South Deeside View - Spring 2013 by NKRCC

THE SOUTH DEESIDE VIEW Spring 2013 CONTENTS 1

Plant Sale & Daffodil Tea

Youth activities

Lairhillock School

Banchory-Devenick School Red squirrel conservation

Clubs and Societies

Leisure activities

Community Halls Community Woodland

Driving for the Disabled

Maryculter-Cookney Church

St Ternan’s Church St Mary’s Chapel, Blairs Solstice Plant Sale

News from Blairs Museum The Muckle Spate

Nature Notes

This year March came in like a lamb but as we go to press it looks set to go out like a lion. In stark contrast to last year, easterly winds, almost Siberian-like at times, seem to have dominated most of the winter but undeterred, the snowdrops adorn our landscape, albeit camouflaged amongst the snowflakes. A sure sign that spring is upon us. Thanks to our many contributors and organisations across the area for helping to once again make this a packed issue. Also to our faithful advertisers and band of ‘deliverers’. Together you make South Deeside View possible...you should be very proud. All phone numbers are Aberdeen listed (01224) unless otherwise indicated. The back page, with its Events Calendar and list of useful contacts, is arranged for handy reference. Other contact information is at the end of each section. We look forward to seeing you all at our Annual Plant Sale and Coffee Morning on May 18 (see below for more details). As always, please feel free to contact Hazel or Pam at any time with your ideas for new material for the newsletter (contact details on the back page). Your suggestions are always welcome. Till autumn...

Home deliveries 14

Grampian Police

Representation MP/MSP

Community Council

Councillors

Advertisements

Handy contacts and Events

ANNUAL PLANT SALE and COFFEE MORNING Saturday May 18, from 10.30am till noon at Corbie Hall, Maryculter We are holding a sale of garden plants: herbaceous, rockery, herbs, salad vegetables, annuals and bushes - all grown by enthusiastic local amateur gardeners.

Friends of Guiding Maryculter

Coffee, tea, juice and home baking will also be available.

Annual Daffodil Tea

Please let us know if you can offer any donations or assistance on the day - all contributions welcome!

Saturday 11th May 10.30 to 12.30 Corbie Hall, Maryculter Adults £3, children/concessions £1.50 Cake & candy, books & toys, lucky dip, chocolate/bottle tombola, raffle

If you can help with supplies, contact Rob Winmill (plants), Tel: 01569 730308 or Pam Robertson (coffee morning), Tel: 863887.

YOUTH ACTIVITIES Maryculter Babies and Toddlers

Maryculter Rainbows

We meet in Maryculter Church Hall on Thursday mornings all year from 9.30-11.30am. Anyone looking after children between birth and 3 years is very welcome to join us for a cuppa and chat, whilst the tots play with our stock of toys and games. We’re always on the lookout for new members so please tell friends, neighbours and those new to the area. Julie Currie, Tel: 862200, E-mail: julie.currie8@gmail.com Lee Ross, Tel: 07929 071182, E-mail: leeross@gmail.com

Rainbows meet in the Corbie Hall between 4.15 and 5.15pm on Thursday afternoons. We are currently at full capacity with nineteen girls aged between five and seven. During the pre-Christmas term we enjoyed two circus-themed afternoons when we practised circus games and were lucky to have a face painter visit. We also made Christmas decorations for the foyer of Tesco, Banchory along with Maryculter Brownies and Guides. The highlight was a trip to the pantomime - “It wasn’t me it was Goldilocks” - at the Lemon Tree.

South Deeside Under Fives We are a community-led charity providing independent childcare for children from birth to five ye a r s , m e e t i n g a t Maryculter Community Hall (next to the Old Mill Inn). Our experienced play leaders prepare an exciting array of activities for youngsters, from crafts, construction games and imaginative play inside to gardening, active games and country walks outside. Beyond the fun for children, the group aims to be a focus for local parents to meet and make new friends. We offer three groups:

In January we met in the Maryculter Church Hall until the bridge at Corbie Hall, which had been washed away by floods, was replaced. We went for a walk in the woods near the church and did some ‘star gazing’. Fortunately and with thanks to all involved, the bridge was repaired quickly and now we are back to normal. We have been working towards our Seasons Badge by celebrating Burns Night, Chinese New Year and Mothers Day and also had a seasonal fashion show. We are now hoping the snow stays away for our Easter Egg Hunt at the end of March! If you would like your child to join our Rainbows, please register on www.girlguiding.org.uk and complete the ‘Get Involved’ section.

Baby & Toddler Group Meets on Monday mornings - £3.75 per session. From birth to 4-year-olds. Adults relax over a coffee whilst children make their first friends. An experienced play leader leads children through active play, songs and stories. Two’s Group Meets on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings - £8 per session. For children aged 2 years until they go to nursery. Tots are left in the capable hands of experienced play leaders who support the children in learning through play in a small, friendly group. Activities include crafts, bug hunting, bubbles in the garden and walks around the local countryside. Rising Fives Group Meets on Tuesdays, 11.45am to 1.45pm - £8 per session. For ante-pre and pre-school children. A gentle introduction to spending more time away from their adults prior to school. Children are provided with a healthy lunch as part of our healthy living programme followed by fun activities including cooking, painting or sports.

Maryculter Brownies It has been a busy time for the Brownies again. They collected together backpacks for the Mary’s Meals scheme so that children not as lucky as themselves in Malawi can go to school. For this they got a special ‘Together We Can’ badge. At the end of last term they went to the Panto and saw Cinderella and there were great discussions about boys dressed as girls, also the fact that the main character was a girl dressed as a boy! For the end of term they enjoyed a trip to Café O’ Clay and decorated some fabulous Christmas decorations. This term they have been busy doing their Friends to Animals badge and the highlight so far was having George Masson come to visit and talk to us about Driving for the Disabled. It was great to hear about the work that they and the ponies do. We loved all the photos that he brought to show us of the ponies in action.

More information at mobile: 07966 163953 or email: info@south-deeside-under-fives.co.uk. The South Deeside Under Fives is a member of the Scottish Pre-school Play Association. Charity no.SC017421. www.south-deeside-under-fives.co.uk.

We have also just completed our special Rolls Roycesponsored Science Explorer Badge and had great fun making balloon-powered cars, compasses and a pin hole viewer. And just the other week we had a Brownie Bakeoff to raise money for Children In Need.

Blairwood Garden, Blairs This is a 14-year-old garden of approx ½ acre designed to sit easily in the surrounding countryside and to provide colour over a long season: herbaceous borders, a herb garden packed with medicinal and culinary herbs, pebble mosaics and sunken patio area. One garden 'room' has been grown on a landfill site. River walk. The garden is open by arrangement to individuals and groups from mid June to early autumn. Admission is £4.00 with all proceeds going to charity. No dogs please. Ilse Elders - T: 01224 868301 E: ilse.elders@yahoo.co.uk.

Currently there are a couple of spaces available for the first time in a good while, so if you are interested in joining please get in touch. Contact Lynn Murphy, Tel: 01330 825936 or e-mail lynnmurphy100@hotmail.co.uk

YOUTH ACTIVITIES Maryculter Guides

1st Maryculter Cubs

This term we have been working on ‘Go For Its’, where the girls plan their own activities based on a theme. So far we have made bat h bo mbs and h eal t hy sandwiches in funky shapes using cookie cutters. We have been putting our artistic skills to the test making paint splatter handprint paintings. We are now working on the World Culture Badge and learning about the local area by making a leaflet all about local attractions. Also, part of the badge is to use traditional henna designs to decorate hand and foot prints. We are working hard on this badge but still have some work to complete. To celebrate World Thinking Day the whole unit took part in a cowboy-themed sleepover in the White House at Templars Park. We played games in the dark and cooked our supper over the open fire. We made some lovely crafts called Gods Eyes that are a Mexican tradition. World Thinking Day is celebrated all over the world on the 22nd of February as this is our founder’s birthday. The celebration went on into the wee small hours of the morning with our campfire and singing over 30 of the Guides’ favourite songs. The next morning we had some time to reflect, think of our founder and Guides all over the world. The Rangers are run like a support point of contact for Young Leaders from other units and areas. Being a Ranger means you could be helping within a local unit or just working on your own. Maryculter Guide and Ranger Units are always looking for new members, girls can be ages 10-14 for Guides and 14-25 for Rangers. We meet on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm in the Maryculter Community (Corbie) Hall. Contact Morag Lister on Tel: 07849 315203, E-mail: moraglister@yahoo.co.uk

We are so fortunate to have access to some wonderful local terrain in which to keep the Cubs busy. With woodland, streams and the Glebe field on our doorstep they have enjoyed many outdoor activities right through the winter. We kicked off the new school year with a very sunny camp at Templars’ Park, with many of our Cubs completing the activities required for their Camper badge – just a few more nights under canvas required to qualify. Since then we’ve tracked in the woods, navigated from point to point using simple maps, found our way using the stars, been night-time orienteering and even completed a stealth exercise during which all Cubs succeeded in staying silent for a full fifteen minutes! We’ve made guys for Bonfire Night, stretchers out of rope and sticks, held our traditional Remembrance Eve sleepover in the hut, had a riotous Christmas Party complete with sausage sizzle and had a go with the fire hoses during a visit to Stonehaven Fire Station. The Cubs have gained badges for athletics, emergency aid, creativity and navigation. We’re currently working towards our astronomy badges. Looking ahead, we will be running another camp at Templars’ in May and hope to repeat the sailing events at the Loch of Skene which are always so popular. As the evenings lengthen we’ll be able to climb some hills and later in the year we’ll be making our annual weekend trip to Muir Cottage near Braemar. Maryculter Cubs is a mixed pack, welcoming both boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 10½ from the Maryculter, Netherley and Banchory-Devenick areas. We meet at the Maryculter Scout Hut on Mondays between 6.15 and 7.45pm. We currently have a wee bit of space in the pack, so if you have a son or daughter who likes the outdoors and would like to find out more, please get in touch with Sarah Taylor (07917 658504), Allan Glennie (01569 730732) or Brett Lestrange (735146).

Maryculter Beavers

1st Maryculter Scouts

The Beavers celebrate their 25th anniversary this year. Our Colony was the first in Deeside to be formed and has thrived ever since with many of the local boys joining and having fun with friends. The Colony meets at the Scout Hut, Kirkton of Maryculter from 5.30 until 7pm each Tuesday. There are 13 Beavers meantime and new members aged 6 to 7 are always welcome. At Christmas the Beavers almost stole the show with their enthusiasm at the Bettridge Centre's performance of Jack and the Beanstalk - some of them being invited on stage to 'help out'. Since then the Beavers have been enjoying crafts, baking and other badge work but light nights will be here again soon to let us get outside for more adventurous activities. Contact: Kathleen Paterson, Beaver Leader Tel: 868676

Scouts meet on Friday evenings at the Scout Hut, Kirkton of Maryculter from 7.15 until 9.15pm. Membership continues to hover around 20, just slightly below our maximum of 24. Some Scouts have recently completed their Chef badge and are in the process of completing their Swimmer and Cyclist badges. Unfortunately there is not a sand-shifting badge for those that helped at the Corbie Park recently…! A number of parents helped undertake some maintenance at the hut over the winter and now that spring is here it is hoped some more tasks will get done. We have an empty border requiring some shrubs so any hardy bushes would be gratefully accepted if any are being disposed of or broken up. Summer camp this year will be at Alyth, where we have enjoyed camping in previous years and are always made very welcome. Any enquiries about Scouting in Maryculter should be made to Les Paterson, Scout Leader. Tel 01224 868676 or email lesardoe@aol.com. 3

PRIMARY

SCHOOLS STAFFING Due to family circumstances, Mrs Geldart ceased working with P5/6 on 8 March. We would like to thank her for the work she has done with the class this term, the children have enjoyed having her in class. Ms Guthrie and Mrs Foubister will provide interim cover until Mrs Begg, our new P5/6 class teacher, takes up her post. We are looking forward to having her in the school.

Lairhillock Rev. Bogle, Moderator for the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and his wife were visiting the area as part of the Moderator’s year in office and asked to visit Lairhillock School as we are a modern school. He conducted a short assembly and then had a tour of the school and an opportunity to talk to some of the children. Congratulations to Orin Collin who won the ‘Get Caught Reading’ competition for ‘getting caught’ sitting on a chimney to read his book (pictured left). We are most grateful to the Moderator for judging the competition and to everyone who took the time to enter.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS We have managed to secure Brazilian samba drumming workshops for all of the children from Nursery to P7. As a finale to their workshops the P1-7 children will be putting on an end of term concert for parents. The children in P6/7 (pictured below) have embarked on a short course of hockey lessons delivered by Kevin McNab, Hockey Development Officer, and organised by Mrs Seerey, Active Schools Coordinator. We are also grateful to Mrs Seerey for the badminton sessions she is running for P3.

NEWS FROM THE CLASSES Fairtrade has been a major focus in P1/2 and the children have enjoyed working on their display. The class had a surplus of Fairtrade bananas which the children put to good use by making banana muffins. P1/2 also continue to be on the lookout for any good quality second hand dressing up clothes, toys and purses. Meanwhile, as part of their Ancient Egyptians project, P2/3 have become fascinated by the gory process of mummification! During a recent spell of good weather P4 ventured outside to work on angles and they are hoping for more good weather to be able to continue their investigations. Primary 5-7 have been working on the Endless Ocean project this term and both classes have arranged trips related to this: P5/6 are off to Macduff Aquarium and P6/7 are heading to Deep Sea World. The children in nursery (pictured below) are learning a number of PE skills to help them during sports day next term.

Ten children from P3-5 will be selected to represent the school at the Badminton Sportshall Challenge at Mill O’ Forest School. This event allows the children to participate in a series of activities to improve their badminton skills. The school will also be represented at the first round of the Rotary Primary School Quiz by Aidan Dempsey, Alexandria Reid, Callum Davis, Joe McNamee and Rachael Pyper. Mrs Malone, Mrs Trilk and Mr Pyper will be taking our cross country team to the Championship at Balmedie. Our Fairtrade Rice is now on sale at a cost of £2.70 per bag. If we manage to sell all 90 of the one kilogram bags we will have raised enough money to allow the farmer who grew the rice to send one of his children to secondary school for a year. Next term, P6 bikeability training begins, 'PINK! The Musical' For Nursery to P3 comes to the school and P7 pupils embark on a residential trip. Christeen Saward, Acting Head Teacher Tel: 01569 732520 E-mail: christeen.saward@aberdeenshire.gov.uk 4

Banchory-Devenick

Red squirrels in Aberdeenshire need your help!

With spring very much in the air, pupils and teachers at BanchoryDevenick School are looking forward to an action-packed year. As well as a full and rewarding time in the class room there is a wide ranging after schools programme on offer allowing pupils to socialise and have fun with friends.

Householders and landowners throughout Aberdeen City and Shire are urged to lend a hand in continued efforts to successfully boost red squirrel numbers across the area – by opening their gardens and borrowing a squirrel trap! The red squirrel is native to Britain and was once widespread, but has declined markedly in recent years. Scotland now holds 75% of the UK’s red squirrel population. Their decline is mostly due to the spread of the grey squirrel, which was only introduced into the UK in the 19 th century. The call for help comes from the people behind the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) project. Led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust in partnership with Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Land and Estates and Forestry Commission Scotland, the four-year-old project has successfully focused its red squirrel conservation efforts along Deeside and Donside The SSRS North East Project Officer, Stephen Willis, said: “Recent volunteer-led surveys suggest that the red squirrel conservation work we’ve been involved with so far is reducing grey squirrel numbers and improving conditions for red squirrels to thrive. We’re already receiving more and more sightings of red squirrels in Peterculter, Milltimber and as far east as Garthdee, and would like to create the same ‘red -friendly’ conditions across south Deeside. But to achieve this, we need access to even more private gardens along Deeside that contain prime grey squirrel habitat. There is an abundance of good habitat between Banchory-Devenick and Maryculter and numerous areas of woodland approaching Durris. We really need to know more about where red and grey squirrels are in all these areas.” SSRS provides information and advice to landowners about how to manage woodlands to benefit red squirrels and works to raise public awareness of the red squirrels’ plight by engaging individuals and communities in red squirrel conservation. A crucial part of the work involves preventing further grey squirrel range expansion. Until non-lethal methods of grey squirrel control are available, the only way to prevent grey squirrels from dispersing further out into Aberdeenshire is by careful cagetrapping followed by humane dispatch. Across Grampian, coordinated grey squirrel control carried out by trained Grey Squirrel Control Officers, is targeted at the most prolific grey squirrel populations which drive the grey’s range expansion. A major factor in the success of this approach is the participation of landowners and householders in the SSRS trap loan scheme. The SSRS Project Manager, Mel Tonkin, added: “We are able to loan traps and provide a dispatch service, carried out by our trained Grey Squirrel Control Officers, free of charge. This scheme fulfils a vital element to the national red squirrel protection strategy and if anyone would like to help, either by allowing us access to their grounds, borrowing a trap or even reporting red or grey squirrel sightings in the area, they can visit our website (www.swt.org.uk/wildlife/squirrelsightings) and find out how to get involved.”

Thanks to the wider Portlethen Network Active Schools the following clubs are currently running at the school: Yoga The weekly yoga group is open to all ages and has been successfully running all year. Pupils learn new postures and experience the spiritual benefits, all whilst unwinding after a full day at school. The classes have proved very popular with over 10 pupils regularly attending. Bokwa Starting Tuesday 5th March from 3.20-4pm, the newest activity to start for P3 upwards is the Bokwa class. Bokwa is a new dance-fitness workout for boys and girls which is set to popular music. “If you can move and you like music, you will like Bokwa!” A future date for everyone’s diary is the BanchoryDevenick Spring Fair on Saturday 18th May from 2– 4pm. With stalls, games for children, a bouncy castle and fabulous home bakes, there’s sure to be something for everyone. All welcome! ‘ Te Amo Project’ We would like to thank all of you who so willingly and wonderfully made our primary 1, 2 and 3 class Te Amo Project such a tremendous success - both for our pupils and for the children of Peru who will benefit so gratefully from the 65 jumpers, 18 scarves and 6 hats that are now on their way to Peru. Thank you also to those of you who donated to the cost of sending the knitwear to Peru. Future Projects The classes will be working on the following topics this term: P1/2/3 – Granny’s Attic P4/5 – Romans P6/7 – Victorians

If you would like any more information, please contact the SSRS North East Project Officer, Stephen Willis, Tel: 266526 or Email: redsquirrelgrampian@swt.org.uk.

Joyce Hill, Head Teacher, Tel: 875237 E-mail: joyce.hill@aberdeenshire.gov.uk 5

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES Maryculter WRI

‘change’ (hopefully the weather too) we will finish the season by 31st May albeit with the usual plethora of evening games. The other big factor that would have affected play during the long period of inactivity was the ‘Big Flood at Corbie Park’. This will be well documented by others but I personally would like to thank all members of the community that gave of their time and efforts to resurrect the bridge and clear the football pitch. I would also like to announce the upcoming 40th Anniversary Dinner of Glendale FC, which will take place on the 18th May at the Old Mill Inn. Attempts will be made to contact all former players but should you wish to contact us via this article, please do so. Finally on a more personal note, I was more than a little overcome and taken aback whilst attending our own Aberdeen Association meeting at the start of January, when in the presence of representatives of the SAFA, I was surprisingly called forward to be presented with the Association Medal for Services to Amateur Football. To say I was humbled is an understatement, as all that we are doing here at Glendale is carrying on the good works started by the late Charlie Summers and Archie Morrison way back in 1972. Jim Grant Tel: 867512

Meeti ngs ar e on t he second Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm in Corbie Hall, Maryculter between August and May. The speaker on April 10 is Barney Crockett who will talk about Aberdeen cinemas and our season ends on May 8 with the Business Meeting and a Bring and Buy Sale. New members and visitors are always welcome. See our programme on the back page. Secretary, Marlene Connon, Tel: 867580

Netherley WRI We meet on the third Monday of each month between August and May at 7.30pm in Lairhillock School. On April 15 there will be floral arranging and on May 20 we will have a talk by Lynne Carmichael on voluntary dental work in India as well as our Business Meeting. We are a small but keen group and welcome new members. Georgina Smith, Tel: 01330 822192

Friendship Club We are a very active social group of retirement age who meet on the first Thursday of the month. Our indoor winter session ends with a Basket Whist in Corbie Hall on April 19 at 7.30pm. Do get in touch and join us that evening if you enjoy playing whist or would like to learn. Our programme of monthly bus excursions between May and September has been arranged and includes Stirling Castle and the museum at Montrose. Contacts: Anne, Tel: 732071 and Peggy, Tel: 734888

Dee Vale Ladies Football Club Dee Vale Ladies were shocked by the amount of sand and debris left on their home pitch, Corbie Park, after the flood at the end of the year. After such a successful 2012 season all the ladies were determined to get the pitch back to a playable condition by the beginning of the 2013 season. Dee Vale joined other pitch users and members of the community in many hours of raking and shovelling to get the pitch back in order. After a last minute inspection the pitch was passed as playable for the first competitive game of 2013 against Luthermuir in the Scottish League Cup First Round. Thanks is due to all those who helped to make this possible.

Cookney Bowling Club The bowlers roll out their carpets on Monday and Thursday evenings at Cookney Hall, ready for a 7.30pm start. New members are always welcome to join the keen two dozen regulars. The season closes at the end of April and re-starts in mid September. Arthur Durward Tel: 319701

Glendale Football Club

Having been defeated by Luthermuir in a pre-season friendly only weeks before, the visitors came to Maryculter expecting easy progression to the next round. However, Dee Vale dominated possession throughout the game, going in one nil up at half time. Luthermuir looked more organised in the second half but continued to struggle with the pace and passing of the Dee Vale team. The home side doubled their lead shortly before the end and saw out a comfortable 2-0 victory to take them into the League Cup Second Round and an away tie against Hamilton FC. Any players interested in joining the squad should contact deevalelfc@yahoo.co.uk. Dee Vale LFC play in the Scottish Second Division North, home matches kick off at 2pm at Corbie Park, Maryculter. Rhoda Paterson

As I sit and write this, on yet another free Saturday in March, whereby we are ‘kicking our heels’ due to the fact that our fixture has yet again been postponed due to the weather, the question once more is raised as to whether the football season should be moved away from the winter months. This year we have suffered more than usual...1 game on the 8th December, 1 on the 5th January, and then nothing until the 23rd February – nightmare!!! This inevitably leads to all kinds of problems, not least difficulties getting indoor Saturday training facilities, culimating in a loss of interest amongst the squad with players becoming lethargic and fitness ultimately affected. However, onwards and upwards and with the time 6

Aberdeen Aeromodellers Club

LEISURE ACTIVITIES

The club owns a 6.5 acre grass flying field at Hare Moss, Banchory-Devenick and is permitted to fly from 9am to 7pm on weekdays, and 10am to 7pm at weekends. Details of forthcoming events can be found on their website (also on the back page). Email: information@aamfc.co.uk www.aamfc.co.uk

Yoga Class The Sunday class at Corbie Hall, Maryculter runs from 4.305.45pm, costing £7 (£5 concessions). A mixed programme of Hatha Flow for strength and balance, Yin yoga for flexibility, and meditation for focus. Suitable for all levels including complete beginners. For further information, contact: Aidan Mulkerrin: 07710 495552, www.aurinkoyoga.com.

Fitness Pilates The class runs in the Corbie Hall, Maryculter on Mondays from 6 to 7pm. People with physical problems will be directed to classes run by physiotherapists, such as the advert on this page. Individuals are welcome to attend for a trial session, and should contact: Fiona Halliday Tel: 01330 824679

DOGTIME DOGWALKS Experienced & professional service offered Fully equipped ventilated van, pick up, drop off 1 hour walks, puppy and oldie breaks

Fitness Pilates

For more information call Denise 07917 190186 or 01224 864121

Dog Training Weekly class on Wednesday evenings in Cookney Hall. Wendy Wright, Tel: 01561 377232, Mobile: 07742 106148

The Fitness Pilates technique involves strengthening the muscles around the centre of your body; including abdominal muscles, lower, middle and upper back, all responsible for posture.

Scottish Accordion Music Group

Why should you do Fitness Pilates?

Thirty and more accordionists meet in the Kirkton Hall, Durris on the second Sunday of each month. Doors open at 6.30pm and performances are from 7.30-9.30pm led by Keith Duncan. Music is interspersed with songs and poems, which add to the entertainment, all for an entry fee of £2.

Pilates helps Stability – Mobility – Strength – Balance Posture – Breathing – Co-ordination Classes run in Corbie Hall, Maryculter Mondays from 6pm to 7pm. A wide range of other classes are also available. Call Fiona Halliday for more details on 01330 824679. * Personal tuition given *

These are very popular evenings and the 100 seats are soon filled, so do come in good time. The group takes bookings to provide performances elsewhere and can be contacted by phoning their secretary Eileen Fraser, Tel: 319484.

North Mearns Reading Group We are an informal group (12) that meet every six to eight weeks in each other’s homes. Our aim is to read widely in order to explore, engage and enjoy all kinds of literature from contemporary fiction to the classics. We normally discuss two books, so if you love to read then please join us. E-mail: ericmuriel_hargreaves@hotmail.com, Tel: 01569 730302 or Sheila, Tel: 01569 731608

SOLVEIG DAHLE SMITH Cert. Pilates. Inst. MAPPI Experienced physiotherapist

Storybook Glen

PILATES CLASSES

Maryculter’s 28 acre playground populated by nursery rhyme and make-believe characters is open from 10am to 6pm daily. Tel: 732941 www.storybookglenaberdeen.co.uk.

PETERCULTER SPORTS CENTRE Monday & Tuesday afternoons Tuesday & Thursday evenings CAMPHILL SCHOOL MURTLE Wednesday evenings CULTS CHURCH Friday mornings Contact details solveig@pilatesaberdeen.com www.pilatesaberdeen.com Tel: 01224 861421 Cert. Pilates. Inst. MAPPI

Drum Castle The castle, tearoom and shop will be open from March 29 to June 30 from Thursday to Monday between 11am and 4pm, and daily at the same times in July and August. The Garden of Historic Roses opens daily between March 29 and the end of October. Tel: 01330 811204 www.nts.org.uk 7

Maryculter Community Hall and Corbie Park

Community Woodland for the Future? Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) has announced the sale of 67 hectares of woodland adjacent to the Kirkton of Maryculter. Oldman Wood is used by many in the local community including Redwing Riding School, all age groups of Maryculter Scouts and Guiding, carriage driving for the disabled and walkers. A community group (Maryculter Woodlands Trust) in partnership with FCS has been managing the wood since 2007. Activities include maintenance of paths and drainage ditches, creation of new paths, thinning-out self -sown spruce and planting broad-leaf trees. The local community met on 19th February in the Kirkton of Maryculter and decided to apply to FCS for a community buy-out of the wood. This decision has the full support of our Community Council (NKRCC). If the application is successful, this will ensure that the wood is preserved as an amenity for us all. FCS requires us to hold a formal ballot of the people living adjacent to the wood as part of the community buy -out process. If you receive a ballot paper, please make use of your vote and return it in the envelope provided. A high response rate for the ballot will improve our chances of being successful with our application to FCS. Returning the ballot paper carries no obligation to help fund the purchase. Funding is likely to be through public bodies and charitable private donation. This is a one-off opportunity for the community and we hope that you share our passion to secure the future of the wood. If we fail to demonstrate enough local support for its purchase, there is a significant risk that the wood becomes a land bank for future house building. If you have any views or questions about the proposed buy-out, please contact the Maryculter Woodlands Trust at: info@maryculterwoods.com. Further information is also available at www.maryculterwoods.com.

It is always difficult to write a report on hall activities that is filled with matters of drama or controversy - and this can only be a reflection on how smoothly the hall operates, thanks to our Booking Secretary, Carol Masson, a great servant to the local community. At the last AGM another longstanding servant of both the field and hall, Jim Ewen, advised that he would be leaving the committee as he and his wife, Mary, now live in Banchory and would be taking it easier in future. Everyone is greatly appreciative of the many years Jim has given to the Corbie Park. Jim will be a hard act to replace. The hall continues to provide a comfortable, cosy, community meeting place for all sorts of clubs, committees and youth groups but there is always capacity for new groups or users to book it for one -off or regular events. Enquiries to Carol Masson, Tel: 733583

Friends of Cookney Hall Did you come to our New Year family dance or the superb Burns Supper? If not, you missed out on two happy evenings when we really made the rafters sing. Our next event is a Country and Western Night on Saturday April 27 with music by K W's Country. Tickets for this and other events can be obtained from Joyce Murison, Tel: 01569 731236 or the committee.

Ed Thorogood, Chairman, Tel: 734224 MARYCULTER COMMUNITY HALL AND CORBIE PLAYING FIELD by the Old Mill Inn

The Hall has excellent kitchen facilities with enough tables and chairs to cope with over a hundred folk. Several private functions have been held including ceilidhs, anniversary get-togethers and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parties. The wooden floor is ideal for dancing and entertainers use the moveable stage and spotlights. Contact us to discuss your requirements and availability of the hall. We want to ensure that this superb community resource is well used and appreciated.

An ideal venue for Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Parties, Meetings, Ceilidhs, Coffee Mornings, Concerts, Dance and Exercise Classes Available afternoons, evenings and weekends. Facilities include Kitchen with Cooker, Microwave, Kettle/Urn, Crockery and Cutlery Tables and chairs for 80 people, Toilets Disabled entrance to Hall. The Changing Rooms and Showers are separate and can accommodate 2 teams of 15.

www.facebook.com.groups/234268613296289/ or contact Willie Angus, Tel: 01569 730123, E-mail: wgangus@btinternet.com Bob McKinney, tel: 01569 730706 E-mail: bob8930@sky.com

For further information or to book an event Please contact Booking Secretary Carol Masson Telephone 733583 8

Maryculter Driving for the Disabled FOR SALE (due to owner’s illness and advancing years) WELSH COB (SECTION D) 15HANDS - £2,000 126330 CORBIELINN CASSE

Maryculter Driving for the Disabled Group is an independent charity registered in Scotland and a member of the Federation of RDA (Riding for the Disabled including Driving). The aim of the Group is to give the opportunity of driving a horse pulled carriage to any disabled person who might benefit in general health and happiness. Our 2013 programme starts on Wednesday 1st May from Maryculter Home Farm and continues until the last Wednesday in September when we have our BBQ and Cone Driving Competition/Treasure Hunt, all made possible by our extensive team of volunteers. We are always looking for new helpers and tea ladies/gentlemen. You don't need to know anything about horses, we will provide ongoing training, but if you do that's a bonus. RDA Volunteers must be aged 12 or over and there is no upper age limit. Anyone out there on a ‘gap year’? A recent survey carried out for the RDA showed that learning new skills is good for your CV: 73% of employers would employ a candidate with volunteering experience over one without. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Irene Heale, Chairperson, Tel: 735504 or Caroline McTaggart, Secretary, Tel: 734093 Make a note in your diary for this year’s Stonehaven Plainstones fundraising event on 31st August from 9am- noon.

Sire: Retanach Figaro 45266 Dam: Gleannmhor Cariad 227744 Damsire: Lockeridge Welington 22774 Mare/black/date of foaling June 2001/drive & ride Susceptible to mild attacks of sweet itch that are easily controllable Good in traffic/easy to shoe Interested parties contact: George Masson, Corbie Linn, Maryculter, AB12 5FT Tel 01224 733583, Email: georgemasson@btinternet.com

NORTH BURNSIDE KENNELS AND CATTERY

“where part of your family becomes part of ours” Tel 01224 733474 Netherley Road, Burnside, Maryculter

MARYCULTER CARRIAGE DRIVING CENTRE Learn the art and tradition of carriage driving Arrive in a horse-drawn carriage for your wedding Enjoy a farm tour and riverside drive Visit our unique carriage collection Bring disabled friends for a drive Let us take you for a drive to mark a special occasion We can do all this and much more with our experienced horses and ponies. We also have a self-contained flat overlooking the River Dee - ideal for business visits or short breaks. Jane and Ewan MacInnes, Home Farm, Maryculter Tel: 01224 732310 and 07889 340362 Email: homefarmmcdc@lineone.net www.marycultercarriages.co.uk

Banchory-Devenick and Maryculter/Cookney Parish Church of Scotland Youth Cafe

Should you need the services of a minister during the vacancy, please contact:

P7-S6 - all welcome, every Thursday 7-9pm in Maryculter Church Hall. Plenty to do from football, table tennis and pool to board games and of course the tuck shop! A visit to the Compass Christian Centre in Glenshee is planned for June - a weekend packed with fun and adventure! We also plan to hold a Holiday Club with the theme ’Space Academy’ nearer the end of the summer holidays for P1-7. Contact Dianne Brown, Tel:734687

Rev. Dennis Rose Interim Moderator Tel: 01561 362560 Email: dennis2327@aol.co.uk. Other contacts are:  Mrs Joyce Mackintosh, Session Clerk, Tel: 733495, Email: joycemackintosh@yahoo.ie.  Mrs Anne Massie, Church Treasurer and Caretaker, Tel: 732071.

Community Coffee Mornings

Every 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesday from 10am-12 noon in Maryculter Church Hall. Come along and enjoy chats with friends over tea, coffee and home baking.

Services during the vacancy are at 10.30am in Maryculter-Cookney Church and are led by Readers attached to Kincardine & Deeside Presbytery. Children are always welcome at all our services and there is a wealth of material for them to enjoy in the hall. An activity table is available at The Meeting Place with children staying in the hall for the whole service.

The Guild We meet on the first Monday of the month from September through to November and from February to May, 7:30-9.30pm. New members are always welcome to come along and hear interesting talks, enjoy fellowship and a cup of tea. Contact Sheila Bissett, Tel: 01569 731708

A closure service for Banchory-Devenick Church will be held on Thursday 18th April at 7pm. Although it is very sad that this building is closing, we hope those with connections to the church will join us for the final worship service and remember the happy events that have taken place there.

The Meeting Place Held on the last Sunday of the month from 4.30-6pm with the service beginning at 5pm in Maryculter Church Hall. Come along and have tea or coffee, sing along with the praise band and enjoy worship and short talks in a very relaxed atmosphere. The next one is on 28th April.

A service of Holy Communion led by Rev. Dennis Rose, Interim Moderator, will be held on 28th April at 10.30am in Maryculter-Cookney Church.

Booking of halls and grounds

“The Jesus Lifestyle” - a follow-on course from Alpha led by Mrs Joan Thorne. Do you want to know the secret of a happy, peaceful life? Come and join us to learn the Jesus Lifestyle. Sessions are now running on a Wednesday evening from 7.30-9.30pm at Maryculter Church Hall. Come along and join us for one week or all of them - the last session will be on 26th June. For further information, contact Joan on 783834. We look forward to welcoming you. House Group 1 is having a break but House Group 2 meets in Anne Massie’s house in Kirkton of Maryculter on the 2nd, 3rd and 5th Mondays of the month at 7.30pm and is led by Joyce Mackintosh. We are looking at ‘Essential 100’, which is journey through the Bible in 100 readings, discussing experiences and comparing them to present times. Why not come and join us in and informal and relaxed atmosphere and enjoy friendship and a cup of tea.

Contact Anne Massie Tel: 732071

Banchory Devenick and Maryculter-Cookney Parish Church of Scotland, Scottish Charity number: SCO 13648 CCL 573608

Mr George Masson Tel. 01224 733583

St Mary’s Chapel, Blairs South Deeside Road, Blairs, Aberdeen Mass is held every Sunday morning at 9am to which all are invited. Father Vincent, Email: vincentkb2009@yahoo.co.uk www.dioceseofaberdeen.org

Plant Sale and Guild Coffee Morning

ST TERNAN’S SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH MUCHALLS (Charity No. SC023264)

‘Solstice Nurseries - Growing People and Plants’

St. Ternan’s is the northern-most Scottish Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Brechin. We are part of the worldwide Anglican communion. The church is located in the North Kincardine Community Council area, to the west of the A90 about a mile from Muchalls Village on the Causey Mounth where the road branches off to Cookney and Netherley. As we were not successful in finding a new Priest in Charge, Rev. Maggie Jackson of St. James the Great in Stonehaven has been appointed as our Priest in Charge and Rev. Lizzie Campbell as her Assistant. George Masson also continues as a member of the Ministry Team. The church is open every day from 10am until 3pm. You are welcome to join us in worship at the 10.30am Family Eucharist on Sundays. Weekly services are held on major Saint Days and are advertised on the church notice boards and in the magazine. Our Community Meeting Room with kitchen and toilet facilities is available for use by anyone in the community for classes, dance classes, children’s parties, craft groups, meetings etc. The meeting room can accommodate up to 30 people and is fitted with a loop system for the hard of hearing and the entrance is wheelchair friendly. To book the facility contact Sheila on 01569 731608 or Audrey on 01569 730600 – a donation of £4 per hour is suggested. Our annual Garden Fete will take place on 15th June in the Church grounds Please contact any of the Ministry Team for help or information on marriages, baptisms, funerals, pastoral visiting etc. Rev. Maggie Jackson, Tel: 01569 764264 Rev. Lizzie Campbell, Tel: 01569 764264

Following last year’s success, Solstice Nurseries is again having a plant sale on Saturday 25th May between 10.30am and 1pm. With a range of heathers, herbaceous, shrubs and alpine plants normally only available to wholesalers, this is a chance for people in our neighbourhood to stock their gardens with locally grown hardy plants. This is also a superb opportunity to support the organisation, which works with adults who are recovering from mental health issues and preparing for employment. Admission is by donation for Solstice funds; there will also be a raffle and a couple of other fundraising stalls and of course plants for sale. The local Guild has kindly agreed to come and share this event by selling refreshments and home bakes for their funds – great value! Solstice is located at Banchory and Leggart Estate (the policies) and nestled in a beautiful secluded site at Drumduan walled garden. The main entrance is best found from the South Deeside Road, about one mile from Leggart Terrace heading out of town, and will be signposted on the day. We hope that you will come to support this event and get to know this local social firm better. www.solsticenurseries.co.uk

The Muchalls Bistro Great food and relaxed dining serving lunches and dinners Tel: 01569 730393 Only 200 metres off the A90 Follow the road sign to Muchalls Closed Monday and Tuesday See sample menus on the website www.themuchallsbistro.co.uk Chef / proprietor Hermann Schmid

The Muckle Spate

Manager: Ian Forbes Tel: 863767 www.blairsmuseum.com South Deeside Road, Blairs

Whilst Stonehaven was hitting the headlines just prior to Christmas with the Carron burn bursting its banks and devasting the Old Town, we in Maryculter had our own problems. Very heavy rainfall on 22nd December caused the Corbie burn to rise by some two metres and become a raging torrent, spewing down through Storybook Glen, Kingcausie, and into our playing field. On its way it gathered silt, stones, assorted rubbish, and most devastatingly, tree trunks and branches. Unfortunately one of those tree trunks snagged on our bridge between the Old Mill Inn and the hall car park. This allowed a latticework of other branches to build up behind it making a dam that any beaver would have been proud of. The flow of water under the bridge was blocked, causing it to erode a new route behind and below the south pillar, which eventually toppled into the burn. The bridge, having no support, then slid into the river too. An emergency meeting of the Management Committee and local councillors was arranged a week later, by which time the floodwater had subsided and the devastation was all too visible. The bridge had toppled, the car park was severely eroded, the emergency entrance at the corner of the Milltimber Bridge and South Deeside roads had a deep track gouged in it and sand and silt had been washed onto the pitch – in some places 40cm deep, and formed into mini dunes. The Corbie itself now seemed about twice as wide as before with severe erosion along its banks and full of assorted tree trunks and debris. We all concluded that the South Deeside Under Fives would not get access on Monday morning! We set ourselves the target of having the bridge reconstructed in time for the Kirk’s Burn’s Supper on 24th January - some 26 days. We were very lucky to have the support of three local businesses. Geordie Murison quickly reformed the emergency entrance allowing Willie Donald to concentrate on the bridge. With the help of a 100t crane organized by Lyall Strachan, the bridge was removed, the riverbed and banks reconstructed and gabion baskets positioned to allow it to be replaced. By the time of the Burns Supper we had a pedestrian bridge in place and during the next week the original bridge was swung back onto its new supports, hopefully to stand for a few more years. The whole operation was hard work for all those involved – plowterin about in water just above freezing, tyauvin’ with great sodden tree trunks, and heavin’ rocks. The committee rightfully takes much pride in the work that was done and the help that was forthcoming from footballers, parents and assorted community folk, not least the ladies who provided hot drinks and home bakes. The secondary issue of the sand on the pitch is still being worked on. The bulk of the sand has been removed from the playing surface but there still remains a considerable depth around the perimeter of the field. The committee is indebted to Glendale and Deevale Ladies football teams, the Community Service Dept. of Aberdeen City Council and some Scouts and their parents for supplying the muscle power. Others have removed fallen branches and tree trunks above the bridge to prevent a repetition of this disaster. If the true cost was calculated it would be fearsome but thanks to such amazing community spirit, a large part of our costs will be met with a much appreciated grant of £4,000 from Aberdeenshire Council’s ‘Top-up Fund’, £2,000 from the Meikle Carewe Building Fund, £600 from the Community Council and profits anticipated from the NKRCC/South Deeside View Plant sale in May. We may also run other fundraising events in future. Les Paterson

Blairs Museum opens for the 2013 season on Saturday 30 March. As previously, we will be open on Saturdays, Sundays and local holiday Mondays until the end of October and, of course, visitors are able to visit at any time by arrangement. A major difference this year will be that the two portraits of Mary, Queen of Scots will be on loan to the National Museum in Edinburgh where they will be an important part of an exhibition between 28 June and 17 November. This season visitors will see several new exhibitions. ‘Light Divine: Church and Chapel Windows at Fetternear, Aberdeenshire, from medieval times to the nineteenth century’ is the result of excavations over more than a dozen years by Penny Dransart and the late Nicholas Bogdan at the ruins of the old Bishop’s Palace at Fetternear House. At the back of the Blairs church, to celebrate Easter, there will be a small exhibition of icons by Manuela Guerreiro. Manuela uses traditional and ancient materials such as egg tempera and gold leaf to create a spiritual response - as well as an emotional one - in the viewer. Two paintings will soon be returning to Blairs after restoration and will then be on permanent display. ‘Donor with Book of Hours’ shows a donor or patron kneeling in prayer before the Trinity, dated around 1510. The other painting is a crucifixion scene with the date 1642, which originally hung in Braemar Parish Church. While the Mary, Queen of Scots paintings are on loan in Edinburgh, Blairs Museum will have a reciprocal loan of several pieces of the Holyrood Silver Collection from the National Museum. The group consists of a chalice and paten; a ciborium and sanctus bell. All these pieces bear James VII's royal cipher and are some of the surviving pieces of the altar plate used in James VII's Roman Catholic chapel at the Abbey Church of Holyrood in Edinburgh. Another exciting exhibition possibility is still being negotiated so there may be more to say in the next edition! We look forward to welcoming you.

The Muckle Spate clear-up 12

Nature Notes 2013 is the Year of Natural Scotland - a Scottish Government initiative led by EventScotland and VisitScotland - to promote Scotland’s stunning natural beauty and biodiversity (more at www.visitscotland.com/about/nature-geography/year-ofnatural-scotland/). Here are three suggestions of places to go to enjoy our local landscapes, wildlife and heritage: Tollohill Woods, Banchory-Devenick Situated to the south of the city, Tollohill Wood was laid out in the mid-19th century with an extensive network of Victorian paths and features a granite obelisk. Head 200 metres up the hill from Leggart Terrace and turn right into the car park. The wood is a real favourite with families, runners and dog walkers, due to the extensive path upgrades done in the last few years by Rupert Lumsden, owner of the Banchory and Leggart Estate. Children will love exploring the smaller paths made by deer, having a go at rock climbing through the quarry and even trying to squeeze inside a tiny shelter made from rock slabs near the southerly corner of the wood. However, perhaps one of the best aspects of the wood is its views. Make your way up to the granite obelisk where, on a clear day, you can see all the way up the Dee valley to Lochnagar. The obelisk was built in 1859 to commemorate Prince Albert’s stay at Banchory House (now Beannachar) while attending a meeting of the British Association in the city. At this time of year the woods are one of the best places to see the first swallows, house martins and swifts as they fly above the Dee on their way back to their summer breeding sites. Templars, Maryculter Hidden from the road but just 100 metres north of the South Deeside Road at Templars, Maryculter are some amazing sand dunes. Park at Maryculter Community Hall or Deeside Caravan Park and make your way along a path near the entrance to the caravan park signed for dog walkers. Two hundred metres further on, the area opens out into a series of sand dunes, large enough to make you think you were at the beach. Not marine, but deposits from the River Dee thousands of years ago, the dunes make for a local natural spectacle and are inhabited by foxes, roe deer and rabbits – a great place to learn about wildlife tracking. Redmoss, Netherley Red Moss of Netherley is one of the largest wetland areas in the north-east. Traipsing around an expanse of puddles might not be everyone’s idea of an idyllic walk but the moss is sufficiently important biologically to be designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is home to some great dragonflies as well as insect eating plants...tiny sundews that produce globules of glue to catch flies! Wetlands can be dangerous places, so stick to the paths where you might be lucky enough to see the pine marten - possibly Scotland’s most easterly sighting of this rare species! Park at the layby 200 metres down the Muchalls road and walk back to the bus stop on the B979.

Home Deliveries Vegetables, eggs, and hay/straw bales from Neil Gammie, Fernieflatt Farm, Kinneff on Tuesdays and Fridays. Orders, by phone, email or online must be in the day before delivery. www.fernieflattfarm.co.uk Tel: 01569 750374 or 07790 558880 E-mail: fernieflatt@amserve.com Fish George Fairweather delivers west of the B979 road on Thursday afternoons and east of the road on Friday from 11am. Phone orders ahead and establish approximate timing. Tel: 07974 311326 Coal J.H. Roberts of Auchenblae deliver orders in our area on Monday mornings. Tel: 01561 320335

Fruit and Vegetables The organic farm shop at Lorienen, Bridge of Muchalls is open on Wednesdays from 12.30 to 6pm and on Saturdays from 9.30 to 5pm Paul van Midden Tel /Fax: 01569 731746 / 739137 www.lembasorganics.co.uk

GP HEATING & PLUMBING     

With the rights of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code allowing us to be on most land for recreational purposes comes the duty to take responsibility for our actions. In particular, please don’t be offended if you are approached at Templars. The scouts are, rightly so, very proud of their venue and take child protection very seriously. Our area illustrates that you don’t need to drive for miles to get into the great outdoors – it really is on our doorstep. Have a nature ‘staycation’ this spring – happy exploring!

Central heating Boiler servicing Kitchens Bathrooms Woodstoves

20 years’ experience, No job too big or too small Gas Safe registered - 217539 GRAEME PATERSON PETERCULTER MOBILE: 07774 929357 EMAIL: gpaterson01@btinternet.com

Mandy Tulloch 13

Grampian Police People around the north-east are still leaving doors open for criminals and failing to heed warnings about crime prevention. I would therefore like to focus on Grampian Police's renewed appeal for residents to lock their homes and secure their property. During January 2013, high value and powerful cars continued to be stolen from insecure homes. Since the start of October 2012, 86 people in Aberdeen City and Shire have been charged in connection with car thefts. Of those, 13 are under the age of 16. An open door is an open invitation. A car is one of the most expensive items people buy and to risk losing it by leaving the keys in view behind an unlocked door or in the ignition of an unlocked car, is astonishing and an invitation. We need the support of the public in preventing crime and simple things like locking your car, your home and keeping your keys somewhere safe and out of sight will help to deter criminals from making you the next victim. If you have security devices you should use them. Everyone has a responsibility to safeguard their own property, and while we can, and will, investigate crimes like this and attempt to recover property, it is far better to prevent yourself becoming a victim than regret it after the event. No one area or town is being targeted, with thieves moving from area to area to find suitable targets, often in the early hours of the morning or even during the day. If anyone has information regarding recent thefts, vandalisms, antisocial behaviour or any other incident in their area they are asked to contact Grampian Police on the new non-emergency number 101 or if your information is not urgent and you prefer to remain anonymous, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Grampian Police is committed to 'keeping our communities safe' which involves working with our partners, and above all else, listening to and dealing positively with local concerns.

Netherley, Near Stonehaven, AB39 3QS Tel: (01569) 730001 Fax: (01569) 731175 Email: info@lairhillock.co.uk Web: www.lairhillock.co.uk THE LAIRHILLOCK INN IS OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FOR TEA/COFFEE, LUNCHES AND EVENING MEALS LOOK ON OUR WEBSITE FOR MENUS & OPENING TIMES

New path over Curlethney and Meikle Carewe hills The wind turbine development is expected to be complete in June. The developers will provide a small car park off the B979 from where there will be access to the 3km construction path to the furthest turbine. This will connect with another path from Raedykes Roman camp. A second car park will be made where the tarred portion of the Fir Mounth road ends near Easter Auquhollie farm. The last two access points are off the Slug Road , A957 just beyond Cowton Bridge.

Craig Kennedy, Sergeant G0026, Portlethen Police Office

Nature classes Award-winning weekly nature classes for 2 to 5 year olds to discover nature and play outdoors. Monday and Friday sessions. Birthday parties A new outdoor activity in Templars Park, Maryculter. Entrance opposite the junction of South Deeside Road, B9077 and the B979 signed to Stonehaven.

Toast marshmallows, build dens, climb trees and stomp in mud...outdoor birthday fun for two to ten-year-olds!

Instruction and safety helmets provided. Booking essential: Tel: 0844 870 7105 E-mail: getgoing@segwayaberdeen.co.uk www.segwayaberdeen.co.uk

Contact Mandy Tulloch on 07929 465680 or visit www.mudpieadventures.co.uk for more information 14

Maureen Watt MSP

REPRESENTATION

Intermittent connection and slow internet speeds have been a bugbear for people living on South Deeside for a long time. High speed, reliable internet access is increasingly vital in modern society, providing access to benefits such as cheaper bills and job opportunities, as well as connecting people who may otherwise go long periods of time without contact through social sites such as Twitter, Facebook and Skype. Moreover, reliable access to the internet is often imperative in modern business. Statistics show that 50% of all businesses in Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more rural areas are home based, re-emphasising the importance of connectivity to the wider world. Indeed, fast connections can both increase customer base and boost sales volumes, whilst also decreasing the likelihood of smaller businesses migrating to more urban centres, ultimately benefitting the local economy. However, it is clear that many people are unable to reap the full benefits which high speed internet provision can bring and figures show that Aberdeenshire has the greatest number of locations in Scotland which suffer from poor or non-existent provision. With this in mind, I have recently been meeting with representatives from companies which are looking at providing alternatives to traditional broadband. Whilst fibre is generally considered to be the optimal technology at present, satellite and wireless broadband internet initiatives are being adopted as serviceable solutions by a growing number of remote and rural communities across Scotland, places which have traditionally struggled to secure reliable, high speed fibre connections. These alternative technologies have the potential to significantly improve access in areas such as South Deeside. For instance, BT fibre broadband currently has cabinets to the north of the River Dee but none to the south. The implications of this are that people living in the south may experience speeds which are slower than their friends and family across the river. Clearly, this is a situation which is extremely frustrating for residents and one which alternative forms of provision may, in time, address. As such, over the next few years I will be keeping a keen eye on the development of both satellite and wireless broadband internet initiatives, as I am acutely aware of the benefits that they could bring to communities in Aberdeenshire.

Sir Robert Smith MP At the time of writing we are still dealing with the consequences of the horsemeat scandal. Fortunately there would appear to have been no health risk, but people were rightly upset that they were not getting the product the label said they were. Here in the north-east we have an enviable reputation for producing high quality meat. Looking out for locally sourced meat will provide a boost to local producers and an assurance youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re getting good quality. The Government has come forward with legislation for a supermarket ombudsman to help protect suppliers from being exploited by supermarkets. This should help local suppliers invest in continued quality food production. It may be spring but we were still reminded in March of the need to heat our homes. This is even more expensive a challenge in rural homes not connected to the gas main. The introduction of smart metering is designed to help improve electricity bills and to assist homes in making more efficient use of the electricity supply. I am making the case that rural areas should not be left behind when this technology is introduced. To work, the meters need to be able to send and receive information. I want to see the system designed from the start not to leave rural black spots that miss out on the benefits smart meters are designed to deliver. It is far easier to start with the right technology than to have to fix it in the future if it fails to reach rural communities.

Wanted: Small woodland 10-15 acres of woodland in general South Deeside area. Wooded dens, plantation on ancient woodland, older plantations preferred but anything considered that has the potential to grow some native broadleaved trees. The woodland will be managed for conservation and biodiversity rather than timber production and what may be small and awkward for forestry may be ideal for biodiversity.

BOOKING OF HALLS AND GROUNDS Maryculter Community (Corbie) Hall and Field C.Masson, Tel: 733583 carol.masson@btinternet.com Maryculter Church Hall and Glebe Field Anne Massie, Tel: 732071 Cookney Hall Willie Angus, Tel:01569 730123 wgangus@btinternet.com Lairhillock School Christeen Saward, Tel: 01569 732520 St Ternanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church Community Room Sheila, Tel: 01569 731608 or Audrey, Tel: 01569 730600

If you have any woodland that you would consider selling, please contact me at; Bruce Gilliland, 22 Cliff View, Newtonhill, AB39 3GX. Tel: 01569 730447 or 07805727036 Email: bandjgilliland@hotmail.com

Words from the Chairman As we approach spring the issues for our community remain the same. The weather was again a significant factor in the winter months. This year unlike in the previous few the rain has caused more problems for our roads than snow. The water has caused erosion with cracking and potholes and in turn this meant that significant sections of road around Netherley had to be shut. The same has applied to even the South Deeside road which in turn was closed for periods of time to effect repairs to bridges and overflows and to put in additional drainage. Traffic from our area has been chaotic during the rush hours. Discussions have taken place with the Roads Authority. Considerable work has been done to improve the condition of our roads but increased usage and heavy goods lorries using rural roads continues to be an issue. The weather even caused damage to the bridge at the Corbie Hall which was effectively replaced with considerable local support (see page 12 for more details).

The national Wireless Hilltop Project is underway for all schools in Aberdeenshire, so once relay stations have been constructed, all schools should have good reception The results of the recent Aberdeenshire Council postal broadband survey will be used to demonstrate a need for enhanced broadband provision, which should aid European Union and State Access funding. Oldman Wood We are pleased to support the Maryculter Woodlands Trust as they make the first steps towards a community buy-out of the wood beside Kirkton of Maryculter, and anticipate further liaison with them in future. (see page 8 for more details).

300 Club

The community continues to have issues about wind farms or individual turbines. It is often the case that a proposal is too close to existing dwellings with the potential for significant noise and visual impact; that the development would be grossly dominant in the local landscape; finally it is the overall effect in that the turbines are only one part of a group of such proposals which, when taken together, would have an unacceptable cumulative effect. If the Development Plan is to have meaning for our community then there is a contravention of Policy 3 / SGRD 2.

Thanks to the many folk who parted with £5 for each of the 410 tickets for 2013 which brought in £2,050. Of this £785 will be returned as cash prizes drawn at each Community Council meeting. The balance is available for clubs and societies in our area who we invite to apply for financial assistance. Since last September grants have been given to Maryculter Senior Citizens for their Christmas party, to the Maryculter Community Hall Association towards their large bill for re-instatement of the access bridge to the hall and football field, and most recently to the Maryculter Woodlands Trust towards their community buyout of Oldman Wood.

Broadband, or lack of it, continues to be discussed. We invited Stephen Archer, Director of Infrastructure Services, Aberdeenshire Council to address the Community Council in February, due to concerns of poor or no broadband service locally. Here is a summary of his main points. A more comprehensive report can be seen on the NKRCC website in the minutes of the 28.2.2013 meeting.

Cash prize winners since September are: J. Bailey, Cookney; G Bayliss, Maryculter; A. Bissett, Banchory-Devenick; J. Bissett, Cookney; J. Clark, Maryculter; S. Davies, Netherley; J. Eglintine, BanchoryDevenick;.C. Fettig, Netherley; H. Mallard, Blairs; S. Hawkins, Blairs; P. Lowe, Netherley; A Lunn, Maryculter; G. Masson, Maryculter; N. Mauthner, Maryculter; K. Munro, Maryculter; N. McAllan, Banchory-Devenick; J. Macdonadl, Maryculter; B. Philp, Netherley; K. Napier, Maryculter; A. Ratcliffe-Smith, Banchory-Devenick; M. Robertson, Banchory -Devenick; R. Smart, Netherley; G. Sommerville, Netherley; R. Turner, Netherley and S. Wardlaw, Netherley:

Scotland’s Digital Future – Infrastructure Action Plan: January 2012 commits to world class digital access, critical for rural and remote communities, business sector and growth - a connected Scotland. This has four programmes: Achieving step change by 2015, world class by 2020, demonstrating and delivering innovative and local solutions while increasing take-up and stimulating demand.

NKRCC’s purpose is to represent the views of all residents in Banchory-Devenick, Blairs, Maryculter, Cookney and Netherley in submissions to Aberdeenshire Council. It can only function well by the efforts of unpaid community councillors who have the well-being of our area at heart. We would appreciate two more folk to represent Maryculter and another for Banchory-Devenick, so please contact the secretary if you would like further information, or come along to a meeting.

The Scottish Government’s aim is to provide 75% of premises with 80Mbps throughout 24 hours with a minimum of 2Mbps for the remainder. Aberdeenshire Council is aiming higher and has committed an additional £16m in addition to finance this:  By the end of 2015 all premises in Aberdeenshire should be able to receive a broadband download speed of at least 8Mbps.  75% of premises should have 24-80Mbps  5-10% of premises 1Gbps.

Robin Baxter, Chairman

E-mail: chair@nkrcc.org

Elsick: As we all know, the start of the new town of Chapelton has been delayed beyond the original plan. It is, perhaps somewhat optimistically, now pencilled in for autumn of this year. One effect of the delay to this major development (initially for 4,045 houses, with theoretically 1,800 to be completed by 2016), will almost certainly be that other developers will resurrect their own schemes – which were previously rejected for inclusion in the Local Development Plan(LDP) of 2012 - and submit them once again to the Shire planners. Their argument will be that their schemes are not of such a grand scale as Chapelton and will therefore be capable of rapidly delivering some of the shortfall, created by the Chapelton delay, in the very large number of houses which the Council insists are desperately needed in the Shire (over 30,000 by 2031).

Planning Notes Wind generators on Meikle Carewe: 14 years on from the original application, this is certainly old. Twelve turbines have now been erected and, once the system that overcomes the turbines’ interference with the air traffic control radar at Dyce is actually in operation, they should start generating electricity in early summer (when the wind blows). RES has agreed to supply any household which experiences a degrading of the quality of its TV reception (owing to the operation of these turbines), with a satellite receiver. Blairs: Like Meikle Carewe, this saga started in 1999. Outline permission was finally granted a couple of years ago for 280 houses (including 60 affordable homes), golf course, and hotel (conversion of the college). The theory is that the 280 houses are the minimum to ‘enable’ the rescue of the listed college from further decay and deterioration (though The Civic Trust of Scotland described the scale of housing asked for as .. “far in excess..” of what was necessary). Part of the overall scheme is that there should be a footbridge/cycle bridge over the Dee to connect the housing with the North Deeside Road. Permission for that bridge (which will also carry the sewage) has now been granted.

Community Fund: The developers of Meikle Carewe will give £20,000 each year to this fund for distribution to organisations within five community council areas (including ours) and a committee has already been established to monitor applications, decide on the criteria governing awards and then make grants. It is greatly to the credit of your two NKRCC representatives on that committee that a minimum cash fund for each community council area has been agreed (so that Stonehaven and Portlethen do not hog it all) and that some unduly restrictive criteria have been dropped. The Fund is for LOCAL projects which benefit as many people as possible and there will be one round of awards per year. The first £20,000 will be handed over to the committee when Meikle Carewe starts to generate electricity. A website will be set up giving details of the criteria which must be met, how and when to apply and so on. Publicity will be given through press and possibly fliers in the coming months.

As the owner of the college (the John Muir Group – a major housebuilder) deemed the 280 to be insufficient to cover all its costs, another tranche of housing to pay for the bridge was agreed by the Council. That will consist of an extra 44 houses, half of which will be on the river side of the South Deeside Road. An exhibition was recently held in Blairs Museum to explain and justify to the public the need for these extra houses, and the requisite planning application should follow by April or May. That application will be publicised in the normal way (in the Leader), details will appear on the council website and the application will be considered by the Community Council (NKRCC) at its monthly meeting. When a start will actually be made on any part of the development is still uncertain but could be later this year. Please note that, while Outline Permission for the 280 has been granted, Full Planning Permission has yet to be applied for and when it is, Phase One of the 280 will also consist of 44 houses.

Robin Winmill, Planning Officer e-mail:rwinmill@nkrcc.org.uk

NKRCC Website: www.nkrcc.org.uk Secretary: Bob McKinney, Lakhipara, South Cookney, Stonehaven, AB39 3RX Tel: 01569 730706 E-mail: bob8930@aol.com Notice boards: by Banchory-Devenick School, East and West Maryculter, Cookney Hall and Maryculter Community Hall, where you will find agendas, minutes and how to contact your local community councillors. Meetings: on the third Monday of each month (except July) at 7.30pm in Maryculter Community Hall.

Storybook Glen: Something new. Planning permission has been granted for conversion of their sales building to a Soft Play Centre for young children. An integral part of that permission is for construction of four houses beside the car park to fund the conversion. We anticipate a start to the development quite soon. 17

REPRESENTATION Thanks to issues being raised with the bus company by Colin Young there had been improvements recently, which was welcomed. My personal view was that many of the problems could be solved if there were good, conscientious drivers on duty. Colin Young will maintain dialogue with the bus company to improve even further the service provided.

Councillor Ian Mollison During the dreich winter there was one ray of sunshine. I refer to the sterling work done to repair the bridge to the Corbie Hall at Maryculter. The way the community pulled together to replace the bridge and reinforce the banks was inspiring. I was delighted to support an allocation of £4000 from the council towards the costs. Safer 98% feel Aberdeenshire is a safe place, according to the council’s Community Safety survey. The most frequently witnessed (and worried about) anti-social behaviours are dog fouling (81%), anti-social driving (75%), and rubbish/litter (71%). Schools With two other ward councillors I met parents at Banchory-Devenick and Lairhillock primary schools. Banchory-Devenick parents are worried about the school’s falling roll, while at Lairhillock there are concerns about school transport. Hopefully in due course there will be positive outcomes. Rubbish The council is changing waste collections to meet national recycling targets and cut landfill. All recyclable material will be collected in the same wheelie bin, including brown cardboard, plastic bags and film, food containers (eg yoghurt pots, margarine tubs) and polystyrene trays. Glass will need to be taken to recycling centres because of difficulties in separating it from other recyclates - 74% of glass is already collected this way. Each household will have one wheelie bin for recyclable materials and one for residual waste, to be collected on alternate weeks. A smaller food waste container will be picked up each week. All rural residents will have kerbside recycling for the first time. Broadband The council issued survey postcards to every house to establish the demand for broadband. The Shire must provide evidence of demand from residents and businesses to access funding from the Scottish Government to supplement the £18m the council is to contribute to improve broadband services in the Shire. Pay rise Councillors have approved the introduction of a living wage - £7.20 per hour - for council employees, backdated to 1 April 2012.

Grampian Joint Fire and Rescue Board On Friday I sadly attended my last meeting of the Fire Board. On 1 April 2013 the new Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will come into operation. Present at the meeting were the new Scottish Chief Fire Officer, Alasdair Hay, and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Authority Chairman, Pat Watters. Also in attendance were three members of the new board. In his address to the board Mr Watters said that the general public would see no difference in the service provided by the new Fire and Rescue Service. Operational matters would remain as before with the same high standard being achieved. There would be a change in governance matters with one board for the whole of Scotland. At local level there would be close liaison between the Fire Service and Aberdeenshire Council.

Councillor Alison Evison On March 15, voting for the Scottish Youth Parliament ended. The two MSYPs for North Kincardine, Megan Lukins and Kris Chapman, were both reelected. I was delighted to be invited to the count, where I listened to eloquent speeches from them both. Their role is non-party political. They are a voice for all young people in this area between 12 and 25 and can be contacted via the SYP website. I believe that the SYP is an important vehicle through which young people can learn about democracy and I have been actively promoting it. The MSYPs might be interested in the ongoing concerns about school buses. Safety must be the highest priority and I have been following up many local issues directly with the service. Together with Cllrs Nelson and Mollison, I recently attended a meeting with parents from Lairhillock where steps for progress on bus safety were identified. We also recently attended a meeting at Banchory-Devenick School and talked with parents about their hopes for the future of the school. This was very interesting for me now that I sit on Aberdeenshire’s Education Learning and Leisure Committee. I am looking forward to meeting the parents again at the Spring Fair on 18 May. It was good to attend a coffee morning at the church to discuss issues of interest to individual residents. Aberdeenshire is investing in broadband provision which is no doubt welcome news. We still need to find a solution to the problem of speeding cars though. Apart from this, I have also been involved in visiting sheltered housing where I have gained knowledge of good local practice and also of systems being developed. I was personally reassured to find a real desire for continual improvement to meet the needs of residents. Please feel free to contact me on these or any other matters of interest.

Councillor Carl Nelson This week (w/c 11.3.13) I have attended several meetings, but there are two in particular I would like to tell you about. Lairhillock School On Thursday evening a meeting was held at the school to discuss parents’ serious concerns over school bus safety issues which have been ongoing for several months. Present at the meeting were parents, Leslie Jarvis, Chairperson of the School Parent Council, Colin Young, Principal Officer (Client Transport), Aberdeenshire Council, myself and fellow Cllrs. Evison and Mollison. Issues discussed were: drivers acting in an unprofessional manner; condition of vehicles; seatbelts; late/ irregular pick-up times; snow routes unavailable to parents; and several others.

Each of the four councillors for North Kincardine Ward, our MP and MSP were invited to contribute up to 300 words. 18

GOSHEN LIFESTYLE Taking care of your day to day needs, errands and chores. Short of time? Too busy? Need an extra pair of hands?

Forthcoming Events for 2013 Sunday lunches now being served every Sunday Wine & Whisky Tasting Series – Wine Tasting starts Friday 22nd February Whisky Tasting starts Friday 1st March Murder Mystery Evening – Friday 19th April Salsa/Spanish Evening – date to be confirmed Inhouse Wedding Exhibition – Sunday 6th October Call now to make your reservations 01224 732124 email conferences@maryculterhousehotel.com www.maryculterhousehotel.com

We offer: Assisted living services for the elderly. Home and Domestic Management Services Cleaning including fridges and ovens, laundry; fridge clear outs; kitchen organisation; grocery shopping and meal preparation; decluttering; holiday suitcase unpacking; house sitting and gardening services etc. Errand Services Door to door transportation to your appointments; prescription collection; receiving home deliveries; key holding service to admit and supervise workmen; dropping off and picking up post and dry-cleaning etc; gift buying etc. Whatever your needs, we have a solution. Contact us on: Tel: 01224 732471 or 07775 675703 www.goshenhealth.co.uk/lifestyle

Schloss Rothenburg Wines Wholesale Importer of Wines (Est 1978) Independent, local wine merchant, personally sourcing wines from around the world. From everyday easy drinking wines, to fine wines and champagnes. Most of our wines are not available anywhere else in the area. Mixed cases available, delivery included. Contact us for our current wine list or if you are looking for a wine in particular, we are always pleased to try and source it for you. Sinead Graham, Sunnyside Farmhouse, Maryculter, AB12 5GT Tel: 01224 733110 or 07989 486928, Email: sinead@schlossrothenburg.com, www.schlossrothenburg.co.uk

Your local farm shop What is produced at the farm for the shop? A wide range of award winning cheeses including Badentoy blue, Coos R Oot, Fit-like, Smoked Deesider, Granite city and more New - Broon coo cheese and blue cheese oatcakes Range of yoghurts and cheesecakes Free range duck and hen eggs Home reared welfare friendly rose veal Seasonal fruits and vegetables Come and try a sample

FOR YOUR RENEWABLE ENERGY REQUIREMENTS    

Ground & Air Source Heat Pumps Under Floor Heating Heat Recovery Central Vacuum Systems

Paragon Systems (Scotland) Ltd offers a free design and quotation package for supply only or supply and installation on receipt of drawings. Tel: 01224 735536 today to discuss your particular requirement. e-mail: info@paragon-systems.co.uk Visit our web-site ~ www.paragon-systems.co.uk Paragon Systems (Scotland) Limited Corbie Cottage, Maryculter, Aberdeen AB12 5FT

Open daily except Sunday from 9am to 6pm The Devenick Dairy at Bishopston Farm, Banchory-Devenick, Aberdeen AB12 4RS Tel: 782476 e-mail: info@devenickdairy.co.uk

Other products/services include: Bore-holes/Insulation/UFH Electrical Works

REPRESENTATION

EVENTS CALENDAR April Monday 1 Church Guild Maryculter Church Hall 7.30pm-9.30pm Wed. 10 Maryculter WRI: Talk on the history of Aberdeen cinemas by Barney Crockett Monday 15 School term begins Monday 15 Community Council Monday 15 Netherley WRI: Floral arranging Thursday18 Closure Service for Banchory-Devenick Church 7pm Friday 19 Friendship Club Basket Whist Corbie Hall 7.30pm Saturday 27 Country & Western Night, Cookney Hall Sunday 28 Service of Holy Communion Maryculter-Cookney Church 10.30am Sunday 28 The Meeting Place, Maryculter Church Hall 4.30pm-6pm May Wed. 8 Maryculter WRI: Business Meeting and ‘Bring and Buy’ Saturday 11 Friends of Guiding ‘Daffodil Tea’ 10.30-12.30 Corbie Hall Saturday 18 SDV Plant Sale and Coffee Morning 10am-12 noon Corbie Hall Saturday 18 Banchory-Devenick School Spring Fair 2pm-4pm Monday 20 Community Council Monday 20 Netherley WRI: Business Meeting and talk on voluntary dental work in India Saturday 25 Solstice Nurseries Plant Sale and Guild Coffee Morning 10.30am-1pm June Saturday 8 Scottish Model Helicopter National Championships (Heli Nats) Hare Moss, Banchory-Devenick Sunday 9 “ “ Saturday 15 St Ternan’s Church Fete Monday 17 Community Council AGM July Friday 5 School term ends August Monday 19 Community Council Monday 19 Netherley WRI Saturday 31Driving for the Disabled sale Plainstones, Stonehaven 9am-12 noon September Monday 16 Community Council Monday 16 Netherley WRI

Sir Robert Smith Tel: 01330 820330 E-mail: robert.smith.mp@parliament.uk MSP Maureen Watt Tel: 01224 876743 E-mail:maureen.watt.msp@scottish.parliament.uk COUNCILLORS Alastair Bews Tel: 01224 784594 33 Bruntland Court, Portlethen E-mail: cllr.a.bews@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Alison Evison Tel: 01561 362013 2 Newbigging Steading, Inverbervie DD10 0PQ E-mail: cllr.a.evison@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Ian Mollison Tel: 01569 739087 11 Greystone Place, Newtonhill, Stonehaven AB39 3UL E-mail:cllr.i.mollison@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Carl Nelson Tel: 01569 730733 21 Dunnyfell Road, Muchalls, Stonehaven AB39 3RP E-mail: cllr.c.nelson@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Aberdeenshire Council Viewmount, Arduthie Road, Stonehaven. www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk AB39 2DQ

POLICE Emergencies All non-emergencies Crimestoppers Drugs Information Line

Tel: 999 or 112 Tel: 101 Tel: 0800 555 111 Tel: 0800 371553

SERVICES Bluebird buses No. 103 Aberdeen to Laurencekirk via BanchoryDevenick and Netherley No. 204 Aberdeen to Strachan via Maryculter and Blairs Tel: 212266 or 591381 E-mail:Public.transport@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Dial a Trip Bus service with tail lift for concession card and taxi card holders. Tel: 01569 765765

Editors:

Library The mobile van visits fortnightly on Thursdays: Kirkton of Maryculter at 9am By former Maryculter East School at 9.20am Banchory-Devenick crossroads at 10.10am Library Service Tel: 01651 872707

Pam Robertson Tel: 863887 2 Little Banchory Mews, Banchory-Devenick AB12 5XS pamrobertson12@btinternet.com Hazel Witte Tel: 732738 Monearn, Maryculter AB12 5GT witte@btconnect.com