South deeside View - Autumn 2010 by NKRCC

THE SOUTH DEESIDE VIEW September 2010 CONTENTS 1

Macmillan Coffee Morning

Youth activities

Beavers, Cubs and Scouts

Lairhillock School

Lairhillock School football

As we head into autumn, forecasters are predicting an ‘Indian summer’ for September...fingers crossed! It will surely be welcome after what has been a rather disappointing spell of weather over the summer proper. As always, this issue is packed with contributions from individuals and organisations across our area. This, together with our loyal advertisers, is what makes South Deeside View possible—our thanks to you all.

Banchory-Devenick School 6

Clubs and Societies

Leisure activities Blairs Museum

Community Halls North East Open Studios

Driving for the Disabled Home deliveries

Maryculter-Cookney Church

St Ternan’s Church St Mary’s Chapel

Grampian Police

Trout and about!

Nature Notes Cocoa Ooze

Local councillors and MP

Community Council

NKRCC, Planning

Plans for a new town at Elsick 300 Club

Advertisements

Handy contacts and Events

The annual Plant Sale and Coffee Morning in May was an unprecedented success and raised the amazing sum of £643. This year, we decided to donate all the proceeds to the new South Deeside Under 5s group, to help them get established after the enforced closure of Maryculter Playgroup. Thanks go to Kate and Mandy for their help in making the day such a success, as well as to all the Playgroup Mums who donated home baking. Thanks too for all the contributions from our enthusiastic local gardeners. Many comments were heard on the day as to the high standard of both plants and fine pieces! Meanwhile, we are always on the lookout for new contributors and ideas on what you would like to see in South Deeside View. Please feel free to contact Hazel or Pam at any time (contact details on the back page). All phone numbers are Aberdeen listed (01224) unless otherwise indicated. The back page, with its Events Diary and list of useful contacts, is arranged for handy reference. Other contact information is at the end of each section. Till spring...

Macmillan Coffee Morning Friday September 24 Storybook Glen 10.15 - noon There will be a wide range of stalls, crafts, bring and buy, raffle, teas, coffees and home baking.

Meal an’Ale Evening Cookney Hall Saturday October 2 at 7.30pm

Raffle prizes and any contributions to the sale to be handed in to Sheila Stewart, Tel: 734222 with any last minute items gladly received at the door. We look forward to seeing all the regulars who support this event so well each year.

Book your tickets from Joyce Murison, Tel: 01569 731236

Admission by donation

The Doric Festival

YOUTH ACTIVITIES Maryculter Babies and Toddlers

Maryculter Brownies

We meet in Maryculter Church Hall, on Thursday mornings during school term time from 9.30 - 11.30am. Anyone looking after children between birth and 3 years is very welcome to drop in during the session for a cuppa and chat, whilst the tots play with jigsaws, trikes, pretend kitchens and lots more! We’re always on the look out for new members so please tell friends, neighbours and those new to the area: £2 per session. Mandy Tulloch Tel: 01569 730577

The Brownies have been busy Celebrating Girlguiding’s Centenary this year. We took part in the Scottish Walkabout Challenge and went round the Old Wood of Drum Discovery Trail. Some of us visited the airport as part of Our Adventure 100 badge, but the rest of us had to cancel due to the volcanic eruption which threw the airports into chaos. We went to Banchory Guide Lodge this year for our sleepover. We walked a Treasure Trail around Banchory and made a craft for Fathers Day. For the Community Service part of our Scottish Centenary Badge we went to Lairhillock School to help in their garden. We also raised Money for the Wallace and Gromit’s Children’s Foundation by having a pyjama party and pampering night when some mums came to help us with beauty treatments and makeup.

South Deeside under 5’s This is a new community-led charity providing independent childcare for children from birth to five years. It replaces the Playgroup. Meeting at Maryculter Community Hall (next to the Old Mill Inn), it is delighted to offer three programmes: Baby & Toddler Group Monday 9.30-11.30 £3.50 per session. For children from birth to three. Adults relax over a coffee whilst children make their first friends. An experienced playleader leads children through crafts, messy and active play plus traditional songs and stories. Two’s Group Wed., Thur. and Friday mornings - £6.50 per session. For children aged two until they go to nursery. Tots are left in the capable hands of experienced playleaders who support the children in learning through play in a small, friendly group. Activities include crafts, bug hunting, bubbles in the garden and countryside walks. Rising Fives Group Tuesday from 12 noon to 2pm - £6.50 per session. For ante-pre and pre-school children. A gentle introduction to spending more time away from their adults prior to school. Children bring a packed lunch which is followed by fun activities including cooking, painting or sports. The South Deeside Under Fives is a member of the Scottish Preschool Play Association. More information at M: 079661 63953 or E-mail: info@south-deeside-under-fives.co.uk.

And coming up in October we are very excited to be going to the AECC for the End of Centenary Concert featuring Stacey and Olly from the X Factor. While we are there we will be renewing our Promise and getting a Special Promise Badge.

We meet on Thursdays at Maryculter Scout Hut from 6.30-8pm but have waiting list of six due to a lack of adult leaders, and priority is given to girls moving up from the Rainbows. Please note if you want to add your daughter to our list, places may not become available until sometime in 2011 unless you come and assist with the group. Lynn Murphy: Tel: 01330 825936 lynnmurphy100@hotmail.co.uk

Maryculter Guides We joined over 100 Guides in June at Stonehaven swimming pool to celebrate the Guiding Centenary. In July we camped for three nights and cooked a roast dinner in a flowerpot and taco wraps in a cardboard box oven. Our big event in August was a visit to Glasgow to attend the Guides-only Tartan Gig, headlining Wanted and Alisha Dixon. The highlight for one Guide was when she had her photo taken with one of the guys from Twenty Twenty.

1 Maryculter Rainbows We had busy summer term and gained another Roundabout badge. A Walkabout badge was awarded too, which involved us going for a walk in Maryculter woods, collecting things on the way and then creating a picture with our findings! Our end of term outing was tubing at Garthdee Snowsports Centre, which the girls greatly enjoyed and left the leaders very tired!

We meet on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm in the Scout and Guide Hall. Tel:07849 315203, E-mail: moraglister@yahoo.co.uk

We start our new term with a full pack of Rainbows and are looking forward to working on the AIM HI badge and the very important centenary event on October 20th. Girls aged between 5 and 7 meet in the Scout and Guide Hut on Thursdays from 4.30pm to 5.30pm. Alison Stephen Tel: 899703 2

YOUTH ACTIVITIES Maryculter Beavers

September and we will also hold a sleepover in the Scout Hut again to coincide with the Remembrance Sunday service at the church. We plan to do some orienteering and another cycle tour before the evenings draw in too far and will be working on Navigation skills as badgework to complement these activities.

We meet at the Scout and Guide Hut each Tuesday f r o m 5 . 3 0 - 7 . 0 0 p . m. Beavers can gain many badges by taking part in activities we arrange for them. In the summer term we had several short hikes which enabled them to gain their Hiker's badge. The Beavers enjoy being outside when it is nice weather, but in the winter we will concentrate on indoor crafts, games and having fun.

Pack numbers are slightly down from our limit of 18 as the boys coming up from Beavers have not quite kept pace with those moving on to Scouts so we currently have room for one or two more. Anyone interested should contact one of the following: David Kirk Tel.: 869006, Bill Caffyn Tel: 734080, David Burslem Tel: 732819, Chris Grinyer Tel: 732324, Andrew Warnock Tel: 739602.

Last term the Beavers (and parents) collected Sainsburys Active Kids vouchers which should result in us obtaining some new games and sports equipment soon. We plan to collect these again next year - so please remember us when they become available. All donations gratefully received.

1st Maryculter Scouts Scouts meet at the Scout and Guide Hut, Maryculter each Friday from 7.15 to 9.15pm and have recently returned from their summer camp in Stornoway. Travelling by minibus and ferry, they arrived during a spell of very stormy weather with force 7-9 gales being experienced. However the weather did not dampen their spirit and trips around the island to the historic Callanish stones, Breanish tweed weaving, the beach, the lifeboat, being interviewed by Radio Nan Gaidheal and karting on the last day made it an unforgettable camp.

Any boy wishing to join us should contact: Kathleen Paterson , Beaver Leader Tel: 868676 to be put on the waiting list. And of course, new Leaders are always welcome....

1st Maryculter Cubs The Maryculter Cubs pack has come full circle since it restarted almost three years ago, as we saw the last of the original intake achieve their Silver Awards and progress on to the Scout troop after Easter. The traditional moving up ceremony took place in Braemar when the Cubs were on their annual weekend away at Muir Cottage and the Scouts had a weekend away in the vicinity as well. Before that the highlight of the Spring term was a visit by Grampian Hawks during which the Cubs were able to handle an assortment of birds of prey from owls to falcons and hawks. The Cub pack has never stayed so quiet and still before or since. The summer term saw a repeat of the popular sailing events at Loch of Skene which were very popular, and we returned to the Kingcausie Estate to make another cycle tour which included some pioneering crosscountry sections which the Cubs tackled with great enthusiasm. In between these trips we have again spent a lot of time on outdoor activities which have contributed towards the Naturalist and Athletics Badges. The summer term overnight event saw the Cubs build their own shelters in the Glebe field rather than using the usual tents. The two designs were very different but both did the job and they all had as good a night’s sleep as on any other sleepover, although the leaders were not brave enough to follow their example and resorted to conventional tents.

Scout numbers are meantime at a very healthy level and the troop is nearing its capacity. Leader Les Paterson said: “It would be a pity to have to start a waiting list, but 24 is about the maximum we can cater for with our current facilities.” Next year the Scouts plan to travel abroad for their summer camp. Look out for their fundraising events over the next few months. Enquiries about joining the Scouts, or as a leader or helper, contact: Les Paterson, Tel. 868676 or E-mail: lesardoe@aol.com

Looking forward to the next term we will be holding another camping weekend at Templars’ Park in 3

PRIMARY

SCHOOLS Other successful events in June included a Children’s Disco, a Family Barbeque which was very well attended and raised over £1,000 for school funds, an Oscar event to which P5-7 children invited their parents to watch 8 short films they had created and finally a cookery demonstration for pupils and parents by David Littlewood, executive chef at The Milton Restaurant, Crathes. Head chef at The Milton, Bob Miller Grampian Seafood Chef of the year - and Andrew Gordon of Andrew Gordon Butchery and Fine Foods joined David who was recently awarded the title of MasterChef of Great Britain and whose son, George attends nursery at Lairhillock. The cookery event promoted healthy eating and local produce as well as the use of sustainable alternatives to fish like hake, how to use every part of a chicken and a butchery demonstration. The children enjoy weekly cooking sessions throughout the year and every effort is made to make dishes using produce from the school garden.

Lairhillock Lairhillock School Community Garden was officially opened on 23 June by Mr and Mrs W Donald, Sauchenshaw and Mrs W Donald, Marrlaine. The former owned the land the school was built on and have shown a keen interest in the life of the school. Mr and Mrs Donald of W.M. Donald, very generously sponsored bags, which the children themselves designed and then received as a commemorative gift. Parents, members of the local and wider community were asked to come along to join a long list of local businesses and volunteers who have worked tirelessly and given generously to create a fantastic learning resource for the children and the local community. Everyone was asked to wear a hat of their choosing in line with the garden party theme and there was a most amazing variety of styles from flower pots to wedding hats! After the official opening ceremony Mrs Nicola Oakey and Dr Kate Martin were thanked for all their hard work in leading the planning, designing and planting of the garden over the last 3 years. Guests were given the opportunity to walk round the garden with pupils acting as guides. The children had also been busy baking for the occasion under the watchful eye of parent helpers and staff. Everyone enjoyed a welcome cup of tea and selection of home bakes to round off the afternoon.

On returning after the summer break, 17 Primary 1 children have joined the school bringing the roll to 102. Nursery children have also returned with 20 currently attending morning sessions and a further 4 due to start during the session. During the first week of the new term, the P5-6 class enjoyed a trip to Satrosphere to see the ‘Walking with Dinosaurs’ exhibition as a stimulus to their work on Dinosaurs and Animals. P7 pupils are studying global aspects of Reduce, Re-use and Recycle this term and younger classes are finding out about their local environment and Great Britain. The eco committee continue to lead initiatives to help the school achieve Green Flag status and everyone is currently focusing on 3 key areas – litter, waste management and school grounds. Aberdeenshire Life Education Centre staff will be in school in September focusing on a range of health topics with all of the children from Nursery to P7. Parents’ sessions will provide opportunities to see the mobile classroom and to find out about the programmes being delivered.

Three Donalds who opened the garden The garden continues to be a focus for learning this term thanks to the support of very willing parents. If you are keen to get involved please contact the school. Also in June, the school was delighted to have a visit from Mr Bruce Wilkinson from UNICEF who presented the school with Rights Respecting School Level 1 Award. This award recognises the work the school community has done with regard to understanding the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and its relevance to the school ethos and curriculum. The children play an active part in decision making within the school and are fully involved in their own learning. The school is hoping to make links with a school in another part of the world in order to develop global citizenship and has already started working towards the Level 2 award.

After school activities this term include Spanish lessons and Multi Sport sessions. Cross country sessions for P5-7 pupils continue to take place at lunchtimes. The next major event in the school calendar is the MacMillan Coffee Afternoon, which is being planned and organised by the P7 pupils. It takes place in the school on Wednesday September 22 and members of the local community are warmly invited to attend. Please contact the school for more details. Marian Youngson, Head Teacher Tel: 01569 732520 E-mail: marian.youngson@aberdeenshire.gov.uk 4

Lairhillock School Football

Banchory-Devenick

Football gets a bad press these days, and often for good reason, but if you want to remember what is so good about it you should come and watch some schools football. Sometimes it is good, rarely it is bad (usually after a P4 party or a Scouts camp out), but every week someone gets a bit better, or does something that they have never done before, and very, very rarely lots of the individual good things all happen one after the other and you think life could not be any more perfect than that. Well, this year we have had so many of those perfect moments that even the Mum's have been watching.

We have five Primary 1 children who have started with us this term and they have settled in well. We have also had three new families join the school. SALT Festival - A wide variety of events will be on offer in the next few months including author visits to the school, theatre productions, puppet show, storytelling sessions, girls creative dancing, ABC 123 Sports Sessions, pipe band workshops etc. Details can be found on the SALT website at: www.saltfestival.co.uk

The highlights for me were a fine afternoon at Mineralwell Park in May for the Armstrong Memorial tournament where everyone took a turn in goal and did just what they were asked to do brilliantly and won one of the largest cups I have ever seen, then celebrated with formation roly-polys down the hill. That was only outdone by their performance at the Finzean gala competition in June where no-one gave them much chance in the final against a really big Lumphanan team who had already beaten them 4-0 in the group stage, but they played out of their skins and won 1-0.

Our P1-3 hours have now increased in line with Scottish Government legislation. Children will benefit from visiting specialists in art, science, music and PE. Active Schools are now up and running with Stuart Robbie holding Multi Sport classes. Mrs McPherson is continuing recorder lessons with P3-7. The children gave a recital before the end of last term to parents who were very impressed with their progress. The Eco Schools ground group planted up the vegetable garden during the spring term and will start harvesting the produce soon. Crops include leeks, carrots, green and broad beans and brassicas. Unfortunately the potatoes have succumbed to blight again but hopefully some tubers will be edible as digging up the potato crop is one of the children's favourite activites in the garden.

I have tried to warn everyone that schools football is not meant to be like this - normally, we win a few and lose a few and have a good time whatever - but there must have been a rare conjuction of planets this year which resulted in the season's freaky goings-on on the football pitch. Expect normal service to be resumed next year, but we were very lucky to have such a group of players who enjoyed their football so much and I would like to thank them and their parents for their help in making it such an enjoyable year. Stephen Davies

The shrub border at the front of the school has really thrived with the warm, wet summer and the late flowering of the buddleias will allow the pupils to observe the array of butterflies that these shrubs attract. One of the projects for this term will be the building of bug hotels to place in this border to help insects over winter in the school garden. The other project for this term is to improve the planting of the herbaceous border, which has become overgrown and weed infested recently. This will give the pupils a chance to be involved in the planning and future maintenance of this bed and to learn about the lifecycles of different plants. The planting will emphasise colour for the spring and autumn periods whilst the children are at school.

Mud Pies Weekly woodland activities for 2 to 5* year olds and their adults to discover nature and explore and play outdoors. Come for some adventures around our wonderful woods to find out about autumn wildlife, make things to take home and have fun playing in the great outdoors!

Joyce Hill, Head TeacherTel: 875237 E-mail: joyce.hill@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Mondays in Countesswells Wood Tuesdays in Scolty Wood, Banchory

Kupso Martial Arts

Contact Mandy Tulloch: 07929 465680 or visit www.mudpieadventures.co.uk to book

Classes for primary-age children will resume in late October on Wednesdays in Lairhillock School from 4.30 to 5.30pm Emma Lester-Smith, Tel: 0776 125 7965

In partnership with the Forestry commission, N E Forest Initiative and council ranger services * 5 year olds not yet in P1

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES Maryculter WRI

Cookney Bowling Club

Meetings are at 7.30pm on the second Wednesday of each month in the Corbie Hall, Maryculter between August and May. We have an interesting programme of talks, demonstrations and slide shows planned. New members and visitors are always welcome. See our programme on the back page. Secretary, Sheila Bisset Tel: 01569 731708

The carpet bowls club restarts after the summer break on September 16, and meets in Cookney Hall twice a week at 7.30pm. Monday is competition evening while Thursday is a ‘hat night’. The three carpets are well used by a thriving membership, and new members are always welcome. Arthur Durward Tel: 319701

Glendale Football Club Following the winter of “bad weather”, season 2009/10 finally ended on schedule, mainly due to teams playing three times a week. This meant that by the very end teams were simply going through the motions in order to complete their fixture lists and a large degree of lethargy crept in to all team performances. We were no different.

Netherley WRI We meet at 7.30pm in the Lairhillock School on the third Monday of each month. Ladies - you are invited to join us. We are a small but enthusiastic group who welcome new members and have some interesting talks throughout the year. If you would like to come along to listen to any of our speakers just phone secretary; Lynda Keeler Tel: 01569 764436. See our programme on the back page.

The above normally leads to guys simply saying that they have had enough of football, and three of our more senior players signed off. This led to our management team going out on spying missions within the juvenile ranks, and lo and behold we have unearthed some young whippersnappers who are keen as mustard, desperate to impress and get into the starting eleven. We also welcome back one of our long-term injured players from last season, now leaner and fitter, desperate to re-establish himself in the first team.

Friendship Club We round off our summer session with a meal at the Old Mill Inn on Thursday October 7 at 12.45pm. On Friday October 22 we are holding a basket whist evening in Corbie Hall at 7.30pm. Do come along as it is a jolly evening, and gives us a chance to boost our funds. Our winter programme begins on Thursday November 4, and thereafter is on the first Thursday of the month. The meetings are in Maryculter Church Hall between 2 - 4pm. All pensioners are welcome to join us for afternoons of entertainment, a cup of tea and a chance to catch up on all the news. Contacts: Anne, Tel: 732071 and Peggy, Tel: 734888

We still have three players with long-term injuries who hope to be back in training by the turn of the year. If all players are fit and free of suspensions at the same time, then our selection committee will have a real job on their hands come Saturday afternoons. Home matches will continue on alternate Saturdays at Corbie Park with mid-week training moving to the Kincorth Astraturf pitch on Tuesday evenings from October. Roll on season 2010/11 and let’s hope for better weather than last year. Jim Grant Tel: 867512

Maryculter Senior Citizens Association This long established charity provides a Christmas Lunch for eligible folk living within the parish of Maryculter. Please contact one of the committee below if you know of any single or widowed ladies aged 60 or over, and married couples where the man is at least 65, who may not be known to us. They can then join our highly enjoyable annual event. Fiona Tel: 733324 Geordie Tel: 734469 Richard Tel: 867580 Caroline Tel: 734093 Debbie Tel: 730018 The fundraising 100+ Club is in its second year so thanks to all who supported it. Winners of cash prizes to date are: (all from Maryculter unless otherwise indicated) S. Black; J. Fraser; J. Fraser, Banchory; H. Hamilton;W. Hoogerbrugge; J. Leven; K. Leven; M. Love, Blairs; H. MacKenzie, Sauchen; J. MacTaggart; A. Paterson; L. Porter; D. Sharpe; P. Stronach, Blairs; E. Thomson; S. Williams, Blairs.

Dee Vale Ladies Football Club After a short summer break, we re-started the season with three convincing victories in succession. We are currently sitting mid table in the SWFL Division 2 North and are doing well in the Scottish Cup. Our new sponsors, the Holburn Bar, have kindly supplied our new home strip and hosted a very successful fundraising Race Night for us in their function room. Our home matches are played on Sundays, 2pm at Corbie Park and we welcome any new players aged 16+ to come along to training at Inverdee pitches, from 7pm on Wednesdays. Rhoda Paterson E-mail: deevalelfc@yahoo.co.uk 6

LEISURE ACTIVITIES Yoga There are a few places available in the small Hatha Yoga classes in Blairs this Autumn on Tuesdays at 1.15 and at 6 pm (intermediate level) and Thursdays at 8.15 pm, (beginners/intermediate). Instructor Ilse Elders, is registered with Yoga Scotland and has over 27 years of teaching experience. If you are interested in joining please contact her on Tel: 868301.

Blairs Museum is hoping for a drier winter than last year when the boiler room was flooded to a depth of over six feet twice, and on each occasion there was no heating for two weeks! On top of that there were also leaks into the museum from above which required the evacuation of most artefacts for several weeks while remedial work was completed. We did however manage to open on schedule for the new season. It’s been an interesting time. The portrait of Bonnie Prince Charlie as a twelve year old has gone down to Edinburgh for restoration thanks to an Art Conservation Award made available from Woodmansterne Publications Limited. This prestigious award was given as one of only 12 grants throughout the whole of the United Kingdom, and the only one in Scotland. Bonnie Prince Charlie should be back soon.

Reading Circle Our group continues to thrive - meeting every six to eight weeks in each other’s homes, usually on Tuesdays at 2pm. We choose two books, from classics to recent publications, from a list provided by Aberdeenshire Council’s Library service, then discuss our views on each over afternoon tea. If you would like to join us please contact:Muriel, Tel: 01569 730302 or Sheila Tel: 01569 731608

As part of the anti-flood measures a new ditch was being excavated at the end of May when the JCB hit against a small bell. It has the symbols of the four evangelists on it and we can only speculate that it was used in the old college chapel which is nearby. How it came to be buried – who knows?

Dog Training Weekly class on Wednesday evenings in Cookney Hall. Yvonne Reid, Tel: 865249

Blairs Museum hosted two concerts for the Aberdeen International Youth Festival during the first week of August. The Zichron Ya’akov Concert Band from Israel and the Norwegian Girls’ Choir performed in St Mary’s Chapel making full use of its excellent acoustics. In the next few months we have the NEOS exhibition and the ‘Big Draw’ (a national event to encourage people of all ages to draw). We also hope to have some Christmas concerts later in the year.

Aberdeen Aeromodellers Club The club owns a 6.5 acre grass flying field at Hare Moss, Banchory-Devenick and is permitted to fly from 9am to 7pm on weekdays, and 10am to 7pm at weekends. The midweek fliers get together on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Visitors are always welcome, but please contact a member on arrival and ask for an explanation of site safety procedures. E-mail: information@aamfc.co.uk Website best accessed using Google: aamfc.org

Check our website for future events. We are open between 2 and 5 pm on Saturdays, Sundays and local holiday Mondays until the end of October and now have a small tearoom. If you want to visit outside the regular hours and months of opening, please phone. Blairs Museum, South Deeside Road, Blairs, Aberdeen Manager/Curator: Ian Forbes: Tel: 863767 E-mail: manager@blairsmuseum.com www.blairsmuseum.com

Drum Castle This is our nearest National Trust castle. Many more visitors than usual came to enjoy the open air theatre and other events this season, as well as the tea room. The grounds and woodland walks are open all year from 9.30am until sunset. The Garden of Historic Roses opens until the end of October from 11am –6pm. The castle, tearoom and shop open between 11.30am and 5pm until the end of September. Tel: 01330 811204 www.nts.org.uk

Dingle Dell Gift and Garden Centre Storybook Glen, Maryculter, Aberdeen Tel: 01224 732941 OPEN ALL YEAR, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK Garden equipment Good quality hardy plants Children’s toys and gifts, pet food Large selection of cards and candles Large free car park

Storybook Glen With over 100 nursery rhyme and fairytale characters in 28 acres of rolling parkland, self-service restaurant, garden centre and gift shop, this is an interesting and attractive venue for a family outing. Opening times are from 10am to 6pm daily until the end of October then 10am to 5pm between November and February. Tel: 732941 www.storybookglenaberdeen.co.uk

No entry charge for visiting the Garden Centre or restaurant

North East Open Studios

Corbie Park and Community Hall, Maryculter

This year’s event runs from September 11-19. Now in its 7th year, a record number of artists have signed up to be part of one of the north-east’s biggest art events. Those showcasing their talents in our area are as follows:

We have all noticed over the summer months how well the Corbie Park is looking. The playing surface is in excellent order and the surroundings neat and tidy. This is despite a very severe winter and extensive flooding just a few months ago. Our thanks go to the volunteers from the committee and football teams who maintain it to such a high standard. The pitch continues to be well used by various sporting groups, keeping the booking secretary very busy scheduling games to everyone's satisfaction. She too, deserves our thanks.

Blairs Museum on South Deeside Road will play host to a group of recent graduates from Gray’s School of Art, incorporating a range of styles from oil on canvas to mixed media on wood and even painting on glass. Open Sept 11 from 1-5, Sept 12-17 from 10-4, Sept 18 from 1-5 and Sept 19 from 10-4. Carole Gray and Joanna Howarth represent a new artistic collaboration in shadow and lights. The ecologically aware practice sees the creation of inventive sculptural lights and related products for domestic and other interiors, as well as outdoor spaces. Fabrics, metals, found objects and various light sources combine and juxtapose to maximum effect, using minimum materials. Visit the studio at Hill Cottage, Banchory-Devenick (behind the Hildowntree Business Centre at the end of Leggart Terrace). Open Sept 11-19 from 11-7.

The hall has been spruced up in readiness for the autumn. It continues to be used by several groups, but the committee would be delighted to have some more regular bookings over the winter months and invites anyone wanting to start evening classes, group meetings or other events to get in touch. Enquiries to: Carol Masson, booking secretary Tel: 733583

Friends of Cookney Hall

The Workshop at Kingcausie, Maryculter is the venue for a wealth of local talent. Hazel Irvine-Fortescue will be making and selling willow baskets, while internationally acclaimed artist Martha-Elizabeth Ferguson will be exhibiting drawings and paintings. There will be ceramics and wire work by Sandra Gorrara, photographs, cards and artwork by Heather Wood and exciting ‘Hummel Doddies’ wool work from first time exhibitor Natasha Mauthner. Turn up by the ‘Fishing Permits’ lodge on South Deeside Road, east of Maryculter Bridge, and park at the farm. Open Sept 11 from 10-4, Sept 13-15 from 10-4, Sept 16 from 2-8, Sept 17-18 from 10-4.

Since my last update the work on the hall has continued. The kitchen and toilets are now complete. Quotes have been received for the re-cladding of the fabric of the hall and trees have already been felled on the north side, to extend the parking area. We are also looking at improving exterior lighting, so the costs for all of this will be substantial. To help raise funds, a Halloween ceilidh has been planned for 30 October and a Burns supper on 15 January 15, 2011. Regular use of the hall and its facilities has continued over the summer with the bowling club, dance classes and dog obedience sessions, all attending on a weekly basis. Over the last few weeks there have also been a number of inquiries from individuals and local organisations about booking the hall for their functions. We are always happy to help where we can.

MARYCULTER COMMUNITY HALL AND CORBIE PLAYING FIELD by the Old Mill Inn An ideal venue for Children’s Parties, Meetings, Ceilidhs, Coffee Mornings, Concerts, Dance and Exercise Classes Available afternoons, evenings and weekends. Facilities include Kitchen with Cooker, Microwave, Kettle/Urn, Crockery and Cutlery Tables and chairs for 80 people, Toilets Disabled entrance to Hall. The Changing Rooms and Showers are separate and can accommodate 2 teams of 15.

If you are thinking about holding an event and are looking for a venue, why not consider Cookney Hall? Further details and availability can be obtained from Willie Angus, Tel: 01569 730123 or wgangus@ukgateway.net See the back page for some of our events. Tickets can be booked through any of the committee including Joyce Murison, Tel: 01569 731236 If you would like to join the Friends of Cookney Hall and / or assist with the further upgrading, please contact me for further details. Bob McKinney, Tel: 01569 730706, E-mail: bob8930@sky.com

For further information or to book an event Please contact Booking Secretary Carol Masson Telephone 733583 8

Maryculter Driving for the Disabled

HOME DELIVERIES Vegetables, eggs (and fruit in season) from Neil Gammie, Fernieflatt Farm, Kinneff on Tuesdays and Fridays. Orders must be in the day before delivery. Tel: 01569 750374 or 07790 558880 E-mail: fernieflat@amserve.com Fish George Fairweather delivers west of the B979 road on Thursday afternoons and east of the road on Friday from 11am. Phone orders ahead and establish approximate timing. Tel: 07974 311326

Maryculter Driving for the Disabled Group is an independent charity. Our aim is to give the opportunity of driving a pony/horse-pulled carriage to any disabled person who might benefit in general health and happiness.

Coal J.H. Roberts of Auchenblae deliver orders in our area on Monday mornings. Prices rise at the end of September, so they encourage early orders. Tel: 01561 320335

The 2010 driving season began on May 5 at Maryculter Home Farm courtesy of Jane & Ewan MacInnes, and ends on September 22 with a cone driving competition, treasure hunt and barbecue.

The Roost Farm shop - now open Selling our own free range eggs, jams, chutneys and honey plus preserves from local producers.

Our weekly Wednesday events are made possible by our team of volunteers who consist of Able Bodied Drivers, Helpers, Carers and the team of Tea Ladies who dispense fine home baking and hot and cold drinks.

Home-made Middle Eastern / Mediterranean dips and salads and local cheeses. Gifts from Mearns Arthouse, Pickle Cushions, Cornkist Ceramics and others.

The majority of these sessions are from Home Farm apart from three that are through the Maryculter Woods, where we make our base at the Kirkton of Maryculter Scout Hut. We have cancelled a few sessions this year due to inclement weather, which was unfortunate but necessary for safety reasons.

Open every day except Wednesday from 9am-6pm. We are on the B979 Netherley/Stonehaven road 2 miles south of the South Deeside Road junction. Tel: 739393

Our Group has received several kind and generous bequests this year and we would like to thank: • Doctor McIntosh and family for the memorial benches and chairs in memory of Liz McIntosh, 2010. • The Rhind Legacy to allow us to carry out maintenance on our carriage shed and also to purchase new driving harness for George’s horse in training “Cassie” and help towards the purchase of a new four wheel carriage. • The Aberdeen Students Charity for money to help with general operating costs. • Money and craft goods from the ‘Crafty Ladies’ of Laurencekirk. • North Kincardine Rural Community Council for their generous grant. Carol Dunn one of our AB whips raised £600 sponsorship money by running the Stonehaven half marathon on a blustery and wet day, well done Carol.

Maryculter House Hotel South Deeside Road, Maryculter Come and give us a try We have 2 restaurants open to non residents

The Priory Restaurant For fine dining evening and private dinners

A la carte, Gourmet and set Menus

Restaurant open 7.15pm last orders 9.00pm

The Poachers Pocket For Lunch and Bar Suppers

open for Lunches 12 noon until 2.30pm Suppers 6.30pm last orders 9.00pm

If you would like to volunteer or have further information about the Group’s activities please contact: George Masson (Chairman) Tel: 733583 Caroline McTaggart (Secretary) Tel: 734093 www.maryculterrda.org.uk 9

Banchory-Devenick & Maryculter-Cookney Parish Church of Scotland Minister

The Guild

Rev. Dr. Heather Peacock Tel: 730150 E-mail: hmpeacock@btinternet.com

Meet on the first Monday of the month at 7.30pm from September to November and February to May. New members are always welcome to come along and hear interesting speakers, enjoy fellowship and a cup of tea. A Coffee Morning with Christmas Sales Table will be held on Saturday November 27 from 10am-noon in Maryculter Church Hall. A Soup and Sweet fundraising lunch will be in the Church Hall after the service on March 20. Further details from Sheila Bissett, Tel: 01569 731708

Church Office: Tel: 735983 E-mail:- thechurchoffice@tiscali.co.uk

Website: www.bdmc-parish.org.uk Sunday worship services are at 10.30am 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays of the month at Maryculter Church and 2nd and 4th Sundays at Banchory- Devenick Church. All welcome; Sunday School available.

Community Coffee Enjoy a Fair Trade coffee and a fine piece on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesdays from September 15, 10-noon in Maryculter Church Hall. EVERYONE WELCOME

Bible Study and Prayer Group Wednesday from 7.30-9.30pm in the Happy Lounge Contact Rev. Heather Peacock

Alpha Course

Youth CafĂŠ

An opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed setting over ten thought provoking weekly sessions. Each session includes a meal, a presentation and small group discussion.

Thursday 7.00pm-9.00pm in the Church Hall Food, fun and friendship for primary 7 to senior 6 pupils Youth Alpha available from Thursday 16th September. An Activity Weekend away to Compass Christian Centre in Glenshee planned for 10th-12th June 2011. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out! All Welcome. Contact Dianne Brown 734687

From Wednesday September 1, from 7-9pm in Maryculter Church Hall. To make enquiries or to register please contact Joan Thorne Tel: 783834

Fair Trade Shop Open Mon-Fri 9am-12noon for all your favourite goodies coffee, tea, chocolate, biscuits, sugar, dried fruit and much more.

Harvest Thanksgiving Worship Service

House Groups nd

Meet on the 2 and 4 Monday of each month from 7.30pm-9.30pm for bible study, prayer and fellowship. New members welcome. Contact Joan Thorne Tel:783834 for the B-D Group or Joyce Mackintosh Tel: 733495 for the M-C Group

Sunday 31st October, 10:30am Maryculter Church: All Welcome Fellowship lunch after the service

Charity number: Sc013648 CC1 573608

PILATES CLASSES

BOOKING OF HALLS AND GROUNDS

SOLVEIG DAHLE SMITH

Maryculter Community (Corbie) Hall and Field C.Masson,Tel: 733583 carol.masson@btinternet.com

Cert. Pilates. Inst. MAPPI Chartered physiotherapist PETERCULTER SPORTS CENTRE Mon & Tuesday afternoons Tues, Wed & Thursday evenings CULTS CHURCH Friday mornings Contact details: solveig@pilatesaberdeen.com www.pilatesaberdeen.com 01224 861421

Maryculter Church Hall and Glebe Field Anne Massie Tel: 732071 Scout and Guide Hut Les Paterson, Tel: 868676 lesardoe@aol.com Cookney Hall Willie Angus Tel:01569 730123 wgangus@ukgateway.net Lairhillock School Marian Youngson, Tel: 01569 732520 10

MARYCULTER CARRIAGE DRIVING CENTRE ST TERNAN’S SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH MUCHALLS

Learn the art and tradition of carriage driving Arrive in a horse-drawn carriage for your wedding Enjoy a farm tour and riverside drive Visit our unique carriage collection Bring disabled friends for a drive Let us take you for a drive to mark a special occasion

St. Ternan’s is the northern-most Scottish Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Brechin. We are part of the world-wide Anglican communion. The Church is located in the North Kincardine Community Council area, to the west of the A90 about a mile from Muchalls village on the Causey Mounth, where the road branches off to Cookney and Netherley.

We can do all this and much more with our experienced horses and ponies. We also have a self-contained flat overlooking the River Dee - ideal for business visits or short breaks.

By the time you read this, Rev. Michael Sabell will have returned to Birmingham after 3 ½ years as Priest in Charge. St. Ternan’s will continue to operate with a Ministry team until his replacement arrives. The Ministry team is as follows: George Masson Tel: 01224 733583 John Usher Tel: 01569 731608 The church is open every day from 10am until 3pm. You are welcome to join us in worship at the 10.30am Family Eucharist on Sundays. Weekly services are held on major Saint Days and are advertised on the Church Notice Boards and in the magazine.

Jane and Ewan MacInnes, Home Farm, Maryculter Tel: 01224 732710 and 07889 340362 Email: homefarmmcdc@lineone.net www.marycultercarriages.co.uk

The building of our new community meeting room, kitchen and toilets is almost complete. We hope it will be ready for use by mid-September and anyone with a need for such a facility in the community e.g. classes, dance classes, children’s parties, meetings etc. please get in touch with George or John (details above). The Meeting Room is fitted with a loop system for the deaf and the entrance is wheelchair friendly. The cost to hire the facility will be £4 per hour. Our annual Garden Fete held in June was well attended. Although cold, at least the rain held off and £1200 was raised for Church funds. Please contact any of the above Ministry team for help or information on marriages, baptisms, funerals, pastoral visiting etc.

St Mary’s Chapel, Blairs Mass is held every Sunday morning at 9am to which all are invited. December 4 Service of Carols and Readings at 7 pm with Deeside Choristers. December 24 Christmas Vigil Mass with Carols at 6.45 pm and Mass at 7pm. Deacon Peter Macdonald Tel: 780351 11

GRAMPIAN POLICE hour. He has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal. He had been warned. Zenith continues until the end of October.

Since the last edition our area has enjoyed a period of relative calm. Reported incidents and crimes have been few and far between and we acknowledge that the North Kincardineshire area has, for some time, enjoyed a very low crime rate. Residents and the wider community are to be commended for the active role they play in their area and for the responsibility they display in taking proportionate steps to secure and maintain their properties.

Recreational drugs have been in the news in recent months. It began with the surge in use of Mephedrone (MCAT), which despite being sold as ‘plant food’ and labelled "not for human consumption" was seen as a legal high and resulted in it being reclassified as Class 'B' drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 on 16 April 2010. Possibly as a result of the criminalisation of MCAT, a substance commonly called NRG-1 or ENERGY-1 has seen a significant upsurge in prevalence across the UK. This substance, also appears to have stimulant properties, and was sold widely over the internet as a 'research chemical', 'plant food' or similar, and was also labelled “not for human consumption”. On 23 July 2010 this was also reclassified as a Class 'B' drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Since early April 2010, uniformed divisional staff have been supporting colleagues in the Road Policing Department, NESCAMP and Road Safety Grampian (partnership between Grampian Fire and Rescue Service and Grampian Police) to run Operation Zenith. The Operation consists of five phases targeted at some of the 11,000 motorcycles registered in the Force area. The Operation is not about alienating the motorcycling community – it’s about combing the individual skills and specialisms of the partners to work towards reducing and eliminating the amount of serious and fatal road collisions involving motorcyclists on the north east roads. To date, the Operation has seen a reduction of 66% in the amount of motor cycle fatalities and a 38% reduction in riders seriously injured.

Please take the time to look out for those around you and report anything you think is suspicious. With autumn fast approaching we are always available to give advice on any matters relating to home security. This is a free service and only takes a quick call or E-mail to arrange. Advice regarding the simple measures which can be adopted can be found on the Grampian Police website, www.grampianpolice.uk, under the following tabs: Advice Centre, Crime Reduction and Home Security.

An example of the operation was realised in mid August when an intelligence led operation led to a named motor cyclist being reported to the Police. Officers acted pro-actively and went to speak to the male who was advised about the complaint. A follow up speed check on the same stretch of the South Deeside Road in Blairs at 6.30am the following day led to the same rider being caught driving at 97 miles per

Constable Neil McHattie, Portlethen Police E-mail: neil.mchattie@grampian.pnn.police.uk

NORTH BURNSIDE KENNELS AND CATTERY

where part of your family becomes part of ours” Tel 01224 733474 Netherley Road, Burnside, Maryculter 12

Trout and about! Here in North Kincardine, we take for granted the mighty River Dee as it flows through our area, making its way from the Cairngorms to the sea at Aberdeen. Internationally renowned for its salmon fishing, especially its multi-sea winter spring salmon, anglers come from all over the world to fish on it.

fresh smaller fish, which seem to put on weight effortlessly. It is strictly a 'floating line with dry fly or nymph only' water (no weighted flies). The club prefers its anglers to use barbless or crimpbarbed fly hooks at both sites and, whilst they actively encourage members to fish on a catch-andrelease basis, a daily creel of one fish may be taken.

But did you know that we also play host to two beautiful stillwater sites, suitable for trout fishing? Crossley Quarry * (NO866964) and Allochie Lochan (NO863904) are both situated in Netherley and are managed by Stonehaven & District Angling Association (SDAA). Crossley Quarry is a former hilltop sandstone quarry, which became flooded in the 60’s after blasting opened up a strong freshwater spring, thus ending its commercial viability. It was bought by the SDAA at the knockdown price of £160 and, courtesy of years of hard work by various folk, now provides an exciting mix of low level and cliff top fishing. Over the years, it has been transformed into an attractive and productive stillwater fishery with shelterbelt trees, shrubs, huts, lifebelts, platforms and seating.

Rainbow trout The SDAA was formed in 1937 by a handful of keen local anglers who had previously ‘informally’ fished the local waters for many years. Membership grew steadily over the decades and now numbers around 160 adults, 25 juniors and 25 life members, augmented during the summer holiday months by several dozen visitor anglers, whose fishing on the two Stonehaven rivers is restricted to the beats from the railway viaduct to sea, and along the bay foreshore.

Stocked regularly each year with rainbow trout, it also has a small residual population of big crafty browns. Whilst the permitted daily creel is one fish, most members prefer to fish on an unlimited catch-and-release basis. It is strictly fly-only, and both imitative flies and fly lures are permitted. This fishery is also blessed by occasional visits from an otter, which probably travels from the nearby Crynoch Burn. It is looked after by Hugh Mitchell assisted by the evergreen Robbie Souter, while Ally McWillie is in charge of the highly organised regular annual restocking of both stillwaters.

Dave MacDonald is SDAA Secretary. He explained: “We actually have a number of club members in the Netherley/Cookney area in particular, and one at Blairs. Anyone local wanting to join our club can simply download an application form from the 'membership' page of the website, complete it as far as they are able (if they don't know any member to propose and second their application, they can attach a wee précis of their angling background) and send it to me for placing in front of the committee, with every prospect of acceptance.

The “bonny stillwater” of Allochie Lochan is leased to the club by Richard Holman Baird of Rickarton Estate. Slightly larger in area than Crossley Quarry, it is dammed at one end with a boggy area at the other and heather covered banks on both sides. In fact, if you blank out the sound of passing traffic on the adjacent Netherley Road, you could easily imagine you are fishing a true highland loch!

“We normally have about 200 members annually, and they are a friendly and helpful bunch of guys and gals. We only have three adult members and one junior lady, so more are always particularly welcome...they are usually very successful, too!” www.stonehavenangling.com * Ordnance survey grid locations

This fishery has a population of extremely rare water voles, which the club works very hard to protect from predation by American mink. It also has occasional visits by an otter from the nearby Monboys Burn, a tributary of the River Cowie. It is currently cared for by conveners Lyall Wilson and Geordie Burr, and recent innovations include some unobtrusive casting platforms, several benches, two lifebelts, a wooden shelter hut and a lockfast adjacent members-only car park, with security keys available for members.

Fruit and Vegetables The organic farm shop at Lorienen, Bridge of Muchalls is open on Wednesdays from 12.30 to 6pm and on Saturdays from 9.30 to 5pm Paul van Midden Tel /Fax: 01569 731746 / 739137

Allochie contains several previously-stocked large rainbows and, like Crossley, is restocked annually with

www.lembasorganics.co.uk 13

A word from the Chairman

Nature notes – Autumn 2010

On Monday 15 June 2009, at the last AGM of the North Kincardine Rural Community Council, I was elected to the post of Chairman of the Council: a position that I am both honoured and flattered to find myself in. The first task I have is trying to maintain the very high standards set for me by my predecessor, Mike Birch. Mike took to the role like a

Jewels, feathers and migration - the wonders of Autumn. There are few things nicer than a still Autumn day! The bees are still buzzing, red admiral, peacock and painted lady butterflies are drinking nectar from the last of the thistles and if you’re lucky you can still feel the warmth of the sun. It’s also a time for change though. Robins are beginning to sing their more wistful autumn song after their summer moult and it’s also possible to see both the last of the swallows and house martins and hear the first of the geese arriving. Around 50 billion birds across the globe move house at this time of year, with 5 billion of them leaving Europe for warmer resorts.

For those with a sweet tooth and a taste for fine chocolate, Netherley is the place to go! Jamie Hutcheon, of Wood-Dale, is the mastermind behind Cocoa Ooze, which makes luxury hand-made chocolates and personalised edible gifts. The 19year-old entrepreneur has seen his fledgling business go from strength to strength since setting it up two years ago. Earlier this year, he was runner-up in the Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year category of the 2010 Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise, the youngest ever nominee.

But it’s not all reflection. The summer has produced lots of fruits and berries that taste delicious and can come in handy over the next few months. Top of the list and easiest to find is the bramble. A member of the rose family, bramble plants can grow up to 10 cm a day during summer. By September the delicious fruits have formed and make great jam, crumbles, sorbets and if squashed, make a fun natural paint for children. It is said there are over 300 microspecies of bramble in Britain, each with their own subtle flavour. Find your own favourite, but be quick – brambles become soggy and bland after lots of rain.

Made from the finest imported Belgian chocolate, all Cocoa Ooze recipes are unique and contain entirely natural ingredients. No machines are used, with chocolate being tempered using a bain marie before being hand-stirred. Truffles are then hand-rolled to perfection. Made in small batches the current product range includes 12 different flavours of truffles and eight types of chocolate bar. Since the age of eight, Jamie has been helping his Mum in the kitchen but credits his Nana - Elizabeth Tawse - as the inspiration behind his passion for chocolate making. He explained: “I’ve always had a sweet tooth and my Nan taught me the art of home-baking and making things like millionaire shortbread. She also collected lots of recipes and passed them on to me when I was 13.”

Rowans, with their jewel-like red berries are also very easy to spot. Another member of the rose family, the rowan grows at the highest altitude of all our native trees. It’s also the best hedgerow species to collect if you’re short of time – 10 minutes of gathering gives you more than enough berries to make a year’s supply of rowan jelly! Again be quick though as arriving migrant blackbirds, red wings, fieldfares and even the exotic-looking waxwings can strip a tree in minutes.

He began working at The Marcliffe at Pitfodels at aged 15 and went on become a Commis Trainee Chef there the following year. Following a period of intensive training with Callebaut, one of the world’s leading chocolate manufacturers, he perfected a true gift for chocolate-making. He set up Cocoa Ooze in October 2008 but continued to work up to 90 hours a week in various catering jobs, to fund the start-up costs.

Possibly the most intriguing species around South Deeside though is hazel as there’s loads of it but its nuts are rarely collected. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall writes “If you want to find a hazel tree, follow a squirrel. And if you want to get a decent crop of nuts off it, shoot the squirrel.” Remembering that red squirrels are part of a national conservation campaign, hazelnuts can be eaten green, straight off the tree or collected (when green) and roasted – Gas Mark 5 for 10 minutes. If the squirrels miss a tree then you can find the brown nuts later in the season after they have dried out. The tree in this area grows to around three metres and is often multi-stemmed. Its palm-sized leaves have a frilled edge and a pointed tip and there are usually several trees growing near to each other. February is actually the easiest time of year to spot hazel when their yellow dangling catkins stand out amongst the other bare branched trees. The north side of the South Deeside Road from Banchory-Devenick westwards is lined with hazel. The straight stems make great handles for witches brooms at Halloween (with some birch for the brush) or can be bent into a circle as the basis of a Christmas wreath.

In March this year, he decided to dedicate 100% of his time to the business. He said: “I decided I wanted to make it work and haven’t really looked back since then. We’re getting business from all angles and it’s far exceeded my expectations already”. Cocoa Ooze caters for weddings and corporate events, as well as supplying the retail and wholesale trades. Their products can also be found at local farmers’ markets, agricultural shows and exhibitions. Outwith the business, Jamie also does a lot of work for children’s charities, which he says is “demanding but rewarding”. Plans for the future include demonstration days at his purpose-built premises at WoodDale. Cocoa Ooze products can be found in various outlets throughout Aberdeenshire and Moray, including The Devenick Dairy, Andrew Gordon Butchers in Chattan Place, Aberdeen, Raemoir Garden Centre in Banchory and The Cool Gourmet in Evan Street, Stonehaven. You can also order online, by visiting www.cocoa-ooze.co.uk

Autumn berries also make stunning Christmas decorations. Whitebeam berries (which grow in bunches and are slightly larger than rowan) and the voluptuous rosehips of the dog rose look great simply threaded onto a circle of wire and hung up for all to admire. Leave a few of the latter though as greenfinches love the seeds. So, if it’s nice this weekend, forget the chores, DIY and homework and get outside - happy foraging! Mandy Tulloch, www.mudpieadventures.co.uk

For more information, Tel: 07534 103249 or E-mail: info@cocoa-ooze.co.uk 14

REPRESENTATION Sir Robert Smith MP

nothing to frighten off the vital investment that keeps our oil and gas industry going. In addition one of the first visits the new Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change made was to the north-east to see first hand what we have to contribute to the nation’s energy industry.

The Government has currently embarked on a spending review to try and reduce the level of debt hanging over the country’s finances. In turn the Scottish Parliament and Aberdeenshire Council will have to set their budgets in light of the spending review. Such a move is necessary to restore market confidence that it is safe to lend money to the UK. Restoring such confidence will help reduce the cost of borrowing for the vital public services that need to be maintained.

Of course there are other businesses playing a vital role in supplying employment locally. Many of them will be reliant on the banks taking a more constructive approach to business investment. I am keen to hear of local experience of dealing with our banks both good and bad. The tax payer has paid a very high price for the necessary rescue of our banks. The least the banks can do is ensure they are not holding business back from growing the economy to help restore the public finances.

As part of the exercise of trying to balance the nation’s books we need to see a climate that will encourage investment in profitable industries. Here in the North East we are home to a major industry that contributes a great deal to the economy.

Councillor Ian Mollison

Councillor Carl Nelson

In my last article for the South Deeside View, I wrote that tough times lie ahead for Aberdeenshire Council. That’s still the case. Councillors and officials have been turning their attention to the financial storm that is no doubt heading our way.

It isn’t hard to find problem areas in local government. In education many children, with the support of their parents, find themselves with a good set of results when they leave school. What they have achieved is of great credit to them and to their teachers. Unfortunately what they have achieved over many years goes to waste when they cannot get a place at University. It must be heartbreaking for them. One can only hope that in time they will find a place and go on to greater success. They deserve it.

We have all heard about the downturn in the economy, and the warnings of doom. Up to now, it has all seemed far away, captured in dire news bulletins and gloomy newspaper articles. Would the prosperity of the north-east shield us? Sadly no.

Still on education, wouldn’t it be marvellous if we could build badly needed new schools and upgrade others. It takes time and money to do this but Aberdeenshire Council is determined to do just that. In North Kincardine we have a splendid primary school at Lairhillock and an excellent Academy at Portlethen. More of the same is badly needed.

Though we do not have the figures yet from the Scottish Government, it is inevitable that the council will have less money in its corporate wallet. That means the council will have to cut its cloth accordingly. The Shire has been a tight ship over the years, spending taxpayers’ money carefully. That means though there is little or no fat to trim. We already get less money than most of the other councils in Scotland, per head. Tough decisions will be taken over the coming months, some which I won’t like, and you won’t like. Some decisions we will no doubt get wrong, just because we are fallible people.

Another problem area is finding accommodation for homeless people and others. It is a major challenge with over 7,000 people in Aberdeenshire waiting for a house. With the slowdown in the economy and fewer houses being built, it is a big challenge. When we make bids to the Scottish Government for funds to build houses we regularly meet with success. Just recently we were given £1,350M to help build 45 houses. We do our best in difficult circumstances.

In an ideal world it would not be like this. It would be much easier for councillors to be able to grant the wishes of the electorate. But that’s not why you voted for us (of whatever party). It will mean that some projects are shelved, that new schools are not as well equipped as Portlethen Academy or Lairhillock Primary School, that some jobs will go, that frontline services are trimmed, that maybe the verges on the roads are cut less. I sound like the Rev. I. M. Jolly!

As a councillor, two of the most common complaints I receive are about planning and roads. In planning it can be about large or small scale developments. Rarely does a week pass without planning being an issue for someone. There are also complaints about roads all year round. In winter lack of gritting of roads and pavements is a problem for many people. Once the snow clears there are related problems - flooding, blocked drains and potholes. It’s never ending.

I would welcome any suggestions on where you think savings could be made. Send me an email – address on the back page.

Looking ahead, two of my grandsons, Ben and Jake, started school this year. It was an exciting time for all of us. They are both enjoying it. I do wonder what their future holds.

Each of the four councillors for the North Kincardine Ward were invited to contribute up to 300 words. 15

When it comes to the public inquiry into the LDP, the old Public Local Inquiry (PLI) has now morphed into the Examination In Public (EIP) which will encompass, unlike many other token name changes, a change in style, format and emphasis.

A word from the Chairman It has been a challenging year as the Community Council has been busier than ever putting forward the views and concerns of our residents. NKRCC has considered in excess of 75 new planning applications over the year and where necessary has commented on these to Aberdeenshire Council Planning Department, as well as commenting on applications which have been granted, to try to ensure that developers remain within the boundaries of the regulations. Rob Winmill, our vice-chairman who specialises in planning issues, reports more fully on the following pages.

First; the written objections to any LDP submitted at the consultation stage by the public, developers, Community Councils, or clubs and organisations etc. – will be those which will be considered by the Reporter at the EIP. It will be the exception for the Reporter to allow, or ask for, any further submissions. So, there will be no chance for consultants or lawyers to send extra bumf (generally at great length and cost) to support their clients’ case. We all have to get it right first time, whether it is CHAP Homes, Scottish Natural Heritage or Bill McSmith. The ‘no further bumf’ will also apply to the Planners who have written the plan as well.

Community councillors have kept a close eye on the state of our roads and wherever a problem has been identified we have been swift in reporting the problem, including potholes, drainage of surface water, roadside vegetation and speeding to Aberdeenshire Council.

Second; objections at the public consultation stage will be severely limited - to 2,000 words plus “reasonable” supporting documents - on each point, (and at the lawyers’ and consultants’ hourly fees, they may face a calamity, hoho). These first two points will already herald a major reduction in the workload of the Reporters at an EIP, as anyone involved in an old-style PLI will know.

NKRCC has also received presentations from a number of organisations throughout the year, including SEPA on flooding, members of Aberdeenshire Council on affordable housing and roads management, as well as a number of planners seeking to develop sites in the area.

Third; the Reporter will decide which of three forms are to be adopted for each part of the EIP: by written submissions only (i.e. just using the objections mentioned above); by Informal Hearing (the Reporter chairing a brief discussion with objectors and planners to be sure that their main points are clear); or by Formal Inquiry (involving legal representation and lengthy presentation of evidence and cross-examination).

Community councillors have been involved in supporting other aspects of our community including distribution of South Deeside View, assisting with and supporting the SDV Plant Sale in May 2010, as well as fundraising efforts by Maryculter Playgroup at their Easter Fair and Family Ceilidh earlier this year and the continuing upgrade of Cookney Hall

The norm will be the first - written submissions - with some issues getting a hearing and Formal Inquiry being “very much the exception”, according to my mole.

You can find reports of meetings agendas, contact details for community councillors and a mass of related matters on our website www.nkrcc.org.uk Minutes and agendas can be found on notice boards at Cookney and Corbie halls, outside the former Maryculter West and East primary schools and Banchory-Devenick School.

Fourth; the Reporter will consider only broad “Issues”, as opposed to considering every single individual objection as in the past. That means a series of objections grouped together under a single heading by the Council as an Issue. As we understand it, that would mean, for example, if 10 objectors want the Housing Policy to add 3 extra provisions and another 20 want certain things taken away, the Reporter will simply be asked to examine and decide if the Policy is ‘fit for purpose’ as the saying goes. Previously he would have responded to all 30 in his report.

Bob McKinney, Chairman Tel: 01569 730706

New Public Inquiry system for the Local Development Plan (LDP)

Next, whilst there are 14 Policies in the LDP, most of them have the real detail of the policy written into Supplementary Guidance (SG). Regrettably, and in the view of some observers disgracefully, those SG documents will NOT be examined by the Reporter. The intention is that the SG can, and often will, be amended through the course of the Plan period, with a consultation open for public comment on any proposed amendments. Thus there will be no independent scrutiny of the detail of policies at any stage.

We have noted in these pages before that the Executive has introduced a much more top-down-driven and streamlined system for all aspects of planning in an attempt to speed the whole process up. At the same time, the Executive claims that there will be wider public consultation: it remains to be seen whether the two are compatible! 16

come forward as a normal planning application either under the current Plan (ALP) or the new, emerging one (LDP) to be judged against normal policies and planning criteria.

Two final points. You can see that whereas in the past an individual has been able to reserve the right to appear at a PLI and argue his or her case further, in person, that right now largely disappears. Also, when a PLI Reporter gave recommendations, the Local Authority often rejected up to 20 % of them. In future those recommendations are to be “largely binding”.

The best-known of these is the proposed ‘village’ around the Lairhillock School. The developer has admitted that the claimed reduction (from 223 houses to 60) represented merely the first phase for the eventual whole 223. If an application should be made, then everyone will have the chance to comment on it at the advertisement and exhibition stage, to judge it against the relevant Policies and to object if that seems appropriate.

The schedule and timings of the whole LDP process are also changing under the new streamlined system and the Shire’s LDP should follow this timetable: Publish proposed LDP - done in July 2010 12 week public consultation period – ends 1st Oct 2010 Council has 17 weeks to consider all objections and comments – ends Feb 1st 2011 Council lists all unresolved Issues and maybe modifies LDP 6-week period for all 6 Area Committees to debate modified LDP – ends March 2011 Executive appoints Reporter and runs the EIP – maximum 35 weeks (November 2011) Council has max. 3 months to consider report, modify LDP and publish it - Feb 2012 LDP adopted (goes ‘live’) 4 weeks later - March 2012

Further afield ; in Stonehaven, 160 houses are written into the Plan plus a further 230 at Ury Estate if a new developer cares to take up the permission; in St Cyrus 120; Newtonhill 70 ; Laurencekirk 800; Inverbervie 200; Inverurie 1,000; Kintore 600 and so on. Which leads us on to the Local Plan (LDP). All the above information and much more can be found in the published plan which is in its 12-week public consultation phase. That phase ends on Oct 1st, so those wishing to comment or object have very little time. The LDP can be viewed on, or downloaded from, the Shire’s website:www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/planning/ldp/index.asp and paper copies can be read at Viewmount or Woodhill or in the Shire’s public libraries. Response forms can be found on the website or ordered from 01224 664342. This official form is not vital as long as you clearly state who you are and precisely what you are commenting on (e.g. Policy / page number etc). Send your objections or comments to Woodhill House OR e-mail them to: LDP@aberdeenshire.gov.uk OR use the online form.

(Note; the last Local Plan (ALP) started on its course in 2000 and was adopted in June 2006. This LDP aims to cut at least 2 years off that timetable.)

Autumn 2010 – Planning Notes Perhaps this section of the View should be called ‘Déja View’. Two proposals now celebrate their 10th anniversary! Blairs for a start; 1999 saw the first application for a socalled enabling development to rescue the College entailing, inter alia, 280 houses. A second application was finally approved a couple of years ago but there is still no official publication of the grant of permission. Problems appear to include the Bridge of Dee itself – a scheduled Ancient Monument which cannot be touched – and the traffic problems at Bridge of Dee created by the extra volume of traffic stemming from 280 houses. (So what price the 850 at Hillside plus the 4,050 at Elsick?)

One document contains broad Policies, proposals, maps and housing allocations (3A), one has settlement details (only Kirkton and Elsick for us, pages 10 and 20), that’s document 3H, and the last is 3C stating all the Supplementary Guidance (SG) to the Policies. If you wish to object to any Policy it is essential that you check what that policy’s SG says, as that is where the real detail appears. At the risk of wearing the record out, we can only repeat that as many people as possible should take part in this public consultation. Some changes have already been achieved and with the Plan timetable being short-circuited (by the Executive) to speed the whole process up, we all need to take this opportunity to make our views known.

The proposal at Alba Power for a jet engine test site, with a building 50 feet high at one end, has just been approved, but with times of operation specified to minimise disturbance. Similarly the derelict church at Westside has recently been approved by the local K and M committee (though against Plan policy) and as I write is due for decision by higher authority.

So, finally, to our other ten-year-old. In 1999 (again!), RES first proposed wind turbines on Meikle Carewe. That was defeated and another application was submitted in 2006. That was also refused and even as we write the period for RES to appeal is fast slipping away. (STOP PRESS: 24 hours after writing this we found that an appeal had been lodged, two days before the deadline - but the objectors remain confident that theirs is a sound case, despite the Council's rose-tinted view of the proposal. Fingers crossed!)

It may also be worth recapping on the ‘bids’ for the draft LDP and what has happened to them. Of a total of 23 initial bids for housing in the NK area, only two have been written into the Plan, thus getting the Council’s backing: 6 houses at Kirkton and 4,050 on the Elsick Estate (see following page). The rest haven’t necessarily gone away – each could still 17

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ELSICK ‘NEW TOWN’

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Granted all the publicity in recent weeks, you should be aware of the development planned for the Elsick Estate. Whatever our individual views, the local, democratic decision-making process plumped for this as the Shire’s major settlement, as opposed to the Banchory-Leggart and Hillside proposals. The consultation, design and planning stage is now in train. The first chance for the developer to give information and garner local opinion was at a meeting on July 13th in Cookney Hall. Designers, lawyers and consultants outlined the proposal to around 100 local residents as follows:

Setting of Causey Mounth intended to be protected with ‘green space’ If the development is sold on, Elsick Estate will retain control of development.

This is merely a report of the meeting. There remain very many questions to be asked. How will 4,000 houses have only 8,000 residents? Is that an attempt to minimise the effects of commuting? Can the settlement’s inhabitants really work, shop and play within it without travelling? How much does it rely on the WPR link? Could the Estate really retain control if sold on? Business and industry; what about the three other largely empty such estates within a few miles? What guarantee is there that development will not eventually spread over the remaining two-thirds of the Estate?

Elsick Estate envisages 4,000 houses (with 8,000 residents of whom 3,500 would be working), a town centre, four primary schools, an academy, shops and areas for business and industry. Country parks and recreation areas would be used to create plenty of open space; it is hoped that a link to the WPR might transpire and building could be anticipated to start in 2012. The aspiration of the developer is that the 4,000 households would find all their ‘lifestyle’ and material needs within the settlement. The development would start with the town centre, the schools would be close by and then the rest of the development would follow in phases, covering in total around one third of the Estate.

You will doubtless have many other such points which you may wish to raise during the charrette, or as part of your responses to the Local Development Plan consultation period which extends until Oct 1st.

The 300 Club Between November and January community councillors will be knocking on doors again, inviting residents to take part in this annual lottery. Each £5 ticket is entered into a draw at Community Council meetings, and around 40% of the money taken in is returned as monthly prizes ranging from £5 to £100. The remaining money (over £1,100 this year) becomes available for local good causes. Thus all the money is re-circulated either as cash prizes or, more importantly, to enhance and develop community initiatives.

A week-long ‘Charette’ will be held between September 28 and October 7, during which we shall all be able to go along and give our views and make suggestions to the designers as they work on the details. We have since heard that three major meetings presenting and discussing matters of a general nature will be held at the Bettridge Centre, Newtonhill at 7pm on Tuesday 28th September, 10.30am on Saturday 2nd October and 7pm on Thursday 7th October. Otherwise more specialist sessions will be held at the Elsick Poolhouse. The development company will be sending out papers to everyone within a four mile radius during the first full week of September outlining the charette in detail and giving directions. Further information will be found on the website: www.chapeltonofelsick.co.uk

Here are those who have won cash prizes since March: M. Birch, Banchory-Devenick; R. Gauld, Maryculter; S. Grimmer, Cookney; S. Grimmer, Aberdeen; L. King, Netherley; N. Law, Netherley; N. Mauthner, Maryculter; G. Milne, Newtonhill; T. Mutch, Banchory; D. Parkinson, Banchory-Devenick; D. Petrie, Banchory-Devenick; J. Pride, Maryculter; D. Raitt, Cookney; K. Raitt, Cookney; P. Robertson, Banchory-Devenick; A. Stewart, Maryculter; Mr Thomas, Maryculter and S. Wardlaw, Netherley;

Questions from those present elicited extra information : • Comparison with Portlethen (which has 3,000 houses and 7,500 residents) • - Developer very vague about type and extent of industry to be attracted, especially with competition from Nigg / Cairnrobin • Acknowledged possibility of a half-finished development with any further economic downturn • No close rail link – relying on Portlethen. • New water pumping station needed

Since April we have granted £400 to the recently formed South Deeside Under 5’s to fund new equipment. Local groups seeking funds to improve their facilities, equipment etc. are welcome to apply to the secretary: tlenehan@nkrcc.org.uk We encourage them to attend the next Community Council meeting to outline how the money will be used. 18

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REPRESENTATION

EVENTS CALENDAR September Wed. 8 Maryculter WRI: ‘Trip to India’ Saturday 11-19 North East Open Studios (NEOS) Monday 20 Community Council Netherley WRI: Flower arranging Friday 24 Macmillan Coffee Morning October Saturday 2 Meal an’Ale concert at Cookney Hall Thursday 7 Friendship Club lunch Wed. 13 Maryculter WRI: ‘Cocoa Ooze’ Monday 18 Community Council Netherley WRI: Farming museum visit Friday 22 Friendship Club basket whist Saturday 30 Cookney Hall: Halloween ceilidh dance November Thursday 4 Friendship Club Wed. 10 Maryculter WRI: Basket supper and quiz Monday 15 Community Council Monday 22 Netherley WRI: Aberdeen Foyer charity Saturday 27 Church Guild coffee morning / sales table December Thursday 2 Friendship Club Saturday 4 Carol concert in Blairs Chapel Wed. 15 Maryculter WRI: Stonehaven pantomime Monday 13 Community Council

MP Sir Robert Smith Tel: 01330 820330 Fax: 01330 820338 robert.smith.mp@parliament.uk MSP Mike Rumbles Tel: 01330 820268 Fax: 01330 820106 mike.rumbles.msp@scottishparliament.uk COUNCILLORS Alastair Bews Tel: 01224 784594 33 Bruntland Court, Portlethen E-mail: cllr.a.bews@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Paul Melling Tel: 01224 784534 51 Broomfield Road, Portlethen E-mail: cllr.p.melling@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Ian Mollison Tel: 01569 739087 11 Greystone Place, Newtonhill, Stonehaven AB39 3UL E-mail:cllr.i.mollison@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Carl Nelson Tel: 01569 730733 21 Dunnyfell Road, Muchalls, Stonehaven AB39 3RP E-mail: cllr.c.nelson@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Aberdeenshire Council Viewmount, Arduthie Road, Stonehaven. www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk AB39 2DQ

January 2011 Thursday 6 Friendship Club Wed. 12 Maryculter WRI: K and D Befriending Saturday15 Cookney Hall: Burns Supper Monday 17 Community Council Netherley WRI: Cocoa Ooze February Thursday 3 Friendship Club Wed. 9 Maryculter WRI ‘Jewellery making’ Monday 14 Community Council Monday 21 Netherley WRI: A visit to India March Thursday 3 Friendship Club Wed. 9 Maryculter WRI: Birthday party meal Monday 14 Community Council Sunday 20 Church Guild soup and sweet lunch Monday 21 Netherley WRI: Birthday party

POLICE Emergencies All non-emergencies Crimestoppers Drugs Information Line

Tel: 999 Tel: 0845 600 5700 Tel: 0800 555 111 Tel: 0800 371553

SERVICES Bluebird buses No. 103 Aberdeen to Laurencekirk via BanchoryDevenick and Netherley No. 204 Aberdeen to Strachan via Maryculter and Blairs Tel: 212266 or 591381 E-mail:Public.transport@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Dial a Trip Bus service with tail lift for concession card and taxi card holders. Tel: 01569 765765

Editors:

Library The mobile van visits fortnightly on Thursdays: Kirkton of Maryculter at 9am By former Maryculter East Schoool at 9.20am Banchory-Devenick crossroads at 10.10 Library Service Tel: 01651 872707

Hazel Witte Tel: 732738 Monearn, Maryculter AB12 5GT witte@btconnect.com Pam Robertson Tel: 863887 2 Little Banchory Mews, Banchory-Devenick AB12 5XS pambyers@btinternet.com

Window cleaning Martin Pilley Tel: 01261 815411

Please send copy for the Spring issue of YOUR NEWSLETTER by March 15 20