September 2019 2000 Copies

www.alythvoice.co.uk

249th Edition, September 2019 2000 copies

IMPORTANT NOTICE

PLEASE REMEMBER all articles and adverts you wish placed in the Voice need to

arrive with us no later than the 14th of the month. Photo courtesy of Peapod Studios Scotland Studios of Peapod courtesy Photo The Alyth Voice is a free monthly magazine, managed, written, and delivered by volunteers.

EDITOR’S LETTER

Welcome to the September issue of the Alyth Voice!

As I write, we’ve been experiencing one of the wettest summers for many a year, which has understandably raised concerns among many in the town recalling the trauma of the 2015 floods that devastated homes and businesses along the burn. One reader, Calum Smith, has eloquently expressed his fears in a letter in this issue and he is currently taking the issue up with the authorities and with our political representatives. Do you think enough has been done since 2015 to prevent a recurrence? If not, what more do you think needs to be done?

On a more positive note, it’s good to see the benefits of the Tullymurdoch Wind-Farm beginning to flow into the town. Alyth Development Trust has just announced the first of its grants to local projects using the community benefit money coming from the energy company that operates the wind-farm (see the ADT Update in this issue). ADT is now inviting bids for the second round of funding, so if you or your community group has an idea that will make Alyth an even better place to live, do consider applying for a grant before the 31 October deadline at https:// www.lovealyth.org.uk/projects/alyth-community-projects-fund/. In addition, the Trust is always keen to hear from local people who want to get involved and help it achieve its objectives, so why not consider going along to their forthcoming AGM at Alyth Community Wing on 23 September, starting at 7.30pm?

We also feature an exclusive interview with local renaissance man Ron McGill, one of the leading lights behind Alyth Creates. We’ve all enjoyed three years of this wonderful celebration of talent and creativity, but the demands it places on its small band of volunteer organisers are placing a question mark on whether Alyth Creates is sustainable in its current form. Ron tells us there’s a meeting scheduled for September to decide on the way ahead, so if you think Alyth Creates should continue and you could help in some way, why not get in touch with the Alyth Arts & Craft Guild via their website?: https://www.alythartsandcraftsguild.co.uk

Finally, many apologies for getting Mabel Milne’s name wrong in the thank-you notice on page 27 of our August issue - I’m going to claim my ageing eyesight was at fault for mis-reading the original note. Belated congratulations from all at the Voice on the occasion of your 90th birthday, Mabel!

Best wishes to all,

Kevin Coe Editor

Cover image courtesy of Peapod Studios Scotland

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS *~*~* DATES FOR YOUR DIARY *~*~* Airlie Street Hall (contact-Shona Milne) 01828 633219 Due to the advance notice of these dates, please check for changes!

Alyth Town Hall Sandy McCurdy, Secretary 01828 632744 Jean Coleman 01828 958239 SEPTEMBER Ogilvie Rooms (contact Tina Tripney) 01828 632754 5th Rededication Service - Alyth Parish Church Guild—Lower Police Station 101 Hall at 2pm 7th Coffee Morning Ezima African Charity Hydro-Electric Emergencies 0800 300 999 14th Coffee Morning Alyth Snr Citizens Lunch & Soc Club Scottish Gas Emergencies 0800 111 999 21st Coffee Morning Scouts Scottish Water 0845 601 8855 28th Coffee Morning 3rd Alyth Brownies Alyth Health Centre 01828 632 317 30th Lunch Alyth Snr Citizens Lunch & Soc Club Alyth Primary School 01250 871 370 OCTOBER Blairgowrie High School 01250 871 200 5th Coffee Morning AYP NHS 24—new 24 hour health service 111 12th Coffee morning Alyth in Bloom 19th Coffee morning Glenisla Rural Anti-social Behaviour Team 01738 476 173 26th Coffee morning Alyth Bowling & Tennis Club Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Advisor 01738 562 358 NOVEMBER Alyth Dental Care 01828 633313 2nd Coffee Morning SNP Samaritan Cars—Billy & Liz Gordon 01828 633554 9th Coffee Morning Musical Society Dog Fouling & Strays—Perth & Kinross Council 01738 476476 16th Coffee Morning 2nd Alyth Brownies 23rd Coffee Morning Guild If you offer an emergency or breakdown service, send the Voice your details 30th Coffee Morning Airlie Street Hall

ALYTH HEALTH CENTRE NEW ALYTH ROAD, ALYTH, PH11 8EQ Perth & Kinross School Holidays

Website www.alythhealthcentre.scot.nhs.uk LAST DAY AT HOLIDAY RETURNING Main Health Centre Number: 01828 632317 SCHOOL

Community Nurse: 01828 632425 Health Visitor: 01828 633954 After Hours (NHS24): 111 October 4th Oct (Fri) 21st Oct (Mon)

Daily Opening Hours - Monday to Friday 8am-6pm

Late surgeries by appointment In-Service 13th Nov (Wed) 18th Nov (Mon) Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday/Friday - 5pm to 6pm

Extended hours one night per week by appointment Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday in rotation-till 6.15pm Christmas 20th Dec (Fri) 6th Jan 2020 (Mon) Extended hours morning by appointment Fridays 7am - 8am In-Service/ 11th Feb (Tue) 17th Feb (Mon) Blood Clinic by appointment - Monday/Thursday - 8.30-9.30am Occasional

Easter 3rd Apr (Fri) 20th Apr (Mon)

MANAGED, WRITTEN AND DELIVERED BY VOLUNTEERS

YOUR FREE Alyth Voice Depends on your donations Through PayPal to: [email protected] If you don’t have PayPal use this link: https://www.paypal.me/Voice

J B BUICK BUILDER Est 1953 Local Builder since 1975 No job too big or too small • All general building work New build and extensions • Garden walls • Conversions Replacement windows & Doors • Repairs and alterations Kitchens • Garages • Extensions Repairs & alterations • Renovations Call or email for advice and estimates • New build [email protected] TILING AND PLASTERING TEL: 01828 632070 SERVICES www.GADavidsonJoiners.co.uk • Exterior and interior plaster work Find us on Facebook : • Roughcasting/Harling G A Davidson Joiners • Cement rendering • Ceramic wall and floor tiling • Domestic and commercial work

All work carried out by fully LOGS & qualified Professionals and Finished to a high standard KINDLING

Call now for free estimate 07715 902816 Tel 01828632661 mob 07540926699 Or email me at [email protected] [email protected] www.johnamcintosh.com Family run business Serving Perthshire, Angus & The Glens

For this winter try our seasoned logs. Why not stock up for next

JOHN A McINTOSH A JOHN winter with our unseasoned

logs and save some money.

For Free Estimates Tel: 01828 632231 or Mobile 07729924784 19 Tay Road Alyth, Perthshire PH118EB

David Murphy Painter & Decorator

Interior & Exterior

No Job Too Small TOSH TILING SERVICES Competitive Rates CERAMIC & NATURAL STONE, Free Estimates KITCHEN & BATHROOM Quick Reliable Service WALLS & FLOORS inc. 25 years experience CONSERVATORIES TILE REPAIR & REGROUTING For a professional finish call: DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL 01828 632571 WORK 07762077839 FREE QUOTES [email protected] CALL SANDY 01828 632424 OR MOBILE 07835443561

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8

9 10 11 12 13

14 15

16 17

19 20 21

24 25 26 27 28

29 30

31 32

33 34 35 36

37 38

40 41

EclipseCrossword.com

Across Down

2. Summing together 1. Espresso coffee and steamed milk 8. Heaviness 3. Oxygen or Nitrogen 9. Recognition 4. Intelligent and experienced 11. Disperses 5. The afterlife, very long time 13. Official language of Pakistan 6. Ice Cream with fruit 14. Copy, mimic 7. Very angry 16. Dodgy, shady, shifty 8. Stinging insect 18. Violent storm 10. Marine mammal 19. With no money 12. Taxis 22. Tenth month 14. Sharp tooth 23. Lowest surface of a room 15. Bean curd 24. Second hand 17. Caused to catch fire 29. Vegetables 20. Bird claw 32. Emotional injury caused by shock 21. Professional betting man 34. ____ Fox, English actress 25. Piercing high pitch tone 36. Fed-up 26. Pink wading bird 37. Seem 27. Piece of office furniture 38. Titles 28. Able to be seen 39. Climb 30. Computer operating system 40. Residential areas 31. Take a firm hold of 41. Establish truth 33. Beneficiary 35. Former emperor of Russia

Answers on Page 15

Established 1980 RENDEZVOUS Electrical Contractor **HAIRDRESSER** E.C.A. Registered and Approved 59 Airlie Street, Alyth. Stewart MacDonald Tel: 632097 8 Cambridge Street, Alyth PH11 8AW Open Tues - Sat

Telephone 01828 632 995 Gift Vouchers Available

A.Soutar THE ALYTH TRADITIONAL Woodburning And FISH BAR Multi Fuel Stove Installations

Cairndene Cortachy Road Kirriemuir DD8 4PU

TEL:01575 572875 NEW TEL: 01828 634165

E: [email protected] Services Include, Dry Appliance Telephone Orders Welcome

Installation, Flexible Liners Installed, Twin wall systems, Rigid Flue Systems, Chimney Work And Many Other See full menu instore

Services! For More Information don’t Opening Hours: hesitate to call! Estimates Given Mon - Thurs 4.30pm - 9.30pm

Fri - Sat 4.30pm - 10pm

Sunday 4.30pm - 9.00pm

Stiff neck & shoulders? Lower back pain? Like flatter abs? Try Pilates classes with

STRATHMORE

Airlie Street Hall From July 2-3pm Thursdays 7.30pm till 9.30pm Every Sunday We are a friendly group keen to Age from 5 years and any All ages and abilities welcome experience welcome welcome new members to enjoy a fun Classes: £42 per 6 week block Learn all about caring for horses, building pastime that helps keep body and mind Mon 8pm relationships, horse health, training Tues 10:00am (11am to follow) active. (including tricks) & exercise. Wed 8pm Thurs 10:00am (11am to follow)

This is suitable for individuals there’s no £5 suggested donation per person Greengairs Health & Fitness, Rattray, PH10 7HE need to bring a partner. Blairgowrie Physiotherapy clinic, PH10 6ET Contact [email protected] or find us on Facebook Contact: 07730 413674 or [email protected] or South Littleton, Blairgowrie PH10 7HF Facebook: Strathmore Realistic Pilates

Jim Morrice Saxophone, Flute and Clarinet Lessons!

50 years experience, 30 years teaching both privately and in various schools.

Jazz, Blues and Contemporary Music etc.

Beginners of any age welcome!

Tel: 01828 633 137 Member Mobile: 0778 770 4902

CYCLE NETWORK GOES ONLINE

The Strathmore Cycle Network is rolling on well with a new online presence and a dedicated development officer to help promote it.

The SCN Facebook page went live last month following the appointment of Grant Murdoch as development officer, funded by a grant from the Paths For All charity. As well as setting up the new Facebook page, Grant is also busy developing a website for the Network, promoting it at local events and negotiating with other groups to increase the use of the Network for things like guided cycle tours. You can contact Grant for more information via [email protected]

The Strathmore Cycle Network is a £1.6m partnership project involving ADT together with Blairgowrie & Rattray Development Trust and Forward Coupar Angus, to create a network of shared-user paths to connect the three towns. Phase 1 of the network, connecting Alyth and Rattray, opened last autumn, and work on two new sections between Coupar Angus and Blairgowrie is planned to start soon.

Kirriemuir Landward West Community Grants Scheme

New Funding for Community Projects

The Kirriemuir Landward West Community Grant Scheme (KLWCGS) is now open for applications for community projects within the KLW Community Council area which includes Glenisla, Kilry, Lintrathen, Kingoldrum, Ruthven, Airlie and Westmuir. KLWCGS has an agreement with Tullymurdoch Ltd, operators of the 7 turbine wind farm at Tullymurdoch Farm, to distribute community benefit and the first funds are expected in September this year.

The KLWCGS will support organisations whose purposes include at least one of the following: the advancement of citizenship or community development; the advancement of health and wellbeing in both young people and adults; the advancement of the arts, heritage, culture and science; the promotion of equality and diversity; the advancement of environmental protection or improvement.

If you have an idea, a plan or a project which you think would benefit your community then you can download an application form from our website: www.klwcgs.org

The maximum grant available will be £10,000.

The closing date for the first round of applications will be 31 January 2020 and should be sent by email to: apply@klwcgs or by post to KLWCGS, c/o Easter Derry, Kilry, Blairgowrie. PH11 8JA. Applicants will be notified of the Trustees decision by 31 March 2020.

Alyth Health Centre Patient Notice

NEW Online Services

This service will replace the current system of ordering prescriptions via our website which will cease to be available in January 2020

Currently registered for the current service please register for our new online services:

Please ask at reception for an application form or download and print a form from: www.alythhealthcentre.scot.nhs.uk

To register for this service please bring two forms of identification, one being picture ID i.e. passport, drivers licence or bus pass and a recent utility bill with your name and address on it. Once we have all your information you will be sent an e mail with the information codes that you require to set up your account. You have 28 days to set your account up, if you should be outwith these days, present at reception and we will reset your account.

This service will allow you to:

• Order your repeat and acute prescriptions by linking directly into your clinical record making it easy to choose the correct medication and dose • Book and cancel appointments online • View a summary of your medication history and allergies • View appointments that you have booked with the doctor

Please note this service is only for patients aged over 16.

Bowling Club wins grant from Community Projects Fund

Female members and guests of Alyth Bowling & Tennis Club will be the first to benefit from the new Community Projects Fund established by Alyth Development Trust.

ADT has awarded £2,000 from the Fund to be invested in a £3,500 upgrade of the ladies toilets at the Club’s Albert Street premises. The project will bring the toilets up to date and make them safer and more environmentally-friendly for females of all ages and also help those with minor disabilities.

Club secretary Eleanor Grant explained that the works, due to be completed by the end of October, will see a complete refurbishment of the toilets, with new fixtures and fittings, energy- efficient lighting, and anti-slip flooring installed.

“This is much needed, as it’s been quite a few years since we could afford any work on the toilets. We upgraded the men’s toilets a couple of years ago, but they needed work done ahead of the ladies toilets. We’re delighted to be getting the grant from ADT as otherwise the project wouldn’t have been able to go ahead this year.

The Club has around 30 adult female members and many juniors, and has seen membership - both female and male - increasing steadily since a marketing drive started earlier this year. The junior section, in particular, has been able to travel to compete against other clubs as well as having regular sessions at Albert Street.

A total of six projects are to be awarded grants under the first round of the ADT Community Projects Fund - look out for announcements of the other five shortly. The Fund is now open for applications for the second round of funding with a deadline of 31 October. Find out more and fill in the online application form at https://www.lovealyth.org.uk/projects/alyth-community- projects-fund/

Save the date for your diary

Alyth Development Trust will be holding its 2019 AGM on Monday 23 September, starting at 7.30pm in the Alyth Community Wing, Albert Street, Alyth. We’re hoping to see as many members as possible and of course anyone else interested in finding out more about us and maybe even getting involved. Visit https://www.lovealyth.org.uk to join up and get our free e-newsletter.

UTOPIA MOBILE THERAPY HANDY HUBBY DRESSMAKING & 2-HIRE SPORTS AND REMEDIAL CLOTHING MASSAGE GORDON M KIDD BOWEN THERAPY ALTERATIONS to 01250 870235 OR 0797 1141744 From Curtain Poles, Shelving, Satellite, TV, www.utopiamobiletherapy.com Professional Standards Phones, Flat Pack Assembly to Hard Landscaping and much more. [email protected]

Alyth based 4 St Andrew St, Alyth, PH11 8AT [email protected] Call Mariya: T: 01828 633998 07707 877319 M: 07933 705476 for a quote

CHRISTINES BEAUTY No job too big or too small! TREATMENTS

Call anytime for more information AIRLIE GARAGE Tel:- 01828 640662, Mob 07902009177 ALYTH Telephone: 01828 633363 Christine Churches Servicing, Mechanical &, MOT Repairs Welding & Steam Cleaning “The Pines”,

Panel Beating, Spray Painting and Meigle Blairgowrie, PH12 8RN Restoration. All Jobs Considered

Free Estimates Tyres at competitive prices Winter Tyres Studded and Wheels Balanced Breakdown Recovery and Car Transportation Service Quality Used Cars For Sale Open 9 am ‘til late

Local family business producing high quality beef. NHS and Private Prescriptions  Free Local Delivery or Collection Long Term Medication Support  Call: 07851622044  Email: [email protected] Minor Ailment Service Medicine Compliance Aids

The Old Piggery Ltd, Leitfie Smoking Cessation Service Farms, Alyth, PH11 8NZ Health Care Advice

Prescription Collection Service 9 Airlie Street, Alyth, PH11 8AH 01828 632302 MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING

Kilry Village Hall

27th September

10.30am - 2pm

Delicious home-made calkes, coffees, soup and filled rolls

All are welcome so please come!

Thrifty One From the Community, For the Community

Opening times: 10am—4pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday Phone: Anne 07592 338449.(speak or leave a message) Facebook message on our page: Thrifty One Email: [email protected]

For those of you who use social media , you can find us as Thrifty One. Please like & share us with your friends. The more folk who know about us, the more funds we can raise. Thanks!

Donation:

Thrifty One was pleased to be able to help the Alyth & District Pipe Band with a donation of £300 towards items of uniform for new members. The photo shows Thrifty One Volunteer, Robert McCarron, handing the donation to Atholl Clarke. We look forward to seeing the band in their new gear.

School Uniforms:

Our 50p/item school uniform sale has proved very popular. We will keep a store of uniform items available after this promotion finishes. So please do ask if you need to replace torn breeks, lost sweatshirt.... We know how quickly a new uniform can just vanish, disintegrate or ‘shrink’!

Benches:

It turns out that we were a tad optimistic in planning to have photos for you this month. However the plans to position the benches are in hand and maybe photos next month...?

Dylan:

Dylan is a regular visitor to Thrifty One. He likes to have a good look round and buys the most obscure objects. Or so one would think!? However he brought in a shield to show us. All made from bits & pieces he had found on our rails. We were so impressed we took a photo.

We are always pleased to see how, with a bit of imagination, items can be given a whole different look and function. This is partly why we have our ‘clutter corners’ of craft items, fabric, wool etc. At times we understand why main stream charity shops get rid of such bits and pieces (it can be a bit overwhelming). But then someone will come in and go away with an armful of clutter, a smile on their face at finding such ‘treasure. The smiles on our faces are for the temporary space created and seeing what might have been in landfill being put to good and happy use.

Johnston Groundworks, Blairgowrie Mobile Foot Clinic Concrete Specialist experienced Liz Jenkins KFRP Treatment in the comfort of your Kinesiology Federation Registered Practitioner own home for: in Slabbing, Block Paving & Driveway • Nail Cutting Projects Drainage & Foundation REGAIN YOUR VITALITY • Callus’ or Corns Works, Decking, Fencing & WITH KINESIOLOGY • Fungal Infections or Garden Reforming, Athletes Foot FREE ESTIMATES 3 in 1 Concepts • In-growing Toenails Call Douglas Johnston on

01575 560248 by Alyth One to One Consultations For all your Foot-care requirements contact: 07834518524 [email protected] 01828 632141 Madeleine McIntosh [email protected] S.A.C Dip, FHPT FHPP

Registered Foot-health Practitioner 01250 872005 or Hodge Solicitors LLP mob 07904 382840

Accident

Claims

THE RIVERSIDE FOOT CLINIC KIRSTY KNOTT & LAURA CHANDLOR BSc (Hons) HPC 01250 874441 Registered Podiatrists For all your foot care needs OPEN MONDAY –SATURDAY 28 Wellmeadow, Blairgowrie. 9.00.am-5.00 pm Thursdays 9.00 am -1.00 pm DUNCAN ROSS Evening and home visits by appointment 36 Lower Mill Street Blairgowrie PH10 6AQ GARDEN MAINTENANCE 01250 876057 FOR RELIABLE, QUALITY & FULLY INSURED GARDENING SERVICES

‘PHONE FOR A QUOTE`

TEL: 01828 633392 Mobile: 077 1072 1923 : 075 2652 3773

Telephone 01828 650728 / 07885 949766 / 07809 387893

Commercial Cleaning Domestic Cleaning Holiday Cottage Cleaning One Off Cleaning New Build Cleaning End of Tenancy Cleaning Office Cleaning

The Bothy, 16 Keillor Steading, By Kettins, Blairgowrie, PH13 9FT

JOHN SWINNEY Your local Member of the Scottish Parliament for Perthshire North is here to help you.

You can contact John at 17-19 Leslie Street, Blairgowrie, PH10 6AH

Tel. 01250 876576 email [email protected]

Alyth Community Council

The Council (ACC) met on Wednesday 14th August 2019 in Alyth Town Hall

The main points of discussion were as follows:

Points Discussed

Market Square: Traffic Still a problem with the Buses stopping at the bus stop for longer than necessary holding up traffic behind them. Bus operators to be contacted. Cars entering and leaving the car park illegally and driving over the footpaths. P&K to be informed again.

Speeding: The Council hopes that perhaps the Primary School could be involved in somehow helping to prevent ongoing speeding in the town because at present P&K have not come up with an agreed method.

Puffin Crossing: It is hoped that there will be no further progress in making the town have a crossing.

Plaque for Professor Hutchinson: Plans to have a plaque are well in hand.

Untidy Areas in Town: Alyth in Bloom have greatly improved various areas within the town and will do more to Mill St. Park, the top of Toutie Street and elsewhere. The Council feels that a greater effort by residents and various property owners is needed to further improve the town. The entrance to the new Primary School and the area in front of the war memorials are perfect examples where an improvement is required.

Flooding of the Burn: Residents are becoming increasingly concerned that no action is being seen or heard about reducing the risk to the town. SEPA have said that the base of the burn will not be reduced to previous levels which happened years ago. Nobody seems to know why not!

Having a warning to tell everyone the burn is going to flood is pointless if no procedures are in place to reduce the expected damage. SEPA, P&K Council and other interested bodies are to be requested to have a joint meeting with Alyth Community Council to address the problem. Reducing the base level and changing the existing weirs would greatly enhance the visual aspect of the burn in summer and would allow a greater volume of water to flow down the burn in the winter.

Alyth Town Hall: Alyth Council have been informed that P&K are to spend £90K in replacing the boiler and controls and some additional repairs to the external faces of the building.

Advertising Banners and Boards: The Council is very disappointed to see these items around the square and at entrances into the town. One wonders what the place will look like when all shops and businesses erect signs and board. There is a notice board in the square for detailing where various premises are located. The Council is in touch with P&K Council to have advertising removed.

Community Council Elections: New elections for the Council will be held in September 2019 and details will be posted in the square notice board and in the library.

Due to various problems the Community Council Meetings will now be held on the First Wednesday of each month in The Alyth Town Hall at 7.00pm.

NOTICES

Alyth Parish ROMAN CATHOLIC NEW COMMUNICANTS CHURCH Church If you would like to become a member of Alyth Parish Church, please contact the Saturday Vigil Sundays Rev. Mike Erskine on 01828 632 238 or email 6.30pm and 9.30am Morning Service at 11am every Sunday. [email protected] Sundays St Luan's, Evening Service at 6.00pm on Alexandra St. First Sunday of each month. 11.00am Alyth (Note Special Dates below) St Stephen's, Bank St. ~~~ Blairgowrie ST NINIAN’S

Primary and Senior Sunday School. EPISCOPAL CHURCH Meet at 11am each Sunday during normal SERVICES School Terms. www.st-stephens-blairgowrie.org.uk New recruits are always most welcome. (Primary caters for children aged between 3 ALL ARE WELCOME and 7 years. Senior caters for children between 8 and 12 years) (A Crèche is Tel: 01250 874 583 available for children under three). Email: [email protected] Please ask Sunday School Staff for dates of Diocesan Website: www.standrews.anglican.org Summer Recess SEPTEMBER ~~ 1st 11am Book of Common Prayer Communion 8th 11am Sung Eucharist PRAYER GROUP 15th 11am Sung Eucharist The Prayer Group meets most Thursdays in the 22nd 11am Sung Eucharist Burnside Court Lounge at 10.30am. Everyone 29th 10.30am Joint Service at St Anne’s is most Welcome. (This is an informal and very Coupar Angus friendly meeting – why not join us?).

~~~

THE GUILD (Meetings held in the Lower Hall at 2pm) Bring 5th September—Rededication Service Alyth Show ~~~ Home THE CHURCH CHOIR The Choir meet for practice in the Church at 6.45pm on every Friday.

~~~

SPECIAL DATES

2nd September—Kirk Session in Lower Hall at 7pm

www.alythparishchurch.org.uk

How many of you out there in Tel: 01828 633 045 "Voice Land" would like to see

‘Our Show’ back home??

We now have a Facebook page KILRY HALL If you are in favour please put T – JUNCTION CAFÉ your name on the petition sheets in the shops and cafes in town or September 21st 10-12 place a wee note in the Voice October 19th 10-12 November 16th 10-12 Boxes in , Thifty1 and Lunans.

December 21st 10-12 January 18th 2020 10-12 Barbara, Alyth Development Trust Director February 15th 2020 10-12

OUR COMMUNITY CAFÉ Charity No SC022368

Greenhouse. Things will be beginning to slow up now. Remove the growing tip and any dead or dying leaves from tomatoes. There is still time to sow salad leaves in the greenhouse for a later crop.

Plant spring flowering bulbs such as daffodils, hyacinths crocuses to ensure some early colour next year.

Most varieties of potatoes can be harvested, allow the tubers to dry before bagging and storing in a frost free location.

Check herbaceous/perennials, divide and replant as necessary. Biennials can be planted to fill gaps. Lift dahlia tubers at the first sign of frost, place tubers in sheltered spot to allow to dry before storing in a cool frost free location.

1 2 3 4 5 6 L A D D I N G W E S 7 8 F A A W E I G H T U U T S A S E N 9 10 11 12 13 C R E D I T S C A T T E R S E U R D U D I O E A S P N A 14 15 O L B I M I T A T E 16 17 U P S U S P I C I O U S N T O S H G C Y F 18 I T O R N A D O I U 19 20 21 S K I N T B I S 22 A O O C T O B E R O 23 F L O O R E R 24 25 26 27 28 O K U S E D F D V 29 30 N M H L E E K S I W 31 32 G A T R A U M A S S I R K I M K I N 33 34 35 36 I H E M I L I A I T B O R E D 37 38 A P P E A R L N A M E S L O 39 I G A S C E N D W 40 41 S U B U R B S P R O V E R S

EclipseCrossword.com

NOTICES

Don’t have access ALYTH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS to email? 200 Club It’s FREE in the Airlie Street Library AUGUST DRAW

(Thanks to Sandy Martin)

1st - £50 - 121- Mrs Joyce Taylor 2nd - £30 - 49 - Mrs Irene Cruickshanks 3rd - £20 - 173- Mrs Liz Gordon

Royal Bank Of Scotland Your continued support is very much appreciated. MOBILE BANK Thank you. Tuesday - 11:00am to 12:00pm Town Square Thursday - 2:00pm to 3.00pm Town Square Lynn Muir

BLAIRGOWRIE & DISTRICT

TREFOIL GUILD ALYTH WALKERS

We are an informal group of keen walkers who usually meet once a month. Walks vary from around 6 to 10 miles and are New members welcome over a variety of terrain, from level easy tracks to hillier, rougher ground. Walking boots are usually recommended. Meetings at St Catherine’s Church Hall, Blairgowrie at 7.30pm on the 1st Wednesday of each month The walks are planned and led by members of the group and (No Meetings in Jan, Feb, July or August—an outing in June) we meet in Alyth Square for car share. The day of the week

The Trefoil Guild supports local Girlguiding, enjoys activities, varies. guest speakers and outings in a friendly atmosphere. For Futher information For further details email: [email protected] 01828 632679 or email or contact Sue on 01828 632624 [email protected] or email [email protected]

Glenisla SWRI

Meet in Glenisla Community Hall @ 7.30pm Contact Mrs Hilary Lawrence (president) 01828 633112 KILRY W.R.I. or Kathleen Davidson (secretary) 01575 582205 Opening Meeting 10th September 2019 New Members Welcome

Membership £25.00 Visitors £4.00 “Illustrated talk on Indonesia” Sally Atkinson

Competition THE COFFEE CYCLE Photo of Horse/Horses Meet every Wednesday morning. 3 Fruit Scones

Alyth Square 9.30am Kilry Hall @ 7pm For a cycle in search of coffee and cake. All welcome. Destination decided on the day. New Members Welcome Interested? Membership £25 Visitors £3 Call/text Pat 07583297408 Or just turn up. See you there!

NOTICES

Alyth & District Pipe Band Alyth Senior Citizens' We are looking for new or experienced pipers Lunch & Socialising Club and drummers to join the pipe band. (Perth & Kinross Healthy Communities Project) Weekly practise in Alyth Town Hall Tel : Audra Webster 01738 473146 on Wednesday’s from 6pm. New members welcome Strathmore Tots

For more information please

contact Karen Barton Alyth New members & volunteers 01828 640169 / 07977239140 welcome Baby and Toddler Group

Monday mornings 9am to 12noon Exercise Group - Mondays 10am Alyth Community Wing in the Airlie Street Hall Alyth Primary School

Whether you're a first time Mum or Dad or have a larger family, Lunch at 12.30pm in the Airlie Street Hall come along to our local friendly group for (£2.50p per person) a cuppa and a chat with other parents while the wee ones play. Grandparents and Carers also welcome. Next Lunches: £2 per family, this includes a snack 30th September 2019 for the toddlers and as much tea and coffee as you can drink!

To keep up to date with what we have on Ericht Art Club and where, join our Facebook page – Strathmore Tots, Alyth. Meigle Art Group We are a friendly little club, where people of all abilities from beginners to expert The Group meets on Tuesday painters are made most welcome. the mornings in the Alyth Scout Hall Or for more information call or text main objective is to enjoy your hobby in a 10am 12pm Alison fun environment.

New Members Welcome 07540211246 If you would like to find out more please Scottish Charity No. SCO44910 Equipment can be provided for starters. contact Tina Gliddon on 07443338580 or Contact 633811 for further details Lesley Garside on 07739463594 Alyth Art Group We meet on Tuesdays from Gordon Coutts 10am to 12 noon STRIDE FOR LIFE at the Community Wing of ALYTH GROUP Alyth Primary School If you would like to join our friendly group ALYTH GIRL GUIDE HUT Stride for Life is a walking project providing please contact

FREE led walks for individuals in their the Secretary – Angela Meachen community. The group meets on a Tuesday 01828 632532 FOR RENT or HIRE at 1.30pm at The Airlie Street Hall. for more information Our walks last approximately 45-50 Contact Angie for details: minutes. Walking is a great way to keep ALYTH HEALTH CENTRE 632106 active and make you feel better. We think it's much more fun walking in a group and Is a Collection Point for enjoying a good old blether! On average we CALLY CRAFTERS have about twenty walkers so why not come USED SPECTACLES Bridge of Cally Hall and join us. There is no need to book, just for VISION 2020 Every Thursday turn up on the day! “The Right to Sight Project” 1.30 - 3.30 pm

Linda Messer 958498 (Walk Leader) For further information on the project, Traditional and contemporary crafts Peter Robertson 632674 (Walk Leader) please contact Marja & Tom Dalzeil 633032 (Walk Leader) and all abilities Meg & Jim Muir 633407 (Walk Leader) Pam Robertson, John Eggleston 633965 (Walk Leader) Angus Optix, 153-155 East High Street, Come along for a free taster session, or Forfar Tel: 01307 462461 contact 01828 633083 for more details

ALYTH ARTISTS OPEN STUDIOS - 7th - 15th September

Six venues in Alyth once again open their studios to the public for 9 days during September whilst taking part in the eleventh Perthshire Open Studios event. We have seasoned POS members such as Maria Nordgren of Momentum Pottery on St Andrews St, Lesley Garside (glass), Kerstin Robb (ceramics) and renown Jonathan Mitchell (paintings) based at Hazel Court. This year we also have two new Alyth studios open - established artist Louise Jarvis with her amazing pet sculptures on Springbank Road and Jill McIntosh showing her lovely paintings opposite the Den. At the top of Alyth on the HIgh Street, Stewart Graham (paintings) and guest Sheila Roussell (jewellery) exhibit and on the very outskirts, heading out on the Glenisla road, you can visit Ron Dickens (wildlife woodcarvings) at the Leck near Inverquiech.

Several established venues also have guest artists such as David McGivern (stone carving), Ellie Fiddes (textiles), Rachel Bower (woven willow) and Christine Flynn (raku firing demos). There are taster sessions, workshops, demos and art clinics throughout the week. Look out for the Alyth leaflet and the POS brochure for more information and also updates on individual artists social media pages or websites. Times are generally 10am - 5pm every day but do vary slightly at individual venues. Please check the literature for details.

All the venues will be well signposted with orange signs and arrows, banners and maybe bunting. This is a great opportunity to visit, view and discuss the artists work and often see it in progress. Please support and get to know our local talent - Alyth is full of quality art and craft with the participating artists investing a lot of time, money and effort taking part in the event each year.

Alyth Literary Society

The 2019/2020 season of the Alyth Literary Society commences on 1st October, 2019. All meetings take place in the Ogilvy Rooms, Commercial Street, Alyth and begin at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated. The annual membership fee is £8 and admission to a single meeting for non-members is £2. A warm welcome will be extended to anyone wishing to join the Society or to attend individual meetings.

Syllabus 2019/2020

1st October, 2019 Euan Macpherson, Dundee Ann Mackintosh – Scotlands Forgotten Heroine Illustrated

15th October, 2019 Alan Thomson, Kirriemuir A Buchan Loon in Perthshire

5th November, 2019 David Ross, Cromarty Telling the Highland Story

19th November, 2019 Robert Young, Alyth Chernobyl – Inside the Exclusion Zone – My Journey Illustrated

3rd December, 2019 Rachel Nordstrom, St Andrews University Shared Albums, Scottish Networks and the First Photographers. Illustrated

21st January, 2020 Ingrid Thomson, Glamis Castle 2.30pm Women of Glamis Illustrated

4th February, 2020 AGM followed by 7.00pm Bill Davidson, President An Indispensable Institution

18th February, 2020 Godfrey Holden, Meigle Living and Working in Antarctica An Insight from the Past Illustrated

3rd March, 2020 Stewart Miller, Blairgowrie Eagle Conservation in Siberia and Mongolia Illustrated

17th March, 2020 Annual Supper at the Strathmore Golf Centre, 6.00pm for 6.30pm

Enquiries regarding the Society or the above meetings should be made to Bill Davidson, at 01828 632001. Further information also available at alythlit.wordpress.com.

Waterfalls and stone circles

Loch Tay and Kenmore is an area of outstanding mountain scenery but also shows evidence of human occupation for millennia. As well as the reconstruction of the Iron Age crannog, the area abounds in standing stones, stone circles, and includes the ancient yew at Fortingall, which experts think may be an astonishing 1000-2000 years old. The last Ice Age scoured the local rocks, which created the basin now occupied by Loch Tay, and resulted in the spectacular Falls of Acharn, the venue for the latest Alyth Walkers adventure. A steep climb from the village of Acharn allowed views of the series of falls, water carved pools, and giant fern covered boulders. Continuing to climb the group passed close by a stone circle within sight of Schiehallion and the Ben Lawers group, and into the remote Glen Quaich with a lunch stop at a bothy. The return downhill loop gave an opportunity to take in the panorama of loch and distant mountains.

COLOURFUL VISITOR

Save the date for your diary

Yesterday saw an influx of colourful visitors to Alyth. The Alyth Development Trust will be holding its 2019 AGM on Painted Lady butterfly travels over 800 miles from SW Monday 23 September, starting at 7.30pm in the Alyth Europe and North Africa to Britain in May and June. Community Wing, Albert Street, Alyth.

They migrate at around 8 or 10 mph. They cannot survive We’re hoping to see as many members as possible and of our winter temperatures. course anyone else interested in finding out more about us and maybe even getting involved. Numbers vary each year reaching 30,000 in 1948. They particularly like buddleia. Visit https://www.lovealyth.org.uk to join up and get our free e-newsletter. Ron McGill

FLOODING DANGER

On the 31st July, after some heavy rain, the Alyth Burn levels rose to the top of the wall, lapping over into the flower beds above the phone box and was in danger of flooding again. Some of us who live by the burn were left shell-shocked at the prospect of being flooded out of our homes again bringing back all the memories of the last flood that left a lot of Alyth residents traumatised and homeless. Thankfully the levels dropped again but how long will it be before the town does get flooded again? What happened to all the flood defences that were supposed to be put in place? Where are the emergency sandbags that were meant to be stored for such events? Property owners already have to pay inflated prices to insure their homes and businesses. Some are finding it difficult to sell their homes and move away from the problem. Another flood is going to exacerbate this situation and make these properties worthless. I and many others had a sleepless night that night worrying we were about to be flooded again. How many more sleepless nights do we need to have before something is done about this. There are inherent problems with the burn, such as the concrete tiers, that trap silt and gravel which causes the riverbed to rise and reduces the height of wall that should stop the burn from flooding. These problems should have been dealt with 3 years ago but need to be addressed now, and quickly, before its too late. Or are we to just wait until the town is flooded again before any action is taken to fix the problems?

Calum Smith

IAN WHEATLEY GIANT PUFFBALL

Irene and Family would like to thank all relatives friends While litter picking for AIB at the T-junction crossed road and neighbours for the letters, cards, flowers, telephone from flower beds to pick up what appeared to be a large calls and kind words received on their recent sad loss, also white piece of litter in the verge to discover this monster of thanks to all the staff at Alyth Health Centre, paramedics, a fungi. My reference book identifies it as a Giant Puffball. staff at A&E and Wards 7 and 11 Ninewells Hospital for the The pond coin gives you idea of size, approximately care and attention they gave; special thanks to the Rev 30 cms across. Mike Erskine for his kind words, visits and comforting service, David Scott Funeral Directors for their assistance Ron McGill with the arrangements and Alyth Golf Club for the excellent catering and to all who attended the service in Dundee Crematorium to pay their last respects to Ian and who gave so generously to the collection of £860.47 to help the staff at Ward 11 Ninewells Hospital.

RETIREMENT of JOHN WRIGHT Dorothy Lothian Maureen, Tanya and Lee would like to thank friends and Mrs Dorothy Lothian, after many years neighbours who visited and supported John throughout his of great service to Barnardos, has retired from collection of illness. the ‘Alyth Boxes’. I am more than happy to be taking this We would also like to express gratitude for all the cards, worthy cause over, so from next May/June, I’ll be flowers and messages of support we received after he picking your box up. passed away.

If anyone would like to take a box/house We are very grateful for those who attended his funeral and and would like to start collecting, give me all money raised went to Blairgowrie Cottage Hospital and a phone on 01828632185. Alyth Medical Centre. Dawn Arthur

14 Airlie Street, Alyth

Opening Times Monday - Saturday 9am – 5pm T: 01828 958 050

Do you or a loved one need help with Cleaning - Laundry - Ironing - Shopping – Assistance getting to and from Social Events and Appointments NEW SERVICES One off Cleans - Office Cleans - Holiday Let Cleans Call Karena or Elaine on 07484787574 Or Email us at [email protected] All Services are delivered by Professional, Reliable, Friendly Staff, who are Police hecked and Fully Insured

OGILVIE ROOMS

Please note that until further notice the contact for the Ogilvie Rooms is

Tina Tripney

018282 632754

MURDO FRASER MSP MID SCOTLAND & FIFE For help and advice ~ Look for details of regular surgeries in the local press. To arrange a meeting you can contact Murdo on 01738 553990 or write to him at The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP; or e-mail him at [email protected]

NOTICES

ALYTH WRVS FAMILY HISTORY ALYTH SCHOOL PUPILS REUNION Books on Wheels PROJECT

Can’t get to the library? Did you leave Alyth School in Alyth Parish Church We deliver books to your door... 1979—1980 Books – in normal or large print /

Audio Books – cassette player req. / OPEN SUNDAYS NEIL DARROCH 2pm - 4pm Music CDs and Videos and friends are trying to

arrange a reunion. Telephone From Easter Sunday To Remembrance Sunday 01250 872 905 for details

For more details contact 1. 1850s to date, there are now over NEIL DARROCH 6,500 photographs of local people, via his Facebook page schools, businesses, events, views, weddings, etc 2. Parish records from 1623—1854 3. Baptism records from 1900s to ALYTH HEALTH CENTRE date PUBLIC HOLIDAY DATES FOR

4. 6,500 Burial records and 2019/20 THE LITTLE GLENNERS PARENT AND headstone photographs for Alyth’s TODDLER GROUP 3 cemeteries 5. Publications & memorabilia over The Health Centre will be CLOSED Every Friday (Term Time) 150yrs 9.30am – 11.30am on the following dates: Isla Primary School- Community Hall

Monday 07 October ADMISSION FREE All Welcome Wednesday 25 December Find us on Facebook Thursday 26 December ALYTH HEALTH CENTRE Wednesday 01 January 2020 RECYCLING Meigle Musicality Thursday 02 January 2020 We are a recycling collection point for Ink Meigle Musicality is a local singing group formed in Meigle for the sole purpose of Cartridges & Used Inhalers for raising money for local cancer charities. further information on inhaler recycling IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY

please visit PLEASE PHONE NHS24 ON 111 www.completethecycle.eu If you would like to book us to entertain your group, please contact us on 01250 870680 or 01828 640410 for Visit our website at more information ALYTH HEALTH CENTRE Staff Training Dates 2019 www.alythvoice.co.uk

Will be closed on the following afternoons from 12.30pm for Staff Training If you know of any services in the town that should be advertised in the Voice, please contact the Voice Wednesday 21st August at [email protected]. Wednesday 6th November If you see anything wrong or out of date in the Voice, again, please contact us at In the Event of an emergency please [email protected]. Your help is appreciated in ensuring we provide the phone NHS24 on 111 best town information possible!

THANK YOU

Corinne, Kim, Russ and Susan would like to thank all who attended Lee’s funeral, it was comforting to have so many friends and family with us. Also thanks to the Rev Mike Erskine for a truly heartfelt service and to Nel and Fiona for their beautiful eulogy and poem. Thanks also to Fran and the Alyth Bowling Club for the lovely lunch. Lee will be greatly missed by all family and friends. Heartbreaking at such a young age.

The Isla Parishes (SC031461)

On 4th August we had a wonderful morning’s celebration, when we welcomed Jane and Colin Jackson as Members and Christine Blakey joined our Kirk Session. We also said a big thanks to Evelyn Hood who is retiring as Session Clerk after many years of dedicated service. Ian Ramsay will be taking over the reins. We also said thank you to Finlay & Judy McGowan who have done a phenomenal amount of work looking after the fabric of our Kirk and Manse and in particular all the work that went into the disposal of church buildings. Ian Hazel and Deryck Lovegrove will look after the fabric going forward.

Stephen Blakey gave Christine Lauritsen Blakey Jane and Colin Jackson, who Evelyn Hood being thanked presentations to Judy & was welcomed by were inducted as Members by Stephen for her many Stephen to the Kirk Session years of dedicated service Finlay McGowan on behalf of the congregation . as Session Clerk

Forecast of series and events (In Isla Parishes Church, Kilry unless otherwise stated). All welcome!

Sunday 1st September at 10am – Service held by our Worship Group Wednesday 4th September at 11am – Skein Tryst Lunch. The speaker in Ron Scrimgeour – “Egypt – in Search of the Tomb Robbers” Sunday 8th September at 10am – Morning Worship Sunday 15th September at 10am – Morning Worship Sunday Evening Special at 4.30pm – Scones of Praise, held at the Wee Bear Café, Lintrathen

The Skein Tryst meets on the first Wednesday of every month at Kilry Village Hall. We have coffee and a chat starting at 11am followed by a speaker or entertainment. We have a light lunch at 12.30pm followed by a “thought for the day” over coffee before heading home around 1.45pm.

If you would like to find out more, or may need transport, please contact the WAAM church office in Kirrie on 01575 572819.

Come and share an Hour of Prayer every Friday at 11am in Kilry Kirk, the home of Isla Parishes. One of the initiatives of the West Angus Prayer Plan (WAPP). Everyone is welcome!

The Isla Parishes Congregation gathers in the Kirk at Kilry to worship on Sunday mornings at 10am. After, we have the opportunity for fellowship over a cup of tea or coffee. All are welcome.

PEZA TRUST - Coffee Morning

PEZA Trust (Scotland) held a coffee morning in Airlie Street Hall on August 3rd. Thanks to the generosity of the Alyth community and beyond, the event was a great success. The sum raised was £914 and the money will be used to improve the lives of young people in Zimbabwe. They were hit by a Cyclone early this year and it has made the normal challenges of everyday life even harder. Our money is used for education, sport, teaching conservation and many other worthwhile activities. Be assured we are making a difference. Thankyou to everyone who donated, helped on the day and most of all to those who came along and supported us.

Frances Fleming

www.resoluteit.co.uk

Technical Support Services

Looking to buy a new computer? Want advice on purchasing or developing your Business I.T. Infrastructure? Struggling with a slow laptop or PC? Tired of Call Centres / going back to the store?

We Offer Home & Office Visits! (**Discount Available for Senior Citizens**)

Resolute I.T. provide a wide range of computer services including: Repairs & Upgrades; Virus & Spyware Removal; Network Solutions & Broadband Support

E: [email protected] Based in - Meigle - M: 07961 879239

Grangemount Cattery Aberbothrie, Alyth SPECIAL DIETS CATERED FOR Simon Bogle INDIVIDUAL HEATED CHALETS LAPTOP & PC REPAIR SERVICES FOR Set in the quiet rural setting of beautiful Strathmore HOME & SMALL BUSINESS USERS PERSONAL ATTENTION Repairs - Maintenance - Upgrades - Broadband Setup Carolyn Glennie FROM THE OWNERS New & Used Computer Sales - Tuition - Web Design Tel: 01575 560466 Mob: 07732 524139 DENNIS & LIBBY MELLOY Creative Kinesiologist Tel: 01828 632284 www.airliecomputers.co.uk

9.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Sunday Complementary & Beauty Therapist Covering the Perthshire & Angus areas of Scotland

Carpet, Upholstery and Leather Cleaned and Protected Neil Stewart Serendipity Salon Call for a Free Quote: 22 Commercial Street, 01828 632771 or 01250 875216 Alyth PH11 8AF Tel: 07934 661602 David Scott Ltd Facebook : serendipitysalonalyth FUNERAL DIRECTORS & MONUMENT AGENTS

Also Golden Charter Pre-Paid Funeral Plans

7 Toutie Street Alyth Call for appointment

Our staff are happy to assist with all enquiries A 24 hour service is maintained on 01828 633 433

Notes from Alyth Musical Society

Calling all Gangsters and Molls and budding members of the Salvation Army.

Alyth Musical Society needs you, particularly (although not exclusively) if you are a man. We will shortly begin rehearsing for the 2020 production of “Guys and Dolls!” Considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy, Guys and Dolls ran for 1,200 performances when it opened on Broadway in 1950. It received nearly unanimous positive reviews from critics and won a bevy of awards, including Tony Awards, Drama Desks and Oliviers. Set in Damon Runyon's mythical New York City, Guys and Dolls is an oddball romantic comedy. Gambler, Nathan Detroit, tries to find the cash to set up the biggest craps game in town while the authorities breathe down his neck; meanwhile, his girlfriend and nightclub performer, Adelaide, laments that they've been engaged for fourteen years. Nathan turns to fellow gambler, Sky Masterson, for the dough, and Sky ends up chasing the straight-laced missionary, Sarah Brown, as a result. Guys and Dolls takes us from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana, Cuba, and even into the sewers of New York City, but eventually everyone ends up right where they belong. The show will run from Tuesday 21st to Saturday 25th April 2020. Rehearsals start on Monday 30th September at the Ogilvy Rooms at 7:30pm. For further information please visit our Facebook page or email [email protected]. Feel free to come along, you will be made most welcome. Don’t forget, rehearsals are well underway for our Pantomime, Jock and the Beanstalk which runs from Thursday 5th to Saturday 7th of December. Tickets go on sale in October.

farah adams – solicitor & notary public Domestic or Commercial “a refreshing approach” Regular Weekly 7 Market Square Alyth Holiday Home Prep 01828 958040 • wills & executries • employment law Coffee - Meals - Take-away - Ice-cream Deep Clean - One off Clean

We are now in our new premises featuring a fantastic • dispute resolution • commercial References available Kids Zone play area for children under 6 years!

• power of attorney • property We look forward to welcoming you to our complete new 07583074717 look where a new menu also awaits! We offer outside catering, sandwich platters and are now • legal advice for Tourism Industry taking bookings for children's party's!

Our new premises have a modern new toilet area call: t. 01250 874 485 with full disabled access as well as baby change facilities. m. 07719 855856 for a free consultation

We look forward to seeing you soon! e-mail: [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook for all our news! www.adams-law.co.uk

KIRRIEMUIR AERIAL SERVICES

All types of Aerial and satellite Supply, Installation and repairs undertaken. Freeview / Freesat / Sky / TV mounting / Multiroom TV points. Tidy Job inside and out guaranteed.

For free estimates

Call John Soutar 01575 572875

Ronald Saunders

Roofer/Slater Slate Repairs, Tile Repairs Lead Undertaken, Insurance Work.

WEE MACHINES 01828 633053 / 07761857994 (ALYTH) Victoria Garage Victoria Street, Alyth, PH11 8AU

Garden Machinery DENNIS MELLOY Small Plant ATV’s and Utility vehicles Your Local Councillor

Repairs and servicing Full workshop facilities For Surgeries in the comfort On site service available of your own home NOW OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

8:30am – 4pm Garden Machinery and Contact details Power Products Stockist Fri/Sat - 8.30am till 9pm Mobile: 07786674776 Telephone Jim on Home: 01828 632284 07783 626321 or 01828 632777 Come try out our E: [email protected] www.weemachines.co.uk E mail: [email protected] new menu & home baking

Due to the recent wet weather the ‘’Bloomers’’ have not been out as a group on our weekly Friday mornings doing what we like best,- weeding, deadheading, grass cutting, strimming and generally keeping Alyth looking beautiful. Works have however been progressing slowly at the new Community Garden at the top of Toutie Street. The path has been levelled for hardcore and sand ready for slabbing. Two grass areas are covered with bark and the banking raked and grass seeded. When the rains stop the project can be completed with fencing erected and benches put in place. Another project completed by Alyth in Bloom for all to enjoy. Please remember to register your CO-OP card as this will help Ai B in our quest to be the next chosen charity. If cards are not registered we will lose your votes and not get the grant! The second garden competition took place on 27th July-perhaps the hottest day of the month. Our judge this year was Steven Mitchell who is well known in the ‘’Gardening Fraternity’’ We thoroughly enjoyed viewing all the gardens and were most impressed by the high standard of the entries.

The winners were: Large Garden - Anne Simpson. Medium Garden - Mr and Mrs Cunningham Small Garden - Margaret Aitcheson. Best Small Border – Louise Campbell Best Hanging Basket – Margaret Aitcheson. Best Container – Mr and Mrs Cunningham Best Single Exhibit – Peter Robertson. Best Overall Garden – Anne Simpson Small Border – Louise Campbell. Best Overall Exhibit – Hamish Simpson

The Prize giving will be held in the Burnside Inn on Wednesday 28th August. Hanging Baskets around the town have been generally well maintained although it has been disappointing to see some neglected. Thanks to all our volunteers and new recruits Linda and Sandy Martin for your continued support. Karin Donaldson Chairperson

SCOUTS

Summer camp took us into foreign lands this year , to a kingdom far away...well it was the Kingdom of Fife and our location was Fordell Firs near Dunfermline. The international aspect was further enhanced as our “neighbours” for the week was a Group from Dublin. These were highly sociable people and the Scouts mixed well with them. I don’t think the Irish had kissed the Blarney Stone, some must have swallowed it! But we could not have got a better bunch to have been with. Being completely chaotic, we were all on the same wavelength. Norman West set up the week camp which was full of the activities Fordell run for Scouts. This allowed the Scouts to take part in Caving, Grass Sleds, Climbing Wall, Abseiling, Crate climbing, Bungee Trampoline and the fearsome 3G Swing and Zip wire. A day was spent at Loch Ore where everyone had a go at Dragon boating. It didn’t take long for the troops to spot the cafe and the play area which were extensively investigated. Unfortunately as the day progressed the weather deteriorated to the point where we returned to camp early and had our barbeque in the relative comfort of the marquee instead of the windy rain soaked shore of Loch Ore. Our Group Committee had allowed us funds for the purchase of two Kelly kettles which are a backwoods stove which is very fuel efficient. Bringing these out for the first time, I realised I really should have studied them a bit closer prior to showing the Scouts how they worked. Fortunately for me, an ex Leader, David Pirie came to visit us at this point, so I handed the lot over with the introduction that “Uncle Dave” will show you how it works. Quite simple really. I did enjoy his opening gambit of “ Now, let’s see what we’ve got in the box”. Well done Dave and thank you for calling in. Inevitably, we had a campfire with our Irish friends, who had been joined by a contingent of Scouts from Ratho. It was evident that not only was everyone aware of campfires, they were keen to take the lead in many of them. I found this most rewarding as by taking part they make it their event. It also gives the leader a breather. One “new” number introduced to the entertainment reflected on the antics of an unspecified Leader and Kelly Kettles, all set to the tune of “She’s just a Kelty Clippie”. For some peculiar reason all the Alyth Scouts found this most amusing. Thank you Norman (Must have been Dave!!) Our campsite looked most impressive, with our marquee being divided off into four sections, one for each Patrol, where it was possible to supervise the cooking of meals, the consumption of food and the tidying away of dishes. Everyone played an equal part in the duties and all responded to the challenge I am quite confident that we will have a return visit to Fordell sometime, and if any of the present Scouts are still with us, they will be the first on the list to go. Well done to all participants

Ron Kirkpatrick

Serving our local community since 1985 Currently registering new NHS, Private and Highland Dental Plan patients

Same Day Emergency Appointments (please phone by 9.30am) • Tooth whitening, Cosmetic dentistry • Hygienists, Braces, Facial Rejuvenation.

Looking after you and your family. 01250 875 136 [email protected] www.blairgowriedentalcare.co.uk

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS

Logo-Branding Websites Social Media Stationary Hosting Email Setup Business Cards Domain Names Adverts Templates Flyers Marketing Brochures Signage Banners

Graphic Design Studio - Alyth

07854493805

[email protected]

TRY THE NEW, REFRESHING APPROACH TO ACCOUNTANCY. WE OFFER: • A full range of accountancy and taxation services for all

businesses and individuals

• A friendly and flexible service tailored to suit your needs • Evening and weekend meetings to fit around you and your business • Value for money fees and flexible monthly payment plans • Free initial consultations to discuss what we can do for you For more information please feel free to contact us on: Telephone: 01828634285/07971283491 E mail: [email protected] KWG Accountancy Ltd, Fionnadh, St Ninians Road, Alyth, PH11 8AR www.kwgaccountancy.co.uk www.facebook.com/KWGAccountancy FRIENDLY•PROFESSIONAL•APPROACHABLE

Wedding Wows

NEW

 NEWLY REFURBISHED RESTAURANT

OPEN EVERYDAY

Conferences Parties Weddings Funerals

01828 629141

“We use only the finest locally sourced ingredients”

ESTíO

Somebody told me a week ago, around the 10th August I think, that as much rain had fallen in those ten days as falls usually in the whole month. Warmth and then rain - it’s not so many weeks since we were told that rain followed by warmth would lead to a surge of midges. I haven’t noticed that here: in fact this summer has been notably short of midges, though encountering a family muffled up in black midge veils it was clear that somebody had been paying attention to the warnings of the BBC. Now, with rain after that warmth, we are seeing an explosive growth of fungi. Earlier in the summer it was good to see the bright lemon pores of larch boletes and, more recently the cinnamon caps of birch boletes with their mottled stems. Now great masses of fairy ring mushrooms are making trails and rings in woodland clearings and lawns. Vanya, a Russian visitor, was delighted to find a fine cep: the only other one I have seen so far was far gone, infested by maggots and chewed: all that remained to remind one of its culinary possibilities was its scent.

It is one of the strange conventions of British life that the summer doesn’t happen until August. The BBC, for example, speaks about summer breaks in August when the month seems to me to be but a warning of autumn as the vegetation prepares for the end of the growing season. You have only to look at the leaves on trees at this time of year to see that this is so. They are blotchy, nibbled round the edges, tired. They have been working hard all through the growing season, sucking carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere to build organic matter. Now, their resistance failing, they become hosts to rusts and vulnerable to attack by insects and fungi. Soon, as daylight shortens further, and the first frosts come, deciduous trees will shut down

I read recently that the reason why the Westminster Parliament shut down in August in the 19th Century for the long summer recess was that the stench of sewage coming from the Thames became overwhelming. The then new fashion for shooting driven grouse seems to have had a hand in the matter too. Summer, indeed!

Paul Ramsay

Interview with: Ron McGill by Kevin Coe

Having been a researcher, teacher, computer engineer, dry-stone waller, garden designer, runner and artist, Ron McGill is very much a renaissance man.

It’s perhaps no surprise, then, that he should have become one of the main organisers of Alyth Creates, the annual celebration of creativity and talent that has helped put the town on the cultural map in recent years.

Ron was born in Hamilton, and grew up in Bridge of Weir. He went to Camphill Secondary, Paisley, and then Glasgow University, graduating in 1972 in sciences. He joined the geology department at Dundee University where he worked until 1989 as a researcher and teacher. He specialised in geochemistry, using advanced technology such as electron- microscopy to analyse the chemical composition of rocks and minerals, and eventually completed a masters degree in geochemistry.

He also pursued an interest in archaeology, chairing the Archaeology Society and taking part in several excavations, as well as qualifying as a ski leader, windsurfing instructor and diver, eventually becoming responsible for training student members of the Sub-Aqua Club.

In 1989, departmental merger plans would have moved his job to Glasgow, so he took redundancy from the university and enrolled on a postgraduate degree in computing at what is now Abertay University, before joining the Wm. Low supermarket chain to run their in-store computing systems.

“It was challenging but interesting work,” Ron recalls, “going round the stores and talking to people to help them get the best out of the new technology. There were only two of us in the department at first, but more people joined and we brought in new systems such as electronic cash payments, chip-cards and so on.”

He used the redundancy money from Dundee University to build a house in Auchterhouse, and since the plot had no boundary marker Ron decided he would build a dry-stone wall around it.

“I started going along to meetings of the Dry-Stone Walling Association and learnt as much as I could from the experts,” says Ron.

In 1994, Tesco took over the Low’s chain, so Ron decided on another career change and started his own business as a professional dry-stone waller and garden designer. After completing a horticultural course at Dundee College, he opened for business in April 1996 and immediately won commissions in Auchterhouse.

“I’d had an interest in gardening since childhood,” he recalls, “and my computing knowledge and skills also helped with design and planning, so I could do all the design and building work - teaching myself many of the building skills required, developing contacts and a network of suppliers, especially of good quality stone.

“Working at Low’s had taught me how to talk to people and find out what they really wanted, and I found I had the ability to look at a plot of land and see its potential, helping garden owners to get the most out of their gardens. It was hard work and could be grim at times when the weather was bad, but it was very satisfying.”

Ron’s business thrived and he was soon getting commissions from all over Scotland. A gold medal at the first ever Dundee Flower Show was followed by the drystone “kissing seat” at the first Scottish Garden Show at Ingliston, and a garden feature at the Lands of Loyal Hotel.

Ron’s wife Alison, a qualified food scientist, worked for a cheese-maker at Kinfauns and later for a coffee roaster in Dundee. They were quite settled in Auchterhouse, but had had to move to rented accommodation when Ron left Tesco. After a few years, they decided they wanted to buy a permanent home.

“In 2006, we spotted a house for sale in New Alyth. I’d done some work in the area but didn’t know it well,” says Ron. “When we came to view the house on a dull winter’s day, we could see its potential. It turned out to be just what we were looking for - 200 years old with some work needed, but being stone it appealed to me and the biggish garden appealed to Alison, who loves gardening.”

Now settled in Alyth, Ron and Alison quickly became involved in the community. “We helped establish the Walking Group, the Running Group and the Photographic Club. I went along to the watercolour classes being run by Graham Wands at his gallery on Commercial Street, just for interest as a hobby,” says Ron. “In about 2013, it was decided to stage an open evening in the gallery, and as another of my hobbies is photography I decided to offer a few pictures for the display.

“About 100 people came to the event, which encouraged us to set up the Alyth Arts & Crafts Guild to promote Alyth and the artists and makers in the town. We couldn’t afford premises, so we used Graham’s gallery but the 2015 floods wiped that out. We were determined to keep going, however, so the idea of having several venues around the town took hold, as well as encompassing a wider range of skills and talent in addition to traditional painting and drawing, and also celebrate the natural and historical heritage of Alyth.

“Using the contacts and talents of people like Graham, Jonathan Mitchell and Lesley Garside plus some funding from Perth & Kinross Council, we managed to stage the first Alyth Creates in 2017 across 16 venues in the town. Much to our surprise, it was a huge success. It’s continued to grow with more and more local groups and organisations joining in, and this year we had 21 venues.

“We’re all very proud of the event and we enjoy it, but it’s a bigger and bigger challenge for a small group of volunteers to be doing in their spare time: five months of planning, finding funding, arranging venues, producing the 200 brochures, marketing the event, keeping the content fresh and different each year. We’re currently considering whether it’s feasible in its current form - with a final decision due at a meeting in September.”

Ron is now semi-retired though still does the occasional piece of work, most notably the wonderful dry-stone feature at the entrance to Alyth, incorporating the Pictish-style carving of a bull to recall the town’s long history as a centre for cattle droving. “Our Pictish heritage is relatively unknown, but a very important part of the fabric of our history. I was so proud to be asked to contribute to that,” says Ron.

Ron is currently working on an online gallery “EcoAlyth”, based on images taken around the town, and is planning to retrace the old droving route from Skye to Alyth.

ALYTH VOICE TEAM 07938 643979 (please leave a message if we are unavailable)

Editor: Kevin Coe - [email protected] Layout Artist: Lynne McGowan - [email protected] Deputy Layout (trainee) Morag Hornsted Advertising: Admin Vacancy - [email protected] Distribution: Alistair Scrimgeour - [email protected] Delivery Team: Our Voiceteers who deliver to your home Treasurer: Mel McFadden - [email protected] Webmaster: Lynne McGowan - [email protected] Social Media: Niamh McFadden - [email protected] Treasurer (trainee) & Postal: B Kidd - [email protected] Voice Reporter/Journalist Kevin Coe - [email protected] Voice Committee Member Paul Ramsay - [email protected] Fund Raising Sub Committee Sheila Fisher Voice Committee Members Always Needed THE VOICE WILL ALWAYS NEED VOLUNTEERS

ADVERT SUBMISSION to the Voice ARTICLE SUBMISSION to the Voice

In order to avoid disappointment please ensure that adverts In order to avoid disappointment please ensure that articles for publication are submitted before the 14th day of each for publication are submitted before the 14th day of each month. We accept adverts in the following formats: month publisher, jpg, word NOTE: Views expressed (incl. Ads) in the Alyth Voice are It is the advertisers responsibility to inform the Voice of all not necessarily those of the team nor can they accept any changes before the deadline of the14th. We will never responsibility for accuracy and spelling of any article. assume that no communication from you means you no longer wish to advertise. Therefore if we’ve received no Please note ALL articles must be accompanied with a name instruction from you by 14th of the month your advert will and address BEFORE they will be published in the Voice. continue to be published and invoiced. Changes, and/or On request, the name and address may be withheld from adverts received after this date will not be published. publication. Any submission without these details will NOT be included. The Voice can no longer contact advertisers to request advert update information. It would be a great help and much appreciated if articles submitted could be in a separate document and in font Any ‘time sensitive’ adverts that are published will be pulled Arial Narrow, 11pt with titles Arial, 12pt and bold. if no further amendments are received. Once your space is lost further adverts cannot be Please send pictures as separate attachments. guaranteed. We regret that space cannot be booked. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

DONATIONS FOR THE VOICE VOICE BOXES Donating couldn’t be easier. Thank You for your support. If you don’t have access to a computer pop your These methods ensure we get your full donation article in a Voice Box which are now located at several ELECTRONIC BANKING (details on request) locations in the town. CASH or CHEQUE

These can be found in: But if its easier for you and you have a PayPal account simply

Thrifty One transfer/send money to The Alyth Voice Lunan’s Newsagents using the following email: [email protected] or Rendezvous With Collection/Donation boxes located in: www.paypal.me/AlythVoice

Lunan’s Newsagents PayPal charge a small fee for this Pricecrackers service which is deducted from Rendezvous your donation