CANdo and District Community Magazine

East of Farmers celebrating 60 years of trading, sponsors this issue of CANdo

ISSUE 92 November/December 2019

Joe Richards Collectables

WANTED: Old tools & coins, Tilley lamps, war items

01828 628138 or 07840 794453 [email protected]

Ryan Black, fish merchant in Coupar Bits n Bobs with Kids and Gifts Angus & area, Thursdays 8.30 am till 5 pm. At The Cross 12 till 12.45

‘straight from the shore to your door’

CANdo Editorial November/December 2019

Let’s tell them what we think In general, people like to be asked their opinion about issues that affect them. This is particularly true if the issues are local. There can, however, be a degree of cynicism: ‘Am I being asked what I think only to give the process the appearance of validity? No-one will pay any attention anyway.’ Trust is therefore paramount, that those doing the consulting haven’t already made up their minds and will listen to the answers they get. Bearing all that in mind, it’s encouraging to learn that, as we reported in the previous issue, there will indeed be a survey/questionnaire about the Town Hall, to find out what the community thinks the future should be for this landmark building. The consultation runs till the end of January 2020. Forms will be distributed in the town, or returns can be made online at http://consult.pkc.gov.uk/ - look for Coupar Angus Town Hall. Forward Coupar Angus has also run its own consultation on the theme of ‘Where Now?’ This was a well-attended and lively meeting, eliciting a high degree of participation, which in turn produced a wealth of ideas. The development trust is in good spirits, and the results of this consultation will be relayed in due course to all members. On the same subject, it is interesting (and heartening) to learn of the wide range of consultations undertaken by the Scottish Government. For example: ▪ the circular economy (of particular interest because of the work being done here, as reported in this issue) ▪ the sale of energy drinks to children ▪ controlling dogs ▪ smoking outside hospital buildings, and many more. All of the above are live consultations, and you can find out more by looking up the Scottish Government’s Consultation Hub. The articles in this issue are, as always, varied and we hope interesting. They range from visits to other towns to see what is happening in terms of carbon reduction; to the many activities with the same aim in our town and our primary and secondary schools; a profile of a business celebrating 60 years of trading, namely East of Scotland Farmers, who kindly sponsored this issue; as well as the Citizen of the Year award and Garden Competition. There is also a seasonal quiz which we hope will attract an enthusiastic entry! David Carson, on behalf of the editorial team contact Val: [email protected] or read CANdo at https://forwardcouparangus.co.uk CANdo is produced by your local development trust Forward Coupar Angus

Your advertisement in this space? It will be seen by organisations/ school/outlets in Coupar Angus, also in , , Kettins, Blairgowrie and beyond. Contact Val to discuss, and support CANdo, your local free magazine WHERE IS THIS IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Do you know where this is in Coupar Angus. And would you like to tell us if it is in the right place? See next edition of CANdo.

The photo in the September/October edition of CANdo was Sidlaw Park, at the back of the gardens on Caddam Road and next to the old railway.

Professionally NPTC qualified, offering: Felling, Pruning, logging & stacking services.

Get in touch with Grant for a quote 07444641283 or [email protected]

Balhousie’s new menu is a hit with residents and relatives alike

Lately, residents of Balhousie Care Home Coupar Angus have been enjoying weekly themed lunches. On Tuesdays the theme is either ‘Ladies Who Lunch’ for the ladies, or ‘Pie and a Pint’ for the men.

A recent Pie and a Pint lunch included live entertainment from a local ukulele band.

“The special lunches have proved to be a huge hit with residents and their families, with many relatives coming in to enjoy them. One resident’s son even brought a couple of golfing friends along for a pie and a pint. Our staff also love popping in to join them,” says Doris Scott, Activities Coordinator at Balhousie Coupar Angus. Like at other homes across Balhousie Care Group, Coupar Angus’s menus have undergone a revamp this year. The recently introduced winter menu includes beef and Guinness pie, creamy leek risotto, Moroccan lamb tagine, pear and ginger crumble, and Christmas Bakewell Tart. The new menu has been so popular that some care homes have waiting lists of relatives wanting to dine with their family members!

Sixty Years Old − Still Trading Strong

Robin Barron talks to CANdo about EoSF, East of Scotland Farmers

Robin is General Manager of this cooperative that is such a landmark in Coupar Angus, and which for sixty years has been at the heart of farming in Strathmore. Over the years this heartland has expanded. Now 170 farmers supply EoSF with grain, and while most are between Perth and Forfar, others are as far afield as Brechin and Carnoustie, Cupar and , and Aberfeldy. The business came about because a building, previously a government munitions store, became available in 1959. From the outset it was a cooperative, designed to benefit users’ needs above those of investors. Cooperatives in farming are widespread. The most common is the machinery ring, where surplus plant and labour from one farm are rented out to another farm with a shortage of resources (Robin describes this as a ‘dating agency’ for machines).

While EoSF has diverse activities, such as providing fertilizer, seeds and crop protection products along with agronomy advice, its main commerce is malting barley for the whisky industry. EoSF dries the barley, stores, markets and supplies it. (Wheat is used for grain whisky.) And it doesn’t neglect another of Scotland’s staples - porridge. Milling oats go to the Quaker factory in Cupar. There is no crushing facility in Scotland for oil seed rape. EoSF collects it for transformation into vegetable oil or bio diesel. Given the importance of malting barley to the business, safe to say this has been the driver of major developments. In 1998 a new drier was built and grain storage extended by 9,000 tons, then in 2004 a further 4,500 tons. And in 2013, a new drier was unveiled, one of the biggest in Europe, with 16,000 tons of grain storage. Robin explains why they need such sophisticated equipment: the Scottish climate (which means barley is cut at higher moistures than elsewhere) and the demands of the whisky industry (wants grain dried to 12% moisture for safekeeping). Malting barley is a living cereal and must be dried at a regular temperature of 60 degrees. The five driers at EoSF can deal with 84 to 100 tons per hour.

Scotland is a prolific producer of barley (no surprise surely, given the prominence of whisky at home and abroad!). Amounts do vary from year to year, due to the weather. For example, 2019 saw a big increase on the year before - 250,000 tons to be exact. But such vagaries clearly point to the need for a lot of storage capacity.

Robin’s route to EoSF was via the family farm, agriculture college in Aberdeen and a grain company in . “The job came at the right time for me.” He is clearly enthusiastic about his work and the company generally, stressing the importance of teamwork across the whole enterprise. Working hours at EOSF are demanding: a 7.30 start every day, 12-hour shifts during harvest when barley drying is a 24/7 operation. The Country Store There is another arm to EoSF. The Country Store was revamped in 2007, and business is brisk. For readers who like figures, here’s the current picture at the store: ▪ turnover £1.35 million, average 86 transactions a day (26,640 annually) ▪ 157 suppliers, 6,000 product lines and 9 employees. EoSF has 20 full-time employees, 5 part-time and up to a dozen seasonal workers. It provides many training opportunities, and Continued Professional Development is integral. One employee, Gillian Smeaton, just won a national award for suitably qualified persons (SQP) in animal health. Gillian’s award was for excellent customer service providing animal medicines. This is a prestigious competition, and Gillian’s success is recognition of her ability and EoSF’s commitment to employee development. It is no coincidence that, as part of his daily routine, Robin lists communication with staff, as well as ensuring that everything done is delivered at a high level of service. The cooperative is important in and to the community of Coupar Angus. It supports many community activities, from kit for the local football team, to equipment for installing the Christmas lights, and parking facilities for large scale events. EoSF’s turnover is £20 million, with £250k retained each year to reinvest in the business. Asked whether, when gazing into a crystal ball, Robin has a smile on his face, he replies, “Yes, we have a successful business model and we are involved in a vital industry. Our main market produces brands that are valued and consumed all over the world.” However, there is a degree of caution. “It’s not all plain sailing, there are always challenges to overcome.” Readers could probably name one at least! Many thanks to Robin for giving up time to chat with CANdo. David Carson

Pride of Place Update

Summer's floral decorations are away, begonia tubers cleaned and stored for 2020’s displays, plant leavings in compost bins and spent compost put to good use in the Market Garden. We have cleared the boxes around town and, in spite of the very cold mornings, managed to replant with winter pansies and tulip bulbs.

In October we continued our crocus planting in Larghan Park, with another 8,000 bulbs along the path at the far end. Purple crocuses remind us of the dangers of polio. They are also in memory of little Harlow. The Edwards family came to help, and we had tea, soup and buns afterwards. Our work does not stop in the winter! We have been cutting back and tidying along the Burn, helping the school children to harvest the veg in the Kitchen Garden and tidying the boxes there for the winter. The Pollinators Bed, opposite the Red House, will be left until early spring to provide winter shelter for birds and insects.

If you have an area in your garden that you can leave in the same way until springtime, this will provide food and shelter for wildlife. Humans have not been very kind to the planet and there has been a huge reduction in the number of insects − no insects, no pollination, no food! We are now working on the wildflower bed at Blair Bend, following advice at the recent Beautiful Scotland Seminar in Stirling, to steadily improve this area. Wildflower beds are notoriously difficult to develop, but slowly and surely, the yellow rattle we have been sowing is weakening the grass and perennial wildflowers are increasing. The area has been cut back as always, and will be cut again, and we will sow more yellow rattle and other seeds in early Spring. The seeds are carefully chosen to produce plants that attract insects to the flower bed, also in order to further encourage a wildlife corridor along the Blairgowrie Road, linking to the fields and roadside verges.

Did you spot them?

Nationwide fame for Clyde and Coupar Angus.

Pride of Place had put their poppies around the town for Remembrance Sunday again this year and a photo of Clyde with poppies appeared on the late news Scottish weather forecast.

Card delivery We are running a Christmas card Delivery Service once again for a donation of 25p per card (ONLY within Coupar Angus). Our post boxes are in Bits n Bobs and the Abbey Church 1–16 December. Address all cards clearly with name, number or name of house and road, otherwise we cannot deliver them. Pride of Place wish to thank our very generous sponsors for contributing over £1000 towards our work, and the Community in supporting the various events PoP run during the year. This is a great help to us planning ahead from year to year. Sadly, there are still dog walkers who do not collect their dog’s poo and leave it on pavements, grass verges or in the park for others to walk in; and folk who just cannot be bothered to put their rubbish, including the growing number of cigarette butts, in the bin. Cigarette butts are litter. We do not have a regular Street Sweeper – but then there should be no litter to sweep up, just leaves. Finally Pride of Place wish everyone a Very Happy Christmas and New Year. Anne Easson ...... Community Council/Forward Coupar Angus Garden Competition 2019 There were fewer entries to this year’s garden competition in Coupar Angus, but nonetheless worthy winners. Many thanks go to members of Blairgowrie’s Blair in Bloom group for carrying out the judging. Winner in the categories Traditional Scottish and Quirky Garden was Linda Cameron, whose garden was much appreciated by the judges.

The awards for best Hanging Baskets and Windows Boxes were scooped by Bob Christie on behalf of Ellerslie Gardens residents, followed closely by Colin Dargie, winning 2nd prize. Crichton Lang Court came in second for their window boxes and quirkiest garden. Iain Bentley, worthy Citizen of the Year At Coupar Angus & Bendochy Community Council’s meeting last month, local resident Rev Dr Iain Bentley, seen here with his wife Sylvia, was named Coupar Angus Citizen of the Year 2019. And deservedly so, for all his work in our community. It is not surprising that Iain is also known by some locals in Coupar Angus as Woodland Willie. He has been the driving force behind turning an abandoned hillside on the northern outskirts of Coupar Angus into a valued woodland to be enjoyed by all for walking and reflection.

The idea to create a community woodland at Butterybank was first mooted in 2006, however the project only gained momentum thanks to Iain, who came to live close by the site after his retirement.

After years of community consultation and project planning, Iain oversaw the first trees being planted in December 2015 by the then Primary 7 pupils of Coupar Angus Primary. Since then Iain has worked tirelessly to establish the site as an important asset to our community. This has involved coordinating and planning the planting of over 800 trees, shrubs and wildflowers in partnership with Pride of Place, the Make a Difference team, local farmers, funders and most notably the school children.

Pupils enjoy having Butterybank as an outdoor classroom. Under Woodland Willie, Bill and Rona and PoP’s enthusiastic guidance, the children have become very knowledgeable not just about trees, but also about wildlife, insects, biodiversity, sustainability and the site’s historical significance. Adults too have learned from Iain how to prune trees.

With the woodland planted, picnic benches and information panel in place, Iain now works closely with people in the community who choose to remember their loved ones by planting a memorial tree at Butterybank.

CANdo’s Christmas and New Year Quiz December 2019

Have a go, hand in your answers in an envelope marked ‘Quiz 2019’ with your FULL NAME/tel. no. to the High Street Store, The Cross in Coupar Angus, by Sat 21 Dec 2019

Prize for the first correct entry opened

Q1. In which ocean is Christmas Island located? ______

Q2. Who was Scrooge’s dead business partner in ‘A Christmas Carol’?

______

Q3. In which country is Lapland? ______

Q4. In Sweden, millions of people watch which Disney character on Christmas Eve?

______

Q5. Which male group had Christmas Number 1’s in 1963, 1965 & 1967?

______

Q6. What sizeable Christmas gift did France give the USA in 1886?

______

Q7. How many gifts are mentioned in ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’? ______

Q8. What was the first Christmas song broadcast from space in 1965?

______

Q9. On Christmas Eve 1990, a film called ‘A Grand Day Out’ introduced which British duo?

______

Q10. By what name is St. Stephen’s Day better known in the UK?

______

Q11. On what festive day do the French eat ‘Galette des Rois’?

______

Q12. What does the word Christ mean? ______

Q13. What name was given to the predicted computer meltdown at the beginning of 2000?

______

Q14. Who won Golden Raspberry Award for worst actress in the 2012 film ‘New Year’s Eve’?

______

Q15. What name is given to the Jewish New Year? ______

Q16. For what scandal were Mitchell, Halderman & Ehrlichman convicted, on New Year’s Day 1975? ______

Q17. US Congress prohibited import of what into the USA on 1st January 1808?

______

Q18. Which comedian made the first mobile phone call in Britain on 1st January 1985?

______

Q19. On New Year’s Day 1925, Norway changed the name of its capital to Oslo. What was the previous name? ______

Q20. What is the title of the best-selling record in the world in 1956, recorded on New Year’s Day in Nashville?

______

Coupar Angus Primary School, Festive Season Dates, P7 Poems and Artwork Wed 11th Dec Christmas Concert by P1-P7 1.45 & 6.30 pm Tickets (buy at school): Adults £3, Children £1.50 Under 3’s on a knee – free Thur 12th Dec 1.30-3 P3/4/5/TR2 Christmas Party Friday 13th Dec 9.30am Nursery Concert then Party 1.30-3pm P6 and P7 Christmas Party Mon 16th Dec Christmas Jumper Day & School Christmas Lunch 1.30-3pm P1/2/TR1 Christmas Party Wed 18th Dec 10am Nativity Play by P1/P2 Thurs 19th Dec 2pm Christmas Service whole school, Nativity Play P1/P2 Friday 20th Dec last day of term 12 noon finish

Autumn Shivering children, chattering teeth, Shivering children, chattering teeth, Walking through every colour of leaf. Walking through different colours of Red, orange, yellow and brown, leaves. The sun is still, staring down. Getting ready for Halloween, The pavements are glistening in the Saying to each other sunlight, “What should I be?” I like to fly my beautiful kite. The leaves all rush down to the ground, The fireworks are as light as a torch, Watching them fall to make a mound, I see people drinking hot chocolate on I say to myself their front porch. “What should we do?” The sun has gone down, Let’s kick the leaves But do not frown. and jump in them too!

Hannah Sloan, Primary 7 Neave Fair, Primary 7

P7 pupils created wax resist paintings of houses and used oil pastels for the trees

Grow Your Own fruit and veg Group There’s nothing quite like eating your own fresh fruit and veg from your own garden. This Grow Your Own Group, started by Sue Ferguson and Amandla Taylor (growing mentor for Forward Coupar Angus), has now been going for one full growing year.

We’re a friendly, supportive group. With over 40 on our newsletter list and 20 attending monthly meetings, we have learned a lot from each other. It must be a success because everyone wants to continue next year, and we are getting new members all the time. We had 2 (identical) meetings each month, on a Tuesday evening and Saturday morning, so everyone can get to one. They are relaxed and informal, and everyone gets to share their experiences and queries, swap plants and seeds, receive free Rock Dust (come and see if you want to know what it is), learn what to do that month, have tea and a natter, share recipes and sample dishes cooked with produce from the garden. We get tips on sowing, growing, compost, ground preparation, pruning, no-dig vs dig, raised beds, harvesting, saving our own seed, storing, propagating, dealing with pests and diseases, drawing up plans of our gardens and developing rotations for next year.

At our last meeting for 2019, we enjoyed tasty home-made dishes and shared favourite garden books and handy tools (potential Xmas presents). Pat and Mark brought along a huge apple for us to guess the weight – Wendy got it right at just over 700 grams. Another member had a great upcycling idea, bringing three still good to use left gardening gloves – ideal for our left-handed members!

We also send in a bulk seed order along with the Community Garden. One of our latest ventures is a Seed Bank, with locally saved seed to store and share. Members range from inexperienced to very experienced; organic to conventional; from those with a few tubs to others with many raised beds. We visited six of our members’ gardens and thanks go to all the hosts for a lovely morning and delicious spread. It was always encouraging and inspiring to see how everyone’s garden is different.

You are welcome to join us. Contact Sue on [email protected] or Amandla on [email protected] Next year’s meetings in the old bowling club function room, Forfar Road, are: FEBRUARY Saturday 1st (10 – 12), Tuesday 4th (6 – 8 pm) MARCH Saturday 7th (10 – 12), Tuesday 10th (6 − 8 pm)

Kettins Parish Hall

Kettins Village Monthly Lunch Wed 11th December 2019, 12 noon At Church Hall - NOTE DATE CHANGE! A warm welcome to all ages

Soup, rolls and cake £3 per person, which includes raffle ticket

We have a willing group, but anyone interested in volunteering, please contact Susan 628169 or Russell 07753426208 or via Kettins Parish Hall Facebook page

We look forward to seeing you, the next lunch is 16 January 2020

SCIO Charity Number SC044380

During our monthly fund-raising lunch for Kettins Parish Hall on 14 November, we welcomed Liz McLaren of Aberbrothock Skea Trust, who presented us with a cheque for £5000.

The commitment and support from Aberbrothock Skea Trust for our fund-raising in the early stages have helped enormously, showing other potential funders that Kettins was generating the funds required for our Parish Hall. Hopefully work will start on site at the beginning of 2020. WHAT’S ON in your area – December 2019 and in 2020

MONDAYS New Age Kurling Join in the fun and games at Coupar Angus Town Hall, 1.30 -3.30 pm. Cost £2 including refreshments. Free Taxi if you require (Coupar Angus & Kettins area), contact Ann 01828 627587. Everyone welcome.

Zumba (6.30-7.30 pm) Town Hall, with Fiona (£4) Adult Education, Yoga Class (7-8.30 pm) St Anne’s Hall, ends 2 Dec, resumes 20 Jan 2020, contact Elaine Mackinlay on [email protected] 01828 627040 Exercise Class with Sophie 11.45-12.45 in the Town Hall. All ages, £4. For more info, please contact M. Linley 01828 670314

TUESDAYS

Join ‘Make a Difference’ squad 10 am, Coupar Angus Small Business Centre

Royal Bank of Scotland mobile van (10.10–10.40) Union St opposite Shell garage Community Cafe 11.30 Cargill-Burrrelton Church Hall – great place to meet people over a free cuppa or soup. Transport available, call Susie on 01828 670384 St. Anne’s Lunch Club – 10th December for Christmas event, club re-starts 7th Jan 2020. Pilates Classes Mixed 5.15-6.15pm, Intermed 6.30-7.30pm led by Susie at St Anne’s Hall Contact Susie on 07914 700988 or [email protected] Kettins Carpet Bowling Club 6.30-9 pm Kettins Church Hall. New members always welcome (for safety reasons over 18). Contact Graham Bell on 627855 WEDNESDAYS

Pilates 9.30 am Mixed ability, 1.30, 2.45 and 5.15 Gentle. Susie Black (details above) Seniors Outings, 2nd Wed of the month, 12.30 or 1pm from Town Hall. Contact Michael Gallagher on 01828 - 627124 or mob. 0747 649 4021 Abbey Church prayer meetings 2 pm and Bible Study group 7.15pm Burrelton, Woodside and District SWI meet 3rd Wednesday of the month in the Church Hall, Woodside 7.15 p.m. Visitors and new members welcome. THURSDAYS Help Pride of Place keep our town looking good, please come to work parties, meet Town Hall 9.30 am. Contact Anne ([email protected]). PoP is doing its Christmas card delivery Service for a donation of 25p per card (ONLY within Coupar Angus). Post boxes are in Bits n Bobs and the Abbey Church 1–16 December. BANK of SCOTLAND Mobile Van (10.55 to 12.25) in the Red House Hotel car park THURSDAY FRIENDS at Town Hall 2 - 3.30. Tea party with entertainment 2nd Thursday of the month. Free taxi available. Contact Mary 07999 766858 or Jenny 01828 628537 Pilates classes 11.30 St Anne’s Hall, beginners 12.45. contact Susie (see above) Free Lipreading Classes Do you have a hearing loss? Lipreading classes can help. (12-2 & 2-4) at A Proctor Group, Rd, Blairgowrie. Call Susan Brown 01250 872861 Scottish Country dancing, (7-9pm) at Coupar Angus Primary School till 5 Dec, resumes Thursday 16 January 2020 for 10 weeks, contact Elaine Art Class at St Anne's Church Hall, 2.15 - 4.15 resumes Thurs 23 January for 10 weeks Ippon Karate (7 - 8.30 pm) in the Town Hall Abbey Church Children's Groups (in school term) Stepping Stones (P1-P3) 5.30-6.30pm, Compass (P4-P6) 6.45- 7.45pm, Crossover (P7-S1) 6.45-7.45pm, YF (S2 Upwards) 8-9 pm FRIDAYS Cycle for Cake (C4C) fun cycle, meet 10 am (in winter) at Cycle Hub, Forfar Rd, interesting off-road destinations. All welcome. Please let Carol ([email protected]) know beforehand. 13 Dec: going to Lands of Loyal and later, Xmas Quiz/Curry night at the hub.

RELAX GROUP - handcrafts at St Anne’s Hall, 9.15am - 12, £3.50 a session SUNDAYS St Anne's Church Forfar Road, Service every Sunday 11 am, to which are all welcome, coffee beforehand at 10.30 am Morning Services Bendochy Church 10 am, and Coupar Angus Abbey Church 11.15, with tea/coffee after this service. Please come along and share fellowship

OTHER EVENTS 1 Dec Burrelton Christmas Market on the Green, (12 - 3pm). Over 30 stalls of crafts, produce and Christmas gifts. Tea tent, bbq, hot soup. Come and visit Santa in his grotto. 1st Sunday of month Cycle - just roll up 10 am at the hub, rides will be decided depending on who’s there. Members curry and quiz social evening 13 December, see www.cacyclinghub.com facebook: Coupar Angus Cycling Hub Forum. No Santathon this year Fri 6th Dec Christmas Lights 6.30 for 7 pm switch-on at The Cross, Coupar Angus 6th Dec - Coupar Angus & District Heritage Association. Professor Oram talks about King James I of Scotland (1406-37) - Ambition, Assassination & Aftermath in medieval Perth, 7.30 pm at the old bowling club, Forfar Rd 11 Dec Book Club: 6.30 pm Coupar Angus library. All welcome. Just turn up! Discussing Andrew Nicoll’s ‘The Secret Life & Curious Death of Miss Jean Milne’ based on a true-life unsolved case in Broughty Ferry Sat 14 Dec Youth group CAYAG are holding a coffee & craft morning (10-12) at the Y hall. Sun 15th Dec Strathmore Screen, Blairgowrie Town Hall 4pm Frozen 2 (U), 7pm Last Christmas (12A)

Wed 11 Dec 12 noon Lunch Club at Kettins Church Hall – see poster. All welcome, note change of day due to the Election

Sat 14 Dec (10-11.30) Kettins Parish Hall - Coffee Morning in Kettins Church Hall, Christmas raffle & stalls

Thurs 19 Dec Kettins Parish Community Council meet in Kettins Church Hall at 7.30pm and on Thurs 16th January 2020

24 Dec Christmas Eve Service 7pm Bendochy, 11.30 pm Watchnight Service at Abbey Church, Queen St. 25 Dec 11 am Family Christmas Day Service

24 Dec Christingle children’s service 6 pm at St Anne’s Church, Forfar Rd. For all the family and everyone welcome - please join us!

Yarnstormers join in all kinds of activities with yarn on 3rd Friday of the month (2-4pm) at the library. Everyone welcome, contact Val Kidd

Events in 2020 Grow your own fruit n veg Club - Meetings in 2020 at the old bowling club, Forfar Rd: Sat 1st Feb (10 – 12), Tues 4th Feb (6 – 8 pm), Contact Sue [email protected] or Amandla of Forward Coupar Angus [email protected]

Annual Snowdrop Festival in Coupar Angus 16-23 Strathmore Tattie Day Feb 2020. Full programme of walks, talks, teas, quiz, Saturday, 22nd Feb 2020 cycles, bingo tea, church fair and more. Sat 22 Feb Tattie enthusiasts don’t miss Strathmore Town Hall Tattie Day in Coupar Angus Town Hall 12 pm. Brought by Skea Organics & ABC & Beyond. Table Tennis – interested in joining a new group in Coupar Angus? email Val

- if you would like your event listed in CANdo, please contact Val, [email protected]

Pop along to the Cycling Hub, Forfar Road, Coupar Angus We have bikes (also second-hand) for sale and hire as well as friendly advice

Ladies, keep doing what you’re doing! a Bra(w) job! Local Soroptimist Jean Campbell says a big thankyou to everyone supporting the charity Smalls for All, a ‘recycling’ project making a huge difference for women and girls. Jean is still collecting new or lightly-used bras and new girls/ladies pants, which can be handed in to Adrianne, seen here at the Beauty Boutique, High Street, Coupar Angus, or Top Style hairdressers on Leslie Street, Blairgowrie. Once sorted, the donated items are transported by the Balcraig Foundation to the Freedom from Fistula Foundation and Kenya children’s homes, orphanages, slums, internally displaced persons’ camps or schools. The underwear is shipped to Sierra Leone, Malawi, Madagascar and Kenya for free.

Smalls for All is also happy to support charities that focus on alleviating poverty in the UK by providing them with underwear. Making a difference locally and internationally!

Jean also recycles items for Starter Packs in Perth, a local charity helping people who have fallen on hard times for one reason or another, possibly having been homeless and given accommodation, or are just out of prison – a whole host of reasons for their hard times! In addition to family and friends, Blythswood Care charity shop in Blairgowrie and Thrifty One in donate bed linen, curtains, towels, pots ’n pans, and any kitchenalia that haven’t sold, which Jean transports to Perth.

Starter Packs get referrals from social work departments, the criminal justice service etc. and the need is always great. If you want to know more about Smalls for All or Starter Packs go to Google, or Val Kidd has Jean’s contact details. If you would like to find out more about Soroptimist International Great Britain & Ireland, do look at the website www.sigbi.org

A busy season for active travel at Coupar Angus Cycling Hub The mission to get more people walking or cycling instead of using cars is a global movement that is picking up pace all the time. There is no doubt about the benefits of active travel – an easy way to get more exercise, while at the same time reducing our carbon footprint – win win! More and more people in the Coupar Angus area are making sustainable choices when it comes to travel; something that is at the heart of Forward Coupar Angus and its Cycling Hub.

As Active Travel Coordinator, this summer I hit the streets with the help of knowledgeable bike mechanic, Kevin Bickerstaffe, to run a series of pop-up bike repair stations at the Cross. These were a great success, with many passing cyclists receiving a free bike health check as well as active travel information. We chatted to lots of friendly people from Blairgowrie, Dundee and beyond. Coupar Angus really is a centre for cycling! In October I coordinated free bike mechanic workshops, with Charlie sharing his wealth of knowledge. These sessions were a real hit, giving locals a chance to pick up the skills needed to look after their own bikes. Keep your eyes peeled for more workshops over the winter.

The Hub is now delighted to be a part of the Cycle to Work Scheme, which offers people big savings. What’s not to like about saving money on a new bike? Check out these two websites or pop into the hub to find out about joining the scheme: https://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/ www.bike2workscheme.co.uk Strathmore Cycle Network has a new website http://strathmorecyclenetwork.co.uk/ where you can access electronic maps and great cycling routes suitable for all levels and distances. Or you can also pick up a hard copy of the map at the hub. Interested in trying an electric bike? We offer free electric bike demos with a range of bikes. Call us or come in for a chat to arrange a free demo. Warning…electric bikes are highly addictive! Once you start, you won’t want to stop.

Iain Broadhead, Active Travel Coordinator with Forward Coupar Angus Coupar Angus Cycling Hub, 1 Forfar Road, PH13 9AN tel. 01828 958296

The 1 to 1 beginner ride lessons I run are aimed at building up the confidence of people looking to get back on their bikes. I had particular success with an 80-year old, who, after a long time off the bike, was back on the saddle, feeling the wind in his hair once more. These sessions are still available − anyone interested in having individual time out on the bike can contact me on [email protected] This is a great opportunity to build up your confidence with a qualified ride leader – why not give it a go?

Coracles were part of our thriving Circular Economy This year as Climate Literacy Training Officer for Forward Coupar Angus, I have had the privilege of working with amazing groups in town: the ladies of the Relax Craft Group; a talk and demonstration with the Men’s Shed; activities for youth group CAYAG’s play scheme; and a presentation to GrowBiz enterprise support group, looking at changes in Scottish Government Climate Change legislation. I try to tailor my talks to each group’s interests, while conveying the message of carbon reduction. A talk for the Coupar Angus Heritage Association, entitled ‘Coracle Fishing and the Circular Economy’ was a case in point. A local gentleman of historic renown, Bill Abernethy, fished for river pearls using home-made boats or coracles on local rivers like the Tay and Isla. He is reputed to have extracted the biggest river pearl found in the UK, from a fresh-water mussel on the Esk (see 1950s Pathe Film footage on YouTube).

A coracle like this one I made is constructed from willow or hazel rods and covered in a cow hide or canvas painted with bitumen. So what, you might ask, has this got to do with carbon reduction, the greenhouse effect of global warming? Well quite a lot. Making coracles and fishing from them was once part of a thriving circular economy taking place in and around Coupar Angus. The circular economy is a system in which raw materials, in the form of a product or service, are kept circulating in daily use for as long as is practically possible, and with the minimum loss of value. The system aims to eliminate waste and the continual use of new resources. It emphasises the importance of reusing or recycling products and components at the end of their life cycles. This is in sharp contrast with the linear economy, alternatively known as the ‘take, make and waste economy’ − where resources are extracted, products created and then discarded after a relatively short period of time, either because they are ‘out of fashion’ or broken. Inbuilt obsolescence or uselessness was actively advocated by many 1950s economists in order to stimulate the economy. Renowned economist Victor Lebow stated in the American Journal of Economics, 1955: ‘Our enormously productive economy demands that we make consumption our way of life, that we convert the buying and use of goods into rituals and that we seek our spiritual satisfaction in consumption…we need things burned up, replaced and discarded at an ever increasing rate.’ The greater the number of products using virgin resources we consume, the greater the amount of greenhouse gases we produce, thereby fuelling global warming and Climate Change. By minimising our use of raw materials/resources and by considering our waste as a resource someone else can use, we can cut our greenhouse gas emissions.

Back to coracles as an example of the circular economy. As part-time basket maker, I recently helped leather workers and tanners cover coracles with hide. I made new discoveries during this process. Some of my waste products as a weaver are off-cuts and bark from stripping the willow, which is a valuable resource for tanning leather. The sinew from a carcass which might not have been of use to tanners, made excellent cordage for lashing all the willow joins on the coracle. Likewise, waste wheat and oat stubble from the fields after harvest were spun and used as tow rope on the coracle. And the hide from a locally reared cow would be the covering of choice. So, all the resources for the coracle would have been gleaned locally and nothing wasted. This talk provoked an interesting discussion among the members and reminiscences about Bill Abernethy (who found wonderful pearls) and a local tannery that existed until the 1970s. Remembering and revisiting how the circular economy functioned locally in times gone by will be important in guiding our transition to a low carbon culture in the future. I will be collaborating with the Heritage Association for a window display relating to the talk. If other groups are interested in training activities, please contact me on 01828 626211. Jane Wilkinson, Training Officer with Forward Coupar Angus working part-time on a Climate Challenge Fund project ‘Education and Training in Climate Literacy’......

EDINGTON & NEAVE Slaters and Plasterers 4 Hay Street, Coupar Angus PH13 9BL Tel: 01828 628498 Fax: 01828 628038 Mobile: 07860 539171 / 172

FCA hosts Greener Kirkcaldy team Greener Kirkcaldy, said to be one of the most successful community groups helping to tackle climate change in Scotland, carry out a range of activities: promoting active and low carbon travel, providing energy advice to homeowners, food and growing and waste reduction. Like our local development trust Forward Coupar Angus (FCA), they received Climate Challenge Funding. Their current project ‘Gear Change to Tackle Climate Change’ aims to inspire and support people to reduce car use for short journeys.

Earlier this year, the Greener Kirkcaldy team visited Coupar Angus to find out more about the work we are doing in the community and our many cycling related successes. Grant Murdoch, Cycling Development Officer for FCA, said, “It’s a huge compliment to be approached by a successful group like Greener Kirkcaldy wanting to learn about our achievements.”

Lauren Parry (Senior Development Worker at Greener Kirkcaldy) appreciated FCA taking the time to share information about carbon saving initiatives: “We were struck by the sense that the achievements in Coupar Angus are truly a community effort − it is impressive what has been accomplished and how much carbon has already been saved.” Ian Simpson (FCA Project Manager) commented, “It was a pleasure to meet the Greener Kirkcaldy team and to share notes on our various carbon saving initiatives. It’s energising to meet with kindred spirits and there is clearly a lot we can learn from each other in our efforts to help Scotland achieve its world-leading climate targets. We hope to pay a return visit to Kirkcaldy and that our two communities can work together in the future.” Find out more about Greener Kirkcaldy on their website: www.greenerkirkcaldy.org.uk New High School students introduced to climate change During Freshers’ Week in September at Blairgowrie High School, Forward Coupar Angus staff were delighted to present the topic of climate change to the new influx of students. Every year Freshers’ Week gives pupils entering their first year of secondary school an opportunity to take part in a range of fun and educational activities that complement their curriculum subjects. For this year’s programme, Jane Wilkinson and Wendy McCombes introduced ‘climate literacy’ while Grant Murdoch offered basic bike maintenance instruction and (with support from ride leaders Andy Donnachie and Richard Mills) took pupils on led-rides around Blairgowrie.

The aim was to make pupils aware of the causes and consequences of climate change and help them understand how their decisions and actions can make a difference. Sessions included explaining the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere, the greenhouse effect, extreme weather events and how reusing and recycling things can reduce carbon emissions. At the end of each session, to demonstrate an example of lowering their carbon footprint, pupils made carrier bags from old t-shirts.

Six school prefects assisted with the training and Jane (Training Officer) said: “They were incredibly supportive, taking on board what they needed to learn quickly and applying themselves to help the younger pupils complete the exercise. One prefect was even prepared to deliver components of the session in front of the class. I was very grateful for their help.” The current Climate Challenge Fund project especially encourages pupils to keep riding their bikes as they make the transition from primary to secondary school. This has both health and environmental benefits. Grant (Cycling Development Officer) has been leading on this and is well known to many of the freshers, having worked with them on cycling activities at their primary schools. He said, “hopefully helping to develop riding and bike maintenance skills will build their confidence and encourage them to use their bikes for short journeys like the commute to school. We hope to continue our collaboration with BHS in the future.”

GrowBiz – Strength in Numbers

Another productive year for GrowBiz, engaging with lots of clients across rural Perth and . We recently welcomed our 1000th client since 2016, seen here – Anna Malyon from Coppertop Croft in Crieff. A fantastic achievement for Growbiz, that equates to one new client a day, highlighting the importance of the rural economy in Scotland. [photo: The Strathearn Snapper]

GrowBiz provides a professional and friendly service, with one-to-one meetings, to anyone looking to start, grow or diversify a small or micro enterprise. At GrowBiz we’re passionate about supporting small and micro- businesses − helping them grow can reduce social isolation. Our aim is to increase people’s capacity to be innovative, enterprising and develop strong business networks where collaborations are possible. Our clients offer everything from fish and chips to artisan vegan and gluten-free luxury products, from care and wellbeing services to adventure tourism, from designer wallpaper to body positive rainbow bright underwear. One local client is Grant Murdoch from the Coupar Angus cycling hub [photo: Clare McMicking]

Our new ‘Making Rural Business Digital’ project provides support and advice on how to take advantage of digital solutions. Improving entrepreneurs’ digital skills will help to make the most entrepreneurial rural economy in Scotland. We hold regular, free events throughout on various topics that help our clients feel more confident using technology in their business or enterprise. For further information on any of our projects or to book a space at an event, please see our website at www.growbiz.co.uk All our services are free and confidential. Follow us on social media for news and updates - Facebook (@GrowBizPerthshire) and Twitter (@Grow_Biz) – and you can sign up to our newsletters at www.growbiz.co.uk

In the meantime, we would like to wish everyone all the very best for the festive season and the coming year!

GrowBiz is part financed by Perth & Kinross Council, the Scottish Government,

Scottish Enterprise & Supported by Rural Perth & Kinross LEADER Programme

2014-2020: The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe

investing in rural areas. For more on LEADER go to www.pkleader.org