Fountain The
FREE!
A Community Magazine for Aboyne The end of an era? Or time to get a shoe-in...
issue 29 SUMMER 2022
STRACHAN’S Serving Royal Deeside for Four Generations
Newsagents
Pet Foods Ice Cream
Confectionery
Photocopying & Laminating
Wines & Spirits
Hardware & DIY
By appointment to HM The Queen General Merchants
Toys and Puzzles
Malt Whiskies
Lottery
Electrical Goods
Main St Aboyne AB34 5HT 013398 86121
Haberdashery
Stationery
Grocery
Calor Gas
Light Bulbs and Fittings
Balloons & Party Gifts
Paints
Gardening
Delicatessen Fishing Supplies
and lots more...!
2 Golf Rd Ballater AB35 5RE 013397 55452
www.georgestrachanltd.com
By appointment to HRH The Prince of Wales General Merchants
Want in The Fountain?
For adver�sing and editorial, please note the copy deadlines below and use the contacts listed at the bo�om of the page DEADLINES . FEB 1 . MAY 1 . AUG 1 . NOV 1 PUBLISHED MAR JUNE SEPT DEC
CONTENTS
Welcome!
to Issue 29 of The Fountain Wow, we are just packed with news this issue, there is sooooo much happening in Aboyne and surrounds. Have a great summer and get stuck in... I HAVE A NEW EMAIL ADDRESS! Please send all comms, whether for advertising or editorial, to myriadprocat@outlook.com Remember that community information is FREE to include in these pages, so if you have any news for the Autumn edition (out early September), tell me about it by August 1st if you can. Enjoy!
Cat Houston Design/Editor
Cover Story Victory Hall 100 Town Twinning Your Co-op ArtAboyne Scotland on Tour Films are back! FareShare Aboyne Rotary Branches Out Meet Your New Cllrs Love Your Logos... Advertisers’ Index How To Advertise
because
not everyone
is on facebook
get in touch via email to MYRIADPROCAT@OUTLOOK.COM
or call Cat on 07805 731401 find The Fountain on facebook
6 10 13 15 16 20 23 25 27 33 36 38 38
Golf Lessons at Aboyne Golf Club Sessions available for all levels of golfer Beginners always welcome Junior Development Program Easter and Summer Golf Schools Video analysis and Club Fitting All golf equipment and apparel available
E:pro@aboynegolfclub.co.uk
Save your family worry and expense with a Golden Charter funeral plan from Berriedale Funeral Home. Pre-pay your funeral director’s services
Plan the send off you want
Contact William Paterson & Kathleen MacIntosh today to find out more:
01224 747774 www.berriedale.net info@berriedale.net
Berriedale Westhill AB32 6TR
In association with
flexible payment options
GC-LIFT 29700 - 0322
Plan ahead with your trusted local funeral director
Help protect your family from the worry of funeral costs
making property move aspc.co.uk
Kick back. Our member agents have got you from for sale to sold.
Do you have something to share? Group or individual, let The Fountain know what you are up to, using the contacts on p3 and 38.
Cover Story: Ooh! Ooh! Business opportunity is ripe for the next generation... A Station Square stalwart is up for sale! Monkey Business has been supplying the village and surrounding area with children’s shoes, clothes and gifts since 2008. Proprietor Audrey Gray feels it’s time to pass on the banana baton. Audrey told The Fountain:
“After almost 14 years of running Monkey Business in Station Square, I’m looking to see if there would be anyone interested in taking it over. With my family life ever changing, I feel that I’m ready to move on to a new chapter which will involve more time for myself, my family and my hobbies... I suppose you could kind of say early retirement. Monkey Business has been very well supported in the community and it’s been very rewarding to see the business grow and to get to know my lovely customers and my suppliers. However, I feel that the business would benefit from being brought up to date with the modern ways of shopping, ie website, social media etc, all of which is just a step too far for my ageing brain to get to grips with! If this is something that interests you or someone you know, drop me an email and we can arrange a chat.” monkeybusinessforkids@live.co.uk
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The Fountain was founded here! Featuring Audrey on the front page feels a lot like coming full circle for me, as it was while working at Monkey Business in 2015 that the idea for The Aboyne Fountain was established. I was astonished that a place the size of Aboyne did not have its own community magazine! We even held the launch night for the first issue in the shop and Audrey has been so supportive of this little venture, I will always be indebted to her. The Station Square site is a prime location for building a business and the new enhancements will only add to the benefits of investing in the area. And the booming number of families choosing Aboyne to raise their children will also supply a steady stream of growing feet needing to be shod locally. Wishing Auds all the best for her next chapter. Cat x
Work for yourself? We can help you
Pop in, or register online for free advice, training and events Aboyne Hub, Business Centre, Huntly Rd www.e3hub.org
“What I say is, a town isn’t a town without a bookstore.” – Neil Gaiman, American Gods
YEADON’S of BANCHORY Come and visit your local book shop... Open Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 4pm We are also very happy to accept book orders by email and over the phone if you’d prefer to limit your time in the shop Thanks to all our loyal customers for their continued support We look forward to welcoming new customers too
Books | Cards | Gift Wrap | Ordering Service | Gift Wrapping | Dogs Welcome
20 Dee Street | Banchory | AB31 5ST | 01330 822221 | banchory@yeadons.co.uk
The Paper Girls
“Putting the community at the heart of everything we do”
A community-focused shop, selling and delivering a wide range of newspapers, magazines, confectionery, stationery and local produce
OPEN Monday to Friday 0530-1600 Saturday 0530-1600 Sunday 0600-1200 Charleston Road | Aboyne | 01339 886847 | thepapergirls607@gmail.com
See our Facebook page for updates and new developments
Grooming is booming business for family team
Producing locally in Aboyne, Stuarts is a father-and-son business dedicated to crafting quality men’s grooming products that capture the spirit of Scotland. Our products are handmade in small batches using the finest ingredients; we have created a range suitable for every man, from beard oils and balms to post-shave skin tonics that smell and feel like no other. They also stock quality combs and brushes. Stuarts set out from the get-go to create a sustainable and environmentally friendly business – all ingredients are Fairtrade, cruelty-free and responsibly sourced. The team recently pursued a grant from Aberdeenshire Council to acquire an electric van for transport and delivery. You might be able to catch sight of its distinctive livery when out and about in the Aberdeenshire area. We sell online at www.stuartsfinegrooming.co.uk and supply to several local businesses and independent barbershops. We frequently have stalls at events and craft fairs, and will also be at many of the Highland Games this summer, including Aboyne. Check our website for news on upcoming events. Our plans for 2022 include releasing a new, premium range of beard oils and balms using essential oils, and all-new products including a moisturiser, beard wash and moustache wax, along with stocking high quality razors and shaving products. www.stuartsfinegrooming.co.uk/ www.facebook.com/StuartsMensGroomingProducts
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The founding stone of the Aboyne & Glen Tanar Memorial Hall was laid on 7th May 1921, making last year the official centenary day. However, now Covid restrictions have been lifted, we want to mark the hall’s 100th birthday and bring together our community with a day of celebration on Saturday 18th June. It will be a day where our local heritage society, schools, Trustees and community groups will tell the story of the hall, as once they were reading rooms, a cinema, jumble sales location etc. There will also be a cafe and a new local ceilidh band has been formed to entertain in the evening. We are are launching a fundraising campaign and seek community engagement on the future the community sees for the hall. If you would like to join in the planning or on the day please get in touch via the website www. victoryhallaboyne.com/centenary.html Below: Present and former Trustees alongside some centenary volunteers.
from James Littlejohn
10
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Aboyne set to welcome its twins from Martignas-sur-Jalle A lot of planning is under way as the Aboyne Twinning Association finesse the suggestions and proposals for the 2022 visit of our French visitors and friends from Martignas-sur-Jalle this summer. Arriving on August 4 for five nights, ATA members have not been short of ideas of how to entertain the visitors, who hail from the outskirts of Bordeaux. The biggest attraction for the Martignas inhabitants is undoubtedly the wonderful Aboyne Games, around which a balance of local (and perhaps further afield) activities and events will make their stay memorable and reinforce our twinning partnership. A Twinning tent is planned for the Games so do remember this on the day, and come and say ‘Bonjour’. All the answers to your Twinning questions can be answered there! Spoiler alert: our French guests stay in the homes of Twinning members in Aboyne and surrounding villages, and this is reciprocated by hosts in Martignas. It really is all about friendship, experiencing a different culture and
country to ours, and having lots of fun too. Families, singles, couples will all find something to delight and enjoy. If being part of the Twinning Association is something you have considered, you are very welcome to contact: aboynetwinning.chair@gmail.com
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Engage older people in rural communities in Deeside Organise events and activities for physical and mental wellbeing Connect and meet new and old friends Help you learn new skills and have fun!
www.youngatheartdeeside.org.uk
youngatheartdeeside
News from your Co-op store with Gemma Massie, Aboyne Member Pioneer The aim of Aboyne Co-op’s Member Pioneer is to keep you all posted on any community support, local causes and upcoming fundraisers. You can contact Gemma via email to gemma.massie@coop.co.uk or through her personal blog on Facebook: www. facebook.com/Aboynememberpioneer
Stephanie Vandem, Aboyne Artist in Residence, hosted a Tile-making Workshop as part of Live Life Aberdeen shire’s Wellbeing Festival.
The Co-op wants to support groups that – bring people together to access food – improve people’s mental wellbeing – provide opportunities for young people to help protect local biodiversity or tackle climate change If you know of any local groups that fit these criteria, please let them know that applications for the Local Community Fund are open, and close by May 29. Apply at coop.co.uk/causes
15
Exhibition 23rd July - 13th August news from Lorna Purvis
Royal Deeside’s annual Pop-up Art Exhibition features artists from all over the North East of Scotland. This will be our 18th year. We have managed to keep going despite Covid; in 2020 we had an online exhibition and we were back in the Victory Hall 2021. This year, 48 North East of Scotland artists will be exhibiting their work. The 12 volunteer artists on the committee work all year round towards this exhibition which makes it the success it is. Look forward to seeing you all at the Victory Hall.
16
years 30we’ve on...
moved!
Original outdoor clothing Made in Scotland. Used worldwide. At Hilltrek we’ve been hand cra ing performance outdoor clothing on Royal Deeside for 30 years. Our story now continues in larger premises at
Deeside Activity Park.
hillgear.s
cot
Hilltrek clothing • Páramo shop • Outdoor clothing repairs
www.hilltrek.co.uk
01339 886062
Gorgeous, affordable collection of ethically sourced sterling silver, gold and gemstone jewellery curated by Aberdeenshire mother-daughter duo, Ursula and Hannah.
@silverstoryltd
SilverStory
www.silver-story.co.uk (scan for website)
When times are tough, don’t stop ADVERTISING!
The Fountain relies on advertising to pay for its design and printing and I am so grateful to our regular advertisers. I am always delighted to welcome new advertisers, and you can see details of costs and deals etc on p38. At Myriad Pro Publishing, advertisers are not just a space on a page. Your investment allows the publications to promote the activities of local groups and event organisers at no cost to them. New customers can also benefit from introductory editorial features, and there are perks to being a long-term advertiser too, as well as discounts for featuring in the Alford and Banchory publications. The business landscape and publicity methods are changing all the time, and especially at the moment! So if you have any ideas on how The Fountain can further support you, do let me know. No matter if you are on the main street, out in the sticks, working from your spare room or just operating online, I will help if I can. Have you started a new business in the Aboyne area? Want a mention? Get in touch.
The Fountain represents a unique opportunity for you to promote your business to a targe�ed area at reasonable cost. Ad rates start at just £15 for a small ad (A7 size). Around 1,500 copies are distributed through the doors of residences in the village, prominent spots in the local community and within businesses willing to stock it. Geographically it covers Aboyne and the surrounding areas and includes Tarland. All Myriad Pro Publications are also available to read online at issuu.com
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eBikes and eCargo Bikes Made in Germany
1:1 half-day e-bike tutorial free with each bike
firetrail.co.uk Aboyne, 013398 85247
An exciting initiative to support the recovery of Scotland’s live music industry has included The MacRobert Hall in Tarland on its itinerary. Genre-spanning acts will appear the breadth and length of Scotland with country, rock, pop, jazz, classical, folk and acoustic genres all being showcased. The MacRobert Hall will host four concerts in 2022 and the first on June 18 is Gaelic super-group and un-challenged champions of straight in the eye Highland music, Daimh. Formed around the turn of the century and taking the name from the Gaelic word for “kinship” Daimh (pronounced Dive) have taken their contemporary take of Highland and Gaelic music to over 20 countries, setting audiences alight from Moscow to San Francisco. Recent accolades include “Best Folk Band in Europe” at the Folkherbst competition in Germany and recent winners of Folk Band of the Year at the Scottish Trad Music Awards. On August 18, winners of Battle of the Folk Bands 2018, Eabhal will drop in. They
came together while based in the Outer Hebrides and alongside traditional songs, contemporary and self penned tunes, the band draws influence from other musical cultures and unites them within their own music. The 14th October sees Americana singer-songwriter Kirsten Adamson play at The MacRobert Hall. Kirsten’s father Stuart (songwriter and performer in bands The Skids, Big Country and The Raphaels) was a huge inspiration to her throughout her childhood. Elaine Lennon will perform a solo show in Tarland on 18th November. Since starting her musical career in 2018, Elaine has been awarded Nashville’s Songwriter’s One To Watch, has a coveted Danny Kyle Award under her belt and has won creative support for her debut album. Released to high acclaim at Celtic Connections in 2020 it was awarded Celtic Music Radio’s first ever Album of the Year award. She has performed at UK festivals, Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe, opened for artists ranging from Rab Noakes to Eric Paslay and performed headline shows with Grammy winning singer-songwriter Michael Logen. To buy tickets see www.scotlandontour. com or phone 07873 695170 for more information. The Scotland on Tour project, which has been created and managed by Active Events, was made possible by £750,000 of Scottish Government backing and will focus on increasing the number of opportunities to showcase and enjoy live music, while bringing exciting acts to the doorstep of cities, towns, villages and rural communities. New gigs will be staged in 25 of Scotland’s local authority areas, from Dumfries and Galloway to the Orkney Islands, with the aim to bolster Scotland’s incredible live music scene and help to aid the recovery of the country’s creative supply chain.
Highland Games All Set For August Return
Kirsten Adamson
Eabhal
Elaine Lennon
Daimh
After an absence of three years, organisers have confirmed that Aboyne Highland Games will be held this August. The traditional Royal Deeside event, which attracts up to 10,000 visitors, will take place on Saturday, 06 August. It will mark the first time since 2019 that the games has been staged, after being cancelled for the past two years due to the coronavirus pandemic. Aboyne Green will come to life on the first Saturday in August as a packed programme of 95 traditional events takes place. Featuring Highland Dancing, solo piping and fiddle competitions, pipes bands, light and heavy athletics, tug o’ war and a hill race, the event is popular with locals and visitors, including many from overseas. Aboyne Highland Games kick starts the Highland Games season on Royal Deeside and injects around £450,000 into the local economy. Along with supporting local shops, cafes and accommodation providers, the Games welcomes around 80 trade stands, providing a platform for local craftspeople and food producers to showcase their goods. Photo: Crowds watch the massed bands at the start of the 2019 Aboyne Highland Games. Harry Scott (Deeside Camera Club)
WE’RE HIRING
YEARS
in Aboyne!
It’s our people who make Balhousie Care Group amazing - the everyday heroes who are as committed as we are to providing innovative, awardwinning, quality care based on our core company values:
Inspiring
Passionate
• COMPETITIVE PAY • EXCELLENT BENEFITS • FLEXIBLE HOURS AND CONTRACTS
Responsive
Trusted
We’re recruiting for care and domestic roles at our care home in Aboyne.
Here’s what you’ll get: • • • • •
Full and part-time roles available £2000 Golden Hello for some roles Flexible working hours Mileage incentive FREE accommodation
If you’d like to be one of our everyday heroes contact careers@balhousiecare.co.uk
Balhousie Alastrean, Tarland, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, AB34 4TA T: 01339 881235 T: 01738 254254 www.balhousiecare.co.uk
The Deeside Stroke Group is delighted that exercise classes specifically for people affected by stroke and other neurological conditions have resumed face-to-face on Deeside. Stroke affects all ages, and our group reflects that. We are supported by the Stroke Association. We meet on Mondays at 10.30am in the Auld Kirk Hall. For details call Eric on 07442 502574. You will be made very welcome.
W
HUGHES roofing and property maintenance since 1996
Covering Aberdeenshire
new roofs flat roofs lead work roof cleaning roughcasting stone pointing exterior painting
Shows at Aboyne are back at Aboyne and Deeside Community Centre Theatre! The popular entertainment venture is already off to a good start, with large audiences in for Sonic the Hedgehog, The Duke, The Bad Guys and Downton Abbey. An eclectic range of movies and music events is lined up for the rest of 2022. Music-wise there is the Ciaran Ryan Band (June), Fergus McCreadie Trio and JKL Duo (both September). For details of upcoming films, head to the group’s Facebook page /Cinema at Aboyne. Information about upcoming films is available at Deeside Community Centre reception and foyer but tickets for films and events are no longer sold there. Go online to www.showsataboyne.co.uk
hughesroofing07@yahoo.com 01224 676347 | 07949 749911 Based in Peterculter The Boulers o’Birse play Petanque on Tuesday a�ernoons and Saturday mornings outside Finzean Church. There’s always room and time for more folks to try the sport. Do stop if you are passing, or contact info.boulersobirse@gmail.com. Age is no barrier, they range from primary school age to well beyond retirement years!
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CRAIGLICH
CABIN Gifts | Art | Crafts
Open Sat & Sun 10am–4pm
Beautiful selection of handcrafted locally sourced art and crafts ethical gifts for all ages | hot take-away drinks | gift wrapping service
Stunning location with views of The Cairngorm Mountains, The Queens View and The Cromar Valley Directions: B9119 from Tarland to Aberdeen, pass the Queens View . Craiglich Cabin is opposite the large lay-by on the left . Look out for Craiglich Cabin sign on the right . Please park in the lay-by if possible . Find us on Facebook for stock updates and news of extended opening hours .
At Aboyne Fareshare, we gather in donations of food and money generously donated by the public, local businesses, Cfine, Aboyne Co-op, and Morrisons and distribute food and household goods to groups of individuals and to the Local Larders in Aboyne, Torphins, Lumphanan and Kincardine O’ Neil. Aboyne-Dinnet Parish Church in Aboyne and Mid-Deeside Church at Torphins, Kincardine O’Neil and Lumphanan have set up Larders where you can donate to or access a food bank. There is no referral system and both giving and receiving is anonymous. In Tarland please contact cromarfood@ gmail.com for assistance. We are always looking for donations of dried, tinned, packet foods, toiletries and cleaning products. We have donation bins at Aboyne Co-op and Morrisons at Banchory. Financial donations can be made by contacting MDCT on 013398 85222. We would like to say a very big thank you to everyone who has so generously donated in the past. Without your kindness we would be unable to help. A person who wishes to remain anonymous kindly donated a Fortnum and Mason Hamper to us which we raffled off in early March by selling tickets in the village (thanks to Corner House who had a book of tickets, and the Coop who allowed us to sell raffle tickets in store) raising the grand sum of £341.88, with the winning ticket belonging to Hilary Ford. Aboyne and Upper Deeside Rotary Club also recently gave us a generous donation, and the Scout Group passed on some of a payment they received from SSEN after the storms as the Resilience Group used some of our foodstuffs to cook up hot meals at the Scout Hut which were collected and distributed around Aboyne. Did you know that you can help us just by doing your shopping? The Coop has Aboyne Fareshare (Mid Deeside
Volunteer Carol Vermeulen provides an update
Community Trust – Aboyne Food Bank) as one of their community causes, and you can choose us as the cause which you support in your Co-op App or on your Coop Membership page online. The more people who choose us as their cause, the more money we will receive. We have just received the first payment from them, and we are still listed as one of their community causes for another six months. Cash donations we receive we use to top up the village larders with items which are short on supply or which we do not receive through goods donations. Each shop that we do costs in excess of £200 (and certainly won’t be getting any cheaper!) and lasts just over a month, so you can see how vital our fundraising and cash donations are. For more information, please email us at Aboyne Fareshare on aboynefareshare@ mid-deeside.org.uk or look us up on the MDCT website, and we have our own Facebook page now also on https://www. facebook.com/AboyneFareshare
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Established 1998
speed
well
FRAMING
Friendly, Reliable Service Wide Range of Quality Materials in Stock
Paintings, Photographs & Mirrors Needlework, Sports Shirts & Objects Framing Canvas Stretching and More...
t: 013398 80448 m: 07766 176 186 e: jay.speedwell@intamail.com Inchmarnoch Dinnet Aboyne AB34 5NX
K&A ANDERSON LONENWELL GARAGE . ALFORD . 019755 62215
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Rotary branches out to help River Trust Volunteers surprised group with their tree-planting speed! writes Peter Vermeulen
Aboyne & Upper Deeside Rotary were very happy to help the River Dee Trust to plant trees at the side of the river earlier this year. Rotary approached the River Trust to determine whether we could help each other and it so happened that a landowner had 1,200 trees which needed planting at the side of the River Dee just outside Aboyne on the Glendinnie Fishing Beat. The Rotary volunteers surprised the River Trust management since we had anticipated planting 400-500 trees through the day, however 12 Rotarian volunteers and two supervisors from the River Trust managed to plant 1,200 trees in March, followed by another 1,150 in May. Obviously after the bad storms this past winter which brought down so many trees, it is imperative that all our communities do whatever we can to help. Planting trees was already a huge topic before these storms, so we are replacing trees, and ultimately we hope to plant more trees than were destroyed to help improve our climate. The trees which we planted will in the
years to come help carbon storage and produce oxygen in the process, but these trees will also help to shade the River Dee, which will keep the water cooler which in turn will help the salmon. By increasing salmon numbers we also help our local economy to maintain fishing tourism Finally, the ‘crowning glory’ of our tree planting is that it is helping the Queen’s Green Canopy reach its goal of planting as many trees as possible in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year! Going forward, Aboyne & Upper Deeside Rotary Club are reaching out to other opportunities in the Upper Dee area to plant more trees when possible, and we hope to work alongside the schools in our area to get our younger people involved with planting trees. If you are aware of any opportunities for planting trees then please contact Aboyne & Upper Deeeside Rotary club at secretary@aboyne.rotary1010.org If you would like to know more about Rotary in the Aboyne & Upper Deeside area then again please contact secretary@aboyne.rotary1010.org
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Governance & Representation Community
County
Scotland
UK
Mid-Deeside Community Council Our role is to improve the quality of life for all those living and working in our community. We are a team of local volunteers who together form MDCC, including the areas of Aboyne, Glen Tanar, Dinnet and Kincardine O’Neil. We meet every month and members of the public are very welcome to join. You can find details of our meetings, minutes and reports on our website or contact us via Facebook or via middeesidecommunitycouncil@gmail.com Mid Deeside Community Council’s AGM will take place on Thursday 23 June at 6.30pm at Aboyne Library. For more information please contact middeesidecommunitycouncil@ gmail.com or the Aberdeenshire Council Marr Area Office at marr@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or 019755 20400. Please join us!
Your MSP in Holyrood S������� P��������� Alexander Burne� MSP 0131 348 5642 Alexander.Burnett.msp @parliament.scot
Your MP in Westminster UK P���������
Andrew Bowie MP 0207 219 2791 andrew.bowie.mp @parliament.uk
Meet your new Ward 15 Councillors...
Cllr Geva Blacke� Independent
07876 475269 cllr.g.blacke�@ aberdeenshire.gov.uk Geva has been involved in local politics for many years. For this election she stood as an independent candidate. “A massive thank you to everyone who has given me the opportunity to serve you for the next five years – I have to admit that coming first and with no party backing is humbling. I hope everyone has a good summer and thank you again for the confidence you have shown in me. We have two new councillors in the ward... we have a good logistical spread and I am sure we will work well together I promise to do my very best for you.”
Cllr Sarah Brown Sco�sh Conservative & Unionist
07788 400842 cllr.s.brown@ aberdeenshire.gov.uk Sarah is new to the political sphere. People in Aboyne may know her from her work to improve the village playpark on the green and other projects. “I feel incredibly honoured to have been elected to serve as one of your councillors for Aboyne Upper Deeside and Donside. Thank you very much for all of the messages of support and well wishes and for putting your faith and trust in me at the ballot boxes and through your postal votes. It is truly overwhelming.”
Cllr Anouk Kloppert SNP
07959 003550 cllr.a.kloppert@ aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Anouk is also a new councillor for Ward 15 from the recent Local Government elections. “I feel honoured and grateful being elected into this wonderful, diverse ward. To get to know your issues, I will attend community councils when possible, and plan surgeries in person/by telephone and virtually. Feel free to keep in touch via my social media pages. My contact details are also on the Aberdeenshire Council website.”
29
in
Lady V’s Shoes
A column on village life from Victoria Kennedy At last, summer is back upon us. The sound of birds singing in the trees and the feeling of the warm sun beating down on my skin is so incredibly welcome after the darker months of the year. I feel myself come alive in the summer, much like Wall:E recharging at the end of a busy day. One thing I have thoroughly enjoyed doing in my spare time now that the nights are longer and the days are hotter is taking a dip (or two) on the wild side.
30
I get such a rush feeling the coolness of the River Dee washing over my skin. Although, please don’t be fooled by how any of my pictures may look, several tentative steps are always taken and a lot of hesitation inevitably happens before I finally succumb to the full, final plunge into the water. Wild swimming never has a particularly graceful start, at least not from me. I have seen countless videos on the internet of would-be-mermaids and mermen easily gliding through the water in a manner more akin to a vessel being lovingly released into the sea. My entry into the water usually comes complete with ungainly splashing and a good smattering of words that I am too polite to write here. But all that aside, it really is a great feeling. And even better perhaps than the actual swim in the open waters, is the hot cups of tea that come after. They are always more than welcome, and if a chocolate biscuit is also present then who am I to turn that down?
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Dental practices in Aboyne and Banchory High quality private dental care in a comfortable environment Children welcome under the NHS Disabled access and easy parking Emergencies treated promptly Payment plans available Call us today for more information and to make an appointment
Aboyne Practice Old Ballater Road Aboyne AB34 5HN Tel: 013398 86177
Banchory Practice Fountain Lodge Station Road Banchory AB31 5YA Tel: 01330 822583
www.fountaindentalgroup.co.uk
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After a successful 2021 event, The Tarland Food and Music Festival is back with an action-packed programme for all ages! Now in its ninth year, the event celebrates quality local food and Tarland’s thriving music scene. This year’s festival will run from September 23-25 and will showcase a variety of music and food events at venues throughout the village. The headline act on Saturday September 24 is the multi-award-winning super-group Manran. On Friday 23 The MacRobert Hall will host Siobhan Miller, a richly celebrated Scottish folk singer and songwriter. The festival will feature lots of events for all the family, including food workshops, guided walks, music sessions and workshops, a Scots service at St Moluags Kirk, fancy dress competitions and the return of the World Oatcake Championship. The Local Market will be held in the MacRobert Hall on Saturday 24th from 10-12, and will feature an exciting range of local food producers. This year’s festival will also see the return of the popular foraging workshop with Eleanor Brown. The programme is still being finalised but details of the Festival can be found at www.tarland.org.uk/food-music-day/ or via Facebook. For more information call 07873 695170 or email tarlandfmf@gmail.com
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Children from Tarland and Logie Coldstone’s Primary Schools marked the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by planting trees on land donated by The MacRobert Trust. The halfacre site is now home to a wood of 135 rowan, oak, hazel, cherry, blackthorn, birch and hawthorn saplings – a new tree for every pupil at the schools. In partnership with Cromar Community Council, the venture was enabled by the MacRobert Trust as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy, a unique tree-planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee. Simon Welfare, Chairman of Cromar Community Council, said: “Cromar has celebrated every royal Jubilee since Queen Victoria’s in 1887 and its children have always been at the centre of events.” The newly planted site has been named the Platinum Wood, from a list of suggestions from the school children themselves.
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 and 10-year warranties Aga Servicing
�lameboilerservices@gmail.com
www.�lameboilerservices.co.uk
LogoLove Not every group has news every quarter, or sometimes I just can’t fit them all in... and I’ve no space for a regular Group Directory (or the time, sorry!). So here instead is a page dedicated to a number of groups that operate in the area, either with a specific interest or simply working to make things be�er for all. Send me yours, then folk can just look you up... myriadprocat@outlook.com
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Plan A Electrical All your current needs
All types of electrical installation work Inspection and Testing (including EICR & PAT) Fault-finding and problem rectification Signal cabling: TV – Satellite – Audio – Telecomms Networking – Alarms
No job too small 07535-312759 contact@planaelectrical.com www.planaelectrical.com
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Myriad Pro Publishing Community Magazines . Design and Print
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NEW
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FOLLOWING THE MERGER WITH FRASER & MULLIGAN ON 1ST JUNE 2022, MACKINNONS SOLICITORS LLP IS DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THE OPENING OF ITS LATEST BRANCH OFFICE AT 24 BRIDGE STREET, BALLATER AND WHICH WILL ADD TO THE FIRMS EXISTING LEGAL OFFICES IN ABERDEEN, CULTS AND ABOYNE. The opening of the new office, which will deal with all aspects of private client, property and commercial work, follows the recent appointment to the firm of PAMELA BURSILL (formerly Raeburn Christie Clark & Wallace) and GREGOR SIM (formerly Brodies/ James & George Collie) as Senior Associates. Mackinnons look forward to welcoming clients, both old and new, to our new office and to taking care of your business in the future.
ABERDEEN CULTS ABOYNE BALLATER www.mackinnons.com
The Commercial THE SQUARE . TARLAND ....................................................
O utd o o r S eatin g & Beer G ard en F am ily & P et F rien d ly G ro u p Bo o k in g s & Pr iv ate F u n c tio n s S u n d ay Lu n c h Tak eo u t M en u V egetarian & Veg an O p tio n s
O p en T uesd ay to S u n d ay 1 2-9p m
013398 81922 www.thecommercial-hotel.co.uk
