THE SOUTH DEESIDE VIEW Autumn/Winter 2003

Welcome to the Autumn/Winter Edition of the South Deeside View which we hope you will all enjoy. We're delighted as the distribution has increased to almost 800 copies and our thanks to the NKRCC for both their financial assistance and assistance with distribution. Thanks too to advertisers and all those who contribute ...without which we'd not have a Newsletter which we hope lets you know what's going on, where and generally invites you into the community and its activities. If you have any "news" for the area, whether it be a wee story, local history, news of an event...we'd be delighted to hear from you. So wishing you all Health, Happiness and Prosperity for Christmas and the New Year 2004. Trish and Carolyn Nae Fae A Learned Pen Is a nostalgic look back at life written in the local dialect by Stanley Clark Duncan Robertson in poetic form. Many will recall how life used to be growing up in the last century and how times have maybe not changed as much as we think.

Under the pseudonym of SCARDOGAN, this book has been collated with over 150 various stories of local incidents, work colleagues, social nights out in the community of -Devenick, plus many other interesting anecdotes relating to life and the people themselves.

Born in 1910, and having lived in Chapel of and then Banchory-Devenick, Stanley was continually scribbling down interesting notes for his own amusement. He himself worked at Loco Works and then William Tawse Limited, plus he and his wife owned the local Post Office and Shop and many stories emanate from his working life, and the characters that he encountered.

His work is visual as well as both funny and moving. We can all recognise someone we know being in the same situations described.

We hope that this book serves as a decent tribute to his talent that he undoubtedly had. It has been hard work deciphering the boxes of scrap paper and putting them into a format worth reading.

Although the book is on sale within various shops, we are also selling it at View Cottage, Banchory-Devenick at £9.99, telephone 872914 for further enquiries.

Derek Cruickshank www.scardogan.co.uk

Notes on the Early History of North East Scotland kindly researched and written for SDV by Mike Harris of Netherley Park ....thank you Mike – this is very interesting. Tel Mike on 01569 731091

"Wherever I have lived in the UK I have been interested to discover something of the history of the location and the people connected with the area. I came to NE Scotland 19 years ago and have been gleaning bits and pieces from various books (no knowledge is original). I would like to share these items with any interested readers. The exploration is ongoing, maybe someone reading this has an interesting source which I have not discovered I would be glad of their assistance.

The earliest map of Scotland was by Ptolemy the famous explorer from AD140 which shows the major tribes of Scotland which information must have been obtained from A Gricola's Roman campaign from AD79-83. May I recommend here Scotland’s Roman Remains by Lawrence Kepple (John Donald Publishers Edinburgh 1986). The TAIZALOI were the most local tribe to us stretching from the Banff coast to . The VERNIKONES inhabited the plains by the sea, e.g. Kincardine, the Mearns and Fife. The VACOMAGOI lived inland from Moray to the Tay. By the 9th Century the Pictish people were organised into seven provinces: 1. Sutherland/Caithness, 2. Cirigh - the Mearns (Magh-chircin) i.e. magh, Celtic word for field NB Armagh and Magdeburg in Germany 3. Fotla - the Atholl area 4. Fib – Fife 5. Fortrenn - the Forth/Tay Tribes. When one looks at the map of this area carefully it is fascinating how many place names are associated with the old Celtic saints, the first missionaries to bring the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ to Scotland. It all began with St Ninian who was a Romano-Briton from the Carlisle/Solway area. He trained in Rome under Bishop Damasus (before the later rise of the Papacy please note). He later joined St Martin at his centre near Poitiers in France. Ninian then set out to evangelise the Picts and established his monastic mission centre in 397AD at Whithorn in Galloway. For some years there has been considerable archaeological excavation on the site. He called his first building "Candida Casa" or the "White House"! and it was maybe the first stone building in the land. His leadership of the mission was until his death in 432. So Ninian and his team and his successors were actively spreading the gospel in Aberdeenshire 150 years before St Columba. Indeed I feel that Ninian should be the patron saint of Scotland, not Andrew, whose bones were purportedly brought here by Roman Catholics in later centuries to underline their mission and church authority after the decline or absorption of the old original Celtic church by Roman Catholicism by about 730AD. It is known that Ninian visited Dunnottar and that he planted a number of churches in the hinterland of Aberdee which was probably then only a small fishing community.

One of Ninian's converts was St Ternan, a native of the Mearns. He was trained at Whithorn then worked as a missionary in , , in sight of the Cairn o'Mount, and Findon. He established an important mission centre together with schools in Banchory-Ternan. It is recorded that when he was old and quite blind he met the young St David, the patron saint of Wales. Ternan died in 431. St Erchard from Kincardine 'o' Neill, became a Christian in Banchory and went on to work as an evangelist in Glenmoriston. The most important of all Ninian's followers in Aberdeenshire was St Drostan who was here around 520. He was a Briton of noble birth with great personal gifts and passionate conviction. Along with his team members, Colm (Colman), Medan and Fergus he founded the monastery at Deer. Drostan's particular connections were at , Aberdour, Rothiemay and Aberlour. Colm appears at Oyne, Daviot, Birse, Newmacher, Belhelvie, Lonmay and Alvah. St Medan had a site at Philorth near , Fintray and . founded churches at , Kirktonhead near and Dyce - a very notable early Celtic Christian location. St Machar(the name by which we generally know him) preached in the Dee and Don river valleys in the mid-5th century. He is associated with and near Newburgh. Later the Ninian based mission experienced decline and difficulties in supplying mena nd materials as long supply lines to the North East and its farflung outposts. Help was sought from Bangor in N. Ireland through St Comgall the Great.

This was the beginning of the second wave of mission activity in this area. Bangor was the centre of Celtic mission and scholarship sending men like Columbanus and St Gall and others to France (e.g. Luxueil), Switzerland and as far as Bobbio in N. Italy. There had long been contact between Whithorn and Strangford Lough with ships transporting men for training and mission activity. Comgall came over and established a church in Durris. He died in 602. He sent St Moluag to Pictland in 562. This man was described by his contemporaries as "pure and brilliant, gracious and decorous". He formed churches at Rosemarkie, Mortlach (a very significant centre of the Celtic Church for centuries after), Clatt and . He died in 592. After the Irish came the third wave of mission to these parts in the later quarter of the 6th Century. This was led by St Mungo or if you prefer Kentigern. He had been trained under St Serf whose name is associated with activity from the Forth to the Tay area. Mungo preached in the Dee and Don valleys. Incidentally his cathedral site is in Glasgow but in those days the lace was called Cathures. One of his team St Nidan is linked with Midmar and Invernochty. Another team member, St Finan founded churches at (i.e. Llan-Finan), Monymusk and Migvie. Another colleague was St. Brite linked with Lhanbryde (llan-Brite-the church of St Brite). St Fumac founded at church at Dinnet. These men, Nidan, Finan and Brite were Welshmen. It is important to recall that the Pictish Celtic language was one branch, Welsh and Irish Gaelic are others from the same stem. Mungo invited these men to come up from Wales.

At this period, the Whithorn centre sent out St Donnan the Great who founded a church at Auchterless. But he had 52 other brothers were murdered by Dutch pirates in 616 on the west coast at Eigg. In the 7th Centure St. Marnoch moved from Ayrshire (Kilmarnock) to work on the banks of the River Deveron. He formed churches at and died there in 625. He is also associated with Inchmarnock, west of Aboyne and Leochel near Alford. An eminent Saint of Deeside is St Nathalan of Tullich near . He was of noble birth, very well educated (Latin, Greek and Hebrew) and also gave practical teaching on good agriculture. He also formed a church at Cowie (which predates of course). St Walloch was one of the last missionaries to be sent from Whithorn and the White ouse. He started a church at Logie, Dunmeth in the Deveron area, Balvenie in Glenfiddich and also in the Strathdon Area. St Comgall of is the last great name in the list of early Celtic saints active in Aberdeenshire. He founded the church in Turriff in 734. St Maelrubha (the redhead) founded a church at Keith and also is associated mainly with Applecross. St Manioc founded a church at Crathie. He discovered "a race of small people living in the trees, rocks and in caes and waste places speaking their own language'. The people were sunk in paganism and spiritism and the missionaries had a tough task to make an impact in the area. St Devenick founded Banchory-Devenick and also Methlick dying on 13 November 807. St Fittick (Fiacroc) founded the church on the hill at Nigg. St Brioc's name is the root of Brechin. Ninian's biographers says of him 'he taught the truth of the gospel and the purity of the Christian faith, God working with him and confirming the word with signs following'. His open air services were conducted beneath a heather thatch canopy supported by poles before a table.

Reference: The Origins of Christianity in Aberdeenshire by Douglas Simpson 1925. The Pictish Nation - its People and Church by Rev. A Scott 1912.

St Ternan's Scottish Episcopal Church

Since the arrival of Rita Acarnley as Priest in Charge of St Ternan's and Rector of St James Stonehaven we have had a busy and happy time. As well as St Ternan and St James also included in Rita's care are St Phillips and ( services held in Bourtree Hall). The group are known collectively as "The North Mearns Scottish Episcopal Churches" There is now eight members of the congregation from St Ternan's, St James and St Phillips Catterline who form a collaborative Ministry team taking services on Sundays and weekdays at the different churches.

Both St Ternan's and St James run Sunday Schools, are busy with Ecumenical and Community projects, and a Craft Group (for fellowship and fundraising). Annual activities include Lent Groups, World Day of Prayer, and Christian Aid. There are also social events throughout the year and a walking group which meets monthly after Sunday Service. As most of the young people seem to have other activities on a Sunday morning Rita is holding services on the first Saturday evening of the month 6.45 pm to 7pm at St James for the "Young at Heart"

Sunday services in the North Mearns Group of Churches is as follows

8.30am Eucharist St James Stonehaven 9.00am Eucharist at Bourtree Hall Portlethen 10.30am Eucharist at St Ternan's and St James 6.45pm Eucharist at St Phillips Catterline

Weekday Services

8.30am Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday Morning prayer at St Ternan 10.30am Thursday Eucharist at St James 5pm Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday Evening prayer at St James 7.00pm Thursday Eucharist at St Ternan

For further information about "The North Mearns Group of Churches" contact: The Rev Rita Acarnley 01569 730625 George Masson 01224 733583 Web site www.NMearns.SEC.org.uk Banchory-Devenick and - Church Events:

Events recently at Banchory Devenick and Maryculter-Cookney Church have included a special Evening Recital at Banchory Devenick Church, featuring our own very talented international musician Claire Telford, of Nether Burnhaugh, accompanied by George Donald (of 'Scotland The What' fame). There was also a very successful 'Harvest Home' dance at Cookney Hall, with the Lochnagar Trio. Both events were well attended, and the atmosphere at the recital was especially moving. The events continue in November with a Soup and Cheese Lunch after the Remembrance Day service, and another Ardoe Hall Scots Night on November 28th, with an even bigger array of local talent than last year's successful first run (Tel: 01224 861090). There will be a Burns Night in the Corbie Hall in late January featuring local people again. In all we do we will try to benefit both the Church and the Community, in order to enrich our local social and spiritual lives in an age of relative isolation and materialism that doesn't make our hearts happy. Schools events include a Christmas Musical Event in Banchory Devenick Church, on December 11th by children of the local Primary school (contact the school for details), and the usual Schools Joint Christmas Service on the last day of term, on December 19th in Maryculter Church, at 9.30am. All welcome!

Christmas services this year will mean Advent Sunday on November 30th, at both churches. (Services are usually at 10am and 11.30am at Banchory Devenick and Maryculter respectively, each Sunday; in Advent the times are no different). During Advent, the traditional candles will be lit, week by week, by the children. Sunday Schools feature especially on Sunday December 21st at both churches, with special contributions by the children. However, we have extra services at different times: the 'Watchnight' Service on Christmas Eve is this year at Maryculter Church, at 11.30pm. A Christmas Day Presents service, another new event intoduced last year, will be held at Banchory Devenick Church at 10am. The children bring one of their presents from 'Santa' to show us (not to give away!) All welcome again! Our 'Truthseekers' group for youngsters aged 10 and over meets Sunday evenings in the Manse from 6.30pm-7.30pm. A new event in 2004 will be a Discovery Group for adults in the congregation who have recently found faith, or are curious about it. Spouses are welcome too! This will take place in Maryculter at 7.30pm each Sunday evening - information from Bruce Gardner at (01224) 735776.

We wish everyone in the parish every blessing at Christmas and pray that God will bless us and unite us in God-glorifying life and love. In the New Year, may we find the courage and commitment to put Jesus Christ at the heart of our homes and lives and community again.

'And this is the commandment we have from him, that he who loves God must love his brother too'. [1 John 4:21] Bruce Gardner, Parish Minister. (01224) 735776

Maryculter Cookney Banchory-Devenick Guild

Meetings are held in Maryculter Church Hall at 7.30pm on the following dates:

Saturday 7th December - Christmas Coffee Morning & Sales Tables from 10-11.30 a.m. 2004 5th January - No meeting 2nd February - Children wtih Special Needs - Mrs Christine Gardner 1st March - Basket Whist Drive and Sales Table 5th April - Business Meeting 5th May - Supper Rally at Ardoe House Hotel at 6.30pm

Contact – Sheila Bisset on 01569 731708 or Helen McGregor 01224 861090 Meals on Wheels

We are a small group of five ladies who deliver meals on wheels in Maryculter and Banchory-Devenick. If you could spare about one and a half hours to do this worthwhile task on Tuesday and Thursday lunchtimes (at the moment it is once every five weeks) we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please contact Carol Masson on 01224 733583 for more information Kincardine and Deeside Befriending is based at the Crossroads Carer's Centre in Stonehaven and also at Banchory. Although the scheme is for older people living independently or with some support in the Kincardine and Deeside Area, our volunteer befrienders can come from almost anywhere in the area. We currently have around thirty volunteers matched with clients and we are always on the look out for more volunteers. Volunteers are given training, expenses and ongoing support from the scheme. We have regular befriender support meetings. Anyone who thinks they might enjoy getting to know an older person and enjoy a chat over a cup of tea or perhaps take them out shopping, or, if you know someone who might benefit from the Scheme should contact either Catherine King on 01569 765714 or Linda Taberner at K and D Befriending 72a High Street, Banchory AB31 5SS on 01330 820008 (both offices have answering machines). Library Service

Aberdeenshire Library Service (based at ) Tel 01651 8727070 runs a Mobile Library Van Service in the area. Contact Jacqueline Geekie at the above number with any queries Driving for the Disabled

Maryculter Driving for the Disabled Group is an independent charity registered in Scotland and a member of the Federation of RDA (Riding for Disabled including Driving)

The aim of the "Maryculter Driving for the Disabled" Group is to give the opportunity of driving a pony or horse to any disabled person who might benefit in general health and happiness.

We have had and excellent season this year. A far cry from the rain and cold of last year. If this is global warming then as far as how good it makes us all feel I am all for it. At Maryculter Home Farm, the disabled enjoyed driving through fields had fun driving cones, and drives along the river. We also had two visits to Maryculter Woods. Our numbers have increased this year. The word must have got out about the fine pieces and scones that the tea ladies provide. We finished the season with a barbecue at Home Farm. Harry McCulloch and Ann Raeburn, both passed their assessment as Able Bodied Whips, congratulations to them for the hard work they put in to pass this assessment.

On behalf of the disabled drivers my thanks to the helpers, AB Whips, carers, tea ladies who made the season so successful. Our thanks also to Jane MacInnes of Home Farm for the use of her fields through the season.

The Group’s Christmas get together and AGM will be held in the Mill Inn on Monday the 15th December.

For further information about the Groups activities contact:

George Masson Chairman 01224 733583 Caroline McTaggart Secretary 01224 734093

The Grampian Decorative and Fine Arts Society

Lectures take place at the Queen's Hotel on the second Wednesday of every month (summer excepted) at 7.30p.m. Pre-lecture drinks and bar suppers are available.

For information call Victoria Cleeton 01224 825633.

Window Cleaner Services Contact Mr Martin Pilley on 01261 815411

Fresh Local Produce - Locally grown tatties, courgettes, cauliflowers, carrots, spinach, herbs etc. can be purchased from The Andersons at West Funach by Durris (01330 844655) Local Councillors

Mike Rumbles MSP:

Mike Rumbles, MSP is based at 6 Dee Street, Banchory AB31 5ST, ‘phone number 01330 820268, fax; 01330 820106 and e-mail: [email protected]

Sandy Wallace:

Sandy Wallace can be contacted at Spyhill Cottage, Durris tel. 01224-844679 and e-mail [email protected]

Sir Robert Smith, MP now also has his office at 6 Dee Street, Banchory AB31 5ST, Tel. 01330 820330, Fax 01330 820106 and e-mail: HYPERLINK mailto:[email protected] [email protected] Maryculter Playgroup

The Playgroup will be celebrating it’s 30th Anniversary in November – and we have ‘acquired’ some photos of the original group in their groovy 70’s gear! We are hoping to organise a ‘reunion’ party/ceiladh in the Spring for everyone who has been involved over the past 30 years, so please keep an eye out for our posters in the New Year.

After last session’s boom numbers, the group is now operating with very children as most of the group moved onto the nurseries at Maryculter and . So please be aware that there are vacancies at the group for children aged 2 and a half to 4 years old. We meet every weekday during term time from 9.30am ‘til 12 noon at Maryculter Community Hall (next to the Mill Inn). The fees are very reasonable compared to private nurseries and funding is available for the over 3’s. Also, it’s a good way to meet other parents in the area & we try to make fundraising as sociable as possible.

Feel free to drop in if you’d like an information pack or else call Rhona or Anna (our Playgroup leaders) on 07765 525317 or our Chairperson Jacqui on 863433 (after 12pm). Maryculter Babies and Toddlers Group

We meet every Thursday morning of term-time, between 9.30-11.30 a.m., in the church at Kirkton of Maryculter. The group is open to all parents/caregivers with children under the age of 3 and provides an opportunity for both adults and children to socialise in a friendly environment. Expectant mothers are also welcome. Toys and snacks are provided for the children and teas/coffees and cake for the adults. A fee of £1.50 is charged per session to cover costs.

For further details contact: Claire 01224 864842 or Alison 01224 861048 Maryculter Primary Tel 01224 732162/Fax 735687

We all returned to school with fifty pupils and twenty 3 and 4 year old Nursery children. We welcomed seven P1 pupils and two older pupils. We have been therefore able to maintain three primary classes of 19, 16 and 5 pupils.

We were sad to say goodbye to our Mrs Shirreffs after nine years at Maryculter but happy that she has so many exciting plans for her retirement. We welcomed two new teachers who share the middle stages class, Mrs Kirk and Miss Martin. We now have a daily staff of twelve and our school administrator works full days Monday to Thursday. We have planned lots of exciting events for fund raising and we are looking forward to a fun but challenging year. We are shortly decorating our social area with the older pupils and already planning our Christmas outings and parties.

We are continuing to involve pupils in Care for our Environment are still a centre for recycling mobile phones, chargers and printer ink cartridges. Money earned goes to school funds. Please give any of the above to any pupil to bring into school or drop items in to the school office.

Our neighbour Mrs Napier helps the pupils keep our borders and pots flowering and we are grateful to her for the help. I would happily welcome anyone in the wider community who would like to look around the school I am sure many things have changed over the years.

I would like to personally give an example of community spirit. During the very snowy winter weather I drove into a snowdrift to the west of the school. I was very grateful to the young man driving a large farm vehicle, who after rescuing a driver beyond me, pulled me out. It was very cold and snowing heavily and he spent a great deal of time helping out. Thank You.

Kate Hopkins Netherley School Head Teacher - Ailsa MacKintosh - Tel: 01569 730049

On a beautiful Autumn morning, P4-7 had a very enjoyable and informative visit to Blairs Chapel and Museum. Our guide, Mr Taylor, really brought the history of the place to life and give us a glimpse of what life was like for the boys in the College. Highlights were the portrait of Mary Queen of Scots, complete with axe cuts on neck, and the beautiful interior of the chapel. Thanks also to Rev Gardner who accompanied us and kindly bought souvenirs from the Museum shop for the class.

Netherley School bids a fond farewell to Alison Turner, Head Teacher Relief at the school for 13 years. She has worked with and supported four Head Teachers – John Clelland, Maggie McPhee, Andy Hall and Ailsa MacKintosh – with energy, enthusiasm and great good humour. She will be missed, as teacher, colleague and friend, but we wish her every success in her new post at Airyhall School in Aberdeen.

Also leaving us this week is Jim, the bus driver, who is retiring. We will miss his friendly smile, safe driving and care for the children. Enjoy your retirement, Jim. No more digging the bus out of snowdrifts on Winter mornings or waiting for tows from Willie Angus and Doug Burr! Maryculter Friendship Club

Meets on the first Thursday of each month, May through to September, going on bus tours to places of interest. 2004 syllabus yet to be confirmed.

The October Whist Drive raised £314 and another has been organised for Friday 16th April 2004.

Contact Peggy (01224 734888) Football - Banchory Devenick

Contacts: Kim Ah-See 863301 or Kenny Keir – 639270

⇐ Netherley's coach, Steve Davies making the opening remarks at the prize giving ceremony Banchory-Devenick displaying the Inver Crynoch cup as winners for this year ⇒

⇐ Maryculter Crynoch team displaying their winner's shield

Celtic v's Inter Milan on the tug o' war pitch ⇒ Banchory-Devenick School Acting Head Teacher: Mrs Irenee Lawson – tel. 01224 875237/Fax 01224 895563

Staffing

Our term starts with a change of staff for the P 5/6/7 class. Mrs Bennett is gong back to being Head Teacher Relief in P 3/4 and a new supply teacher, Mrs Jane Swanson will join

Miss

Adams in her class for one and a half days per week. Many thanks to Mrs Bennett for her work last term. She did a wonderful job teaching both classes on different days of the week. I’m sure she will be glad to return to just one job!

School Grounds

Mrs Jane Ah-See and the School Board have been working hard trying to get the pitch up-graded. Meetings have been held with Authority representatives and contractors. It is

hoped that work will begin soon. Also, I have been in touch with the Authority’s maintenance staff regarding the painting of the main doors, and work should be done before the winter sets in. The benches in the playground have been repaired and painted for our quiet area, and the flower tubs have also been painted.

Environmental Studies Themes : Primary 1 / 2 is studying toys this session. Primary 3 / 4 is spending a little time completing their Egyptian Project before moving on to a science study – Magnetism. Primary 5 / 6 / 7 is completing their Victorian study and then going on to study Electricity.

Readathon A little boy who was supposed to start Primary 1 this year was diagnosed with cancer before the start of Term one. We have been in constant touch with his family through Reverend Gardner and through Mrs Paterson, and have asked them for their approval in a school fundraising event for the Sargent Children’s Cancer Appeal. The fundraiser will be a READATHON where the children are sponsored on the number of books they read (or in Primary 1 / 2 the number of books read to them) over a set period of time. Details and sponsor forms will be sent to you nearer the event.

End of term Carol Service

The joint end of term service with Maryculter and Netherley schools will be held in Maryculter Church on Friday 19th December.

Thanks …

Thank you for the large attendance at our Harvest Assembly. I hope you enjoyed our singing and especially our four poets, Calum Webb, Barney Stark, Murphy Keir and “oor loon” Andrew Strachan. Many thanks to Reverend Gardner for all his help and to Mrs Paterson for collecting the childrens’ many gifts. Mrs Lumsden and her team did a wonderful job distributing the parcels to our elderly neighbours. We have had many telephone calls and cards of thanks from those who received gifts.

Christmas Show We are staging a Christmas Show called “Star of Wonder” in Banchory Devenick church on Thursday 11th December.

Recycling of cartridges An easy way to raise money for the school is to save your used printer and fax cartridges. Recycling these cartridges will not only help the school but also help to protect the environment. Please send them into the school when you can.

MARYCULTER CARRIAGE DRIVING CENTRE

Learn the art and traditions of Carriage Driving

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

We can do all this – and much more, with our experienced horses and ponies We also have excellent farmhouse accommodation

Jane and Ewan MacInnes, Home Farm,Maryculter,Aberdeen 01224/732310 or 07889340362 email [email protected] www marycultercarriages.co.uk

Drum Castle

The nearest and most accessible of all National Trust properties. Most of our visitors this year seem to have been young Italians and Spaniards. Annual membership for anyone under 25 is £12 (or £9 if paid by direct debit). This means that young people could visit castles, gardens, bird reserves, climb Monroes etc. all for £12 (or £9) a year. So, if grannies, aunties, mums and dads are puzzling about what to give young people for Christmas why not consider organising a gift membership which can be dated to start from birthdays, Christmas or any date of their choice. At the other end of the age scale, senior memberships are also very good value and make an excellent retirement gift. Single annual membership for those over 60 is only £23 or £17.25DD for a couple (and only one needs to be over 60) the cost is £38 (or £28.50 DD). If everyone in the Friendship Club Took a membership, just think of all the fabulous places we could visit. The National Trust is a charity, receiving no government funding. It therefore, depends entirely on people like YOU becoming members, thus helping to preserve our wonderful heritage. Telephone Sheila Stuart on 734222 for details about membership.

The 7th Macmillan Coffee Morning held in Storybook Glen on 26th September raised over £630 which is a fantastic amount of money to raise in an hour and a half. MANY MANY thanks to all of you who attended it (and many of you have done so from the very first one), the stall holders and especially my loyal band of helpers who have also in most cases been with me right from the very first coffee morning – they are Audrey Lowson, Doreen Petrie, Mike and Jackie Dursley, Linda Aberdeen and Ann Middleton. May I also welcome and thank the latest new member of our team, Kathleen Morgan. A HUGE thank you too to Hazel and Alison Mitchell (and Alison’s Mum) from the Caravan Park who donated all the milk and most of the fantastic baking which was all snapped up as soon as it appeared on the sales table. Sheila Stuart Stonehaven Open Air Pool

This fabulous local asset has had a FANTASTIC season with nearly 35,000 visitors in its all too brief 12-week season. Next year when we no doubt revert to our normal, disappointing summer weather, please remember that the water temperature is wonderfully warm regardless of the weather. Remember too that the Splash Café welcomes swimmers and non-swimmers alike to enjoy Made’s fabulous home-made soups.

Sheila Stuart (01224-734222) Cults Academy School Event

Thursday 27th November from 7-9pm ….Cults Academy PTA Christmas Fair with lots of stall holders including crafts, candles, jewellery, Christmas decorations etc. Coffee or Mulled Wine & Christmas Pies. Anyone interested in having a stall (£15) call Ann Storey on 01224-734981. Urgent Help Required

Girlguiding Scotland has the following vacancies in Lower Deeside.

Rainbow Leader

Lots of enthusiasm and sense of fun is required if you are interested in working with the girls aged 5 - 7 years in the 1st Maryculter Rainbows unit. You will share the responsibilities of planning and organising the weekly meetings with our current unit leader. No previous guiding experience is required, as training will be given. For further information please call Lynda on 01224 733784. Brownie Leader

1st Brownies would like to get started on the new Brownie programme if only they had a leader to help them on their adventure. They already have an assistant leader who is ready to lend a hand; they just need someone to take charge. Brownies are aged between 7 – 10 years and have lots of energy, enthusiasm and interests so if you think you can help please call Enid Blaikie on 01330 822917 for further details. Previous guiding experience is not essential, as training will be given.

District Commissioner

Your role is to oversee the running of the units in Maryculter and Drumoak, offering support to the unit leaders, parents and girls. You will be required to attend evening meetings each quarter and relay information to and from the units, the County and Headquarters. Good communication and people skills would be of great benefit for this role. For further information please call Enid Blaikie on 01330 822917.

1st Maryculter Rainbows

We meet every Thursday at 5.15 p.m. - 6.15 p.m. in the Guide Hut at Kirkton of Maryculter. Girls aged 5-7 are invited to come along to play games, make crafts, sing songs, etc. For further details or putting your child's name on the waiting list contact

Sharon Malyn 735186 or Lynda MacKenzie 733784

1st Maryculter Brownies

Well, what a summer? We were out every Thursday night hiking through woods, paddling in rivers, crossing dead (and somewhat spikey) trees, over burns, cycling in Durris Forest and racing around Corbie Park. Of course, Brownies isn't always like this...there is a new Brownie programme out to keep us occupied in the winter monthgs ahead and we are looking forward to moving with the times whilst maintaining the essence of being a Brownie. At present we are running at full capacity and with a considerable waiting list which is very unfortunate for those who are turning 7 and not getting a place. If anyone out there is interested in helping out please get in touch. It obviously involves some time and effort but is very rewarding, not to mention good fun.

Telephone Elaine Davies on 01569 730374. 1st Maryculter Guides

Guides meet in the Scout and Guide Hut at the Kirkton of Maryculter on Tuesday nights 7.30 - 9.00 p.m. We have a varied programme and lots of fun.

Contact Diane Brown (01224 734687) Maryculter Beaver Colony

The Beavers finished last term saying good-bye to Leader Vivienne Merchant.Vivienne had been 'Brown Beaver' for 15 years and the Group thank her very much for her dedication to the Beavers over all those years. Aileen Uwins has joined the Group as the new Beaver leader and has settled in very quickly. The Beavers now have new badges to work towards and the first one we are tackling this term is the 'Animal Friendly' badge. A visit to Doonies Farm and a Pets Parade are typical of the 'adventures' our Beavers get up to. Boys between 6 and 8 years old can join the Beavers. For details contact Kathleen Paterson on 01224 868676 or Aileen Uwins on 01224 862385 Maryculter Cubs

No Cubs due to lack of leaders. (Could you be writing this report next time? Could you take on the role of a Cub Leader? Take it on as a hobby that would be enjoyable, rewarding, challenging and fun. Could you divert some leisure time to the challenge of Cub-leading? Give some of the other section leaders a 'phone for details of what’s involved) Maryculter Scouts

The Scouts made a very successful trip to the Black Forest in Germany in the Summer where they were made very welcome by the Scout Leaders of Oberkirch. Swimming, hiking, cycling, football, bouls, trips by rail and train were some of the activities that kept them busy. The rides at EuropaPark will remain a memory for a long time!! All Scouts took their kilts with them and were a colourful sight in the streets of Oberkirch. Now we have to get motivated again for the winter months. Graeme Paterson is now a warranted Leader and Andrew Black has volunteered to help as a junior leader with the Scouts as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Community Service. This new blood should ensure the 'Scouting Pace' in Maryculter is maintained. Joining the Scouts is open to boys between 10.5 and 13 years and details can be obtained from Les Paterson, tel 01224 868676 Explorer Scouts

This is a new age-group which replaces Venture Scouts and takes the 14 and 15 year olds out of the Scout Section into a more challenging 'Explorer' group for 14 to 18 year olds. This is open to male and female. Our nearest unit is the Lower Deeside unit which meets at Cults meantime. They are at the early stages of forming the unit and new members are welcome. There is no need to have been a Scout previously. For details of contacts tel. Les Paterson 01224 868676 Maryculter Community Hall and Corbie

Both the Hall and Field are being used regularly and bookings for the Autumn show a varied range of users. Carol Masson continues to be the contact for booking the hall and field. tel 733583. The Committee have extended the car-park recently to allow more of our users to park in the field and to leave the Old Mill Inn car park free for patrons of the Hotel. New goalposts have been provided to replace the old ones which had become dangerous. The new ones are aluminium and stored off-pitch but made available for official football games. The Committee are also looking at the possibility of providing two additional changing rooms for football teams which would avoid the need for them to use the main hall. The field has been scorched this summer being so dry and hot. Let’s hope the Autumn rains come in moderation this year and that our car-park is not washed away again! Les Paterson

SCOTTISH ACCORDION MUSIC IS NOW BEING PLAYED AT BANCHORY TOWN HALL, SECOND SUNDAY EVERY MONTH ALL WELCOME FOR INFORMATION CONTACT BILL COOPER, WESTVIEW, DRUMOAK, TEL 01330 811266 Fed Up with Junk Mail and Telephone Sales Calls …

You can reduce junk mail by registering with the Mailing Preference Service. Write to Freepost 22, London W1E 7EZ for an application form. They will inform the direct mail companies to remove you from their mailing lists. The Telephone preference Service does the same with telemarketing companies. Call Freephone 0800 398 893. Milk Delivery

Milk can be delivered by Robert Wiseman Dairies, Craigshaw Drive, West Tullos, Aberdeen tel. 896969. They will also deliver fresh orange juice, the Press and Journal and The Leader.

Booking contacts

Ardoe Hall - contact Wattie Simpson (01224 861774) Blairs College Hall - contact John Evans-Freke (01224-867626) Cookney Hall - contact Mrs. Ewan 01569 730259 or Mr. Keith 01224- 732304 Maryculter Community Hall/Corbie Park - contact Carol Masson on 01224-733583 Maryculter Scout and Guide Hut - contact Bob Simpson (01224-733984) Hotel

Forthcoming Events are:-

Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd November - Murder Mystery Weekend £99.00 pp

Throughout December - Festive Lunch Menu in Poachers Pocket 12 noon till 2pm 3 course lunch plus coffee £17.50 pp

Wednesday 17th December - Office Party Night £23.00pp for 3 course dinner plus coffee and mince pies and Disco till 1pm

Christmas Day Carvery in Poachers Pocket and Templar Suite, 3 course lunch plus coffee and mince pies, £45.00 adults and £22.50 children under 12

Christmas Day Luncheon in the Priory Restaurant, 3 course lunch plus coffee and mince pies, adults £59.00

Christmas Residential Breaks December 24th, 25th and 26th £39.00 pp per night for Bed and Breakfast

Scrooge's Family Carvery Lunch - Friday 26th December 3 course lunch plus coffee and mince pies adults £16.95, children under 12 £7.00

Hogmanay Ball, 6 course dinner and toasting in the New Year with glass of champagne, Traditional Scottish Ceilidh Band and residential disco, Black Tie, £75.00 pp

Saturday 27th December - Family and Friends Ceilidh 3 course plus coffee and mints adutls £16.95, Children under 12 £8.95

Friday 9th and Saturday 10th January 2004 Party nights 3 course dinner plus coffee and mince pies £23.95

Call now on 01224 732124 and ask for Margaret Wallace or Beverley Plummer

Contact your community council Postal address: Secretary, North Kincardine Rural Community Council, Howieshill, Netherley, STONEHAVEN AB39 3SN. Telephone: 01569 764436 E Mail: [email protected] See our website www.NKRCC.org

Community Councillors: Community Coucillors are elected for specific areas. The areas are denoted: BD : Banchory-Devenick, M Maryculter, N/C Netherley & Cookney. Philip Smart (Chairman) N/C, Raymond Cowan (Treasurer) M, Robert Keeler (Secretary) N/C, Michael Birch BD, Bill Fraser M, Jill Greenlees M, Kate Kleppang BD, Robert McKinney N/C, Kevin Park M, Duncan Petrie BD, Avril Tulloch M, Rob Winmill N/C. Meetings Details of community council meetings and contact details for the local councillors are carried on the notice boards in the area (including those outside each school) announced on local radio and are available on our website. Everyone from the area is very welcome at our public meetings. Meetings are generally (with the exception of the December meeting) held on the third Monday of each month from 7:30 pm in Corbie hall next to the Old Mill Inn on the South Deeside Road. Forthcoming meetings are currently scheduled for: 17 November 2003, 10 December 2003, 19 January 2004, 16 February 2004, 15 March 2004, 19 April 2004, 17 May 2004….

200+ Club appeal and Finance. Many of you (well at least 200 !) support our 200+ club – this provides the excitement of a monthly prize draw whilst raising money for local causes – so far this year the Playgroup, the Senior Citizens Association and the Maryculter Community Hall have been beneficiaries. NKRCC along with the other community councils receives a small grant from Aberdeenshire council for administration costs however because most admin costs are covered by donations in kind from councillors we are able to continue to give the majority of this grant to local good causes along with the 200 club funds. The Plant Sale which we have associated with the May meeting supports this independent newsletter for which we are grateful to Trish and Carolyn. We will be selling 200 club tickets for 2004 in the coming months so please put a fiver aside for one or more – thanks. Planning: A lot of the community council’s work concerns Aberdeenshire Council planning matters – either consultation on individual plans or commenting on the rules that govern planning applications in general (the so-called structure and local plans.

Blairs – proposal for a new Golf Course and 281 houses etc. About 3 years ago in the 'View' we quoted Aberdeenshire Council as saying that this proposal 'may not be decided until next Easter'. Well, three years later it does look as though it possibly might be decided by Easter - of 2004 ! By the time you read this a much-delayed Public Special Hearing will have taken place at Blairs. This hearing has been last delayed waiting for input from the road authorities At the hearing the Muir Group will have put its position along the lines that these houses are necessary to provide funds to repair the college building and NKRCC and the Green Wedge, among others, will have put their case for rejection of the application that such a large number of houses are unnecessary and that the proposal is contrary to many council planning policies. After that the actual decision on the application should be taken by the Aberdeenshire Council in December, January or February…….

Public Local Plan Inquiry On November 19th the Public Inquiry into the new Local Plan ( ALP ) will start to hear presentations from all those who have objected to various bits of the Plan and wish to appear in person. The whole process will take until March 19th next year. Broadly, the first month's sessions will take place at Woodhill House and will hear objections to policies - Housing, Green Belt, Conversion of steadings etc. In the new year there will be separate hearings in Inverurie, Ellon and Stonehaven etc dealing with items relevant to specific geographical areas. NKRCC will be taking part at various times in December, presenting a case on allowing steading conversions, another on employment in the countryside and finally one on wind farms. Both our and others’ written objections on these and other topics will also be taken into consideration by the Reporter when he reviews all the evidence. The same goes for those of you who have similarly sent in objections but do not wish to argue your case in person. All sittings are - naturally - open to the public. Much of this Inquiry will be conducted under a new set of rules designed to create a much more informal and less intimidating setting than the old cross-examination 'courtroom' style. It should also be said that as a result of objections already submitted over the public consultation period Aberdeenshire Council has already made several changes to policies and statements in particular areas. Modifications were made in July - including a complete re-writing of two particularly poorly-drafted policies, and others were made in September. Now yet another set of modifications has just been issued and the public consultation period for them runs until mid- November. From the start of this process (our meeting in Corbie Hall August 2000) it is a very long, complex and rather tedious business to follow from beginning to end but we have had some success so far. The end should come after we hear the Reporter's conclusions sometime in the Summer (or Autumn ? ) of 2004. That will be followed by Aberdeenshire Council accepting some of his recommendations and rejecting others. It perhaps may be all done and dusted by the end of 2004. Probably just about that time - 2005 or soon after- the Council may be embarking on another public consultation to decide if the Local Plan needs an up-date halfway through its life (which extends to 2016 ). Did someone mention the Forth Bridge ?

Western Peripheral Route: (WPR) For a project that has been on the shelf for longer than many care to remember there has been a lot of activity in the past months. This is now a Scottish Executive project with the local Councils acting as agents. The route they are promoting though our area is the so-called “route 14” endorsed years ago and running from the Charleston flyover junction on the A90 and crossing the South Deeside Road (SDR) just to the east of Blairs. When Aberdeenshire came to show us the line of route they could not tell us whether here would or would not be a junction between the SDR and the WPR but they did say that there would be no other junctions between Charleston and the SDR.

As the scheme progresses it will eventually be put out to consultation when objections can be heard. There is still, however in the intervening time much to be discovered in terms on the exact route line, its elevation, its gradient, lighting (if any), junctions, road surface, the closure or diversion of any of the roads that the WPR would cross, and, of course, any mitigation or compensation. We are also concerned that the impact on existing and future traffic movements should be properly understood by those working on this project. If you have a view on any or all of this please let us know. We have set up an email line for this issue at: [email protected] but any of the normal methods of communication are welcome as is attendance at our meetings ! We have shown below a diagram of the line of route that we have been given by Aberdeenshire Council. This is not, as far as we have been made aware, definitive. Police Offices

The 'phone numbers for the Police Offices within the South Aberdeenshire Command Area are:

Aboyne 013398 86313 01561 361222 Alford 019755 62222 Inverurie 01467 620222 Banchory 01330 822252 01467 642222 Ballater 013397 55222 01561 377222 013397 41222 Oldmeldrum 01651 872260 Ellon 1358 720222 Portlethen 01224 781999 01466 792246 Stonehaven 01569 762963 Insch 01464 820222 Westhill 01224 742422

If, for whatever reason, you would prefer not to speak to your local Police Office you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Your call will be free, you will not have to give your name and you may receive a reward. More details about Crimestoppers can be found on their web-site, www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Excerpt from Crime Bulletin

There has been an increase in the number of vehicles stolen from and Stonehaven area and drivers are reminded to secure their vehicles and activate the vehicles alarm when they leave their cars unattended.

Banchory - About 3.10am on Monday 21st October the Professional's Shop at Inchmarlo Golf Centre, Banchory, was broken into, for the second time in nine weeks.

However, two men, aged 19 and 30 years, from the Liverpool area have since been apprehended and reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with this crime and others that have occurred recently. A significant amount of stolen property has also been recovered.

Please note that it is believed that these men have been working as part of a team who target Golf Professional's Shops, so whilst it is a success to have them in custody, please remain vigilant for suspicious activity at your locations as the remaining members of the team may remain active.

Again this week within South Aberdeenshire we have seen a number of rural homes broken into during the day time, when householders were at work. During the summer months, one of the methods used by the thieve to find out if a householder is at home is to simply knock on someone's door and if there is a response they will make up an excuse as to why they are there by asking for directions or for water for their car.

Using this method, it is possible for the thief to call at a number of homes before they find an unoccupied property suitable to break into and I would urge householders to note details of suspicious persons and vehicles and report these incidents to there local Police Office at the time. Indeed we are actively seeking information on a grey old style 316 BMW motor car which was seen in suspicious circumstances this week. It is suspected that the occupants of this vehicle are actively involved in housebreaking and we would urge householders to telephone the Police immediately if they see this vehicle within their community.

Car Crime

Please help South Aberdeenshire Command Area tackle car crime. Remember when you leave your vehicle unattended please remove the ignition key, close all windows and lock the doors on the vehicle. This is only the first step to preventing crime. Have a look inside the vehicle and remove items such as loose change, shopping, handbags and even an old coat may make your car enough of a target for the thief. Where possible park in a well light area and always report suspicious persons around a vehicle to your local Police Office.

Drug Awareness

Help our Police fight the alarming increase in drug taking and drug related crime - here's a note of the Drugs Hotline Telephone Number to phone: 01224 635888

Contact Us

If you wish to report non emergency minor crimes by e-mail, you can do so by visiting the official Grampian Police web-site at www.grampian.police.uk. Please do not report crimes to the [email protected] e-mail address. If you have any comments to make regarding the contents of this Bulletin, or if you wish to discuss any security matter, please feel free to contact us, the South Aberdeenshire Crime Prevention Unit, on 01224 387335 or via e-mail at [email protected]

Buses

Bus Services in the Area - timetable can be obtained from phoning Bluebird on 212266 - Route 204 which runs Tuesday and a Friday in the Maryculter area. Dial-a-trip This is a Bus Service run for Aberdeenshire Council Concession Card Holders and Taxi Card Holders - phone 2 days in advance for this door to door service. All buses are fitted with tail lifts. Anyone wanting a time-table phone 01569 765765 and ask for Helen.

Converting a Steading, Building or Extending Maryculter WRIyour Home Meetings are held in Maryculter Community Hall, Corby Park, at 7.30 p.m. Telephone Paragon Systems on 2003 01224 735536 for2004 brochure on 12th November – Basket Whist Underfloor14 thheating. January – Life of a Lady Gardener 10th December – Tray Bakes DemonstrationHeat recovery11th February – Talk on Oriental Rugs Central Vacuum10th March Systems – Birthday Party 14th April – Talk on cuts of beef, lamb and pork 12th May – Business Meeting. Bring and Buy www.paragon-systems.co.uk For more information contact Elaine Donald (chair 01569 730590) or Sheila Bissett (01569-731708)

Maryculter Senior Citizens Association

The Car Treasure Hunt which was held in July raised £159 for the funds thanks to everyone who participated and gave donations towards the event. The annual Christmas Party will be held on Wednesday 3 December 2003 at Maryculter House Hotel. If you know of anyone who may be eligible this year please get in touch with any of the Committee Members:

Richard Connon - 01224 - 867580 Jim Dunn - 01569- 01224 733948 Derek Durrant – 01224-861160 Fiona Thomson – 01224-733324 Debbie Wallace or Geordie Wallace –

NORTH BURNSIDE BOARDING KENNELS AND CATTERY “Where part of your family becomes part of ours”

Tel. 01224-733474

Deeside Babysitting Circle

We are a group of Mums, many of us living a long way from our families, who help each other out with babysitting. We also get together socially once a month. New members are always welcome. If you are interested in joining our group please call Kirstine Smith on 01569 731191 or Helen Clarke on 01224 581544.

HANDMADE EXHIBITION AND SALE of work by Local Artisans

Thursday 27 November 10 – 8 Friday 28 November 10 – 4 Saturday 29 November 10 – 4

City Church, 49 Gilcomston Park off Rosemount Viaduct

Paintings, Willow Baskets, Designer Bears, Beaded Work, Bags, Hats, Handmade Cards, Decorated Glassware and much more! Locally grown fruit Jams and Honey, Christmas Cakes and Figgy Puddings – with Organic Fruit

Contact Hazel Irvine-Fortescue for further details 01224 735121

If you would like to contribute to our next issue which will be printed in the Spring, please contact:

Trish: Cairnview, Tillyhowes Steading, Banchory-Devenick, AB12 5XL Tel: 01224 876186 [email protected]

Carolyn: Corbie Cottage, Maryculter, Aberdeen AB12 5FT Tel: 01224 732026 [email protected]

We will endeavour to remind our regular contributors but would appreciate any information about forthcoming events in the area and also any historical snippets which would be of interest to our readers.