insideinside thisthis issueissue ...... news from around the area . . . TransportTransport newsnews ...... andand lotslots moremore community transport

“keeping the community moving”

community use minibus dial-a-bus community car scheme drivers & passenger assistants transport information training . . . for your transport needs

PROJECT PART-FINANCED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION

Europe and Making it work together

The Old School Banff AB452JT T & F: 01261 843598 E: [email protected] partnershipupdate Chairman’s letter Design: Kay Beaton, PURPLE creativedesign elcome to the new look WPartnership newsletter. Printed by We are well into 2007 and Banffshire Nevisprint, Fort William Partnership Limited continues to progress Paper and play an important role in the Printed on environ- surrounding community’s social and economic mentally friendly paper. development and to provide mobility to an ever Woodpulp sourced from increasing client base through its transport division. sustainable forests. The development side of the Partnership, as ever, has helped countless groups, organisations and projects, to put together Board Of Directors business plans, source funding and move forward. However, Directors can be contacted in spite of it’s successes for others, this side of the through the Partnership Partnership faces an uncertain future. This is a side effect of office - 01261 843286. the accession of numerous Eastern Block Countries into the Directors meet monthly European Union. Where previously half the funding for the (or more often if Partnership came from Europe and was topped up by necessary). Council, Scottish Enterprise Grampian and our local Banff and Area Committee, there are •Ross Balharry, Treasurer clouds on the horizon as far as European and SEG monies •Eddie Bruce are concerned. Regionally and Nationally there is also the •Sandy Duncan, Chairman election looming, which creates more uncertainty •Roger Goodyear on the funding scene. •James McPherson •Patricia Seligman The Transport side of the Partnership is, on the other hand, •Iain Taylor, Secretary on a fairly solid foundation funding wise and looks reasonably secure for the future. The powers that be appear to realise what a tremendous service is being provided here, and I live in hope that post election those powers will realise the same applies to the Development side of the Partnership.

Sandy Duncan, Chairman Submissions: Green Banffshire Partnership Butterfly The Old School, Boyndie, Banff, AB45 2JT Award T:01261 843286 F:01261 843598 E:[email protected] Br uce. Banffshire Partnership Ltd. is a Company Limited by Guarantee in Scotland. Reg No. 201922. Registered Office: 1a Cluny Square, Buc kie, AB56 1AH.

Recognised as a Charity by the Inland Revenue. No. SC029693. ovie - Stanley Banffshire Partnership Ltd. is recognised as a Local Rural Partnership by the Scottish Executive. A copy of this newsletter is available in large format text if required. Front Cover Photo: Cr Front

issue10 3 Contents Meet the staff . . .

Chairman’s Letter ...... 1 Developing Communities - 01261 843286 Meet the staff ...... 2 Growing community assets ...... 3 B a n f f s h i r e P a r t n e rs h i p Ar e a ...... 4 A i m s & Va l u e s ...... 5 FOCUS ON . . . Foggie fountain restored ...... 6 FOCUS ON . . . banff & macduff The constant thread ...... 7 Duncan Leece Roger Smart Kay Beaton Bob Peden Director of Banff focus group ...... 7 Development and B a n f f C a s t l e C o m m u n i t y As s o c i a t i o n . . . . . 8 Operations B a n f f Ar e a C o m m u n i t y D e v e l o p m e n t . . . . . 8 Banffshire Maritime Heritage Association9 Banff, Macduff & District Business Community Transport - 01261 843598 Association ...... 10 Names from the past ...... 11 Banffshire Coast tourism partnership . . . .12 FOCUS ON . . . boyndie B o y n d i e Tr u s t L t d ...... 1 3 R A F B a n f f A s s o c i a t i o n ...... 1 4 FOCUS ON . . . Jan Maddock Sally Blair Evelyn Elphinstone Frank Mooney Portsoy Pavilion ...... 15 Transpor t Manager The Portsoy Salmon House Project ...... 16 Scottish Traditional Boat Festival ...... 17 P o r t s o y “7 5 ” C l u b ...... 1 8 Fundraising goes from strength to strength19 Portsoy Maritime Heritage ...... 19 FOCUS ON . . . Whitehills Marina ...... 20 Whitehills & District Community Bev Pirie Michelle Reynard Glynis Danks Wendy Smith Council ...... 21 FOCUS ON . . . developing communities Developing Communities ...... 22 Making It Real ...... 22 Microfinance ...... 22 . . . and (some) volunteers! FOCUS ON . . . community planning Community Planning in Aberdeenshire .23 FOCUS ON . . . volunteering Help shape the future of volunteering i n A b e r d e e n s h i r e ...... 2 4 FOCUS ON . . . community transport The staff ...... 26 Changes to the Dial-a-Bus service . . . 26 Pete Danks George Clark Ronnie Smith HeikeWilson Excursions ...... 27 Charges ...... 27 Please help us expand the service . 27 Community groups ...... 27 Minibus Driver Awareness Course (MiDAS) ...... 28 Volunteer Drivers & Volunteer Passenger Assistants ...... 28 Robin Maddock

4 partnershipupdate t is the role of the Quite deliberately, we are development IBanffshire Partnership not devoting space in this may not Limited (BPL) to help, advise book to the uncertainty be a and mentor local surrounding ongoing magical community groups in funding for ourselves, along quick-fix fulfilling their projects. That with all our neighbouring for our is why we have given over Local Rural Partnerships in future, it is most of our yearbook to Aberdeenshire. As you read a sus- well deserved publicity for what is happing within our tainable and their efforts. community, I am sure you cost-effective way will agree with me, however, of creating jobs and The danger is, of course, that there remains plenty to prosperity. that we will give the do. BPL has the skill, impression BPL has done None of this could happen, experience and contacts to very little itself! Not so, and however, without the dozens do it well, and very I would draw your attention of volunteers who do so economically. particularly to our Transport much to run events and Services, which have grown You will read how some of facilities for us all to enjoy. It enormously. the larger community is a pleasure for us to work groups BPL has been alongside them. We have quite a few new involved with for several staff adding to our existing years, are now looking at team. Please allow me to expanding and taking on take this opportunity to new projects. If proof were Duncan Leece thank them all publicly for needed, surely this another successful year of demonstrates that while Director of Development & work. community-led economic Operations (DODO) Growing Community Assets ‘Growing Community Assets’ (GCA) is one of four parts of the Big Lottery Fund’s ‘Investing in Communities’ programme. GCA funding is intended to make communities stronger and more sustainable through the outcomes that result from communities’ purchasing and/or developing assets (e.g. community buildings, woodlands, business space, land, renewable energy generation). Funding is available for the following: pre-application development work, asset purchase, asset development, staffing costs, and overheads. For further information please visit the Big Lottery Fund’s website: http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk

If you would like to discuss your GCA project idea, please contact the Big Lottery Fund directly (0870 240 2391) or contact their local GCA development partner for Banffshire: Andrew Bauer (Highlands & Islands Enterprise) - [email protected]

Editorial in this newsletter may not be reproduced in whole or part without prior written permission of the Banffshire Partnership. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Partnership. issue10 4 Banffshire Partnership area

he Banffshire which have been Please send any articles, TPartnership area happening throughout photographs, adverts or covers the Community the area over the past announcements, which Council areas of: eight months, as well as you would like to be • Aberchirder & giving an insight into included to us - we look Marnoch some of the events forward to hearing from • Alvah & Forglen which will be taking place you! • Banff & Macduff next year. • Cornhill & Ordiquhill Banffshire Partnership, • Fordyce & The next edition of the The Old School, • King Edward & Gamrie newsletter - Issue 11 - is Boyndie, • Portsoy due to appear in Spring Banff, • Whitehills 2008, so don’t miss out AB45 2JT on a great opportunity to T: 01261 843286 The following pages get some free publicity F: 01261 843598 highlight some of the for your group’s activities E:[email protected] activities and events, or forthcoming events.

6 partnershipupdate VALUES: We try to: Aims & Values • encourage participation and consensus • be open and transparent in our dealings Our purpose: • maximise resources - human, physical and financial Within our area • remain people focused (Aberchirder & Marnoch, OBJECTIVES: To promote a healthy Banff & Macduff, Alvah & local economy; keeping people Forglen, Whitehills, Portsoy, working and living locally by: Cornhill & Ordiquhill, King • promoting tourism initiatives Edward & Gamrie, Fordyce • providing project management support & Sandend), to contribute to to community enterprise the economic, social and • buying locally environmental well-being of • using local venues and services local communities by; • providing transport so people can access local jobs, services and training • valuing the work of To support community activity by: volunteers • providing advice and information to people developing local projects • creating opportunities for • encouraging active partnership between employment based on the local groups, private business and sustainable use of local public agencies culture, skills and • providing transport solutions to resources, community groups and activities • providing assistance to enable local • enabling and encouraging groups to access funding lifelong learning amongst To provide a focus for local views local people. and priorities by: • running networking events on themes We also aim to encourage of local interest and acting as a and support partnership networking hub working between • undertaking participative research and community groups and publishing the results private, public and • facilitating two way communication with voluntary organisations. public agencies and policy makers at regional, national and European level • producing a regular newsletter issue10 6 FOCUS ON . . .

Foggie fountain restored

berchirder’s Square has Community Council, is a great-niece of Provost Areceived a boost with proposed that funding Auchinachie. The the restoration of its 110 should be sought to carry Community Council intends year old Jubilee Fountain. out a restoration. to use this occasion to raise The fountain was presented This was done in public interest in doing by William Auchinachie, the partnership with something to improve the first Provost of the Burgh, to Aberdeenshire Council’s appearance of the Square, as mark the Diamond Jubilee of Planning and Environmental this was one of the top Queen Victoria in June 1897. Services, who arranged for issues raised at a public The day’s celebrations the work to be carried out meeting last autumn to draw attracted the biggest crowds by Graham Watt, up the current Community ever seen in the town - monumental mason in Banff. Action Plan. Hopefully we including over 400 A successful application was can organise another event schoolchildren - and made to the Heritage Lottery shortly where members of included a procession of Awards For All scheme, the public will come along floats and marchers over a which provided £5000, with and contribute ideas which quarter of a mile long. The Aberdeenshire Council we can work with fountain, made of polished contributing £1000, Aberdeenshire Council to pink and grey granite and Councillor Kenny Benzie carry out.” supplied by James Hutcheon £1000 from his top-up of , was officially allowance, and £750 from declared open by the Community Council funds. Provost’s daughter, who The restoration of the turned on the water. fountain was celebrated at a Over the last thirty years short ceremony led by the fountain had fallen into Nancy McKidd in the disrepair as the spike on the Square on 14 April. top - still to be replaced - Present Chairman Bob and several of the pillars Peden said: “It is fitting that were lost or damaged. To Mrs McKidd should do the avoid total collapse, Mrs honours, as not only was the Nancy McKidd, then Chair restoration her idea but she of Aberchirder and Marnoch

8 partnershipupdate FOCUS ON . . .

The constant thread

riends of are works from groups are Anyone wanting further Forganising their fourth particularly welcome, and details should contact; open community art previous exhibitions have Alan Rogers (0845 456 exhibition in Duff House included several such 1201) or Ann Roy (01261 from the 18th August to 1st entries. A centrepiece for 812879) for a leaflet, and October 2007. Previous the 2007 show will be a anyone reading this who has shows have attracted a large composite work from had a leaflet and not variety of media but mostly the Grampian Guild of yet replied paintings, so this is a textile Weavers, Spinners & Dyers, should do so arts exhibition and anything begun in 2000 and now in order to with a textile content will be nearing completion. receive entry considered. The title is more an form and or less self explanatory, and The exhibition will not have further the organisers want an entry fee and will not be information. exhibitors to seek their selected. The Friends want inspiration from Duff House, to encourage everyone even its contents and its if they are unsure about surroundings. Any textile exhibiting alongside “proper technique is acceptable artists”. Everyone has provided it is the creator’s something to offer. own original work. Art Banff focus group

f you live on a Banff and community items and Community Learning, ICouncil estate, would you work alongside other Environmental Health and like to come along and join community groups. the Police. our new group to learn about the issues we are involved Our group is gaining Further details from Helen with and offer your ideas? strength and we Burnett, Tenant Participation communicate our concerns Officer, We discuss Council housing direct to Housing, (01346 586319). issue10 8 FOCUS ON . . .

Banff Castle Community Association

anff Castle continues to As we no longer have a This year we were delighted Bprovide a venue for resident caretaker the to be the venue for the first many local groups. Following arrangements for booking wedding at Banff Castle for re-organisation and re- rooms have been changed. many years and would decoration we now have a To book a room please welcome enquiries from second room available on phone 01261 815325 and couples requiring a small the ground floor for hire. leave a message on the wedding (max 45). A This room could be set up answer machine. package can be tailor made for a meeting or even an for each couple. extra room for coffee Please leave contact name and number, group or Plans are in the pipeline for mornings, making the castle a Car Boot Sale which has more disabled friendly. organisation , date and time (start and finish) of hire and already been very popular in The hourly rate for hire of an address to whom the bill previous years. We are also rooms has been maintained should be sent. All bookings grateful to Mrs Isobel Watt at a competitive £7.00 per will be acknowledged. who prepared a quiz which hour, with an extra charge raised some money for the for use of the kitchen. castle. Banff Area Community Development Group

anff Area Community opportunities that are The group are currently BDevelopment Group relevant and accessible to looking for new members, so (CDG) is made up of the local community. whether you are interested representatives who are in becoming involved or interested in and committed Current Banff Area CDG simply want more to their local community. developments include the information on the work of With the support of development of a directory the group, contact Olwyn Community Learning & of local groups and clubs, Dester (Community Development, members the setting up of Banff Learning Worker) or Milan work together to identify, Kayaking Club and piloting a Copic (CDG Chairperson) promote and develop schools and community on 01261 812450. lifelong learning & recreation cinema project.

10 partnershipupdate Banffshire Maritime Heritage Association

The visitor’s corner contains a variety of information, photographs and artefacts regarding ‘Hall Russell’s’ shipyard at Aberdeen. To compliment this a further booklet will be available titled ‘Hall Russell Remembered’. This contains photographs of the ships he 2007 Maritime £100 plus a trophy, first built by Hall Russell with TExhibition will be open prize in the under 18’s pertinent information. from 1 June - 30 October. category is a £50 Argos The Association members The premises at 6-8 Duff voucher plus a trophy. Both have built upon the exhibits Street, Macduff have now runners-up will receive available in 2006 and are been extended to include a medals and the best poems looking forward to the 2007 new area at the rear of the will be displayed in the exhibition. They look building which is to be used exhibition. An anthology of forward to welcoming as an auditorium, a digital the best poems is planned to visitors from near and far. projector, screen and be published. Closing date There will also be a selection computer are now available for poem submissions is the of model boats for sale. and a variety of films and 31 July 2007. Entry forms slideshows will be shown. are available from the If you would like to become This area was refurbished as Association premises, local an Association volunteer or part of a Princes Trust libraries or can be down- committee member contact project during May 2007. loaded from www.bbaf- Stanley Bruce, Chairman on The youngsters from the arts.org.uk or www.electric 07770 780232 or pop in to trust also painted some scotland.com/poetry/banff/ the exhibition. Open 1pm- great murals of a mermaid, a 2007comp.htm 5pm Wed - Mon (Closed on Tues). lighthouse, a fisherman and The Association have also some dolphins. On the 12 produced a book titled March the exhibition had its ‘Along The Coast - Cullen to first ever wild animal visitor ’, a very interesting an ‘otter’ which was rescued look at the coast with great from Macduff Harbour by photographs and interesting committee member Liam information. Copies are Sparke. available at the exhibition The Association has also for only £5.99. This book launched a poetry has received sponsor-ship competition with a maritime from the Aberdeenshire or coastal theme. First prize Towns Partnership (ATP). in the 18+ age category is issue10 10 FOCUS ON . . .

Banff, Macduff & District Business Association

ollowing on from the • Marketing of the Area Banff and Macduff leaflet FBusiness Needs Survey both Business and updated and 12,500 (late 2005 to early 2006 a Tourist printed (10,000 to clear set of objectives for selected outlets 2006/07 were identified. throughout the UK and the remainder retained The objectives addressed locally). during 2006/07 were: Membership has nearly • Security/Crime Issues doubled in the last year and Shopwatch Scheme set up currently stands at 50 and operational. Currently Webcam installed March businesses. has almost 40 members 2007 (www.banff- from Banff, Macduff, macduff.com) The AGM was held on 31st Portsoy, Whitehills and May 2007 where the . Website (www.banff- programme of events and macduff.com) updated and projects for 2007/08 was • Skills Shortages/Local a new business section agreed by the members. Employment introduced. Succesful Careers Fair held in Banff Academy in Any queries please March 2007 attended by contact: nearly 30 employers. John Calder, • Training Chairman Held Seminars on No on 01261 812152 or Smoking Legislation and 07790 315188. Age Discrimination Legislation.

• Road Links Speaker from the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. 12 partnershipupdate Names from the past

Carved stones built into the back of the Sharp family Tomb, St Mary’s Kirkyard, Banff. Entrance gate at St Mary’s Kirkyard.

s one of your family names 1893. The Annals have been tourism potential of roots IOgilvy, Harvey, out of print for many years, and history. Of course it is Cruickshank, Grant, Blake, and copies only rarely come not just tourists; local people Bisset, Sharp, or Conn? on the market. are also often keen to find There are hundreds more their own roots. The book than these, the first few There is a growing interest will include Cramond’s own names in the 568 in family history, and the footnotes, with more details inscriptions on the Secretary of the Preservation about particular families. gravestones in the old & Heritage Society quite kirkyard of Banff. often has to field questions For the Preservation & about the gravestones in the Heritage Society, this is part The Banff Preservation & old kirkyard. To have of a wider project to Heritage Society is bringing available on sale the full list discover more about the out a book with the would be a great bonus to kirkyard, to map its styles of complete list of all the people looking for their own carving, and to restore inscriptions. This is the Banff roots. It is also true where possible some of the careful work of the that a century has passed, major monuments like the nineteenth century and that some inscriptions Sharp tomb that are now in antiquarian William are less legible than they disrepair. The Society hopes Cramond. He published the were when Cramond copied that this book will lead to list in his Annals of Banff in them, so the book in some other useful publications.

Royal Arms at Macduff Library. cases can be more useful than seeing the stone itself. For further information The publication has been about the Banff Preservation made possible by a grant & Heritage Society contact from Aberdeenshire Council, Dr Alistair Mason on 01261 who are well aware of the 812941. issue10 12 FOCUS ON . . .

Banffshire Coast tourism partnership

anffshire Coast Tourism The tourism website to tell, please contact Karen BPartnership organised a www.banffshirecoast.com is Crowe on 01261 843234 or “Mystery Shop” of undergoing a few changes [email protected] businesses. The process has and is becoming more proved very positive with all accommodation led. those taking part agreeing Members will get their that the feedback own enhanced entry on concerning their business the site. The site is from “Go Training” attracting around Aberdeen was useful from a 20,000 hits a month. staff training point of view. Also for the smaller The Pennan phonebox businesses it provided stunt was a huge success. The “Vision of Banffshire valuable new insights into All the national media Coast” photo competition improving their service. featured Skip to the Beat’s has attracted a large amazing achievement with number of entries. The 16 children in the box. It closing date was 24th April was brilliant to watch them and it will be judged by The in action as the line grew Scottish Professional shorter and shorter: you Photographer’s Society. could hardly believe they would all get in the box. The membership of the The children worked very tourism partnership has hard at achieving this and grown and anyone with an everyone received a large interest in jointly promoting The Partnership also easter egg for their efforts. the area should contact organised a Scottish Tourist Karen Crowe as per the Board wildlife course. The BBC is going to be contact details above. Unfortunately the wildlife filming a story about film course had to be cancelled sites of Britain and will be as it failed to raise sufficient featuring Pennan. If anyone interest. They are hoping to recollects the filming of run it at some time in the Local Hero and has a story future. 14 partnershipupdate FOCUS ON . . .

Boyndie Trust Limited

ood news to report developed a further link Gonce again for Boyndie with Aberdeen Forward. Trust with another This new partner will be successful year behind us helping us to develop and plenty to do for the future. recycling services, initially for garden waste collected most of whom have special from needs, to develop their households potential. To this end, we are in Boyndie choosing 2007 to have a Our Visitor Centre, The Old and Whitehills. In 2008 our major revamp of Aabidee School Boyndie, gets busier hope is to extend this to Prints, our giftware business. and busier. We make use of kitchen waste, principally We are changing and every single bit of the building; from our own restaurant. updating processes and and to think it seemed big The resulting compost will equipment so that people when we had it built in 2003! minimise or perhaps with a wider range of eliminate the need for us to abilities can take part. An When including Banffshire buy supplies in. added bonus will be Partnership staff and products that are that bit Aberdeenshire Council staff Buying food locally is more modern. If you would seconded to Boyndie; about another theme we are like items such as T-shirts, thirty people work in paid developing as much as mugs, etc personalised to posts alongside seventy practicable, and it seems your volunteers and people on popular with our restaurant group or our supported work customers too. Which club, we placements. Add to that reminds me: have you been will be thirty-two thousand visitors for lunch here yet? If not; delighted in 2006, and you can see give us a try. to discuss how well used the place is. your Finally, we are always requirement, especially for Our partnership working looking for ways to develop the small quantities bigger with Social Work remains our main purpose, which is commer-cial ventures turn strong and we have helping unemployed people, away. issue10 14 FOCUS ON . . .

RAF Banff Association

n exciting new Perhaps it is important to Adevelopment will be make clear that this new completed by the end of project in no way duplicates 2007, when the Association the existing memorial will be able to unveil its new located on the A98. Neither permanent history and is it really a museum, information display. Members although there will indeed have been working closely be a number of with Boyndie Trust and fascinating Banffshire Partnership. artefacts on display. The purpose is Group Captain Max Aitken,Commanding to record Officer of RAF Banff and the strike wing squadrons, in front of his “personalised” memories of Mosquito. RAF Banff, explain its wartime role and

RAF Banff Airfield after completion, tell the story of taken on 19 April 1943. how it fitted in with tourists is a welcome The new facility will be the existing local community consideration. located in Boyndie Visitor Centre utilising wall space in There is a growing interest in The Association is extremely the corridor linking the main the history of World War 2. grateful to all those reception area, Gallery and RAF Banff was a base for individuals and organisations Restaurant. This is a high airmen from many countries that have helped this profile location and will as well as Britain, and venture either financially or ensure that the display interest is shown from these otherwise. The largest single material is seen by visitors nations too; but perhaps source of money has come and locals alike. It will be none more so than Norway. from Lottery Awards for All. fully wheelchair accessible Naturally, the potential too. attraction of this facility to

16 partnershipupdate FOCUS ON . . .

Portsoy Pavilion

ant to change your from there to achieve the Also available are the Wlifestyle, get fit and fitness you want! services of Mike Scullin, a improve your health? Then There is also a large all registered Physiotherapist, Portsoy Pavilion has weather Astroturf pitch on who visits every Thursday. everything you need. A offer, available for all kinds Back aches, Musculo-skeletal and sports injuries are all taken care of in comfortable surroundings. Please come into the Pavilion for more information

spacious, well equipped of sports, football and tennis Open gymnasium includes all the being most popular. All Mon - Fri 09.30 - 20.00 modern weight training and equipment is provided and a & Sat 10.00 - 13.00 cardio-vascular machines for booking is required. So if your fitness needs. Whether you fancy 5-a-side football Portsoy Pavilion, you’re a fitness fanatic or with your friends or a Seafield Terrace, Portsoy just a beginner, everything relaxing game of tennis, (Opposite Portsoy Motors) you need is under one roof Portsoy Pavilion is only a Tel: (01261) 843555 here. A membership is short distance away. gained through a gym induction and it’s up to you issue10 16 FOCUS ON . . .

The Portsoy Salmon House Project

he Scottish Traditional commercial salmon fishing, a team of volunteers to run TBoat Festival Committee the importance for which is the facilty. The volunteers is delighted to be able to underlined when one recalls will be given training in all confirm that, subject to that prior to the 1840’s, it aspects of tourism and it is obtaining planning approval, was Scotland’s most believed will offer a the restoration of the important fishing industry. fascinating part-time activity Salmon House is now on The exhibition will also for local people. track to proceed, with a include artifacts and completion date of Spring, information on Portsoy’s It is hoped that the 2008. history. restoration work will commence in the summer The green light was Secondly as a centre for with displays posted on the achieved with the successful genealogical research, a progress of what is believed awarding of grants from facility which should prove will be an important asset three main sources. very popular given the for Portsoy and the area. £129,000 from ESEP dramatic growth in ancestral Objective 2; £110,000 from tourism. If you want to know more or The Heritage Lottery Fund are interested in becoming and a pledge of £35,000 Thirdly, the House will one of the volunteer team, from Historic Scotland. provide a community facility please contact Roger for the development of the Goodyear on 01261 Whilst there is still some range of traditional and 842894 or Robin Maddock £30,000 required to meet heritage activities which the on 01261 843498. the total estimated cost, Boat Festival has been having secured the lion’s carrying out for the last four share of the required total, years, including music, visual the Committee felt art, boat building and sailing. sufficiently confident of Lastly it will provide a base raising the balance for the for the Boat Festival go-ahead to be signaled. organisation.

Plans for the Salmon House The plans include the include four main strands. employment of a full time Firstly as an exhibition of manager, to be supported by 18 partnershipupdate Scottish Traditional Boat Festival

ortsoy’s Scottish PTraditional Boat Festival is on June 29th, 30th and July 1st.

Now in its 14th year, the Festival offers the unique opportunity to view the largest collection of traditional sailing boats in Scotland over a weekend of non stop music and entertainment.

The 2007 festival will mark Photo: Kathy Mansfield the finale of the Moray Firth Flotilla, the largest maritime programme of events. produce. And for the event set to take place in Probably our best ever athletic, there’s the 10K Scotland this year with up to programme of music, song Road and 2k Fun Runs, now 40 traditional boats sailing and dance will be a non well established on the around the coast from Wick stop feature on the harbour region’s run calendar. and ending their journey at side stage and there’s a new Portsoy on Friday 29th June, spectacular Saturday night All this means that as you to coincide with the opening show of live music at the wander round Portsoy’s of the Festival. harbour side with historic harbour and lovely entertainment by town your senses will be This year it is anticipated Gaberlunzie, a light show assailed by the sounds of that there will be circa 100 and a dazzling fireworks great music from Scotland, traditional vessels in display. England, Ireland and Portsoy’s two historic Scandinavia; things to do; harbours, with rare and A great range of craft and the smells of delicious food magnificent craft on display heritage demonstrations will and the sight of fabulous including the Fifies Swan, surround the Old Harbour, sailing craft. A great Reaper, Isabella Fortuna and plus a new live visual arts weekend not to be missed! White Wing, all built around exhibition. Adventure Land 1900. Other visitors will at Loch Soy will host a Full details on the whole include two craft from fabulous range of activities weekend are on: Norway and the beautiful for kids from 9 to 90 and at www.scottishtraditional Smack Johanna from the the Wally Green Food Fayre boatfestival.co.uk Faroe Islands. over 20 food exhibitors will or call 01261 842951 be showcasing the very best Visitors can expect a packed of delicious Scottish issue10 18 FOCUS ON . . .

Portsoy “75” Club

he Club was formed in with the Portsoy Thrift Shop, the period; First Aid and T1975 by a few local men the annual New Year’s Eve many others besides. looking for something to fireworks display, which gets occupy their time and to be bigger and better each year. Several years ago the Club able to do something formed its own choir. These positive in the way of Every year the Club throws dedicated songsters travel all helping out various groups/ a party for the town’s senior over the area entertaining organisations in and around citizens. various organisations with a Portsoy. repertoire of songs ranging In January of each year the from Old Scottish favourites That principle has not Club Members decide upon to the odd current chart changed and each year the a program of events for the topper! New talent is Club donates thousands of forthcoming year ~ these always appreciated and the pounds to deserving causes. include visits to places of boys are always on the look- The money is raised in interest, sporting events and out for volunteers to swell several ways ~ bingo nights, a list of ‘guest speakers’ who the ranks. dances, raffles & galas to come to the Club’s adopted name but a few. home, the Station Hotel, If you wish to book the Portsoy. The speakers cover Choir or would be The Club also funds and almost anything and have interested in joining, please maintains Portsoy’s included such topics as contact: Christmas Lights which takes Drug Abuse; a ‘tour’ of pre Graeme Sutherland on a lot of time and effort. It 1940’s N.E. Scotland with 01261 843057 or pop along also hosts, in conjunction postcards and pictures of to choir practice which takes place in the Station Hotel at 7:30pm on a Tuesday.

If you would like more information about the Club in general please call the Club Secretary, Brian Sutherland on 07786 628841.

20 partnershipupdate Fund raising goes from strength to strength

are very proud to have The Ladies of the Portsoy made possible the financial Thrift Shop will be delighted support for the community to see you whether it’s with which has been raised. goods to donate or looking Equally they fully recognise for something to buy from that it is very much due to the huge range of clothes, the generosity of donors ornaments, household who provide such a goods, books, tapes, CD’s or he Ladies of the Portsoy wonderful range of varied bric-a-brac . . . and the chat’s TThrift Shop are and very high quality goods great too! delighted to announce that that they have been able to they are coming close to offer. And of course, as Open: Every Monday, topping over £50,000 of important are the shop’s Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: donations to local causes in customers, many from the 10.00am-12:00pm: 2.00pm- the six years since they community, but a growing 4.00pm. opened the shop’s doors in number who come to the 2001. Square in Portsoy from far and wide as the word has Whilst it is quite hard work spread about the shop’s running the operation, the amazing stock! team enjoy their task and Portsoy Maritime Heritage

he Portsoy Maritime We need at least four crew Heritage Centre. This one THeritage group would in each boat. Contact either was found in a back garden like to advertise for people Alex Slater on 01261 in Dingwall. She is 33ft long to crew in two of our boats. 842535 or Brian Clifton on and is supposed to be the 01261 842963. last and largest of her kind The “Liberty” which is a Fifie surviving. 25ft long and the “Obair- The Group also needs Na-Ghaol” which is a 26ft helpers for getting the boats We would like to target Scaffie. Both boats have ready, painting and wood- funding for the restoration Dipping Lug sails and oars. work - so anyone with time and also for funding our on their hands would be building at the shore beside The “Liberty” has an engine most welcome. Contact as the old harbour, for which and if necessary, can tow the above. we have recently been Scaffie. The crews are granted planning permission. required for the Moray Firth We have acquired another Flotilla in June. Scaffie from the Clan Munro issue10 20 FOCUS ON . . .

Whitehills Marina

ur marina continues to length pontoon in the outer Othrive with the 50 fully basin, later this year. serviced permanent berths in the safe haven of the The major dredging carried inner basin filled to capacity out last year continues to and a long and increasing allow easy access to the waiting list for entry. whole of the Marina at all states of the tide. laundry room, toilets, Additionally, there are six showers etc and ample free seasonal berths for visitors The Spring Range 4metres, parking. in the outer basin which Neap Range 1.8metres. can be rafted out to allow High Tide –Dover plus For further information for a maximum of 12 00.50hrs, Aberdeen minus contact: summer berths. It is our 1.25hrs. David Findlay, Harbour intention to further improve Master on 01261 861291 access and availability for Additional facilities include or Mobile 07906 135786. our increasing number of gas, diesel berth, WiFi facility, E-mail: harbourmaster@ visitors, which exceeded secure winter storage with whitehillsharbour.wanadoo.co.uk 200 in the season past, by shoreside facilities including creating a further 10metre a crew room, galley kitchen, www.whitehillsharbour.co.uk

22 partnershipupdate Whitehills & District Community Council

ur our annual payments from of these are now being Oactive Falck Renewables to be taken forward as community Community administered through a council projects for 2007/ Council has separate Community Fund 2008 and include a library once again for the benefit of groups photograph archive, had a busy and community bodies in illumination of the Church and productive year. We our area. Applications for Clock, major improvements continued with our routine grants and guidelines to ‘The Red Well’, creation tasks of maintaining the explaining what is allowable, of a walkway from the public toilets with the help are available from Ross Boyndie Visotor Centre to a of a hardy band of willing Balharry or Duncan Leece. viewpoint for the Wind volunteers. We provided a We have already approved Farm and organisation of a welcome show of colour four applications and have beach clean. through the summer another two in the pipeline. months with flower baskets and barrels and brightened One of the successful up the dark months with funding applications tied in Christmas lights and a with our desire to Christmas tree at Redwell communicate more actively Court. with Whitehills Primary

School. This has resulted in Photo: Stanley Bruce An interesting Heritage Trail the creation of educational Other ongoing matters has recently been playground games for the include formation of a completed with six pupils. Additionally, we have pavement to the Cemetry attractive boards spread funded the purchase of two and a standpipe, an around the village, providing digital camera stations additional Post Box, a historical information on which will allow the pupils much-needed extension to various aspects of village life. to organise administer and the Primary School and A cast iron finger-post has create our 2008 Calendar, general maintenance around been erected in the ‘Bull with the help of one or two our village. Ring’ soon to be illuminated Community Council by a new lamp-post. members. A Bird Box Event in the St Brandon Centre, a joint We launched a highly A ‘Making It Real’ exercise partnership with ourselves, successful Whitehills 2007 was carried out in Boyndie Visitor Centre and Calendar, with an old and conjunction with Banffshire the Local Youth Group, new theme, and sold out the Partnership, where the local proved to be a great 500 copy print. community were success with over 35 boxes encouraged to put forward built and maintained by the Following completion of the their thoughts and ideas for children who also enjoyed Boyndie Wind Farm, we improvements we could an impromptu karaoke have received the first of make in our area. A number session. issue10 22 FOCUS ON . . .

Developing Communities Making it Real

anffshire Partnership Ltd It is not our job to do your e are still undertaking Bis a network of project for you. Our help Wa number of exercises community groups, formed will be geared at advising, under this project heading. in 1999. It is supported training and giving support Put in simple terms, we help financially and otherwise by to you or members of your a community to develop an various partners: the largest group. action plan for its future. single one being Many of the ideas that Aberdeenshire Council. There is real value, when evolve will be things the starting out on a new community can do itself. BPL exists to help with community venture, in being Some, however, will require community projects, large or able to speak to somebody input from outside agencies small, which will create jobs, who has done it before. All or public bodies. We boost the economy or we ask in return is that endeavour to get relevant improve the quality of life when you become an parties to understand the for local people and visitors expert, you will return the issues and work together. to our area. favour to a newcomer in the and Gardenstown future. are two communities that We can help with things, have requested this process such as: Getting people together, during 2007. • Business & Project planning, sharing knowledge and ideas • Marketing & PR, . . . that is one of BPL’s key • Fundraising advice and activities. Bid-writing Microfinance e would like to bring to your attention a small pot of money that you may be able Wto access for a community project your group is planning. Examples of what can be paid for are study trips, feasibility studies, architect’s drawings.

The money originates from the European Objective 2 Programme. Applications should be made by September 2007 at the latest. Please contact BPL on 01261 843286 to find out more about eligibility etc.

24 partnershipupdate FOCUS ON . . .

Community Planning in Aberdeenshire

ommunity Planning (CP) • Aberdeenshire Council organisations can pool Cis a way of working, in • Aberdeenshire Councils resources to enable them to which major providers of for Voluntary Service tackle bigger problems and public and voluntary Network attract external funding. services in an area, work • Communities Scotland The inclusion of community together with their • Community Councils partners means that the communities to deliver • Grampian Fire & Rescue better solutions can be better services. The Aber- Service reached and delivered in deenshire Community • Grampian Police the way that best suits Planning Partnership was • Local Rural Partnerships communities. The formed in 1999 and • NHS Grampian partnership also considers published its first • Scottish Enterprise the community as a partner community plan in 2000. Grampian and the views of the community are fundamental CP became a statutory At a more local level, each to the process of CP. process in Scotland when of the six areas within the Local Government in Aberdeenshire are repre- The partnership vision is: Scotland Act 2003 came sented within the CP “Working together for the into force. The Act requires process by a Local best quality of life for local authorities to lead the Community Planning Group everyone in community planning and a Community Planning Aberdeenshire.” process and other major Officer. public service agencies to For further information on participate in it. The Partnership working brings Community Planning within partnership is required to many benefits - organisations the Banff & Buchan area work with its communities gain shared understanding please contact: - in order to improve the of local issues and concerns Fiona Alderson quality of life in the area. At and they can work together Community Planning Officer, present the agencies and to deliver solutions without Banff & Buchan organisations signed up as wasting money by St Leonards, Sandyhill Road Community Planning duplicating each other’s Banff AB45 Partners across efforts or competing against Tel: 01261 813305 Aberdeenshire are as each other. Also, by E-mail: fiona.alderson follows: - working in partnership, @aberdeenshire.gov.uk issue10 24 FOCUS ON . . .

Help shape the future of volunteering in Aberdeenshire

berdeenshire Volunteer out of some 60 offices. Each ANetwork was formed in one of us is a locally 1996 to oversee the managed independent development of volunteering voluntary organisation, in Aberdeenshire. working hard to be in tune with local volunteer needs Our volunteer network is and priorities. composed of three would be especially Volunteer Centres; one in Advice from Volunteer delighted to hear from you. North (), in Central Development Scotland has () and South led to the reconstituting of Volunteer Directors will Aberdeenshire (). Aberdeenshire Volunteer meet at least four times a We are a member of the Network to become year to take decisions that Volunteer Centre Scotland Volunteer Centre will support the growth and Network which covers the Aberdeenshire (VCA) and development of volunteering whole of Scotland. we are now seeking within the shire. Volunteer Directors for the This is made up of 32 new board. If you would like to be part volunteer centres operating of this exciting opportunity You should have a common to help shape the future of sense approach, 2-3 hours volunteering within per month to spare, and Aberdeenshire then please have experience of contact Diane or Shirley volunteering or be keen to by e-mail: north@ gain volunteering vcaberdeenshire.org.uk experience. or telephone: 01771 622111 for further If you have specific skills information. Development Scotland and knowledge in Finance, Planning, Law or HR, we Photo: Volunteer

26 partnershipupdate focus on. . . DEVELOPING COMMUNITIES

issue10 26 FOCUS ON . . .

e thought we’d take the opportunity to put together this article to tell Wwhat we’ve been up to since the last issue and to tell you about changes to the way we operate. THE STAFF CHANGES TO THE There have been a lot of DIAL-A-BUS SERVICE changes in the Transport Through successful Office since May 2006. application, we received funding from the Big Lottery If you travel with us Fund and Future Builders to regularly on our Dial-a-Bus purchase two new service, you will know our minibuses. This has allowed staff drivers, Frank, Bev and us to expand our Michelle. Our great contribution to the Passenger Assistants, Glenys community, primarily with and Wendy are also on most Sally Blair the Dial-a-Bus service. journeys ready to help with Please remember this service your shopping. Few of you works part time until 1pm is for anyone of any age in will have met the office staff, every day. The third member the community who cannot any of whom may answer of the office team is Evelyn, access the normal scheduled the phone if you call. whose part time role is bus service. financial but she may answer the phone if the others are If you are infirm or just live busy. You might also speak to a mile away from the bus Frank, who works in the route, you may well be able office when not driving, or to use the Dial-A-Bus. Who Pete, one of our volunteer else will pick you up at your drivers who helps out in the front door, help you with office when we let Jan or your shopping (if you want), Sally go on holiday. help pack your shopping in the bus and deliver you and We also have the dreaded your shopping back to your answer phone to take a front door?

Jan Maddock message when there is nobody in the office; the Since August 2006, we have Jan is the full time Transport messages are checked first more than doubled the Manager, while Sally thing every morning. number of clients’ which is organises the buses and great news! Because of the 28 partnershipupdate normal bus service that might benefit from the Dial- a-Bus service? Please mention us to your family, friends and neighbours.

We particularly want to expand our service to those living in the small rural communities poorly served by public transport. This applies to people of all ages. increase in clients (260), we faraway places such as Perth We are keen to hear from expanded our services and or Dundee. young or older people, now run around 12 Dial-a- either individuals or a group, Bus journeys every week. CHARGES who could use our services. Remember anyone eligible We are the only Community can use the buses as often Transport Organisation in We look forward to seeing you as they like. Just phone the Aberdeenshire who don’t on the buses . . . office to book a seat or to charge fares. This is because ask about eligibility. Aberdeenshire Council COMMUNITY GROUPS agreed to pay us a portion We currently have around We offer regular shopping of the concessionary bus 70 community groups journeys to , , fare scheme for those clients registered with us, several of Elgin, Fraserburgh and who have concession cards. whom have their own as well as Banff In addition, we ask for a members trained to drive and Buckie. And we also put small donation for each our buses. However, any on special excursions journey to make up the group of individuals with a throughout the year. difference. If you don’t have common interest could form a concession card, we ask themselves into a group and EXCURSIONS you to make a bigger so make use of the buses, for We are also looking at donation. a trip to the theatre perhaps. running excursion trips during the spring and PLEASE HELP US Our mileage charge to summer. Ideas under EXPAND THE SERVICE group users is 65p per mile. discussion at the moment Our aim is to fill our buses The charge is payable from include trips to garden on every journey but less Boyndie, not from first pick- centres in time for the than 100 of our 260 up. In addition, if a group spring planting, possibly with registered clients travel with uses one of our paid drivers a trailer on the bus for all us regularly. So why don’t we will have to charge an the bags of compost and the remainder take additional £7 per hour, again bark you will want to buy. advantage of our door-to- payable from Boyndie. Trips to Inverness or door service? Aberdeen are possible if Please note at going to there is the interest, or even And, do you know anyone press, our charges are for overnight trips to else who cannot get to the considerably competitive, we issue10 28 FOCUS ON . . .

know this from those groups Drivers Awareness Course volunteers, indeed we who use our buses on a (MIDAS). The one day course currently are very short of regular basis. The new can be arranged through the volunteer passenger buses can take up to 13 transport office here at assistants. passengers plus the driver. Boyndie. There is a The scout bus that we subsidised fee for the course. manage, can take 15 passengers plus the driver. For those groups who At night, or over the cannot provide their own weekend when we are not driver we have a list of using the buses for Dial-a- trained volunteers who may Bus, we can hire all three be able to help. Just ask and buses. Just call us for a we will see what we can quote and to check arrange for you. availability. VOLUNTEER DRIVERS Most of the Dial-a-Bus MINIBUS DRIVERS & VOLUNTEER services run in the morning AWARENESS COURSE PASSENGER and take between 3-4 hours. (MiDAS) ASSISTANTS This is more than just a Obviously it is cheaper for Like all charities, although “shopping bus”; it’s a “social groups to use one of their we have paid staff, we rely service”, a way that many of own members as the driver. on our volunteer drivers our clients can “have a For our insurance purposes, and passenger assistants to news” as well as getting the driver must have help us each month. We their shopping. So, if you completed the Minibus can never have too many think you could give up a half day once a week, fortnight or month we would be delighted to hear from you. Of course we will provide you with training before you start working.

We look forward to hearing from you; call Jan or Sally on 01261 843598 we are here Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 4.00pm.

30 partnershipupdate developing communities

“support for an active community”

community development marketing support project development advice fund-raising advice local networking & gatherings research & consultation . . . a voice for the area

PROJECT PART-FINANCED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION

Europe and Scotland Making it work together

The Old School Boyndie Banff AB452JT T: 01261 843286 F: 01261 843598 E: [email protected]