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School's facilities enhanced by house-builders' fence funding

Banchory-based Bancon Homes has enhanced facilities for Life skills pupils at Banchory Primary School with the installation of a new fence.

The fence will allow children who previously had restricted outdoor access, to play safely and enjoy various outdoor learning activities for the first time in their own fenced playground.

The fence was funded by Bancon Homes and installed in conjunction with Aboyne based, Christie Fencing. The school’s specialist Life Skills Group provides support to pupils who need specialist social and emotional support.

Deputy head John Hughes said: “The new fence now allows for safe outdoor play resulting in the children feeling more independent. From the first day of term the children using the Life Skills room were outside, playing with equipment that gives a range of sensory experiences and enhances their learning. It is an exceptional addition to Banchory Primary School. We have further plans to brighten this outside area with a range of equipment to stimulate learning. "Our experience with Bancon was excellent. From the initial point of contact with Diane Stewart to communication with Jim Campbell it was extremely positive. Jim set up a few meetings with Earl Bashforth of Christie Fencing. They made suggestions and listened to what we were ideally looking for. There was nothing that was too much trouble. "Some would say to put up a fence cannot change a school, yet over the last three weeks we have seen small changes in our pupils that would suggest the opposite. A massive thank you to Bancon and Christie Fencing for their very generous gift of the fence and the impact for all our pupils at Banchory Primary.”

Allan Clow, Managing Director of Bancon Homes, said: “We’re delighted to make this small improvement to the facilities at Banchory Primary School and It is fantastic to hear what a difference it is already making. We hope pupils get many years of enjoyment from their new playground.”

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Present Arti sts + Makers

Hazeedazeedesigns Ivy Mati lda Bright Star Jewellery Sooki Coo Candles Heather's Wood Craft s Trina Stark Angela Bolt Christi ne McLennan Deb Munro Hugh Ferguson Elsa Brown

New initi ati ve's doors open to showcase local arti sts

From Number One to Studio 1!

Following the former's move to another part of Scott Skinner Square, the new initi ati ve aimed at supporti ng local creati ves and providing aff ordable retail space opened its doors at the beginning of November.

Featuring original art by local arti sts, individual and handcraft ed items, local informati on and guide books, Studio 1 also has a range of Banchory themed gift s, including dram glasses, postcards, photo and map mounts, calendars, Heritage Walk books, and Farmers' Market jute bags to carry them in! Perfect present for the Banchory ex-pat in your life, or any resident fans.

Pictured on the easel above is one of two exclusive designs by V and Me Paperie, both of which feature an elegant illustrati ve style that hits all of Banchory's highlights!

The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm. www.visitbanchory.com/things-to-do/ shopping/studio-1/ email studio1sssq@gmail.com 7