South Deeside View - Autumn 2011 by NKRCC

THE SOUTH DEESIDE VIEW September 2011 CONTENTS 1

Macmillan Coffee Morning

Youth activities

Lairhillock School

Lairhillock School football Banchory-Devenick School

Clubs and Societies

Leisure activities

Our Plant Sale and Coffee Morning in May, organised and largely staffed by community councillors, was a happy and well attended occasion and raised enough money to keep South Deeside View solvent. Many thanks to everyone who contributed plants and home baking, and to those whose gardens are now blooming with their purchases. Could you help to produce this twice-yearly newsletter in any way? We are looking for a third person to help put it together and are aware that there are many folk who would enjoy doing so - just think of it as licensed nosiness!

Blairs Museum 8

Community Halls North East Open Studios

Driving for the Disabled

Maryculter-Cookney Church

St Ternan’s Church St Mary’s Chapel Grampian Police

We depend on local residents to deliver over 900 copies, so this is quite a feat of organisation and goodwill. We are short of deliverers in Banchory-Devenick, so could you help, even if it is only to supply your nearest neighbours twice a year? Your community councillors will be very glad of assistance. If you have some information which you would like to share with others in our area, please let us know. We have been asked for more local historical information, so perhaps you know someone who can contribute articles of this kind.

Home deliveries Bread Maker at Aspire

Nature Notes

History of Banchory-Devenick Have we lost Durris Wood?

The newsletter remains free since our only costs are for printing. We appreciate all the local companies who support us with their advertising. 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.

Road Sense

Community Council

NKRCC, 300 Club, Broadband

Councillors

Advertisements

Macmillan Coffee Morning

Handy contacts and Events

Friday September 30 Storybook Glen 10.15 - noon

The Doric Festival Meal an’ Ale Evening Cookney Hall Saturday October 1 at 7.30pm Book your tickets from Joyce Murison, Tel: 01569 731236

There will be a wide range of stalls, crafts, bring and buy, raffle, teas, coffees and home baking. Raffle prizes and contributions to the sale should be handed in to Sheila Stewart, Tel: 734222 with any last minute items gladly received at the door. Admission by donation

YOUTH ACTIVITIES to university – we’re going to miss her loads but know she’ll make a great nurse!

Maryculter Babies and Toddlers We meet in Maryculter Church Hall, on Thursday mornings all year from 9.30 - 11.30am. Anyone looking after children between birth and 3 years is very welcome to join us for a cuppa and chat, whilst the tots play with our stock of toys and games. We’re always on the look out for new members so please tell friends, neighbours and those new to the area. Louise MacDonald, Tel: 874014

Remember, the South Deeside Under Fives is possibly the best way for your children to meet some of their first friends and for you to get to know other local families. Give us a call or drop by for a look around! More information at M: 07966 163953 or www.south-deeside-under-fives.co.uk

South Deeside Under Fives From 0 to 5 – making learning come alive! We’re feeling very proud of ourselves at the South Deeside Under Fives! Not only have we had a great first year as an independent group but we’ve secured funding that’s going to make this coming year just as good!

Maryculter Rainbows We are enjoying the new facilities following our move to Corbie Hall and the girls love being able to cook in the kitchen. Last term we completed a Royal Wedding Challenge badge and made the most of the summer weather for lots of outdoor games.

The South Deeside Under Fives is a community-led charity that provides childcare for children from birth to five years. Meeting at Maryculter Community Hall (next to the Old Mill Inn), it runs three programmes during school terms:

Some Rainbows joined the Brownies and Guides for a trip to the Stonehaven Open Air Pool which was great fun for everyone. We have welcomed five new Rainbows and a new leader this term which is fantastic! We are all doing a challenge called ‘Together We Can’ based on the Millenium Development Goals; we’ll be learning about people all around the world.

Baby & Toddler Group – Mondays 9.30am to 11.30am For children from birth to four. Adults relax over a coffee whilst children make their first friends. Playleaders are there for a chat and to ensure children are happy playing.

Girls aged 5-7 meet in Corbie Hall on Thursdays from 4.155.15. We are full at the moment but are always happy to add to our waiting list. Contact Kate Martin at katedorcas1@aol.com Tel:739843

Two’s Group - Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 9.30am to 11.30am For children aged two until they go to nursery. Tots are left in the capable hands of experienced playleaders who support them in learning through play in a small, friendly group. Activities include crafts, stories, bugs and bubbles in the garden and walks around the local countryside.

Maryculter Brownies Last term the Brownies were busy. We did our Royal Wedding Challenge Badge. One night we made dresses out of carrier bags. We have also been doing our World Guiding Goes Tartan Badge. This is a Special Badge we can do this year as the WAGGS World Conference is in Edinburgh this summer. One night we couldn’t use our hall because of the Scottish Parliament Elections so we went to Stonehaven and did our Agility Badge. We had a great time with hula hoops and skipping ropes and even made up our own routines.

Rising Fives Group - Tuesday lunchtimes, 12 noon to 2pm. For ante-pre and pre-school children. A gentle introduction to spending more time away from their adults prior to school. Activities include cooking, painting or sports – lunch is provided! With nearly £10,000 of funding from Awards For All, the Scottish Community Fund and Union Square, this year we will be concentrating on two initiatives – raising the profile of our group within the local area (a big task for a small rural organisation) and most excitingly, a year-long healthy eating project. The latter will enable us to involve the children in growing and preparing their own food, from planting tatties and using locally sourced food from our nearest organic farm Lembas, to visiting a farm with our mentors at Union Square, The Handmade Burger Company. The Rising Fives on Tuesdays will even be making their own lunches!

We would like to take the chance here of thanking Lorraine Martin, a former Rainbow Leader at Maryculter, and her family for generously donating a new parachute to the three Guiding units. So far we have had great fun with it. We went to Banchory Guide Lodge for our Annual Sleepover. The first night we went swimming - we think the leaders wanted to tire us out so that we slept. Once we returned to the Guide Lodge we had a bit of a disco then settled down to watch a movie.

We couldn’t have done all of this on our own though. Thanks to the 50 families who came along to classes during our first year and to our fantastic play leaders who make our sessions so welcoming and fun. Our Chair Lynn Smith and Secretary Shona Grimmer also did wonderful work securing all the funding for the coming year. Lastly but certainly not least, a huge thanks to “husbands of the year” Bill, Bob and Iain, for their unending patience in designing leaflets, planting fruit trees and fixing yet more things.

We are currently looking to recruit a new adult leader as one of our Owls has had to stand down due to work commitments. This also means that the waiting list of girls waiting to join is still in place. If you are aged between 18 and 65 and think you could help us out - it doesn’t even have to be every week and job share would be considered. Our meetings are on Thursdays in Maryculter Community Hall from 6.30 to 8pm. Lynn Murphy: Tel: 01330 825936 E-mail: lynnmurphy100@hotmail.co.uk

Good luck to our play leader Rachel McIntosh who is back off 2

YOUTH ACTIVITIES The autumn term will see us holding another camping weekend at Templars’ Park in September and we will also have a sleepover in the Scout Hut after the October break. We plan to do some orienteering and another cycle tour so we hope that the weather will be kinder to us than it was last term. As the nights draw in, the programme will involve more activities and badgework indoors but a night hike will be slotted in if we get some favourable winter conditions.

Maryculter Guides We had a lot of good evenings through the summer and camped near Fettercairn one weekend. This gave us the chance to learn how to use a compass and pick up some survival skills. Cooking outdoors was good fun too.

Maryculter Cubs meet at the Maryculter Scout Hut on Mondays between 6.15 and 7.45pm. The pack is currently close to capacity and we will give priority to boys wanting to move up from Maryculter Beavers, but if anyone wants more information they should contact one of the following: David Kirk tel: 869006, David Burslem tel: 732819, Bill Caffyn tel: 734080 or Andrew Warnock tel: 739602.

We meet on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm in the Maryculter Community (Corbie) Hall Tel:07849 315203, E-mail: moraglister@yahoo.co.uk

Friends of Guiding We are having a fund-raising evening on Wednesday October 5 from 7-9pm in Corbie Hall, with a Chocolate Demonstration by Cocoa Ooze. £10 tickets, which include a glass of fruit juice or wine plus raffle are available from Guiders or from Lynn Murphy, District Commissioner, Tel:01330 825396 or E-mail: lynnmurphy100@hotmail.co.uk

1st Maryculter Scouts The major event of this year was our Scout trip to Oberkirch in the Black Forest of Germany. 22 Scouts, two young leaders and six adults flew to Stuttgart from Dyce via Heathrow for a great international experience. Our hosts, the Oberkirch Scouts were most helpful and added greatly to the variety of things we saw and did.

Maryculter Beavers The Beavers continue to meet in the Scout Hut on a Tuesday evening from 5.30 to 7.00p.m. One of the highlights from last term was the night when the Beavers took Corbie, George Masson’s horse, on a drive through Maryculter woods. This was followed up by a visit to George’s ‘small-holding’ where the Beavers helped to collect eggs, feed the hens and Corbie and get another ‘wee shotie’ around the field (no eggs were broken!). Kerri, a new assistant Beaver leader has joined us. We have places for new Beavers between 6 and 8 years, but as we have to observe a leader ratio of 1:6 we are still in need of adult help. Any boy wishing to join us should contact: Kathleen Paterson , Beaver Leader Tel: 868676

Memorable moments included the toboggan run, the hike to see the largest cuckoo clock in the world and getting soaked in a thunderstorm then having to sprint for the train, forgetting that all the shops close on a Sunday, our hike through the Black Forest, getting lost on our way to a barbecue on the Rhine – but the BBQ was worth the hike and the boating on the Rhine was great fun too. Then there were the swimming pools, tennis and crazy golf. There was the Festival of Light, the reception at the Rathaus, being in the fruit factory freezer at -20 deg C, and finally, on our last day, our visit to Europapark where all sorts of bumclenching rides were enjoyed. The return trip was more eventful than we needed due to a Stuttgart buggie driver running into our aircraft’s engine cowling. This meant we could not fly until Airbus assessed the damage (a small scratch) and OK’d take-off. This came after four stress-filled hours in the Stuttgart departure lounge where it was beginning to look like we would be kipping for the night! At Heathrow we met a party of 50 Mexican Scouts on their way to the Scout Jamboree in Sweden. They were full of fun and delighted to see us Scottish Scouts in our kilts. Luckily the evening flight from Heathrow to Dyce was not busy that Tuesday and we all got onto the one plane to Aberdeen where anxious mums and dads welcomed home their Scouts.

1 Maryculter Cubs Unfortunately the exceptional weather in April did not last long enough to cover our first few activities of the summer term and the first sailing event at Loch of Skene had to be cancelled due to poor visibility. Our overnight trip to Muir Cottage near Braemar followed shortly thereafter and for the first time we had to contend with rain on both days. However we did not let that dampen our enthusiasm and the Cubs had a hike up a nearby hill, ran a hash, played foot-baseball and generally had a good time. As usual we stopped on the journey home for a further activity, this time near Balmoral to satisfy our curiosity by climbing up to inspect Albert’s Cairn, which was most impressive at close quarters. In between activities in and around the Scout Hut we also went to Durris to climb Carn Mon Earn, unfortunately getting soaked in the rain on the way down, and we held an overnight camp in the Glebe Field. We had high hopes for the second sailing event on Loch of Skene at the end of the term but we could hardly believe it when we had to cancel yet again, this time because the loch was being drained by the estate. We have to admit that we did not have that eventuality on our risk assessment!

But in September we start our new term. The challenge is to maintain a varied programme of skills, personal development, leadership and, above all, fun! We meet on Fridays from 7.15 to 9.15pm in the Scout Hut behind Maryculter Church. Local lads between 10.5 and 13 thinking of joining us should contact the Scout Leader, Les Paterson, Tel: 868676 or E-mail: lesardoe@aol.com Another useful contact is the District website: www.deesidescouts.org.uk 3

PRIMARY

SCHOOLS Health and Wellbeing is a very important part of the curriculum and a range of activities are planned for September. P5 is taking part in a series of rugby workshops. P6-7 will undergo Cycling Training and weekly cross country sessions for P5-7 will also continue. The whole school will be involved in a Skipping Fortnight organised by the Health Group.

Lairhillock We welcomed 17 Primary 1 children to school this session. Our nursery roll is 12 meantime although more children are due to start later in the session. The school roll is 109.

The whole school is currently focusing on the Practices and Traditions of Islam with a particular focus on Ramadan and the festival of Eid Al Fitr. Weekly cooking sessions will involve children in making foods associated with the festival. Christian beliefs continue to be covered at assemblies through Bible Stories linked to the articles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Rev. Heather Peacock continues to join staff and pupils at weekly assemblies. If anyone in the community is keen to come in to school to talk to the children about other world religions, we would be delighted to hear from you.

We were delighted to be awarded the Eco School Green Flag Award which we are extremely proud of. You can see the flag pictured below right. Well done to the children on the Eco Committee, Mrs Henderson, Mrs Blair, Dr Martin and Mrs Oakey who have worked tirelessly to ensure that the whole school community worked towards achieving this award. We will now draw up a new Action Plan based on Energy and Sustainability. The school is also very proud of Mrs Malone, Children’s Supervisor. Employees from across the council were recognised at the annual Employee Achievement Awards ceremony which was hosted by Aberdeenshire Provost Bill Howatson and attended by Leader of the Council Anne Robertson, Chief Executive Colin Mackenzie and the directors of each service. Mrs Malone was nominated for ‘The Unsung Hero Award’ which is designed to thank someone who works tirelessly and undertakes tasks not necessarily expected of them to ensure the best possible service. The judges shortlisted three people for this category and Mrs Malone won.

Visitors to school include speakers from the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and CLAN (Cancer Link Aberdeen North). A Macmillan Coffee Afternoon is being held on Friday 30 September and members of the community are very welcome to come along. The Parent Council has organised a Beetle Drive on Friday 9 September to which everyone is welcome. The annual Christmas Fair is being held on Saturday 26 November so we hope to see everyone there. Contact the school for more details.

The school is currently participating in the Forest School programme which is delivered by Friends of Durris Forest (FDF). Julia Mackay, Level 3 Forest School Leader and Aileen Salway, trainee Level 3 Forest School Leader with 15 years’ experience as a Countryside Ranger work with class teachers and children on Thursdays in Durris Forest The programme aims to develop the children’s understanding and appreciation of the environmental, social, and economic potential of trees, woodlands and forests, through ‘hands-on’ experiences. Activities have minimal impact on the environment, and good practice aims to ‘leave-no-trace’, or have positive environmental benefits. The forest education programme involves the following: • Simple investigation and exploration with minimal equipment, using natural materials as the learning resource. • Playing games, using the woodland for inspiration for art and writing projects. • Using the woodland for numeracy – counting, sorting, measuring, estimating etc. • Using simple tools to whittle and do craft work • Simple rope work. • Temporary shelters may be made with tarpaulins or woodland brash.

ADULT VOLUNTEERS We are always keen to hear from people in the community who are willing to be Adult Helpers in school. In particular we are in need of volunteers who are interested in helping with our weekly gardening sessions which are held on Monday mornings. However, if anyone is able to spare a few hours to help us maintain the garden at a time that would suit them, that would also be great. Volunteers who work with the children are required to join the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. Forms are available from the school.

Aberdeenshire Life Education Centre staff are in school in September and will be focusing on health topics with all of the children from Nursery to P7. Sessions are also being organised to provide parents with an opportunity to see the mobile classroom and to find out about the programmes being delivered.

Marian Youngson, Head Teacher Tel: 01569 732520 E-mail: marian.youngson@aberdeenshire.gov.uk 4

Lairhillock School Football

Banchory-Devenick

Yes, the rain did finally stop and we were able to complete all our fixtures. Though come to think of it, we played through an absolute monsoon in the Hall Morrice tournament at Bervie in June. Huge credit to the two mums who stood through it all and pretended that they didn't really mind, and even bigger thanks to the boys who just missed out on the semifinals so we didn't have to spend another hour getting soaked.

We welcome old and new faces after the summer holidays and trust that Leanne and the Primary 1 children will settle in quickly. Our Visiting Specialists this term are: Mrs Vardy – PE, Mrs Petrie – Drama, Miss Reid – Science and Mrs Tullock – Art. The whole school will be attending Techfest on Tuesday 13th September. Techfest is a festival of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, held at the Beach Ballroom. Each class will have a different, age appropriate, programme of workshops. Class Topics P1/2/3 - My Home; P4/5 – Scotland; P6/7 - Citizens of the 21st Century (Europe and the European Union). Hog Roast Barbecue A Hog Roast BBQ will be held in the school grounds on Saturday 17th September from 3 – 6pm. Tickets are priced £7 for adults and £3 for children and provide a pig roll and pudding. Please contact the school office by Monday 5th Sept if you would like to buy tickets.

The other theme of the year, injuries, also continued into the second half of the season, so much so that we inaugurated an injury-of-the-season award, which went to Nick Caffyn for managing to break both arms at different times. Great effort Nick! And finally to the football. The A-team did well to win their section of the Mid-Deeside Small Schools League and the Invercrynoch Cup, but the highlight of the season was when it all came good for the B-team in the last competition of the season and they won the Crynoch Shield. If they carry on that performance into next year they will have a great time. As usual, thanks to all the Mums and Dads for their unflinching stoic support throughout the cold and wet times, and to the players for giving us all a heap of fun. The picture shows some typical footballing weather. Stephen Davies

Aberdeen Life Education Centre (ALEC) is part of Coram Life Education, a charity which provides a unique drug education programme which teaches children about the wonder of their bodies, how to take care of themselves and how drugs can affect them. All the children attended the mobile classroom and thoroughly enjoyed this learning experience. In the recent past, Banchory-Devenick, Crathes and Kincardine O'Neil have all taken part in the Mid Deeside Small Schools Football League and it would be brilliant if they could do so again. One Dad has said he is willing to help but we would need another person. The format of the league is designed to cater for almost everyone, so we have a C-league (notionally P2-3), Bleague (notionally P4-5) and an A-league (notionally P6-7). The larger schools like Drumoak and Lairhillock will normally enter a team in each league, but the smaller schools may only manage one or two teams. Matches are usually played on a Sunday afternoon and there is a three-goal rule so that if two teams are obviously unmatched, the coaches do something about it. The whole thing is very flexible, so there is room to just play friendly games and see how it goes from there. All it needs is a couple of parents to organise the team. If you are even slightly curious, please contact Stephen Davies at E-mail: s. n.davies@abdn.ac.uk

Award-winning weekly nature classes for 2 to 5 year olds to discover nature and play outdoors. Monday and Friday sessions. NEW Woodland birthday parties for 2 to 10 year olds www.mudpieadventures.co.uk Call Mandy Tulloch on 07929 465680 for more information.

Joyce Hill, Head Teacher, Tel: 875237 E-mail: joyce.hill@aberdeenshire.gov.uk 5

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 15, 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 Well, after a horrendous winter and a late spring, we managed to finish our league programme, just before the official league deadline of the 31st May, with many a mid-week game thrown in to boot. The net result of this was a lot of tired legs and tired performances resulting in poor league results. However the team did put together a 7 game undefeated run at the very end of the season, with the last game being a real ‘6 pointer’ which secures our division 1 status for the coming season. All players from last season have re-signed, with a smattering of both youth and a couple of ‘old faces’ returning to boost our player pool for season 2011/2012. We hope and trust this winter will be slightly more kind to us this year both on and off the park, and a piece of silverware comes our way come the end of the season. Home games will continue at Corbie Park, with Cults Academy astro turf pitch providing outdoor training facilities this winter. Jim Grant Tel: 867512

Netherley WRI We meet at 7.30pm in Lairhillock School on the third Monday of each month between September and May. You will find our programme on the back page, so if you would like to come along and join in any session, please phone our secretary: Janet Ross, Tel: 732101 New members will be made most welcome.

Friendship Club Our winter session begins with a Basket Whist on Friday October 28 at 7.30pm in Maryculter Community Hall. If you are a whist player do join us for a relaxed evening. If you are younger and play only occasionally, come along to brush up your skills and help maintain a local tradition - it’s more fun than watching the ‘box’. June, who plans our entertainments, has a varied programme lined up for our monthly meetings on the first Thursday of the month in Maryculter Church Hall from 2 to 4pm, starting with ‘A Fishy Tale’ on November 3. Contacts: Anne, Tel: 732071 and Peggy, Tel: 734888

Dee Vale Ladies Football Club Maryculter Senior Citizens Association Dee Vale Ladies took a mid season trip to the International Keele Cup near Manchester this summer. Playing 6 x 40 minute matches in two days was very tough and although we didn't return with any silverware it was an excellent fitness and team building experience. Since the Division Two North re-start Dee Vale have had mixed results, most recently a resounding 9-2 victory against Kemnay Ladies at Corbie Park. This leaves us mid table and, with 7 games to play, we hope to climb a few more places. We have recently purchased a new away strip thanks to sponsorship from Optima Solutions, and also are grateful for the continued support from the Holburn Bar who sponsor the home kit and provide post match hospitality. If you are interested in joining Dee Vale Ladies FC, we welcome women over the age of 16 to come along to training at Inverdee on a Wednesday evening. E-mail: deevalelfc@yahoo.co.uk for more information. Spectators/supporters are also very welcome. For fixtures, results and league tables see www.scottishfa.co.uk/swf and go to Division 2 North. Rhoda Paterson

This long established charity provides a Christmas party 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 third year so thanks to all who supported it. Winners of cash prizes to date are: (all from Maryculter unless otherwise indicated) A. Arandia, Stonehaven; W. Blackhall; L. Carter; H. Duncan, Ellon; N. Gordon; J. Leven; R.. Main, Milltimber; C. Middleton, Blairs; K. Milne, Blairs; N. Munro, Aberdeen; R. McTaggart; P. Paterson; T. Stewart, Drumoak; J. Tuddenham, Blairs; G. Wallace, Banchory; M. Wallace, Peterculter; S. Williams, Blairs; and W. Wilson. 6

The Big Draw, Saturday

LEISURE ACTIVITIES

October 8, 11am to 4pm The Big Draw encourages people of all ages to discover how drawing can connect them with their surroundings and the wider community. We will be running various activities co-ordinated by Mike Samson.

Yoga classes at Blairs There are 2 places available in the Tuesday evening 6 p.m class. This is a small, gentle, class for intermediate students of hatha yoga who have an interest in exploring the asanas in more detail and link them to their breathing. Please phone if you want to find out more. Ilse Elders ( registered teacher with Yoga Scotland since 1988) Tel: 868301

Bishop Hay, a Celebration of His Life Undergraduate, medical orderly, chemist, ship’s surgeon, horseman, swimmer, hiker, violinist, teacher, scripture scholar, theologian, scripture writer – all these are descriptions of George Hay, Scottish priest and Bishop, who died 200 years ago on October 15. Blairs Museum will have a small exhibition of items connected with Bishop Hay and there will be a Mass with a choir singing music from that period. Details still to be finalised.

Exercise Pilates The class runs in the Corbie Hall, Maryculter on Mondays from 6 to 7pm. People with physical problems will be directed to classes run by Physiotherapists, such as the advert on page 15. Individuals are welcome to attend for a trial session, and should contact: Fiona Halliday Tel: 01330 824679

Dr Garden’s Nordic Notebook Saturday November 12 at 3pm as part of the Sound Festival. Sally Garden, mezzo-soprano and Donald Hawksworth, piano. Viewpoints and voices on northern identity, with songs, writings and new discoveries gathered in Norway and Scotland. Music by Grieg, Irgens-Jensen, Kvandal, Sally Garden and more. Ticket Price: £6, £4 concessions.

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

Blairs Museum, South Deeside Road, Blairs, Aberdeen Manager/Curator: Ian Forbes: Tel: 863767 E-mail: manager@blairsmuseum.com www.blairsmuseum.com

Craft Group

Drum Castle

We have taken a break over the summer months but resume monthly meetings on Monday October 3rd in the Community Room at St Ternan's Church, Muchalls. Jan Horn is helping some of the members to learn the art of patchwork and quilting ,but others bring along their own crafts - knitting, card making or even darning. It is a chance to relax and enjoy convivial company and see if any of the crafts take your fancy. If you want to find out more please phone Jan on Tel: 01569 767797 or come ,along to the Community Room at the Church at 2pm on Monday 3rd October.

This is our nearest National Trust property. Our open-air Shakespearean performances and other summer events were highly enjoyable and well attended. We have a new property manager and have discovered that the oldest volunteer in the NTS works here in the gardens. We are re-launching the Holly Fest in December and will be busy with conservation work during the winter. 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 to 5pm. The castle, tearoom and shop are open between 11am and 4.45pm until the end of September. Tel: 01330 811204 www.nts.org.uk

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

Dingle Dell

Aberdeen Aeromodellers Club

Gift and Garden Centre

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. E-mail: information@aamfc.co.uk Website best accessed using Google: aamfc.org

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

Due to the increased use of the hall, its ongoing upgrade and popularity, consideration is currently being given to producing a Facebook page and simple website, giving details of a history of the Hall, forthcoming events and contact details, but it’s early days yet. Further details can be obtained from Willie Angus, Tel: 01569 730123 or wgangus@ukgateway.net

Corbie Park and Community Hall, Maryculter Our hall continues to be well used by a variety of groups. We look forward to hosting parties, meetings, classes and youth groups over the winter period and providing a warm and welcoming meeting-place for them.

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

Our Spring report on the Corbie Park warned of poor grass coverage. Since then re-seeding and a monsoon summer have resulted in a very lush growth – so much so that the mower is struggling to keep it in check! We must thank our volunteer groundsmen for all the time they give to keep the field in good order.

North East Open Studios We were pleased to have Peterhead FC train on the pitch over the Summer, boosting our income over an otherwise quiet spell for football.

More than 140 artists throughout the North East, both amateur and professional, open their studios to visitors from September 10-18. The two venues in our area are:

And finally: spotted scrambling and shrieking up the riverbank this August, two MINK. One black, one lighter, a male and female, oblivious to all around them and apparently in mating mode!

Blairs Museum, which shows the work of Michael Samson’s art classes which are held here weekly. Weekends from noon to 5pm, weekdays 11am -3pm.

Carol continues to give sterling service as our Booking Secretary to whom any enquiry to book the hall or field should be made. Tel 733583.

Shadow + Lights Studio, Hill Cottage, BanchoryDevenick where Carole Gray and Joanna Howarth create inventive, sculptural lights and 3D works. Coming from the Bridge of Dee roundabout, take the South Deeside Road and turn left at the Banchory Devenick sign. The studio is the first house on the right. Open Saturdays, 10am - 5pm, Sundays 2 - 5pm, weekdays 11am - 4pm. www.shadowandlights.org

Friends of Cookney Hall Work on the hall has continued over the summer. The considerably enlarged car park is now nearly complete and we’ll be marking out disabled spaces soon. New trees have been planted to shield it from the worst of the northerly winds, once they have grown big enough. We plan to re-clad the hall and hopefully we’ll see some progress over the next few months.

www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk

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

The hall continues to be well used by the regular groups; dog obedience classes, bowlers and ballroom dancers, but not all at the same time! There have been several private functions too and we hope that this will continue.

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.

Planned events include: October 1 A Meal n’ Ale Evening as part of the Doric Festival with Geordie Murison and John Valentine as comperes. October 22 Tractor pulling race night, with the £7.50 admission price including our much appreciated stovies. January 2 New Year dance January 21 Burns Supper

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

Tickets for all events can be booked through any of the committee and Joyce Murison, Tel: 01569 731236

Maryculter Driving for the Disabled

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, to aid their balance, co-ordination and self confidence as well as having fun.

NORTH BURNSIDE KENNELS AND CATTERY

The 2011 driving season began on May 4 at Maryculter Home Farm, and goes on until September 21, when we end with a cone driving competition, treasure hunt and barbecue. ‘Corbie’ and ‘Xantha’ are well trained to pull the carriages, and the team of drivers, helpers, carers and tea ladies (wonderful bakers) make this service possible. George Masson has been working hard this season schooling ‘Casse’, daughter of ‘Corbie’ in preparation for the Driving for the Disabled assessment. She has been driven on average twice a week, completing road work and dressage and also introduced to Home Farm during our Wednesday sessions.

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

We are always looking for new helpers to walk with the carriages, to assist disabled drivers in and out of the vehicle and to ensure their comfort and safety, so if you have a few hours to spare each week (or even at odd times throughout the month), do consider coming along to see what we do. You don't have to be 'horsey', you just need to have plenty of enthusiasm and a willingness to help. Training will be given and you will become part of a friendly and supportive team. Each session is overseen by a qualified RDA instructor and some helpers go on to become instructors themselves.

MARYCULTER CARRIAGE DRIVING CENTRE

Thanks to everyone who helped at our annual fundraising event at the Plainstones, Stonehaven on August 27 with donations of home baking, books and tombola prizes.

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

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

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

Banchory-Devenick and Maryculter/Cookney Parish Church of Scotland Welcoming: Everyone is welcome to worship with us.

Maryculter Church Worship Services Services will continue at Maryculter Church on 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays until 13th November 2011. From 13th November there will be a worship service at Maryculter Church every Sunday morning at 10:30am.

Worshipping: We are a Reformed Presbyterian Church and the basis of our faith is the word of God as contained in the Bible. Witnessing: We believe in one God – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. We believe that God is present in the world and is seeking to enrich our lives through knowing Jesus Christ, his Son.

The Meeting Place 25th September 2011 Maryculter Church Hall from 4:30pm A chance to meet with one another, meet new friends and meet with God. Worship led by our praise band from 5pm. Families will be welcome. Continuing on last Sunday evening each month. New

For full details of all that is going on in our Church Community please look at our website: www.bdmc-parish.org.uk Minister: Rev Dr Heather M Peacock Tel: 730150 E-mail: hmpeacock@btinternet.com Church Office: Tel: 735983 E-mail: thechurchoffice@tiscali.co.uk

Back to Church Sunday September 18, Maryculter Church In 2009, Back to Church Sunday mobilised around 6,000 churches across the world (4,650 in the UK) to invite their friends to church. As a result over 80,000 extra people attended church on Back to Church Sunday in the UK alone, with a long-term result of around 10,000 people added to the church in one day. You are invited to bring a friend along on this special day. Or just come along and find out all the exciting things we’re doing. New

Youth Cafe Every Thursday 7-9pm for primary 7 to senior 6 pupils in Maryculter Church Hall; Food, fun and friendship. Youth Alpha will be available again during 2012. By popular demand an Activity Weekend Away to Compass Christian Centre in Glenshee is planned for June 2012. Don’t miss out! Contact Dianne Brown, Tel:734687

You do not need to be a member of the Church to join in our services and activities, and you can be sure of a warm welcome to all of them.

Community Coffee Enjoy a fabulous Fair Trade Coffee and fine piece. Every 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesday 10-12 noon in Maryculter Church Hall.

Banchory Devenick and Maryculter-Cookney Parish Church of Scotland, Scottish Charity number: SCO 13648 CCL 573608

The Guild We meet on the first Monday of the month from September through to November and from February to May, at 7:30pm. New members are sure of a warm welcome, good company, interesting speakers and a light supper. Contact Sheila Bissett, Tel: 01569 731708 Booking of Halls and grounds Contact Anne Massie Tel: 732071

Banchory-Devenick Church Given the bad weather conditions we have experienced over the last couple of years and the difficult access into Banchory-Devenick Church building, we have decided not to hold worship services there over the winter months. Services will continue at BanchoryDevenick Church on 2nd and 4th Sunday until Sunday 13th November 2011.

St Mary’s Chapel, Blairs Mass is held every Sunday morning at 9am to which all are invited. November 15 The Diocesan choir will perform in the chapel from 7pm December 24 Christmas Vigil Mass with Carols at 6.45 pm and Mass at 7pm. Deacon Peter Macdonald Tel: 780351

ST TERNAN’S SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH MUCHALLS

Grampian Police

St. Ternan’s is the northern-most Scottish Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Brechin, located 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.

In Policing terms the summer months have involved the mandatory assortment of events and youth ‘issues’, none of which resulted in anything too serious. As reported this time last year Operation Zenith is well underway. Some of you will have noticed the large yellow signs fixed to posts and road signs highlighting the dangers of excessive speed and encouraging the use of good road sense, primarily aimed at motor bikers. We have increased the number of speed checks in the area, especially with the lower limit in Drumoak and Park.....it pays to be vigilant, not only in the level of your observations but also to your speed!

We are unable to advertise for a new Priest in Charge following the departure of Rev. Michael Sabell until our new Bishop is in post. This will not happen until November 2011. Rev. Maggie Jackson of St. James the Great in Stonehaven is our Interim Pastor assisting during the vacancy. At present we are continuing to operate with the Ministry team as follows: George Masson Tel. 733583 John Usher Tel. 01569 731608

Given the winter we experienced last year, it is time to think about your vehicle’s readiness for the months ahead. Does your car require anything before the snow starts? Is it due a service? How much anti-freeze does it need? Do I need to change to winter tyres? What should I be carrying in the car throughout the winter? Do I need any advice on how to drive in the snow and ice?

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. Our new Community Meeting Room with kitchen and toilet facilities is available for use 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 and the entrance is wheelchair friendly. To book the facility contact Sheila on 01569 731608 or Audrey on 01569 730600 – donation of £4 per hour is suggested.

If I can assist with any of these queries or any other Police-related matter, please contact me: E-mail: Neil.McHattie@grampian.pnn.police.uk or via Tel: 0845 600 5700.

The Muchalls Bistro

The annual garden fete was held in June and the weather was very unkind to us. However we successfully raised almost £1,500 for Church funds

Great food and relaxed dining serving lunches and dinners

Our Harvest Festival is on 2nd October at 10.30am in the Church and there will be a Musical Concert on 21st October at 7.30pm. Tickets are £8.00 and can be purchased from Irene Tel: 784080. This will feature among others, Sue Muir, well known local violinist. Also we are holding a Bonfire Coffee Morning on 5th November at 10am.

Tel: 01569 730393 Only 200 metres off the A90 Follow the road sign to Muchalls Closed Monday and Tuesday See sample menus on the website www.themuchallsbistro.co.uk Chef / proprietor Hermann Schmid

Please contact any of the above Ministry Team for help or information on marriages, baptisms, funerals, pastoral visiting etc. Scottish Charity No: SC023264 11

Home Deliveries Bread maker ‘Aspires’ for growth

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

Local Aberdeen charity, the Bread Maker, is to expand its catering services by taking over the eatery at Aspire Golf Centre on South Deeside Road. The move comes after a two-year search by the charity for a new outlet to operate from within the city. The charity has been running an award-winning coffee house and artisan bakery in Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen, since 2006. As well as offering freshly made bread and produce, it provides training and employment opportunities to adults with learning disabilities. Over the last few years it has benefited from a steady growth in sales from its bespoke ‘Cakes for Occasions’ and its Outside Catering Services. The new venture at Aspire will allow for this continued growth and give the charity a second base to offer its produce across the south side of the city and Deeside, as well as giving more opportunities to adults with learning disabilities.

Coal J.H. Roberts of Auchenblae deliver orders in our area on Monday mornings. Tel: 01561 320335

NEW DELIVERY SERVICE!

A new delivery service has begun in our area. Masson Distribution Ltd delivers milk, supplied by Mitchells of Inverurie, three days a week – Monday, Wednesday and Friday – as well as a range of fruit juice. They also deliver the Press and Journal, Monday to Saturday. Other services include leaflet and parcel distribution service across the area. Plans are in place to deliver eggs and fruit/vegetable boxes in future, if there is sufficient demand.

The Bread Maker will run the catering independently at the golf centre, which boasts a nine-hole course, state-ofthe-art driving range and golf shop. Donald Anderson, Chief Executive of the charity welcomed the move, saying: “Aspire is an excellent golf centre that we are looking forward to working with. We will provide first class catering services to all its customers, as well as to corporate groups and individuals. The move will also, more importantly, allow us to provide further opportunities for adults with learning disabilities, which we can then build on. It’s a very exciting time for us.”

Based in Aboyne, Masson Distribution is a family-run business, dedicated to sourcing and delivering local products to customers. They pride themselves on their friendly nature and reliability. The company was founded in May 2011 by Martyn Masson (Managing Director), Albert Masson (Transport Manager) and Nicola Fraser (Customer Service Manager).

The charity currently employs 17 staff and provides some 24 placements for adults with learning disabilities. Over the coming year, it is hoped that the move to Aspire will create real job opportunities for adults with learning disabilities who have developed worker skills through training at the Bread Maker. Support is also given to help them fully participate in the life of the city and engage in a range of social activities and learning opportunities outwith their job requirements. A continuous personal development programme ensures that everyone has the opportunity to maximise their own potential to become a fully active member of society, valued for their abilities, skills and experience.

For more information or to place an order, call 01339 885747 (home), 07837 861957 (Martyn) or 07967 178991 (Nicola). You can also E-mail them at massondistribution@gmail.com or meet the team on Facebook!

The Coffee Shop at Aspire is open between 10am and 4pm Tuesday to Sunday, serving homemade soups, sandwiches and rolls, as well as their freshly baked pastries and cakes.

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

For more information on the work of the Bread Maker, contact Donald Anderson, Tel: 641520.

Nature Notes Bountiful Berries

Bramble sorbet 1kg brambles Juice from half a lemon 250g caster sugar a little water

Seeds grow into plants, plants flower and the flowers turn into seeds…and so it goes on again and again. Seeds like a little room to grow so their plants have come up with cunning ways to give them some space. Scots pine trees use the wind to twirl their tiny seeds to new places, whilst alder trees grow near rivers, letting the water carry their miniscule seeds downstream in winter. Others are more vigorous – gorse seeds explode from their pea-like seed pods on dry summer days, whilst cucumber seeds jet propel themselves to new places under hydrostatic pressure. Plants have even come up with ways to use animals to help them spread their genes either by attaching their seeds to animals’ coats (the seed head of burdock inspired the invention of Velcro) or by encouraging animals to eat the seeds, releasing them on their travels. It’s these last species that are bountiful at this time of year – the delicious berries.

Heat all the ingredients in a pan until the juices start to run – don’t overcook. Strain through a sieve and add sugar or lemon to taste. Cool then freeze, whisking it again to a slush a few times to improve its texture.

Sloe liqueur 750g sloes 400g sugar 1 bottle of vodka or gin Prick the fruit, or put it in the freezer overnight to rupture the skins, and put into a large glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Add the sugar and alcohol. Seal and leave in a cool, dark place. Turn the container upside down to mix the contents every day for the next few weeks. It should be ready by Christmas but will mellow further over the next year. If you haven’t drunk it all by March, remove the sloes as they tend to become bitter.

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. By September the delicious fruits have formed and make great jam, crumbles, sorbets and if squashed, make a fun natural paint for children. The fruit at the end of the shoot ripens first and is apparently the juiciest! 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. Be quick though as arriving migrant blackbirds, red wings, fieldfares and even the exoticlooking waxwings can strip a tree in minutes.

Scottish Mink Initiative The Scottish Wildlife Trust run monthly evening meetings, and on Thursday October 20 at 7.30pm, have an illustrated talk by Sarah Atkinson on the Scottish Mink Initiative in the North East. This is particularly relevant to us since American mink are rife in our area, having escaped from local mink farms some years ago. The location is the Lecture Theatre of the University’s Zoology Building on Tillydrone Avenue, and non-members will be asked for a small admission fee.

Sloes are the fruits of blackthorn. There aren’t a huge number of these bushes in this area, but they’re worth searching out as sloes make a great festive drink. Blackthorn bushes are most easily spotted in early spring, when their bare branches are in flower and their spines are visible. Bushes at this time of year are still in leaf and the fruits are deep purple and 1cm in size when ripe in October. They are too bitter to eat raw but make a delicious liqueur.

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

Not edible, but holly berries are worth searching out before the mistle thrushes and blackbirds devour them. Cut a few branches now and keep in water in a cool place for Christmas. It’s only the female trees that produce berries from their tiny cream flowers that provide insects with a great nectar source in spring. Mandy Tulloch

THE LAIRHILLOCK INN IS OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FOR TEA/COFFEE, LUNCHES AND EVENING MEALS LOOK ON OUR WEBSITE FOR MENUS & OPENING TIMES

History of Banchory-Devenick

Have we lost Durris Wood? If you’ve been down to the woods lately, particularly Durris Wood behind Kirkton of Maryculter, you would be forgiven for wondering where all the trees had gone! It seems that, following the very strong winds we had earlier this year, the Forestry Commission was forced to carry out an emergency felling operation in the area.

If you are interested in the history of Banchory-Devenick and the surrounding area, you will want to read ‘History of the Parish of Banchory-Devenick’, which was written by John A Henderson in 1890. Mr Henderson, who lived in Cults, wrote a number of books regarding the history of Aberdeen and Scotland and was a member of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. The book contains a number of maps and illustrations of notable people and features in the area, including the Bridge of Dee, archaeological sites and several local churches, as well as Banchory House, now home to Beannachar, a Camphill Community.

Mark Reeve is the Planning Forester for Moray and Aberdeenshire District. He explained: “Some of the trees along our boundary started to lean out over neighbouring properties. We decided to remove the whole coupe rather than just fell the edge trees and leave another unstable edge. The area will be replanted in four years, our usual period to leave an area before planting. This allows the numbers of weevils to rise and fall back again before putting in the young trees. The weevils can do a lot of damage to the young trees. We used to control them with insecticides but have stopped this now as part of our chemical reduction policy. When we do replant, it will be with a mix of native broadleaves, Scots pine and larch.”

I first came across this book in the reference section of Stonehaven library several years ago but in 2007 it was digitised by the University of California. It can be accessed through their web site at www.archive.org/details/ historyofparisho00hendiala and is incredibly also available in paperback from Amazon! The book recounts the history of the Estate from its founding in 1244 when King Alexander II granted a Charter “conveying the lands of Banchory-Devenick to the Abbot and Convent of Arbroath” through to the end of the 19th century. In its time, it was one of the most important estates in this part of Scotland, extending well beyond its current boundaries including to the north over the river Dee into what is now Pitfodels.

The Forestry Commission is also consulting on its ten year management plan for woodlands in the Durris area and would like to hear the views of local groups and individuals.

One of the most influential owners of the Banchory-Devenick estate was Alexander Thomson who inherited the estate in 1806 at the age of eight when his father died. Alexander was educated at the Grammar School and then Marischal College before studying for the bar in Edinburgh, becoming an advocate in 1820. He married Jessy Fraser who was the daughter of the ex-Provost of Aberdeen in 1823 and built Banchory House in 1840’s, replacing an earlier building on the same site. He was prominent in scientific and antiquarian studies which led to him entertaining the Prince Consort who visited Aberdeen in 1859 as President of the British Association. The visit was commemorated with the erection of a granite obelisk, which still can be found in Tollohill woods. When he died in 1868 aged 70, the estate was placed in trust before it was sold in 1872 to John Stewart for £76,000.

Mark said: “We are hoping to gather views relating to a wide range of topics, which can include anything from wildlife, recreation or landscape improvements. The main priority for these woodlands is the production of a sustainable timber crop while at the same time maximising their biodiversity potential, maintaining their existing recreational facilities and continuing their positive contribution to the local landscape. The ten year plan will include the Forestry Commission’s proposals for felling and planting operations, as well as landscape and biodiversity improvements. We hope people will tell us what they think of our proposals for managing the woodland for the next ten years. All suggestions will be taken on board and we will consider them before finalising the plan.”

You can also learn about the life of the ordinary residents of the area, for most of whom it was a very harsh existence with many children dying at an early age. There were clearly exceptions however, with the book recording a number of people in the district who had lived to over 100, including George Forbes, a farmer from the adjoining parish of Maryculter who died on February 1761 aged 106!

Once prepared, the draft plan and maps of the woodland area will be available online on the Forestry Commission Scotland website at www.forestry.gov.uk/ consultations. It is hoped that this new format of consultation online will be successful, with the aim of reaching as many people as possible.

The area was also not without crime. There are a number of reports of drunken and lewd behaviour (nothing changes!) but perhaps most shocking was the account in 1831 of the vandalism of the parish boat in which “an evil disposed having pierced the bottom of the Church boat in several places with a gimlet” resulted in reward of two guineas being offered for the conviction of the offender. Mike Birch Note: A copy of ‘History of the Parish of BanchoryDevenick’ is available to borrow, by contacting Pam Robertson (details on the back page).

So, Durris Wood has almost gone, but will rise again and we can assist in its planning. For more information, contact Mark Reeve Tel: 07990 802879 or E-mail mark.reeve@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

some difficulty in excusing some of the decisions taken by Scottish Ministers. RoadSense has therefore decided to support William Walton in appealing against the judgement by now referring the issues to three judges in the Inner Court of Session.

RoadSense Update The construction of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route will affect everyone living in the South Deeside area. It will cause immense environmental damage, change a quiet largely rural area into a noisy adjunct to the city, and affect the well being of many people living in the countryside around Aberdeen. Following the decision by Scottish Ministers to proceed with building the AWPR, RoadSense decided to challenge the way the route had been decided. RoadSense sought a judicial review by the Court of Session, in the name of its chairman, William Walton.

This decision to appeal will not be popular with local or national politicians, or with the army of developers who see the Aberdeen bypass as the key to Aberdeen’s future development and their own financial benefit. They want the road to open up great tracts of green land around the City to housing and industrial building. They ignore the very high cost of this route, which has been deliberately underestimated by those promoting the bypass. As the £395million estimate is based on costs back in 2003, it is conceivable that the final cost could be at least £800 million or even one billion pounds, of which Aberdeenshire council would have to pay 9.5%. They ignore the poor design, which will not reduce traffic congestion within the City but will make traffic worse on the radial routes into the City.

RoadSense’s position was that the procedure for selecting the route, including the addition of a new Fast Link to Stonehaven, was flawed. In addition, the Public Inquiry into the AWPR had been limited to looking at technical aspects of the route. RoadSense had been unable to question the need for the route, or the actual choice of route by the then Minister, Tavish Scott. Road Sense argued that the restricted remit of the Public Inquiry was unfair and inept. It also argued that there had been a breach of European Directives with respect to protected habitats and species.

RoadSense has hundreds of supporters within the local community and is grateful to the many people who are continuing to contribute to its work. It is receiving sound advice and help from Friends of the Earth Scotland, Transform Scotland, the Woodland Trust and other national environmental groups. RoadSense is committed to taking its legal challenge as far as is necessary. Sooner or later the government will have to look again at other ways of resolving Aberdeen’s congestion problems. The AWPR cannot go ahead in its current form. Tony Hawkins

RoadSense was granted a protective costs order, which limited the cost of the legal challenge, only the second such order to be granted in Scotland. The order brought Scotland into conformity with European law with respect to the rights of individuals and groups to challenge environmental decisions without incurring heavy expenses. Lord Tyre issued his judgement on the challenge in mid August. His judgement was long but not especially clear. He concluded that there had been sufficient consultation on the route, and that the restricted remit of the Public Inquiry had not been unreasonable. He also concluded that Scottish Ministers had done enough to meet the requirements of European legislation on habitats and species.

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

This judgement was a disappointment to RoadSense, many of whose supporters still feel a deep sense of grievance over the way the route was chosen. However, it has always been difficult to challenge political decisions under Scottish law, no matter how unfair or muddled they might be. In particular, the provisions of European law have still to have a significant impact upon the way planning is carried out in Scotland.

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

RoadSense has sought legal guidance on the judgement and has discussed its future steps with its many supporters. In several respects the judgement was confused. It did not take account of all the available facts. It was also clear that Lord Tyre had encountered

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

setting. We cannot however escape the proximity to Aberdeen City and the need for change! It is with us. We can and must affect the change and play a role in how it will affect our lives and the lives of people living here in the future.

Words from the Chairman After a wet and windy summer we now head into the autumn season and hopefully a less severe winter than the last two! The NKRCC continues to try to represent the interests of the community on the issues within the community. The current issues present significant change for a rural community in the near to medium term and many are apprehensive about the way their lives and the lives of their families will be affected by the magnitude of that change. A great deal of new development is happening over a short period of time!

These are the big issues of change for our community but there will be many smaller ones like the condition of our minor roads, the speed of our broadband, the ability of our schools to attract the right teachers and so on. The Community Council is non political and must simply reflect the views of the community. In this time of substantial change the Committee would strongly urge all interested people to play a role and express their views so that we have a strong community which represents the interests of all. Check out website for meetings. We need you there! We need your energy, your views, your support and we need your help!

The ‘Ring Road’ is moving closer to certainty and its impact on the community during construction cannot be underestimated. Appeals seem to have almost run their course and we await a better understanding of when the work will be bid, contracts placed and work actually commenced. On the one hand it has the potential to bring jobs but realistically many of these will come from outside our community, and normal life will be impacted through increased noise, traffic and diversions and intensification of infrastructure usage until the job is finished. Having watched with dismay the tram situation in Edinburgh, people need to be convinced that the work will be executed on time and to budget. There remains uncertainty as to whether the traffic flow within our area will actually be improved and congestion decreased when the work is completed!

Robin Baxter, chairman E-mail:chair@nkrcc.org

News from the Planning Front The War of the Winds. Sorry to return to this subject yet again, but the allowing of RES’s appeal still rankles. After 11 long years of this battle to the death (in the red corner, ladies and gentlemen, McWag and the Community Council and in the blue corner RES, lawyers, consultants and Uncle Tom Cobbleigh...), to have to report that the opponents of the Meikle Carewe wind turbines have finally been forced to concede defeat, can only be done through gritted teeth . So yes the Metal Monsters of Meikle are coming soon, to a hill near you, (but will only occasionally produce piddling amounts of insanely expensive electricity to the advantage of none but the landowner............ crack a bottle or twain and I’ll tell you all about it....). Our case seemed sound and elected members agreed with us, but the refusal of the Reporter to agree to a hearing at which we could state our case and represent our residents – merely relying on written submissions, including papers not given in evidence to local councillors – was, in our opinion, disappointing (to put it at its lowest) and very unfair, putting the opponents of the scheme at a distinct disadvantage.

In addition to this there is the Leggart Housing Development (in Aberdeen but on a principal artery for South Deeside), the Blairs Housing Development, the Elsick New Town Development and the Meikle Carewe Wind Farm, all of which are major workscopes involving substantial change in their own right. Lairhillock Housing Development, although refused by the Council is likely to remain an issue for our community. The new planning system, involving a new Local Development Plan, is intended to provide greater certainty as to what types of development should be permitted in different parts of our area and what should remain rural and greenfield farming land. We also await its finalisation and understanding how the Council, its officers and politicians will choose to interpret it! North Kincardine is a rural community and many of us live here because it is so and part of the countryside rather than an extension of the town. Our logo includes wild animals and farming symbols and not industrial plant and intensive housing. Many have earned their livelihood on the land for many years and many just wish the greater solitude and tranquility of a country

The New Local Plan (LDP). This has now been sent to Edinburgh for the Examination in Public (formerly the Public Inquiry). That should take place during the autumn and the Plan should, in theory, be finalised and adopted by next April (-ish). As we have previously warned, do not expect this to be an Examination where the individual Joe Public objector (or Community Council or other representative body for that matter), 16

Broadband

will have the opportunity to say his or her piece, as one did in the past. Such a democratic right has no place in the New Order envisaged by the Great Leader under the new Scottish planning system. It seems that what I have called that ‘democratic right’ appears to be considered by Edinburgh as ‘opportunity for troublemakers’. Rather like the position outlined above, the Reporter is king and will examine, not individual objections, but only those broad ‘Issues’ presented to him by the local authority planners, who are themselves responsible for writing the Plan in the first place. Is that reasonable, equitable, democratic and transparent consultation and scrutiny ? I leave you to decide.

Many of us in the NKRCC area have very low broadband speed, making computer communication annoyingly limited while some have no broadband connection at all. Rural businesses are particularly affected. The further we are from the BT exchange the lower the speed and the archaic cabling does not have the capacity we now need. Preliminary enquiries have shown that some parts of Aberdeenshire have received a Leader grant to upgrade their almost non-existent connection to about 2MB. This was achieved by BT putting some boosting equipment (BET) in the exchanges. BT are willing to do this for the exchanges around us as long as there are 15 BT subscribers interested for each exchange. In Arbuthnott the cost of the upgrade came to £1,300 pounds per subscriber and the Aberdeenshire Leader fund covered this amount for 35 subscribers. In Kinmuck (near Inverurie) a sophisticated WiFi system will be installed for about the same price. However, there is no more money available through the Leader project in the meantime.

So we are now in that strange period during which the old Local Plan (ALP) is still extant and remains the law, but the new one (LDP) is so close to being adopted that it also carries weight when planners and councillors make recommendations and decisions, and has to be considered as well. 70 Houses beside Lairhillock School Clearly contrary to the Local Plan (both the new and the old one), this application was recommended for refusal by planners, agreed by the Area Committee then the full Shire Council endorsed the decision nem con . So, farewell then, Lairhillock? Don’t bank on it; what did Arnie say ?.... “I’ll be back”. Watch this space.......

There was an announcement on August 17 that the Scottish Government had received £68 million from London to improve broadband in Scotland. We do not know yet how this money is to be allocated, so need to be ready to put forward a case for our patch. We should lobby our MSPs to claim our share. Our new local MSP Maureen Watt will be attending the monthly NKRCC meeting to answer questions on September 16 at 7.30pm in the Maryculter Community Hall, so this will be raised.

Robin Winmill, Planning Officer

The 300 Club Community councillors will be knocking on doors again between November and January, inviting residents to take part in the annual local 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 cash prizes ranging from £5 to £100. The remainder, around £1,100 this year, is then available for local good causes. This means that all the money taken in is re-circulated, either as cash prizes, or more importantly, to enhance community initiatives.

I am willing, in conjunction with NKRCC, to take this forward. We must first ascertain the need for improved broadband, so please contact me with answers to these questions: 1 What average broadband speed do you have through the working day? 2 To which exchange are you connected? 3 Who is your broadband provider? 4 Are you willing to contribute to an upgrade if no grants become available? Please respond by E-mail to: monearn@btconnect.com or call Kees Witte, Tel: 732738

Cash prize winners since March are: L. Birch, Banchory-Devenick; J Bisset, Cookney; J. Booth, Bridge of Muchalls; I. Brown, Bridge of Muchalls; J. Chang, Maryculter; P. Chang, Maryculter; J. Cowan, Blairs; J. Clark, Maryculter; S. Graham, Maryculter; R. McKinney, Rattray; K Park, Maryculter; M. Marr, Newtonhill; E. Paterson, Maryculter; G. Thomson, Maryculter and K. Wong, Maryculter.

NKRCC Website: www.nkrcc.org.uk Secretary: Bob McKinney, Lakhipara,

Since April the Community Council have given grants to Maryculter Scouts towards their annual summer camp in Germany, and to Portlethen Community Ambulance Association which serves our area. Local groups seeking funds to improve their facilities, equipment etc. are welcome to apply to the secretary: secretary@nkrcc.org.uk . Applicants are encouraged to present their case at the next NKRCC meeting to outline how the money would be used.

South Cookney, Stonehaven AB39 3RX Tel: 01569 730706 E-mail: bob8930@aol.com Notice boards: by Banchory-Devenick School, East and West Maryculter, Cookney Hall and Maryculter Community Hall, where you will find agendas, minutes and how to contact your local community councillors. 17

REPRESENTATION Councillor Ian Mollison

Councillor Carl Nelson

At long last a decision has been made about the Aberdeen by-pass and the fastlink north from Stonehaven. Setting aside the rights and wrongs of the case, I am pleased that the matter has finally been settled by the Court of Session – though at the time of writing a further appeal could be lodged. (It was, editor) The whole process takes far too long and leaves too many people in limbo, uncertain about what will happen.

Since I became a councillor nearly 20 years ago, I have never known such a difficult time financially as we have experienced in recent years. As a council, Aberdeenshire has always received a revenue grant from the Scottish Government well below the Scottish average. Consequently it is extremely difficult to come up with a balanced budget when you are required to make tens of millions of pounds of savings. However that is what is required of us as councillors and that is what we have done.

I have written to Transport Minister Keith Brown MSP to ask him for the timetable for building the roads. What would really be good is the introduction of a suburban commuter rail service as well, which was part of the transport plan for Aberdeen. Is that a dream too far at the moment?

Every budget line has had to be considered, staffing levels have had to be reduced, new work practices have had to be introduced, or even withdrawn, and services to the residents of Aberdeenshire cut. It hasn’t been a pleasant task but we are duty bound to produce a balanced budget.

* Did you know Aberdeenshire is the second largest roads authority in Scotland? The council’s road network is some 3400 miles, 10.1% of the country’s total. The council has routinely been within the top five councils in terms of the annual Scottish Road Condition Survey since its inception in 2004. The council’s expenditure on road maintenance increased by 35% from 2004/05 to 2009/10, well above the national average of 12%. But even so potholes can appear. Report them at: E-mail: roads@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

The two largest budgets in the council are education and social work. The work of both these important departments impact on children, families, the elderly, and those with learning difficulties. Managing change hasn’t been easy but careful consideration was given to all the options. Many staff opted for early retirement which is a great loss in experience to the council. They will be missed. As councillors we have contributed to the savings. The numbers attending conferences have been greatly reduced as have the frequency of some meetings. Carsharing is the order of the day when possible. I know as a councillor it is not possible to achieve as much as I would like for my constituents and communities. Sadly that is the way things are at the moment.

* Aberdeenshire Council is trying to cut the amount of waste sent to landfill. As part of that plan, sale of home composters to residents and businesses is being subsidised again. They will cost £20 for the 320 litre unit and £35 for the 800 litre unit. The council buys them for £31.86 and £63.48 excluding VAT. All composters will be delivered direct within 28 days of ordering at no extra cost. More details online at www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/waste or call the Wasteline on 0845 600 3 900.

It is my belief that Scottish ministers think we are the oil-rich northeast without the needs that exist elsewhere in Scotland. They are wrong. All Aberdeenshire Council asks for is a fair share of the funding available. Surely that isn’t too much to ask for.

* If you are planning an environmental activity using volunteers or you have a good project that improves biodiversity, then you could be eligible for a CSV Action Earth grant. The campaign, supported by Scottish Natural Heritage, offers three easy-to-access grants ranging from £50 to £500 to cover materials, tools and expenses. Grants will be allocated on a firstcome, first-served basis, so register quickly. You can apply online, download forms or get more information at www.actionearth.org.uk. To discuss ideas or any issues, contact Robert Henderson on 0131 222 9083 or E-mail: rhenderson@csv.org.uk

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 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

Each of the four councillors for North Kincardine Ward, our MP and MSP were invited to contribute up to 300 words. 18

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 For reservations, call 732124 Email: info@maryculterhousehotel.com

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 Electrical Works

REPRESENTATION

EVENTS CALENDAR September 2011 Wed. 14 Maryculter WRI: ‘Horizon Projects’ Saturday 17 Banchory-Devenick School Hog Roast Monday 19 Community Council Netherley WRI ‘Prehistoric Deeside’ Sunday 25 The Meeting Place begins, Maryculter Church Friday 20 Macmillan Coffee Morning October Saturday 1 Meal an’Ale concert in Cookney Hall Sunday 2 Harvest Thanksgiving, Maryculter Church Wed. 5 Friends of Guiding Chocolate Demonstration Thursday 6 Friendship Club lunch Saturday 8 The Big Draw, Blairs Museum Wed. 12 Maryculter WRI: ‘Puddings from MacPhies’ Monday 17 Community Council Netherley WRI: visit to J. Ross, baker. Friday 21 St Ternan’s Church concert Saturday 22 Cookney Hall: Race Night Friday 28 Friendship Club basket whist November Thursday 3 Friendship Club Wed. 9 Maryculter WRI: Whist Drive and raffle Saturday 12 Concert in St Mary’s Chapel, Blairs Wed. 15 Diocesan choir, St Mary’s Chapel Monday 21 Community Council Netherley WRI: ‘A holiday in Peru’ Saturday 26 Lairhillock School Christmas Fair December Thursday 1 Friendship Club Monday 12 Community Council Wed. 14 Maryculter WRI: Stonehaven pantomime Saturday 24 Watchnight Service, 11pm, Maryculter Church

MP Sir Robert Smith Tel: 01330 820330 Fax: 01330 820338 E-mail: robert.smith.mp@parliament.uk MSP Maureen Watt Tel: 01224 697182 Fax: 01224 695397 E-mail: maureen.watt@scottish.parliament.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 2012 Monday 2 New Year dance in Cookney Hall Thursday 5 Friendship Club Wed. 11 Maryculter WRI: ‘Life at Sea’ Monday 16 Community Council Netherley WRI: ‘The Horizon Project’ Saturday 21 Burns Supper in Cookney Hall February Thursday 2 Friendship Club Wed. 8 Maryculter WRI ‘Cycling adventures’ Monday 20 Community Council Netherley WRI: ‘The Forties Field March Thursday 1 Friendship Club Wed. 14 Maryculter WRI: Birthday party meal Monday 19 Community Council Netherley WRI: Birthday party

POLICE Emergencies All non-emergencies Crimestoppers Drugs Information Line

Tel: 999 or 112 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 Banchory-Devenick crossroads at 10.10am 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 19 20