THE BRIGSWINTER EDITION 2012/13

Photograph: John Rutherford Your Community Council Newsletter Covering the Bridge of Don and Danestone Forward from the Chair… Bridge of Don Welcomes First Responder Service Welcome to the first edition of our brand new newsletter “The Brigs”. We hope you will find it useful, The First Responder is alerted at the informative and entertaining. same time as the Ambulance Services and so, given the locality of the responder to It has been another busy year for the Community the address of the call, they will be able Council during 2012, with planning issues and local to attend more quickly. The First bus services top of the list again. This year commenced Responder will provide the patient with with the discovery of a controversial proposal to life saving emergency aid until the construct a Traveller site for twenty or so caravans on an inappropriate site, without any consultation with the Ambulance crew arrives and takes over residents of Bridge of Don or the Community Council. their care.

Image of First Responders courtesy of Evening Express All of the training for volunteers is Community Council elections were held in October and provided by the Scottish Ambulance the first meeting of the new Bridge of Don Community We are a fairly new service, having gone live at Service to a high standard. We do also Council was held in November. Names and contact the end of September 2012, operating in the undertake regular training within our own details for the new Office Bearers can be found on our website www.thebrigonline.com along with future Bridge of Don, Danestone and surrounding organisation. The only requirements for meeting dates, Agendas and Minutes of past meetings. areas in collaboration with the Scottish becoming one of our responders are that Ambulance Service. We replicate many First you live in the Bridge of Don or We also have a facebook page, so if you are on Responder schemes around the UK providing Danestone and that you have a vehicle facebook,Curabitur look us up under Bridgefelis of Doneu Community an additional resource in Bridge which is suitable for responding to Council and say hello. We look forward to hearing from of Don, Danestone and the surrounding area. emergency calls. We currently have seven you - or if you prefer,Nulla come quis along nibh. to Proin one ofac our The role of the First Responder is to attend life trained members with two more awaiting meetings at Scotstownpede School vel and ligula have facilisisyour say. threatening emergency 999 calls from their their initial training from Scottish gravida. $29 per night Ambulance Service Sheila Young. own home. www.company.com We would like to thank the residents of Bridge of Don and Danestone for voting for us with their green tokens as their winner at ASDA Bridge of Don in December. The money raised will go towards Huge selection of Garden Bird feeds and The Coffee Shop is open seven days essential life saving equipment which as a wildlife feeders etc, all competitively from 9am, including Sundays. charity we are raising funds for. If you priced. Delicious Afternoon teas Monday to would like to learn more about the First Responder Service in Bridge of Don please Hardwood Logs, Kindling, Peats & Coal. Friday 2:30 to 4pm, only £10 for two. contact the Service Co-ordinator Richard Deicing Salt 10kg bag only £2.99. That is only a fiver each. Walker by e-mail:

Garden Centre Tel: Seasons Coffee Shop Tel: [email protected] 01224 722167 01224 724711 First Responder is a Registered Charity in Parkhill, Dyce www.parkhillgardencentre.com Scotland No SC043319 The Bridge of Don Association Community Centre Following changes by the local authority in place to determine the venue and structure of In conjunction with the Bridge of Don 2011 to the running of Community Centres, an evening service for the young people of the Academy pupils and staff and Jayne Buchan a local management committee was formed Bridge of Don. of Aberdeen City Council, we are embarking for Bridge of Don Community Centre with the on a very interesting intergenerational project core objective of identifying the wishes and The Discussion Group using a software programme called “MyLife”. interests of the local community and Meets on Thursday afternoons from 1.30pm establishing the most effective means of to 3.00pm. This is a longstanding and active This programme is used in reminiscing and making these objectives materialise. Although group. other exercises with older people and seeks to some groups did find other venues during the share the experiences and values of different inevitable transition period, the Bridge of Don Computer Course generations . The young people will provide Community Centre can offer a wide variety of A beginners' computer course was held on the confident technical assistance. This unique interests and activities for the community. Thursday evenings from 7.00pm to 9.00pm. and invaluable programme is in its early The ever increasing array of activities at the We hope to continue with computer classes. stages, however, all concerned with this Centre includes: project are enthusiastic. Badminton Class HANDSS (Helping Additional Needs Develop Local residents contacted the management In the New Year we hope to have tasters in Social Skills) committee to discuss the possibility of a bad- “Painting with Water Colours” and Yoga. HANDSS is a weekly club for children who minton class. This class meets on Saturday receive support for learning or have additional mornings from 10.00 am to 12 noon. This The badminton class presents a good example support needs such as autism spectrum class is open to all ages but youngsters who of Community Centre development where disorder or ADHD. It offers various sports' are under the age of 16 years must be accom- inspiration has come from members of the activities, games, arts and crafts. Parents panied by an adult. community. stay, giving them the opportunity to join in games, have a cuppa and chat with other The Youth Forum We would be pleased to welcome you to the parents. It meets on Tuesdays from 6.15pm The Youth Forum held a Showcase Night on Community Centre to discuss any ideas you to 7.30pm. 13th November. Despite considerable may have or if you would like to be involved planning and advertising, the event was not on the management committee. Equally, if Short Mat Bowling as well attended as hoped. There had been a any of the programmes appeal to you, do not Meets on Tuesday and Friday evenings from career based Youth Showcase at the hesitate to get involved. 7.00pm to 9.00pm. The Short Mat Bowling Exhibition Centre during the day. We had is an established group. been unaware of this when we set our date. The Community Centre team can be contact- That said the youth organisations, who ed on telephone number is 701160 Monday Youth Club provided stalls, found the networking useful. to Saturday 9am to 5pm. Wednesday evenings have been reserved for a potential Youth Club. Discussions are taking Catherine Mason It’s Senior Citizens Party Time Again! This year’s Senior Citizen Party will be held delicious catering which the band “Sounds on the afternoon of the 11th April at the Familiar” complimented with first class British Legion, Balgownie Road. entertainment. Afternoon tea, excellent music and dancing were the order of the day. There is a warm welcome awaiting any senior citizen resident in Bridge of Don or Last year’s guests of honour were the Lord Danestone who would like to attend. and Lady Provost.

We were delighted that so many were in A good time was had by one and all of the attendance to enjoy the event last year. The eighty or so guests that attended. Ladies of the British Legion provided If you would like to come along and partake in the enjoyment please contact – Jane Adam on 703210 or Isobyl McLeod on 703230 or e-mail [email protected].

Transport can be arranged in advance on request.

We hope to see you there! The Local Councillor Shadowing Award program – for planning judgements and official offers a chance to experience leadership directly engagements to name but a few. Local Councillor from the point of view of an elected politician During the shadowing process there is a Shadowing Over the last few months Becky Christie and fairly detailed log book to be completed Chris Cromar have been shadowing one of the which once completed is sent to the British local councillors – Muriel Jaffrey. Youth Council for verification.

They both thoroughly enjoyed the experience and Becky and Chris were the only two taking learnt a lot about the workings of local politics. part in the scheme in Aberdeen. They both said they now know more about what happens within the Council and realised the On 15th May they were awarded their importance of voting. certificates from the British Youth Council at

the Community Council meeting. Photocourtesy of John Rutherford A minimum of ten hours is required to complete the scheme, but both Becky and Chris far The Community Council feel they would like exceeded the ten hours due to their interest in to give two more youngsters this what goes on. opportunity. If you would like to find out more about the scheme please contact the As well as attending Council committee meetings Community Council secretary on 703230 they had the opportunity to attend site meetings or e-mail at [email protected]

Better use of existing infrastructure could Reports from your Local Councillors certainly be achieved if more car drivers used Eight Councillors are regularly invited to Bridge of Don Community Council meetings. Since public transport. This could be achieved if the Danestone is covered by the Bridge of Don Community Council, in addition to Councillors Muriel service was of a comparable standard: quick, Jaffrey, Sandy Stuart, Willie Young and John Reynolds, who serve Bridge of Don, Councillors comfortable and convenient. Interestingly Barney Crockett, Graham Lawrence, Neil MacGregor and Gill Samarai are also invited as their this could present a perpetually positive ward is Bucksburn Danestone and Dyce. All Councillors were invited to submit an article. cycle, more car drivers using buses would reduce congestion, which would reduce Councillor Sandy Stuart Councillor Neil Mac Gregor travel times and costs which in turn would encourage more use public transport. First and foremost I’d like to take the The European-funded, Aberdeen-led SURF opportunity to wish everyone a happy and (Sustainable Urban Fringes) project centred In order to fund the services our citizens prosperous new year. on the Don celebrates the river. Leisure is a need, making Aberdeen more attractive for significant business; wise cities capitalise on residents and visitors it is essential that our On the run up to the festive season, as usual, their rivers and attract people who enjoy infrastructure needs to improve. Our there were plenty of invites going around, strolling to cafes and restaurants, museums long-term success depends on effective but the only one I managed to attend was and galleries. Yet we lack elementary investment in it. Braehead Primary school Concert. It was connectivity. great fun. Everybody deserves credit for what Cllr Neil Mac Gregor, was an excellent production by the staff and This is obvious to anyone who lives north of Bucksburn, Danestone & Dyce. the children not just parents who helped out, the Don. Traffic Congestion induces poor but all parents who allowed their children to use of time, energy and money as well as participate. potentially discouraging business investment Councillor Muriel Jaffrey in the area. Before the Christmas celebrations, of course, Firstly, I would like to wish all readers a very was bonfire night which was also a great Time is money: communities suffer where Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2013. success. Full marks to all the organisers in links are absent. what was a true community spectacle. When I was the Councillor for Donmouth all From Aberdeen airport, we can rapidly reach Councillors had a dedicated ward budget. I would like to take this opportunity of important European destinations including wishing Daphne McWilliam all the best in her France, Denmark, Germany, Norway, The I paid for 28 hanging baskets attached to new role as head of Bridge of Don Academy. Netherlands and, yes, England. Potential lamp posts on the Bridge of Don to The job is perfect for her and she is perfect investors need easy access to city centre and accommodate flowers in the summer and for the job. Thanks go to Mr Harland for his residential districts from airports. The Christmas lights in winter. The annual contribution to Bridge of Don Academy and rational approach is to complete the new Don maintenance costs £2000. all the best in his retirement. That’s it folks, crossing and AWPR the Haudagain have a great 2013. upgrade, otherwise journey times will very After the demise of Ward budgets the likely exponentially increase. Community Council invited firms in Bridge of Cllr Sandy Stuart ,Bridge of Don Don to contribute to the upkeep of the baskets. Only one small local business and Councillor Barney Crockett Councillor Gill Samarai Royal Aberdeen Golf course responded positively. My report may be shorter than usual as I am New Year is a perfect time for reflection, to recovering, like so many others, from the celebrate our accomplishments, reflect on our The floral baskets enhance the visual winter vomiting illness! It should teach me to past actions and to plan how to continue appearance of the entrance to Bridge of Don count my blessings. propelling forward in the forthcoming year. for residents and visitors alike. In 2011 I persuaded a businessman from West Certainly I had a great Christmas which So looking forward to the forthcoming year, Aberdeenshire to make a contribution for a allowed time to reflect on a busy time as I was delighted to be included by the sizeable proportion of the sum required. leader of the City Council. Danestone Primary Parent Council at Danestone Primary School along with my In 2012 there was no money at all, hence no Readers in the Bridge of Don will be fellow Councillors regarding their baskets!! particularly interested in the business fundraising activities for their new library. developments looming such as the Core Several meetings have taken place and my My Ward budget also financed the first business park. Most will welcome the jobs colleagues and I hope to visit with the School Christmas lights on Bridge of Don. Now the and facilities on our doorstep though of early in the New Year. Bridge of Don Community Council pays for course individual concerns will be watched the upkeep of the lights from their limited carefully by the community council and I would also take this opportunity of grant. Disappointingly, the Don bridge lights addressed through the planning system. congratulating the Danestone Primary School were operational much later than anticipated Parents who participated in the Tesco Bag and the Community Council budget was I was especially pleased to launch the first Packing fundraising which took place over insufficient to provide for a full compliment work on the long awaited AWPR. This has the festive period and which I understand of Christmas lights for Persley bridge. enormous importance for the Bridge of Don raised around £700 towards the library fund. and is the key to improving transport for the It is disappointing given some of the large, area. I am also pleased to report that the Bridge well financed companies in Bridge of Don of Don Community Council have also that contributions to the appearance of the A great encouragement to the whole city was pledged to make a donation towards the entrance of the Bridge of Don are so poorly the Community Stars event at the Town fund. supported whilst companies in the south of House. One of my two nominated stars was the city have paid for the lovely flowers Lyndsay Johnstone for her work at As an elected Councillor for the Dyce, situated along the river Dee and roundabout Danestone Community Centre. She had to Bucksburn and Danstone Ward, I have had by the King George VI bridge. come to the reception straight from her the pleasure of meeting the members of all march down Union Street as an elf! three Community Councils. As one might It is hoped that this disparity will change for expect they all comprise of dedicated, the better in 2013. The whole event showed Aberdeen in a good hardworking and passionate people. light, foregrounding the great contribution One achievement I was most satisfied with in made by volunteers in our community. It is my firm belief that a good understanding 2012 was to help a lady who had been of local issues is an essential and integral part homeless since August to get One challenge of Danestone is that it throws of making positive contributions towards the accommodation. The lady and her dogs had up the biggest variety of casework of any Local Community of which the Community been sleeping outdoors in temperatures as part of the city. So next time I will cover Council form a good point of focus. low as minus five degrees. some of those issues. Cllr Gill Samarai, Bucksburn, Danestone & Cllr Muriel Jaffrey, Bridge of Don Cllr Barney Crockett, Bucksburn, Danstone Dyce. & Dyce.

A word of Thanks from the Editor The Bridge of Don Community Council works hard to promote a stronger sense of community in Bridge of It’s been a pleasure putting this first edition of The Don and we’d be pleased to see you get involved. Brigs together. I hope you have enjoyed the Whether you might like to attend and contribute to newsletter. meetings or perhaps prepare an article for The Brigs. Articles should be two hundred words or so, and in I’d like to thank the following people for their line with other Community publications, publishing is invaluable support: Lesley Glasser from the at the discretion of the editor. Bucksburn News, John and Suzanne Rutherford for their kind permission to use their photographs, If you have any comments, suggestions or would like McKenzie Print, my colleagues in the Bridge of Don to get in touch regarding “The Brigs”, you can Community Council and, of course, all contributors, contact the team at [email protected] supporters and patrons. See you next time. Ed.