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The
Fountain
A Community Magazine for Aboyne
Inside your Autumn issue:
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Issue 14, Autumn 2018
... News ... Groups ... Features ... Club Directory
STRACHAN’S Serving Royal Deeside for Four Generations
Newsagents
Ice Cream
Confectionery
Photocopying & Laminating
Wines & Spirits
Hardware
Haberdashery
Malt Whiskies
Lottery
Calor Gas
Balloons & Party Gifts
Pet Foods
Stationery
Toys and Puzzles
Paints
Grocery
Gardening
Delicatessen
Fishing Supplies
and lots more...!
450+ Whiskies and 80+ Gins in stock including Deeside’s own EENOO Gin Fireworks in stock from October 15 to November 10 and December 26 to 31 – Aboyne store only
By appointment to HM The Queen General Merchants
Main St Aboyne AB34 5HT 013398 86121
2 Golf Rd Ballater AB35 5RE 013397 755452
www.georgestrachanltd.com
By appointment to HRH The Prince of Wales General Merchants
Want in the Fountain?
Autumn Arrives
For advertising and editorial, please note the copy deadlines below and use the contacts listed at the bottom of the page Fountain Copy Dates 2018/19 Winter Spring Summer Autumn
Deadline Nov 9 Feb 22 May 24 Aug 23
Publish Dec 1 Mar 15 Jun 14 Sept 13
Contents News 5 Playgroup Thriving 7 Treasure Island 8 Canoe Cathedral 12 Future Group 14 Mdcc 18 In Lady V’s Shoes 19 Councillors’ Contacts 20 History Group 22 Classic Abode 26 Bonfire Night 29 Church’s Letter 30 Club Directory 32 Advertisers’ Index 34 Ad Rates/Copy Dates 34
Welcome to Issue 14 of The Fountain I just love this time of year, when change is in the air and several clubs and organisations welcome in their new season of activities and events to see us all through until spring. The summer heatwaves are now but a distant memory – you can find details of this year’s Bonfire Night celebrations on p29 and the Upstage Panto on p11! I am delighted as always to welcome new advertisers to The Fountain, and even more excited about the recent adoption of a new title, The Banchory Fly, coming in December. Watch this space... Thank you to all our advertisers and to anyone who contributed copy about their group, organisation or event. If you want some space, get in touch. Thanks also to Sheena Wright, who supplied this issue’s sunny cover photo. Cat Houston – Design/Editor
get in touch via email to catrionahouston@yahoo.co.uk
or call Cat on 013397 55243 www.myriadpro.co.uk find us on facebook
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Do you have something to share? An upcoming event or achievement? Group or individual, let The Fountain know what you are up to, using the contacts on p3 and 34.
AHG cheques out
Bee Group all abuzz
Tarland Bee Group is delighted to have reached its fundraising target to create a new apiary in the village. The £2,500 online crowdfunding target was topped by an anonymous donor, who won a beautiful Mel Shand bee painting. The group plans to build the apiary in a walled garden near Tarland, to enable them to teach beekeeping to more people. It will include a hive shelter, a shed for teaching and storing equipment and a wildflower meadow. The apiary got planning permission in June 2018 and the group hopes to have the it ready by next spring.
The success of 2017’s Aboyne Highland Games is being felt throughout the area after organisers granted £6,000 of donations to 12 local community groups. A bumper crowd helped to boost gate receipts at last August’s event, which marked its 150th anniversary and was attended by Her Majesty The Queen. Donations ranged from £250 to £1,000 and benefit a wide spectrum of the local population. Aboyne Highland Games traditionally donates around £1,000 each year to local good causes and a philanthropic aspect of the event has existed since at least 1884, when educational bursaries were offered to local scholars. Praesmohr Nursing Home residents and staff accept a donation for their Residents Amenity Fund from AHG committee member Kenny McPetrie (right) AHG secretary Morag McBeath (left) hands over a cheque to Aboyne Primary Parent Council for its playground appeal
AHG chairman Alistair Grant presents a cheque to 2nd Aboyne Brownies
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Aboyne Academy Christmas Fair Saturday 24th November 18 Deeside Community Centre 10-2pm Adults £3 and Children £1 (Includes tea/coffee and cake!) Gifts, cards, jewellery, candles, books, various crafts, and much more!
01975 571775 07792 830780
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Local family business Oil and biomass boiler servicing and repairs New boilers sold and installed with 5-year warranty
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Playgroup Growing! from chief Caroline Bremner
Aboyne Playgroup is growing from strength to strength. With the new committee on board and generous donations received from the community, the playgroup has no plans for closing. A staggering £1,013.38 was raised over the summer holidays by holding pop-up cafés, messy play and a stall at Aboyne Games. The committee would like to thank everyone who donated, helped and supported our events. Over the next coming months, we have a few more events, including Deeside Photographics for your family photos, a Halloween Pop up Cafe, Christmas Fayre and a Bring a Party to a Party. Since the summer term started we have had 10 new children enrol and some have started their settling in period. The children are actively involved in helping make their harvest/autumn themed wall which will then lead into Halloween. They have had days outside collecting items, doing tree rubbings and paintings. We have had a visit from Lynn from Tesco for a Farm to Fork session and we have a Little Owls date with Pip Wright for some woodland learning. We are now open Mondays to Wednesdays, 9.20-11.20am for 2-4 year olds, with the aim to have a Thursday session again if numbers continue to increase. We have three highly qualified and experienced practitioners to run the sessions. The sessions cost £9 which include a snack. We provide a safe, happy and caring environment for your child to learn through play, and support them emotionally, socially and intellectually. At present we do not have a parent/helper rota so you can catch up on your housework, do your shopping, go to the gym or have a cuppa while your child/children play and learn. If you would like some more information about our playgroup or your child to come for a free taster session, please contact aboyneplaygoup@gmail.com or find us on facebook @AboynePlaygroup1. Once again thank you to all for your continued support, we would not have gotten here without you.
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Ready for some adventure – then heave ho me hearties, hoist the Jolly Roger and plunder that treasure! Yes, this year we are taking you all to sea, with our production of the highly entertaining, swashbuckling and hilarious TREASURE ISLAND! Piracy is big box office these days, so you are bound to lap up this true panto version of this sea-faring classic! Get your tickets early and join us on December 2nd, 5th-8th in Aboyne. Tickets available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/up
Specialist Outdoor Clothing
made in Royal Deeside, used Worldwide Ballater Road, Aboyne T: 013398 86062 E: sales@hilltrek.co.uk www.hilltrek.co.uk
elma munro aromatherapy Specialist Treatments Aromatherapy Facials Thai Hand + Foot Massage Aqua Chi Detox . Reiki Purpose-built tranquil and calming room just on the edge of Alford Can help boost the immune system helpful with aches and pains, depression, anxiety and much more 01975 562646 elmamunro61@hotmail.co.uk Find me on Facebook: Elma Munro Aromatherapy
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A seated exercise class which builds confidence in the older adult. 100% of our clients report that their confidence and fitness improved since working with our coaches. Build your confidence, come to class Exercise reduces the fear and risk of falling Socialise with people like you. Aboyne and Dinnet Church Hall | Wednesday 10:00-11:00am Studio Address: Fitness Her Way, Space 2B, Bon Accord House, Riverside Drive, Aberdeen AB 11 7SL info@fitnessherwayltd.co.uk | M: 07773021851 Laura | M: 07857273238 Lydia
YOGA CLASSES
For HEALTH, VITALITY & WELLBEING Postures to improve Mobility, Strength & Flexibility. Deep Relaxation for a Peaceful Mind & Restful Body.
Classes are suitable for all abilities.
Men & Women. Beginners are very welcome. THE HALL ON THE GREEN. ABOYNE TUESDAY @ 18:30 – 20:00
THURSDAY @ 10:00 – 11:30
£36 x 6 block classes/£8 drop-in
PLEASE BRING A YOGA MAT & BLANKET
WEAR LOOSE COMFORTABLE CLOTHING
For further information contact: Brenda (BSY)
013398 83628/07958 194647/brendatwigger@yahoo.com
Supplier of quality softwood, hardwood and kiln dried firewood logs to Aberdeenshire and city 07979 494190 alfordfirewood@gmail.com facebook.com/alfordfirewood
Feeling the need, the need for speed? Fitness Her Way’s Laura Walker has guidance for the older adult
Speed is an unusual fitness component to speak about in terms of older adult fitness. Speed is the ability of the body to move from A to B and how quickly it can do so. This can be the whole body, a limb, muscle or muscle group. Moving at speed requires strength and power. The definition of speed is relevant to older adults, but perhaps not as you know it. Speed is used in, and thought to be only relevant to, many sports such as basketball, football and rugby. However, your reaction time is closely related to speed. Reaction time is the ability to perform motor skills as rapidly as possible, essentially the ability to move quickly and is a key skill in sport, and daily life. Reaction time is very important as we age. Such as the ability to place a corrective step to stop us from falling over a paving stone. The ability to place a hand out on a worktop or furniture to keep us upright. Or the ability to move a little faster to catch a bus. With the right exercise this can be successfully achieved. Your reaction time and speed can be improved, at any age, with exercise. Usually exercises such as power lifting and other sports-specific exercises. For example if you play basketball, during training you add sprints in-between the goal shooting practice. This simulates the sprinting encountered during a game, up and down court prior to goal shooting, under the exhaustion from sprinting. As an older adult, we still move, complete a task and then move again. For example, have you ever gone to sit in a chair and realised half way down there is something on the chair which you don’t want to sit on, and then you need to stand up again? This is your reaction time and ability to quickly control your body weight. In our Strength and Balance exercise classes in Cults, Mannofield, Aboyne and Banchory we consider exercise for your balance, strengthening and speed of reaction during our programmes all of which improves confidence also. We know exactly what to put into the exercise programme for your to achieve the power to move, the speed at which you wish to move and keep your balance to be confident during movement. Speed is a great component of fitness to training, for all ages, you’ll work to your own speed and not anyone else’s. To develop your speed training you are looking at working at a 55-85% intensity of your maximum strength. If you are unsure where your maximum strength or want a more personal exercise programme, our 1-2-1 fitness programmes are unique to you. Give us a call to discuss your needs.
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Club Welcomes “Canoe Cathedral” writes David Woods
Excitement is set at fever pitch as the long overdue Aboyne Canoe Club shed enters its final stages of construction – just in the nick of time! Despite ACC being a well established club it has always been without a permanent base. Following the dissolution of a long-standing agreement with a private landowner and facing imminent eviction from the current storage space, Chris Redmond and Child Protection Officer Dale Kitching completed a series of funding applications to a variety of trusts. Thankfully five years ago forward-thinking Club Chairman Chris had already begun the process of making plans to create a purpose built riverside storage unit. After securing funding of 35% of the total shed cost from a series of smaller donors, a huge sum of £78,638.94 was triggered from The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas (LEADER). Special thanks must also go to: £10,992 from Crerar Hotels Trust, £10,000 from EB Scotland, £5,000 from the Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation and £2,250 from Scottish Hydro Electric Community Trust. Expenditure was substantially reduced by the contribution in kind of DWR Architecture, who oversaw construction operations. Although still in construction, the cavernous space has already been dubbed the ‘Canoe Cathedral’ and substantially increases storage space with capacity to facilitate an ever-expanding club membership and further equipment purchases. The kayak shed is positioned in convenient proximity to the river Dee and will provide easy access for both children and the disabled. Great care has been taken to ensure that the construction does not interfere with local flora – the shed was built between huge protected trees and to further minimize damage done to tree roots even the foundations were excavated by hand (at great cost). In order to mitigate fire risk the shed itself is constructed from steel on a raised bed and great care is being taken to reduce visual impact by painting the facade green and camouflaging the exterior with a planted screen of saplings. With the Duell Family Trust guaranteeing the shed site’s land usage in perpetuity for a token rent of £1 per annum, Aboyne Canoe Club’s stated purpose of ‘more people paddling more often’ has grown exponential potential.
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Fraser Taxi Stuart Fraser – Aboyne
07872 067693 6 & 8 passenger vehicles Wheelchair accessibility Trailer hire also available Most cards accepted Member of the Taxi Card Scheme
“Far ev’r yae wint tae ging”
Group Has An Eye On The Future Clubs bring science to the area’s youngsters
A number of after-school science clubs have restarted with the new term, including Craigievar Explorers: Mondays 3.30-4.30pm; Hi-Tech Towie: Tuesdays 4-5pm; and Tarland and Logie Coldstone Young Scientists: Thursdays 3.30-4.30pm. In mid-September we launched “Everything Electronic” a new initiative for families aimed at helping youngsters over the age of 10 to learn electronics, robotics and coding skills. It will be run as a club for youngsters and young adults, but mum or dad will be welcome also to come along and work on projects. It will be based at the MacRobert Hall, Tarland, every Monday except when we need the hall for adult talks, and it will run from 6.30 to 8pm. The Winter Talks programme is progressing well and we shall shortly be publishing it on our website www.futuregroup.org.uk. We are moving to Monday nights this year, and we have a programme of both local and wider interest. We have designated the weekend of 16/17th March as the Mad March Festival Weekend. Details are still being worked up and the whole programme (including the inschool programme) will depend on fundraising. We need more volunteers to run after school activities or to help us run the charity. We have already scaled back our afterschool clubs this year to exclude the 2019 summer term so we can also offer some limited support to other local schools. This is a direct result of us having too few volunteers. If you cannot give any time, then please help us with funding. If you buy online via Easy Fundraising or Amazon Smile, you can choose to make us the beneficiary of their charity donations on your purchases. Currently we are also a Co-op local “Good Cause” so if you have not already made us your preferred Co-op “Good Cause”, please do by logging into your Co-op account. The easiest way to find us is to look under “education and skills” charities and change the distance to 15 miles, hopefully we should come up. Reach out a helping hand to the next generation and help the young to be successful. I cannot promise you a reward in heaven, but I can promise that you will enjoy it. You can contact us at info@futuregroup.org.uk
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Marywell Smiddy Ballogie Aboyne Aberdeenshire AB34 5DL gavindinnie@msn.com www.gavindinnie.co.uk Find us on Facebook:
Gavin J Dinnie Roofing Services
Munara Cycle Solutions The perfect place for your pet. Heading away on holiday? Your cat will be comfortable and cared for at the brand new, purpose built Cattery in the heart of Glenbuchat. Rest assured, your’re in safe hands.
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services . checks . repairs . new parts problem solving . Bicycle weight reduction punctures . wheel building/repair tuning . rider positioning Buggy/pram tyre repair boxed christmas bikes assembled + checked Munara, Gallowhill, Alford, AB33 8NE 019755 62646 . 07969 963209 nuvolari1953@hotmail.com facebook.com/munaracyclesolutions/
SCILL is hosting a themed Support Session featuring a talk for teachers at the Aboyne-Dinnet Church Hall, Huntly Road, Aboyne on November 29th. SCILL is an Aberdeenshire charity for parents and professionals who share a common interest in the difficulties experienced by some children as they develop through their early years and then move through the education system. “Children and young people with poor mental health – how can we best support them in school?” will be presented by Michelle Skellern for teachers and other professionals at 7pm. The talk will be followed by a support session for anyone who would like
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Meets every Monday 10am to 11.30am in the Community Room within Deeside Community Centre, Bridgeview Road, Aboyne, AB34 5JN. Whether you are pregnant, a new mum or an experienced breastfeeding mum, come along for a chat and a cuppa. NHS PEER SUPPORT ALWAYS AVAILABLE to meet with others with experience of caring for children with additional support needs. All are welcome. Email admin@ scill-aberdeenshire.org.uk for more info. www.scill-aberdeenshire.org.uk
Tree Surgery Qualified & Experienced Tree Surgeons covering all aspects of tree surgery, Including stump removal & 24 hour emergency call out
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The recently re-formed Mid Deeside Community Council (MDCC) is made up of local volunteers from the Aboyne, Dinnet and Kincardine O’Neil area. We meet monthly to discuss various issues and projects relevant to the community, and the public are welcome at these meetings. Over the last couple of months, we have distributed a survey for people to complete as part of forming a new “Community Action Plan”, one of our key projects. The closing date for surveys of 21st September was extended into October. We are now busy collating all the data ahead of an open “drop-in” event in the Victory Hall Formaston Room 3-5pm Sunday 18th November and 10.30am-12 on Monday 19th November, where the public will have another chance to give their views. The results will provide valuable evidence of the needs and wishes of our community which will be used by local organisations, individuals and government decisionmakers to help achieve improvements. After further consultations, we are planning to launch the final version of the Aboyne Community Action Plan by Easter 2019. The Committee would like to thank all those who have supported the survey, the various premises that allowed survey copies to be distributed and publicised and the Marr Area Partnership for advice and technical support. The Committee does not have the resources to address every issue raised, nor was it established to do so. We are, however, in a strong position to lobby our local councillors and apply for available grants. We need your support and will be looking for willing people to participate in various working groups that need to
be formed. Examples in place now are: exploring with local businesses their interest in the formation of an Aboyne Business Association, improving road safety on Ballater Road, development of a significant new Notice Board for the Aboyne Village Centre to better communicate what our area has to offer and, as part of a wider communications strategy, incorporating development of an information-for-all website. We have refurbished the old MDCC noticeboard which is on the wall of the TSB in Aboyne. Notice of our meeting venue and dates will be posted here and on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook. com/middeesidecommunitycouncil ). The forthcoming agendas, approved minutes of the council and the dates for our Action Plan event will also be confirmed on Facebook and the notice board. If you want any further information about MDCC, or wish to join us, please email middeesidecommunitycouncil@ gmail.com
It’s that time of year again where the leaves fall crisply under our feet, smoke can be seen coming from chimneys throughout the village and most girls look cute in plaid (I myself always seem to resemble a notso-distant relative of Elmer Fudd). It is also the time of year that the fruit trees in our garden are ripe for harvesting. Since moving to Aboyne three and a half years ago, this has always been a weekend family activity. I will admit, in previous years it has been mostly my husband collecting the fruit while the kids and I eat our body weight in plums fresh from the tree. Now however, the kids, and I for that matter, are that little bit older and ready to get fully stuck in. I have already been scouring my recipe books in anticipation for our crop and have grand ideas of chutneys, jams, pies and
in
Lady V’s Shoes A column on village life from Victoria Kennedy crumbles. For those who know me, this is a not so subtle clue to your Christmas presents this year. Autumn is also a time for me, and for many others, to start coming back indoors, replacing the suncream for chunky knits, and beginning the warming, home welcoming, nesting ritual. I love my home to reflect the seasons (at Christmas it can verge on obnoxious) and handmade knickknacks are often found scattered about. I still have the Halloween clay pumpkin tea light holders that I made with my mother years ago, and have since added pom-pom spiders that I made with my children to our creepier selection of crafts. But, what has this got to do with Aboyne? Well, my ramblings have been leading up to this – me singing the praises of Tangletree Studio in Station Square. Over the summer holidays it became almost a second home to my kids and me. Jenni and Alex organised some wonderful craft workshops for the young ones that were cheerful, colourful and a little chaotic (what activity involving 4-year-olds isn’t?). My home is now adorned with pirate ships flying their Jolly Rodger flags, beaded snakes slithering out of cups and the most vibrant ice cream fridge magnets. I know that they have got some Autumn workshops lined up, for both adults and children, and I will absolutely be signing us up for them. I’m not sure what the themes are yet but I have my own hopes and ideas. Maybe a nice skeleton to go with my bats and pumpkins...
Councillors'
These are your Ward 15 councillors
Contacts
Cllr Peter Argyle
01339 882973 07801 900843 cllr.p.argyle@ aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Cllr Geva Blackett
01339 741541 07876 475269 cllr.g.blackett@ aberdeenshire.gov.uk
CRAIGIEVAR GARDENERS Garden design Garden maintenance Landscaping David 07759 977387 019755 81278 Wendy 07831 440848 019756 41778 wendysimpson@hotmail.co.uk
Cllr Paul Gibb 07388 956148 cllr.p.gibb@ aberdeenshire.gov.uk
This is your MP and MSP
Westminster
Andrew Bowie MP 0207 219 2791 andrew.bowie.mp @parliament.uk
Scottish Parliament Alexander Burnett MSP 0131 348 5642 Alexander.Burnett.msp @parliament.scot
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Aboyne CamperVans Camper Van Conversions Full and Partial Conversions Undertaken Lightweight Furniture / In-House Design & Manufacture Rock & Roll Beds / Elevating Roofs / Privacy Windows 12V Charging Systems / LED Lighting / Fridges / Hobs
www.aboynecampervans.co.uk info@aboynecampervans.co.uk
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Firewood also available James Anderson Bridgefoot, Glenmuick, Ballater 013397 55997 / 07821 746756 weejim03@live.co.uk www.weejim.com
Cromar History Group’s Winter Schedule 11th October 2018 – Craigievar Castle with Jim Fiddes 8th November 2018 – Adventures in the Archives: Exploring Themes from Aberdeenshire’s History with Prof. Marjory Harper Cromar History Group has unveiled its new winter programme. All the winter talks are held in the MacRobert Hall, The Square, Tarland, beginning at 7.30pm. Entry is £4 and all are welcome. If you would like to join the email list so that the group can remind you of forthcoming talks, or if you are interested in becoming an active member participating in projects, you can email them at: info@ cromarhistorygroup.org.uk
13 December 2018 – The Aberdeen Bestiary with Prof. Jane Geddes 10th January 2019 – The Deeside Line with Mike Cooper 14th February 2019 – The Shieling System in Scotland with Fred Gordon 14th March 2014 – The Old Ship of Zion: Singing the Gospel along Scotland’s North-East Coast, 1859-2009 11th April 2018 – When the Ice Goes, the River Flows
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Slating and Tiling All aspects of Roofing, Guttering and Cement Work Mark McCubbin 01339 887081 07727 619302 mkm.slaters@gmail.com Find us on Facebook
Can’t get anyone to do those small jobs? Tap washers, cleaning and repairing gutters, drains etc. Reasonable rates No VAT
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TAIJI QUAN QI GONG
QIGONG (CHI KUNG) Learn to relax, calm your mind and increase your energy levels.
MEDITATION For classes in Banchory or Aboyne call Jane: 07816 493930 For classes in Ballater call Ursula: 07999 691191
www.taichiaberdeenshire.co.uk
MEDITATION Develop inner awareness and mental focus in a supportive atmosphere.
Interested in Befriending? Charity running two-day course
Kincardine and Deeside Befriending is an organization which aims to reduce social isolation and loneliness in older people by matching them on a one-to-one basis with a volunteer befriender. The Charity is running a two-day training course for prospective volunteers on 24th November and 1st December. The Deeside Coordinator is Maggie Dornan and she would welcome enquiries from anyone who might be interested in volunteering. Please ring Maggie on (01330) 823368 or email her at Maggie.dornan@ kdbefriending.org.uk to learn more.
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Fallen Leaf Compost
with Classic Abode’s Moira Gash After a beautiful summer, it is nice to see all the wonderful shades of autumn all around us. However, at some point soon once the winds start to blow, these colourful leaves will begin their downward descent to lay across many a garden lawn, path or walkway. Rather than see them as a nuisance to be tidied up and swept away, did you know that fallen leaves make wonderful free compost? Consider collecting and storing them until they turn into a rich compost mixture, which you can then reuse the following year to enrich and feed your garden beds. Composted leaves contain leafmold, which has high amounts of calcium and magnesium, both important to healthy plant growth. Leafmold also retains moisture that, when added to garden soil, helps young
plants stay hydrated. Leaves usually take 6 to 12 months to break down into compost on their own and can be stored in black sacks or into compost piles or bins.
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For all your Garden & Landscaping Projects & Maintenance
www.classicabode.co.uk
. Members of The Gardeners Guild . Bradstone Assured Contractor . Trades Advisor Awards Winner . . Free Estimates . Friendly & Professional Service .
Moira: 013398 82496
Dinnet, Aberdeenshire
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Aboyne Fireworks Event 2018 Remember Remember the 10th of November
The Aboyne Bonfire and Fireworks annual family event will take place this year on Saturday 10th November on the Aboyne Green. Tom Faichnie, Chairman of the Aboyne Bonfire Co-operative, said that the community had once again come together to plan an event that would be both safe and great fun for families: “With the co-operation of groups from our community, we have planned an event that will be great fun. I want to thank everyone for continuing to support this event, which we hope will be bigger and better than ever.” The bonfire will be lit at around 6pm and the fireworks will start at around 7pm – with the extensive display again anticipated to be more spectacular than last year’s impressive spectacle. Food will be available at a stand run by the Rotary Club and further community groups will have stands selling glowing sticks and hot drinks. Stalls will open at 5.30pm. Keeping with tradition, the Guys for the top of bonfire will be made by the boys and girls of the local Cubs, Scouts, Brownies and Guides groups. “To help us to build an impressive bonfire, we’re calling on anyone with spare timber or firewood to drop if off to Aboyne Green between 10am and 4pm on the day,” said Mr Faichnie. “We are also looking for additional volunteers to marshal on the night and help with the set-up of the event.” Event organisers have worked closely with the local fire service to make sure that the event is run safely. Mr Faichnie added: “I want to remind families to help make this event safe and fun for everyone, please do not bring any personal fireworks to the event”. This annual fun evening only takes place with the continued generosity of donations from the public – volunteers will be raising money to cover the costs of the communityrun event. To volunteer to marshal and to keep up to date with the latest news on the event, please go to www.facebook.com/Aboynefireworks/
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Letter from the Churches
Dear Friends, Autumn seems to have arrived here in Upper Deeside, judging by the wind, rain and storms we have had recently. The trees are already turning their gold and copper hues, and the days are getting quickly shorter. Despite the dry summer, this seems to have been a fruitful year. The brambles are ripe for the picking, and the weight of the apples are bowing down the tree branches. In our churches, this is the time of year when we celebrate our thanksgiving. Not just thanksgiving for the harvest but thanksgiving for life in general. For countless generations, people have met to say thank you for all the positives in their lives and to think about their future and where it may lead them. This is a time of new beginnings, of possibilities and of hope. In the fruit contains the seed for future. In our lives there has been love and laughter, joy, sorrow. Good times and bad times. Periods when life has been calm; and periods when there has been unrest and violence. Yet still life continues. What will happen next? Well, that’s up to us. Whether we like it or not, we have power to change things. Often that power is used by not using it. We rely on others to make the big decisions, to lead us, to tell us what to do. Yet how we react, what we do, say, or think, impacts on everyone we meet, influences every one we meet. It is up to us to think of what seeds we want to plant, what harvest we want to grow. Do we want to plant seeds of hatred, intolerance and injustice. Or do we want to plant seeds of love, of joy, of hope, of peace? Christians try to live our lives by the commandment Jesus gave us: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and soul, and love your neighbour as yourself”. We frequently get it wrong,
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and St Thomas’ News with Vittoria Hancock for which we apologise. But we try. In our churches we attempt to welcome first and judge second – we sometimes get that wrong as well. But for us each Sunday is a new beginning, a chance to assess our lives anew, to begin again, to plant seeds of love in our lives the lives of those around. As human beings, we should try in our lives to “practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty”. So as we celebrate this autumn season in our lives, let’s try in our community to do so; let us use our power to make this place a better place. With every blessing, Rev’d Vittoria Hancock, St Thomas’ Episcopal Church; Father Chris Brannan, St Margaret’s Roman Catholic Church; Rev Frank Ribbons, Church of Scotland
News from St Thomas’
We have had the joy of entertaining the Aboyne After-School Club on a couple of occasions, teaching them more about the history of Aboyne itself and helping to create the story of the tower of Babel in flowers. We enjoy having them with us to explore life in all its fullness. We have celebrated with families as couples have got married, and rejoiced with others as we have baptised their children. At St Thomas, our first Sunday on the month is usually a very short 30 minute service, with a few songs, prayers and activities. This is aimed at people of all ages, from 0 – 100. St Thomas’ is working
on becoming a welcoming church, and looking especially at providing a service for the elderly and also for those with dementia and their carers. This first Sunday service is particularly suitable for this. If you are interested, just want to know more, or would like to try us out, please either just come along at 11.15, or phone the Rector, Vittoria on 013397 55919. We are looking forward now to our autumn and winter events. Advent Sunday this year is on the 2nd December, when we have our usual service at 11.15am, followed by mulled wine and mince pies. Our Christingle service takes place on the 2nd as well, at 3pm. Our ecumenical service of nine lessons and carols will take place on the 9th December this year, then our Crib Service on the 24th December at 4pm. We are also hoping to repeat our Nativity Crib Trail through the village this year. All are welcome to any of our services or events.
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Club Directory
This directory is compiled using Aberdeenshire Council’s club information. If you know or discover any of the details to be incorrect, or if you wish to add your club’s details to it, please get in touch. 1st Aboyne Brownies Anne Silcock, District Commissioner, 013398 86332 2ndaboynebrownies@gmail.com 1st Aboyne Cubs Bernie Cassie, 013398 85390 bmkh67@yahoo.co.uk 1st Aboyne Scouts Tuesdays 7.30pm-9.30pm (term time) 1staboynescouts@gmail.com Badminton Club Richard Seeber, 013398 89307 rseeber861@gmail.com www.aboynebadminton.org.uk Canoe Club Chris Redmond, 013398 86241 aboynecanoeclub@gmail.com aboynecanoeclub.co.uk/ Craft Club Karen Sheldon, 013398 86495 kds_cc@btinternet.com Drop-In Games (young autistic adults) Jenny 07899 977033 jennydurward@yahoo.com Garden Club Jim Campbell, 013398 85511 campbej9@yahoo.co.uk Golf Club Fraser Dunlop, 013398 86328 (Option 1) pro@fraserdunlopgolf.co.uk www.aboynegolfclub.co.uk Judo Club James McBeath, 013398 86049 mjmcbeath@btinternet.com
Library Book Group Fiona Robertson, 013398 86004 aboyne.library@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Baby & Toddler Group Friday, 10am-11.30am Deeside Community Centre. aboynetoddlers@hotmail.co.uk Probus Club Eddy Horton aboyne_probus_sec@btinternet.com Rotary Club of Aboyne & U-Deeside John Halkett, 07815 676314 Scottish Country Dancing Ruth Housden, 013398 81613 thousden@gotadsl.co.uk Sub Aqua Club Gary Shire, 07443 439453 gary_shire@yahoo.co.uk Sooyang Do Martial Art Colleen McIver, 07889850229 colleen_mciver@msn.com Also in Torphins Tennis Club aboynetennis@gmail.com Twinning Association Maureen Forsyth, 013398 86704 moforsyth@gmail.com Deeside Camera Club David Packer, 01330822666 davidpacker00@gmail.com www.deesidecameraclub.org/ Deeside Gliding Club Glen Douglas, 013398 85339 office@deesideglidingclub.co.uk www.deesideglidingclub.co.uk Deeside Heritage Society Dr Douglas Riach, 013398 85488 douglas.riach@btinternet.com Aboyne Highland Games Morag McBeath, 013398 86049 morag.mcbeath@btinternet.com Cromar & District Horticultural Society Mrs Jess Gibb, 013398 81277 Cromar Future Group Lesley Ellis, 01339 880062 info@futuregroup.org.uk futuregroup.org.uk/ Cromar History Group Lesley Ellis, 01339 880062
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info@cromarhistorygroup.org.uk www.cromarhistorygroup.org.uk Finzean SWI Louise Counsell, 01330 850323 louisecounsell@ymail.com Lumphanan Golf Club Joyce Wilson, 013398 83480 secretary@lumphanangolfclub.co.uk www.lumphanangolfclub.co.uk Lumphanan Whist Club Irene Thomson, 013398 83365 Tarland Curling Club Lesley Farquharson, 013398 81534 Tarland Golf Club Carole Foreman, 013398 81000 secretary@tarlandgolfclub.co.uk www.tarlandgolfclub.co.uk Tarland Playgroup 013398 81193 tarland.playgroup@gmail.com Tuesday Stravaigers (Walks) Anne Heath, 013398 81558 abheath@hotmail.com Upper Deeside Art Society Rona Mitchell udasmemsec@btinternet.com www.udas.org.uk/ Boulers o’ Birse Petanque Club Info.boulersobirse@gmail.com Saturdays 10-12, Birse & Feughside Church, Finzean. Come the lighter nights we also play on Tuesday evenings from 18:30. Swimming Upper Deeside Amateur Swimming Club Richard Smout 07494455196, richard. smout58@gmail.com; Alan MacLeod udasc.treasurer@icloud.com Tai Chi Classes in Aboyne, Ballater and Banchory www.taichiaberdeenshire.co.uk
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CHRISTMAS DAY CELEBRATION Tuesday 25th December 2018 12 noon to 8.00 pm (last orders) Greet the spirit of the season with a special, three-course dining experience of traditional dishes served in our stylish brasserie setting. FEATURING: Festive Arrival Drinks Coffee and Golden Mince Pies to Finish Full menu available upon request £65 per adult | £32.50 for children under 12 Located within Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Craigendarroch Braemar Road, Ballater, AB35 5XA Reservations are required and taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Book your table while space is available: Search “Ballater” on resdiary.com | +44 (0)13397 55858 | higvc@hgv.com Please mention “FOUNTAIN” when booking.
Please Note: Cancellations after Monday 26th November 2018 or no-shows will incur full charges. Reservation times cannot be changed upon arrival. © 2018 Hilton Grand Vacations Inc.
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The Commercial TARLAND
At The Commercial, ‘big chain’ mentality is definitely ‘off ’ the menu. Instead, you will find an intriguing mix of Scottish regional cuisine and modern international classics, all prepared in-house using the best of available regional produce. The full menu, along with snacks and light meals, is available all day, and a children’s menu is also available with under-2s eating free. Warm, friendly service in the newly refurbished restaurant, cosy lounge bar or attractive beer garden ensures The Commercial is one not to be missed on your travels. We are situated just a five-minute drive from the A93 at Aboyne or why not stroll the new ‘Tarland Way’ walk then relax and enjoy a meal or light refreshment?
Food Served Daily 12 til 9pm Group Bookings and Private Functions Welcome Xmas Menu Now Available see website or call for details Sunday Lunch from £14.95
013398 81922
www.thecommercial-hotel.co.uk