South Deeside View - Spring 2011 by NKRCC

THE SOUTH DEESIDE VIEW Spring 2011 CONTENTS 1

Plant Sale and Coffee Morning Gardens of Scotland

Youth activities

Beavers, Cubs and Scouts

Lairhillock School

Lairhillock School football Banchory-Devenick School

Clubs and Societies

Leisure activities St Mary’s Chapel, Blairs

Community Halls

Driving for the Disabled Home deliveries

Banchory-Devenick and Maryculter-Cookney Church

St Ternan’s Church

Grampian Police

Ian Forbes - the Blairs Years!

Nature Notes

Local councillors and MP

NKRCC + 300 Club

NKRCC, Planning

NKRCC, Planning K&M Volunteering David & June Gordon Trust

Advertisements

Handy contacts and Events

As we go to press, the daffodils are bravely emerging into a (so far) rather chilly spring. That said, we were blessed with some beautiful weather in March and we can only hope this continues throughout the spring and summer. This issue is once again packed with contributions from individuals and organisations across our area. Together with our loyal advertisers and faithful band of „deliverers‟, this is what makes South Deeside View possible - a huge thanks to you all. Meanwhile, we are always on the lookout for new material that you - the readers - would like to see. It is after all „your‟ newsletter, so please feel free to contact Hazel or Pam at any time with your ideas (contact details on the back page). All phone numbers are Aberdeen listed (01224) unless otherwise indicated. The back page, with its Events Calendar and list of useful contacts, is arranged for handy reference. Other contact information is at the end of each section. In the meantime, we look forward to seeing you all at the now legendary Annual Plant Sale and Coffee Morning on May 14 (see below)...

ANNUAL PLANT SALE and COFFEE MORNING Saturday May 14, from 10.30 till noon at Corbie Hall, Maryculter We are holding a sale of garden plants: herbaceous, rockery, herbs, salad vegetables, annuals, bushes - all grown by enthusiastic local amateur gardeners. There will also be a „swap shop‟ for old/unwanted gardening books. Coffee, tea, juice and home baking will also be available.

Gardens of Scotland Blairwood House garden is open by appointment from 15th June till 31st August this year. Admission is £3.50 (for charity). Contact Ilse Elders on 868301.

Please let us know if you can offer any donations or assistance on the day - all contributions welcome! If you can help with supplies, contact Rob Winmill (plants), Tel: 01569 730308 or Pam Robertson (coffee morning), Tel: 863887.

YOUTH ACTIVITIES Maryculter Babies and Toddlers

Maryculter Brownies

We meet in Maryculter Church Hall, Kirkton of Maryculter on Thursday mornings during school term time from 9.30 to 11.30am. Anyone looking after children between birth and 3 years is very welcome to drop in during the session for a cuppa and a chat, whilst the tots play with jigsaws, trikes, pretend kitchens and lots more! We‟re always on the lookout for new members so please tell friends, neighbours and those new to the area. £2 per session. In addition to our group, the South Deeside Under Fives run a Baby and Toddler class on Monday mornings during term time at Maryculter Community Hall – 9.30 to 11.30am. See below for further information. Contact Louise MacDonald on 874014.

The Brownies have been busy this term learning about Brownies from all over the world and have been doing their World Guiding Badge as part of World Thinking Day in February. They have also completed their Stargazer Badge and managed to get out one night to look at the stars. We have started on our Royal Wedding Challenge Badge and also our World Guiding Goes Tartan Badge to celebrate the World Conference in Scotland this summer. In the coming months we will be looking to get out and about if the weather is kind to us. Also the three units are collecting Sainsbury's Active Kids Vouchers and Tesco Vouchers for Schools and Clubs so if you have any you could share with us please do get in touch with any of the Unit Leaders. We are hoping to replace some of our ageing equipment.

South Deeside under 5’s South Deeside Under Fives is a community-led charity, providing independent childcare for young children. It aims to give children from birth to five a gentle and fun introduction to life beyond home. We run three classes – a Baby and Toddler Group, a Twos Group and a Rising Fives Group. Classes are held on weekdays during term time in Maryculter Community Hall. Our experienced Play Leaders prepare an exciting array of activities for youngsters, from glittery crafts, construction games and imaginative play inside, to gardening, active games and country walks outside. Beyond the fun for children, the group aims to be a focus for local parents to meet and make new friends – an important aspect of living in a rural area. If you would like to find out more information about our group, please have a look at our website www.southdeeside-under-fives.co.uk or join us for family fun at our Spring Fair on Saturday 23rd April between 10.30am and 12.30pm. Tel: 07966 163953 or Email: info@south-deeside-under-fives.co.uk.

We meet on Thursdays from 6.30-8pm in Corbie Hall. There is still a substantial waiting list but if you know anybody who would be interested in joining us please do get in touch so they can be added to the list. We will also be looking for a new Young Leader in the Summer (aged 14 to 18) when one of ours moves out of the area. So if you know anybody of that age who would like to help us out, please do get in touch. Contact Lynn Murphy on 01330 825936 or e-mail lynnmurphy100@hotmail.co.uk.

Maryculter Guides We have just celebrated World Thinking Day. Some of us went to a fun day in Newtonhill, where the girls were able to widen their knowledge of The Girl Guide Association all over the world. The girls have been working very hard on their interest badges. We held a ceremony where our newest Guide made her promise and we awarded the Guides for their hard work with their badges. A total of 20 were handed out. After the Easter break we will be working on a Royal Wedding Challenge, learning all about the Royal Family and planning a wedding celebration to remember (even if we only get to watch it on TV). Once the warm nights are with us we are hoping to get out and about into the great outdoors, playing games and learning new skills to take with us to our summer camp in July. We meet on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm in the Corbie Hall and are always on the lookout for new members. Contact Morag Lister on 07849 315203 or email moraglister@yahoo.co.uk

1st Maryculter Rainbows Rainbows are still running at full quota although our waiting list is getting smaller! We have been busy working on a „roundabout badge‟ this term which has included making salt dough bees, a black and white panda night and the ultimate „edible wormery‟. We also had a fundraising „Bingo, Blether and Bakes‟ afternoon with the Brownies to raise money for our annual census. With Mothers Day, our annual Daffodil Tea and Easter on their way we have a lot of things going on to keep us busy. The Rainbows are also very excited about their move to Corbie Hall after the Easter Holidays. Girls aged between 5 and 7 meet on Thursdays from 4.30pm to 5.30pm. Contact Alison Stephen on 899703 2

YOUTH ACTIVITIES of sailing events at Loch of Skene planned for the summer months so we will be hoping for some suitably warm weather. Cubs meet at the Scout Hut on Mondays between 6.15 and 7.45. The pack is currently close to capacity and we will give priority to boys wanting to move up from Beavers. For more information, contact one of the following: David Kirk tel.: 869006, David Burslem tel: 732819, Bill Caffyn tel: 734080, Andrew Warnock tel: 739602.

Maryculter Beavers Beavers meet every Tuesday from 5.30 to 7pm in the Scout Hut but are currently suffering from a lack of numbers. This is perhaps fortunate, as Beavers are now operating with one leader and a parent rota. Hopefully next term will see a fresh infusion of boys and, more importantly, some adults coming forth to become leaders. If additional leaders are not recruited, Beavers will not be in existence next year. The winter term is by necessity an indoor term when we do crafts, games, cooking etc but we hope to get out and about in the spring for more adventurous activities. We would love to boost our current membership of 12 and any enquiries should be made to Kathleen Paterson, Beaver Leader, on 868676.

1st Maryculter Scouts Scouts meet at the Scout and Guide Hut in Maryculter each Friday from 7.15 to 9.15pm. Most things this spring will be geared to preparing for our summer trip to Oberkirch in the Black Forest. We have already had a fundraising hike up Bennachie, made some holly wreaths at Christmas and planted some trees kindly donated by Sainsbury's. Another cycle trip up Cairn-mon-earn is planned, as is a quiz in May. We hope you will support us if you can. Scouts and leaders are looking forward to the trip and hope the weather will be better than we had in Lewis last summer. We have had contact with the Oberkirch scouts since they visited us on Deeside in 1992. The Scouts have been camping out each month to complete their Zodiac award. The early snows in November did not deter Neil, Paul, Charlie and Nick - they simply built themselves an igloo in the Glebe park and slept in it overnight - and had to be wakened for breakfast! We are expecting a busy few months ahead and with our numbers at 23 we are almost at capacity. However enquiries from any potential new Scouts are always welcome. Contact Les Paterson, Scout Leader, Tel: 868676 or Email: lesardoe@aol.com, www.deesidescouts.org.uk.

1st Maryculter Cubs The Cub pack continues to have an active programme in and around Maryculter with as many activities as possible taking advantage of what the local area has to offer. During the Autumn term we camped at Templars‟ Park, had a cross country cycling tour in the Kingcausie Estate and in December there was a night hike complete with camp fire and hot cocoa. We held a second sleepover, this time in the Scout Hut, to coincide with the Remembrance Sunday service at the kirk and we also went for a session of „Tubing‟ at the Garthdee Ski Centre, which went down very well with every member of the pack taking part. These larger events have been interspersed with both outdoor and indoor programmes leading towards various badges including Naturalist, Cycling and Navigator. The Lent term has also been busy with a second night hike, this time in Kingcausie, and a night orienteering challenge in Templars‟ Park in which we finished with the same number of Cubs as we had at the outset, which was no mean achievement! We have also held another sleepover in the hut combined with a community service event and were particularly pleased to be able to join forces with the local Maryculter community group for a programme of tree planting. We derive so much enjoyment from having the woods close to the Scout Hut, and we hope that the Cubs will be able to see the fruits of their labours as the trees take root and re-colonise some of the areas felled in the recent past. The community service theme continued with clearing leaves from the churchyard but by this time the Cubs were beginning to flag so we were only able to tidy up on one side of the kirk. On the positive side, the leaders reaped the benefits later on when the whole pack settled down for the night far quicker than on any other sleepover. Looking forward to next term we will be making the annual overnight trip to Muir Cottage near Braemar again after the Easter break and we have another couple

Mess Tent for hire Maryculter Scouts, with some financial help from NKRCC, have purchased a new Mess Tent, measuring 25' x 14' x 7'. It is not a marquee but is quite large and it was bought with the intention of allowing it to be used by other groups in the community. It could be a useful shelter at fetes, barbecues, sales etc and would need a flat base not necessarily grass - as well as 3 or 4 people to pitch it and take it down. The Scouts would hope for a small donation for its use, but more importantly they would expect it to be well cared for and returned folded and dry. Any group or person wishing to use the Mess Tent should contact Scout Leader Les Paterson, Tel: 868676.

PRIMARY

SCHOOLS P4 (pictured) have used clay to create Thor‟s hammer models as part of their work on Vikings. These have been engraved and painted and the final results are most impressive – as is the Viking Longboat which has pride of place in the classroom. The children have also been focusing on enterprise through „Ollie the Octopus‟ and this has helped them to develop essential team building skills.

Lairhillock The school pantomime and nursery nativity were both postponed until January. However both were very well received by everyone, with the children and staff putting in a huge effort into making the performances a resounding success. The children wore something tartan to mark Burns Day. The P1-7 children also enjoyed a whole school Scottish Country Dancing Session led by Mr Burnett, PE teacher. The Cross Country Team took part in the McIntosh Plant Hire Primary Schools Cross Country Series at the Garioch Sports Centre, Inverurie in February. Despite conditions being very wet and muddy, the children were a credit to the school and we are very proud of their efforts. Congratulations to Emily Ironside who returned with a medal for finishing 3rd in the P5 Girls‟ Race.

P5-6 held a Victorian Tea Party which was an excellent way of learning about what life was like during this era. They made cheese straws, jam tarts and scones, with the help of our parent volunteers.

The Rights Respecting Pupil Council organised a Book Exchange to mark World Book Day and this is now a regular event, taking place every Friday lunchtime. They also compiled the Lairhillock Joke Book which went on sale on Red Nose Day to raise money. Pupils and staff also wore something red on the day.

P7 pupils enjoyed a trip to Blairs College and Museum in connection with their studies on Mary Queen of Scots. They will be joining pupils from Banchory Devenick School in May for a residential trip to PGL, Dalguise in Perthshire.

All classes took part in a Change Champions challenge as part of Science and Technology Week. P1-6 pupils were also involved in Shell Workshops on „The Circus and Flight‟.

P1-7 pupils have participated in street dance and hip hop workshops as a result of a visit from dance company „Showcase the Street‟. P1-3 children took part in a ballet workshop led by a local Russian ballerina.

Nursery children enjoyed a trip to see „The Singing Kettle‟ at The Music Hall. They also heard about recycling from Mrs K Smith from Bankhead Recycling and Waste Management Centre and have enjoyed using their imaginations to make junk models. They are also learning all about babies and are delighted that Mrs Macdonald and Harry have been able to visit them.

All pupils continue to greatly enjoy food technology sessions thanks to parent volunteers. Not only do they learn cooking skills, they also have to apply literacy and numeracy skills, like reading and following a recipe, as well as weighing and measuring. The annual Suitcase Sale was a great success once again. Many thanks to Mrs Murray and the Rights Respecting Pupil Council who planned and organised the event, which raised £266.

P1-2 continue to focus on a range of skills through learning nursery rhymes, and their attractive classroom displays highlight the range of curricular areas which have been covered through this topic. They recently designed posters with important safety messages after talking about Humpty Dumpty‟s nasty fall!

The whole school, including nursery, will take part in an Easter Service at Maryculter Church on 21 April.

The children in P2-3 have planned and held an „Egyptian Feast‟ as part of their work on Egypt. They baked Egyptian bread for the occasion and also had dates, fruit and green tea! Entertainment involved dancing, singing and snake charming!!

A lot of work needs to be done in the garden and all classes will be busy outside during the summer term. Hopefully the weather will be drier and warmer by then! Marian Youngson, Head Teacher Tel: 01569 732520 E-mail: marian.youngson@aberdeenshire.gov.uk 4

Lairhillock School Football

Banchory-Devenick School

I seem to remember writing pretty much the same thing this . time last year. We have had precious few matches, either through snow before Christmas, or a sodden pitch after it. However, lots of indoor training in the school hall on a Thursday evening paid off with a great performance from a very young B-team in their indoor tournament in December, and then an even better one from the A-team, which ended with them winning their competition in February. The backlog of games to come in the rest of the season has been made all the more exciting by a glut of injuries including a broken ulna, a fractured metacarpal and even a fabled metatarsal. You don‟t get much more professional than that! Here‟s hoping for a bit less practical anatomy and a bit more outdoor football in the weeks to come. The picture shows a very happy Lairhillock A-team having just won their indoor competition at Banchory Sports Centre in February, beating Durris 2-0 in the final.

In January the children organised a successful sale of toys and books to raise funds for Marvin, the school‟s sponsored child in Guatemala. A Peer Education Group on „Safety on the Net‟ visited the school in March. Pupils from Portlethen Academy gave a presentation about personal safety on the „Net‟. The dangers of social network sites, such as Facebook and Twitter were discussed, as well as how to deal with cyber bullying. During May, the P6 pupils will receive a course on Cycling Proficiency. Over the course of several weeks, they will learn to check the condition of their bikes for road worthiness as well as the correct signalling and manoeuvres for several types of junction. At the end of the course they will be assessed by the Road Safety Officer.

Stephen Davies

After school clubs this term include yoga, football and French. Due to the popularity of the yoga classes, it is being taught for a second term and will culminate with a performance for parents to demonstrate the moves the children have learnt, put together into a story devised by the children themselves. Recorder lessons, kindly provided by Mrs McPherson, are ongoing for those pupils from P3 upwards who wish to learn. The children get the opportunity to play at school concerts and end of term assemblies. The annual residential trip for the senior pupils will be to Dalguise Outdoor Activity Centre, along with the P7 pupils from Lairhillock. Following the success of last year‟s vegetable harvest and the delicious soup made by the pupils, the school will again be growing a range of vegetables for use both within the class and for taking home. This encourages the children to try new things and eat healthily.

Kupso Martial Arts Classes for primary-age children will resume during school term time, on Wednesdays in Lairhillock School, from 4.30pm to 5.30pm.

Nick Hennigan, of P6, writes…This year BanchoryDevenick‟s P6/7 went curling at The Curl - Aberdeen‟s curling rink. He said: “We went on the ice and we also did indoor curling. We thought that curling on the ice is much more difficult than indoor curling because you had to put bags on your feet to make you slide on the ice. We all enjoyed going and having the privilege to go on the ice!” He added: “Four of our P6 pupils also took part in the Euroquiz 2011. We went to Portlethen Academy and got some brilliant questions on Europe thrown at us. Even though we didn‟t win, we loved going and representing our school.”

Emma Lester-Smith, Tel: 07761 257965

Samantha Fraser, of P7, writes…This term the classes are trying a novel teaching technique – using Nintendos to help them to learn more about their projects in a fun and interesting way. They are being used throughout the school with each class using different games linked to their projects. She said: “It‟s a really fun way of learning. We have to solve puzzles, mysteries and brain teasers which are based on an old village similar to a Victorian Village. It helps us with our maths, including shape, measure and algebra. As we go along we have to store the clues in our heads to solve the mystery at the end.” Joyce Hill, Head Teacher Tel: 875237 E-mail: joyce.hill@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Pictured are Banchory-Devenick P6 pupils who took part in the Euroquiz 2011. 5

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES Maryculter WRI

Exercise Pilates

Meetings are at 7.30pm on the second Wednesday of each month in the Corbie Hall, Maryculter between August and May. We look forward to monthly competitions, a variety of speakers and a Bring and Buy sale (see our programme on the back page). New members and visitors are always welcome. Secretary, Sheila Bisset Tel: 01569 731708

Fiona - a qualified Fitpro trainer - runs a class in the Corbie Hall, Maryculter on Mondays from 6-7pm. This is almost full but she would consider setting up another group if there is enough interest and would welcome individuals for a trial session. People with physical problems are directed to classes run by physiotherapists such as the advert on Page 12. Contact Fiona Halliday, Tel: 01330 824679, Email: david.halliday@creatives.co.uk.

Netherley WRI

Cookney Bowling Club

2011 started with a very interesting presentation from Jamie Hutcheon at Cocoa Ooze, a local chocolate company on our very own doorstep – what more could we want - it was much enjoyed by the ladies. Likewise the talk on India by Doreen and Leonard McIntosh, which gave us an insight into a completely different way of life with fascinating photographs. Why not come along and join us on the third Monday of each month at 7.30 pm – we meet (between August and May) at the Lairhillock School and on Monday 18th April we have Turid Reppe-Roversell giving us a demonstration and talk on bread making. On Monday 16 May, Liz Duguid is giving us a talk on „colours – the use of colour to enhance our appearance‟. I‟m sure it will be most interesting – why not join us and find out! Secretary: Lynda Keeler Tel:01569 764436

We meet in Cookney Hall twice a week at 7.30pm to enjoy games of carpet bowls. Monday is competition evening while Thursday is a „hat night‟. Our membership enjoy the gentle exercise and good company, but there is healthy competition too. Our season finishes at the end of April, starting again in mid September. New members are always welcome.

Arthur Durward Tel: 319701

Glendale Football Club Snow, frosts, floods – NAE GAMES! That was Jim‟s first report, but he added recently... It is now late March and we have played only four games since the end of November. The vagaries of this winter‟s weather will create a massive backlog of fixtures by the end of the season. We can only hope that there will be enough referees and pitches available to cope with additional evening and weekend matches. Due to the stop/start nature of the season, our form has been inconsistent with little or no continuity in either fixtures or personnel available from week to week. We live in hope of good weather and favourable results. Jim Grant Tel: 868301

Friendship Club Our winter session ends in April with a soup and sweet lunch at 12:30 on April 7th. For club funds we have our basket whist on 22nd April at 7:30 in Corbie Hall. Come along and enjoy a happy evening and help boost our finances. Our summer programme has been made up and the syllabus will be ready for our meeting in April. Tel: Anne, 732071 or Peggy, 734888

Dee Vale Ladies Football Club needs you!

Dingle Dell Gift and Garden Centre

Dee Vale LFC's 2011 season kicked off in March and will run right through to October. For details on upcoming fixtures, match locations and league tables times, check out www.scottishfa.co.uk/swf/. All home games will be played on Sundays at Corbie Park, with a 2pm kick-off. Due to a number of players retiring at the end of last season, we are looking for some new recruits to join the squad. If you played football at school/girls club/work 5-a-sides....then come along and give it a go. Ladies from age 16 upwards are welcome. Training is held at Inverdee Playing Fields on a Wednesday evening. For more information, contact us at deevalelfc@yahoo.co.uk or Tel: 07851 069176.

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

No entry charge for visiting the Garden Centre or restaurant

St Mary’s Chapel, Blairs

LEISURE ACTIVITIES

In January we bade farewell to Canon Bill Anderson, who served Blairs for many years. Initially he was a member of staff at the College, teaching Latin and other subjects. Following this, he served as Catholic Chaplain at Aberdeen University, Adminstrator at St Mary's Cathedral, and parish priest of St Francis of Assisi in Mannofield, then was again back at Blairs as our priest in charge for several years. He has been Spiritual Director at the Scots College, Rome and a producer of religious programmes with the BBC.

Reading Circle The group now meets every six weeks or so in the new community room at St Ternan‟s Church and are currently reading „Thirteen Moons‟ by Charles Frazier and „At Her Majesty‟s Pleasure‟ by Robert Douglas. Do phone for further information and consider joining us at our next afternoon session on April 27. Tel: Muriel, 01569 730302 or Sheila, 01569 731608

Craft Group

Brought up in Edinburgh, he is a graduate of Edinburgh, Cambridge, Aberdeen and Thames Valley Universities. We were priviledged to have Canon Bill as our priest, until 2006, when he retired at the usual age for RC clergy - 75! However, Canon Bill's absence from St Mary's Blairs was shortlived, and we welcomed him back again as supply priest two years later.

St Ternan‟s Church is also home to this new group who meet on the first Monday of the month at 2pm. Jan teaches quilting, but others bring along their knitting and sewing too. New members will be most welcome. For further information, Tel: Jan Horn, 01569 767797.

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

He celebrated his Golden Jubilee of priesthood in 2010. He is a former „Preacher of the Year‟ (an award of the College of Preachers sponsored by The Times), and holds diplomas in speech and drama from three London colleges, as well as the Poetry Society's gold medal for verse-speaking.

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. The Scottish Model Helicopter National Championships will be held there on June 11-12. E-mail: information@aamfc.co.uk, www.aamfc.co.uk

In his semi-retirement, Canon Bill returned to teaching part-time, on this occasion teaching Latin to undergraduates at Aberdeen University. His recent book on preaching - namely 'Words and the Word: The use of Literature as a Practical Aid to Preaching' was published last year by Gracewing Publishers. Now aged 80, Canon Bill has retired once more. We will miss his gentle, modest manner and erudite sermons. And we are now delighted to welcome Fr Piotr Zielinski, a young Polish priest who is based at St Mary's Cathedral, Aberdeen.

Drum Castle This is our nearest National Trust castle. The castle, tearoom and shop will be open from April 2 to September 30, from Thursday to Monday between 11am and 4.45pm. The Garden of Historic Roses is open daily between April 2 and the end of October. Special events include: May 1st - May Day celebrations, July 9th - Rose Day, July 22nd - Twelfth Night, August 22nd - Pirates of Penzance. Tel: 01330 811204 www.nts.org.uk

Deacon Peter Macdonald - Tel: 780351.

Services at St Mary’s Chapel Sunday Mass: 9am. Children's Sacramental Preparation Classes after Mass

Storybook Glen

Stations of the Cross: Thursdays of Lent, 7pm

Visit a magical world of make-believe and fun for children (and adults) of all ages, set amidst 28 acres of spectacular scenic beauty. See more than 100 of your favourite nursery rhyme and fairytale characters and eat at the self-service restaurant which offers healthy food. Opening times are 10am-6pm daily from 1st March 31st October (last entry 4pm in March and October only), and 10am-5pm daily from 1st November - 28th February. Free parking. Tel: 732941 www.storybookglenaberdeen.co.uk

Good Friday Service: 22 April, 7pm Easter Sunday: 24 April, 9am Sacrament of First Reconciliation: Sat 11 June Sacrament of Confirmation: Sun 19 June Sacrament of First Holy Communion: Sun 26 June 7

Corbie Park and Community Hall, Maryculter

Friends of Cookney Hall Since the last issue, upgrading of the hall has continued with the car parking area on the north side cleared of trees, to enable raising and levelling. Unexpectedly, this has opened up a rather grand view of the local countryside to the north and northeast, previously hidden from view.

The weather over winter has played havoc with football fixtures. This will impact on the demand for the use of the field in spring. Let's hope the field dries up, the grass starts to grow and the ground is suitable for everyone‟s use. Although football is the predominant user of the field, we are always happy to entertain other sports or events provided conditions permit.

The purpose of this work is to extend the parking capacity to save drivers from parking on the road or round by the Old Schoolhouse (now a grain-drying shed) and perhaps having to walk round to the hall in the dark. Inquiries to find a suitable tradesman to undertake the recladding of the hall fabric are still going on. It is hoped this will not only improve insulation and ventilation, making it less costly to heat, but also ensure adequate ventilation to prevent condensation.

The beauty of the Community Hall this winter has been that it was kept permanently warm! If you did make it through the snow, there was always a welcoming warmth when you entered. The committee meets regularly to keep the hall well maintained and to ensure all the legislation pertaining to village halls is considered. After the demise of the old Playgroup, we are delighted that the new arrangements for pre-school kids have been a success as this keeps the hall busy each morning. With a number of groups using it in the evenings and weekends, it continues to serve a useful function as a meeting-place for community events.

The hall has been well used over the winter by our usual stalwarts; the bowling club, dog obedience class and dance class, as well as for one-off functions. We have also had a number of enquiries from people looking for a venue for birthday parties and the like. Friends of Cookney Hall have also used the hall to hold a number of functions, which I‟m glad to say have all been very popular, with tickets selling out very quickly and the proceeds going to further the upgrading work.

The latest major project to be completed was the sourcing of a direct water supply off the main on the Deeside road. This will enable us to abandon the supply that previously came across the Corbie Burn.

The „Meal and Ale‟ concert in October was followed by a Halloween Ceilidh, and then a Burns Supper in January. All were very well attended and a great time was had by all.

Very soon we hope to have our own page on the NKRCC website where booking info will be held - but in the meantime enquiries about booking the field or hiring the hall should be made to our booking secretary.

Another Ceilidh is being discussed for May, though dates still have to be finalised. Please see the usual suspects for details! If you‟re looking for someplace to hold your event, please consider Cookney Hall. To find out more, contact Willie Angus, Tel: 01569 730123, Email: wgangus@ukgateway.net.

Carol Masson, booking secretary, Tel: 733583

If you would like to get involved with Friends of Cookney Hall, please contact me for further details.

MARYCULTER COMMUNITY HALL AND CORBIE PLAYING FIELD by the Old Mill Inn

Bob McKinney, Tel: 01569 730706 E-mail bob8930@sky.com

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

Friends of Guiding Maryculter Annual Daffodil Tea Saturday 7th May 10.30am-12.30pm Corbie Hall, Maryculter

Disabled entrance to Hall. The Changing Rooms and Showers are separate and can accommodate 2 teams of 15.

Stalls include: Cake and Candy, Books and Toys, Chocolate Tombola/Bottle Stall, Lucky Eggs, Lucky Dip and a Raffle.

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

Come along for a cup of tea and a chat. There is something there for everyone. 8

HOME DELIVERIES

Maryculter Driving for the Disabled

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, which aims 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

Our 2011 season starts on Wednesday 20 th April for the first of two pre-season training days for helpers at Maryculter Community Hall, at 1pm. The second training day is on Wednesday 27th April at Maryculter Home Farm courtesy of Jane and Ewan MacInnes, also at 1pm. We will be working with George Masson‟s horse „Corbie‟ and Anne‟s pony „Xantha‟ practising loading and unloading wheelchairs as well as checking the safety equipment. New helpers will be very welcome to attend.

The Roost Farm Shop and Tearoom We have free range eggs, jams, chutneys and preserves from local producers. Aberdeen Angus beef and ready meals. Home-made Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean dips and salads plus local cheeses.

The Driving season starts on Wednesday 4th May at 1pm at Maryculter Home Farm, weather permitting. These Wednesday sessions continue weekly throughout the year until 21st September and are made possible by our team of volunteers consisting of Able Bodied Drivers, Helpers, Carers and our team of Tea Ladies who dispense fine home baking and hot and cold drinks.

Local hand-made crafts. A range of teas, coffees and home bakes. Open daily except Wednesday from 9.30am-5.30pm

The majority of sessions are from Home Farm apart from three that are through the Maryculter Woods where we are based at the Maryculter Scout Hut. The last day on 21 st September is our BBQ where we invite another driving group for a Cone Driving competition and Treasure Hunt - a fun day for all with rosettes presented to the winners. Last year our friends from the Garioch Group joined us.

We are on the B979 Netherley/Stonehaven road, two miles south of the South Deeside Road junction. Tel: 739393 or Email: theroostfarmshop@gmail.com

Last year‟s Stonehaven Plainstones fundraising event was a great success as always, despite the weather. A special thank you to everyone who supported us and helped on the day, including donations of home baking, plants and Tombola prizes. Make a note in your diary for this year’s event, on Saturday 27th August, from 9am till noon.

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

Maryculter Community Hall was the venue for our Christmas/AGM meal and was enjoyed by all who braved the snow. Thanks to Santa and all the helpers and the generous donations of raffle prizes, also to those who helped clear the car park.

The Priory Restaurant For fine dining evening and private dinners A la carte, Gourmet and set Menus

We are always looking for new helpers to walk with the carriages and to assist disabled drivers in and out of the vehicle and to ensure their comfort and safety. If you would like to volunteer or have further information about the Group‟s activities, contact:

The Poachers Pocket For Lunch and Bar Suppers

Restaurant open 7.15pm last orders 9.00pm

open for Lunches 12 noon until 2.30pm Suppers 6.30pm last orders 9.00pm For reservations, call 732124 Email: info@maryculterhousehotel.com

George Masson (Chairman) Tel: 733583 Caroline McTaggart (Secretary) Tel: 734093 www.maryculterrda.org.uk

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

The Guild

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

We meet on the first Monday of the month from September to November and February to May, at 7.30pm. New members are sure of a welcome and can enjoy good company, interesting speakers and a cup of tea. Contact Sheila Bissett, Tel: 01569 731708

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

Community Coffee - Enjoy a fabulous Fair Trade

coffee and fine piece every 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesday between 10am and 12 noon in Maryculter Church Hall. EVERYONE WELCOME

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.

Youth Café All Welcome! We are delighted to report that the Youth Café continues to be a popular venue. Youth Café is a club for young people in P7 to S6, held in Maryculter Church Hall on a Thursday evening from 7pm-9pm. Those in P6 are invited to attend after the Easter Break. Youth Café gives young people a chance to play pool, table tennis, air hockey, table football and computer games as well as meeting friends. There is also an outdoor area which is well used.

The churches of Banchory Ternan West, Glen Muick Ballater, River Fellowship Aboyne and BanchoryDevenick and Maryculter-Cookney have come together to host a Christian event in Deeside this coming April. This event is called Mini-CLAN as it is run under the auspices of CLAN (Christians Linked Across the Nation) which is part of New Wine Scotland. Information on the aims and ethos of CLAN can be found on its website: www.clangathering.org.uk.

We were overwhelmed by the generosity of the Community Council who granted us enough money to purchase a new projector which will be of great benefit to everyone. We would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their support. An Activity Weekend is planned at Compass Christian Centre in Glenshee from 10th-12th June 2011. Don‟t miss out!

Friday 29 April (pm), Saturday 30 April (am & pm) Banchory Academy The main speakers will be Kevin Peat and Andy Hall, with worship led by a Praise Band, David Ross and friends. Tickets £30 for the whole event or £25 if you book early. Discounts for booking online at www.clangathering.org.uk

If you are in P6-S6 and would like to join us, contact Dianne Brown 734687 or come along on a Thursday during term time and see what you think.

The Alpha Course 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.

BOOKING OF HALLS AND GROUNDS Maryculter Community (Corbie) Hall and Field C.Masson, Tel 733583, carol.masson@btinternet.com 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 St Ternan’s Church Community Room Sheila, Tel: 01569 731608 or Audrey: Tel 01569 730600

Begins 16th August 2011, from 7-9pm in Maryculter Church Hall. To enquire or to register, please contact Joan Thorne on Tel: 783834.

Easter Sunday Worship Service Sunday 24th April, 10:30am Banchory-Devenick Church All Welcome 10

MARYCULTER CARRIAGE DRIVING CENTRE

ST TERNAN‟S SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH MUCHALLS (Charity No. SC023264)

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.

We are in the process of advertising for a new Priest in Charge following the departure of Rev. Michael Sabell. Rev. Maggie Jackson of St. James the Great in Stonehaven was appointed Interim Pastor to assist during the vacancy. At present we are continuing to operate with the Ministry team as follows: George Masson John Usher

Jane and Ewan MacInnes, Home Farm, Maryculter Tel: 01224 732310 and 07889 340362 Email: homefarmmcdc@lineone.net www.marycultercarriages.co.uk

Tel: 733583 Tel: 01569 731608

Fruit and Vegetables

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.

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

Our new Community Meeting Room with kitchen and toilet facilities was officially opened in November. These facilities can be used by anyone in the community for classes, dance classes, children‟s parties, craft groups, meetings etc. It can accommodate up to 30 people and is fitted with a loop system for the hard of hearing. The entrance is wheelchair friendly.

www.lembasorganics.co.uk

To book, contact Sheila, Tel: 01569 731608 or Audrey, Tel: 01569 730600 – a donation of £4 per hour is requested. The following events are planned for this year: 9th April: Coffee Morning in Community Room, 10am 18th June: Garden Fete in Church Grounds, 2pm 12th November: Christmas Coffee Morning in Community Room, 10am Further details from Irene, Tel: 784080 or Sue, Tel: 01569 730972. Please contact any of the above Ministry Team for help or information on marriages, baptisms, funerals, pastoral visiting etc. 11

GRAMPIAN POLICE As an optimist I am always on the lookout for signs of warmer weather and indications, however small, that Spring is almost here. Like many others I have not enjoyed what seems to have been an exceptionally long, dark and cold winter with the associated problems that has brought.

If this is something that you have considered but have not done, do it now. I guarantee, it is worth it!! If there is anything I can do for you in the meantime, or if you would like to arrange a home security survey, please contact me on Email: Neil.McHattie@grampian.pnn.police.uk or via Tel: 0845 600 5 700.

In comparison with the problems some others are facing on a global scale at the moment we do not have too much to complain about.

Constable Neil McHattie, Portlethen Police

So what will Spring bring? In policing terms, local teams continue to work hard to ensure that they deliver the sort of robust and efficient service that is expected of us. I can't promise that we will be able to resolve every issue that is laid before us, as I said last year, we are not yet issued with magic wands! What I am able to do however is promise that we, as an organisation, will make every effort to listen and work with the communities in our policing area to ensure that we provide the level of service that enables us to enhance and maintain your safety and lifestyle.

Award-winning weekly woodland classes for 2 to 5 year olds and their adults to discover nature and explore and play outdoors. Come and spend some time in the fresh air, perhaps meet up with friends and get ideas on things to do back home with your tots.

As the nights get longer and temperatures rise, we will be spending more and more time out of doors and away from home. I would remind residents to take steps to ensure that their property is secure and that simple home security measures are implemented. If you are going away, make sure that your neighbours are aware and that somebody has details of where you are and how to get in contact with you. Grampian Police offer free home security surveys to anyone who wants one. These are carried out by trained officers who will provide invaluable advice on how best to secure your property.

Mondays - Countesswells Woods, Aberdeen Tuesdays - Castle Fraser, near Inverurie Dates: 4 & 5 week courses running between April & June Times: 10 – 11.30am or 1 – 2.30pm Cost: £7 per class (payable in advance by session) Tel: 07929 465680 Email: info@mudpieadventures.co.uk In partnership with the Forestry Commission Scotland, the National Trust for Scotland and North East Scotland Forest Education Initiative.

Yoga classes at Blairs There are now two places available in the Tuesday 6pm class and one in the Thursday 6.15pm session.

SOLVEIG DAHLE SMITH Cert. Pilates. Inst. MAPPI Experienced physiotherapist

The Tuesday class is a gentle one, meant for those who have to work carefully due to a medical condition, or for those who want to re-start their yoga practice.

PILATES CLASSES PETERCULTER SPORTS CENTRE Monday & Tuesday afternoons Tuesday & Thursday evenings CAMPHILL SCHOOL MURTLE Wednesday evenings CULTS CHURCH Friday mornings

The Thursday class is at an intermediate level. Classes are small- up to 6 people - and are taught by Ilse Elders who is a registered teacher with more than 25 years of teaching experience.

Contact details solveig@pilatesaberdeen.com www.pilatesaberdeen.com 01224 861421

If you are interested, Tel: 868301. 12

Ian Forbes - the Blairs Years! Recently my life seems to have gone round full circle. I was a student at Blairs College between 1968 and 1972, a member of staff between 1977 and its closure 25 years ago in 1986, and for the last two years, having retired early from teaching at Cults Academy, I‟ve been the manager at Blairs Museum.

remarkable man‟s life will be possible and perhaps an event to mark this anniversary. The great great niece of Bishop Brown (Auxiliary of Southwark Diocese in London) contacted Blairs Museum recently to see if we would be interested in having his gold watch which is inscribed and was a gift from the Catholic League in London in 1902. William Brown was born in Dundee but moved to London at the age of 17 where he converted to Catholicism and became a priest. He describes a 1916 visit to Blairs in his autobiography. In 1917 he was sent as Apostolic Visitor to Scotland by the Pope and the negotiation of The Education Act of Scotland in 1918 was largely due to him. He was appointed a bishop in 1924 and eventually bequeathed his pectoral cross to Blairs in 1951 with his great niece donating his gold chain in 1994.

In the late 1970s I replaced Father Peter Moran (now Bishop of Aberdeen) on the North Kincardine Rural Community Council and founded the South Deeside View. I‟m very happy to see it not only survive but become a very professional production and even available online. Those first editions were run off in Blairs College after I‟d typed the text. Each copy was then collated and stapled manually. Hopefully Hazel and Pam have an easier time but they still need your articles and support!

Do you have any old photos taken at Blairs College? If you do, Blairs Museum would be interested in obtaining a copy as they often have interesting details in the background. The photos that we do have are being digitised for posterity – important as Blairs College becomes more and more part of history. Anything connected to Blairs is, of course, of interest – last year the museum was given the specifications for work extending the college nearly 100 years ago by the builder‟s grand-daughter.

Blairs College, as many of you will know, was Scotland‟s junior seminary – a boarding school for boys of secondary school age who were considering the priesthood as a career. The Blairs estate was given to the Catholic Church in 1827 by John Menzies of Pitfodels “for the education of young men for the priesthood”. After the alteration and extension of the mansion, overseen by Priest Gordon of Aberdeen, it received the students from Lismore and Aquhorties (Inverurie) seminaries in 1829 and became the national seminary. In the same year the Catholic Emancipation Act was passed, the law catching up with what had been practice for many decades. This meant that the „Scotch‟ colleges on the continent, set up to give boys, whose parents could afford it, a Catholic education when that was illegal in Scotland, started to close. Many of their treasured possessions naturally found their way to Blairs, the most famous being the Memorial Portrait of Mary Queen of Scots which came from Douai College (in Northern France) where coincidentally John Menzies had gone for his education as a 10 year old.

Con Anima Chamber Choir recorded a CD at Blairs in November which is due to be released in late summer. The sound engineer was Philip Hobbs, chief classical producer/ engineer of Linn Records (Glasgow). Philip was recently described in a Japanese Magazine as „The man with the golden ears‟! and in October Linn Records was named „Label of the Year 2010‟ at the annual Gramophone Awards. The CD features some works by the renowned American choral composer Morten Lauridsen who attended the recording. Morten Lauridsen is a previous Grammy nominee and there are high hopes that this CD will attract a worldwide audience and highlight the acoustic qualities of the Blairs Chapel.

The present Blairs Museum opened in 2000 and brings together many items previously belonging to Blairs College in the room that was previously the sacristy. For me the job has been fascinating, so full of memories and so different from teaching – on any given day you don‟t know what the next phone call, email or visit will bring. A phone call in the past week could see Blairs appearing on BBC 2‟s Antiques Road Trip.

Con Anima will be holding a „Come and Sing‟ day at Blairs on 21 May where participants will rehearse Rachmaninov‟s Vespers with the choir during the day before performing with the choir in the evening. Details will be available on the Blairs Museum website (www.blairsmuseum.com) and the Con Anima website (www.conanima.org.uk) when finalised. We are currently creating a virtual tour of the museum. This would enable people around the world, who may never come to Scotland never mind Blairs, to have a virtual visit to the museum. This project is in its very early stages but raises exciting possibilities.

The Museum has in its store a violin which is thought to have belonged to Bishop Hay who is known to have “excelled in music, both vocally and on the violin”. The instrument has a maker‟s label inside showing that it was made in London in 1715. A local expert has begun investigations and a potential sponsor has come forward with a view to restoring the violin. George Hay visited Blairs for tea with Mrs Menzies and her husband David (uncle of John Menzies) in 1763.

And lastly, Blairs Museum is your local museum! If you have visitors or are part of a company or group, why not have an outing to Blairs? We are open Saturdays, Sundays and local holiday Mondays from 2–5pm beginning on 2 April until the end of October, and by arrangement outwith these hours at any time throughout the year. We also have a small tea room. I look forward to welcoming you!

Bishop Hay died 200 years ago (on October 15, 1811). The Catholic Directory reported that at the centenary, the Scottish Bishops met at Fort Augustus for three days to celebrate his life. There were other events including at Blairs and the Cathedral in Edinburgh. Blairs Museum has a photo taken at the Fort Augustus gathering of 1911 and several items connected with Bishop Hay. It is hoped that an exhibition to highlight this

Ian Forbes Manager, Blairs Museum 13

Nature notes – Frogs and Toads Late one night at the beginning of March, I opened my front door to find a frog sitting on the doorstep. It was pretty lethargic but a great sign that Spring had arrived. The amphibians were the first vertebrates to hop out onto land from fish ancestors 400 million years ago. The north east of Scotland is now home to only three amphibians, out of the over 6000 species of frogs, toads, newts, salamanders and tropical caecilians – the common frog, common toad and palmate newt.

Photo Copyright - Chris Grady

Depending on weather conditions, frog tadpoles hatch out from eggs two to four weeks later. They remain vegetarian for the first 16 weeks of their lives, eating algae and breathing through gills. They become carnivorous as their bodies develop, with the growth of first back and then front legs and have been known to become cannibalistic if densely populated. Frog tadpoles take on a brown speckled body whilst toad tadpoles remain black. Around 20 weeks, they absorb their tails and leave the water as tiny froglets, usually in early summer but sometimes as late as September. The best place to find frogs throughout the summer is not in ponds but in long damp grass.

The common frog is the most recognisable with a smooth skin, ability to hop impressive distances and great variation in colour – from the usual greenish yellow, to brown, red and even black. Frogs have no external ears but a visible eardrum: the dark circle behind each eye. The common toad is larger than the frog, with a thick, warty skin. They crawl rather than hop and have glands on their back that produce toxins that make them distasteful to potential predators. They can tolerate drier conditions than frogs and often take up residence in gardens hunting for beasties at night.

Newt tadpoles are only a few millimetres long when newly emerged and resemble tiny fish. They develop an impressive set of feathery gills on their heads and grow front rather than back legs first. Eight weeks later internal lungs have formed allowing the young newts, known as efts, to emerge onto land as air-breathers. Adult males have a thread-like filament at the end of their tail and also webbed or hand-like (hence palmate) hind feet during the breeding season. Young and adult newts are crepuscular – dawn and dusk hunters - and love searching for any form of tadpole!

The palmate newt is the least frequently seen amphibian and superficially looks like a little lizard. About 9cm in length, they have a smooth brown velvety skin with camouflaging black spots. They over-winter under rocks. All three species mate during the spring. Frog spawn is the first to appear in February or March, depending on the temperature and forms masses of dense, clear jelly eggs. Toads mate a few weeks later, usually in larger ponds or lochs and release their eggs in long necklacelike strings. Both species‟ young are black which helps speed up development by absorbing heat from the sun.

All children should have the opportunity to watch tadpoles grow, whether in a pond or tank. It‟s entirely legal to take a few (say 5 tadpoles) home and keep them as pets until they emerge as froglets. Pond or rainwater is best with some fresh pondweed and rocks to hide amongst. Feed them cold water fish food as their legs grow and then release them to the pond where you took them from. Happy hopping! Mandy Tulloch

Newt behaviour is perhaps the most interesting to watch. Males face females, curl the end of their tale back on itself and sometimes for minutes at a time, very quickly flick their tail as if fanning the water. Females lay a single egg on a small pond leaf, using their hind legs to fold the leaf over to protect the developing egg.

REPRESENTATION Sir Robert Smith MP The rising global price of oil is a mixed blessing for the northeast. On the plus side many jobs depend on investment in North Sea oil and gas exploration. The rising price has boosted investment making the north-east a vital contributor to Scotland and the UK‟s economy. That is why it is important that the Scottish Government recognise the importance of supporting the Fair Share Campaign for funding of north-east services. The current funding formula penalises north-east councils and health providers. The services they provide are important in ensuring companies continue to base their operations in the north-east. If we lose them it will be to another oil province not to another part of the UK. On the negative side, the high price is hitting motorists and those trying to heat their homes hard. That is why I pressed the Chancellor to abandon the latest rise in duty. In the long run I still support the replacement of duty with flexible road user pricing. Rural roads where there is no realistic public transport alternative would be cheaper to use. When it comes to heating homes not on the gas grid, I welcome the decision of the Government to ask the OFT to investigate the heating fuel market. I am keen to hear from anyone who has concerns about keeping their home warm in the current market. Another development I welcome is the move to introduce a renewable heat allowance similar to the incentives for renewable electricity. This will reward those who cut their carbon emissions through devices such as biomass boilers or heat pumps. I am urging the Government to make sure the scheme benefits those who do not have access to the gas grid.

Councillor Carl Nelson Politics is a „funny old game‟. The financial mess the country is in is blamed on mismanagement of the economy over many years by the Labour Party. The painful, but necessary, remedy of putting the economy right through higher taxation, loss of jobs, and a reduction in public services is blamed on the Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition government at Westminster. Then at Holyrood we have a minority government – the Scottish National Party. They can‟t get enough MSPs to rule Scotland as they would wish, and under the present voting system are never likely to. For the non party-political person it must be extremely difficult to know who to vote for. Nevertheless, on Thursday 5 May 2011, the Scottish people will go to the polls to elect a new government. Whatever happens, one thing is certain, the majority of the electorate will not get the government they voted for – that is the way of the electoral system. All of the parties will set out their manifestos, striving to gain your vote by telling you all the good things they will do for you if you vote for them. 15

Unfortunately they will be unable to do much of what they promise, either because they will be a minority government, or they will be in coalition with another party. If in minority government, their actions will be controlled by the opposition parties. If in coalition, they will have to agree their policies with their coalition partner, and implement some of their partner‟s policies. To make matters worse their coalition partner might be the party that came fourth in the election. Is this the best way to govern Scotland? I wonder!

Councillor Ian Mollison Austerity measures throughout the country are having their effect on Aberdeenshire Council, as our funding from the Scottish Government is being cut while costs and inflation increase. The council is the third worst funded authority in the country, and will receive 12.6% below the average for Scotland per head of population. Nonetheless we will receive some £426.47m for the 2011/12 financial year so we have to spend it wisely. We have to make savings of more than £50m over the next two years. One harsh consequence will be several hundred council employees facing redundancy. The new Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan - a planning blueprint for the future – is moving towards an examination in public by the Scottish Government. This will cost the council some £300,000. Some developers, having failed to persuade communities and councillors of the merits of their proposals, are asking the government to over-rule local opinion. For example, there are alternatives in Portlethen and Stonehaven to the Elsick settlement. The outcome is expected around the turn of the year. I was very disappointed when the Scottish Ministers‟ Reporter gave the go-ahead for the Meikle Carewe windfarm, and also awarded costs against the council, labelling councillors as “unreasonable”. As the councillor who moved the motion at the area committee – and was seconded by Cllr Carl Nelson – I did not think we were unreasonable. Our decision was based on policy grounds. However this counted for nothing. Further details about the decision are carried elsewhere in the South Deeside View. The snow made a brief return in March but no-one will forget the severe weather which delivered the coldest December since 1910. This placed a huge burden on the council in trying to keep roads clear. The cost is in excess of £4m. The council used more than 100 gritters/ploughs/snow blowers, 16 private contractor ploughs, and 120 farmers‟ tractors with council-supplied blades. More than 30 diggers were used to remove snow from streets into hired lorries. And of course, we are left with damaged roads. Please report potholes by phoning 08456 081205, texting 07624 820722, or emailing: roads@aberdeenshire.gov.uk. Lastly, for the second year running Aberdeenshire was top among the country‟s 32 local authorities in the Bank of Scotland‟s annual Quality of Life Survey, which highlighted the area as having some of the healthiest and most well-off residents. Apparently the employment rate is 80% with weekly average earnings of £647, high life expectancy and good school results. Aren‟t we lucky to live here!

Although we have to accept that we lost this battle, I still believe that without a strong local voice in the form of Community Councils and Elected Members we would lose all such battles without a fight, and that can never be right.

A word from the Chairman As we go to press on the Spring 2011 edition of the South Deeside View, no doubt we will all be coming to terms with the idea that the planning application for the Meikle Carewe windfarm has been approved. Despite there being little local support for the project; despite the application contravening planning regulations on a number of points; despite our Elected Members twice voting against the application, the Reporter has seen fit to grant the application and no doubt construction will begin soon enough.

Details of agendas, minutes and meetings can be found at our website nkrcc.org or in hard copy on the notice boards situated at Corbie and Cookney Halls or outside Banchory-Devenick Primary school and the former Maryculter East and West Primaries. Bob McKinney, Chairman, Tel: 01569 730706

This decision appears to have left a general feeling of surprise and disappointment in the area, mainly because it appears that planning regulations can be set aside so easily and such a major change can be imposed on us.

300 Club - our annual fundraiser Thanks to all Community Councillors, their friends and family who braved the elements to knock on doors between November and early February. 360 tickets were sold which brought in £1,800. Of this £685 will be returned to participants as monthly cash prizes of £5, £10 and £15 plus £25 in February, May and August, £50 in March, June and October and the star prize of £100 in December. Draws take place in public during each Community Council meeting then cheques are sent to winners.

Now, I have sat and watched the blades of other windfarms turning and find it quite relaxing and somewhat hypnotic and though I‟ve also found the structures rather impressive, that‟s not good enough. Even though other windfarms in other areas have very strong community involvement and community benefit schemes (Ben Akitil on Skye and Drumderg at Alyth to name but two), that‟s still not good enough. If windfarms did what they said on the tin, i.e. plentiful, cheap „green‟ electricity I, and I‟m sure many others, would be more favourably disposed to them. But I don‟t believe they do. A Royal Academy of Engineering study in 2004 showed that the cost of generating a kilowatt hour of electricity at an onshore windfarm, including standby generation (spinning reserve) in case the wind didn‟t blow, cost 5.4p, compared to coal at 2.5p, nuclear at 2.3p and gas at 2.2p.

Cash prize winners since last September are: A. Bayliss, Maryculter; M. Birch, Banchory-Devenick; B. Broomfield, Blairs; R. Brunton, Banchory-Devenick; M. Campbell, Maryculter; K. Cowie, Maryculter; J. Haig, Netherley; L. Keeler, Netherley; R. Lumsden, Banchory-Devenick; N. McAllan, Banchory-Devenick; R. Mann, Cookney; N. Mauthner, Maryculter; G. Murison, Netherley; G. Nicol, Netherley; I. Petrie, Netherley; F. Pownall, Maryculter; A-M Rapach, Netherley; J. Roberts, Banchory-Devenick; S. Robertson, Banchory; C. Spark, Netherley; J. Sutherland, Maryculter; A. Turner, Netherley; K. Willox, Netherley; S Willox, Netherley.

Recent events in Denmark have also shown that the more a country relies on wind power, the more unstable its electricity supply becomes (see CEPOS, Wind Energy – The Case of Denmark) because of the uncertainty and variability of the wind itself.

This means we have around £1,100 available for local good causes and invite local clubs, groups and societies to apply for grants. Applicants should be prepared to outline their case at the next Community Council meeting – and most are successful. Since last September grants have been awarded to Maryculter Scouts towards a replacement mess tent, the Maryculter Senior Citizens Christmas party, the Church Youth Café to fund a new projector and the Friends of Cookney Hall for external lighting above the extended car park.

The usual accusation which seems to come to the fore in these situations is NIMBY-ism, but given the grounds of NKRCC‟s continued opposition to this application on the grounds of it contravening regulations relating to the site being on an undulating ridgeline; noise and shadow flicker, concerns about navigation of civil aviation and television interference and that the completed project would be visually intrusive, any such accusations would be inaccurate and unjust.

Planning matters Blairs

Meikle Carewe Wind farm

Outline planning permission (for 220 houses, 60 affordable houses, hotel, etc) was granted in June 2008. Confirmation of that permission was finally published in Nov 2010, which now allows the Muir Group to go ahead with its plans and seek full, detailed planning permission. That detail will include proposals for road improvements which could affect the Corbie Hall playing field. The Hall committee is now on alert and councillors as well as planning officers are fully aware of the situation, with the latter responsible for the final decision.

Born 1999; Died 2002. Twin brother born 2006, then we didn‟t hear anything until 2010 when it went to appeal. The Reporter has allowed the appeal, which does not come as an overwhelming shock, granted that two very large wind farms have recently been approved, both in extremely attractive areas, and that the Executive‟s policy is that „Wind Farms Are A Good Thing‟. (Regardless of their intermittent nature, insignificant output and the exorbitant subsidy given to them and paid for on our electricity bills, but don‟t get me started). The opponents of the scheme at Meikle Carewe fought for over ten years and found support from local councillors when the scheme was twice rejected. Those same councillors now find themselves castigated by the Reporter for “acting unreasonably”. Pardon me while I foam at the mouth, but what are councillors there for? Presumably, extrapolating from that statement, merely to rubber stamp the Executive‟s and planners‟ decisions. How very Soviet Bloc! Stalin rules – OK? See below, under LDP, for further evidence.

Lairhillock Housing Development The formal planning application (70 houses and a few business units) was submitted soon after the last View was published, but has yet to come before the Area Committee. Many objections have been lodged, broadly on the grounds either of a) with 4,000 – 6,000 houses to be built only two miles away, why add another suburban estate here? or b) this is only the first phase of a much bigger development, as is shown by the landscaping plan, or c) this would be a commuter or dormitory suburb of Aberdeen, or d) let‟s keep the area rural - a combination of the first three. This also is an outline application at present. (We should note however, that should outline permission be granted, then full planning permission is virtually only a formality – a rubber stamp job).

New Planning System (For details, see last View or NKRCC guide at www.nkrcc.org.uk). This system has now been (not quite fully) in operation for 18 months and some amendments are currently proposed; in most cases minor and sensible ones. In other instances we see a regrettable tendency to swing the balance ever further in favour of the developer. That tendency toward centralisation and diktat stands in contrast to the Edinburgh administration‟s stated commitment to... “consultation, involvement..” and all the rest. The proposed changes giving householders the right to carry out certain alterations without planning permission (Permitted Development Rights) have yet to be implemented.

Elsick New Town Development The „Charette‟ (where do they get these titles? – it was a public exhibition / consultation) has been held and the plan resulting from it has recently been published and distributed locally. Initial examination shows clearly that the 4,045 houses to be built by 2023 will indeed only be the first, but the major phase of a bigger development, presumably bringing the numbers up to the 6,000 originally quoted as the maximum envisaged. We also note that there will be further opportunities for public consultation and involvement and for further questions to be asked through the website. As ever, we urge everyone to read the document carefully and involve themselves in the consultation and design process. There will be an exhibition at Cookney Hall on 30th March from 2-9pm and 10am to 8pm on the 31st.

New Local Development Plan (LDP) This replacement for ALP (the current Plan) is now going forward to Edinburgh for examination at Inquiry by a Reporter. Any thoughts or hopes on the part of our readers that this may be the same as previous Local Plan Public Inquiries are misplaced. Then, objectors could opt to turn up and have their say, perhaps effecting changes, perhaps not, but at least the opportunity was there. 17

Volunteering in Kincardine and Mearns Every day there are thousands of people across Aberdeenshire making a difference in all sorts of ways but they don‟t get paid. They are benefiting their communities and also themselves. They are volunteers!

Now, in the desperate desire to rush things along and cut short the previous rather long-winded process, we, the public, seem to be viewed as an irritant and a spanner in the works to be removed. The centralisation referred to above applies particularly in the case of Local Plans. Independent scrutiny and the possibility of amending plans through public involvement (either before or during an Inquiry) are, sadly, gradually disappearing.

Volunteering is all about giving up some of your time and using your energy, ideas and enthusiasm to make a positive change. The benefits can be to individuals, organisations, your community, the environment, society as a whole and also to you.

What is not clear to this writer is whether our elected tribunes – be they local councillors or MSPs – are aware of and approve this apparent denial of the local democratic process. If they (MSPs in particular), are aware of it, did they knowingly endorse it or was this another piece of legislation which slipped in „under the radar‟ without adequate scrutiny or debate?

Volunteer Centre Aberdeenshire exists to promote, support and develop volunteering opportunities throughout the region. For more information, contact the local office for our area (Banchory) on Tel: 01330 825794, email south@vcaberdeenshire.org.uk.

The Inquiry should deliver its verdict on the LDP by November. (NKRCC‟s representation on the LDP, of Sept 2010, can be seen on the website – www.nkrcc.org.uk.).

David & June Gordon Memorial Trust Scottish Charity No: SC002664

GLOSSARY – REMINDER Public Local Inquiries (PLI), into Local Plans for example, are now called Examinations In Public (EIP). Outline Planning Permission is now called Planning Permission in Principle. Policies in the LDP (there are only 14 of them) are now merely broad brush statements of intent or aspiration; the specifics of policy detail are in the accompanying Supplementary Guidance (SG). The SG not only has the detail, but also the legal force, of the Policy. Section 75 Planning Agreements (S75s) are, in future, to be called Planning Obligations (and will be open to modification or removal, unlike S75s). Rob Winmill, Vice Chairman

Supporting the arts, community and youth organisations in the north-east of Scotland, the David and June Gordon Memorial Trust was set up in memory of David Gordon (4th Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair) and his wife June.

Community Council Secretary: Toby Lenehan, Millbank Lodge, Kirkton of Maryculter, AB12 5FS Tel: 739843 Email: secretary@nkrcc.org.uk Website: www.nkrcc.org.uk

Since 1975 the Trust has given financial assistance to a wide range of groups and projects, encouraging and supporting in particular, smaller groups who might otherwise struggle for funding. It also awards an annual prize to a local art student at the RSA student exhibition, a drawing prize and has funded an organ scholarship at Aberdeen University.

Rosin up the bow! Kincardine and Deeside Arts Forum is to hold a Fiddle Competition in November, to help raise the profile of young musical talent. It is open to both classical and traditional players. Eligible applicants must have a connection with the area and be under 20 years of age on 31st December 2011. The winner will receive a violin, handmade by Ian Greig of Banchory, worth in the region of £7,000. The closing date for applications is 30th May. Visit www.kdaf.org or www.iangreigviolins.com for more information.

The Trust is currently seeking to double the capital fund to enable even more groups to benefit. If you would like to make a donation or have more information about the work of the Trust, contact Miss Barbara McFarlane, Tel: 642848. Gift Aid forms are available. 18

The Lairhillock Inn and Crynoch Restaurant Netherley Nr. Stonehaven, AB39 3QS Tel: (01569) 730001 Fax: (01569) 731175 Email: info@lairhillock.co.uk Web: www.lairhillock.co.uk THE LAIRHILLOCK INN IS OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FOR TEA/COFFEE, LUNCHES AND EVENING MEALS LOOK ON OUR WEBSITE FOR MENUS & OPENING TIMES

FOR YOUR RENEWABLE ENERGY NEEDS Ground Source Heat Pumps Under Floor Heating Heat Recovery Central Vacuum Systems Paragon Systems (Scotland) Ltd offers a free design and quotation package for supply only or supply and installation on receipt of drawings. Phone: 01224 735536 Today to discuss your particular requirement.

e-mail: info@paragon-systems.co.uk Visit our web-site ~ www.paragon-systems.co.uk Paragon Systems (Scotland) Ltd, Corbie Cottage, Maryculter, Aberdeen AB12 5FT Other products/services include: Bore-holes/Insulation/UFH

REPRESENTATION

EVENTS CALENDAR

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

April Monday 4 Church Guild business meeting Saturday 9 St Ternan‟s Church coffee morning Wed. 13 Maryculter WRI: Talk from Diana Robertson, Head Gardener, Drum Castle Monday 18 School term begins Monday 18 Community Council Monday 18 Netherley WRI: Talk/demo on breadmaking (Turid Reppe Roversell) Friday 22 Friendship Club Basket Whist Corbie Hall 7.30pm Saturday 23 South Deeside Under 5s „Spring Fair‟ 10.30-12.30 Corbie Hall May Saturday 7 Friends of Guiding „Daffodil Tea‟ 10.30-12.30 Corbie Hall Wed. 11 Maryculter WRI: Business Meeting and „Bring and Buy‟ Saturday 14 SDV Plant Sale and Coffee Morning 10.30am-12 noon Corbie Hall Monday 16 Community Council Monday 16 Netherley WRI: AGM + talk by Liz Duguid on „Colours to suit us‟ Saturday 21 „Come and Sing‟ day at Blairs Museum June Saturday 11 Scottish Model Helicopter Championships Hare Moss, Banchory-Devenick Sunday 12 “ “ Saturday 18 St Ternan‟s Church Fete Monday 20 Community Council AGM July Friday 1 School term ends August Wed. 10 Maryculter WRI Monday 15 Community Council Monday 15 Netherley WRI Saturday 27 Driving for the Disabled sale Plainstones, Stonehaven 9am-12 noon September Wed. 14 Maryculter WRI Monday 19 Community Council Monday 19 Netherley WRI

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

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 School at 9.20am Bolleuchars Croft at 9.40am Banchory-Devenick crossroads at 10.10am Library Service Tel: 01651 872707

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

Please send copy for the Autumn issue of YOUR NEWSLETTER by August 19

Window cleaning Martin Pilley Tel: 01261 815411 20