Ballater and Crathie Eagle, Spring 2019, Issue 93

THE

eagle

Ballater & Crathie Community Magazine • No. 93 • Spring 2019 • £1 where sold

Enjoy a good read? There’s something for everyone inside!

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Inside Your Spring Eagle:

3

Spring might not be in full flush yet, but there’s plenty going on to satisfy all ages and appetites. Find something new to do amidst the pages of your community magazine.

Diary

4-5

Balmoral Estates

by James Hamilton-Goddard

19

National Park Update

by Grant Moir, CEO

Geva’s Musings

24

My Bonnie Ploo & more 46 from Storyteller Joan Anderson

Doric Film Festival

by Geva Blackett

31

Fife Arms Reopening

38

Craft Festival

39

44

Adventures in Ballater

by Micheline Maynard

50

Mad March Science Festival 53

Concerned about Global Warming?

41

Keeping Council 57

by Peter Argyle & Geva Blackett

Pottering About...

by Stella Potter

Lion Rampant

by Sheila Sedgwick

42

61

Local Groups Ballater Clinic: 19 • Ballater Films: 34 Ballater Highland Games: 20 • Ballater Photography Club 29 Ballater School: 26 • Ballater W.I.: 9 •BCE: 13 • BRD: 10 • BRHS: 8 Community Action Plan Update: 13 • Chiels: 12• Churches’ Letter: 28 • Crathie Opportunity Holidays: 22 • Crathie School: 23 • DuckFest: 13 Eagle Cub Reporters: 32 • Lego club: 35 Library Page: 15 • Rotary: 16 • St Kentigern’s: 30 •V & A Halls: 54

. Advertisers’ Index: 62 .

Advertising

Full page: £100; Half page: £50; Quarter page: £25; Eighth page: £12 Discounts on 4 issue series copy can be changed each issue, email the team at:

eagleballater@gmail.com

Thank You

Charity no. no.

SC000123 Charity SC000123

Victoria Week: 36 •Walking Festival: 11 •Young At Heart Deeside: 40

Grateful thanks to everyone who bought our 2019 calendar.

Details of how funds are being distributed will be revealed next issue.

You can also donate by putting money into our tins in the Library or Yules Newsagents.

The Eagle Diary

...so you know what’s going on March

Mon 4 Ballater RHS – ‘Bulbs in the Garden’, Mike Sheridan Room 7.30pm Wed 6 Ash Wednesday: Holy Communion and Imposition of Ashes, St Kentigern’s, m Thu 21 CNPA Elections, Victoria Hall, 5 – 8pm Sat 23 First Aid Course for Dog Owners, Beaton Craigie Room, 11.30am – 4.30pm

*Details on the Halls’ website Wed 27 Ballater Local History Group, ‘Reminiscences of Entertainment in the Village’, Mike

Sheridan Room, 7.30 – 9.30pm Sat 30 Ballater Ceilidh Day – Dee & Don Ceilidh Collective – Musical workshops in the

Halls. Details on http://www.deedonceilidhcollective.org.uk/ballater/ Sat 30 Race Night at Ballater Golf Club in aid of Mucklefest, 7.30pm Sun 31 Mothering Sunday

April Mon 1 BRHS Mini Bulb Show & ‘Hostas’, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30 – 9.30pm Thu 4 Public Consultation: “Have Your Say on Alcohol and Other Drugs in Aberdeenshire”,

Beaton Craigie Room, 2.30 – 6pm Mon 6 May Day Holiday

Ballater Clinic Closed

Ballater Films: ‘Mary Poppins’, Mike Sheridan Room, 7 – 9.30pm Sat 13 Craft Festival, in the Victoria Hall / Albert Hall / Mike Sheridan Room, 9.30am –

4pm – Details available in Ballater Library!

Sun 14 Palm Sunday, Holy Communion at St Kentigern’s, 9.30am Mon 15 Stations of the Cross at St Kentigern’s, 6pm Wed 17 Meditation and Compline at St Kentigern’s, 6pm

Ballater WI Business Meeting, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30 – 9.30pm Thu 18 Maundy Thursday, Eucharist and Stripping of the Altar, St Kentigern’s, 6pm

Ballater Eagle Copy Deadlines

Summer – May 1 for early June publication Autumn – August 1 for mid-September publication Winter – November 1 for early December publication Spring – February 1 for early March publication

Are Your Dates Here?

For inclusion in this FREE section of the Eagle, please contact Faye Swan on 013397 55345 or info@swandesign.uk.com Thu 18 Fri 19 Sun 21 Sun 21

Ballater Floral Art Group, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm Ecumenical service, St Kentigern’s, 12 – 1pm Antique & Vintage Fair, Victoria Hall, 10am – 4pm Easter Sunrise Ecumenical Service, by the river in Ballater, 7am followed by breakfast at Glenmuick Church Hall Mon 22 Easter Monday – Public Holiday Ballater Clinic Closed

May Sat 4 FOCUS Craft Fair, Victoria Hall, 10am – 4pm Wed 8 Ballater & District Old People’s Association Outing (Destination TBA) Fri 10 – Sun 12: Cairngorms Nature BIG Weekend - visit www.cairngorms.co.uk or follow the Cairngorms Nature Facebook page for details.

Sat 11 – Sun 12: CycleHighlands Demo Weekend, 9am – 4pm, www.cyclehighlands.com Sat 11 – Fri 17 Royal Deeside Golf Week – Details at http://www.ballatergolfclub.co.uk Mon 13 BRHS Talk, Julia Corden describes her work in the “Explorers’ Garden” in Pitlochry, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30 – 9.30pm Thu 16 Ballater Floral Art Group, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm Sat 25 Lizzie’s Tea Party For Diabetes, Church Green, 10am-4pm (tbc)

June Sat 1 Sun 2

Ballater Royal Horticultural Society Plant Sale, Victoria Hall, 9.30am – Noon Ballater’s Duck Festival, 10am – 4pm FOCUS Craft Fair, Victoria Hall, 10am – 4pm Mon 10 Ballater & Crathie Community Council Meeting, Mike Sheridan Room, 7 – 9pm Fri 14 Charity Texas Scramble – Details at http://www.ballatergolfclub.co.uk Sun 16 FOCUS Craft Fair, Victoria Hall, 10am – 4pm Thu 20 Ballater Floral Art Group, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm

More event details can be found on the Ballater Community website at www.ballatercommunity.com

Contact the Eagle

Hand in to the Library  Post to

Contact Your Representatives

SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT

Ballater Eagle, c/o V&A Halls, Ballater, AB35 5QB

Alexander Burnett MSP  0131 348 5642 Alexander.Burnett.msp@parliament.scot

 email to:

WESTMINSTER

eagleballater@gmail.com

Contributions of any kind (ideally in Word format) always welcome.

Andrew Bowie MP  0207 219 2791 andrew.bowie.mp@parliament.uk

ABERDEENSHIRE COUNCIL

Keep in Touch with an Eagle Subscription A subscription can be a very welcome gift to farflung friends and relatives. Simply provide the name and address to whom issues should be sent, with a cheque or postal order for ‘Ballater Eagle’ for the relevant amount and drop off your request to the mailbox in the Albert Hall. Avril, our Subscriptions secretary, will do the rest. Easy! For the rates below, four issues will be posted.

UK: £12.00 EU: £16.00 Overseas: £20.00

Peter Argyle:  013398 82973 email: cllr.p.argyle@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Geva Blackett:  013397 41541 email: cllr.g.blackett@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Paul Gibb:  07388 956148 email: cllr.p.gibb@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK Geva Blackett  07876 475269 geva.blackett@btinternet.com

If you would like a large print version of the Eagle, please contact Ballater Library on 01339 267700.

Eagle Who’s Who & Where Contact the Editorial Team: eagleballater@gmail.com Treasurer: Elaine Adams  56149 Subscriptions Secretary: Avril Fyfe  56162 Advertising Manager: Karen Garioch  013398 80986 Distribution Manager: Bill Braid. Diary Secretary: Faye Swan  55345 Design: Cat Houston, Ollie Francis Additional Production Team: Stella Potter, Sarah Herbert, Emma Stewart Eagle Online: www.ballatercommunity.com

...editorial...

We’ve had two big changes from our last issue, firstly that currently Editorship is collaborative rather than just one person and secondly our last issue was the first to be delivered after the Bloors’ retirement. There were bound to be teething troubles and we appreciate folks’ understanding. Thank you.

Although we would be hugely happy if there’s a volunteer out there who could and would take on the Editor role, we are managing the extra workload between us. Only time will tell how sustainable this is. Perhaps you, or someone you know, would like to come on-board the Eagle team as Editor? Please speak to us or email us at eagleballater@gmail.com if you’d like to know more about this crucial position.

Led by Bill Braid, our Distribution manager, we have instigated a new delivery system, which worked mostly well last issue. We are aware that some homes were missed and we apologise for that. If you (or a friend or neighbour) didn’t get this issue through your letterbox as usual, please pop into the library as there are almost always spare copies there which, of course, you can have for free just as if it was delivered. If you could also let the staff know your address we can try to ensure the next issue is delivered to you in the usual way. Again, we appreciate your support whilst we tread new ground.

At our last meeting we said our goodbyes to Ian Hay, our esteemed Editor for many years.

In thankful recognition of his many years of dedication to this Our former Editor, Ian Hay, accepts a token of our community magazine grateful appreciation from some of the Team. he was presented with a voucher for a relaxing meal out at the Rothesay Rooms. We hope Ian and Margaret, his long-suffering wife who now no longer loses her husband to a rush of Eagling every quarter, thoroughly enjoy their date on us.

We’ve all been working hard to produce, distribute, sell and invoice advertising, keep up with the finances and correspondence, send out many subscriptions (don’t want to miss anything out!!!) – all the work needed so you can read the Eagle. We’re delighted to so far manage to keep the Eagle going and hope you enjoy this issue, which even features a perspective from an American Visitor – see page 50.

There’s always something that needs doing to ensure your regular Eagle is published. We’re a friendly small team who meet four times a year to plan each issue and are always happy to welcome new folk.

Oh, and Happy Spring!

The Eagle Team

contact us at eagleballater@gmail.com

8

Local Group News

A round-up of news from our local groups

Ballater RHS

by Elizabeth Wilson

The sudden death, in November, of Senga Clark came as a great shock to us all. Senga was a stalwart of the Society, not just during her time as Treasurer and Show Secretary, but also for her work behind the scenes and her many creative talents, including the exquisite, handmade patchwork quilts she so kindly donated to our various raffles. I was extremely grateful for her help and advice on several occasions. She will be sadly missed, and our thoughts are with Jim and family.

It’s a joy to see that the days are now getting longer after the darkness of winter. To date, dare I say it, we’ve been spared snow and frost and there’s a great temptation to get stuck into the garden.

The year ended with our fun Quiz Night in December which had an excellent turnout and was very much enjoyed by all.

Over twenty members braved an icy evening to the first talk of 2019 which was given by Laurence Daguin from Drum Castle who gave a fascinating insight into a garden restoration project she undertook in Germany. Ian Young will impart his first-class knowledge of “Bulbs in the Garden” on 4th March. Monday 1st April hosts our Mini Bulb Show, which will be followed by a presentation by Richard Firman, of Airdlin Croft, on his collection of over five hundred Hostas. The Scottish Rock Garden Club has kindly agreed to sponsor our last talk of the season; on Monday, 13th May, Julia Corden will describe her work in the “Explorers’ Garden” in Pitlochry. Our annual outing, on Wednesday 17th July, will be a coach trip to the walled garden at Edzell Castle, created by Sir David Lindsay in 1604, then a visit to the House of Pitmuies with its stunning summer borders, rose garden and woodland walks.

Our meetings are held in the Mike Sheridan Room in the Halls, Station Square, and start at 7.30pm. Full membership of £10 annually includes entry to all meetings and covers exhibiting at the Annual Exhibition. Affiliated membership of £5 annually, covers exhibiting at the Annual Exhibition: however, attendance at any meetings will incur a £3 charge. Visitors are most welcome to attend a single meeting at a cost of £3.

Our annual Plant Sale takes place on Saturday 1st June in the Victoria Hall, 9.30am –12 noon. Please contact Elizabeth Wilson, Secretary, tel: 013397 55900 / email: eml_ wilson@hotmail.com should you wish to sell raffle tickets or donate much needed plants and home produce to this fund-raising event.

August seems a long way off, however the schedule for the Annual Exhibition & Flower Show on 17th and 18th August will be available at the meetings or can be picked up from the Library, and A B Yule, Newsagents.

Our website http://ballaterroyalhorticulturalsociety.weebly.com provides extensive information

Important date? Special event? Got something to say about your group?Get in touch with the Eagle at eagleballater@gmail.com about the Society, the programme of speakers, the 2019 Show schedule and details plus a photographic record of events past and present.

Do look out for posters throughout the village giving further details and times of meetings.

A cordial welcome is always given to those attending. Refreshments are served after each meeting so that everyone can have a blether. Your continued support is very much appreciated.

Ballater WI

by Ellie Kinghorn President Lesley Peake welcomed members and visitors to our November meeting. After business was concluded, Lesley introduced Shona & Andrew of The Highlanders Bakehouse who gave an interesting talk on their local bakery business. They brought along a selection of wonderful breads which we all tasted and enjoyed.

Shona was invited to judge the competition for the evening “3 Decorated Cupcakes” - 1st Prize: Diane Wright, 2nd Prize: Joan Anderson, 3rd Prize: Frances Johnstone and 4th Prize: Alex Esson.

On the 5th December we had a lovely Christmas meal at the Rothesay Rooms in Ballater. It

was the most enjoyable evening of delicious food followed by a raffle where we each received a gift.

Secretary Diane Wright welcomed members and visitors to our first meeting of the New Year in January. After business was concluded, Diane introduced Joan Anderson who gave us a short talk on The Buchan Heritage Society and the Doric writing competition she won in 2018.

D i a n e Cupcakes – good enough to eat! then introduced Jenny Gow of ‘A Bear Named Buttony’ charity. Jenny talked about why she came up with the idea for the charity which makes cuddly toys with stomas – just like the children they are given to. Jenny explained that the project was inspired by her daughter Eilidh, who has had a stoma since she was three years old.

Jenny was invited to judge the competition for the evening,the Evie Murray Rose Bowl:- “Craft item using buttons”- 1st Prize: Alex Esson, 2nd Prize: Joan Anderson, 3rd Prize: Margaret Finnie and 4th Prize: Nikki Grant.

As the nights are starting to stretch, we are looking for ward to welcoming Sean Philips from the Royal Lochnagar Distillery to our February meeting and beginning the preparations for our Clan Charity Fashion Show in March.

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Ballater (RD) Limited

Ballater (Royal Deeside) Ltd, as I regularly tell you, is your servant and we would really appreciate your comments, whether critical or challenging, as we need to know that our approach is correct.

I specifically ask this before April as we plan to carry out a strategic review to establish how we move forward and your input is valued as otherwise it is your perceived needs alone that will drive us.

We hear anecdotally that people don’t know what is going on in the village and a major issue is how best to transmit that information to you.

Secondly, we have many groups offering some excellent benefits and pastimes, but the details about them are sometimes hard to identify and often emerge as a one line statement with no contact information.

Our role in the past has been greatly enhanced by my predecessors in bringing so many benefits, with the Caravan Park being

by John Burrows

probably the largest and The Walking Festival being the longest running (now in its 21st year).

So what about 2019 and beyond as we face the needs of Community Housing, lost bridges across the Dee at The Cambus O’May, Allotments, Community Gardens, better Parking and many more? These issues have now to be community developed –you told us during the Community Action Plan that we must not be towers of ideas but reach out across our area and be inclusive in the way forward; however that risk of reaching out can slow down development so we need to be wary of complacency and waiting for direction.

My greatest weakness (and there are many) is impatience, so I am one that should always be reined in by those who realise that scouts used before an action will always save the day!

It is in this need to know how we move forward that we are conducting the Strategic Review. It

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Thinking Of Selling or Leasing your Property?

Please pop in or call our Ballater Office to organise a free valuation.

We have pleasure in welcoming our new Solicitor Nicola Ewen to our Laurie & Co Team.

With 16 years’ experience of Private Client work, Nicola now focuses on Executries, Powers of Attorney and Wills and works between both our Ballater and Aberdeen Offices.

Open Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm 4 Bridge Street Ballater, 01339 755535 ​ballater@laurieandco.co.uk www.laurieandco.co.uk

should guide us all, and enable both radicals and conservatives to debate ideas and develop a way forward that will work.

Finally you may be aware that thanks to a note from Phil Swann we have been reviewing the opportunities for our youth in employment and development. This still has some time to run before concluding, but one issue we need, as a body, to realise is that the 18 year age restriction in our Memorandum is out of date and needs bringing into line with the new 16 year age rights. This simple action will have a potential to bring in IT expertise to our Board, as many of my age group acknowledge this product is better understood by youth, and a 12 to 18 month involvement on BRD will both challenge us and bring the student a valued CV notation.

So again, thank you and we hope to hear from you either by mail to: Ballater (RD) Ltd., Park House, Anderson Road, AB35 5QW or email: Johnburrows1@btinternet.com

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Ballater Walking Festival

18th - 24th May 2019 Ballater Walking Festival offers a programme designed for walkers of all capabilities from Munro-bagging to pleasant rambles.

Each walker can choose to take part in whatever grade of walk they feel suits them best and can participate on as many as six days or as few as one.

Most walks are situated within the Cairngorms National Park. Each day, three categories of walk are available; Easy, Medium and Strenuous. Easy walks are up to six or seven miles long and normally have a minimum of gradient: Medium walks typically measure around ten to twelve miles and may include some substantial hills or the occasional Munro. Strenuous walks either include several hundred metres of ascent or are of considerable length.

A professional mountain guide normally leads the Strenuous walks. Other walks are led by local residents or full time rangers from Aberdeenshire Council or Balmoral Estate, many of whom have special knowledge of the wild life, vegetation or local history which they are happy to share with visitors.

An evening entertainment programme starts with the formal registration and reception on the Saturday. This enables participants to mix with each other, the leaders and local residents who will accompany them on the walks. Other highlights include a formal dinner on the Wednesday and to round off the week on Friday we have our popular traditional ceilidh.

For brochure and details contact Ballater Walking Festival, Park House, Anderson Road, Ballater, AB35 5QW tel: 013397 55467 website: www.walkballater.com email: info@royal-deeside.org.uk

A Warm Welcome Awaits!

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Charitable Chiels

by Scott Fraser

Fitlike Folks!

On a rather snowy Friday on 1st February the Chiels held their AGM. We were without our Secretary Neil Henderson as he was covering for Raymond on the gritter. As it happened Raymond, on returning from his holidays, took the Kubota out to clear some of the main footpaths in the village and on Saturday morning the three of us were out early clearing the footpaths and streets again.

At the AGM I was very lucky to be voted on as Chiels Chairman and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank John Sinclair for all his service to the Chiels so far and especially for taking a second stint in office!

Vice Chairman stays the same with Robert Sinclair, as does Secretary Neil Henderson and Treasurer Andrew Thain.

Andrew is taking teams for our ever popular Charity Texas Scramble which this

year is on Friday 14th June: teams of 4 at £200. Folk can contact Andrew on andy. thain73@gmail.com Our Walking subcommittee is working out the logistics for a challenge which will see us walk 500 miles; we proclaim we will walk 500 miles.

Over the last couple of Christmases folk will have noticed the lack of lights on the Church spire. This has been due to their taking a real battering from the winter weather, but we have been raising funds and in contact with firms to see their return so hopefully they will be there for next Christmas.

We have contributed towards the erection of a new defibrillator stand beside the Butchers and all the lads are going on a defibrillator training course with Ballater Fire and Rescue Service.Thank you to everyone for your continued support, it’s much appreciated! Aye!

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Contact Brian or Angela Smith (24hrs)

BCE: Ballater Caravan Park

13 B&CCC CAP Survey News

Work has started on the fourth phase refurbishment consisting of a further 26 touring pitches and it is anticipated that it will be completed in time for the opening of the 2019 season. These will provide additional touring pitches and some will be offered on a seasonal licence basis.

This fourth phase will virtually complete the refurbishment of the site. A new toilet block will be needed before the site can be used at its full capacity and this will be built during the 2019/20 closed season. Restrictions on the number of tents allowed on site may have to be imposed during the 2019 season to keep the numbers on site within the capacity of the existing toilet block.

As Dave and Rachel Monk, the assistant peak season wardens, will not be returning in 2019, a replacement couple have been identified and they will hopefully join us in May 2019.

Robbie and Susan Paton will continue as the main wardens.

Ballater & Crathie Community Council has recently developed a CAP (Community Action Plan) in which affordable housing was highlighted as a need within the community. BCCC now wishes to commission a comprehensive housing needs survey which will form the basis of future planning to develop both housing & future funding strategy. This paper survey will be a self completion questionnaire which will be added as a ‘flyer’ to the summer issue of the Eagle.

Ballater Duck Festival 2019 Sunday 2nd June, 10am – 4pm

Plans for the fourth Duck Festival are well advanced and the management team (pictured) are confident that we’ll have another successful event, even better than last year! We hope to have over 70 trade, craft and charity stalls, with entertainment for children including bouncy castle, roundabout, bungee trampolines and donkey rides. As well as the local shops, hotels, restaurants and cafes, there will be several food stalls on the Greens including burgers, pizza and donuts. The Ballater Pipe Band will play and local children will entertain us on the stage, plus other musicians around the Greens, culminating in a giant inflatable duck race on the River Dee at 3pm. Make a note of the date in your diary and follow us on Facebook.com/ ballaterduckfestival

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Library Page by Sabine Muir

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New Look Guide Dogs. If you have any, just pop them in Our service has been undergoing some changes on your next visit. and Aberdeenshire’s sports and cultural services Library Activities are now operated by Live Life Aberdeenshire on Rhymetimes are on Tuesdays at 10.45am. behalf of the council.

Bookbug Story Times are on Tuesdays at This is an innovative approach to delivering 11.15am. services including libraries, museums, arts devel- Junior Craft Clubs take place at 3.30pm on opments, sport programmes and development, Thursdays for 7-10-year-olds and on Fridays for community sport hubs, leisure and sports facilities, the over 10’s. The clubs are full at the moment support to clubs and grants. but a waiting list is in operation.

Working on behalf of Aberdeenshire Council, Knit and Natter is on every Tuesday from Live Life Aberdeenshire will strive to support 5pm – 7pm. Come along even if you would our local like to learn how to knit or crochet, or just pop communities to in for a cuppa and a chat. Everyone is welcome live healthier, and it’s free. happier lives.

To find out more please visit Live Life Aberdeenshire website. This is our new logo!

Staffed Hours Monday: 10am - noon Resignation Tuesday: 10am - noon We are sad to say goodbye to Linda Drever, who & 4pm - 7pm has resigned from her post as relief library assistant, after helping us out for a number of years.

Wednesday: 10am - noon We’d like to thank her for all her hard work and Thursday & Friday: wish her good luck in her retirement.

10am - 5pm Saturday: 10am - noon New to the library Our sensory panel for small children has now T: 01339 267700 been installed. It creates an extra dimension to ballater.library@aberdeenshire.gov.uk our junior corner, which already boasts a colour fountain. Please pop in and have a play.

Book Bug Challenge Our Book Bug Challenge started in Design and Print for the Small Business January. The under-fives are given a card which is stamped every time Adverts Leaflets Posters Banners they visit the library and they collect Brochures Promotions Laminating beautiful certificates to keep. Please Copywriting Websites Facebook ask at the desk if you’d like your Cat Houston catrionahouston@yahoo.co.uk child to take part.

013397 55243 / 07805 731401 Stamps www.myriadpro.co.uk We are still collecting stamps for

Ballater Library

Myriad Pro . .

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Aboyne & Upper Deeside Rotary Club Forging Close Links with our Young People and More!

In 2017, Aboyne Academy became our Rotary Club’s first Corporate Member. Since then, our relationship with the staff and pupils has become a close one, with senior pupils from the school assisting at our Community Bonfire BBQ and with our Seasonal Bag Packing at our local Co-Ops. Joining our Rotary Youth Leadership Awards candidates, the Young Photographer and Young Musician competitions this year, was the “Youth Speaks” event. This is a new Youth Competition for our Club and was suggested by an English Teacher at the Academy who had

participated with a Rotary Club in England while teaching there. It was an entertaining evening with two teams competing with great enthusiasm and good-natured rivalry. We will definitely hold it again next year and would encourage other clubs in the district to do the same so we have some more competition!

Purple Breaks Records After having supplied Purple Crocus Growing Kits to feeder Primary Schools for some years to raise funds for “End Polio Now”, this year we tried something new. “Dress Down in Purple” days were held, not only for younger pupils, but in the Academy too.

The students entered into the fun spirit of this with great gusto, and some amazing outfits

by Ruth Powell

17 to attend an outdoor WW1 Remembrance Service at the Academy which was organised by History Teacher Stewart Whyte. It was very moving as senior pupils read out the names of the fallen from our area. Each name read out prompted a pupil to move to the centre of the games field until there were 364 pupils forming a tight-knit circle in the centre. They then each held up a sheet of coloured card which altogether formed a giant poppy. Photographs were taken using a drone so that the full effect could be seen.

There were many tears shed that morning. A Memorial Tree (donated by Glentanar Estate) was then planted and we supplied a commemorative plaque to place alongside.

Mystery Tour Date Teacher as Telly Tubby – but who’s that hiding in the corner?

were seen in Aboyne that day. One of the teachers wore a blowup purple Telly Tubby outfit which seemed like a good idea, but it needed the assistance of several folk to help squeeze him through the door of the Staff Room at break time!

We raised a record amount for the Polio Campaign this year and had great fun doing it.

Representatives of the Club were invited

This year we are also trying something new; a one-day “Aboyne Rotary Mystery Tour”. This takes the form of a quiz involving

The giant card poppy, photographed from the air

an easy walk around Aboyne to discover the answers and will be held on Sunday 23rd June 9.30am to 6.30pm. Starting at The Victory Hall or The Aboyne Community Centre For £3 you will be given a quiz sheet and a Heritage booklet containing a map which is to be followed to help you answer the questions.

A great day out for the whole family who can share one quiz sheet if desired, or compete against each other by each buying their own.

More details on our Facebook page nearer the time. With prizes to be won - save the date, come along and join the fun!

The Rememberance plaque erected alongside the Memorial Tree

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“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”

Thomas Campbell, Hallowed Ground

New Face at Balmoral Estates

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Hello All, I have been in my new position for little over two months and the family and I have settled in well, and already feel part of this fantastic community. I have been working in Leisure and Tourism for over 20 years around the world and hope my experience and knowledge will be a great asset to the area.

This year we celebrate Queen Victoria’s 200th Birthday and we have several events planned throughout the season, including a Victorian Vehicle Pageant. Working with Grampian Transport Museum we will have several vehicles on display from the Victorian era, with some of them being used locally at the time of Queen Victoria.

We are also planning our first Teddy Bears’ Picnic in July. Held in conjunction with the Buttony Bear Charity, hopefully we will entice more families to choose us as an exceptional family day out.

That’s all from me for now. My family and I look forward to meeting everyone in due course, and we wish you all the best for the coming summer season.

James Hamilton-Goddard

Ballater Clinic will be closed

Easter Monday - 22nd April and May Day Holiday - 6th May If you require urgent medical attention during these dates please call NHS 24 on 111.

Please ensure you reorder any of your usual repeat medication in plenty of time.

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Ballater Highland Games

by Ron Drever

We also look for ward to wishing our Chieftain, Captain Alwyne Farquharson, a very happy 100th birthday in May, and then celebrating with him on Games Day, Thursday 8th August.

Ballater Games is enjoyed by those from both ends of the age spectrum – and, of course, from all in between!

Anyone, or any business, not already on our circulation lists for invites, but interested in becoming Sponsors or Patrons of the Games, can contact us by email at: info@ballaterhighlandgames.com.

At the time of writing, we are looking forward to the Ballater Highland Games Annual Dinner, always an enjoyable event when the Committee welcomes invited guests and our Games Day volunteer helpers.

Online pre-booking of admission tickets to the Games is already available via our website, www.ballaterhighlandgames.com and our Facebook page.

Piano and Oboe Lessons

Katy Fennema BMus LRAM t: 07956 186515 e: katymf7@gmail.com Lessons available for all ages and abili�es from my home in Crathie or at your home.

By appointment to HM The Queen Chemists

By appointment to HRH The Prince of Wales Chemists

Retail Pharmacy & Veterinary Supplies

Delivering Quality Patient Care & Customer Satisfaction since 1897 Your friendly local community pharmacy - Minor Ailments Service - Chronic Medication Service - Free Stop Smoking Support - Emergency Contraceptive Service - Free Condom Distribution Service - Compliance Aid Provision Service - Mobility & Independent Living Solutions - Private Inuenza Vaccination . Prescription collection . Free blood pressure checks . NHS Glutenfree food . Substance misuse support . UTI treatment . Stoma & incontinence product provision . Disposal of unwanted medication . . Out-of-hours support . Private consultations .

CSM Handyman/Garden Landscapes General Maintenance Inside & Out Micro Digger Work Available 013397 56227 / 07506 951506 csmhandyman1@gmail.com www.csmhandyman.co.uk

10 Bridge Street . Ballater . 013397 55409 www.wdavidson.co.uk

Dinnet, Aberdeenshire

Hot Tubs for your home and business Our luxurious hot tubs are hand-crafted in the USA and are a perfect combination of quality and affordability. Do you have a holiday home? We have models designed specifically for the hospitality industry that come with a full commercial warranty.

www.highlandglenspas.co.uk

Phone. 013398 80540

22

Crathie Opportunity Holidays

by Lesley Davidson

Our guests enjoyed a beautiful summer last year.

As always, our splendid situation by the river is a great attraction along with the enjoyment of comfortable cottages designed to be a “home from home”.

During last year’s Ballater Victoria Week, we started the week with the hilariously funny film “Going In Style” with Michael Caine as one of the old bank robbers.

This was preceded by an excellent buffet provided by the volunteers. Thanks to all your support, taking account of the raffle and donations, we raised over £1,000 for ongoing works of improvement and refurbishment.

Volunteers have been busy over the year with coffee mornings for the guests and the gardeners have been replanting to keep the gardens in excellent shape.

Sadly, we had to cancel our Balmoral Golf Day in October because of gale force winds.

This is usually our major fund raiser of the year and it would have been the tenth anniversary of this event which has so far raised over £44,000 for refurbishment works. We look forward to better weather this year and appreciate all the help and co-operation we received prior to and on the day.

Being a volunteer is both worthwhile and great fun. If you would like to be a volunteer and join the “Friends” please call Maggie MacKay on 013397 42100 for information. You will be most welcome and your talents will be put to good use. We look forward to hearing from you.

Domestic & Commercial Crown Thinning & Reduction Dismantling & Felling Hedge Pruning & Maintenance Dangerous Tree Control Stump Grinding & Removal

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23

Crathie School

by Crathie School Pupils Day of Dance

We saw Lumsden the next day at The Day of Dance at Lonach Hall. We danced with children from Lumsden, Strathdon and Towie.

We danced, Strip the Willow, Dashing White Sergant, Gay Gordons, and a Canadian Barn Dance. In the afternoon there was a magic show! We enjoyed his cool tricks such as when he got the crowd to colour in his colouring pad without touching it!

Fire Safety Lesson Last term we were very busy at school learning about fire safety. We received a visit from the fire service learning about how to keep our homes fire safe and what to do in an emergency.

Pen-Pals We have pen-pals at Lumsden school. They came to visit us first in September and last term we went to visit their school. They have 12 children and they have a big school. P1-3 wrote stories about a scary house, P4-7 were writing about the desert. We were also learning about weight and measure. We even had to weigh our shoes. We liked their big playground and the huge classroom! We are going to continue to work with them this term by writing more letters and inviting Lumsden to visit Crathie.

December Treat In December, we went to see Snow White at His Majesty’s Theatre. We enjoyed all the songs and Fynn was even included in the show when he had to hold a lantern!

We also went to Jump In Trampoline Park that day. We loved trying to climb up the balance ladder where we had to ring a bell if we got to the top!

Forbes Duguid Painter & Decorator Tel .55816 el.55816

Geva’s Musings

by Geva Blackett

The Auld Kirk B&B andCoffee Lounge Open from 10.30am ‘till 3pm Tuesday to Saturday.

Extended opening from April.

Homemade soups and stews freshly-made daily, with sandwiches and fresh-baked cakes.

B&B open all year round.

Please contact Helen & Kevin Telephone: 01339 755762

“The purpose of a National Park Authority is to ensure that the National Park aims, as set out in the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000, are collectively achieved in a co-ordinated way.”

Almost two years ago you elected me to the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) Board and at the end of last year, in December, I was honoured to be elected by my fellow Board members to be the Deputy Convener.

If I am re-elected in March, I remain Deputy Convener for the next three years. .

I believe passionately in this area and about all of us who live here. But I am particularly concerned about what the future holds and I feel strongly that we must listen to what our young people want. They, too often, feel there is no future here for them and so they leave.

Last year was the Year of Young People and at the Europarc conference in Aviemore, a working group of young people launched their Youth Manifesto. I would like to share a couple of quotes from that document with you: “We want to work collaboratively with you to create our common future” “Listen to the voice of young people and give us the chance to take the lead” So the Park Board DID listen and we recently approved a scheme to recruit young people aged 16-30 to be part of a steering group to co-design a Cairngorms National Park Youth Group that will: • be the voice of young people in the Park.

• develop a procedure to fund young people’s ideas about living, learning and working in the Park.

• put on exciting and innovative events for young people in the Park.

And much, much more!

It’s certainly a start! If YOU are interested in being part of this – or you know someone who would be - please go to https://cairngorms. co.uk/caring-future/education-learning/euro-

25

parc-youth-manifesto-project (or type europarc youth manifesto project into your web browser) and find out more. In all our primary schools and Aboyne Academy too - I see young people bursting with creativity, leadership skills and ambition, so I know we have the potential. It is so important that people from this side of the Park have their voices heard and are part of this project.

One of my personal priorities, low cost housing, is the single biggest social issue raised across all communities in the Park. Royal Deeside experiences this issue more acutely than most areas. The CNPA is committed to improving the availability of low cost houses and it is a core part of our draft Local Development Plan which is currently out for consultation. We would urge everyone to look at the proposed plan and consider responding – you can find the link on the Park’s website.

We’re also very supportive of community-led housing initiatives, where the community can exercise a greater level of control over allocations and design. There are some great examples emerging from around the Park, including Braemar, which may act as a model for other communities to follow in the future. Grampian Housing has listened to the community and a new planning application has been lodged for the Old School site. There are indications, too,

that a Local Lettings Initiative could be operated – huge credit has to go to Jim Anderson, chair of the community council, Jo Croll and Fiona Presslie for the work they have done on this issue. If we can secure housing for our young people, we have a chance of keeping them or attracting them back if they have left, for whatever reason, but want to bring up their families here.

Having started this column with a quote from the website, I would like to end with this one because it is an aspiration we are obliged to meet if future generations are to enjoy this uniquely beautiful area as we do today – and why would we not want to hand on what we are custodians of in better order than when we “inherited” it?

“The long-term vision is for an outstanding National Park, enjoyed and valued by everyone, where nature and people thrive together” I hope to be back in the next edition of The Eagle with a Park update…

27th April 25th May 22nd June

26

A Thank You to Ballater Films

by Lexi McCracken, P6...

During the Winter Festival, Ballater Films put on a movie to raise money for the School.

They made £585 for the school to watch The Grinch. The film that they put on was called Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.

The movie had marvellous attendance and everyone loved it.

On Tuesday 18th of December Ballater Primary School watched The Grinch film. At lunchtime all of the pupils were admiring the massive screen. The screen was about 6 meters long!

The pupils were also excited for the ice-cream. My favourite part was when the dog would make all the coffee and breakfast for the Grinch in the morning. Also when he was trying to steal the Christmas decorations and uses the sleigh on the man’s roof as Santa’s sleigh. Everyone laughed at the end because of the goat that screamed.

Ballater Primary School would like to thank Ballater Films and all who helped raise money for us to watch the Grinch. We hope you enjoyed your movie in the hall- it looked really good.

Thank you, From Ballater Primary School

By appointment to HM the Queen Purveyor of Meat and Poultry

H. M. Sheridan Ltd BUTCHER

• POULTERER • GAME DEALER

T

By appointment to HRH the Prince of Wales Purveyor of Meat and Poultry

O

Do yo

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Our finest quality butcher and deli products are brought to you through our Ballater and Banchory shops, regular markets, home delivery and online services

11 Bridge Street . Ballater 23 High Street . Banchory . Tel: 013397 55218 info@hmsheridan.co.uk . www.hmsheridan.co.uk

Visit our online shop . See Facebook for updates and daily specials . Free delivery on Deeside and Donside

...and Amelia, P5

27

Today I’m going to talk about our school Christmas film and I am going to say “Thank you” to all of the people in the village that helped to raise funds for it.

It was Tuesday the 18th of December 2018, that day we watch a film it was called The Grinch.

All of Ballater School went to the hall and sat on chairs that were in rows. It was very surprising because before lunch they set up the screen and it was HUGE. It was very nice because we even got Ice cream, and best of all it was paid for by Ballater Film Club. To raise the money, they put on a film at the Victoria Hall. The film was Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and they raised a whopping £585.

Finally, we would like to give a big thank you to Cat and her team and everyone that helped fund raise.

I hope you enjoy the rest of the films coming this year.

The Oven Valet

Oven Cleaners Doing the jobs you hate!

Allan Milne Joiners

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All aspects of Joinery and Carpentry.

Bringing the Sparkle back to your oven.

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Stairs manufactured and installed.

All renovation works.

28

Letter from Ballater’s Churches

Dear Friends, Spring is a time of new life and growth, which can be difficult to envisage when the snow is piled outside the door, or a bitter east wind is whistling around the house. But sometimes it surprises us. You might be walking along when suddenly a flash of white beckons from under the hedgerow, or purple spikes attract your eye in the middle of the grass. All of sudden the silver birches will get a purplish haze, and the grass will suddenly seem greener.

It is amazing what difference a couple of small changes can make to our view of life. Spring in the church usually marks the beginning of a time called Lent – and in Ballater the Lenten Lunches! For Christians, Lent is a time of taking stock, of looking at our lives and examining them. We might give something up – the idea being that in giving something up that we enjoy, we are taking a small step towards self-discipline. Its about self-control, but more, its about learning what our weaknesses are and working on them. We might take something up, something positive, as a way of using this time for the greater good of this world. Lent lasts for 40 days, and at the end of that time comes Easter, the great celebration of new life.

Whether you are a person of faith or not, it is always good to do some taking stock of who you are and who you are becoming. It says in the Bible ‘love your neighbour as you love yourself’. If we are truly to love those around us, we must learn to to love ourselves. Whatever your view on life and faith, this seems a good rule to live your life by.

The churches would love to welcome you to any of our services or events over this Lent and Easter.

No matter what your background, feel free to join us as we consider love and life in all its fullness.

With every blessing, Rev Canon Vi�oria Hancock, St Ken�gern’s Church Rev David Barr, Glenmuick Church Father Chris Brannan, St Nathalan’s R.C. Church

Got Yours Yet?

The Co-op has organised a fancy dress sponsored walk around Loch Muick to raise funds for the Halls to get the lift repaired – 12.30pm on Sunday, March 3rd. Sponsor forms are in the store - Special thanks to Lesley for being such a sport in her Pikachu outfit!

Ballater Photography Club Below and on the back page is just a small selection of pictures that the talented bunch at the Ballater Photography Club are taking as they hone their skills.

Fancy developing your capabilities with your camera – or even your phone?

Why not join them - you’ll find full details of their activities on FaceBook.

Lunch:12pm-2pm (inc. Sunday) Dinner: 5pm-9pm Clachan Grill Bar: 2pm-10pm Enjoy our 2 & 3 course Bar Menu from 5pm

Relaxed dining by the River Dee in a friendly, cosy atmosphere. *Private Dining available* Current opening days Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday Sunset at Balmenach, by Angela Ellis

Book now: 013397 55999 Email: enjoy.clachan@cranberryco.com

Highland Yurts

Tailor-made yurts Choice of seven colours www.highlandyurts.com

Paul Spencer Tel: 07814 051388

News from St Kentigern’s

Christmas has been and gone and we are looking forward now into our Lent and Easter celebrations.

We had a wonderful time at our Christingle service just before Christmas, where Anne Richardson led a service based around the theme of the ‘Christmas Cracker’, looking at the symbolism of the cracker. Christmas Eve was celebrated in style, starting with a wedding in the morning and then the increasingly popular Carols around the Crib in the evening – this year the Rector excelled herself in her cow costume!

January saw us move into the hall for a couple of Sundays, while our new heating system was installed. Our old system had been installed in the late 1950s, and was getting to the end of its lifetime, as well as becoming increasingly unsafe when small children are crawling around. We now have convection heaters installed under every seat, as well as a hot air curtain over the door.

The congregation is adjusting to not being able to warm its feet on the pipes, but is getting used to having warm seats.

Such work inevitably costs money – and while we have been able to pay for it, our funds now need a little replenishing. Maggie Jaffray has kindly offered to host a coffee morning at her house on the 23rd March to assist with this. We look forward to her scones and cake.

We are preparing now for our Lent and Easter services and events, so do please keep an eye out for posters. We look forward to welcoming you to our warm church.

Doric Film Festival 2019

31

Individuals, Community Groups, Schools and Colleges are invited tae Individuals, Community Groups, Schools and Colleges are invited tae tak pairt in a new film competition, based on the title ‘Fit Dis the North East O Scotland Mean Tae Me?’ tak pairt in a new film competition, The film his to be nae mair than 5 mins in length and spoken entirely in Doric. based on the title ‘Fit Dis the North I V E R Y C A T E G O R Y W I N N E R W I L L B E AW A R D E D £ 5 0 0 East O Scotland Mean Tae Me?’ The film his to be nae mair than And dinna worry if yir new to film makin – there is help on offer. Entries hiv te be in bi 31st May five mins in length and spoken entirely For mair information an foo tae enter, see oor Doric Film Festival Website. in Doric.

Iver y categor y winner will be W W W . D O R I C F I L M F E S T I VA L . C O M E M A I L : I N F O @ D O R I C F I L M F E S T I VA L . C O M | I N F O @ S C O T S R A D I O . C O M awarded £500.

AN IF YE WID LIKE TAE SPONSOR A PRIZE OR HELP TAE SPONSOR THE COMPETITION And dinna worry if yir new to film PLEASE CONTACT THE DORIC FILM FESTIVAL. IT WID BE APPRECIATED. makin – there is help on offer. Entries hiv te be in bi 31st May PRODUCED BY SUPPORTED BY Individuals, Community Groups, Schools and Colleges are invited tae tak pairt in a new film For mair information an foo tae competition, based on the title ‘Fit Dis the North East O Scotland Mean Tae Me?’ The film his to be nae mair than 5 mins in length and spoken entirely in Doric. enter, see oor Doric Film Festival Website: www.doricfilmfestival.com.

I V E R Y C A T E G O R Y W I N N E R W I L L B E AW A R D E D £ 5 0 0 Email: info@doricfilmfestival.com And dinna worry if yir new to film makin – there is help on offer. Entries hiv te be in bi 31st May or info@scotsradio.com. An if ye wid like tae sponsor a prize or help tae sponsor the competition For mair information an foo tae enter, see oor Doric Film Festival Website. please contact the Doric Film Festival. It wid be appreciated.

W W W . D O R I C F I L M F E S T I VA L . C O M

E M A I L : I N F O @ D O R I C F I L M F E S T I VA L . C O M | I N F O @ S C O T S R A D I O . C O M

Exterior

AN IF YE WID LIKE TAE SPONSOR A PRIZE OR HELP TAE SPONSOR THE COMPETITION PLEASE CONTACT THE DORIC FILM FESTIVAL. IT WID BE APPRECIATED.

Calvin Jones Painter PRODUCED BY

Interiors Walls

SUPPORTED BY

Railings & metalwork Fences

Facias, soffits & exterior joinery.

Wood trim Doors Difficult surfaces e.g tiles, plastics etc.

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Payment once work is completed to your full satisfaction.

Free quote available upon request.

H: 013397 56000 M: 07569 254 749 calvin@paintballater.com

Eagle

Cub Reporters

£ win 25 ner

s!

Prizes are sponsored by The Eagle and Ballater School Parent Council Cub theme for the next issue is: Scotland in Summer...

Up to 400 words to eagleballater@gmail.com by May 1 Find us on Instagram and Twitter too Page layout by Lizzie, Ballater Academy

Hello, My name is Kenzie, I am 11 years old and I’m a Primary 7 in Ballater School. I’ve been living in Ballater for a year and a bit. I have two cats one called Mylo and one called Toby. My hobby would be Art because it makes me feel relaxed and happy. I think I have settled into Ballater well. Before I moved to Ballater I used to live in Bucksburn. I went to Brimmond Primary School. Moving school was a big change for me as Brimmond Primary School had over 500 pupils, it took me a little while to settle in moving from such a big school and leaving all my friends behind.

My Grandma still lives in Bucksburn and every now and then my mum takes me in to Aberdeen to visit friends that I still like to keep in touch with.

I’m really happy we moved out to Ballater because I have a lot more freedom as I get to play out a lot more and stay out later, where as living in a city, living near a road and in a top floor flat with no garden, playing outside wasn’t fun as we had no where to play. So this big move for me was awesome.

Oh and P.S... I’m loving the ice cream van that comes every Monday!

Kenzie Shepherd, P7

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I like walking my dogs which are called Squid and Norman. Dogs are fun to play with in your spare time. The good thing about living on Royal Deeside is the amount of different lovely and beautiful places where I can walk my dogs Where I live is very rural. So this means that when we leave our house we can go in any direction with the dogs. We are not near any roads so the dogs can be let off the leads. This way our dogs have a lot of freedom to follow scents that they may pick up. There are times that the dogs are not allowed off the lead and that is usually in the spring time. In the spring time we have young nesting birds in ground nests. the location of these nests leaves the young birds vulnerable and also irresistible to dogs. My dogs are only allowed to go off the lead if there is no one around with other dogs The other cool thing about walking my dogs so much is that I’m active and I get to see lots of wildlife.

Max Dunne, P7

The Grouse Season this year has been a disaster. Due to loss of grouse this year there has been a huge hit to the rural and local economy. People, shops, petrol stations, hotels and resteraunts.

The weather conditions were why keepers decided not to shoot this season. Keepers were going out in the morning and in the evening and it was like all the grouse had disappered.

The grouse were dying of thirst and they had no shade.

The reasons keepers shoot is so there is a sustainable number of grouse. If there is enough grouse then the keepers will not shoot but if there are too many grouse then a keeper will get in as many days as possible.

I like beating because it means you can get out and have fun. My Mum makes the beaters rolls so we get the leftover chocolate.

Isla Mckenzie Wilson, P7

34

Ballater Films by Ade Scripps

Ballater Films rocked into the new year with the popular musical sequel Mamma Mia 2. By the time you read this we will be charging into the sellout that is Bohemian Rhapsody, all in aid of Deeside Cats Protection - Freddie loved cats!

April’s offering is another sequel of sorts, Mary Poppins Returns (PG), this time to help raise cash for the Ballater Baby and Toddler Group.

You can find ticket details online or on posters.

Our wish list for the rest of the year includes Stan and Ollie, How To Train Your Dragon 3, Mary Queen of Scots, Green Book, Dumbo and Lego Movie 2. We also hope to repeat the Film Festival in October or November. If you have any ideas for films to show, or would like to use Ballater Films to help raise money for your group or cause, get in touch with me or Cat at 55243, info@ ballatervictoriaweek.co.uk, see our website http://www.ballaterfilms.co.uk or find us on Facebook/ Finally, huge thanks to our advertisers this year: Phoenix Chip Shop, Monkey Business Aboyne, CSM Landscaping and Coilacriech Inn for their support, also to Yules staff for assisting with selling tickets.

Love from the Ballater Films family.

Murray Garden Maintenance Ballater General garden maintenance, including grass cutting.

Bruce Murray

07709734328 or 01339754016 brucemurray726@gmail.com

Easter Holiday Lego

HolidayEaster Lego Holiday Lego

Tuesday April 9th . Albert Hall . Ballater We-Do Robots Session!

10.30am-noon

Aberdeenshire Libraries Service returns to Ballater to offer more master builders

Tuesday April 9th . Albert Hall . Ballater

Ballater’s .Lego Club has had to pack up its bricks forthethe year as organiser chance to build a Lego robotCat and focuses on th . Albert Hall Ballater make it move! Spaces are limited. other things in 2019.

Children work in pairs. £3 per child to hall the costs.bricks BOOKINGand ESSENTIAL: Moves are being made tocover store other resources contact catrionahouston@yahoo.co.uk on!

013397 7+ be made available to more effectively, in such a orway as 55243. theyAGE may We-Do Robots Session! the community if required in the meantime. ervice returns The Old Station project isOpen nearly and, subject to a tidy10.30am-noon aster builders Playcomplete Session 12.30pm-4pm go robot and up, will hopefully be displayed the Library Come andinbuild whatever yousoon. like using Ballater Lego Club’s Resources Aberdeenshire Libraries Service returns – LOTS of bricks, books and added extras! Open to Lego fans of all ages. are limited.

Two sessions are taking place in the Easter holidays on Tuesday All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. No need to to Ballater to offer more master builders 3 per child to book.

Dona�on onfrom the door to help hall hire costs Library if you can, please.

April 9th.

A We-Do roboti cs session Aberdeenshire G ESSENTIAL: the chance to build a Lego robot and @yahoo.co.uk will run 10.30am-12noon in the Albert Hall. Spaces make it move!Service Spaces arefrom limited. are limited, cost £3 to Children work in pairs. £3 per childcover to hall hire and are open to age 7+.

Booking is essenti al with cover hall costs. BOOKING ESSENTIAL: Cat on 55243 or catrionahouston@yahoo.co.uk. contact catrionahouston@yahoo.co.uk 30pm-4pm From 12.30-4pm there will AGE be an7+ open session, no bookor 013397 55243. ou like using Ballater Lego Club’s Resources ing required, using the club’s resources of bricks, books dded extras! Open to Lego fans of all ages. panied by a responsible adult. need to in the Albert Hall, all ages are and other funNostuff . Also to help hall hire costs if you can, please. welcome, children must be accompanied, and entry is by donati on. Play Session 12.30pm-4pm Open

Come and build whatever you like using Ballater Lego Club’s Resources – LOTS of bricks, books and added extras! Open to Lego fans of all ages.

All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. No need to book. Dona�on on the door to help hall hire costs if you can, please.

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Ballater Victoria Week

by Cat Houston

Plans for Ballater Victoria Week 2019 have been storming ahead.

Two Brainstorm events have taken place already and a third is planned before the programme gets finalised during April and May. New events suggested so far include a mass Stand-up Bingo, Community Sing-along, How Many Victorias...?, Slow Bike Race (on the Cartie track...) and a revival of the Hilltop Safaris. Picnic Tuesday will be enhanced by a new Tartan on the Green event and concerted efforts will be made to encourage more Victorian dress and Scarecrow comp participation.

Many of your favourites will take place as usual, such as the duck races, pet shows, vehicle parade, films, quizzes, musical, historical and outdoor events.

The third and final Brainstorm takes place on Thursday March 14th at 7.30pm in the Deeside Inn, Ballater. Subsequent meetings will take

Photograph by Michael Lloyd

place, usually on the second Thursday of the month, at the Victoria and Albert Halls. New faces and ideas always welcome, as well as sponsors, supporters and any groups who wish to use the stream of events in August, from Saturday 3rd to Sunday 11th to raise funds or their profile.

Just turn up or get in touch on 55243, info@ ballatervictoriaweek.co.uk or via Facebook.

Be Amused.

WEE JIM Landscapes

All aspects of landscaping Mini digger and small tipper hire Firewood also available James Anderson, Bridgefoot, Glenmuick, Ballater 013397 55997 / 07821 746756 weejim03@live.co.uk www.weejim.com

38 The Fife Arms — a new beginning

by Ollie Francis

After many, many months of speculation, anticipation and excitement fuelled by rumour and a continuous stream of contractors and ‘hush-hush’ visitors (!), the former Victorian coaching inn has at last opened its doors for business. And what an opening it has proved to be: whilst the exterior remains familiar, the utterly unexpected interior is quite literally a work of art.

Now owned by Iwan and Manuela Wirth, co-presidents of Hauser & Wirth, regarded as one of the world’s most important and influential galleries for modern art, the the interior features over 12,000 historic objects, artwork and artefacts that have been collected over three years in order to tell some of the many stories associated with Braemar.

However, the decor compliments Scottish heritage and craftsmanship with contemporary art, including specially-commissioned pieces by renowned artists, and happily encompasses individually-unique rooms and suites, a restaurant with a focus on wood-fire cooking and an artdeco cocktail bar. But it is ‘The Flying Stag’, a comfortable, relaxed public bar hung with portraits of Braemar residents (from ‘Characters of Braemar’ by the artist Gideon Summerfield) - and yes, complete with a ‘flying stag’ - that most locals will come to know well.

Recruitment has been carried out as locally as possible in all areas of the hotel. Two examples of particular interest are Ros, the ‘Ghillie’ who oversees the concierge department and Shona, one of the porters, formerly a local G P, w h o h a s come out of retirement to join Ros Evans, Fife Arms’ Ghillie, who set up the hotel team.

Braemar coffee shop and delicatessen, ‘Taste’.

Did you know? Plans of the Fife Arms, by Architect A Marshall Mackenzie, are held in the National Archives of Scotland. Mackenzie was also responsible for the rebuilding of Marischal College, the design of Crathie Kirk, the new Mar Lodge – and even the Waldorf Astoria Hotel!

Craft Festival is a Class Act This year, on Saturday 13th April, Ballater will host the first annual Ballater and District Craft Festival which will take place in the Albert Hall, Station Square.

Classes will in include baking, jam making, knitting, crochet, dressmaking, canvas work, flower arranging, embroidery, painting, photography and miscellaneous.

There will be classes for children in the categories 12 to 16; Under 12; and under 8 years.

Entry is just £3 to enter as many classes as you want and just £2 for junior classes.

A full list of classes will be available soon in local stores and libraries along with entry forms and these will also be available on request by email.

Certificates will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each class and a rosette for best in class.

During the judging there will be entertainment in the Victoria Hall and tea and coffee will

be available.

Those people who wish to bring a packed lunch are welcome to do so.

After the judging is complete, there will be an opportunity to see the entries before they are removed.

For those not entering classes, tickets are £3, £2 concessions, to enjoy the entertainment and see the entries after judging.

For more details, contact Pam RotheroeHay on 07777672059 or pam.rotheroe-hay@ hotmail.co.uk

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40 Despite the heavy snowfall, on January 17, young@ deeside, the network for older people living in and around Aboyne, Ballater and Braemar, threw open the doors of the Victory Hall in Aboyne and welcomed brave souls from as far afield as Braemar, Tarland

brave the snow! and Lumphanan.

Everyone received a warm welcome and attendees participated in a number of taster sessions as part of the ‘New Year, New You’ event, including feel good arts and crafts, music and movement, Indian Head Massage, STEPS for Excellence with Community Learning and Development, Reflexology and Guided Walks. But due to the snow on the day the popular E-bikes session couldn’t go ahead, and will be rearranged for when the weather improves.

Organiser Aileen Longino was delighted to see so many people overcome the weather and turn up. “Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves taking part in something new and the feedback has been excellent. We will now put together programmes based on what members want.”

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“The aim of our network is to encourage members to get out and about and meet new and old friends.

“During coffee and lunch it was great to see everyone chatting.”

For more information on how you can get involved email membership@youngatheartdeeside.org or visit their website www.youngatheartdeeside.org.uk.

Concerned about Global Warming?

by Megan Albon

You may have recently seen in the news some alarming findings about the pace of global warming. Around the world there has been a rise in activism as ordinary people demand tougher climate policy from their governments. In Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire several new groups have formed on this issue.

Like most countries, Scotland’s climate change targets are not strong enough. However, there is currently a window of opportunity to tighten legislation. Through the 2015 Paris Agreement, Scotland, along with 194 other countries, committed to emission reduction targets in line with “well below” 2°C by 2100.

In October the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a report concluding that an average global temperature rise of 2°C is not safe for human society, and that 1.5°C targets must be met in order to limit risks such as reduced crop yields and extreme weather events.

The Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill is currently going through the Scottish Parliament. It seeks to increase our emission reduction targets from 80% net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 to 90%.

However, in order to play our part in limiting warming to 1.5°C, Scotland must set a target of net zero emissions by 2030.

Independent local groups are taking action and are providing briefing sheets, template letters and petitions to be sent to MSPs and other public representatives. These include: Tarland Climate Change Group, Strathdon Climate Action Group, Huntly Climate Action Group and Lumsden Climate Action Group.

There are also regional branches in Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen of Extinction Rebellion, a new movement aiming to create pressure through peaceful protest.

You can connect with any of these groups on Facebook, and contact details can be obtained for local groups by emailing xraberdeenshire@ gmail.com.

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42

Pottering About...

Despite the joyous creeping of more daylight so it’s no longer depressingly dark soon after 3pm I’m still focussing on warmth and light until spring eventually arrives. That can’t come too soon for me, I’ve just about had enough of winter.

Rather tardily, in December, I managed to construct a new woodshed, with wonderful work from my eldest and good kind friends. Since the flood, when my fuel stores went down the river I’ve needed a new one. For too long I coped with stacking wood on pallets and covering with a huge tarp, but the tarp had seen better days, was leaking and it was also a huge guddle to get wood when the tarp was snow-covered. Who’d have thought snow could be so heavy?

The new woodshed is a magnificent structure and works fabulously. It has enough airflow to dry any damp wood, a solid waterproof roof and it’s large enough for a huge trailer-load of wood. A few days after the build there was again fabulous help for a very grateful me to barrow and stack not only said trailer-load but also a pallet of 96 packs of compressed briquettes. Happiness is sheds full of fuel. Especially as my stove is my only heating for my home and hot water. When the huge pile of wood was piled precariously on the pavement there were just three of us to barrow and stack. We started slowly and steadily, knowing what a huge physical effort it is. Mind you, it does vindicate my Grandmother’s assertion that wood warms you twice! Having done some stacking and swapping

over to barrow I was greeted by a mightily fine chap, Clive, who had noticed our efforts, brought his own wheelbarrow and spent the next half hour or so filling the barrows for us, cutting out one of the hard tasks. Thank you Clive! You were an absolute star and I hugely appreciate your kindness.

There was another wood delivery after I originally wrote this. Spookily, another random Clive – this time one I knew! – happened to pass by and stopped to help fill the barrows, and instruct us on the most efficient way of doing so. Thank you Clive W! Another hugely appreciated star! Gotta love random Clives!

Sadly, warmth has still been an issue in the Station, with intermittent heating failures. As I write the last failure was on the coldest day of the winter thus far. I gather six new pumps have been installed -not all at the same time! Clearly, the library, tourism and Carriage staff have been challenged by the lack of heat, as well as the loss of business. At least when I’m working there I thankfully don’t have to wear a uniform so can layer up with thermals, ultra-thick socks and a warm outer layer. I may look even more cuddly than usual but at least my core temperature is good. Whilst I appreciate new buildings have snags this one is pretty fundamental. I remember suggesting, at the consultation stage of the Station plans, that a wood pellet boiler – as in Aboyne School and Community Centre – would be more eco-friendly and sustainably long-term than oil.

Perfect for a prestigious building in the CNP that’s open seven days a week. I was told that oil boilers are more stable, less likely to break down. Can you hear my now bitter laughter?

So if it breaks down yet again, spare a thought for the chilly uniformed workers and the damage to footfall, business and visitor perception when it becomes too cold to work at all.

Having dealt with warmth, whilst I’m in moaning mode I need to go to light, to rant again on a subject that I did in these pages many years ago. What I want to know is, why are modern car

by Stella Potter headlights so darn dazzling and is there not an off switch for them during good weather daylight?

Driving late morning last week, under gloriously blue skies with not a smudge of cloud in sight, nearly every car had their headlights on. Some of them even worse with penetrating little rows of bright blue lights as well. Even in daylight they easily dazzle and distract, especially if cars on the other side of the road are coming uphill.

That amount of light should surely only be for emergency vehicles and motorbikes? Now I feel permanently anxious as I ascertain whether the darn things have flashing lights too in case I need to safely get out of the way. I even checked the latest Highway Code in case I’m the one in the wrong and should have my headlights permanently on. It clearly states how to use them at night! and in poor weather conditions. Some US states have a law where you must use lights if you need windscreen wipers. That makes complete sense. I know cars these days have no key ignition, but have they removed the OFF function of headlights too? If a car can be programmed to turn windscreen wipers on and off automatically surely the lights can be so programmed too? (For those that like that kind of automation of course, as I like the control I have in simple on/off mechanisms and am still sad that the simple mechanical window winder handle has been trashed for yet more electronics which are more likely to fail than the simple solution.)

Perhaps the over-automation lulls the driver into a false sense of security that the car magically does it all - except steering and braking - by itself so not a tiny finger is lifted? Are folk really so important they need to over-brightly announce their presence on the road in perfectly good daylight?

Or perhaps I should just give up driving and being a huge grumpy-pants? So many questions.

Ah well having shared my frustrations with you, good readers, I’m calm enough to give it another go.

Roll on Spring. May we all enjoy the sun’s warmth and longer daylight. I’ll raise my glass to that - Cheers!

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44

CNPA

by Grant Moir, CEO

We are fortunate to live and work in the largest, and I would say most beautiful, National Park in the UK. Being involved in taking care of this precious and fragile habitat is one of the most rewarding parts of my role and it’s a job that can only be done through the combined efforts of many.

Take Cairngorms Nature – this is now an established partnership which has been running for five years. It’s essentially a group of people and organisations who have come together, with one thing in common – a desire to safeguard and enhance the outstanding nature in the Cairngorms National Park. The partnership is responsible for delivering the Cairngorms Nature Action Plan which outlines a vision for how the Park will look in 50 years time. The first 5-year phase of the Cairngorms Nature Action Plan has just been completed and there have been some fantastic achievements in that period.

The Cairngorms landscape is varied but the Park is particularly synonymous with mountains and the upland environment. These upland areas provide some of the most exceptional aspects of the Park’s biodiversity. Work within the Action Plan

over the five years has focused heavily on peatland restoration and collaboration with landowners to improve biodiversity in the uplands and understand more about the potential for our montane region.

Whilst much of the conservation projects are directed at the landscape scale projects there are a number of species that also need targeted action.

Led by a partnership of agencies and charities the Cairngorms Rare Invertebrate Project is focusing on six species of insect for which the habitats of the National Park are critically important and are in urgent need of conservation action; including the dark bordered beauty moth and the pine hoverfly.

The capercaillie is an iconic species in a critical condition with less than 1,000 birds believed to be left in the wild, and around 90 per cent of those living here. In April 2018, the Cairngorms Capercaillie Project successfully secured funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to develop and, if successful with the next stage, to deliver a large-scale, Park-wide, five-year project to save the future of the bird.

Cairngorms Nature is also very much about Photo by Ian Cameron

inspiring people to get involved and raising awareness about the successes and challenges of conservation work in the National Park. Volunteer Cairngorms is a three year pilot project which is providing opportunities for people to benefit from looking after nature across the National Park.

Of course you can find out more about all of this at the Cairngorms Nature BIG Weekend – the flagship weekend in the calendar for nature lovers. With dozens of events and activities each year, the BIG Weekend attracts thousands of residents and visitors alike to experience the outstanding nature of the Cairngorms National Park. This year the weekend is taking place10-12 May and there will be a fantastic community hub taking place in Braemar, with the centre of the hub being the newly opened Duke of Rothesay Highland Games Pavilion. For more details about Cairngorms Nature or for details on the BIG Weekend please visit www.cairngorms.co.uk or follow the Cairngorms Nature Facebook page.

Changing the subject slightly – although still

very much related – the consultation on the Proposed Local Development Plan (LDP) 2020 is well underway with the deadline for submissions being Friday 5th April. Ensuring sufficient land for housing, jobs and services while protecting the environment is a challenge anywhere – particularly in a National Park – but we are confident that the next LDP for the area will do all that.

The Cairngorms National Park is the largest National Park in the UK and a significant tourist destination attracting 1.8 million visitors each year. As well as being home to 18,000 residents – and as outlined above – the Park is a haven for rare wildlife and its landscapes and habitats are of national and international importance. As well as allocating sufficient land for development to support vibrant communities, the next LDP has to ensure that any new development conserves and enhances the Park’s special qualities to maintain it as an attractive place to live, work and visit. Please do take the time to respond https://cairngorms. co.uk/consultation/proposed-plan

KEEP I.T. SIMPLE

Need help with your computer, ipad, mobile phone?

Or want to know how to do something, like use e-mail?

Come along to a Keep I.T. Simple session on Mondays at Glenmuick Church Hall, Ballater 10am - 12noon OR 5pm - 7pm

Have your questions ready and bring your own device if you wish. We have wi-fi you can connect to.

If you can’t come to us because your computer device is too heavy, can’t be moved or any other reason, we can come to you. This is on a trial basis. Just email:

Keep17simple@outlook.com or call 013397 56111 and we can agree a day or time.

Please note as there is no charge for this project, we are unable to fix broken devices during the sessions.

This event has been sponsored and supported by the following groups and without them it would not have been possible: Charitable Chiels, BRD Ltd, Glenmuick Parish Church. With a special thanks to Neil Henderson without whom the BT line would not have been possible.

46

I Want To Tell You a Story...

Joan Anderson, Ballater’s Master Storyteller, exhorts you to exercise your Doric!

My Bonnie Ploo

This is my trophy plough which I am about to give back to the good folk of Buchan. Much to my surprise, I got the Morven Sivewright ploo for coming first in the annual Buchan Heritage Society Doric Story Writing competition, 2018.

It’s got my name on it and now I have to give it back, though the mantlepiece will never look as grand again.

My story, The Auld Bul, is about to be published in the society’s Heirskip (Heritage) magazine, which comes out in March as part of the build-up to the Strichen Festival weekend from May 17/18th.

For the past year, I’ve been urging friends and family to enter this year to see if we can bring the bonnie ploo back to Deeside - or even try for the poetry prize.

I know there are adult entries going from Ballater and Lumphanan, but I don’t know of any children’s entries and, given the encouragement shown by local schools towards our Mother Tongue, I’m hoping there will be some going from Ballater and Crathie bairns as well to help celebrate the United Nations Year of Indigenous Languages.

The stories need to be a maximum of 150 words for children aged 10 and under, 500 for the 11-12 and 13-17 categories and adults can write up to 2000 words. They must be in Doric, your own original work and unpublished. Poems can be of any length.

A full set of rules, entry forms and information is available from www.buchanheritagesociety.co.uk (choose Strichen Festival, then choose entry forms). Alternatively, contact M. Taylor on doricwriting@btinternet.com. Other contact details on the website.

And, while you’re there, you might like to look at the festival itself, open to everyone to take part - or enjoy - Doric verse, fiddling, story telling, moothie, melodeon, diddlin, jew’s harp, tin whistle, accordion, workshops, concerts and three ceilidhs in three days. Buchanners kens foo ti pit on a shindig!

Adult entries have to be typed, so anyone from Ballater or Crathie who doesn’t have access to a keyboard/printer can contact me (55393) and I’ll do it for you. But you’ll have to chap on ...there’s nae muckle time left.

Let’s gie the Buchan fowk anither drappie or twa o Deeside Doric.

Joan Anderson receiving the Morven Sivewright ploo from Moira Taylor of the Strichen Festival.

Doric Panto Michty me. We wis fair tricket ti see a weelkint face at Aiberdeen’s Doric pantomime Jack An’ The Beanstaak, back fan the nichts wis langer. Ballater’s Ross Hendry - fit a fine loon!

Atween us wi werena expectin ti see affa muckle o Ross fan wi jaloused he wis ae end o Mucklemoo, the pantomime coo. Bit, loshamichty, thon laddie musta bin birlin in a reed phone box somewae aff stage, fir he wis in an oota thon coo costume an on an aff the boards singin an duncin as a twa-leggit human an aa, deein his utmost as een o a sma-bit-talented cast fa hid us lauchin and loupin wi the joy o the season, cloaked in wir ain Mither Tongue.

In the second bittie Ross shifted up a gear, addin ti the mix Scraps the Seagull, a richt vratch fa gid us a side-splittin appreciation o the trauchles the peer toonsers hae wi the theivin beasties.

This wis a ripsnorter o a pantomime, that gid pleesure ti bairns an big fowk alike in the Airts Centre ... far ye dinna need opera glesses ti feel pairt o the pairty. Mony fowk hid come fae aaa ower fir this Doric treat. Wi even spotted a busfae o weel-happit fermers fae Turra an Foggie fa lookit as if their nicht oot wis only jist gettin stertit.

Weel deen ti Torry quine Joyce Falconer hersel an affa-gweed TV an stage actor - fa vrote the wurds brocht ti life by the sparklin young cast fae Castlegate Erts.

We wis gey teen wi the story o Jack fae Aibergreen, complete wi a baddie caad Donald Turnip (Kenn Mann), a blustery lad in sair need o an owergaun wi the sheep shears an a skweelin in green energy—nae pints fir kennin fa that neep wis supposed ti be!

Bit back ti oor Ross, or Scraps, fa stole the show (as well as the breid) mair than eence ... jist like gettin a Ballater bosie in the hert o the toon.

Nae that ahm biased ye ken.

Jack and the Beanstalk was a Ten Feet Tall production presented by Castlegate Arts Ltd at Aberdeen Arts Centre over the Festive Season.

Tales, Talks & Walks Jacobites . Victorians . ancient stones reivers . rogues . . and fairies, of course

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013397 55393 . 07561 834952 Is fhearr na’n t-òr sgeul air inns’ air chòir

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48

Mme Rodolphe Christen

Joan Anderson follows-up the heritage trail with the help of Eagle readers

In the last Eagle, I asked if anyone had information about the Rodolphe Christen prize, given at Ballater School over the years for either citizenship or service to the school. Almost immediately, I was contacted by people who had either won the prize - or remembered someone who had - far earlier than the official record which shows the award being made from the 1980s, at which time it was donated by Mr and Mrs A. Stephens. As suspected, there existed a much older Rodolphe Christen prize - one each for a girl and a boy - with named recipients going back to the 1940s, 50s and 60s.

Unfortunately, a lot of people spoke to me about this at events where I had neither pen nor notebook to hand so I am appealing for everyone to use the contact details below if they haven’t already ...and it’s very important because there has been a most exciting development as this Eagle goes to press!

Rodolphe Christen was a Victorian Swiss artist who lived at what is now the McEwan

Gallery in Glengairn with his wife Sydney Mary Thompson. After she was widowed in 1906, Madame Christen wrote a weighty book, complete with art reproductions, about the husband she had loved and cherished and the area where they had been happiest - Glengairn.

Much has been written about Rodolphe, including stories in previous Eagles by Sheila Sedgwick, but research for my summer heritage walks revealed that Mme Christen had been one of the leading geologists of her age who had made an astonishing discovery in Ireland, which dramatically changed international thinking about the effects of the Pleistocene ice age, many thousands of years ago.

Her male contemporaries making similar finds have had parts of the moon named after them.

Mme Christen’s own story deserves to be told locally (it will, if I have my way) and it includes her great love for her husband and her many ways of trying to ensure he was remembered

here as the lovely man she knew and not just as a famous artist.

Thanks to an amazing series of coincidences, and a very alert and diligent Glengairn resident, absolute proof has emerged that the Rodolphe Christen prize was awarded in 1906, the year in which the artist died and became the first person buried within the walls of the old St Mungo’s chapel at Fit o’ Gairn.

We now know the names of all the boys and girls who won the prize right up to the 1930s (more details to come) and it would be lovely if we could fill in some more gaps between Eagles so that’s why I need to ask everyone to get in touch, even if you have already told me you were a prizewinner in the 40s, 50s or 60s.

My hope is to connect the whole tale right back to Mme Christen’s early widowhood. It took four years to write her book here so I imagine she would even have presented the first eight prizes herself. All the evidence suggests that she gave the original award for local children 116 years ago.

Sydney was an Irishwoman whose tribute locally is two lines at the bottom of her husband’s gravestone alongside the couple’s beloved Gairn, but she was also a talented artist and discoverer who lived, loved, laughed, worked and worshiped among us for years. Please help me to tell her story and to connect it to the present day through the gift she left in her husband’s name.

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50

Adventures In Ballater, From An American Point Of View

I should have gotten to Ballater much sooner.

Literally, as you’ll read in a moment.

My holiday was the trip I’d wanted to take my entire life. My journey began when I arranged for tickets at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2016 for a gala event honouring The Queen’s 90th birthday.

And it seemed logical to tack on more holiday time, since I’d be crossing the ocean from Boston.

Since I’d been to London numerous times, I was interested in going elsewhere.

“Where else could I go?” I thought. “SCOTLAND. I can finally go to Scotland.”

Although I have no Scottish roots (a bit of English and mainly French), my family has a great fondness for it. My mum was there as a student, and my father flew practice runs north during World War II when he trained with the RAF. Friends are members of The Scottish Society of Windsor, Ontario, which has a brilliant pipe band, and hosts regular evenings of dance.

By a stroke of luck, I was able to secure a reservation in one of the holiday cottages on the Balmoral Estate. The staff sent me helpful sheets of information, including a list of local shops.

I flew into Aberdeen, and on the advice of a friend, waited for the second day of my trip to collect a rental car. This would be the first time I was experiencing right-hand drive, so I wanted to be over my first day jet lag.

On the way to collect the car, my cab driver gave me a few tips on getting used to a new side of the road, and helpfully showed me the direction I would need to take to pick up the A93.

I was so absorbed dealing with my rental vehicle, a beast called the Mitsubishi Pajero, that his directions went out of my head. Spotting a sign for the A96, I thought, “That’s got to be it”, and steered the monster that way. Well, you probably can guess what happened next.

Two hours later, after passing distilleries, daffodils, and streams, I realized I was terribly turned around. Nothing would do, except to backtrack.

Luckily, I’d passed a sign that indicated Braemar a few miles back. I knew Balmoral was adjacent, so I thought I’d chance it.

Even the sheep were laughing at me, I suspected, as I scaled hills, went around turns and discovered the art of managing a single country lane. Tempted to pull over and weep, I summoned up my courage to keep driving.

Finally, one more hill and a right turn took me to the entrance to Balmoral, where the kind staff had patiently waited for me to arrive. They led me to my cottage, where I brought my things inside, rested for a few minutes, and then set off for Ballater to nab a few groceries.

by Micheline Maynard Taking extreme care not to tear the side mirrors off the Pajero, or cross the center line into oncoming traffic, I glided into town, and immediately blinked at what I found.

This was five months after Storm Frank, and as you’ll remember, about half of Ballater was shut up tight, awaiting renovations.

But the upper part of town was intact, and Ballater exactly fit my mental picture of what I hoped a Scottish village would look like.

The Co-Op was open, so I filled a totebag with some provisions. Then, I thought about supper. Did I really want to cook, after being laughed at by sheep? Not this evening. But what would be my choices?

There had to be a chippy, I thought, and inquired. Yes, the Phoenix was one block away. I popped in and found it to be bustling with Sunday evening business (I had plenty of company in not wanting to cook that night.)

To my relief, I found that Scottish days in May are long, and I would have plenty of light to guide me back to Balmoral.

Over the next week, my routine became an activity each morning, and a visit to Ballater every afternoon.

I had my first-ever slice of Victoria Sponge at Bean for Coffee, and learned to bake it myself when I went home.

I fell in love with The Bothy Ballater, where I sampled a fantastic courgette and lime cake, and smiled

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as I heard a patron call a counter girl “lass”.

Perhaps that’s ordinary to you, but in the States, I’d only heard it in the films.

I spent ample time at AB Yule, where I discovered my friend Victoria Arbiter’s book about The Queen listed under Best Sellers (she was pleased when I sent her the photo).

Victoria Arbiter’s best-selling book, top left

Opening Hours: Monday 2pm - 6pm Tuesday Closed Wednesday 10am - 5pm Thursday Closed Friday 10am - 3pm

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With my fringe drooping into my eyes, I stopped round at The Hair Loft, where I kindly got a trim for free.

Inside the Deeside Deli, I studied the oatcakes, the local cheese and fresh produce out front. A basket of early strawber ries declared itself to be Britain’s best, and the flavour was anything a food lover could want.

I got round the countryside, too, traveling over to Loch Muick, sneaking a look at Birkhall, and discovering the Cambus O’May. On a Deeside stroll, I found the beloved white footbridge, blocked off because of storm damage. (I hear it’s still not fixed?)

For that week, I felt very much at home in Ballater, so much that I’ve wondered if I could become a regular visitor, or perhaps even a resident. As a writer, I’m able to live pretty much anywhere, as long as I can find Internet access.

Back at the Deeside Deli, I asked the proprietor about rents and home prices, and was advised to give it a little time for housing to recover from the storm damage.

As we were chatting, a gentleman spoke up.

“I came here 13 years ago on holiday,” he said, “and I’ve never left.”

Who knows, I could be the next.

Micheline Maynard is an American author and journalist who visited Ballater in 2016.

We were introduced to Michelle when she contacted The Eagle late last year to purchase a copy of our 2019 calendar. Of course we asked her to write a piece for us!

Have A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad March Cromar Future Group’s Mad March Science Festival is back.

The Group will be taking electrical circuit boards, designed and built by local Peter Craig, to the 10 schools included last year and visiting four new schools with MadLabs.

The Festival will run throughout March and families should keep free the open Festival family weekend on 16/17th March which this year will be held in Tarland’s MacRobert Hall.

The weekend will be themed around robots and electronics.

A team from Robert Gordon University is bringing lego Mindstorm robots and their robot testing maze. They are also bringing Occulas Rift VR. Robogals are coming

too, and we shall have our Marty fleet and a representative from Robotica as well as lots of smaller activities. If you’ve even half an idea of what the above are, keep an eye out for all the details and we’ll look forward to seeing you!

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54

deciding to stand down and take a well-earned rest, her dedication to the Halls over many years and for her untiring work and commitment, not only to the Victoria and Albert Halls, but to Ballater and beyond has been immeasurable. In recognition of Bell’s service to the community, the Trustees nominated Bell for an award from Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action and we were delighted when Bell was recognised by AVA as an “Outstanding Volunteer” for her outstanding work in Ballater and beyond. Congratulations Bell, it is richly deserved!

Thank you, Karen

by Ed Bushnell Winter has come at last to Ballater and beyond, but the days are getting longer with the hope that it will not be too long until Spring arrives.

We have seen a lot of changes to the Station Square over the last year, the highlight being the re-opening of the Old Royal Station and the landscaping of the Station Square which included the Quadrangle In front of the Victoria and Albert Halls – although the Architect’s choice of Slate Flagstones is proving of concern in Winter, because they are extremely slippery when covered in snow or ice. Please be aware of this and TAKE CARE! The Halls Annual General Meeting was held at the end of January and we now have 12 Trustees on the Board with Wallis Riddell and Bill Braid joining the Board to assist the trustees to look after the building for the benefit of the community, providing the best possible venue to learn, work, play and celebrate!

“Outstanding” Bell

The Trustees were very sorry see a great stalwart and dedicated Trustee, Bell MacAulay,

Karen Forsyth, our cleaner, decided to step down from the job in October but we were grateful to Karen agreeing to continue until 31st December 2018 until a replacement was found. We thank Karen for her hard work and for the high standard of cleanliness she set, for others to follow.

Welcome Stan & Linda

In December we appointed Stan Tongue, aided by his wife Linda, as Hall Keeper/Cleaner and we look forward to working with Stan and Linda. We welcome them to our team. Stan has an experienced background, in the Army and North Yorkshire Police, and extensive knowledge of IT, which will all be useful in assisting the Trustees going forward.

Jimmy Armstrong & “Heat the Halls”

As I write this article, things are continuing to progress on the refurbishment front. A very welcome improvement has recently been installed in both the Victoria and Albert Halls in the form of modern, efficient heaters replacing those installed in the late 1980s. The new ones are remotely and thermostatically controlled and initial indications are that Hall users will find their time spent in these Halls much more pleasant. In addition, there is no light emitted by these heaters and use of the Victoria Hall for films will be an even better experience than previously. Funds towards the cost of these heaters were raised by Jimmy Arm-

strong’s “Heat the Halls” campaign, in which he personally delivered leaflets to every house in the village. Almost £10,000 has been raised to date, a marvellous effort from a small community, but the fund is still short of covering the full costs of installation. If any person, or organisation wishes to assist the trustees to cover the deficit, donations may be made, addressed to The Halls Treasurer, Victoria and Albert Halls, Station Square, Ballater, AB35 5QB, specifying that the donation is for the “Heat the Halls” campaign. All donations will be gratefully acknowledged.

HANDY NUMBERS Ed Bushnell – 013397 53882 Douglas Glass – 07778 466817 Gordon Riddler – 013397 55308 Stan Tongue – 013397 53263

Old Library Re-furb

Discussions are ongoing with Aberdeenshire Council about dilapidations in the old Library.

These will hopefully be resolved soon, resulting in work starting to renovate that area, and create the badly needed toilets. However, the trustees are not entirely sure what the community really wants from the remaining space: there have been suggestions about creating a drop-in-facility, a community hub, a meeting room for local organisations, hot desking, even a local history or heritage area.

All of these are possible, but the space is limited and there is a need to establish what are felt to be the most popular and necessary requirements. If you have thoughts on this, please email Ian Hay at thehaysbraemore@btopenworld.com.

The cost of building the toilets, re-instating the frontage as originally envisaged by the Victorian architect and creating whatever community space is decided, will be in excess of £100,000.

As a result of very hard work by two trustees, Gordon Riddler and Jimmy Armstrong, who have completed more than 15 applications to potential funders, approximately one half of the required amount has been either received or promised.

Several applications await responses, but promises have been received from, among others, The Robertson Foundation, Ballater (Royal Deeside) Ltd., and The Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation. In addition, the second tranche of ten annual donations has been received from the Edna Mary Edwards Memorial Trust.

There has been a great deal of activity going on and hopefully, the community will begin to reap the benefits of hard work by the trustees and by other members of the community who have an interest in maintaining and improving our community halls.

The Maintenance Team now have an annual budget of £10,000 for routine maintenance work.

Wallis Riddell has been drafting a new Health and Safety Policy for the Halls, incorporating a procedure to ensure compliance for Legionnaires testing. Once this Policy has been approved by the Trustees it will be introduced for the guidance of everyone using the halls, including user groups.

Looking to celebrate?

The Halls, as part of the Old Royal Station complex, offers a wonderful venue for all kinds of celebrations at very reasonable rates. We have many of the elements needed to dress the Halls for your party or celebration! Why not make an appointment and come to see what we can offer you and we will do everything in our power to ensure you have an enjoyable and memorable event!

Membership

We need your support and it costs nothing, but demonstrates that the Halls play an important part in our community life, and helps with releasing funding.

For further information or to obtain Membership Registration Forms call/leave a message for Janet Riddler on 55308 or email: membership@ victoriaandalberthalls.co.uk We are always on the lookout for help in any way possible to organise/run events or even just being an extra pair of hands – all offers welcomed.

Keep on enjoying your Halls and continue to support in any way you can!

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Keeping Council Keeping Council

57 with Peter Argyle “Let’s not talk about ‘Waste’ any more.”

It is sometimes said that emptying bins is the only council service people in rural areas receive but this is of course not supported by the facts!

Nevertheless changing collection systems for households does lead to complaint and critical comments in the media.

Aberdeenshire Council is introducing a new system for dealing with residents’ waste and is doing so because change is needed. A a great deal of work has been done on this by councillors on a cross-party basis with council staff.

Some quick facts: the Scottish Government will ban all biodegradable waste from landfill after January 2021. In effect that is all the waste the council collects. At the moment it costs the Council £119/tonne to send waste to landfill while sending waste for recycling costs just £29/tonne.

Analysis shows that between 50% and 60% of the contents of our 240 litre black landfill bins is recyclable. 30% of what is in the landfill bin is food waste. At the same time, over half of all black bins put out for emptying every fortnight are not full.

The Council is working with Aberdeen City and the Moray Council on an Energy from Waste project for when the landfill ban takes effect but the capacity of the proposed plant requires us to increase recycling.

We should ask ourselves why we are sending so much valuable material to be buried in the ground instead of recycling it, be that glass, plastics, paper and card, garden and food waste or metals such as tins.

Perhaps we should stop talking about these resources as ‘waste’.

The introduction of the new system will begin in Spring 2020 and will be rolled out slowly across Aberdeenshire so any teething problems

can be addressed. In brief, we will be moving to a three weekly cycle: Week 1; Paper, Card, Cardboard in a 240l bin.

Week 2: Plastics, tins, cartons in a 240l bin.

Week 3; Landfill (non-recyclable) material in a 180l bin.

There will be a food waste collection every week.

At the moment Aberdeenshire recycles just 44% of all household waste put out for collection.

If we all take a little more care and give a little more thought to how we separate these materials, we can drive that up to 70% which would make us the best in Scotland. At present that accolade rests with East Renfrewshire Council which operates this three weekly system and recycles 67% of collected material.

Every household has a weekly food waste collection already although some choose not to make use of it. Food waste is sent for composting and the compost is used in agriculture and horticulture.

There is no need for any food waste to end up in the landfill bin.

So for most households, the landfill bin should contain little apart from non-recyclable packaging materials. For any household that has medical or other challenges, help and support will be available as it is now.

Alternative arrangements will be available for people living in flats or with no space for wheelie bins as they are now.

We all need to be more thoughtful about how we throw stuff out. Overwhelmingly what we put in our black bins is not “waste” at all but valuable resources.

Taking more care is essential for the environment and at a time when council budgets are shrinking, it makes sound financial sense as well.

Council 58 Keeping with Geva Blackett Council Plenty of food for thought...

February is always a difficult time of year.

The weather is often harsh (but our ski centres need the snow…) and of course this year the Council’s Budget Day falls on Valentine’s Day – I am not sure how much love will be flowing across Aberdeenshire as the Administrators outline their Council Tax rises and what services they are going to cut - or even across the chamber as we debate the different proposals…

really yummy ice cream puddings from Shorty’s.

Crathie Opportunity Holidays ran an ‘Unwanted Christmas Present Tombola’ which raised them about £170 and there was a bucket for donations to Braemar Castle who ended up with around £125 towards the running costs of that wonderful community-run venture.

As I said at the lunch, one can have all the good ideas in the world but without people willing to help you deliver them, not much would happen and I certainly could not have run these lunches without a grant from Aberdeenshire Council, help from the Council’s waste team and an AMAZING team of volunteers who cooked, cleared, Crathie’s Pot Luck Lunch attendees enjoy the fare on offer washed, laid tables, took down On a brighter note, some of you attended the tables, drove people to the event, served food…

Crathie Pot Luck lunch held on 28th December. all in all the feeling was that everyone had a great We fed an amazing eighty-five people, including meal and lots of fun catching up with people from several hungry Retained Firefighters from Crathie this end of Deeside and so I suspect we will be do– whose services, luckily, we didn’t need - but they ing similar this year – if everyone wants to, that is!

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61

The Lion Rampant

by Sheila Sedgwick

Have you broken the law? Thousands have, every year. I have too. The crime? To display the Lion Rampant, the Royal Banner of Scotland.

Scotland has only one national flag, the Saltire or flag of St. Andrew. The Lion Rampant, so popular with football fans, is not a national flag. It is personal to the Queen and anyone flying it is technically breaking the law.

It is likely that the Lion was introduced into Scottish heraldry by William the Lion (1164 – 1214). Heraldry was a medieval device to identify troops in battle. Battlefields were great in extent then: the noise of horses and weapons was considerable, so how were orders conveyed? Messengers delivered messages, usually on horseback, but they had to take the right orders to the right man and locate him on the battlefield. With so many jostling men and horses it was almost impossible so a form of recognition was necessary. Nobles started using heraldic designs or coats of arms. They were painted on shields or mounted on helmets.

Once a particular noble had adopted his crest, no one else could use it, for that would cause confusion. So that is why the Lion Rampant can not lawfully be flown by others, for it is the Sovereign’s personal crest.

Today heraldry is no longer needed as a distinguishing feature in battle. Modern technology has taken over to convey orders and information.

However, the old law has never been repealed and technically a fine of £100 could be imposed for displaying the Lion Rampant, on a first occasion. A further offence could incur heavier penalties.

The correct heraldic term for the Lion Rampant is the Tressured Lion. Tressured refers to the border round the Lion. It is the double border round the Lion that makes it the Royal Banner. A Lion on a yellow background, without a border, is not the Royal Banner, so technically anyone can use that without fear of a fine. The illegality comes only if the Lion is surrounded by a double tressure.

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Balmoral

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Ian Rodger Architects 18 Joan Anderson, Storyteller 47 Julian Barclay 59 Katy Fennema Piano & Oboe 20 Keep I.T. Simple 45 Laurie & Company 10 Marie Chapman 41 McCue & Porter 60 McKay & Innes Funeral Directors 39 Michael Morton 40 Mike Buchan Electrics 34 Morven Veterinary Centre 52 Murray Garden Maintenance 34 Myriad Pro 15 Phoenix Chip Shop 51 Roaring Stag/Tweedie Beasties 14 Ronald Hay Architectural Design 8 Rowan Jewellery 56 SD Joinery 35 Scott Thomson Joinery 36 Shorty’s 11 Speedwell Framing 52 SRC 36 The Auld Kirk B&B/CoffeeLounge 24 The Hair Loft 43 The McEwan Gallery 56 The Oven Valet 27 Tornaveen Plumbing 41 Wee Jim Landscapes /Firewood 37

1st

Accom fo Balmor

don’t forget our new email address!

eagleballater@gmail.com

w:ba

Balmoral Ballater Eagle - A5_Layout 1 13/02/2019 16:03 Page 1

Balmoral S C OT T I S H H O M E

TO T H E

R OYA L F A M I LY

2019 Activity days Open daily from 1st April until 31st July 2019 Exhibitions, Gardens, Castle Ballroom, Audio Guide, Café & Shop.

Accompany a ranger on a Safari for a fascinating tour of the Balmoral Estate. Booking essential For further information telephone: Tel: 01339 742 534

w:balmoralcastle.com

◆ Ranger Walk Every Wednesday at 2.00pm ◆ Easter Egg Hunt Friday 19th - Monday 22nd April ◆ RunBalmoral Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th April ◆ Land Rover Gathering and Land Rover self-drive Saturday 4th May ◆ 4x4 self-drive Sunday 5th May ◆ Jumbo Rides 2nd and 4th Saturday - May & June ◆ Victorian Vehicle Pageant Saturday 11th May ◆ Pipe Band Saturday 25th May at 12.00pm & 2.00pm ◆ Birds of Prey Sunday 2nd June 11.00am until 4.00pm

◆ Ask a Ghillie Saturday 15th June ◆ Scotch College Pipe Band Friday 28th June at 12.00pm ◆ Teddy Bears Picnic Saturday 29th June ◆ Guided Cairns Walk Sunday 30th June at 2.00pm ◆ 4x4 self-drive Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th July ◆ Garden Tour Saturday 6th July 11.00am, 1.00pm or 3.00pm ◆ Birds of Prey Saturday 13th July 11.00am until 4.00pm ◆ Outdoor Theatre Event - Much Ado About Nothing Saturday 20th July at 7.00pm

Visit www.balmoralcastle.com for full details of special events

Fabulous photos from Ballater Photography Club.

Clockwise from above:

by Ian Halliday, Annett Burgess, and Nath Fyvie.

See page 29 for more.