season.

The “senior citizen” of the team Derek McKenzie scooping both the Player Of The Year & Clubman Of The Year Trophies, with Connor Pirie taking home the Young Player Of The Year and Ryan McRae scooping the Golf trophy for the second year running.

Blaikiewell horses desperately need hay

Jim Grant 01224 867512

Please send them £1 Paypal: mpetrie@blaikiewell.org.uk Blaikiewell Animal Sanctuary Maryculter Scottish Charity SC026054

Maryculter based family run tree surgeons providing all aspects of tree work.

Call Tomas on 07565 492656 Email tomas@tiliatreecare.co.uk Web www.tiliatreecare.co.uk

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Community & Leisure Maryculter Driving for the Disabled With warm dry summer conditions prevailing in 2018 we have had a great season at Maryculter Home Farm, gaining enthusiastic new participants and volunteers. Two sessions were spent trotting about in Maryculter Community woods enabling all to admire the fantastic progress made to enhance the forest access and habitat.

Our season culminated on Thursday 27th September with a visit from HRH The Princess Royal, patron of the RDA. We are delighted that after watching a cone-driving display hosted in Templars Park HRH mingled amongst participants and volunteers, chatting informally and handing out commemorative rosettes. Our thanks to all who have helped and supported us through the year and with this special event.

Images courtesy of Deeside Photographics

Although our 2018 driving season has now concluded we have Casse to look after and exercise through the winter months and of course, our Christmas Party at Corbie Hall.

If you would like to get involved with us, please get in touch.

Email brockman.kate@btinternet.com.

Registered Charity no. SCIO 28630

HRH The Princess Royal meeting participants. Images courtesy of Deeside Photographics

Maryculter SWI The Fourth of July was a very special and exciting day for four of our longest serving members when they attended the royal garden party at a Holyroodhouse Palace. The ladies attending were Cathy Donald, Peggy Paterson, Anne Massie and Mabel Maclaren, who was fortunate enough to meet Prince Edward. The ladies all agreed that it was a wonderful experience.

We were delighted with our success at the Banchory Show this summer. We gained two firsts in the communal craft and food section and several of our ladies were winners in the various individual sections. There was also an enjoyable summer outing in August and we had a trip on the land train seeing the sights all around Stonehaven, finishing off the day with excellent fish and chips at the cafe on the square.

Other activities we have had this year include making Kusadama flowers, learning all about bees and having Margarent Patience of Pretty Rubbish Mosaic Art along. She makes wonderful vibrant items from broken china and tiles. We also had a bingo night and have knitted seasonal chocolate orange ‘hats’ for the Friends of Anchor charity.

We are always delighted to welcome new members or visitors to our lively and fun meetings which are held monthly at the Corbie Hall, where you are guaranteed a great cuppie with tasty home bakes.

Find our photos and updates on Facebook : Maryculter SWI. If you are interested and fancy coming along please phone our president Marlene Connon 01224 867580 for more information about our meetings.

Chocolate Orange hats

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Maryculter Woods Maryculter Woods We have been very busy over the last few months. Our roads contractor, Alan Whiteford, provided the finishing touches to new forest road along the southern boundary of the wood. The refurbishment of the ‘Burnside road’ which runs alongside the Crynoch Burn within the wood is now completed with help from our hard-working volunteers as well. This part of the wood has scrubbed-up really well!

The monthly work parties have been continuing, if it isn’t raining. We meet at 2pm on the first Sunday of every month and normally spend just over an hour on some light maintenance work in the wood followed by tea, coffee and cakes. One of our projects was the tidying up of the ‘Burnside Entrance’, by Eastland Lodge and Redwing Riding School. We have also hosted a work party from Nexen Petroleum UK Limited and as a result of their hard work we had a wonderful heather display,for all to see.

Other achievements have been the digging of two small ponds, sand brushing into the new forest road to improve the surface, flower planting in the wetland area along new paths, new drainage, mulching and container painting.

New pond Work party having a well earned break

Thank you so much to all volunteers and everyone who helped, and those who help in other ways, to make the wood such a great place! We really can't do this without the support of the community. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for latest news and events plus details of future monthly work parties and events.

Ed Thorogood , Chairman, Maryculter Woodlands Trust, mwt@maryculterwoods.com, www.maryculterwoods.com , Facebook: Maryculter Woods.

A Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation SCO44224

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Portlethen & District Voluntary Community Ambulance Association Portlethen and District Voluntary Community Ambulance Association 


Scottish Charity Number SCO31829 The new Portlethen and District Voluntary Community Ambulance was unveiled at the Open Day on Saturday 21st July at the Portlethen Medical Centre. Over 35 people attended the ceremony including representatives from those who had provided funds, staff from the Medical Centre and volunteer drivers. Dr Graeme Miller performed the opening ceremony and praised the valuable service provided by the Ambulance and volunteer drivers. Here is a photo of Dr Miller along with some volunteer drivers and local community council members, including 2 members of North Kincardine Community Council, Henry IrvineFortescue and Graham Norrie.

The Community Ambulance committee would like to thank all those local businesses, community councils, family trusts and individuals who have helped with funds towards the purchase of a new ambulance. This has been a tremendous effort by all concerned and has made more people in the Portlethen, Newtonhill and surrounding area aware of the service the Ambulance provides to the local community, including residents of the NKRCC area.

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T: 01224 780649

E: enquiries@smithskiphire.co.uk

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T: 01779 430035

E: enquiries@smithskiphire.co.uk COVERING ALL OF ABERDEEN AND ABERDEENSHIRE

For adverts and more info please email sdeesideview@yahoo.co.uk 8

Schools Lairhillock Primary School Volunteers As ever, we are looking for volunteers to help in classes (any day), baking (Monday morning), gardening (various) and library (Thursday afternoon). Please contact any adult in the school to offer your services as we would love to have as many volunteers as possible.

Fundraising At the end of last term our running total for the Juliet Johnston School was an incredible £1872.87. Thanks to last year’s P2 upcycling enterprise we can now add another £167 to this. Well done to them. Our total now stands at a whopping £2039.87!

The whole school sponsored walk netted £1257.00, which will be used to pay for subscriptions, licences and the K’Next Generation workshops for the children. Thank you to the children for their efforts and to the volunteers who ran, walked or manned the checkpoints for us, on what was a glorious day.

The 'Rag Bag' recycling scheme has been developed to provide regular fundraising for schools in Scotland. The scheme is completely free, and our school is paid for every kilogram recycled. Our clothing bank is located in the carpark of the Lairhillock Inn.

On the subject of recycling we recycle old spectacles and printer cartridges. The collection boxes are at the school reception.

Well done to Benjamin Currie (P6) who, over the summer, won both the Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy Summer series 10 and under tennis competitions, in addition to the 10 and under Stewart Milne North East of Scotland Tennis Championships. He was also runner up in the Grantown-on-Spey open tennis championships and North of Scotland Tennis championships in Elgin.

Not to be out done, his sister Jessica (P4) won the 8 and under NESLTA mini schools tournament, city of Aberdeen tennis tournament and North of Scotland Tennis championships in Elgin. She also won the 9 and under events in the Grantown-on-Spey open tennis championships and Stewart Milne North East of Scotland Tennis Championships, and was runner up in the Kirkcaldy Summer series. Both play regularly at Cults tennis club.

Miss Munro, our ex PE teacher, was delighted to hear about these results as it is was held at her former junior club. She too excelled in her tennis over the holiday period when she won the Ladies Open Singles event.

Nostalgia Victoria Keith, one of our parents who runs our award winning Breakfast Club and an after school art club, asked to borrow our screen printing frame. When testing the frame she found a very Benjamin Currie old image from Netherley School, which no longer exists. We guess that it might have been for a T-shirt or sweatshirt but would love to know the history of it. If you have any information it would be great to hear from you.

Supporting your child’s learning Parents often ask for advice on how to support their children’s learning at home. The following information is from the Education Scotland ‘Supporting Learning at Home’ document. Learning doesn't only take place in the classroom.

Much of children and young people's learning takes place at home, through interacting with family, friends and the wider community. Parents, carers and families can make a positive difference to a child’s learning. Your support can play a vital role at all stages of your child’s education.

Supporting Literacy Parents play a crucial role in helping children to develop literacy skills from an early age. They contribute to this by reading to their children every day, learning nursery rhymes together and using normal events in life to help children learn about the world around them, for example by pointing out signs. Parents can contribute further to their children’s learning by encouraging children to talk about their thoughts and ideas, and about how they are feeling. Parents can encourage children to explore literacy outside the classroom.

Young people will enjoy reading different types of texts and all reading helps them to develop their skills. So whether they are reading a book, a blog, a magazine or a sports report, it will help if parents are encouraging and supportive.

Supporting Numeracy A child or young person’s everyday routine offers many opportunities and experiences to (practice and) apply their numeracy skills in real life and in meaningful ways. There are many ways that you can build learning activities into everyday routines to support your child’s numeracy skills. Excellent learning opportunities exist within daily experiences such as washing the dishes, preparing a meal or doing the shopping.

For more ideas about how you can help and some simple ideas to put into practice at home, visit the Education Scotland Parentzone website http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/parentzone/index.asp Head Teacher: Christeen Saward, Email: lairhillock.sch@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, www.lairhillock.aberdeenshire.sch.uk 9

Schools Banchory-Devenick School

We are still having lots of variety and fun whilst learning at school. Recently our musicians gave a wonderful short recital on the various instruments they are learning including the trumpet, euphonium and cello. We’ve also been out and about singing Christmas carols in the community at ASDA and Cranford Nursing Home plus were very fortunate to have a visit from Mr Norrie of the Portlethen & District Men’s Shed. He provided materials and his expertise in order for us to make ornaments out of natural materials to sell at our Christmas Fayre this year.

For Children In Need, we managed to raise the sum of £137.36 and wore our onesies!

Head Teacher: Sandra McKechnie banchory-devenick.aberdeenshire.sch.uk

Fundraising for Children in Need

Pupils and Mr Norrie from Portlethen& District Men’s Shed

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Beavers and Cubs Maryculter Beavers In 1988 Maryculter Beavers were started. We are looking forward to celebrating our 30th birthday next year. During those years we have had many members, arranged many events and awarded many badges.

We have visited Drum Castle to explore in the woodlands and also to take photographs for the Beaver Photographer badge. We will also be attempting the Cook badge making pizzas, kebabs and waffles – all very European! This term will finish with a visit to the Panto at Stonehaven which is always an exciting night for the Beavers.

Beavers meet every Tuesday from 5.30 to 7.00 p.m. in the Scout Hut at Kirkton of Maryculter. Boys and Girls aged 6 and 7 years old are welcome to join. Parental help is always welcome – especially from parents with hobbies or interests that could be the basis of a Beaver activity at some point.

Enquiries about Beaver activities and for joining should be made to Kathleen Paterson, Beaver Leader, on 07748774535 or 01224 868676

1st Maryculter Cubs During the summer, 1st Maryculter Cubs have made the most of the light evenings by spending all our sessions outdoors. The Cubs have learned to sail in Loch of Skene while ospreys flew overhead, honed their mountain-biking skills and defeated the dusty trails in Durris forest, sawed, hammered and nailed fabulous woodwork creations and hit a few baseball home runs. We even managed to find some newts and other cool minibeasts in one of the very few wet areas in Maryculter Community Woodland, with the help of local expert Mandy Tulloch.

Our autumn term was busy too, with tattie flinging in October, the Beavers 30th anniversary bonfire night in November, mountain biking in the dark and an end of year party before the Christmas holidays.

With our current leaders planning to retire at the end of the year, we are urgently seeking new support so that the group can continue to provide outdoor challenges for adventurous children.

Sessions take place on Monday evenings from 6.15 – 7.45pm and we currently have places available for boys and girls aged between 8 and 10½. We can offer “taster” sessions for children so that they can find out if Cubs is for them – we’re sure that it will be!

YOGA CLASSES The Hut at Chapelton Wednesdays 6.30 to 8pm Suitable for all levels and ages 1-2-1 sessions available Sally Munro munro_sally@hotmail.com 07894 505661 www.sunriselifebalance.co.uk

NORTH BURNSIDE KENNELS AND CATTERY Open 7 days Festive Menu from 1st The Lairhillock Inn is open 7 days a week December for tea/coffee, lunches and evening meals.

Function Suite Look on our website for menus See website for menus and and opening times. opening times

“where part of your family becomes part of ours”

Netherley, Near Stonehaven, AB39 3QS Tel: 01569 730001 Fax: 01569 731175 Email: info@lairhillock.co.uk

Tel 01224 733474 Netherley Road, Burnside, Maryculter

www.lairhillock.co.uk 11

Blairs Museum The museum is now closed for the season but there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes. We have an extensive amount of artefacts and interesting collections to unearth in our stores. These are going to be catalogued over the winter but it’s a very big job and the items are extremely varied!

In September, we hosted the Forecourt Art Group again to exhibit their wonderful creative work as part of NEOS, the North East Open Studios intiative. We were also excited to see David Bertie’s new book The Heraldry of the Bishops of Scotland. This limited edition book is richly illustrated in full colour and is a single reference source for the coats of arms used by the Scottish bishops from the late thirteenth century up to the present day. The work covers the pre-Reformation bishops, the Church of Scotland bishops 1560-1689, the post-1689 Scottish Episcopal bishops, and the postReformation Roman Catholic bishops. The book is available to purchase from the Heraldry Society of Scotland.

David Bertie and his new book

Our stores have a wealth of unusual finds which they are still revealing to us. The latest treasures were some Roman lamps and an unusual relieft picture of Christ. We are very luck to also have some incredible ecclesiastical embroidery and delicately painted vestments plus a very long discovery, in the shape of a chinese scroll. Look how long it is when laid out! The scroll shows a series of figures but how is this significant?

More investigations will need to be carried out to understand the writing and unlock the mystery!

We are open for visitors again from the first week in April - weekends only, and outwith this time by appointment. Please come by and see some of our newly rediscovered gems.

You can keep up to date with our latest exhibitions and information on our Facebook page where we post regularly.

The mysterious and lengthy Chinese scroll

For more details contact curator@blairsmuseum.org.uk or Tel: 01224 863767 or follow www.facebook.com/BlairsMuseum.

Blairs Museum is located at Blairs Estate, South Deeside Road, Aberdeen. AB12 5YQ. Relief of Christ

Embroidery

Why save food? What can you do? Find recipes & advice at lovefoodhatewaste.com 12

Natures Notes - Sloe Gin Sloe gin This has been one of the best years for many types of fruit and berries including that of the blackthorn tree, the sloe. There was the perfect balance of rainfall and heat in the spring so that bushes that have never produced fruit currently have laden branches. So, if you have never had a go at making your own sloe gin this is the year to do it. You might not get another chance for a while!

Here is how: - go for a drive around this lovely area and look out for bushes usually in hedgerows or along field boundaries or on verges that are up to four metres tall. IdenMfying features include their leaves that are similar to those of apple and plum only smaller, 4cm long thorns along the branches and at this Mme of year hopefully lots of berries similar to those in the photo.

Without inundaMng local farmers’ fields there are definitely bushes along the South Deeside Road just west of Maryculter and in the Kirktown of Maryculter. I drove past laden trees near Kincardine O’ Neal recently too. It is polite to ask permission to forage on someone’s land and pick responsibly – do not take all of them!

- Take along a jacket or jumper you do not mind geYng ripped and possibly gardening gloves, then squeeze a berry or two. Leave them if they are rock hard but get picking if they feel squidgy. You will need 500g of berries for every litre of gin you want to make – that’s about an ice cream tub’s worth.

- lots of recipes say you need to either wait unMl the frosts have been to collect them or to prick each berry with a needle but neither is necessary. The reason for both is to break the skin so that the colour and flavours are revealed but as long as you have picked ripe fruit you can do this by vigorous shaking which is much less Mme consuming.

- check for bugs, remove any twigs and leaves, give the berries a quick wash and put them into a 1.5 litre sterilised kilner jar or similar.

- add 1 litre of gin – any type will work as long as it is not the cheapest. Use your favourite one as long as it is not too florally as those subtle flavours will be overpowered by the sloes. I have not tried it but have read that vodka works just as well if you prefer it to gin.

- shake vigorously for a few minutes then pass the jar to someone else to have a go too. You want to break the berries open and for the alcohol to start turning to pink.

- repeat the shaking every day for a week and then once a week unMl you want to drink it. The longer you leave it – years rather than months – the more mellow the taste.

- when you need it, filter out the sloes – keep these. See below.

- now for the sugar. Granulated is fine. Many recipes add it at the start but leaving it unMl later means you can taste for the natural sweetness of your infusion. You will need up to 200g but add enough in small amounts to taste.

- pour into some nice boales and enjoy. Serve with tonic, soda or fizz if you don’t like it neat.

I recommend you trying a berry. Definitely make children do it! Top marks if you manage to eat an enMre one without spiYng it out - its high tannin content will dry out your mouth no end!

And as for the lecover sloes I am going to make them into chocolates. I might soak them in some sugar soluMon for a few weeks but I will then remove the stones, chop the flesh up finely, melt some dark chocolate and mix it altogether. You can either form into small mounds or make a slab and cut into squares.

Sloe berries

If for any reason you cannot find berries or run out of Mme to pick some then just click on over to Ebay – lots of people up and down the country sell them.

Or, grow your own gin hedge – you can buy bushes in gardening centres and this is the Mme of year to plant them!

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Nature Notes Geese and swans I have really been enjoying watching and listening to the geese that have arrived in our area recently.

They are currently roosMng in the ponds each night on Red Moss, Netherley and it is an amazing sight and sound to hear more than a thousand birds fly up each morning to feed in the surrounding fields – sorry farmers! We have a mix of pink footed and greylag geese. Books say the pink foot’s call is a “wink-wink” but I think they sound more like squeaky bike wheels. Greylags honk, like farmyard birds would.

Whooper Swan © archive.org

I was however even more excited when blinking to see anything at dusk the other night I realised there were some swans in amongst the descending gaggles. Almost ghost-like fourteen of them flew in, landing on the water effortlessly, amidst the noise and chaos of their smaller cousins. This area is not known as a regular roosMng site for swans but a quick online check proved them to be whooper swans. Around 4000 birds winter in Scotland each year. They all come from Iceland, making the trip here in less than a day. It’s a family affair with this year’s cygnets flying here with their parents. They also all stay together throughout the winter and fly back again en famille to Iceland for the next breeding season. Whilst here, they eat grass, winter wheat and barley and any grain they can find in stubble fields and grass – sorry again farmers!

I will keep an eye out for them as they are so majesMc to see in flight but it is most likely that they will fly down to Montrose, Loch Leven or Lochwinnoch. For such large birds you ocen hear them before seeing them so keep an ear rather than eye out for them, even in complete darkness. Their wings make a hissing sound in flight and their call is a honk, like an old fashioned car horn.

Loch of Skene out by Westhill is the nearest place to see up to 200 of them as well as thousands of geese. It is definitely worth a visit if you like autumn spectacles. Park in one of the nearby unclassified roads and walk quietly to the water’s edge. Wrap up and do not forget the hot chocolate!

Mandy Tulloch

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Church Notices Maryculter Trinity Church of Scotland Church services Sunday 10.30am in Maryculter Trinity Church Activities for children who wish to come along.

Meeting Place Services with hymns accompanied by our Praise Band are held on the last Sunday of the month excluding July and August. For this year only they will be held on the 1st Sunday of the month during November and December.

Please note: All events are held in Maryculter Trinity Church premises unless otherwise intimated.

Having completed a long overdue refurbishment of out buildings, the congregation of Maryculter Trinity Church now meet in a warm, comfortable and fitting space for worship. The new suite of buildings has been designed for maximum flexibility to be used for a myriad of community functions. Throughout the ethos has been to provide a facility that will benefit the whole community and so fulfil our calling to bring God’s love and favour to all our parish. We pray that this vision might now be truly realised. We offer our grateful thanks to God for bringing these dreams to reality.

Should you wish to book the premises for an event please contact Mrs. Anne Massie.

December Monday 24th Family Service 6.30pm Watchnight 11.30pm.

February 2019 Friday 1st Burns Supper at 7.30pm to be confirmed Sunday 10th Communion. There will be a talk by Mr. Andy Martin from Mission Aviation Fellowship. Following the service there will be a Soup lunch with proceeds going to “Souper Sunday HIV/Aids” March Friday 1st World Day of Prayer at 2.15pm Fairtrade Fortnight 25th February – 11th March Big Brew Wednesday 6th March at Community coffee morning 10.00am-11.30am with Fairtrade goods on sale.

A Bible Study Group meet every Tuesday evening in The Manse at 7.30pm.

Please note that dates can change from time to time so please check with Rev. Mel Griffiths Tel. 01224 730150 before attending. This is ecumenical and open to all who are interested. Come along and join in reading and discussing a different bible passage each week, sing hymns, pray, and enjoy fellowship over a cup of tea or coffee.

Community Coffee Mornings are held on 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesdays of the month in Maryculter Trinity Church Hall from 10.00am – 11.30am. Fresh coffee or tea and home bakes £3.00. Come and enjoy chats with friends, and make new friends. We look forward to welcoming you. For further details or to arrange a lift, please phone either Helen Anderson on 01330 811754 or Mrs. Anne Massie 01224 732071.

The Guild led by Mrs. Hazel Griffiths is held on the first Monday of the month at 7.30- 9.30pm in Maryculter Trinity Church Hall from September to November and February to April. New members or visitors are always welcome to come and hear interesting talks, enjoy fellowship and a cup of tea. Further details from Hazel Tel. No. 01224 730150.

Fairtrade: We are a Fairtrade church which means we use, sell and promote Traidcraft products, and these are available at the sales table in the church hall every Sunday after the morning service.

Christian Aid: We run events throughout the year for this organisation and have helped many projects including Water Aid, Present Aid and HIV/Aids.

Blythswood Shoe Box Appeal 25th Anniversary As usual we are taking part in this worthwhile cause and leaflets and boxes are available at the church. Last year we sent away 51 boxes and we hope to increase that amount this year.

Boxes are due to be collected week beginning 29th October. Contact Helen Anderson 01330 811754.

Quay Project: For the past few years we joined a rota with other churches to help cater for homeless people in Aberdeen by making soup at Crown Terrace Baptist Church. Contact Shona Simpson Tel. 01224 712976 for more information or if you would like to help.

15

Church Notices Youth Cafe: Looking for something to do on a Thursday night?

Everyone who is in school between P7 and S3 is welcome and if you are a little older than that but still want to be involved why not come and help out? This rewarding experience allows you to get to know the wonderful young people in our community. We meet on Thursday evenings at Maryculter Trinity Church Hall between 7pm and 9pm and follow the school term. We currently have 40 members of Youth Café, who all live locally and come along regularly. There is plenty to do from football, table tennis and pool to board games and of course the tuck shop! Or just relax and chill out chatting with friends. On Thursday February 7th 2019 Mr. Andy Martin from Mission Aviation Fellowship will visit the Youth Café.

Contact Dianne Brown on 01224 734687 or 07801542154 if you would like to join the Youth Café.

Minister: Rev. Dr. Melvyn Griffiths Tel: 01224 730150 thehavyn@btinternet.com Session Clerk: Mrs. Joyce Mackintosh Tel: 01224 733495 joycemackintosh@yahoo.ie Church Treasurer, Caretaker and Hall Bookings: Mrs. Anne Massie Tel: 01224 732071 www.marycultertrinitychurch.org.uk

St Ternan’s Church The Scottish Episcopal Church is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, with seven historic dioceses covering the whole of Scotland bearing witness to faith today, and tracing a history back to the earliest known Christians in Scotland.

St Ternan’s is the northernmost Scottish Episcopal Church in the diocese of Brechin.

Worship At the heart of our worship lies the regular celebration of the Eucharist (10:30am every Sunday). Through the sharing of bread and wine we remember the death and resurrection of Jesus, seek strength for our daily lives and look forward to the coming of the kingdom of God. Through our liturgical tradition we seek to support people on their journey through life and to celebrate sensitively the beginning and end of life.

Ministry Team Services are led by our Ministry team. Please feel free to contact them for personal advice or assistance and for more information regarding baptisms, weddings and funerals.

Rectory 01569 730625 Mr George Masson 01569 739283 Prof John Usher 01569 731608 The Church is open daily during daylight hours for private prayer or just for a look inside.

Community Facility The church and extension can be used for meetings, community groups, private functions and concerts. There is a meeting room for up to 20 people, toilets and kitchen. The church also has large spaces at the front and rear available for concerts or large meetings and break out areas. There is disabled access and an induction loop for those with hearing impairment.There is also plenty of off-street parking plus 3 specific disabled spaces. Donation £6.00 per hour. Contact Sheila 01569 731608. Registered Charity SC023264 www.stternans.co.uk

St Mary’s Chapel, Blairs Masses and Services: Sunday Mass: 09:30 Holy Days of Obligation: As announced in the weekly bulletin, available on our website.

Confessions: On request, usually before mass.

Religious Education: After mass on Sundays Baptisms and Weddings: Contact Fr Mark Impson

The Parish of St. Mary, South Deeside Road, Blairs, Aberdeen AB12 5YQ Fr Mark Impson, Tel 01569 762433, Mobi 07734 529498m mark.impson@rcda.scot www.stmarysblairs.org

16

Guiding 1st Maryculter Rainbows 1st Maryculter Rainbows continues to be active and have fun! The Rainbows had a busy summer term completing a number of badges and activities including: a science and technology badge after learning all about forces, light and how rainbows are made, an international theme learning about different cultures, trying different foods, hearing language sounds and even dancing, planting potato seeds in spring, harvesting them and donating to the CFINE food bank in Aberdeen, a trip to the SSPCA animal re-homing centre in Drumoak plus enthusiastic participation in a jazzercise fundraiser for Cancer Research along with the Brownies raising an awesome £508.97.

The summer term ended with a trip to Stonehaven beach. We said farewell to some older girls and our leader of 2.5 years - a huge thank you to Rachel for her dedication to Rainbows!

Currently we are working towards our gardening badge; sowing seeds, building bug houses and comparing harvests! For the remainder of the year we are excited to be working with a new badge framework and seeing what fun and adventure we can find.

Rainbows is for girls aged between five and seven. They learn by doing – they get their hands dirty, do sports, arts, crafts and play games. For more information about Rainbows and Girlguiding, or to register your interest in joining please log onto www.girlguiding.org.uk.

Maryculter Brownies Last term, as the weather was so great, we concentrated on getting outdoors.

We did a lot of gardening down at Corbie and planted tatties, peas, carrots and onions, some herbs and strawberries too so we harvested them and the Brownies have been able to take some of each home.

We did a sponsored Junior Jazzercise Session with the Rainbows for Cancer Research and raised £508.97 Thank you so much to Lindsay Ewen from Junior Jazzercise in Banchory for giving up her time to help up. We ended our term with a Picnic at Drum Castle Some of us joined Girlguiding Banff and Buchan at Crathes Castle recently for their Fantastic Forests Event where we made Dreamcatchers and cut our own wood to make name tags. Lit our own fires and Toasted Marshmallows. Collected items to make a bug hotel and helped to eradicate that pesky non native species Rhododendron. We helped make Squirrel feeders and were blindfolded on a trail and learned about the different trees. And last but by no means least we made new friends and got our Forest Challenge Badge This term we are concentrating on Growing Guiding as for the first time in a long time we have a very small unit. It is too small to take them to Netherurd where we would like to go on a residential trip next year, so the girls have been busy designing posters to put up in the local community.

If you know any girls aged between 7 and 10 who would like to join us get in touch and register them on Girlguidings website www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-for-parents/register-your-daughter/. Lynn Murphy – Brownie Leader. Get in touch by email at maryculterbrownies@yahoo.co.uk

TENT FOR HIRE The Maryculter Scouts Group has a large canvas Mess Tent which is available for local community members to borrow in return for a donation to the Scouts Group. The tent measures 24' by 14' by 7' high.

It is a heavy duty canvas mess tent, and as such it comes with a steel pole frame and quite a weighty canvas. It requires a minimum of 3 people (preferably 5) to erect and dismantle it. To ensure this is done correctly the Group insists their own experienced tent pitcher helps with assembly. A donation of £50 minimum is suggested in light of the effort involved, especially if the tent has to be dried after the event. To check on the tent's availability and suitability for your event, please contact: Kevin Stewart on 01224 861048

17

Church Notices New Leaders required for Maryculter Cubs We’re conducting a search for one or more leaders to take over from the current team of leaders at Maryculter Cubs, who will retire at the end of the year. The Cubs is a large and active section of the Maryculter Scout Group, containing up to 24 (but more usually around 12 to 15) boys and girls from the Banchory Devenick, Maryculter, Cookney and Netherley communities. Leaders operate a parent rota to help out on Cubs nights, and the section also provides opportunities for young people volunteering through the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, so there is ample support available for running activities.

The section has a long history but was revived in 2007 by a group of six parents who shared the leadership duties. That model of co-leadership by a team of parents and supporters has continued ever since, and has allowed the section to be sustained amidst the pressures of our busy work and family lives. The Cubs have access to the Scout Hut in Kirkton of Maryculter, as well as outdoor spaces in the adjacent glebe field and Maryculter Woods with the kind permission of Maryculter Church and the Maryculter Woodland Trust. These spaces provide opportunities for a wide range of activities through the year depending on the skills and interests of the leaders, such as work towards badges for arts and crafts, woodwork, household safety, first aid and indoor games in the colder months, through to camping, outdoor cooking and nature-based activities in the spring and summer.

On occasions the Cubs have also visited the forests, lochs, moorlands and mountains in our area, and as far afield as the Cairngorms, for mountain biking, orienteering, sailing and hiking, and here again the help of interested parents and others with the local Scout group is available to support leaders. We are hoping to recruit new leaders during the autumn to allow time for a smooth hand-over and avoid a break in the Cubs programme of activities.

No prior experience with Scouting or the Scout movement is required, and the few hours training, conducted locally and online, can be timed to suit your availability. In particular, new leaders do not need to be a replica of Bear Grylls, as activities can be designed flexibly around your specific skills and interests. Above all, it’s fun and rewarding for leaders as well as the Cubs, and not as difficult as it might appear! For designing programmes, abundant experience exists locally, and the Scout Association also provides extensive online resources and guidance (e.g. https://members.scouts.org.uk/supportresources/search/?cat=12,67).

Please consider this opportunity, or perhaps discuss the scope to share the role with a group of friends as a means of spreading the effort and responsibility. If you would like more information or discuss any aspect of the role, please speak to or contact one of the individuals listed below.

Chair, Maryculter Scout Group: David Burslem (07792 736308, d.burslem@abdn.ac.uk), Group Scout Leader: Les Paterson (07760 165096, lesardoe@aol.com), Current Cubs Leaders: Iain Morrison (07738 455524, steg750@gmail.com), John Henderson (07841 203153, John.Henderson@archerwell.com), Rod Farquhar (07739 265527, rod.farquhar@apachecorp.com

A Message From Blaikiewelll Animal Sanctuary

Thank you so much for your continuing support. Blaikiewell has had a difficult year in spite of increased fund raising activities, including the sterling achievement of Nicola McNabb and Brenda at the Illuminator, as well as our fun dog show and the Christmas Ceilidh.

We have lost a large part of support from our founder, Redwing Riding School, due to the sharp downturn in business caused in part by the upheaval around the premises from the AWPR work. The livery is down from 22 clients two years ago to only eight as I write, and the Riding School has lost more than three quarters of its income as people, understandably, lost patience with the ever-changing road closures and the mud and dust right next to our land. We have always depended on Redwing’s support and although we knew the AWPR would impact the business we did not envisage such a big loss. With fifty horses, and feed and vet bills and overheads escalating to over £95,000 a year it is increasingly hard to raise enough funds.

Any help with fund raising would be greatly appreciated or perhaps you could introduce a friend to join our group or to sponsor a Blaikiewell horse or pony. The smallest donation is very welcome and appreciated but we have a special offer whereby anyone who donates £50 per month for one year can have a free forest ride every week (worth £23 a week) at Redwing Riding School. They may also visit to spend time with their sponsored horse whenever they wish.

We are always happy to see any of you if you would like to visit the horses. Every good wish for a joyful Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

Mavis Petrie, mpetrie@blaikiewell.org.uk 18

Scouts, Explorers and Music 1st Maryculter Scouts This year’s summer camp was held in glorious sunshine at a campsite owned by the Perth and Kinross Scout District near Crieff. Situated in a beautifully secluded valley, the site came with all the amenities we could hope for – apart from flushing toilets. The Scouts were kept busy with visits to Cultybraggan Heritage POW Camp, bagging a munro (Ben Vorlich), backwoods cooking, visits to Crieff and Comrie, and the traditional dunk in the local swimming pool at the end of the camp.

After a well-deserved break over the summer, we have started the new Scout term in earnest, with a full and varied programme planned. As well as the usual camping, we will be focussing on teaching the Scouts useful skills including cooking pizzas on a camp stove, DIY and navigations skills. The Scouts will also be preparing for an overnight expedition next spring and we’ll be working with them to start the planning for 2020’s international summer camp – the destination being the first topic for discussion.

The Troop is still small compared to previous years, so we are on the lookout for any boys and girls, ages from 10½ to 14, that want to give Scouting a try.

Modern Scouting’s goal is to give young people “Skills for Life”, develop their self-confidence and, above all, have fun!

Maryculter Scouts meet on Friday evenings from 1915 to 2115 hours at the Scout Hut in Kirkton of Maryculter.

Anyone interested in joining should contact Graeme Paterson (07817 483118)

Auchlunies Explorers Explorers aged 14-18 years meet at Maryculter Scout Hut fortnightly on Tuesday evenings at 7.15-9.15pm For further information contact Bob Michie, Tel: 01569 764536 (daytime), 01569 762082(evenings)

Scottish Accordion Music Group This gathering of accordionists on the second Sunday of each month in the Kirkton Hall, Durris is one of the musical highlights in Deeside. Keith Duncan leads with a series of rehearsed tunes, interspersed with songs and poems and a social break for soft drinks and nibbles. It’s a bargain for only £2 entry but there are only 100 seats so come early for the start around 7pm.

The group takes bookings for additional performances. Please call to make arrangements.

Secretary Irene Fraser Tel 01224 319484

Castles

Drum Castle, Garden and Estate Drumoak Castle, Shop & Tearoom, Gardens Grounds open all year round Tel 01330 700334 drum@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk

Crathes Castle, Garden and Estate

By Banchory Castle, Gift Shop, Cafe, Walled Garden Estate open all year round Tel 01330 844525 crathes@nts.org.uk ww.nts.org.uk

Dunnottar Castle

Stonehaven Castle open 9.00 -18.00 Tel 01330 860223 Email dunnottarcastle@btconnect.com www.dunnottarcastle.co.uk

Are you living or working within 3.5 km of the 12-turbine windfarm at Meikle Carewe?

If so, LEDS at Meikle Carewe are offering an annual discount of £122 off your electricity bill.

Find out more on 0800 011 3341

www.res-leds.com 19

Community Halls Solstice Nurseries Cookney Hall The hall is still being well used by local groups and the regular Cookney Cuppas are very popular. There was the Autumn Dance with Country Edition and two other events coming up are the New Year Ceilidh on 5th January and the Burns Supper on the 19th. These are both usually sold out so you’ll have to be quick!

More events are always being planned. To keep up to date with the latest news on what’s happening at the hall and how to obtain tickets, please see our Facebook page by searching on Facebook under Friends of Cookney Hall, then hit ‘Like’ to be kept up to date with posts.

We have a new addition at the hall in the form of the rag bag container. It is ready to accept your bagged and unwanted clothing, paired shoes, handbags, belts, bedding sheets, towels, curtains etc. The only items not recyclable are actual duvets or pillows.

The term BYOB normally associated with the hall can also now mean Bring Your Own Bag!!!!!

As always, if you’d like further information about hiring the Hall for a function or celebration, please contact Willie Angus on 01569 730123 or by e-mail at wgangus@btinternet.com

Corbie Hall & Field, Maryculter The Community Hall has been well used lately for a variety of events from one-off children's parties and the Friendship club whist drive to weekly Under 5s, Brownies, Yoga and Rainbows. On occasions there have been events during the day AND in the evening.

The committee has been encouraged by the demand for the hall and have undertaken a complete refurbishment of the toilets, doubling the provision for the female users and generally improving the toilet experience for all.

The next project is to replace the hall lighting with low energy LED units. One unit has been installed on a trial basis: it is brighter, comes on instantaneously, and does not hum.

After the big freeze last winter, the pitch eventually thawed out and much football has been played since. The surface is green and healthy meantime - let's hope for a favourable winter this time round.

Moles have proven a recent nuisance and have been successfully removed.

There is always some 'jobbie' to keep the committee busy. If anyone would like to become involved in the maintenance and upkeep of this Community facility, please make contact with the committee on 07960 231855 or email maryculterhall@yahoo.co.uk. Those are also the contact details for anyone wanting to enquire about booking the Hall or Football Pitch For hall bookings contact 07960 231855. Facebook: Corbie Hall and Field

Email: maryculterhall@yahoo.co.uk

It has been very busy here at Solstice and the fantastic summer meant we were kept on our toes with weeding and large orders.

We have also had some building renovation happening and now have beautiful new cladding which will help us keep the heat in this winter as well as making the building look much better.

At Christmas time we do our Christmas wreath and table decoration-making and get ready for all of our winter activities. This has been a successful year of events for us and it has been fantastic to see all those who have supported us.

We are a wholesale nursery, therefore we are not open to the public. If you do wish to purchase plants this can be done by appointment only. For information about our Open Days and the events we will be attending see out events page on Facebook.

Drumduan Walled Garden, South Deeside Road, Banchory Devenick, AB12 5YL Tel:+44 1224 865907 E: office@solsticenurseries.co.uk

Our smart new cladding on the building!

20

News from the Shed Portlethen & District Men’s Shed On the 28th May, after four years of hard work, Portlethen & District Men's Shed opened its doors.The Shed was officially opened by Mrs Carol Kinghorn, the Lord Lieutenant Kincardineshire, at a ceremony which was well attended.

We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to getting our shed up and running!

Currently we are open on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 10am until 1pm, however we may open an afternoon and either an evening or weekend from the Autumn depending on demand. If you would like to become a member, please let us know.

Our chairman Walter McMillan with Mrs Carol Kinghorn, The Lord Lieutenant of Kincardineshire

We have been concentrating our efforts on raising funds to meet our running costs and are manufacturing a range of garden planters from recycled wood. We have plans to make bird tables and nesting boxes plus other crafts. We are bringing back our popular Soup & Sandwich Lunch from Thursday 27th September. If you are interested in any of our activities, please get in touch.

You may have read in the press recently reports staying that there is no place for women in a Men’s Shed. The policy of Portlethen & District Men’s Shed is that anyone over the age of 16 who shares the aims of our organisation is welcome. Currently, we have over 70 members, 10 of whom are female.

Contact us via our website at portlethenmensshed.co.uk if you’d like to get involved and join in. More information about us and our supporters online. We look forward to meeting you.

Yoga @ Corbie Hall

G.S.I. Handyman Services

(beside the Old Mill Inn)

Get Someone In

Fridays 9.30 - 11.00 am Improve strength, stability, balance and learn breathing practices to enhance your wellbeing.

Every class ends with relaxation.

Suitable for all - beginners welcome.

I provide a Knowledgeable Friendly Handyman Service: Electrical work – Replacement Of Sockets, Switches, Light Fittings, Outdoor lighting Decoration - Painting, Wallpapering, Varnishing, Tiling

DISCOUNT FOR BLOCK BOOKING

Other Services – Shelving, Flat Pack Building, Laminated Flooring, TV Wall Mounting, Garden Decking/Fence repairs

Contact Laura for information and to book your place.

Above is just a sample of what I can do.

No job is too small, give me a call for a free quote:

E: lauralovesyoga@hotmail.com T: 07999 114011 Facebook: Laura Loves Yoga

Ian: 07594 897754 Email: gsi.handyman@hotmail.com

Classes also at Craigiebuckler Church Hall on Wednesdays 11.00am - 12.30pm.

Find me on Facebook page for pictures of my work.

Why DIY when you can G.S.I.?

21

Protect Banchory-Devenick Protect Banchory-Devenick South Deeside’s unique natural heritage is under major threat from an international developer – we have formed a new community group to save it.

Banchory-Devenick has been sold to a multi-billion-pound housing developer known as The Comer Group, owned by two Monaco-based Irish brothers – and this unique area of high biodiversity is now at risk of being turned into just another suburb of Aberdeen. The foreign-owned housing developer now has control of almost the entire area and intends to pave over this wildlife corridor with several thousand new houses, including 5-storey blocks of flats that would encircle Tollohill Woods.

Eventually, they intend to develop the entirety of Banchory Devenick.

This would be a disaster for wildlife. The area is home to deer, several species of bats, red squirrels, badgers and birds of prey. It is also an area of special historic interest with ancient woodland, as well as historic battle and gallows sites. And losing a much-valued rural resource to many residents in the surrounding area, both city and shire.

These proposals contravene policies on use of green belt land, environmental protection, and would worsen already chocked traffic at the Bridge of Dee bottleneck.

The high quality new town development a few miles away at Chapleton, as well as other new sites locally, have been unable to sell houses at the rates expected, and the City and Shire stock of unsold available properties remains at double historic average rates. This is a senseless destruction of our unique and irreplaceable natural heritage.

“Protect Banchory-Devenick”, a new volunteer group of concerned City and Shire residents has been created to preserve this land for animals and local residents.

The group welcome members free of charge, who share our aims, and would like to be kept informed, please see at: http://protectbanchorydevenick.org/ https://www.facebook.com/protectbanchorydevenick/ https://www.instagram.com/protect_banchory_devenick/ Images courtesy of Claire Cameron Photography

22

North Kincardine Rural Community Council (NKRCC) The North Kincardine Rural Community Council continues to be very active in your area.

Public attendance is good and we have a number of interesting topics which are discussed at every meeting. At the AGM in June we strengthened our committee and are pleased to welcome some residents from Banchory-Devenick, which we have always felt has been underrepresented in the Community Council.

Come along and find out what is happening in the community – and also how you may be able to take get involved. And enjoy a cuppa and a biscuit, and catch up with friends before the meetings – with grateful thanks to our secretary Mandi and members of the committee for providing the refreshments.

Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route By the time this lands on your doorstep, the traffic should be rolling! It is an exciting and historic moment for all of us in the area, and we shall soon be able to discover exactly what effect the AWPR will have on all of our lives. Will it solve a number of local bottlenecks, or will it simply be a development corridor, to blight the remaining countryside around Aberdeen? I had planned an unscientific experiment, to contact the Northsound Jambusters to see whether in a year’s time the traffic will still be held up at the same places! It remains to be seen what effect the road will have on traffic flows in and around Aberdeen and I expect it will take a good few months for the traffic to settle down. Like water, it will find its own route. In the future, could it mean the demise of that corner of Banchory Devenick and Blairs that lies east of the road, scooped into Aberdeen City to make the city a neat semi-circle on the map?

The Community Council continues to keep an eye on the dialogue which is on-going between the local councillors and the contractors, to see if more repairs can be made to the local roads. I am sure over the coming months a number of snagging issues with the road will continue and we will keep on the case.

It may be of interest to note that those house owners along the route corridor who have not been subject to a compulsory purchase order may be able to submit what is termed a “blight notice” once the traffic has been running for a year, if they wish to claim that the value of their property has been affected by the road.

And as regards lessons to be learned from a massive infrastructure project, I would say that in future huge improvements could be made especially as regards public information. Transport Scotland’s unwillingness to engage with any form of social media has led to many frustrations which could have been avoided.

Planning All local planning applications are reviewed at our monthly meetings. Where required, these are discussed and may result in a letter of concern, objection or support being sent to Aberdeenshire Council, depending on local views. You will find copies of all of these submissions on the NKRCC website.

The main topic of interest currently is the new Local Development Plan. In the next few months the Main Issues Report will be issued and we will be informing the meetings of the different bids for development in our area. One of the most significant is the proposal for Banchory Devenick and we hope to keep you abreast of any news here.

Other matters The potential sale of Clochandighter Wood has raised interest locally. There is a public meeting on Tuesday 9th October at Hillside School to discuss this and see how the local community wishes to bring forward any proposals for public purchase.

North Kincardine Rural Community Council Contacts Visit website and facebook pages to get the latest information Website : www.nkrcc.org.uk

Facebook: North Kincardine Rural Community Council NKRCC Email: secretary@nkrcc.org.uk Meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of every month at 7.30pm, except July and December.

Venue is Lairhillock School. All welcome.

We also have our agendas and minutes posted on the noticeboards at Banchory-Devenick School, Cookney Hall and Corbie Hall.

23

NKRCC Meetings Community Council meetings are held in Lairhillock School on the third Monday of each month at 7.30pm (no meeting in July, December meeting is on second Monday). We look forward to welcoming you along to hear what is going on and join in the discussions.

Henry Irvine-Fortescue, Chair

MP & MSP Maureen Watt MSP

“As readers will be aware I have long been pushing Aberdeen City Council for answers as to when the promised new primary school for Milltimber will be built. Given that it was agreed to some five years ago, it was not unreasonable for parents to suggest that it had been kicked into the long grass.

Thankfully, after much effort, we now have confirmation that the process to design and build the school is finally about to begin. A new school for the next generation is most definitely needed and this is really positive news for the local area.

Unfortunately, amongst this good news there does however seem to be a great deal of confusion regarding the actual costs involved with the development.

It does appear that the delays getting the project started has led to a rise in costs but, at present, the council seems unwilling to clarify by just how much. Hopefully, in time, they will reveal this important information to council tax payers.

On top of this work I have been continuing with my efforts to assist residents with queries relating to the AWPR prior to it being fully opened to the public. This has involved site meetings with residents and Transport Scotland, and it is vital that local concerns are addressed.

Of course, we did also have the recent Go North East Festival which gave members of the public the chance to walk, or indeed cycle, on the route. Although I am conscious of the frustration faced by many in the local area that they couldn’t access the site on foot, I was delighted to see so many take up the chance to enjoy this unique experience.”

Ross Thomson MP

I’m a passionate believer in the significance of events and tourism for Deeside and so was delighted to see around 3,500 people at the Deeside Food Festival in September. This was the fourth event organised by the Mixing Bowl Aberdeen and there was a packed programme of foodie-type events and 60 stalls. The food, drink and hospitality industry now employs more than 45,000 people in Scotland and accounts for a quarter of our manufacturing work force.

Another 19,000 skilled workers will be needed by 2024 because of its growth.

The Scottish target is to have a £30 billion food and drink industry by 2030 but that will depend on having the ingredients and infrastructure to back it. Our dinner tables and those of our guests are dependent on strong leadership over farming and fishing.

The Scottish farming industry must grow and prosper along with the rest of the sector, and the prize that Brexit offers is the opportunity to design our own support system better suited to a farmer’s needs. We all know the Common Agricultural Policy is flawed and we can do better. However, this opportunity has not been grasped by this government, but rather Brexit is being used as a delaying and scare tactic. I believe the SNP wants Brexit to fail to further their own political agenda. And it is disappointing that the recent Labour conference filled the media all about ways to possibly delay or hamper Brexit, including possibly campaigning for a new referendum.

The party's leadership wants a general election allowing Labour to take control of negotiations if it won. However some members want the party to pursue a "people's vote" on Brexit. If we want to continue the success of our food and drink sector, and it has been and continues to be a success – then we must pull together and seek the maximum benefit from our relationship with the EU.

24

Local Councillors Ian Mollison

On 11 November services were held across the country to mark the end of World War 1 exactly 100 years ago.

In common with councillors across Aberdeenshire I laid my wreath in the ward. This year I was at the war memorial at Kirkton of Maryculter.

Similar ceremonies took place in the ward at memorials at Portlethen and Cookney.

I find these ceremonies moving, and this year was especially poignant as we recalled those who died in our name. The First World War is now fading with only us older folk remembering grandfathers who fought in the war. My father’s father was left chair-bound and coughing, having been gassed on the Western Front. The last survivors are no longer with us.

I was recently in St Petersburg where I visited the Rasputin Museum at the Yusupov Palace.

Allegedly he was killed by a British agent for urging the Russian royal family to withdraw their country from the war.

At that stage, it could have resulted in the defeat of the Western Allies … and who knows how history would have turned out as a result!

There might have been no World War 2 and no European Union. But that’s another story.

However, Rasputin was poisoned, stabbed, shot and thrown in a canal … and Russia stayed in the war for a further 15 months.

Most of us have been fortunate enough not to experience war first hand. We should be thankful for that and give tribute to those that did serve. For those who returned but were left damaged we must help as best as we can.

Aberdeenshire Council supports the Military Covenant, a commitment to support those who have served, and their families, to make sure they are not disadvantaged.

As the AWPR project draws to a close with the amount of construction traffic greatly reducing, council officers are collating information to address the more permanent works required to reinstate the local road network. Mr Archer assured me the council is actively in communication with the construction joint venture to recoup the costs so the network can return to the condition it was in prior to the project starting - construction began on 19 February 2015.

Councillor Colin Pike and I have also taken the council’s chief executive Jim Savege on a tour of the ward to ensure he is aware of how much our local roads need urgent attention. Meantime any issues on the road network can be reported at http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/roads/contact-us.

Cllr Colin Pike Aberdeenshire Council like many households are experiencing ever increasing costs and yet we are under enormous budgetary constraints trying to deliver statuary services. Unfortunately some services will have to be cut and some non-essentials lost. Our key infrastructure assets of roads, bridges and schools are needing substantial investment and this is no easy task. I have tried very hard to bring common sense to many of our budget deliberations whilst reviewing our operational duties by suggesting initiatives and new ideas to reduce costs.

New housing demand and where it should go are contentious issues. The planning decisions we make can be thankless tasks as we are lobbied by developers and objectors alike. Our decisions will please some and offend others. It is not helped when planners and strategic forecasters seem to be at odds with what the public actually want and local decisions get overturned on appeal. The boom days of the 1980’s when some 3,000 house were being completed every year across Aberdeenshire are long gone and the demand suggests some 2,000 houses per year are now needed. However we already have grants of planning permission for some 40,000 houses, so it is up to the developers to build these out. Though economic challenges and the location of many of these sites prevent them being started, some under construction are not yet finished as intended.

Whilst many in the South Deeside View area will be well weary of this topic, the AWPR is a major infrastructure investment for the North East, which hopefully will bring all the promised benefits. My priority is to ensure that the repair works that are outstanding to the Council's local road network are satisfactorily completed with compensation monies and at no cost to the Council.

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Local Councillors Cllr Alison Evison This is the time of year when thoughts turn to the council budget which must be set for 2019-20, based on the priorities for local communities across Aberdeenshire. It seems that difficult choices will again have to be made, and new ways found to deliver essential services.

Councils are very limited in how they can raise money of their own and are dependent for their core budget on the financial settlement from the Scottish Government. In recent years this has been given as a one year budget.

There were ongoing discussions involving the Scottish Government and local councils about how more powers, responsibilities and resources, can be devolved to more local levels and how communities can have more say in how public services are run in their area.

Aberdeenshire Council is also exploring the use of participatory budgeting, which is a democratic way for people to have a more direct say in how money is spent in a way that meets identified local needs. It was discussed recently at the Community Council Forum. One benefit of “PB” as it is usually called, is that budget decisions draw on residents’ local knowledge and oversight and are more transparent. The process also often brings people together to discuss their communities, and gets more people involved. The intention is that eventually 1% of the council budget will be allocated through PB. In other matters – Dementia Friendly Portlethen celebrates the first year of its successful Boogies in the Bar in October. It is currently planning to expand to offer musical memory events and art activities for people living with dementia across North Kincardine. In addition, Portlethen Swimming Pool has begun offering Dementia Friendly Swimming sessions. Please get in touch with me if you or a relative/friend would like to join the developing dementia friendly community.

The council is keen to help people who own an empty property to bring it back into use. Advice and information is available by email to emptyhomes@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.

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Finally, as we have reached winter, maintenance issues are again topical. Unfortunately, the strict criteria put in place by the council for the allocation of grit bins have left some of our local areas feeling neglected. Details of the help that is available, and of the developing snow warden scheme, can be found at https:// www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/roads/maintenance/winter-maintenance/#resilience.

We’re going further to meet the needs of everyone in our community

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www.elainethompsonyoga.co.uk Facebook: Elaine Thompson Yoga

Chapelton Chapelton has enjoyed a busy summer with plenty of events and activities enjoyed by many locals in glorious weather. More importantly the development also witnessed a great deal of work on new houses and the surrounding area once the wet spring had passed.

Building activity at Brio’s retirement living has been moving at an incredible pace with enormous cranes on the skyline and buildings appearing to grow daily. The main central facilities must be completed before the first of the apartments and cottages can change hands and they are scheduled to be finished in the spring next year. The Brio offering is an entirely new concept and we are proud to be the first to open such a facility. The bistro area and main floor commands incredible views of the sea and looks down onto Liddell park which was finished and opened to the public in the summer.

The Stephen cottage courtyards are now finished and Bunting Place, where the houses front on to gardens, is coming on apace. The parks at the bottom of the development surrounded by AJC houses are now laid out and being used. Next door the allotment area has been cleared and all 16 plots have been snapped up so we are expecting some wonderful produce next year.

In the light of the challenging market, the collective of housebuilders has put their heads together and introduced many original and different options for the market. There are rental options on some of the apartments which have proved popular and we are hoping to bring on more retail and work on some affordable housing in the coming year. Fortunately, the market is now beginning to show a promising upturn and we are noticing an increase in visitor numbers this autumn.

Chapelton Fun Day

Chapelton picked up an Aberdeenshire Architectural Design Award at a recent presentation. The design is attracting a good deal of attention both in this country and abroad. In response to this our planners have launched a book outlining the history of new town building and demonstrating the design details that make Chapelton unique.

The weather was kind to us for the variety of outdoor events that were held throughout the summer. Our first 10k run through the Elsick estate and along some interesting contours was a roaring success with 250 participants and we held our third charity bike ride and walk raising £8,000 for NESS. Residents also organised a wonderful Family Fun day with a dog show and fairy treasure trail. More recently we have held Halloween pumpkin carving workshop and hosted a weekend long Locked Door escape room event. We want to offer something for everyone and welcome ideas for anything new.

We had our Christmas event on 6th December where we held a Christmas fair and a turn on of lights.

Remember, you can always walk the Chapelton trail or take part in one of Bob’s delicious dinners at Teacake during, and after the festive season.

Just go to chapeltonnewtown.co.uk to see what is happening.

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Woodman, Spare Those Trees! Part 3 by Callum Stuart We are reaching the concluding episode of this particular area of Maryculter History. Over the last year, I have led you thought the changing fortunes of the people and events which have shaped our local area. This has taken us from the estate of Maryculter being held by the landed gentry – the Menzies Family of Pitfodels and the Duff-Gordons- and from there, the land moving into private ownership and the Aberdeen Boy Scouts’ Association. In 200 years, the Mansion of Maryculter House passes through the families of Captain William Cosmo Duff Gordon, Cosmo Duff Gordon and Captain Guy Innes until it begins a new life, after WW2, as a hotel. The Mill Inn, too, has gone through several changes of ownership since the Pirie family sold up in 1946. Presently, since the dramatic flooding caused by Storm Frank, the Mill Inn remains closed and boarded up awaiting an uncertain future. The Bypass? Who knows? Maybe by the time you read this it will be open! Maybe.

So, it leaves that one final question- what about those trees? Just a little over 80 years ago, on 15th August 1938, Lachlann MacKinnon wrote “The riverbank, itself, right along from the Ferry up to Maryculter house has been acquired, and is to be handed over to the Deeside District Committee of the County Council to be preserved for all time as a resort for the inhabitants of Peterculter and of the Parish of Maryculter.“ Which all seems pretty clear-cut. However, finding out the present status of Lachlann MacKinnon’s legacy had to be investigated.

PRESENTING “Sherlock and The Mystery of the Woodman’s Trees”. Unlike most “whodunnits”, I simply present the facts and you can reach your own deductions and ultimate conclusions. All information stated is freely available through public records and the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. Are you sitting comfortably? ... then we shall begin…

In terms of the historical timeline regarding the ownership of the land - the land was handed over to the Lower Deeside District Council, by Mrs Pirie, on the 2nd February 1939. The title was transferred directly to the council with the purchase price being settled from the proceeds of the “Save the Trees” campaign. “The price £75 had been paid direct by the donors to Mr Masson, Mrs Pirie’s agent.” (Lower Deeside District Council 5th May 1939). A duplicate plan, dated 2nd February 1939, of the area which was transferred is held by the National Records of Scotland.

“On behalf of the subscribers of the purchase money Colonel Mackinnon requested the County Council of Kincardine to accept a gift of the grounds and trees to be retained upon it in the public interest, and to accept a Disposition accordingly from Mrs Pirie”. (LDDC 15th August 1938) Council minutes show before accepting the gift the council considered that “the liability on taking over the land was not serious” and “the Council was disposed to accept the gift in the public interest subject to conditions as to the expense of the fencing, titles and plans being arranged to mutual satisfaction”. They also thought that there were opportunities such as “some revenue might be got from letting the ground for grazing”.

On the 9th September 1939 it was decided “On the motion of the Chairman it was unanimously agreed to accept the gift, and the Clerk was instructed to convey to Colonel Mackinnon the cordial thanks of the Council and their appreciation of the public spirited action of the subscribers”. It was reported that “the ground was let for cattle grazing” on 4th July 1939.

Some work was recorded by the Council in a minute of 13th May 1941- “The Agricultural Executive Committee for Kincardineshire enclosing Formal Direction served by the Committee upon the Council for the repair of the flood bank on the River Dee”.

A further letter of agreement for grazing is recorded on 3rd May 1970 with the owner of Maryculter Home Farm. This shows a “lease of a piece of land near the River Dee had been completed and that the agreed rental would be £15 per annum payable half-yearly in advance with effect from 16th May 1970”.

By the 1980s, the local area is under the management of Kincardine and Deeside District Council. The Policy and Resource Committee met on 10th January 1985 to consider and offer it had received.

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The woods today “District Council Land Beside River Dee, Maryculter.

Submitted letter… offering to purchase an area of ground extending to approximately 9.54 acres beside the River Dee at Maryculter which [was] at present leased from the council. A local councillor then declared an interest and took no part in the discussion of this item. The Director of Legal Services reported that the land had originally been acquired in order that the trees be preserved, but otherwise the land was of no practical use to the Council. He recommended the sale of the ground … at a price to be fixed by the District Valuer, the sale being subject to a condition that none of the trees could be removed from the site without the specific written permission of the District Council. RESOLVED to agree to the recommendations made by the Director of Legal Services”.

The Policy and Resources Committee met again on 14th March 1985. It was again stated that “The Director of Legal Services indicated that the District Valuer was of the opinion that the value of the ground for sale… would be fairly stated at £1,700.”The List of Deeds records the transfer of the area on 27th June 1985. The conveyancing file in respect of the sale has not survived. It has been destroyed in line with present Council retention policies.

It took only 46 years (1939-1985) for the area, and the trees which began our story, to return to private ownership. For those of us involved in community-run ventures, such as the Maryculter Woodland Trust and St. Peter’s Heritage Trust, this should give us thought in how we presently manage and ultimately preserve these assets for the future.

I leave the last words to Lachlann Mackinnon, in his Deeside Field Article “A Lower Deeside Beauty Spot”: “The preservation of amenity is not to be sneered at or neglected. The beauty of Deeside has not only a sentimental value, but is a real commercial asset in these days of tourists, motor-cars, hotels, amusement and sport. What else will in the future keep our folk alive in the glens, now that the village trades are fast disappearing?

“Future generations will have to protect the beauty spot in their own way. We have done what we could in the meantime.” Elementary, dear readers. Case closed.

Callum Stuart

The riverbank and woods today…

Luckily, the woods mentioned above are now actively managed by the present owners as part of the farm and carriage driving enterprises. They are also fortunate to have a tree surgeon in the family who can attend to dangerous or fallen trees as required and maintain a watchful eye for any potential problems. During the horrific floods of 2015 the trees caught upstream debris and branches which stopped them floating further down to damage even more fences or property. Some evidence of the debris that gathered is still on site even today! Young trees that got washed away have been replaced and other ongoing planting continues as and when required. Over the course of time, the riverbank’s meandering ways have changed and left their mark. There is now a dried up riverbed where the river once pushed past around Inch Island and the Inch Ferry to take people across from one riverbank to the other is long forgotten.

As any landowner is aware, there is a duty of care to ensure the safety of any users of the land. This is a costly business but necessary as it is still continues to be used by community groups today. Due to the land’s close proximity to Templar’s Park, the scouts and their local and international visitors use the riverbank and surrounding area for campfires, fun and games. Similar to several decades ago, livestock still grazes on the parks and the same natural wooded areas remain. Tracks are cut and maintained to allow easy access for farm tours and birthday rides for the adjacent Riding For the Disabled centre. The Riding group can then ensure people with learning difficulties enjoy carriage driving adventures around the scenic riverbank and woods in comfort and safety.

In recent years, the beech trees have been suffering. The sandy soil and an overabundance of water has resulted in a weakened root system incapable of supporting their majestic canopies. With each storm one or two more of these fine looking trees succumb to the wind and fall to the ground and have to be replaced. So, what happens to the felled wood? It’s recyled into new things to be used and appreciated, like log seating and sculptures to be appreciated. All this ongoing management helps sustain the opportunities for continued enjoyment of the woods and surrounding areas both now and well into the future.

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Useful Contacts Home Deliveries Neil Gammie, Fernieflatt Farm, Kinneff

Free range eggs, hay/straw bales. Tues/ Fri. Order before 5pm day before. Min £8.

Cash/Chq. Also at Stonehaven market 1st Sat of month.

01569 750374 /07790 558880, Email: fernieflattfarm@amserve.com, www.fernieflattfarm.co.uk

Fish George Fairweather

Delivers west of the B979 road on Thursday afternoons and east of the road on Friday from 11am. Phone orders ahead to establish approximate timing.

07974 311326

Coal J.H. Roberts of Auchenblae

Delivers orders in our area on Monday mornings. Smokeless fuels / domestic coal for stoves and open fires.Wood pellets, recycled wood briquettes, peat, soft wood logs, heavy duty plastic coal bunkers and kindling both for delivery and collection.

01561 320335 www.johnroberts.co.uk

Cookney Community Hall

Bookings

Willie Angus 01569 730123 Email: wgangus@btinternet.com

Maryculter Community Hall & Corbie Field

Bookings

07960 231855 Email: maryculterhall@yahoo.co.uk

Library

The mobile van visits fortnightly on Thursdays 12 & 26 April, 10 & 24 May, 7 & 21 June: Maryculter, Fernieslack Cottage at 9.20 - 9.30am Banchory-Devenick crossroads at 9.45 - 10.15am

01651 872707

Kincardine & Mearns Community Policing Team’s dedicated ermail address: StonehavenLowerDeesideCPT@Scotland .pnn.police.uk

Emergencies 999 or 112 All non-emergencies 101 Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Drugs Information Line 0800 371 553

Police

Farm Shop Cafe Reservations 07546 979510

Open 7 Days 9am to 5pm Mon to Sat 10am to 5pm Sundays Farm Shop, Cafe, Soft Play (ages 1-6 years) On site Butchery Live Milking Cheesemaker Devenick Dairy, Bishopston Farm, Banchory-Devenick, Aberdeen, AB12 4RS info@devenickdairy.co.uk www.devenickdairy.co.uk 01224 782476

Bus Services Number 204 Stagecoach Bluebird

Aberdeen/Strachan/Aberdeen via South Deeside Rd (Blairs, Kirkton of Maryculter,Durris) www.stagecoachbus.com

Dial-A-Bus Number 22 & 23 Kincardine & Mearns A2B Dial-ABus

Wheelchair-accessible door-to-door 01224 665599 transport for people who have mobility difficulties/limited public transport.

Registration required.

No.22 Thursday weekly Stonehaven - Netherley - Cookney - Portlethen Downies - Findon - Portlethen No. 23 Tuesday weekly Kirkton of Durris - Kirkton of Maryculter - Blairs - BanchoryDevenick - Portlethen

REDWING RIDING SCHOOL

01224 212266

Eastland Lodge, Maryculter, Aberdeen AB12 5FS

Do you have pony-crazy kids?

Would they just love to spend time with horses, learn a lot about them, make new friends and most of all have fun?

We now hold weekly groups where pupils do thirty minutes of horse care, spend time with their ponies and learn about a new topic every week. Then they have a one hour lesson or hack.

Andrew Bowie MP

andrew.bowie.mp@parliament.uk Facebook: Andrew Bowie MP

0207 219 2791

Maureen Watt MSP

maureen.watt.msp@scottish.parliament. uk Facebook: Maureen Watt

01224 876743

Councillor Alastair Bews

cllr.a.bews@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

01224 784594

Councillor Alison Evison

Twitter @alison2812 Facebook Councillor Alison Evison: Scottish Labour in North Kincardine Email: cllr.a.evison@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

07876 475386 Twitter @alison2812

Councillor Ian Mollison

cllr.i.mollison@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Facebook: Councillor Ian Mollison

07747 638348

Councillor Colin Pike

cllr.c.pike@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Facebook: Cllr Colin Pike

0777 909 5385

Saturdays from 2pm until 3.30 £28 Telephone: 01224 732952 or message us on Facebook page

TOP TIP from Recycling & Waste Aberdeenshire

Did you know that you can recycle your turkey foil and foil trays? Best practice is to make sure they are clean, scrunch up a few together and put into your recycling bin.

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Police Scotland Aberdeenshire Library Service Library Services Did you know that we offer a wide range of enewspapers and emagazines from our providers Press Reader and RBdigital. You will need to join a library to be able to read and download items. Then you can browse e-magazines and more, without having to sign in.

Press Reader PressReader is the world’s largest online newspaper kiosk, where you can browse and read thousands of newspapers and magazines.

It contains more than 7,000 publications from over 120 countries in over 60 languages. You get 30 days access. After this period you are required to reactivate your access. You can reactivate as many times as you wish. You can also download the app for Apple and Android mobiles and tablets/ RBDigital With RB Digital, you can borrow and download as many items as you like to read offline on your tablet or smartphone. You can also use your Kindle Fire and similar reading devices plus keep the e-magazines permanently!

Did you know?

You can borrow an e-reader! They come preloaded with 100 classic titles, but you can also download e-books or e-magazines using the built-in wi-fi. Included is a charger, USB connection and full instructions in the box with the e-reader.

Find out more at aberdeenshire.gov.uk under Libraries, e-resources.

Culter Den Taxis

Local & Long Trips Senior Citizen Discount Airport Transfers Fully Licensed and Insured Up to 6 people Quick Service Safe, Friendly & Reliable

Call Dennis on: 07818 831652 31

Diary Dates 2019 Jan 05 New Year Ceilidh, Cookney Hall 09 SWI, Corbie Hall 19 Burns Supper, Cookney Hall 21 NKRCC Meeting Feb 13 SWI, Corbie Hall 15 Cookney Cuppa 18 NKRCC Meeting Mar 14 SWI, Corbie Hall 18 NKRCC Meeting Apr 10 SWI, Corbie Hall 14 NKRCC Meeting 19 Cookney Cuppa May 08 SWI, Corbie Hall 18 Plant Sale, Corbie Hall 20 NKRCC Meeting June 12 SWI, Corbie Hall 17 NKRCC AGM 21 Cookney Cuppa Aug 16 Cookney Cuppa Oct 18 Cookney Cuppa Dec 06 Cookney Cuppa

Zumba gold is a LOW INTENSITY dance class which is perfect for the active older person or those looking for a modified Zumba class.

TUESDAY 1.15pm-2.15pm, Jubilee Hall Portlethen WEDNESDAY 9.30am-10.30am, Culter Mills Club FRIDAY 9.30am-10.15am, Ardoe House For more info contact Siobhan 07791865173

Opening Spring 2019 at Chapelton

Brasserie & Bar

The South Deeside View Published spring and autumn

Coffee & cakes, spacious lounge, al fresco dining, delicious home-cooked meals, fine wines 32

Lynne/Mandi 01569 739132 sdeesideview@yahoo.co.uk

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