FOVERAN COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

April 2015 Issue 140

The New Boardwalk

FOVERAN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

First of all I would like to put on record my thanks to Janet Jones, the editor of the newsletter who at short notice pulls all the advertising and articles together into the format to go to the printers.

Thanks to the 1st Newburgh Scouts who have taken on the role of delivering in the majority of Newburgh, and to the others who deliver the newsletter to their communities, especially those who deliver up remote farm tracks.

Keith Watson and Martin McKenzie put up the Newburgh lights on a really foul day with torrential rain so special thanks to them, and to John Duncan who provided the access platform for the work to be carried out.

If you want to place an advert in future editions of the newsletter which is published three times a year then please contact me

Foveran Community Council looks after the interest of the residents of Newburgh, Foveran, and Cultercullen, and everything in between.

With the publication of the corrected boundaries of the Foveran Community Council, the houses at Bridgend and to the West of Udny Station are no longer in our area, so this will be the last issue of the newsletter to them, however it can now be accessed after publication by anyone on https://foverannews.wordpress.com/electronic-news-letter/

We act as a focal point where you can bring to our attention matters that may concern you. Elected councillors from Council normally also attend our meetings which are open to all.

Agenda’s for the meetings and minutes of the meetings are available on line at www.formartinecommunitycouncils.co.uk

A list of community councillors and scheduled meeting dates is on the back page

This newsletter would not be possible without the support of the companies who advertise in it, so please consider them when thinking of making a purchase.

Gallowshill Sports Hub

This is up and running and is available to all, not just the residents of Newburgh

The ongoing three subjects that come up at every meeting are these, in no particular order

Dog Fouling Litter Speeding

Police are addressing the speeding concerns (and parking at school gates)

Those who continue to foul with dog mess, or even worse, bag it then throw the bag away have no respect for the community they live in, or indeed their neighbours.

You can report them to our area dog warden Jennifer Senior and she can be contacted on 01467 628195.

Perhaps after a few residents have been fined, named, and shamed, then the dog fouling will stop.

Aberdeenshire Litter Initiative (ALI) are always looking for volunteer litter pickers to keep our villages clean

Newburgh

Those who walk the beach and at Newburgh will now see that the wooden boardwalk which was in a serious state of disrepair has been completely replaced by a brand new boardwalk manufactured from recycled plastic, which I am told should last 100 years.

Grateful thanks are due to Aberdeenshire Council Outdoor Access Department for this project. They are now hoping to stop horses being ridden up the new boardwalk.

The Bankers Bridge from Errol Place to the links has been closed as it is dangerous.

Please do not climb over the fence to use it, or remove the fencing

Aberdeenshire Council are considering options regarding its future, and have requested a further report as to refurbishment costs.

As it is highly likely that the Community Council will be consulted, I need to see what resources we have available to conduct our own thoughts on the state of the bridge

If you are a qualified Corrosion Engineer, Structural Engineer, or Civil Engineer and are willing to get involved then please contact me

We have requested that the old tennis pavilion be removed and an area suitable for seats be laid in its place

Finance was made availably by Aberdeenshire Council from the Developer Obligation funds for the upgrading of heating in the Church Hall, and to supply new goalposts for the Gallows Hill community Sports Hub, and also to replace the netting on the Multi Use games Area

The reporter from the Scottish Government visited Knockhall Road to review the application by Scotia for housing, and his decision is anticipated mid to end March

Foveran

New 5 a side goals have been supplied and we are trying to get some additional grass seeding on the pitch

The flooding at the A90 cannot be rectified at present due to the unsafe condition of the embankment.

Planning permission has been given for the new Scotia houses, however they cannot be occupied till 2017 when the village will be bypassed and the A90 declassified as a trunk road.

Udny Station

It is hoped drainage work on the park will commence shortly, full planning permission has been granted for the old Muffin and Crumpet site, and there is the possibility of a new 40 mph speed limit from the B999. Glen Douglas. Secretary

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Tipperty Industrial Estate, Tipperty, Aberdeenshire AB41 8LZ Trouble over Bridged Waters

As most Newburgh residents will be aware by now, the North Bridge over the Foveran Burn was closed in mid-February because it was deemed to be in a dangerous condition.

Councillors were asked at a meeting of the Area Committee in early March to recommend demolition of the bridge, on the grounds that it is thought to be beyond economic repair. However, the report presented to councillors didn’t give any costings for the works required to make the bridge safe again, or give much indication as to how successful any repairs were likely to be.

In light of this, I was pleased that the Committee accepted my suggestion to postpone taking a decision until such time as we had a proper costing for any repairs. It’s only once we have this information that councillors and the community as a whole will be able to reach an informed view about how best to proceed.

Quite understandably, there is anger with Aberdeenshire Council due to the lack of preventative maintenance carried out on the bridge over the past two decades. The priority now has to be to see just what level of commitment would be involved if the bridge could be repaired, and to get a management plan in place for the other bridges to make sure that they don’t fall into a similar state of disrepair at any point in the future.

New Chief Executive

In the last newsletter, I wrote a little about the ongoing search for a new Chief Executive for Aberdeenshire Council. I’m very pleased that following our recruitment process, we were able to appoint Jim Savege to the post.

Jim, who has now taken up the post, joins Aberdeenshire from Cumbria County Council, where he was the Corporate Director for Environment and Community Services. I’m sure I speak for everyone in wishing him well in his new position.

Speeding

As a resident of Foveran, I’m all too aware of the tendency of some drivers to speed down the hill onto Blairythan Terrace or ‘put their foot down’ before they get out of the 30 mph zone. This lack of consideration for others’ safety is particularly worrying given the usually quiet nature of the street and the number of local children who cross it on their way to and from the playpark.

I approached the local Police Inspector for Formartine to make him aware of these speeding issues and speed checks have now been carried out. Although no-one was caught speeding during those checks, the concern remains. For that reason, I’d urge anyone who sees someone driving at an inappropriate speed to take a note of the vehicle and registration number if possible so that it can be reported to the police.

Foveran Playpark

Following safety issues raised by residents, I’ve been concerned for some time with the state of the park fence and in particular with the fact that the gates were often left wedged open, making it possible for children to run from the park right out into the road. It was disappointing that when the new fence was installed, no consideration was given to moving the gates so that railings could be installed along the pavement to prevent this from happening.

For that reason, I’m delighted to report that persistence here has paid off, and that we will later this year see new safety barriers installed inside the park fence. These should help to stop children from running directly out of the park and onto the road, even if a gate has been wedged open.

Burns’ Night

Once again, the Burns Season has come and gone. While I enjoy a good Burns’ Supper as much as anyone, given that I usually end up attending, performing or speaking at around half a dozen, it is always a relief to get to the end of January safe in the knowledge that I won’t have to look at another haggis until the same time next year!

The highlight for me this year was once again attending and playing the fiddle at the Foveran Primary School Burns’ Supper, held in the village hall. Pupils of all ages came along with their parents and extended families to sing, dance and recite the Bard’s verses. It was wonderful to see the youngsters taking such an interest in their culture, and to see the community turning out in such strong support for a school event.

Cllr Richard Thomson

EDITOR’S NOTE

Thank you everyone for your contributions. If you’d like to write something for the August edition, please may I have it by the 6th of July 2015. You can email it to me, send it by post or ring and tell me what you want to say. If you get the Ansafone, please leave your name and number and I’ll get back to you. [email protected]

Mrs Janet Jones, South Minnes, Newburgh. Ellon. AB41 6BB. 01358 742304

If you would like to place an advertisement, please contact:

Glen Douglas, 23 Eider Road, Newburgh. AB41 6FD. Tel: 01368 789761 [email protected]

The rates for the last edition in 2014 and two issues in 2015 are: £60 for a full page, £30 for a ½ page, £15 for a ¼ page and £7.50p for 1/8th of a page. Please remember to include your name, full postal address and phone number when submitting an advertisement and let us know in how many issues you’d like it to appear. There are three newsletters a year. If changes to an existing advertisement are needed, let us know by the end of May 2015.

You will receive one invoice and payment in full is required before publication. It can be in cash, by cheque or bank transfer. If by bank transfer, please ring Glen or email him when the transfer is completed.

Tips: If possible, compose an advertisement without any colour in it and, ideally, in Word. I don’t have lots of posh programmes on my computer and converting some of the more complicated ones to make them compatible with the Newsletter can be difficult so keep it simple – please. Also, if you want a ¼ page advert, make it ‘portrait’ and not ‘landscape’ as one in ‘landscape’ is difficult to fit into the page. Thanks.

Newburgh Gala Day

Saturday 16th May

Newburgh Mathers School Playing Field 1 – 5pm

Now that spring is finally here the Gala committee are gearing up for an action-packed few months as we prepare for what will hopefully be another successful Gala in May.

Fundraising....

We have had a busy year organising a number of fundraising events such as the Tree Lighting/Soup and Pudding event, Groove Cruise Disco and by the time you are reading this newsletter we will have provided refreshments for the Beach Bash 10k run. These were very well supported and were hopefully enjoyed by everyone who attended them. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to the success of these events –through helping, participating, raffle donations etc - they wouldn’t happen (and as a result, neither would the Gala Day itself!) without your continued support.

Feedback.....

We would also like to thank all the local groups and businesses who took the time to complete and return the Gala questionnaires we sent out a few months ago. We value all the feedback we get and encourage anyone who wants to get involved with the Gala in any way to contact us at www.newburghgala.com or through the Face book page or phone Doreen on 01358 789082.

Gala Day....

Newburgh Gala 2015 looks set to be a huge success this year with lots of activities for everyone to enjoy. Exotic animals, Mega Slide and 42ft Inflatable assault course, Ythan Fiddlers, Archery, Dancing Displays, Pipe Band, Football/Netball Tournament, 2nd Hand Books, Dog Agility demonstration and of course, tea, coffee and homebakes (kindly provided by Corner Cafe) to name but a few of the treats we have in store!! To keep up to date with the latest Gala Day news please look at our webpage or like us on Facebook.

We need your help!!!

If you can spare some time on Gala day to help out in any way, please get in touch (see above for contact details) We need volunteers to help with set up and clear up, people to help with the stalls and donations of homebakes and second hand books. Even if you can only spare an hour it would be very much appreciated.

Newburgh Gala Committee www.newburghgala.com

And finally....we’re coming to see you....!!!

The Gala committee members and friends of the Gala will be coming round the houses in April/May, spreading the word about the Gala and giving everyone the opportunity to be entered into our Grand Prize Raffle to be drawn on Gala Day. We will be able to answer any questions you have about the Gala and we look forward to seeing you all to tell you more about this exciting event.

Thanks for your continued support

Newburgh Gala Committee Chris Humes Ellon Vet Surgeon is a mobile Veterinary Service Our vet will visit you in your home to treat and care for your pets. We provide scheduled appointments to our registered clients within 15 miles radius of our practice. Tel No. 01358 – 723420 Emergency No. 07835139761 www.chrishumes.vet – [email protected] Trading from Esslemont Ind. Est. Ellon AB41 8NW

Newburgh Gala Committee www.newburghgala.com

Phil Anderson Financial Services has been voted one of the Top Rated Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs) in the UK on consumer ratings site VouchedFor.

The accolade, which was awarded to Mr Anderson due to glowing reviews from his satisfied clients, follows closely to the Best Business Award for Corporate Social Responsibility given to the business in November 2013 for their involvement with local community and charities.

Mr Anderson who has offices in , Ellon and Caithness commented: "Being recognised as the top adviser in Aberdeenshire and a Top Rated Adviser in the whole of the UK is an amazing feeling. Financial advice is all about helping people to make the most of their hard earned money. In today's testing times it is more important than ever that people plan for the future. Speaking to an adviser can save you thousands, be that getting the right mortgage, pension, annuity or making the right decision with your savings."

philanderson nancial.co.uk web | admin@philanderson nancial.co.uk email 34 Market Street, Ellon, AB41 9JD | 01358 268166 office NEWBURGH WRI

The Newburgh WRI organised a really varied programme this year. Our December meeting was the Christmas Party with each member bringing either a savoury or sweet dish to ‘Taste and Try’, so we all had a most delicious and varied buffet. Once of the competitions this month was a jug of punch so there was an interesting array of drinks as well – not least for the competition judge – a remarkably sober Mrs Lund! We also tried to guess the WRI members from childhood photographs. This was surprisingly hard – even for those who had been at school together! The evening was completed with the singing of Christmas Carols.

January is always difficult to plan for as the weather can be unpredictable. We decided to ask some of our own members to do a crochet class for those who wanted to learn. We were divided into three groups with at least one member who can crochet in each group. We all learned how to start with a chain and some even managed to progress to a crocheted square. Thanks are due again to those who had the patience to share their knowledge for an evening.

Poor weather can also prove a problem in February – although in both January and February we were very fortunate to have good weather – so again the programme had been planned with this in mind and a local speaker was chosen for this meeting. We welcomed Mrs Paula Hawthorn and her friend Mrs Debbie Brazier who then spoke about the New Life Homes Trust. Mrs Hawthorn supports and raises money for the New Life Homes Trust, which is a Christian charity rescuing and supporting abandoned babies and giving them love, medication and whatever they need until they can be adopted by a Kenyan family. Some of the examples she gave were quite harrowing.

After this we were given the opportunity to make necklaces from discarded Kazuri beads. The beads are handmade by single mothers in Kenya from clay, but damaged ones are discarded. Mrs Hawthorn asks for them and repairs them so that she can use them to raise money for the abandoned babies. She then takes them around to evenings like this, allowing people to make their own jewellery in exchange for a donation to the charity. She sees a link between the abandoned babies and the discarded beads which enables her to clearly convey her message to her audiences.

In March we had another local speaker. Mr Bob Davis spoke to us about his trip to New Zealand where he spent about a month trekking around the country. (‘Tramping’ is the term used by New Zealanders). He spent most of the time camping where he could but on occasions he had to use the specially designed huts. He showed some fantastic slides, I think many of us were quite tempted – until he mentioned the earthquakes and the potential of volcanic eruptions. He explained about the flora and fauna – again illustrating this with slides where he could and concluded his talk by answering questions.

Newburgh WRI meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm in Newburgh Public Hall. Further information can be obtained from Mrs Margaret Singer on 01358 789634. New members are always welcome.

Sue Edwards Press Secretary.

Registered Charity # SC006790 Newburgh Playgroup Newburgh Playgroup, Rising 5’s and 2’s Group We are a Registered Charity

All of our children have settled back in well following their return from the festive break. We have spoken to our older children about New Year’s resolutions, and they have all come up with something that they will try to keep to this year. We have been focusing on healthy foods and have been asking our children to bring in pictures from home to make a collage, in order to brighten up our menu board.

During the winter months we have been discussing the windy, icy weather and how it affects the way we travel. Rising 5’s children have been experimenting with water and they made some ice of their own. The children filled cups with water and put them outside overnight to see what would happen. We then took this a step further looking at how hot water changes from one form to another and how it relates to our everyday experiences, the children loved being involved and certainly learned a lot from the experiments.

Following on from our winter theme, we took the opportunity to watch a DVD of the Frozen Planet and discussed how animals survive in the cold. We decided to make a frozen planet of our own using the water tray. We coloured the water and added ice cubes to make icebergs and added penguins and whales.

Rising 5’s children have visited the Satrosphere for Little Scientist Day, which is especially designed for children under 5. The children had the opportunity to explore the interactive exhibits, then attended two shows all about the materials.

Playgroup children enjoy arranging parties, writing invitations, baking cakes and dancing, The group decided to arrange party games, with a particular favourite being pass the parcel, this provided them with an opportunity to demonstrate group listening and sharing and building positive and effective relationships.

The children have been very prolific and creative with their artwork. They have been doing lots of painting and model making. The children are all encouraged to choose which resources they want to use and work with them independently.

We are planning to take our Playgroup children to Doonies Farm in the Spring to look at the baby animals.

Our 2’s group on a Tuesday afternoon continues to be well attended. These sessions are a great stepping stone to starting their pre-school journey.

We have continued our Fundraising efforts, with The Great Newburgh Bake Off held on 28th February. Many thanks to Rev. Ricky Reid and Sinead Lindsay for volunteering to be our Chef’s for the evening, a good evening was had and thank you to all those who supported the event by coming along or donating raffles and providing home bakes. Some dates for your diaries over the coming months for events are: Children’s Party – Saturday 25th April. 2pm – 4pm. Open to children up to Primary 4 May Fair – Saturday 9th May 10am – 12pm Both events will be held in the Village Hall. We have held Parent interviews for Rising 5’s and Playgroup children and we really enjoyed having a chat with the parents and receiving feedback.

And finally ......

Although we do receive some government funding, much of our running costs are covered by money raised from fundraising and every little helps. If you would like to support Newburgh Playgroup, you can do so (at no cost to you), by making internet purchases via the fundraising website easyfundraising.org.uk. Lots of retailers subscribe to this service and offer a percentage donation to your chosen cause. It’s easy to use; just remember to make purchases via the easyfundraising website and enter Newburgh Playgroup in the dialogue box. If you would like further information about Playgroup and what we do, or if you’d like to visit us, please contact us on 01358 789461 or email [email protected].

We currently offer sessions as follows:

Rising 5’s – Monday to Friday 8.45am – 11.55am Playgroup – Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday – 12.30pm – 4.30pm 2’s Group – Tuesday – 12.30pm – 2.30pm

Best wishes and thanks for your continued support,

Newburgh Playgroup Staff and Committee.

ANYONE FOR TENNIS?

Would you like to play tennis in Newburgh? Well now we have the opportunity. The new multi purpose court at Gallowshill has the facility to offer adults and children an opportunity to play tennis in our village. There are several things on offer:

1. On April 12th from 1.30pm there is a taster session for children. See the advertisement in this magazine for the times for different age groups. Please contact Graeme Donald, LTA tennis coach on 07562 986485 to book a place. We welcome all age groups from four years to sixteen years. If there is enough interest there will be classes organised for the Easter holidays.

2. A fantastic way to keep fit is cardio tennis. You don’t have to play tennis to take part. Come along on 12th April between 4.30pm-5.30pm for a free demonstration. If there is enough interest we will run a regular class. Again contact Graeme on 07562 986485 for additional information. Alternatively turn up on the 12th April and see for yourself!

3. There will be a regular tennis evening during the summer months. Just turn up, pay and play. We will start on Monday 11th May from 7-10pm. It is very informal and we will play doubles.

4. Never played tennis before? We plan to organise group coaching sessions for adults both for beginners and intermediates.

For any more information please contact Pat Smith 07793 500 768. Hope to see you all on 12th April and or 11th May.

Gallowshill Sport Facility – Newburgh

Free Taster Sessions- open to all from Newburgh, Foveran, Cultercullen, & Udny Station

The facility at Gallowshill will offer free Taster Session / Coaching on Sunday 12th April 2015

Tennis

Red session (5-6 years) 13.15 - 14.00 Orange session (7-9 years) 14.00 - 15.00 Green session (10-16 years) 15.00 - 16.00 www.LTAmimitennis.co.uk

Cardio Fitness session open to all adults 16.15 - 17.15 www.lta.org.uk/allplaytennis/about/cardiotennis

Places are limited, so if you want to participate, please register your interest with Graeme, the Tennis and Cardio coach on 07562 986485, or e mail [email protected]

For the Red, Orange, and Green participants you will need to advise:

Preferred session, Name, Date of Birth, contact phone number and e mail, address, and any known medical conditions

Thanks to Gallowshill and to Graeme who are providing these taster sessions free.

Newburgh-on-Ythan Golf Club

(Website address: http://www.newburghgolfclub.co.uk)

Families Welcome

We are preparing for the new Summer Season and looking forward to those long warm sunny days which we hope are just around the corner.

We are looking to attract more families to come and play gold on Sunday afternoons. Coaching lessons are available for all family members who would be interested in playing golf. Robbie Stewart, our Professional Golfer, would be happy to provide lessons for you.

Remember, you do not have to be a golfer to enjoy the facilities and the view over the Ythan River from our modern Clubhouse. Our Social memberships allow families to come along, have lunch and enjoy the view in our relaxed family area before venturing out for a walk along the beach.

We are trying to make our Club as friendly as possible for families and so please let us know what else we can do to make your family visit more enjoyable. Your suggestions will be most welcome.

We have two categories of Social Memberships which may be of interest:

• For £15 a year as a Full Social Member, you can enjoy all the facilities that we have during the morning, afternoon and evening. You would also be able to attend any Social Activities that are organised by the Club (e.g. bingo and quiz nights which occur monthly). In May there will be a Rod Stewart Tribute Show. Look out for the Posters!

Our new Summer Menu will start on Friday 20 March and our longer Summer Opening Hours will begin on Monday 30 March. Our popular Sunday Carvery will continue during the summer from 4pm to 7.30pm from £8.50 for a one course meal.

• Alternatively, for £5.00 a year, you can become a Lunch-time Social Member, which would allow you to visit the Club at lunchtimes to have lunch, enjoy a drink from the bar, or just a cup of coffee with your friends.

The Club has a well stocked bar, offering a range of alcoholic and soft drinks at competitive prices. Sandy Penny and his enthusiastic and friendly bar staff will be happy to look after you. Martin Buhler and his staff provide our Catering Service. Martin provides a range of snacks – soup, chips, bacon rolls, sandwiches and toasties. Daily specials are always available too. In the evenings, there is an a la carte menu providing a range of good food at reasonable prices.

If you would like to join our Club as a Social member, feel free to visit our Clubhouse and we will be happy to show you round.

Shona Reid, our Administrator (Tel: 01358 789058, Option 2) will be happy to receive any comments and answer any questions.

We look forward to welcoming you to our Club.

KEY’N EDGE (ELLON)

37a The Square

ELLON. AB41 9JB

(01358) 723555

Key-cutting, engraving

Locks sold/repaired.

Pictures/sewings framed.

Glass replaced.

Opening/closing times:

Tue./Thur./Fri. 9.00 – 1.00

Saturday 9.30 – 1.00

1st Newburgh Guides continues to be a busy unit with around 25 girls at present & we’re expecting a few brownies to move up in the next few months.

Firstly we’d like to thank everyone who used our Christmas Card Delivery Service in December – our guides enjoyed being posties for a few weeks & did a great job. We raised around £80 from this but more importantly we were glad people wanted to use & benefitted from our service. We got a lots of lovely feedback from people which was really nice to receive . Thanks also to Stuart & staff for letting us have our “post box” in Costcutters again – it was very much appreciated.

Continuing on a fundraising theme last night the three Girlguiding units in the village – Rainbows, Brownies & Guides came together to hold a “ House Beetle Drive” to raise funds for the upgrading of the Fyvie House Guide House. It was lovely to see all the units having fun together & this is something we hope to do more of. We also raised £102.00 which is fantastic & will be gratefully received by the Fyvie House committee.

At the moment our guides are also busy organising a Fundraising Coffee Morning for Saturday 7th March 2015 to raise funds for our forthcoming trip to the Tartan Gig in May.

This term we’ve been working on developing our Patrols & as part of this each patrol has been working on a Challenge Badge – there has been a lot of chocolate eaten in the last few weeks which seems to feature heavily!! We’ve also seen patrols carrying out “relaxation” activities & yoga as well as seeing some great experiments carried out. We’ve also been working on Team Leader badges with our Patrol Leaders & Team Player badges with the rest of the patrols.

If you would like more information on 1st Newburgh Guides please contact Karen on 01358 789523

What will we do at the weekend? – Shopping ?, Football ?. - Why not do something different - Let’s go fly a Glider

Take a flight in a 2-seat Glider over Royal Deeside from , where you will be shown how to fly, and get the opportunity to take control

Initial cost only £75.00 and includes 3 months membership of Deeside Gliding Club. Subsequent flights typically around £38-£40.

Flight gift vouchers are also available which make ideal presents,

You can fly a Glider solo at 14, but you cannot learn to drive a car till you are 17

Buy on line at www.deesideglidingclub.co.uk, or phone 013398 85339

1st Newburgh Rainbows

Rainbows is the most junior section of Girlguiding UK for girls who are 5 years old and attending primary school. 1st Newburgh Rainbows is held on a Wednesday evening from 6.15 – 7.15pm.

The girls all enjoyed a fun Christmas party with Jumpin Jax of ...lots of fun games, running around and some party treats too. We said goodbye to some of our members who are off to Brownies now, and welcomed some new members after the Christmas Holidays.

Since Christmas, the girls have been doing lots of different things. They’ve created some beautiful Japanese dolls in celebration of the Japanese doll festival, been out for a torch lit walk around the village, and celebrated Burns night.

Most recently, the Rainbows enjoyed a Fyvie House Beetle drive organised by some local Guides for them and the Brownies. As well as being a successful fundraiser for Fyvie House, it was great to see the girls from the different sections enjoying time together and we hope to be able to do something similar again soon. Fyvie House is the local Guide House, used by all local sections of Girlguiding for events and trips. In need of some refurbishment, it will benefit from funds raised from this and similar activities.

We are looking forward to welcoming a local paramedic and policeman to the Group later this month (March), to talk to the girls about their role in the community and how to keep themselves safe. We are also looking forward to attending a group event in Inverurie in June, aptly titled “Rainbow Riot”! Sounds like it’s going to be fun!

If you would like any information about 1st Newburgh Rainbows, please contact Jenny (01358 788071), or Sarah (01358 789136). Thanks!

Thanks very much to all of you who support and assist with rainbows in any way. Without your help, we wouldn’t be able to run.

See you soon!

Jenny, Lynsey, Sarah, Sophie and Hannah Newburgh Tooters

Do you play a musical instrument??

Do you want to get playing again, but need something to practise for? Well, now’s your chance!!

We are a group of musicians of all ages and abilities who get together throughout the year to play music together. We are practising at the moment for a performance at Newburgh Gala in May, but we get together for other events too. We are always looking for new members and all instruments are welcome.

The musical arrangements are quite easy and we usually practise every Sunday in Newburgh Public Hall.

For more info, contact Doreen Astley 789082

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Netball @ Gallowhill Community Sports Facility, Newburgh

With the new multi-purpose sports court complete, I’m trying to get enough people together for a regular weekly netball game.

Day: Thursday

Time: 7pm-8pm

Start: April (after the Easter break)

If you’re looking for a fun way to stay active, why not give it a go?

If you want to join in, please email me your contact details and I’ll get in touch with more information before the end of March.

Jen Strachan [email protected]

Jogscotland Newburgh was officially born in the Spring 2014 & we continue to grow with approximately 30 members & 8 qualified jog leaders. Its fantastic to see so many people running in Newburgh.

Our next 10 week blocks will start on Wednesday 15th April and we’ll offer the following:

• 6.45: Beginner Level 1 – designed for complete beginners. By the end of the block you will be able to run 2km/run 15 minutes continuously • 7.30: Intermediate Level 1 – designed for people who can run for 30 mins/4km. By the endof the block you will be able to run for 40 minutes/5km • 7.30: Intermediate Level 2 – designed for people who can run for 30 mins/5km. By the end of the block you will be able to run continously for 1 hour/10km

All classes meet at the Public Hall in Newburgh & we charge £10 per block.

We’ll hold an information night in the Church Hall on Monday 13th April at 7.30 or alternatively please contact us on [email protected] or www.jogscotland.org.uk

A little bit of information on the philisophy of Jogscotland

• jogscotland is Scotland’s recreational running network and is part of scottishathletics. It has around 27,000 members running in supportive, sociable groups all over the country. • Groups are led by qualified, Jog Leaders (mostly volunteers), who guide and inspire their jog groups. • There are around 700 jogscotland groups across Scotland, meeting in sports centres, community halls, parks and businesses, and jogging on their local paths, pavements and trails. • Nobody is “too slow” to join jogscotland. Groups are available for joggers of all levels, from complete beginners to long-distance runners. Beginner sessions include a combination of gentle jogging and walking, with a gradual increase in jogging as fitness and confidence begin to build. Within 20 weeks of starting as a complete beginner, you will probably be able to run 5K (three miles). The emphasis at every jogscotland group is on enjoying exercise and supporting one another in a friendly atmosphere.

THE YTHAN CRONIES

Since our last report we have had our Xmas Party at the Golf Club. Entertainment this year was provided by Mhairi Shand who played a selection of tunes from Scotland England, Ireland and Wales, with stories and poems in between and finishing with Xmas Carols. This was enjoyed by all. We would like to thank the catering staff for a lovely meal.

Our speaker (Wiltshire Foods) for February was cancelled but it has been arranged for 27th May. If anyone is interested to hear about Wiltshire Foods and would like to come along at 1.30 we would be pleased to see you.

Gordon Porter opened his annual talk to the Cronies, ‘Music of the 1960s.’ with an explanation of ‘Fair Dealing’ and how only non profit making societies can share copyright material in a public place. House keeping over he launched into Pirate Radio complete with sound reproductions from Simon Dee on Radio Caroline. Ensuring most of the audience were avid followers of ‘Pointless’, we scored the first acts from ‘Ready Steady Go’ and ‘Top of the Pops’ and listened to the Dave Clark Five, the Hollies, Dusty Springfield and a spirited rendition of ‘Satisfaction’ from the Rolling Stones . Theme tunes from original TV Soaps and Sitcoms and ‘who played what character’ was followed by a stunning excerpt from the music of ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ as part of the top five movies of the 1960s. Near closure was an insight into the modern music business taken from time with his daughter (who owns ‘Hall or Nothing’ a press company) and a nostalgic tour of the pubs around Denmark Street, Covent Garden and Soho. ‘England Swings’ by Roger Millar and ‘When I’m Sixty Four’ by the Beatles, closed the show.

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CULTERCULLEN and UDNY STATION

Cultercullen WRI held their January meeting with President Barbara Reid introducing Norman Smith to talk on the spice trail of Kerala. Norman Smith gave a very interesting talk and slide show on his holiday travelling through the Kerela area, finding out about the different spices that are grown in the area. Norman also had a quiz on how many spices we recognized.

After tea provided by Helen Thain any business was discussed.

Competitions were judged by Norman Smith as follows:

Tattie soup: 1. Moreen Alexander 2. Helen Thain 3. Eileen Andrew Photograph (Autumn Colours): 1. Eileen Andrew 2. Moreen Alexander Flower of the Month: 1. Moreen Alexander

President of Cultercullen WRI Barbara Reid welcomed Dr Fiona Jane Brown from Hidden Aberdeen who gave a talk and slide show. Fiona arranges different themed walking tours to different parts of Aberdeen, taking in properties that are not so well known, and telling stories about the history of the areas. Fiona has also written books with short stories about the Hidden History of Aberdeen.

Fiona judged the competitions as follows:

Scented Sachet: 1 Carol Hay 2 Eileen Andrew 3 Carol Ritchie Sandwich Filling: 1 Eileen Andrew 2 Carol Hay 3 Helen Thain Flower of the month: 1 Carol Ritchie 2 Moreen Alexander 3 Carol Hay

All enjoyed a cup of tea after which a vote of thanks was given by Muriel Milne.

A Walk on the Wildside

‘Spring is not far away’ was the final sentence that I wrote in the previous edition, jings now spring has sprung and it is all go in the great outdoors, time truly does fly. And not just ‘time’ flies as when this edition of the Fav. News drops onto your doormat, the will be back along the Foveran shore after their winter break, and the geese will be packing their suitcases ready to wing their way off for their summer vacation.

There is no need for any of you good Foveranites to book exotic holidays to far away places such as Maud or , oh no just stay here and enjoy the wealth of amazing wildlife that is outside your back door, and all for free, what an offer. Already early flowers will have faded into seediness but they will be replaced again and again as the species come and go as is their wont, right through spring and summer. Primroses should still be blooming beautiful in their natural of hedgerows or open woody glades. Unfortunately there are not a lot of those in Foveran but do not despair as wildflowers are very adaptable, and one of the best shows of this lovely early on the go plant, are the sea braes north and south of . You will not get much more ‘adaptable’ than seeing a normal woodland species growing in profusion next to the sea, with not a tree in sight! Later on in the season’s progression, you will find what you would expect along the sea braes, the delightful thrift or sea pinks, and where else would you find this lovely flower? Well prepare to be amazed as thrift grows up in the Cairngorms, and not even a spring every gets that high! Scurvy grass is another species found in the mountains but more common along the shore, right down at the waters edge. Oh yes scurvy grass, (just for those of you that compile quizzes) how did it get its name? Easy peasy as the leaves act as an anti scorbutic. Still confused? Well if you have been on a long sea journey and did not get your daily lemon, you may well develop scurvy; a lack of vitamin C. Long ago when sailors came ashore with symptoms of scurvy they ate the deep green leaves and hey presto, they were cured. You can try eating the leaves yourself, but beware they are quite bitter tasting, however no doubt the taste would not bother you if you knew that you had a remedy for your ills.

There is another wild plant that grows along the coast north of Rockend on Forvie, and that acts in much the same way as scurvy grass, it is Scots lovage. This plant used to be considered as a ‘herb’ and was used in cooking. I have heard that some folks grew it in their gardens and used it in the kitchen. While scurvy grass is a very low growing plant; knee high to a mouse, Scots lovage is a tall species, almost knee high to a human. It belongs to a large group of plants known as the umbelifers, and they are characterised by the shape of the flower head. Now pay attention, as this is where it gets technical. ‘Umbelifer’ think umbrella as that is the shape of the flowers, that are a large grouping of tiny individual ‘florets’ held on the ends of stiff stems like the spokes of an umbrella, and forming a domed shape, yes umbrella describes them perfectly.

Scots lovage leaves are quite tasty; well I think that they are. Someone once described the taste like ‘hot parsley’? I suppose that is as good as anything and I certainly agree on the ‘hot’ description, as the leaves are really peppery to eat. But you should be a wee bit careful and get to know your plants, eat the wrong one and byeee early! If you have a birthday coming up, it would be wise to drop a few hints that a good flora would be a welcome gift, then you can truly appreciate the wonderful world of native wildflowers, and be able to go out and enjoy them as the daylight lengthens. After all I would not want to hear that one of my readers (I have three at the last count), has mistaken hemlock water-dropwort for Scots lovage, whoops! What on earth you ask is hemlock water-dropwort? Umm, look it up in your newly acquired flora.

Take good care of yourselves and our wildlife until the next edition. Byeeee.

Bob Davis - 24 July, 2015

GROWING THINGS.

Here we are at the beginning of another gardening year, and this year without the dreadful snow damage to deal with. We haven’t got off completely though as is been a winter of gales instead – there are hundreds of trees that have been blown over around me. I always feel sad when I see a huge tree, that has stood many gales in its two hundred year life, uprooted, but quite often they can’t stay rooted, as the ground is too water logged. With increased rainfall levels I fear we will continue to lose more of our large specimens.

The snowdrops have been especially good this spring, having started to flower earlier with the mild winter, carried on for almost two months with the cool temperature – a few overlapping with the first of the daffodils! It’s been a bit of a rush to get the spring clearing and pruning done before the buds burst. Having left some of the old foliage and dead flower heads as protection over the winter, it becomes quite difficult to cut them back without damaging the newly growing shoots underneath. Peonies, catmint and sedums can easily be damaged as their new growth starts quite early, and it’s very easy to snip a new shoot whilst cutting back the old!

Now is the time to cut back Buddliea, Sambucus and shrubby Spirea, as they all flower on this year’s growth. Roses get pruned now also, bush roses to a couple of buds on each stem and shrub roses can just have a ‘haircut’ with shears. Climbers and ramblers are a bit more tricky, but well worth the effort. Climbing roses, if growing on a wall, should be trained so that the stems are laid as close to horizontal as possible. This encourages each bud along the length of stem to burst, therefore producing more flowers. Once these stems produce shoots, these shoots are shortened to one bud each spring. As the plant produces a new shoot from the base, an old stem can be cut out and replaced by the new one, again in the spring, thus rejuvenating the plant. If the stems are tied in vertically, only a few of the buds will break and the flower display is therefore less. It is slightly harder to achieve the same effect if the climber is grown on a pillar, but if the stems are laid at a 45deg angle, spiralled and tied around the structure, it will help to produce a better flowering display.

This is where rambling roses come into their own. They are better suited to growing on pergolas, arches and pillars, as they flower on the stems produced during the previous season, pruning them is a bit easier. Ramblers produce long flexible stems during the growing season and these are tied up to protect them during the winter. In the spring, it’s often easier to untie the whole rose from the structure and prune out a few of the old stems, making space to tie in some of the new. The old stems will have side shoots that flowered the previous year and they are shortened to one bud (spur pruned). The new ones are then tied in at an angle, to promote flowering.

I don’t suppose we will be lucky enough to have another glorious summer like last year. There was hardly a slug to be seen, so the Hosta were magnificent, but I fear that this mild winter has benefited several garden ‘pests’, although there should be more butterflies and moths, as they enjoyed the lovely summer – and hopefully more bees. There are plants that require a frosted period to flourish, such as the rose family, so we may be disappointed in our rose display and soft fruit crop, on the other hand, primulas and meconopsis enjoy cooler conditions and struggled with the heat of last year.

Such is the challenge of gardening in Scotland – or maybe just gardening!

Happy Gardening Lesley Barnett

POLICE NEWS

Police Scotland conducted their annual four week festive Drink Drive campaign over the recent Festive Period.

Nationally there has been a 19% reduction in offences detected. However, in our own B Division, we have seen a 51% decrease in offences detected.

There is no doubt that the new drink drive limit, which came into force on 5 December 2014, bringing Scotland into line with much of the rest of , has been the source of much debate and dinner table conversations. The consensus, on the whole, has been that it is positive move designed to reduce fatalities and injuries.

• According to the latest figures, it is estimated that just over 1 in 10 deaths on Scottish roads involve drivers who are over the legal limit.

• Drink driving fatalities cost Scotland an estimated £45 million a year

• We will continue in our efforts to change driver behaviour in order to make our roads safer, and our advice for the year ahead is simple - drink driving is completely unacceptable and puts lives at risk, therefore the best approach is to avoid alcohol altogether if you intend to get behind the wheel.

The initial campaign may be over, but our work continues and the message remains the same - don't risk it, don't take any alcohol before you get behind the wheel and it will help you help us keep people safe.

It is worth reminding drivers of the tough legal and personal consequences of a drink drive conviction,

• Automatic Loss of licence - a 12 month driving ban

• A criminal record - for a minimum of 20 years

• A risk of being fined up to £5,000

• A risk of being imprisoned for up to 6 months

• An increased risk of losing your vehicle Find out more by visiting www.dontriskit.info or the Road Safety Scotland Facebook page or follow

@RoadSafetyScot on Twitter.

The Black Family – Baillies of Aberdeen, Merchants, Farmers, Shipbuilders.

You may think of Newburgh as little more than a backwater of little importance. A dormitory for Aberdeen perhaps – but in times past although it may not have equalled Aberdeen it was certainly a pin prick in the side for Aberdeen.

Large enough a pin prick to have the Dean of Guild send armed officers to Newburgh to arrest ships and removed their sails from the masts. Newburgh not being a free port in the 16th century any unloading from foreign parts was an infringement of Aberdeen’s rights as an international port.

Some have also referred to Newburgh as Ellon’s port. This is vaguely correct, but what came first the port or the warehouses at Waterton. The remains of piers can still be seen there. I suspect the Waterton warehouses were built to make it more attractive for farmers in that area to move their goods by river rather than a longer journey on roads which at that time were not particularly good

Newburgh was certainly of enough importance to have a toll road built from Newburgh to Old Meldrum and beyond in the early 19th century. This road crossed two other toll roads before eventually ending by joining the - Aberdeen turnpike.

Consider the Inch peninsula, not much to look at now, a spot for wind surfers and birders. But in times past as shown on old ordnance survey maps there may have been at least four large 18th century warehouses and a 19th century wood built pier. The pier being built to allow better access for horse and cart unloading: and also allowed ships to anchor in deeper water. Prior to this horses would pull carts into the river and depending on the tide condition would have been up to their bellies in water. Shipping continued to use the Ythan until well past the mid-20th century. The final ships docking at Mitchell & Rae’s base at the Quay further upriver and now a modern housing estate.

With all this commercial activity at Newburgh Inches and Quay another surprise crops up.

A book written by Lucille H Campey “Fast sailing and copper bottomed” gives much detail on immigration to Canada from Scotland, particularly from the north east of Scotland. The book refers to many ships sailing to ports in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Quebec. It also gives detail on various ships including four associated with Newburgh.

Page Name & Year Master Crossings Passengers Destinations Ship Lloyds built tonnage rating Rig type 151 Helen 1815 George 1 -1816 11 Not Known 94 A1 Legatwood Schooner 156 Pilot 1818 John Law 1-1822 7 Miramichi 114 N/K & St John Brig 153 Juno A1 1819 J Henderson 1 - 1821 6 Quebec 150 Brig 160 Ythan NK Alexander 2 - 23 in total Halifax & 264 A1 Craigie 1816/1817 Miramichi Ship

“Helen” was described as a schooner, “Juno” and “Pilot” as brigs and “Ythan” a ship. This describes the type of rig and sail used. It can be seen that a variation in type had been built. From references obtained it can be seen that these ships were in use travelling across the Atlantic between and Canada at least until about 1830. Crossings took about six to eight weeks from ports of the east and west coasts of Britain. Several trips might be made per annum.

All of these ships were said to have been built in Newburgh and it is known that John Black was agent for Pilot, Ythan and Helen. The agent for Juno is not known. The Lloyds rating of A1 indicates ships of first class construction. This classification often changed as the ships got older.

Who built these ships and where they were built may remain a mystery but the agent John Black is documented as a merchant and ship owner. He was part of a large extended family of business men – merchants and farmers.

The Black family are described as a longstanding entrepreneurial family of Foveran Parish. Having been merchants in Aberdeen they moved out of Aberdeen buying or leasing property as their wealth increased. They were a large extended family having property in Foveran and Loge Parishes and indeed as time went on they are recorded in Canada and Australia.

In 1696 according to the Thanage of Fermartyn, an Alexander Black is tenant at Auchnacant farm and is alleged to be descended from the Blacks of Newburgh. The 1696 Poll book states that “Balie Black is a “fewer” in Newburgh; his valuation is £22-4-6. The family have been traced back to at least 1565 in Newburgh. They appear to have been involved in various businesses, for example as stocking merchants, wine merchants, ship owners and exporters and much more.

But moving on a few generations we come upon John Black and Jane Kilgour his spouse. From their family two daughters married shipbuilders. Mary Black married James Adamson and her sister Eliza married Thomas Adamson. The Adamson brothers were from Anstruther in Fifeshire. The Adamson brothers are credited with building several ships in Aberdeen and indeed having had shares in some of these ships as well.

In Diane Morgan’s book on Footdee a map shows a ship yard credited to a Mr Adamson in the York Street, Waterloo Quay area in 1820. James Adamson is mentioned as a shipbuilder at Wellington Street, Aberdeen in the Post Office Directory of Aberdeen 1824/1825 and 1825/1826. John Black of Newburgh is mentioned in Pigot’s Directory of 1837 as a shipbuilder.

There is no doubt that there were shipbuilders attached by marriage to the Black family. The Blacks had extensive business interests operated from Newburgh and at least one large warehouse, similar to the one that remains, on the Inch. Goods being shipped out and in to their warehouse would have included farm produce and fertiliser possibly coal and so on. It appears as well as shipping goods, immigrants were also carried to Canada as noted above. This was arranged through advertising departures in the Aberdeen Journal of the day.

As a consequence of sailing to Canada with immigrants there was a need for a cargo to return home. The return cargo would have been timber much of it to be used to build more ships. Apparently Canadian trees being taller and straighter and so were more suitable to make timber planking.

By the information tabulated above it is known that four ships were built at Newburgh however unsuitable it may have been. There is no indication or remains to be seen of a ship yard. Shipbuilding, although highly skilled was done in a manner we would not recognise today. All tools would have been hand tools, possibly with hand or horse driven winches for heavier work. Yards were in the open with the ship being built propped up with wooden poles and trestles. It is possible that these ships were built on the links area adjacent to the Foveran Burn or maybe on the Inch itself. Launching would be done on a high tide to give room for manoeuvrability. Much of the materials used would have to be brought in by ship and most likely from Aberdeen. It was never likely to be a success considering the amount of shipyards in Aberdeen that were starting up at that time. It may all have come about because of the whim of a supportive father in law who saw an advantage for himself. Many merchants hired a shipbuilder and the labour to build their ships. Carpenters, sailmakers, rope makers, blacksmiths and caulkers were some of the many trades required.

However shipbuilding did not last long, the Black family running into a period of ill luck with several deaths of members of the family. James Adamson lost his wife and a child in 1825. He returned south shortly afterwards to continue his shipbuilding career in the Forth Estuary. Several of the Black family had pecuniary difficulties in 1832 with companies being sequestrated. Possible financial backing may have been lost. John Black (father in law), the shipbuilder, died in 1843, his son Thomas having died in 1840. A second son of John Black, Robert Black described as a merchant dealer in coals, lime manure and farm produce immigrated to Australia in 1853.

Thomas Adamson’s wife died 1850 and Thomas having moved south to continue his career in Dundee.

It would appear that shipbuilding at Newburgh had been an extremely short term proposition and that the incentive to carry on was lost.

Charles Catto.

MYSTERY SOLVED ILLEGAL SALE OF LIQUOR (Aberdeen Evening Express – Wed. 2 August 1893)

DETECTED THROUGH AN APOLOGY

At a Justice of the Peace Court in Aberdeen today – Messrs Murray and Brodie on the bench – a brewer’s carter was charged with having on the 18th July, on a public road between Aberdeen and Ellon, in the parish of Foveran, opposite a turnip field on the farm of Aikenshill, hawked six pints of ale and six pints of stout or other liquor, to Wm. Simpson, Falconer Named. farm servant. He pleaded guilty. Mr R. Thanks to the Foveran Newsletter and its Cumming, solicitor, on behalf of Henderson, detectives, we now have the identification of said he had been in the same employment for over 20 years. During that time he had borne a the Mystery Falconer. Soon after publication of good character, and this was the first occasion his photo, goshawk on hand, I received a few he had been in any Court. On the date libelled, phone calls suggesting it might be Phillip as accused was going along the road with his Glasier who visited the Newburgh area cart, some ten farm servants who were probably in the early 1960s. He was the author working in a field came up and persuaded him of “Falconry and Hawking” a comprehensive to leave a dozen pints of liquor with them. One guide to all aspects of the pursuit. of them became the worse of the liquor, and when he apologised to his master next day and By coincidence, I discovered that I had sat at told him where the liquor came from, the latter breakfast with him in the home of the late reported the case. The Justices ordered accused James Robertson Justice some fifty years ago. to pay a penalty of £2 2s, or suffer 14 days On my left was Gavin Maxwell discussing his imprisonment. book on otters, “Ring of Bright Water”. On my GLASS BALL SHOOOTING COMPETITION right, supping his porridge, was Phil Glasier AT NEWBURGH chatting about birds of prey and the danger they faced from DDT and other toxic (Aberdeen Journal – Friday 9 August 1901) chemicals. The Newburgh Glass Ball Shooting Club held their first annual competition at Newburgh I hope I have not given the impression that I yesterday, when there was a large attendance chase “celebrities”. I have not met up with any of competitors. Shooting was very good, and of the above gentlemen of other “celebrities” considerable interest was taken in the various in the past fifty years. events, and valuable prizes were offered for the most successful competitors. The meeting Sandy Anderson was under the patronage of Mr W. J. C. Hunter of Tillery, and Mr J. G. Stewart, Newburgh House.

In the first decades of the 19th century, Newburgh became a favourite holiday destination particularly for people from Aberdeen. “My Holidays at Newburgh” is a chapter heading in Edith Bishop’s book “For You I Remember”.

For nine years we went to Newburgh on the coast, twelve miles north of Aberdeen for our six weeks summer holidays. We either rented a furnished house or had digs. A few other families did likewise so we all got to know each other very well. A teacher at Robert Gordon’s College, Alexander Booth, who boarded College boys, mostly from abroad, made Newburgh their holiday place. We spoke of them familiarly as ‘Boothies Boarders’. We were one huge, happy family.

Everyone in the village knew everyone, especially the shopkeepers. I remember some of them clearly to this day. McPherson the chemist, Murray the grocer, Sangster the baker, Imlah the ironmonger, and the shoemaker who held court in his back shop where he did repairs. There were usually a few worthies there having a discussion. I would have loved to ‘listen in’ but they were all men. The tailor had an establishment in a broad lane leading to the main bridge over the Foveran Burn. His shop was mostly plate-glass, so, as you passed you saw him, like a character from a fairy tale, seated cross- legged stitching away or ‘cutting out’ with huge scissors pressing with a large steam iron. Then there were Cruickshank’s buses and Ritchie of the Hotel.

One shopkeeper, Keith, had an annual event which was well patronised. He swam the Ythan when the tide was in.

The first few years we were transported to Newburgh on a brake with two horses. The seats at each side were forms on which the whole family could be seated. Our luggage was piled on and off we set. One joke which father never forgot to make was that all the way he could see my freckles coming out, one by one. My freckles were to be the reason why on holidays I usually had to wear a large brimmed sun hat. Mother had not Father’s enthusiasm for freckles, nor did she believe that they made you any more healthy!

For ordinary schoolwear, girls had stiff straw hats with a small brim and elastic under the chin to keep them in place. Nevertheless, they were so slippery that they were more often hanging by the elastic down our backs than on top of our heads! Boys had red caps, so if any of us were lost, Willie, my brother, was usually spotted first by his red cap!

When we had bikes, we cycled out and the others, plus luggage, could go on the bus. This enclosed bus had four horses. Mother caused quite a sensation once by driving the bus and four horses right in to Newburgh. She was on her favourite seat beside the driver. He wanted to light his pipe but was finding difficulty in doing this and holding the reins at the same time. Mother (who had done much riding and driving in Nova Scotia) volunteered to take them, saying she was quite used to it. So he handed the reins to Mother who got on so well he let her carry on right into the bus station. People who saw her could hardly believe their eyes.

The first thing we did on arriving at Newburgh was to kick off our gymmies and go as often as possible bare-footed. Ah, the happy sensation of freedom to run without stockings held up by tapes to stays! But we had to wear our gymmies on the golf course as there were bushes of prickly gorse, and it was possible to get a sharp spike right into a foot. Newburgh is mostly built along its main road, parallel with the Foveran burn to which back gardens run down. Eventually the Foveran circles round to join the and the tide comes up both streams. At low tide the water is comparatively a trickle and beds of slimy mud and mussels are apparent, but high tide transforms the scene when the Ythan could be a quarter of a mile wide. At sunset then with gulls, eider-ducks, and oyster catchers in the foreground can be breathtakingly beautiful.

From the village you had to cross one of a few bridges over the Foveran burn to reach the golf course. You cross the golf course to reach the sand dunes and the estuary of the Ythan. From there for miles stretches glorious, golden sand. The sands of Forvie.

All along the Foveran and the Ythan, little boats were moored mostly for fishing, but at high tide ships used to sail up the Ythan to Mitchell and Rae’s Quay and Store building. From there a tug took coals and fertilisers by pulling barges to Ellon. It was a special treat for us to get on the tug to Ellon and back.

The almost daily programme for most of the visitors was: forenoon, set out for our bathe, across a bridge, across the golf course, past the lifeboat houses, alongside the Ythan till we reached the sea and often a good bit further on, depending on sand bars and pools. There was nearly always a marvellous pool left when the tide was fairly well out, where we could swim and splash without fear. But, quite often, we were in the sea, usually close beside the salmon nets which gave us safety and we could climb on them and have fun.

When the tide was out, salmon fishers climbed along till they reached the rap at the end of the nets, when they used a net scoop on a long pole to extract any salmon. Often ‘flukes’ as we called them were caught. They could be either young plaice or soles and were despised by the fishers who just flung them down on the sand! Many fine fries did we have in this way.

Our dressing boxes were the sand dunes, and we often did not require towels as we loved to dry ourselves going up a sand hill and rolling down. Usually we had races to heat ourselves, and tracking games on the dunes and the moor behind.

Afternoon: golf, and for some evening also, or bridge. We children went round the course with an iron and putter. If we wished, we could go a run on our bikes, and in rainy weather there was trout fishing in the Foveran burn. We also had many exciting games of cricket.

But, oh! our wonderful picnics! Away the whole day. We crossed the golf course, rowed across the Ythan, and went over the moor by the Sands of Forvie. They are like a desert, and came into being after a terrible storm which buried a whole village. Now there is nothing but sand. At the times chosen for us to go, it was also a giant incubator. The sands were covered with thousands and thousands of gulls’ nests, each just a little scooped-out bowl in the sand, and in each a few eggs. On our approach, the gulls wheeled wildly above, screaming out their fear. Once when there were a few fledglings, I picked up one just at my feet, to have a good look and pet it. Suddenly there was a mighty swoop and I was just in time to save my head. I was never so quick in all my life. That little bird was down and me far away. On we went till we came the coast of cliffs, rocks and sandy bays. One called Hackley Bay was our destination; very suitable as there was a spring of sweet, fresh water. Here, added to the usual attractions of the shore, was fine rock scrambling and interesting rock pools to investigate.

Hackley Bay

Occasionally we went there when there was a very low tide, armed with iron clicks hooked at one end (made by the blacksmith), little hammers and old gymmies on our feet. This was for crab fishing. We climbed out as far as we could, to come to the softer, old rocks where the larger crabs might be. We poked in the hole with click and if a crab was there, he grabbed hold and would not let go. The hammers then came in handy to break down the rock so as to haul him out. You see, he might have gone in by a larger hole! The pincers were tied with twine and each crab strung on to a length of twine. Once we had seventy crabs! We carried our catch back proudly slung over our shoulders. Many wash-house boilers were cooking that evening!

Another place which meant a day’s excursion was Collieston on the coast about four and a half miles north of Newburgh. This time we went by carriage, crossing the great bridge over the Ythan about a mile north of Newburgh. Collieston, a little fishing village with a tiny harbour edged with fine sand, was an ideal place for swimming and picnicking. We never departed without purchasing “speldings”, a delicacy greatly loved by all. These were line caught whitings or haddocks which were gutted, split and dried outside on racks in the salty air.

I cannot see Collieston without thinking of the lovely little cove chosen by Lawrence of Arabia to be a refuge from publicity and stress. Here in this small cottage near the end of the pier he stayed with his batman – at peace. Here he could swim at midnight in the harbour; here he could ride on the moors; here he could buy pies from the little shop, then stroll down the steep braes; here, for a short time, he could be himself.

Often we go over the large Ythan Bridge and go on to the moor for a hike. It stretched for about four and a half miles to Collieston. Originally, I expect, it had been all sand dunes and hills, but now almost all turf and heather with the one great exception, “The Sands of Forvie”. Towards the sea there are still many sand dunes and hills. Small paths, just beaten with feet, go here and there. Sometimes a path will go right through a sand hill and you have quite a hunt to pick it up on the other side.

Another thing I shall always associate with Newburgh is kite-flying. Father developed this interest which became a joy to us all; making and flying kites. He started with ones of modest size, but his final one was huge and required two people to hold it. Each kite had a name, and this one the “Kathleen”, the name of my second youngest sister. When flying in strong wind, the Kathleen would pull us through the water at a very good pace. There was ever a vast sky and every puff of wind got right through.

Our last Newburgh holiday was almost over when “The Sword of Damocles” fell….to blot out for ever these carefree happy times. Little did I think when I strolled along to the farm for the milk what was to greet me on my return.

As I approached the village I could see the main street crowded with people all talking excitedly and rushing about….It was the 4th of August 1914.

Foveran Parish Church

I think there have been several adverts on the TV over the years of a similar nature. I am not sure if this is an actual one, or a combination of many from a mind overfilled with stuff and fragments of memories. It is a cold and rainy night, there is sleet mixed in with the rain and someone is rushing home on foot. They are cold and soaked. The rhythm of her steps and the traffic suggests a sort of phrase that starts ‘hot chocolate, ……’ They arrive home, and sink into an overstuffed chair, by a roaring log fire, soft light, dry clothes and a huge mug of hot chocolate – comfort at last! Most people today do not turn to the Church for comfort, or indeed for anything else. However, all over the world, when things go wrong, and times are tough, people do look for something constant and comforting. It is a bit like going to your gran when you are upset, or going back to mum when you get sick. I have no idea what will happen in this area if the oil price stays low, but in other places, contracts are being changed and jobs are going. When troubles come, the Church is still there, God is there, faith can be found. This in part is why it is important that there is a Church near you. All are welcome.

Social Committee

Towards the end of last year on Saturday 22 November the ANNUAL KIRK ROUP took place in the Public Hall, Newburgh. Our thanks to everyone who supported this event in any way; it raised approximately £1160 for church funds.

Early this year on Saturday 24 January there was excellent food and wonderful entertainment at our annual BURNS SUPPER, once again held jointly with Newburgh-on-Ythan Golf Club in the golf clubhouse. While paying tribute to Robert Burns, we are delighted that the evening also enabled us to raise approximately £230 for the New Life Home Trust. Our thanks to everyone who helped to make this possible.

More recently on Friday 27 February Fife-based singer/songwriter/guitarist BRUCE DAVIES appeared in concert in the Forsyth Hall, . This event was organized jointly by the social committees of both Belhelvie and Foveran Parish Churches. Bruce’s fine singing and accomplished guitar playing and his easy style were all much appreciated by the large audience, and we are pleased to report that £244 will be donated towards the work of our missionary partners in Malawi as a consequence of a most enjoyable evening of fellowship and high quality entertainment.

Later in the year we hope to again hold an evening VARIETY CONCERT to raise a little extra cash for Christian Aid. This will be another welcome opportunity to enjoy the talents of many of our own members and friends and again there will be lots of youngsters involved. Further events may also be arranged in the coming months, so please keep a look out for publicity in the local press and on posters throughout the local area.

Mary Smith (Social Convenor). Tel: 01358 742234

FOVERAN COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEMBERS 2015

Chairman William Grant, Bank House, Udny Station AB41 6QJ 01651 842791 Secretary Glen Douglas, 23 Eider Road Newburgh AB41 6FD 01358 789761 Treasurer Pauline Winslade 24 Eider Road Newburgh AB41 6FD 01358 788922 Anne Massie, 24 Red Inch Circle Newburgh AB41 6AW 01358 789322 Kate Duncan,Thistlyhill Steading, Udny Station AB41 6QN 01651 843777 Martin Warrior, Overhill Cottage Foveran AB41 6BA 01358 789571 Katrin Prager, 1 Hardhillock Cottages, Tillycorthie, Udny AB41 6SD 01651 842197 Pat Smith, Newburgh 01358 789821 Liz Hancock Cultercullen 01651 842813 Youth Member Brian Simpson 6 Blairythan terrace, Foveran 01358 788807 Foveran Community Council meetings take place on the 4th Wednesday in the month at 7.30pm. All meetings begin with Meeting Point where members of the public can bring issues to the attention of the Community Council. All meetings are open to the public and everyone is welcome. The dates for 2014 /15 meetings are: 29 Apr. Udny Station Hall 26 Aug Udny Station Hall 27 May Foveran School 23 Sept Newburgh Inn after AGM 8.15pm 24 June Newburgh School