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Ballater & Crathie Community Magazine
no. 88 winter 2017 ÂŁ1 where sold
Mr Cassie, we salute you
Christmas Shop SALE Saturday 9th December 10am—4pm www.balmoralcastle.com
Inside Your Winter Eagle:
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It’s beginnining to feel a lot like Christmas... with the Winter Festival just behind us and all the festive celebrations yet to come, we have a lot to get excited about in the Ballater and Crathie area. So get your mitts wrapped around the latest edition of your favourite community magazine! 4-5
Blue Cairgorms
45
Letters from the Editor
7
Geva’s Musings
48
Community Action Plan
8
Walk in the Park
51
Diary
Eagle Cub Reporters
35
Black Hand of Inver
54
School Report: Crathie
34
Pottering About
56
A Bridge Too Far
36
It’s Mom’s Fault (2)
58
Early Pioneers
39
Ad Rates & Copy Dates 61
Local Groups
. NEW! Club Directory: 32 . . Ballater’s Baby and Toddler Groups: 28 . Ballater Charitable Chiels: 17 . Church News: 26 .Ballater Clinic: 11 . Ballater Films: 31 . Ballater Highland Games: 20 . Ballater Royal Deeside: 21 . Ballater Royal Horticultural Society: 16 . Ballater Resilience Group: 10 . Ballater SWI: 18 . Buttony Bear: 24 . Church News: 26 . Deeside Cats Protection: 19 . Flood Group (Expired): 10 . Library News: 14 . Marie Curie: 11 . News in Brief: 12 . OAP’s Christmas Dinner: 22 . Rotary: 29 . V&A Halls Trust: 42 . Victoria Week: 37 . . Advertisers’ Index: 62 . Cover photo by Cat Houston
The Eagle Diary December Sun 3 Sun 3 Mon 4 Wed 6 Thu 7 Fri 8 Thu 14 Sun 17 Wed 20 Thu 21 Fri 22 Sun 24 Sun 24 Mon 25 Sun 31
Advent Communion, St Kentigern’s at 9.30am– come and celebrate the start of the Advent season with us. Fundraising Lunch & Auction at Balmoral in aid of Crathie Opportunity Holidays. Tickets £38. Tel. 013397-42100 BRHS Annual Quiz, Mike Sheridan Room 7.30pm Ballater SWI - 85th Birthday Celebrations – Evening Meal Advent Communion, St. Kentigern’s at 10am followed by tea and coffee. Advent study group and reflection, St Kentigern’s at 11am Marie Curie Upper Deeside Fund Raising Group - An Audience with Maureen Smith, Clairvoyant, at the Barrel Lounge at 7.30pm. Advent Communion, St. Kentigern’s at 10am followed by coffee. Advent study group and reflection, St Kentigern’s at 11am. Christingle Service, St Kentigern’s at 9.30am followed by mulled wine and mince pies – come and join in our Christmas celebrations. Ballater Indoor Bowling Christmas Party, Victoria Hall Advent Communion at St. Kentigern’s at 10am followed by coffee. Advent study group and reflection, at St Kentigern’s at 11am End of school term Informal Communion and Baptism, St Kentigern’s at 9.30am. Carols round the Crib, St Kentigern’s at 6.30pm – feel free to come dressed as one of the characters from the Nativity. This will be a short 30-minute service. Visit of Santa and his reindeer to Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Craigendarroch from 2pm to 2.30pm. All are welcome to join him at the entrance of the main building to meet his lovely reindeer. Christmas Communion, St Kentigern’s at 10am Carols and Readings, St Kentigern’s at 9.30am.
Ballater Librar
Sun, Mon & Wed: Closed
Tu
Thursday: 2-4pm, 6.30-
Saturday: 10
What’s On? 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
Sun 31 Hogmanay Hootenanny with Totico Band in Victoria Hall – 8pm - late.
January 2018 Sun 7 Mon 8 Tues 9 Wed 17
Chalking of the Door and Communion, St. Kentigern’s at 9.30am School term begins Ballater Indoor Bowling re-commences SWI Scottish Evening, Michael Sheridan Room at 7.30pm.
Thu 1 Mon 5 Wed 21
Eagle Copy/Advertising Deadline BRHS Meeting in Mike Sheridan Room 7.30pm, Hayley Wiswell – Special Plants of the Cairngorms. SWI – Talk by Cheryl on Shorty’s Ice Cream shop, Michael Sheridan Room 7.30pm.
February
March Mon 5 Wed 21
BRHS Meeting in Mike Sheridan Room 7.30pm – Bruce Edelsten Introduction to Allotments. SWI Open Night – Wilkies – Fashion Show, 7.30pm
Eagle Deadlines (copy and advertising) Spring: Feb 1 – publish early March Summer: May 1 – publish early June Autumn: August 1 – publish mid-Sept Winter: Nov 1 – publish early Dec
More on ad rates/sizes on p63
ry Opening Hours
uesday: 10am-1pm, 6.30-8pm
-8pm
Friday: 2-5pm
0am-12noon
Contact the Eagle
Hand in to the Library Post to Ballater Eagle, c/o Ballater Library, Ballater, AB35 5QB
email to: ballater.eagle@btopenworld.com
Contributions of any kind (ideally in Word format) always welcome.
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 Ballater Library. 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
Contact Your Representatives
Scottish Parliament
Alexander Burnett MSP 0131 348 5642 Alexander.Burnett.msp@parliament.scot
Westminster Andrew Bowie MP 0207 219 2791 andrew.bowie.mp@parliament.uk Aberdeenshire Council Peter Argyle: 013398 82973 cllr.p.argyle@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Geva Blackett: 013397 41541 cllr.g.blackett@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Paul Gibb: 07388 956148 cllr.p.gibb@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Cairngorms National Park Gordon Riddler 07711 609351 email: gordon.riddler@cnpaboard.co.uk
If you would like a large print version of the Eagle, please contact Ballater Library on 55628.
Eagle Who’s Who & Where Editor: Ian Hay 55941 Treasurer: Elaine Adams 56149 Subscriptions Secretary: Avril Fyfe 56162 Advertising Manager: Karen Garioch 07713 383134 Distribution: Andy and Julie Bloor Diary Secretary: Faye Swan 55345 Design: Cat Houston, Stella Potter, Ollie Francis email us at: ballater.eagle@btopenworld.com Eagle Online: http://www.ballatercommunity.com
Letter from the Editor As I write this, the first snows have appeared on the hills, so it is not only the changing of the clocks which indicates that winter is now with us. Another sign is the appearance of calendars in the shops, reminding us that winter means a new year is not far away. Recently, Cat Houston and Ollie Francis, who have been the principal designers of the Eagle over the past few years, decided that they wished to boost Eagle funds by creating an Eagle calendar based on photographs submitted by Eagle readers of scenes from around the area. The end result is a superb, colourful calendar which I hope will grace many homes during 2018. Thanks are due to Cat and Ollie for their sterling efforts on behalf of our community magazine, and to those individuals and businesses who helped sponsor the initial cost of printing the calendars, which are available from Yules Newsagents, and Deeside Books. As Editor, I am always aware of the considerable professionalism which Cat and Ollie have brought to the Eagle over the years, and am so grateful that they decided to come on board. The result is the very colourful, high quality magazine which comes through your letterboxes every three months. However, there is always room in the Eagle Team for more assistance. Anyone wishing to help, while also learning a new skill such as designing the pages of the Eagle, getting involved in editing articles received from correspondents, or even proofreading draft copies before submission to the printer, is welcome to get in touch with any member of the current Eagle Team. In addition of course, I am very grateful to our team of nearly a dozen distributors who cover the area from The Inver to Cambus O’ May, Glen Muick and South Deeside to Pannanich Wells, Glen Gairn, and including in particular the Bloor family who alone distribute over 1,000 copies throughout the village within hours of the printed copies being delivered from the printer. In fact I wish to thank all members of the Eagle Team for their continued support and for their considerable contribution to making the Eagle a truly community magazine. My best wishes to all our readers for a happy, healthy and successful 2018. Ian Hay (Editor)
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Eagle Calendars 2018 are available to buy from Yules and Deeside Books in Bridge Street and at various local events: £5. If you live further away and would like to order then get in touch using the contacts opposite – soon!
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Local Group News
A round-up of news from our local groups
Community Action Plan Marches On
The Community Action Plan sur vey closed at the beginning of October, with a fantastic 580 responses and the results have now been collected and collated. A follow-up Community Day was then held in the Mike Sheridan room on Saturday 4th November to share the results of the survey and to develop community consensus on the priorities for the Ballater & Crathie Area, focussing on what could be achievable over a 3-5yr period. The current Steering Group are David Cobban, Michael Coletta, Jo Croll, Jenna Florence, Jean Henretty, Allan Harrison, Nick Mardall, Fiona Presslie, Kerry Sinclair, Ade Scripps, Lindsay Smith and Wee Jim. Following the Community Day the Steering Group will be further collating the data,
moving in Spring 2018 towards concluding the priorities for the Community Action Plan. If you would like to be involved in the next phase of progressing the CAP we would like to hear from you. CAPs bring a variety of benefits, not least the ability to coordinate all village efforts in progressing mutually beneficial village projects and seeking funding, as well as gaining assistance from the local authorities who require a demonstrated community voice when it comes to supporting projects and initiatives. Should you like more information please feel free to contact us on fionapresslie@aol. com or croll66@btinternet.com. The graphic opposite shows which words featured most strongly in the CAP responses.
Big ‘thank you’? Important date? Special event? If you’ve got something to say about your group, get in touch and get it into the Eagle - ballater.eagle@btopenworld.com
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What is best?
The Lord-Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire James Ingleby presented Alistair Cassie with his British Empire Medal at Invermarkie, Glass, last month. Our longstanding keeper of Cassie’s Emporium in Bridge Street, also known as “Mr Ballater”, was rewarded for community services in Her Majesty the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in the summer. Mr Cassie said he was “deeply moved” by the honour, “When Margaret broke the news to me I had to have sit down.” Among his community credits are associations with the football club and golf club, he reformed the Business Association, helped establish Ballater Victoria Week and his work with Ballater Local History Group has seen him complete the renovation of the Mackenzie Memorial and the siting of the restored Cambus O’May Scotch Derrick crane in the village. And while he says who nominated him for the award remains a mystery, he adds: “I’ve been in Ballater all my days, and I’ve been into everything at some point. Most people in Ballater think my wife Margaret should have got the medal...”
A Cassie BEM
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Ballater Resilience Group by Linda Drever
The team continues to work away quietly behind the scenes to improve our preparedness for managing the V&A Halls should they be required as a rest centre. In co-operation with the Halls Trustees, work is well underway to equip a newly-fitted out basement storeroom with suitable equipment to enable a primary response to be set up quickly and, hopefully, efficiently. We continue to liaise with Aberdeenshire Council and other bodies about best practice in response to any community emergency, e.g. volunteers have had familiarisation tours of the Halls and should now know exactly where things are kept and how to use them. The local fire and emergency service has offered training in CPR and use of defibrillators - the Group is anxious to take full advantage of this offer. As this is intended to be the last regular update, I’d like to thank you all for your co-operation with members of the Resilience Group and to make a few final comments:New volunteers willing to be contacted in an emergency are always welcome; Home protection is the responsibility of each householder, and the Council can still offer competitive prices on flood defence equipment; You should by now have a copy of the guide ‘Preparing for emergencies’ but, if not, just ask at the library. Regular updates will still appear as part of the Community Council’s Minutes. It’s been a lot of work, but let’s hope it’s never needed!
Ballater Flood Group (Expired) by Tony Cox
And finally.... Ballater has now been recognised as being of the highest priority for the Flood Study to be carried out by Aberdeenshire Council and their consultant partners. The Flood Group received a letter from the Minister acknowledging its role in achieving this – therefore the Group achieved its objective. Within the Flood Group, one member – Douglas Johnston – deserves a community vote of appreciation for his efforts. Douglas is a retired civil engineer and hydrologist who lives with his wife in Edinburgh. He has been a frequent visitor to Ballater for more than 40 years, holidaying with his family. Such is his affection for Ballater that – following the flood – he phoned offering his help to the Group. During the following year Douglas provided help and guidance, frequently attending meetings and arguing our case with considerable success. He is a true hero to the cause of Ballater Community, and if we ever are in a position to award the Freedom of Ballater, Douglas will be a worthy recipient.
Ballater Clinic
Marie Curie by Sabine Muir
The Marie Curie Upper Deeside Fundraising Team have had a busy few months. They had a Bingo night at the Barrel in August raising £257, a very successful Film Night with Ballater Films showing The Time of their Lives in September, raising almost £400 and a talk to the Time Out Ladies in October, which raised £130 for funds. Future events planned are a Christmas Quiz night at the Deeside Inn on Thursday 30th November at 7.30pm and an Audience with Maureen Smith, a clairvoyant and medium who has raised thousands of pounds for charity over the years. This will be held at the Barrel Lounge on Friday 8th December at 7.30pm. Tickets priced at £20, including a finger buffet, are available from the library or call Sabine on 55916.
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Flu Immunisation Flu can be more serious than you think and every year it causes severe illness and even death. You are at particular risk if you are; • Over 65 • Under 65 but with a long term illness • Pregnant • Pre-school child aged 2-5 years • Carer of someone with a health condition Please book an appointment at Ballater Clinic for your flu vaccine if you are in any of these high risk groups. Festive Season Hours Ballater Clinic will be closed on the following public holidays during the festive season:-
Monday 25th December + Tuesday 26th December 2017 Monday 1st January + Tuesday 2nd January 2018 If you require urgent medical attention during these closure dates please call NHS 24 on 111 Please ensure you reorder any of your usual medication in plenty of time prior to these dates.
No Reindeer on the Green (catch ’em at the Hilton!)
The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd will not be seen on the Church Green this Christmas Eve. For several years Ballater has seen the herd visit the green with Santa and sweetie bags for the children, as well as stopping in past at Hilton Grand Vacations at Craigendarroch. This year they visited the Green on the last Sunday in November as part of the Ballater Winter Festival. Santa and his reindeer will also visit at Hilton Grand Vacations at Craigendarroch on Christmas Eve from 2pm to 2.30pm, with everyone most welcome to join them at the entrance of the main building. Mulled wine, hot chocolate and mince pies will also be available for sale, raising funds for Ballater Primary School.
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In Brief
Ballater Halls Indoor Bowling Club The Winter Session got off to a good start and for outdoor bowlers it was lovely to be back indoors and not fighting with the weather outside. We certainly would welcome new members and so why not come along and join us on Tuesdays and Wednesdays 2-4 and 7-9 pm in the Victoria Hall.
Circuit Class
Looking for an alternative indoor workout? A circuit fitness runs in the Albert Hall in Ballater every Tuesday evening from 6.30pm to 8.00pm. There is friendly and non-competitive exercise for all ages and levels of fitness. Go at your own pace and have fun. Bring a friend or make new friends. Cost is £4 per session – pay as you go. Facebook: Ballater Fitness Group.
Ballater Songsters
We have been working hard with the preparation of our Christmas Season programme. We have six engagements to fulfil at various Residential Homes and three other concerts before Christmas outside Ballater, so we have a full schedule ahead. However, difficult as it may be sometimes to be fully prepared for all our commitments, it is most enjoyable and rewarding. I can only reiterate what I have said in the past, which is that I am very grateful to have such loyal and faithful ladies who are a joy to work with. by Sheila Rumbles
Golf is a game not just of manners but of morals ~ Art Spander Ballater Golf Club
Ballater Golf Club held a fund-raising Charity Mixed Greensomes Tournament on 7th October, and has funds available to be distributed to local groups and charities. If your group would like to be considered for a part of the funds available, please supply brief details in writing to Colin Smith, Managing Secretary, Ballater Golf Club, Victoria Road, Ballater AB35 5QX or by email to sec@ ballatergolfclub.co.uk Ballater Golf Club Ladies Lunch is on December 8th at 13:00. £20 per person. The menu is on the club notice board. Phone or email the secretary on sec@ballatergolfclub.co.uk to get your name on the list.
Photography Club Ballater’s fledgling Photography Club held monthly meetings at the Hut on the Green until September before moving indoors to the Mike Sheridan Room for a series of warming winter talks. December’s meet is likely to be an informal session where camera/photo enthusiasts can share tips etc on what works for them. Former forensics snapper Dale Johnson is coming to talk to us in the new year. For details look out for posters, call Cat on 013397 55243, email Tina at tinariddell@ hotmail.com to get put on the emailing list or check the group out on Facebook – Ballater Photography Club.
Befriending
Kincardine & Deeside Befriending offer support to older people who feel lonely and isolated. The service depends entirely on the help of local volunteers visiting an old person for companionship every week or fortnight. Training is provided and expenses reimbursed. The next introduction to befriending training is scheduled for the beginning of next year. Anyone interested in becoming a befriender should get in touch with them as soon as possible. For more information visit www.kdbefriending.org.uk or telephone 01330 823368.
Caravan Park The park closed at the end of October after a very successful season. Most weekends, the site has been at capacity with visitor feedback continuing to be very favourable. During the 2017/18 closed season, it is hoped to carry out a third phase refurbishment consisting of the creation of a further 10 touring pitches. These will be offered initially on a seasonal licence basis. Discussions continue with architects working for the Duke of Rothesay regarding the layout for completing the refurbishment of the park. Richard Gledson has joined the Board and his experience in the tourism industry will be very helpful when decisions are made on future developments. The directors would like to record their appreciation of the continued support received from the community and local businesses.
Carnelian
“Feel Good Factor”
Lynn Park – Massage Therapist Swedish Remedial Massage Thermo Auricular Therapy 1 Netherley Place, Ballater Tel 07793 354249
Crathie Opportunity Holidays
We have had another successful season in 2017 with visitor numbers recovering from 2016, particularly in the shoulder non-summer months. Our annual Golf Day took place at Balmoral in October with 19 teams taking part. Although the weather was not ideal, all participants enjoyed the competition which was won by a team from the Douglas Arms, Banchory, led by Scott Hutcheon whose father Gordon captained last year’s winning team. On Sunday 3 December we will be hosting our Lunch and Auction at the Piper’s Hall, Balmoral. Anyone interested in attending should contact Maggie on 013397 42100 or by email on info@ crathieholidays.org.uk. There are still some copies of our book, “Essays on Life” by Thomas Mitchell, Farmer. These would make ideal Christmas presents and are available from COH; again please contact Maggie. Finally, thank you to all our friends and supporters who regularly volunteer to help at events.
Badger . . Badges Magnets Mirrors Fun & Seasonal Gifts
Custom Orders Taken
Group Discounts /Bulk
www.ballaterbadger.co.uk 013397 55243 Find me on
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Library News
New Phone Number Please note: Due to changing to Skypephone we have a new telephone number: 01339 267700 Star Reader Well done to Ranolph Whitehead, who is this year’s Star Reader. He read the most library books during our Summer Reading Challenge. He wins a book voucher and a certificate. The winners of the ‘Be Drawn into a Good Book’ picture competition are Anna Parfitt and Isla Anderson in their respective categories. They won book vouchers, a certificate and a medal. Complete Set of Eagles We are happy to announce that we are now in possession of a complete set of beautifully filed Ballater Eagles, from the first issue to the latest – see photograph. They are behind the counter and can be viewed on request, but regrettably not taken out. We are very thankful for the generosity of Dutch concert pianist Ronald Brautigam, a frequent visitor to Ballater, who kindly sponsored this project. The copies included within the binders were supplied by Faye Swan, who has been religiously gathering them at home over the years. Lost property Two jackets were left behind at the library, both are black, one adult’s size and a child’s one. There is also a single blue glove. Save your Christmas Stamps We are collecting stamps for the Guide Dogs, so if you have any please do pop them in. Library telephone: 01339 267700
by Sabine Muir
ROARING STAG COFFEE ROASTERS Family run craft coffee roasters in Ballater. We take the best green beans from around the world and expertly blend and roast. Unit 1, Ballater Business Park, Ballater, AB35 5PN www.roaringstagcoffee.com
Brian Smith Funeral Services Ltd The only family run and owned funeral director in Aboyne, Banchory and Peterculter
Pre-Paid Funeral Plans Available 317 North Deeside Road, Peterculter Tel: 01224 732530 Huntly Road, Aboyne Tel: 013398 86625 85A High Street, Banchory Tel: 01330 825400
Contact Brian or Angela Smith (24hrs)
Ballater Royal Horticultural Society
by Elizabeth Wilson
It seems a long time since our outing to Fyvie Castle and Pitmedden on a glorious sunny day in July. Now summer’s over, we welcome the frosty autumn days with the countryside in all its colourful splendour. It’s time to put the garden to bed for the winter, ordering seed and bulb catalogues and planning for Spring. The village tubs will be cleaned out and filled with bulbs and winter pansies. The Society has had another good year and donated twelve small tables to the Halls which may be used by any Hall users. They’ll come in very handy at our Quiz Nights, Plant Sales and Flower Shows. Do have a look at our website http://ballaterroyalhorticulturalsociety.weebly. com/ for photos and an account of the Plant Sale, Annual Outing and the Flower Show. The website also provides extensive information about the Society, the programme of speakers and events past and, present. Membership of the Society costs £10 with no additional entry fee and visitors are still welcome to attend a single meeting for £3. Please look in the Eagle “Diary”, on the posters displayed throughout the village prior to each meeting and of course on our website for updated details about forthcoming meetings. There was a great turnout for our AGM on Monday 6th November. Julie Jarvis has stepped down from the committee due to other commitments; however, it’s not an out and out goodbye as she has said that she’ll continue to maintain the website, which she set up, and consolidate the points at the Flower Show as well as help when available. We’re most grateful for this as these tasks do take up considerable time and we rely heavily on her expertise! The other Office Bearers remain unchanged, viz., President - Margaret Glennie, Vice Chairman – Michael Rattray, Chairman – Jim Clark, Secretary – Elizabeth Wilson, Treasurer – Neil Allan, Committee Members – Morag Hood, Malcolm Jarvis, William Moir, Jane Oliver, Anne Richardson and
The BRHS Annual Show took place in August Helene Thom. We are delighted to welcome Douglas Mutch to the committee. Many of our members are no longer able to help in the way they once did and help is vital to ensure the future of the Society. Anyone who is willing to lend a hand planting, watering and maintaining the planters throughout the village, sell raffles at the Plant Sale or help at the Flower Show would be most welcome and should contact Elizabeth Wilson, the Secretary, on 55900 or eml_wilson@hotmail.com The AGM was followed by a fascinating, informative presentation by Alistair Birnie on Cacti and Succulents. Our first meeting of 2018 is on Monday 5th February when Hayley Wiswell will introduce us to Special Plants of the Cairngorms. On Monday 5th March, Bruce Edelsten will give an illustrated account of his involvement with the creation and development of the allotments in Cullen. It is hoped that meetings will not have to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions; however, we do our best to contact as many members as possible should this happen. All are welcome at our meetings; do bring a friend or neighbour and stay afterwards for some refreshments and a chat.
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Ballater Charitable Chiels by Scott Fraser
The Chiels continue in our aim of putting smiles on folks’ faces while doing our fundraising. Upper Deeside Amateur Swimming Club was recently awarded funds for starting blocks, ensuring they make a quick splash. Another group we continue to support is Mothers and Toddlers who we feel are the life blood of the village who come under pressure with holding their play dates because of increased rents. We have also helped a possible rising star in the Tennis world with funding towards a training programme, which we hope to have news on by the next issue. In November we held our Bonfire and Fireworks display with a new event in conjunction with Mother and Toddlers, of “Build a Guy” which used Victoria Week’s leftover straw. Christmas lights have been refurbed, erected and the switch-on took place during the Winter Festival, which once again we have helped fund. Looking forward to Christmas, we have our infamous Fancy Dress disco in the Glenaden Hotel which is on “Mad Friday”, 22nd December, from 9pm. Entry as usual is by donation, there is a raffle and prizes for best female, male and group. This year’s event is being held to raise funds for the proposed refurbishment of the Nursery play area at Ballater Primary School. It is always worth popping along, even if only to see what the Feels o’ the Chiels are dressed up as! Before the end of the year, we will take up stewarding duties for the Little Masons march. Who can forget Pop Princess Kylie Monogue being in the village and very kindly donating into one of the collection cans? Well, another Australian has shown an interest in the march! The BBC’s “Who do You Think You Are?” programme on Craig Revel Horwood featured the town of Ballarat. Ballarat was one of only two places in the world to hold a Little Masons march, but sadly this is no longer the case, so Ballater is the only one of its kind left. When contacted, he said he would look into his involvement with the march here... The Chiels would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Christmas, a very Merry New Year and a Big Thank You for all your support. pic by Andy Thompson
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Ballater SWI
by Aileen Barbour
President Margaret Finnie welcomed members and visitors to our September meeting. The speaker was Claire Fraser, Brand Home Manager of Lochnagar Distillery who gave us a detailed talk with slides on how they produce Royal Lochnagar Whisky. After the talk Claire answered questions and we sampled a 12 year old malt. Jan Williams gave the vote of thanks. June Manwell, a past president, was invited to judge the competition – “Favourite Brooch” – 1) Aileen Barbour, 2) Mary Munro 3) Ivy Duncan, 4) Pat Fraser. On the 26th September the ladies of Ballater and Braemar SWI were invited for afternoon tea in the Queens Buildings at Balmoral. An informal visit was made by HM The Queen who chatted to the ladies and looked at some of the craftwork which they had on display. At the October meeting Michelle Paterson gave a demonstration on how to decorate desserts. When she had finished she invited us to taste them and they were delicious. Aileen Barbour gave the vote of thanks. Michelle was asked to judge our 2 competitions. Evie Murray Rose Bowl – “Mini Quiche” 1) Frances Johnstone, 2) Thelma Cooper, 3) Jean Cameron, 4) Gwenneth Fowler. “3 Tray Bakes (1 variety)” – 1) Frances Johnstone, 2) Margaret Finnie, 3) Jean Cameron, 4) Jan Williams.
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
Deeside Cats Protection
2017 has been a busy year for the branch with many unwanted cats and kittens rehomed and much fundraising undertaken. Amidst this hustle and bustle, Liz Robinson our branch co-ordinator, in the company of volunteers Christina Forsyth and Tracey Mitchell attended the National Cat Awards, held at The Savoy Hotel in London in August. The Deeside Branch of Cats’ Protection was nominated in the Star Team Award, which celebrates the work carried out across the UK by Cats’ Protection’s 10,000 volunteers and was created to mark the charity’s 90th anniversary year. Teams were put forward for undertaking something impressive to bring about a positive result for cat welfare. The branch was nominated for rescuing 25 cats who went missing in the Ballater area during Storm Frank. To the delight of all the branch volunteers, the nomination was successful and the award was presented to Liz, Christina and Tracey by Cats’ Protection Chief Executive, Peter Hepburn.
by Janet Bailey
Liz said: “We’re absolutely thrilled and never expected to win. I’m so happy for the team. They all worked their socks off trying to do what they could during such a terrible time for the community.” Although the award was presented to the branch, it would be impossible for Liz and her volunteers to achieve everything they do without the assistance of those who live and work along the Dee Valley. We thank all those who have supported the branch in any way this year and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year. Follow us on Facebook, or contact us on 07837 342660, email Deeside.Cats@gmail.com
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Ballater Highland Games
Prior to this year’s Games Day, we were approached by the Charity – Give Them A Sporting Chance – asking if they could bring a group known as the Syrian New Scots to the Ballater Highland Games. The Syrian New Scots are a party of children and families who originated in wartorn Syria and have been resettled in Aberdeen. The families, most of whom had spent prolonged periods in refugee camps, were recognized as high priority by the United Nations Refugee Agency UNHCR, due to the children’s disability, trauma or additional needs. The charity helps fulfil children’s wishes, and the wish of the Syrian New Scots children was for a “normal summer holiday day out”. The children apparently wanted to have a story to tell their new friends when they returned to school, and wanted this story to be a great one but not too lavish as to make them stand out, or seem any
Celicall Crafts G. Cowie, Workshop,
3 Braemar Road, Ballater Telephone: 013397 55699 By Appointment to H.R.H.The Prince Of Wales The Duke Of Rothesay Picture Framer Celicall Crafts, Ballater
Bespoke Picture Framer established over 25 Years. Tapestry & Needlework framed. Supplier of framed Fishing Flies, framed River Maps and local Pen and Ink Sketches.
by Ron Drever
more different from their friends. The children chose our Ballater Highland Games, and so the Charity contacted us. (A passing thought – how could we make our Games lavish as well as great?) The Games Committee decided that the Charity, with the Syrian New Scots, should attend the Games as our guests, and, in view of the make-up of the group, we allocated seating at the end of the Patrons’ Enclosure Games Day was of course possibly the sunniest day of the whole summer, and the report from the Charity is that the smiles of everyone in the 100-strong party reflected the fun. Indeed, many of the Syrian boys and dads took part in the races and were delighted to win prizes! All the children loved to see the pipers, particularly the uniforms, and their confidence increased through the day. The parents also had a chance to catch up with friends, meet other new families, and enjoy watching the children relax and have fun. All the children said that they had had their wish of a brilliant summer holiday day out granted, and will have a fantastic story to tell their friends! We’re sure that the Ballater community will join with the Games Committee in wishing the Syrian New Scots a happy future in Scotland.
Ballater (Royal Deeside)
by David Horne and John Burrows
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Do you remember the heady warm days of Summer 2017 and the arrival of the Eagle in the Autumn, when we suggested you GET INVOLVED? Well, the clock is ticking and we know how enthusiastic you all are at pointing out what needs doing to make this part of Aberdeenshire even better, if that were possible. Footpaths to use, how best to improve the station area, cycle stands, defibrillator, Tullich Stones, seats on existing footpaths, picnic tables – the list is endless and we could easily fill this page with a wish list. Well, why not GET INVOLVED and make that difference? The BRD AGM will have passed by the time this article is printed but you can still approach us to join the B(RD) board, as we are allowed to co-opt for up to one year, directors who can then stand for formal election at the next AGM. So this winter, take the opportunity to come down to Park House and join us and MAKE THAT DIFFERENCE. OK, so you are working and can’t make our present day-time meetings. If that is an obstacle then we can arrange alternate evening meetings, and technology enables contribution when attendance is not possible. Mums or Dads with children – you have so much to bring to BRD. Tell us what we have to do to get you to become involved. The nursery group wants to improve facilities in the school yard, so who knows better than you what is needed. Fresh blood on the board would help us focus on new ideas and help drive forward new projects that would benefit the community. Whatever you can contribute, it will be of value. We look forward to welcoming new directors onto the board and working with the existing board. For further information please contact David Horne or John Burrows on 013397 55467 or via email: info@royal-deeside.org.uk One of the projects that we are currently involved with is the rebuild of the Old Station. BRD is a stakeholder in this project and is the driving force behind the incorporation of a Heritage Centre within the new build. The theme will be Royalty, Railway, and Heritage. BRD would be delighted to receive information or items of memorabilia that could be considered for display, either on long loan or gifted. If you have stories or reflections of village life in the past, please contact us. Topics might be farming, Dee Bridges, forestry, the churches, notable personalities. The list is not definitive and any topic or suggestion would be considered. Anyone willing to offer comments or items should contact BRD on 013397 55467 or by email to info@royal-deeside.org.uk
22 Senior Citizens’ Xmas Dinner by Betty Simpson
With so many new people coming to stay in Ballater I thought perhaps I should write about one of Ballater’s oldest traditions – The Annual Senior Citizens’ Christmas Dinner & Concert. With the introduction of Kincardine & Deeside District Council in 1975 the Ballater Town Council, who had organised this event for many, many years, was dissolved. In order to maintain this very popular event, an organisation was formed called the Ballater Amenities Committee. At that time the Committee consisted of members of the Ballater Businessmen’s Association, Royal British Legion Ballater Branch and Ballater Highland Games. In the event of there not being enough money raised to put on this event, they would at the time it was set up, help us out. The Ballater Businessmen’s Association as it was then, folded and so the Legion and the Games are now the sole members of the Committee. The main fund raiser used to be the Annual Donkey Derby on the Sunday prior to the Ballater Games. With the advent of more prestigious events up and down Deeside during August, and the start of Victoria Week, it began to prove more and more difficult to make a profit. The main attractions were costing too much to make it worth while. Who remembers the hang gliders, Hercules the Bear, Hot Air Balloons, Buffalo Bill, The White Helmets Motor Cycle Team, as well as the World Haggis Throwing Contest and the Wellyboot throwing contests? The Donkey Derby used to be great fun and everybody would get involved. The famous bottle stall run by Stanley Robertson and his team, children’s fancy dress donkey races sponsored by local businesses with children as jockeys, properly supervised of course, by Donald Coutts & Derek Livingstone. Great fun. Health & Safety and Risk Assessment were unknown words in those days!! Now the main fund raiser is a 200 Club. We
have also been very lucky in receiving legacies and donations. Anyone can join the 200 Club but it is mainly subscribed to by the Senior Citizens themselves, so they in fact keep this tradition going. Once a year the Committee meets in November and we invite all couples we know where the husband is aged 65, and single men and ladies aged 65 & 60 respectively. There is no perfect method and sometimes we miss out somebody and sometimes we offend by inviting people who are not yet eligible? Sorry!! People retire much earlier now and with the Data Protection Act we are unable to confirm anyone’s date of birth. If someone you know is eligible and does not receive an invite, let us know. After the acceptances are received, allocation to the Hotels is done and transport is arranged for those who have requested it. We try not to allocate people to the same hotel two years running. We keep a record of where everybody goes over the years and numbers allocated to the hotels. We rely on an army of taxi drivers who do a fantastic job taking people to the hotels and then on to the concert and then home again. If you would like to act as a taxi driver please contact me, we always need more people every year. The whole village is involved - young and old – hotels, garages, shopkeepers, local businesses etc. We couldn’t carry on without the generosity of everyone concerned. Let us keep this traditional event going for many more years. This year it is on Thursday 14th December. If you know of anyone who should be on the invitation list – please let me know. Betty Simpson, Hon. Secretary/Treasurer Ballater Amenities Committee Tel. 55597
01975 571775 07792 830780
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24 Shedding Hair for Buttony Bear Buttony is a bear that we adapt to have a stoma and pouch and the bears are donated to children undergoing bowel/bladder surgery throughout the UK. Buttony gives the child a ‘friend like them’. The bears are donated direct to families through our Buttony Bears Facebook page and a network of paediatric stoma nurses. The past few months have been extremely busy for Buttony. I was invited to attend the Association of Stoma Nurses Conference with our parent organisation, The Breakway Foundation. It is an annual conference which this year was held in Glasgow, when I was able to increase awareness of the project, and meet nurses to whom I had only previously spoken by email. Many were able to give direct feedback on how Buttony helped their young patients and order their specific needs. Some centres have a higher percentage of one type of stoma, and it’s always great if we can match bears to the individual child’s specific needs. Since my return home, Lynn and I have been sewing non-stop to try and clear a backlog of requests. I’m not sure that Lynn will encourage me to go again to the conference in 2018! Back in June, we were delighted to receive a message from the Mum of one of our bear recipients. Her daughter, Ava, had received a Buttony bear in preparation for her stoma surgery. Ava felt that Buttony had really made a difference, helping her feel special, and cope with her operation and the aftermath. Once recovered, Ava decided to have her hair cut to raise funds so that other kids would get a Buttony too, a very thoughtful and generous gesture for a 7 year old. Ava raised an amazing £1,000 for us, which will provide another 33 bears for children who are facing surgery to create a stoma – an incredible achievement and very much appreciated by the Buttony Team. Ava had put a lot of thought
by Jenny Gow
into her fundraising, and she supported not only Buttony, but also The Little Princess Trust. She donated her hair to them as they provide real hair wigs free of charge to children across the UK and Ireland who have sadly lost their own hair due to cancer treatment and other illnesses. I think you’ll agree with us that Ava is a very special young lady. It’s not easy dealing with all that comes with surgery to create a stoma, and Ava is coping with all of that as well as thinking of others.
In the last Eagle, we talked of local support for the project and since then we have been fortunate to receive a donation of £1,078 from Ballater’s Beat Retreat, Band and Stewards. They made a collection for Buttony at the Beat Retreat of the Pipe Band on the Church Green on Games Day. The day after, they held a Teddy Bear’s Picnic and between the two events, raised this fantastic total. We are truly humbled by their efforts on our behalf. Once again we’d like to thank our home village, as everyone has got behind the Buttony project in a way we could never have dreamed of. So many bears have been sponsored from within our community – 36 from this donation alone! We know that children growing up with a stoma can have a tough time and Buttony really does help. By the time this Eagle is out, Buttony will have passed another milestone – 1,500 bears will have been donated. This is only possible due to the support given to the project, and for that we are extremely grateful. Looking ahead
to 2018 we hope to be able to continue our work and that you will “bear” with us on our journey to raise awareness and help children with bowel and bladder diversions. Thank you.
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26 Letter From The Churches Dear all, How many of you are dreaming of a white Christmas this year? Snow may look beautiful up on the mountains, or from inside a warm cosy room, it’s not that comfortable if you have to go out in it. There is danger within the beauty. Often the dreams of a white Christmas are not matched by reality. Advent and Christmas often come loaded with expectations that fall short. The world we live in projects an image of Christmas being a time of fun and jollity, of log fires and cosy family meals, twinkling Christmas trees and immaculately wrapped presents. Yet for many, Christmas and Hogmanay are times of stress and difficulty. All around are people rushing around, seemingly oblivious to the stresses and strains that others may be experiencing, trying to create the perfect Christmas. It’s a time when the ordinary seems to be ignored amongst all the hustle and bustle. It can become a focus of stress, of financial difficulty, of emotional strain. For those who don’t have family or friends around, it can be lonely and isolated. For others, Christmas is about family and friends, about love, light and laughter at a dark time of year As churches, the period leading up to Christmas – Advent – serves another purpose. It’s also about re-focusing our lives, preparing our hearts and minds for Christmas itself. We celebrate Christmas from a different angle. We celebrate the birth of a baby, 2000 years ago, in a stable. We celebrate the wonderful gift that we believe he was – and is to this world. The ‘Christ’ in Christmas. One of the reasons we exchange gifts is as a sign of God’s greatest gift to us, his Son. One of the joys for us is being able to share that gift with those who join us. The love and light and joy of that moment. This year, the Ballater Nativity will be back in Church Square. The focus of the Christmas story is that of a family celebrating a special moment in life – something we can all share. Here in Ballater and Crathie, we live in a community, a family held together not by bonds of marriage and birth but by love
and respect. A community that has chosen to grow together over the last couple of years, not apart. Take time this Christmas to join in that community, to live, to celebrate life itself. Don’t lose the joy of living in the process of living. Don’t lose that sense of celebration. Whether you have faith or not, can we invite you to share with us the gifts of hope, peace, love and joy with those you meet. This Christmas time, as always, we wish you those gifts of hope, peace, love and joy. It would be wonderful to see you, your family and friends, at one of our services over the Christmas period. Please come and share our celebrations. With every blessing, Rev’d Vittoria Hancock, St Kentigern’s Episcopal Church; Rev David Barr, Church of Scotland; Father Chris Brannan, St Nathalan’s Catholic Church.
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St Kentigern’s Round-up by Vittoria Hancock
Autumn is almost done with and winter is most definitely on its way. The apple tree in the churchyard of St Kentigern’s has produced a bumper crop this year. We have been stewing, bottling, making chutney, making pies and crumbles and giving away apples in all directions. A predominant decoration at our harvest celebrations in October was, of course – apples! We were joined by the Ballateers for a wonderful celebratory service, followed by a bring and share harvest lunch in the church hall. We celebrated not only the harvest of crops, but also the harvest of our lives – what we had achieved this year. Some of you may remember our Lent collection this year was towards an organisation called ‘Toilet Twinning’. Enough money was raised to fund three blocks of toilets in developing countries, and 4 individual toilets for communities overseas. We would like to say thank you to all those from the community who supported our harvest collection. The food collected was donated to the Aberdeenshire South Foodbank and the collection has gone to support the work of the Aberdeen Cyrenians. The Aberdeenshire South foodbank is based in Banchory, but provides an emergency service for the people from Banchory to Braemar at times of personal crisis. The Aberdeen Cyrenians run a soup kitchen, and work with those in need. We’re heading into winter now, preparing for Advent and Christmas. Advent is the countdown period for Christmas, a time to pause and reflect. In the church, we light a different candle for each Sunday in Advent. It reminds us to slow down, not to wish our time away on the future, but to live in the present. To think about our journey through life so far. Feel free to join us at any of our events – you will be warmly welcomed.
Crathie Christmas Crathie School Parent Council’s Christmas Fair on November 19th raised a whopping £842. With stalls from Brakeley Gift Room, Scentsy, HM Sheridan, The Rebellious Crafter, Shorty’s, Badger and The Speciality Sweetie Shop and many more, there was an eclectic mix of festive gifts and games to keep visitors amused, alongside some tasty treats from the very busy kitchen. Well done!
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Things come in threes for U3s...
Ballater is very fortunate to have three baby and toddler groups on the go at the moment. Here’s a run-down of all their details...
Ballater Baby and Toddler Group welcomes any child under the age of three and their carers to make use of fun play equipment at the Victoria and Albert Halls. The group runs every Friday (in term time) between 9.30am and 11.30am, in the Mike Sheridan Room at the Victoria and Albert Halls. Cost is just £2.50 per child, babies under eight months go free. Includes a snack. Various fun fundraising events are also organised throughout the year. More info from Gemma on 07881 782385 or go to Facebook.
Start ‘em young, we say... The Ballater Busy Bees are a parent-run group whose aim is to bring the community closer together and reach out to parents with babies and young children who may feel isolated and in search of friendship. Activities include crafts, messy play, music, storybooks, outings and, of course, toys! Teas, coffees and homebakes. The Busy Bees meet on Wednesdays 9.3011.30am at Ballater School hall (location varies during school holidays). Cost is £1 for adults and 50p for children over nine months, which includes a snack. Bumps welcome too! Contact ballaterbusybees@hotmail.co.uk or find the group on Facebook.
Four generations in their PJs helped the group raise money for Children in Need Building Blocks runs on a Wednesday in the hall behind Glenmuick Church, 9.30-11.30am with a snack for kids and tea and coffee for adults. All welcome during term time only and entry is by donation.
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Rotary Club by Ruth Powell
The Rotary Club of Aboyne and Upper Deeside recently held a very successful Silent Auction in The Victory Hall, Aboyne. Working in partnership with Aboyne Academy’s Parent Council, the magnificent sum of £5,000 was raised on the night. 57 lots were on offer, all donated by local businesses, organisations and individuals. Items ranging from golf days, fishing, meal vouchers, paintings and rare whiskies, attracted many bids and competition to “win” the lots was brisk! Forging strong links with the Academy has been an important part of the Rotary Club’s activities for several years, culminating in the School’s Senior Leadership Team being welcomed into the Club as its first Corporate Members. This latest fundraising event was held to help fund new IT equipment for the benefit of pupils, with a percentage also being gifted to The Friends of Aboyne Hospital.
By appointment to HM the Queen Purveyor of Meat and Poultry
Club President, Diane Fyffe, said: “It was a pleasure to work with the parents of the young folk in our Community to help provide additional resources at our local Academy and Hospital. The people of Upper Deeside always support our efforts to raise funds for both Local and International good causes and they have, once more, helped us make a real difference in our Community.” With generous donations from local Co-Op shoppers, our Club has sold hundreds of raffle tickets in aid of CLAN Cancer Support. The Club, along with other Rotary Clubs in the area, will be selling tickets in the Bon-Accord Shopping Centre in the run-up to Christmas – good luck to everyone who has bought a ticket to win the Mini! If you wish to know more about joining the Rotary Club of Aboyne and Upper Deeside or becoming a “Friend of Rotary”, contact Rotarian Mike Powell at 013398 86369 or email: mikepowell.obe@gmail.com
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Ballater Victoria Week 2018
This year’s AGM was a lot of fun and we redistributed our funds to various local groups .Thank you to everyone for coming and to everyone who helped out on the night. There’s enough momentum, irons in fires and planning already in place for events for me to say that I think we’ll be back! We need to get more help, hopefully from within the community or some professional folk – we’ll see – but it’s bound to be exciting. Our treasurer for the last few years, Jenny Gow, is stepping down, as her wonderful Buttony Project has grown to fantastic proportions. Bill Brown has taken on the treasurer role – thank you, Bill. Jenny will still be on board with BVW, as will Cat Houston, who is relinquishing her publicity role, which will be a brave new world… so new blood for the programme, posters Ballater Pipe Band were among and Facebook will need to be found. If you know of anyone that the dozen or so local groups who fancies the challenge, let us know. Malcolm Lovie, who has done received cash from BVW 2017 an ace job of attracting more super vehicles to the parade, is also stepping aside to let someone else rev those engines. So! More jobs for next year: we’ll be needing someone/a whole team to oversee the Sunday Parade and Cartie Races as it’s really becoming too big to handle under the present set-up. Look out for the Brainstorm sessions in the New Year, or if you have a big (or just half-baked) idea that won’t keep, let us know on Facebook or email info@ballatervictoriaweek.co.uk
ROWAN JEWELLERY Large selection of fine + silver jewellery
Silver, Gold & Platinum Modern & Vintage Unique Hand Made Jewellery Statuary in Bronze Quaichs, Hip Flasks & Kilt Pins Wedding Bands
Open Thursday-Saturday 10.30am-5pm . 013397 55122/07725 222762 1 Victoria Road Ballater, AB35 5QQ www.rowanjewellery.com . rowanballater@gmail.com
& Ballater Films by Ade Scripps
It was interesting to note in the findings of the recent Community Action Plan the great support that Ballater Films has… and also that some people weren’t aware that Ballater has a cinema…! You can’t win all the time but hopefully with the continued support from the community we can reach those folk and bring them into the fold. Another finding was that if you added up all the different sources of information by which people find out about events, “word of mouth” came out on top, so if you see a Ballater Films poster, be sure and tell someone about it. September saw two great films: The Time of Their Lives and Guardians of the Galaxy, which were both well attended. The Time of Their lives raised around £400 for Marie Curie; if you or your group see an upcoming film and would like to raise some funds for your group, get in contact and we’ll see what we can come up with. Films took a break in October but we did host, in conjunction with the Ballater School Parent Council, a spooktacular Halloween Disco and filled the Victoria Hall with little dancing monsters… Another team-up will happen in November when the Ballater Winter Festival launches with a screening of the new Whisky Galore movie and a whisky tasting session from Royal Lochnagar. Unfortunately for those of you who haven’t got tickets yet, this has already sold out…. In December, if we have any energy left, we hope to show something fun and there’s loads of great films to show next year already: Victoria and Abdul, Paddington 2, The Last Jedi… Ballater Films… A Community Cinema.
Opening Hours: Monday 2pm - 6pm Tuesday Closed Wednesday 10am - 5pm Thursday Closed Friday 10am - 3pm
Tel. 013397 - 55134 24 Golf Rd Ballater AB35 5RE
Eagle Clubs Groups & Organisations Directory
Recent conversations about the Community Action Plan have prompted a few questions about the number of clubs/societies there are in the village and how to contact them. So we propose producing a regular club directory in the Eagle, with names and direct contact details so people know where to go to find something that interests them. Want in? Or need to amend what we have here? Tell us – ballater.eagle@btopenworld.com
Aboyne and Upper Deeside Rotary Mike Powell, 013398 86369 mikepowell.obe@gmail.com
Ballater & District Pipe Band Lynne Fraser Lynne.fraser@exprogroup.com
Ballater Royal Horticultural Society Elizabeth Wilson, 01339 755900 eml_wilson@hotmail.com
Ballater Films Ade Scripps, 013397 55243 info@ballatervictoriaweek.co.uk
Ballater Baby & Toddler Group vickyclark88@sky.com Ballater Busy Bees ballaterbusybees@hotmail.com Ballater 50+ Walking Group Meet Monday mornings outside Glenmuick Church for walks around 5 to 7 miles Irene Cromack, 013397 55643 Ballater & Crathie Community Council bcccsecretary@outlook.com Ballater (RD) Limited Gillian Sinclair, 013397 55467 ballaterdeeside@btinternet.com Ballater Resilience Group Linda Drever, 013397 56224 Ballater Business Association Dominique Drewe-Martin, 013397 53752 Secretary@visitballater.com Ballater Charitable Chiels Andrew Thain Andy.thain73@gmail.com 07752532864 Ballater & Crathie Eagle Ian Hay, ballater.eagle@btopenworld.com
Ballater Highland Games Ron Drever, 013397 56224 thedrevers@btinternet.com Ballater Local History Group Alastair Cassie qdthree@gmail.com Ballater School Parent Council Lorraine Wildblood lor.wildblood@gmail.com Ballater Winter Festival Val Norton, valnorton@gmail.com BRHS Floral Art Jenny Houston, wilhouston1@btopenworld.com
Brandie School of Dance Fiona Reid fiona_brandie1971@hotmail.co.uk Bridge Club Ian Ritchie, ian_raedykes@yahoo.co.uk Buttony Bear Project Jenny Gow, 07813720963 buttony@breakawayfoundation.org.uk Deeside Cats Protection Liz Robinson, 07837 342660 Deeside.Cats@gmail.com Drop in Games Club A group for young adults on the autistic spectrum or for anyone who has a disability Jenny, 07899 877033 jennydurward@yahoo.com Evergreens OAP group meets September-March Evelyn Gray, evelyn.gray@btinternet.com Farmers’ Market Amy Muir, amy@amymuir.com Football Stevie Travers, travalar90@gmail.com Indoor Bowling Sheila Rumbles harryrumbles@btinternet.com Ladies’ Probus Fiona Robertson, toughfiona@hotmail.co.uk Fearless Muay Thai Gavin Hedges Overseasgavin@hotmail.com Men’s Probus Iain Latta, lattais@aol.com Old People and Over-50s Association Ruth Burrows, 013397 53244 Photography Club Cat Houston, 013397 55243 tinariddell@hotmail.com
Strathdee Tug O’War Team Jim Anderson, 013397 55997 SWRI Diane Wright diane.wright@deesidetimberframe.com Upper Deeside Art Society Ian Ritchie, ian_raedykes@yahoo.co.uk Victoria & Albert Halls Bell Macaulay, 013397 55745 marybellmacaulay@btinternet.com Bookings: Faye Swan 013397 55345 victoriaandalbertballater@gmail.com Victoria Week Ade Scripps, 013397 55243 info@ballatervictoriaweek.co.uk Walking Group (Health Walks) Tuesday Afternoons. Mike Woolvin MikeWoolvin@cairngorms.co.uk Whist Club Peter Appleyard, peter_appleyard@sky.com
School Report: Crathie
The children at Crathie School held a very special remembrance service at the Crathie War Memorial on Monday 9th October 2017. This was to commemorate the death of William Walker Anderson of Clachenturn, Crathie who was killed in action at the battle of Passchendaele on 8th October 1917. The children made a poppy wreath for William Walker Anderson and led a short service at the Memorial. We were delighted to be joined by a Piper from the Royal Guard who played a beautiful rendition of ‘The Flowers of the Forest.’ It was a very special event for us.
Eagle
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Cub Reporters
Eagle Cub Iona Sinclair is looking to host a 24-hour Danceathon in the village next year. Iona would like to hold the event in the Victoria and Albert Halls over September 8-9th, in the hope of raising funds for the Ballater community and for The Archie Foundation. There will be refreshments and all will be welcome. If you’d like to help Iona achieve her goal, please get in contact with The Eagle and we will pass you on.
The children have been learning about the Hindu festival of Diwali.
Highland Yurts
Tailor-made yurts Choice of seven colours www.highlandyurts.com
Paul Spencer Tel: 07814 051388
Wanna Be an eagle?
The Ballater Eagle is constantly evolving and the demands of the digital era means that every role is getting bigger... We need “staff”. Design work (16+) is paid. All other roles are voluntary. Photographers very useful! Someone to ensure all our advertisers get a copy of the magazine... Small but important things. contact ballater.eagle@btopenworld. com for a chat about your potential.
A Bridge Too Far by Tony Cox
Most readers will be aware of the activities and achievements of the Ballater Flood Group which according to The Minister of Rural Affairs helped Ballater to be given a priority status within the forthcoming Flood Studies. Flushed by success – the Group became aware of local concerns surrounding damage and closure of Polhollick Bridge during the flood, as it was believed that its contribution as a part of a local walking route was of economic importance. So with this in mind the Group approached Aberdeenshire Council. (AbCo) during April 17 and requested the intention and timescales for repairs to be carried out. Initially the response from AbCo was helpful and open – a Feasibility Study had been commissioned indicating options to repair at an estimated cost of £715k plus VAT plus consultancy fees. Not surprisingly this repair was not of the highest priority and there had been no budget allocation made. Good so far.
Marr Area now became involved, first advising that Polhollick was the subject of a Historic Scotland ‘investigation’ and that responsibility rested with AbCo as they had Title to the bridge. The Group contacted Historic Scotland to find that there was not, nor has there been an investigation. Legal advice was sought to determine ownership and it was established that AbCo do not and never have had Title to the bridge. This rests with adjoining landowners. AbCo do however have an inherited obligation to maintain the bridge. This information was communicated to Marr Area in May. A response was received stating that the issues raised were ‘complex’ – whatever that means. So let’s get on and do something. The Group explored the possibility of putting together an expert consortium of a design house and a fabrication yard to evaluate the required repairs and produce a costed bid to include test and warranty to meet the requirements for a public
access bridge. The bridge was examined and a repair method was identified. The required river access was negotiated in principle and it was agreed that we had a ‘window’ which would allow the repair to be carried out prior to the opening of the Salmon season. Indicative costing was forwarded to Marr Area as a basis of a proposed contract discussion – the cost was 70% less than the initial AbCo indicative cost and 60% less that the restoration carried out during 2015. To this day AbCo have failed to respond to the group’s offer. We were told that AbCo could not consider a “consortium bid”. During early June, AbCo and CNPA decided that they would create a joint partnership to oversee Bridges and Pathways – this to be chaired by CNPA. On 15th June the inaugural meeting was convened – not surprisingly Marr Area were present as were Ballater Community Council and the Business Association and others. The Flood Group was invited but was discredited by the Chair for not having a Constitution nor a bank account!
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Marr Area confirmed that the questions of ownership and liability were exactly as they had earlier been told by the Group. The Group was advised that it could offer a Community bid if it wished but this would need to be ‘scrutinised’ by Council Officers and then offered for competing tender. At this point life for the Group became very frustrating – the bid had been submitted and ignored and the Authorities were posturing to ensure that they retained control no matter the cost. The next meeting of the Bridges and Pathways is scheduled for 9th November – that’s real progress! We have lost the opportunity to repair the bridge this year and a good part of next – so much for the economy of Ballater. As you can imagine the Group is ver y disappointed as things stand. We hope however that our action may rustle the leaves – but privately we doubt it.
Come and join us! Attached to the Crannach Bakery, which provides us with our wonderful fresh bread and cakes, Riverside Cottage is a friendly, family run Café/ Bistro offering an extensive menu and Equi’s Award-winning Italian Ice cream. Enjoy a full ‘Scottish’ with locallysourced produce; homemade soups, sandwiches, toasties and baked potatoes – all available to take away. Why not try our “Riverside Eggs Benedict” with bacon or John Ross smoked salmon? You won’t be disappointed! Dogs are always welcome in our garden – inside too.
Open 6 days from 11am (closed Tuesdays). Open New Year’s Day 12–3pm.
We’re always ready with a warm welcome! Cambus O’ May, Ballater, Aberdeenshire 01339 755126 riversidecottagecafe@gmail.com
Early Pioneers
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Rock, Snow and Ice Climbing in the Ballater Area By Duncan L. Macrae
William Douglas and John Henry Gibson. These two gentlemen, in their tweeds and hobnailed boots, are credited with the first recorded ascent of Lochnagar’s “Black Spout” by its left hand branch, in winter conditions, in March 1893. This is the first known real climb on ‘the steep frowning glories of Dark Lochnagar’. (Byron) Both men were members of the recently formed Scottish Mountaineering Club based in Glasgow, Douglas being a Publisher and Gibson a Lawyer. Prior to the Black Spout climb, Douglas and Gibson had attempted to climb the gully now named after them but were unsuccessful, and retreated when only 150 ft. from the plateau. Further attempts to climb DouglasGibson gully were made in 1897 and 1901, but it was not until 1933 when the first ascent was achieved. W Tough and W Brown climbed the ToughBrown traverse in 1895. It was the first rock climb on the mountain, but not one for the enthusiast, nor a popular route because of lack of protection on the vegetated, slabby rocks and with difficult route finding. Tough and Brown had to resort to desperate combined tactics at the crux. The climb was not repeated for 36 years Harold Raeburn was one of the most famous mountaineering names to be associated with Lochnagar. He was born in Edinburgh in 1865 and became one of Britain’s best known
climbers with many fine first ascents in his native Scotland and in the greater ranges world-wide. Raeburn first climbed the gully named after him in November 1898 with his companions J. Rennie and H. Lawson. The first winter ascent was not done until 34 years later in December, 1932 by a party led by G. R. Symmers. Incidentally, in March 1954, I was avalanched at the bottom of Raeburn Gully while on my own. I clung on to gully side rocks, my rucksack was ripped from my back and was later recovered 300 to 400 feet down the corrie in the direction of the frozen loch. I presume that the cornice at the top of Raeburn’s had collapsed. I climbed Raeburn’s Gully in the company of the late Jim Sunley in heavy snow conditions in April 1957. The top was heavily corniced and we had to tunnel through it to access the plateau. Godfrey Roy Symmers was one of the most prolific climbers on Lochnagar in the 1920s and 30s. He did most of his climbing while attending Aberdeen University. He is credited with discovering and climbing the Pannanich Cave Pitch on Craig Coillich, probably the closest climb to Ballater prior to the more recent routes in the Pass of Ballater. His first ascents are numerous and include South East Gully on Creag an Dubh Loch in 1928. On Lochnagar,in 1928, he partnered Miss N. Bruce on the first ascent of Central Buttress, and led first ascents of
Early Pioneers 40
(continued)
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The Crumbling Cranny – 1926, Pinnacle Gully No. 1 – 1927, Giant’s Head Chimney – 1930, Parellel Gullies A – 1930, Raeburn’s Gully – 1932 (Winter), Shadow Buttress A – 1932, Polyphemus Gully – 1933, and The Gargoyle Chimney – 1933. Roy Symmers was a long-time friend of Miss Sheila Bell, (later Mrs. Streatfield) from whose executors I bought our current home, Sluiebeg, in 1998. Charles Ludwig was the man who achieved the first ascent of the Douglas Gibson Gully, graded severe, while climbing solo in 1933. A member of the Aberdeen Cairngorm Club – famously founded two years before the Scottish Mountaineering Club, Ludwig practised his skill, often in unusual places, culminating in the unorthodox ascent of the Mitchell Tower, in the dark, accompanied by a skeleton, which continued to leer over Marischal Quadrangle for some days. He also crossed, hand by hand, over the wire rope which spanned Rubislaw Quarry. Despite such daredevil acts, Pilot Officer Charles Ludwig met his death on active service with the R.A.F. in 1941. J.H.B.Bell. The author of ‘A Progress in Mountaineering - Scottish Bens to Alpine Peaks’ published in 1950, Dr. Bell was one of Scotland’s foremost climbers. It is fitting, therefore, that he did the first ascent of Lochnagar’s finest route, Eagle Ridge Direct, in the company of Miss N. Forsyth in July 1941. The whole climb is continuously exposed and is graded Hard Severe. Bell expressed the opinion that for difficulty, narrowness and steepness altogether, it is superior to any of the well known Ben Nevis Ridges. To lead Eagle Ridge was the ultimate challenge for Aberdeen climbers in the Nineteen Fifties. In October 1958, I achieved my ambition to do this, with Fraser Henderson being “second man” on the rope. The 650 foot climb took four and a half hours. Fraser emigrated to New Zealand shortly thereafter, where he continued to climb in the Mount Cook region.
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by Bell Macaulay The blazing colours of autumn are fading, and with the changing of the clocks, the nights are closing in. The Victoria and Albert Halls now become the venue for an impressive range of community activities, reflecting the interests of young and old. Carpet bowling in the Victoria Hall, martial arts on the stage. In the Mike Sheridan Room – Ladies’ and Gent’s Probus, bridge, whist, Evergreen Club, whilst in the Albert Hall there is highland dancing and a plethora of exercise and activity clubs catering for the really young and the really fit! Looking to celebrate? Take a look at the Halls - Community Councillor Wendy Miller has gifted a full range of decorations and table and chair covers which turn the Albert Hall function suite into a very smart and affordable self-contained venue for weddings, parties and much more. How about your Christmas celebrations? All for the Community! – The Community Action Plan Open Day on 4th November gave the community an opportunity to review and add to the earlier consultation paper. The result will provide a blueprint for the future, and much work will need to be done to realise the hopes and aspirations of all. Station Square, the Halls and the Old Royal Station – These are developing as one village hub, working together to provide a focal point for information and entertainment with all the traditional businesses included – the Halls, the Old Royal Station housing the Tourist Information Centre, an Interpretation Centre,
the Aberdeenshire Library and Information Service, the Station Restaurant, Dee Valley Confectioners, the Bike Station all clustered round a revitalised Station Square which has space for community events spilling outside – a continental atmosphere for everyone to enjoy! Maintenance and refurbishment – Ian Hay and the Refurbishment Group are working on the next stages of the upgrade to the Halls involving insulation and heating solutions for the entire complex – something which will delight all users, especially through the winter months. An application has been submitted to the Climate Challenge Fund for £150K, and if we are lucky enough to be successful, the payback is that a two year programme to reduce carbon emissions will be rolled out with the support of Home Energy Scotland and Zero Waste Scotland. CaRB – Carbon Reduction Ballater - aims to save money and the planet by encouraging small changes in behaviour within our community. In return, the Halls will hopefully end up with the entire building being properly insulated. The trustees greatly appreciate the very hard work done by Nick Mardall, Gordon Riddler and Alan Ross in completing a very complex application form seeking this funding. Alternative power plans – Mindful of our experiences in December 2015, and since the Halls are the designated place of safety for the community, trustees and advisors have been working on plans to provide alternative lighting and heating in the event of a power outage. The ability of the community to respond in the immediate aftermath of any event and before the emergency services arrive is crucial. Professional advice has been sought, and we are at the point of acquiring and testing a range of temporary lighting and heating systems for use should there be a power outage. A dedicated room will store all the equipment required, and The Ballater Resilience Group and the Halls Trust will work together to ensure the community is prepared for all eventualities. We do need a dedicated band of strong individuals whose only task is to come to the Halls in case of emergency and move all the equipment into position, providing initial
heating and lighting throughout the building until a standby generator can be connected. The wiring for the emergency generator is now installed courtesy of funding from Scottish & Southern Electricity and Aboyne & Upper Deeside Rotary Club. Events - The ever popular Totico band will usher in the New Year in the Victoria Hall, and those lucky enough to get a ticket will enjoy music, stovies and trifle at a cost of £25 per person (bring your own liquid refreshments!) Tickets are limited, and will be available on a first come, first served basis from Yule’s Newsagents. Website, Information and Bookings – A reminder - please don’t forget to complete a booking form if you wish to use the halls. Check what is available on www.victoriaandalberthalls. co.uk. and look in the online calendar. Membership is slowly increasing, but we need your support – it costs nothing, but demonstrates that the Halls play an important part in community life, and helps with releasing funding. For further infor mation or to obtain
Membership Registration Forms call/leave message for Janet Riddler at 013397 55308 or email: membership@victoriaandalberthalls.co.uk Keeping the Halls in good order –Karen Forsyth is a great support and continues to do an excellent job. Please remember that groups are expected to ensure that all equipment is tidied away after use, tables wiped and floors cleaned when necessary. Make a note of any bulbs which need replacement etc. in the diary which is kept on the windowsill in the Mike Sheridan Room store. Do you have a few hours to spare? We’re always on the lookout for some help to organise / run events, or even take a turn in the kitchen, serve teas when necessary – all offers of help welcomed! Keep on enjoying your Halls, and pitch in with some help where you can! HANDY NUMBERS Bell Macaulay – 013397 55745 Gordon Riddler – 013397 55308 Karen Forsyth – 07921 460368 Douglas Glass – 07778 466817
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Blue Cairngorms
by Ian Cameron
Around 80 years ago, a game-keeper lived in the lodge at Loch Builg. Stories are told of his gem-hunting skills. Apparently, he discovered a source of blue stones. They have been described as ‘blue cairngorms’, but at that time all crystals found in the hills were called ‘cairngorms’. The keeper apparently traded his blue gems for provisions at the Crathie Post Office, with the postmaster sending the surplus stones away to a jeweller for sale. That part is certainly true as I have been in the company of the third generation of the postmaster’s family when the stones were being discussed. The old keeper never disclosed the source of his gems all rock hounds know the story - and the Loch Builg area has been searched for the last 70 summers, but to no reported avail. The post master’s family did have some of the stones mounted as jewellery, but all that remains today is a pair of earrings only one of which is original. In the mineral hunters’ world this story had gained myth status, but the fact that a jeweller could perfectly match and mount the missing earring from his stock gems dismisses for all time the widely held view that the keeper’s lode were gems new to science. The stones were crystals of an attractive blue colour. Quartz crystals take their colour from minerals in the host rock and the smoky/yellow cairngorms owe their colours to traces of ferric oxide. The keeper’s blue stones were unique in that no blue cairngorms had ever been found. The most likely explanation is that the gamekeeper’s lode were not ‘cairngorms’ at all but kyanite, a sky-blue crystal, recorded in Scotland as having been found quite locally in Glen Tilt, Loch Tay side and east of Loch Rannoch. On the great Scottish estates, servants finding anything of note on the ground, be it semi-precious gems or pre-historic carved stones, invariably offered them up to the Big House to appease the Laird. The keeper at Loch Builg was of sterner stuff. Maybe it was because he had no wife and children to think about or maybe his attitude stemmed from his simmering resentment of the head keeper, and by association, the Laird.
Blue Cairngorms (continued)
We can never tell, but Macpherson, the stalker, was very much his own man and in time, he left Invercauld. In rural areas there may be much speculation and myths, but very few secrets can be kept from local folk. In towns and villages, the public house serves as meeting place and oratory. But Gairnside, with reclusive stone-age characters from the far reaches of the Glen only venturing as far as Ballater once a year to give over their rent to the factor at the Invercauld Hotel, had a more convivial meeting place - The Fit o’ Gairn smiddy. Every farm had a horse, and, after the blacksmith at Kirkstyle gave up, Charlie Clark got to know every horse and its master in Glen Gairn. Charlie told me the story of the ‘blue steens’. ‘It was efter the First War that Macpherson was at Loch Builg. There was a lang het summer an’ abody was short o’ water. The crop
at Balgairn an’ Dalbedgie out on the haugh just came to nithing and withered awa’. Word got out about Macpherson’s steens fin he left them wi’ Albert Thomson’s folk at the Post Office. The auld Laird wasna sair pleased but it was ill to get onybody to bide at Loch Builg so he left him aleen. The blue steens came out o’ the loch. The stalker fished the loch for the char, the fish were pink fleshed like sma salmon, an’ the year o’ the low water he stood out on steens that he had niver seen before to get casted faarer o’wer the water. Then he noticed something shining at his feet, an’ there was the seam o’ blue steens. He could only get at them when the loch was real low, usually at the end of ’ the summer, an’ when a couple years on, the steens went deen, he left the Glen. Time moves on and Kyanite comes back into my life. We have lived at Abergairn now for over twenty-three years, and in that time, I have gone out the back door and walked the few paces to the bothy door many, many hundreds of times. Only a few weeks ago, as I was returning from the
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bothy to our back door, I noticed something shine in one of the granite stones that surrounds our back door. The sky-blue, blade-like mineral was a classic Kyanite crystal. It is often said with crystals that you do not find them, but they find you! This was very true in this case. I discovered that Kyanite crystals are more common than we think. Some time ago I investigated the claim that Sapphire crystals were to be found in the rock of the north foundation of Gairnshiel’s high arch Military bridge. They were Kyanite.
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Geva’s Musings with Cllr Blackett
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and
a Happy New Year
Once again, your councillor is up against the Eagle Wall with time to write my article having all but run out – where has the time gone! How can it be November already…? Just a few weeks until Christmas and then 2018 but my excuses have run out along with the editor’s patience. Please excuse me for seemingly going off message here… When we first came to live at Invercauld over twenty-four years ago, we stayed in Altdourie House which is way up the back drive. We had four daughters under five and a dog – and lived right by the estate’s diesel pump so traffic was busy. One day, I felt compelled to go and ask the driver of one of the Landrovers to please slow down as the children had little sense of the dangers and the dog had none. There were three men all squashed in the front of the vehicle and even after all these years, in my mind I can still see a pair of twinkling blue eyes in the centre. Some weeks later there was an accident on the hill and my husband, the very new Factor, asked me to go and visit the injured ghillie in hospital, as what had started as an accident had ended up in a double heart by-pass. Dutifully – and clutching our four-month-old baby – I nervously made my way along the corridors and popped my head around the door There I found that same pair of naughty eyes, still twinkling despite all this man had undergone. A friendship was born, a friendship I have valued so much over the years. I somehow managed to persuade this man to teach me to fish – which he, with enormous patience, managed to do and after about two years I even caught a salmon which he expertly helped me land. I got the bug and whenever I could, I was out on the river trying to catch a fish but more importantly, learning about the wildlife and the habitat from a true expert. The man was of course Jimmy Hepburn, known and loved by so many – and now, following his recent death, missed by us all. Jimmy was some man, a font of knowledge and wisdom and always so full of mischief and humour – a
Jimmy Hepburn
truly lovely man! One of life’s characters. We all have our memories and our stories about this wonderful man but what Jimmy inspired in me was a determination to fight for the countryside we all love so much and to protect the jobs that depend directly on the wildlife management practiced by Jim and those that benefit indirectly through tourism. So, in part Jimmy is responsible for my political career. Thank You Jimmy for all that you gave to so many - we are better for having known you. As this year draws to a close, I can reflect on another busy twelve months. In March I was honoured to be elected to the Cairngorms National Park Board and with housing being such a crucial issue for us all, I am enjoying being in at the start of the work leading to the next Local Development Plan. The Main Issues Report is the first step on that journey and it is crucial that everyone with an interest in development in our area engages in the consultation process which will be starting soon. The dynamics of the Board have changed a bit recently with five new councillors joining us (one from Angus, one from Perth, two from Highland and one from Moray) and will change again next year when five ministerial appointments change – the huge advantage of this system is that the board is refreshed on a regular basis and guarantees interesting discussions which hopefully lead to positive outcomes for communities. Having spent five years as a councillor I am finding the Park work both relevant and challenging so thank you for giving me the opportunity to join up my council
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work with the Park. In May I faced the ballot box again and despite an anxious wait at the count, was thrilled to be re-elected for a second term. We all sit on policy committees and although I enjoyed the Social Work & Housing Committee (now Communities) I sat on in my first term, I felt I needed to understand more of the council and so elected to sit on Infrastructure Services which covers roads, landscape, planning, waste and more. Fascinating and extremely challenging with budget cuts looming! The big change of course was our move west – into Braemar. We are now settled in our newly renovated house and loving the warmth after years of living in an unheatable and rambling property – we will miss the view at Clunie Cottage and to a degree, the solitude, but living in the heart of the community we have come to call home will bring many advantages, not least being able to walk to the shops! Those of you who follow me on Facebook will know that not all has gone smoothly and we have been badly let down by the company we bought our kitchen from. I have been very open about this fight I have found us embroiled in, because I am very aware that people in Ballater received similar treatment from contractors after the flood. As a customer, I expect to get what I have paid for with minimum disruption and this has certainly not been the case for many of us. Many of the issues I have are the result of shockingly bad workmanship and a company that flatly refuses to accept full responsibility and insists on playing by their rules. If you find yourself in a similar position, please do not sign completion forms. You have rights (not least under the Consumer Rights Act 2015) and although I am not a lawyer, I am very happy to give support to anyone who needs it. Finally, a word about the Ballater Farmers’ Market – How are we going to do without this amazing monthly event over the winter? Always a place to have a natter, always the place to buy the best of local food! I am looking forward to April already! In the meantime – Merry Christmas and Happy Hogmanay everyone.
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Walk in the Park Katrina A Farquhar
My walk this time is more of a wander into history and a ramble, making it as long or as short as you wish. You can walk from Ballater up over the Bridge of Muick, and have a meander through the graveyard, which I always find fascinating! After leaving the graveyard, you walk straight along past Dallifour enjoying the avenue of trees and beech hedging planted a few years ago and now making a rather attractive avenue on this straight. When you get to the end of the straight, instead of following the road just continue up the bank and you will see a fairly well trampled path, through an old dyke and onto the farm track leading up to the old Knocks Farm. Walk up the road and you will then see the old castle. On the right there is a stile to climb over but please be very careful as there may be cattle or sheep in the field and if you have any dogs with you they must be on a lead. Walk up to the castle through the gate, making sure you close it again. The atmosphere is like going back in time and the view to Ballater and up Glenmuick are both equally fabulous. Knock Castle is a four-storey ruin, dating from approximately 1600. It has walls of about 4 feet thick. The external walls of the castle have been recently repaired and a spiral turnpike staircase can still be seen inside. Unusual features at Knock are the defensive shot holes for pistols. They are all angled to the ground, with the centre one pointing forward and the two outer holes pointing slightly askew. A short distance to the west is a motte, or mound, with the possible foundations of a 12thcentury timber stronghold, known as the Old Castle Knock. Belonging to the Earls of Mar, this structure was destroyed in 1590 by the Clan Chattan (Macintosh). The lands of Knock had been part of the Lordship of Aboyne and held by the Earls of Atholl who granted it to the Gordons of Abergeldie after the battle of Corrichie. Fought on the 28 October 1562, the Gordons were
51
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defeated by the forces of Mary, Queen of Scots, during her suppression of the rebellious Huntly. A feud between the neighbouring clan, the Forbes, intensified when Henry Gordon, the 2nd Laird of Knock, was murdered during a raid by the Forbes and Clan Chattan men in 1592. His brother Alexander Gordon succeeded Henry, and may have built or remodelled Knock Castle on its present site. It is said that one day, when Alexander sent his seven sons out to cut peat for the winter store, the brothers strayed onto the Forbes Clan lands, when after several hours cutting they were discovered by the Forbes and his men. A battle ensued, by the end of which all the brothers were killed. After the affray the Forbes decided to make an example of the Gordons. They severed the heads of the brothers and impaled them on their peat spades. After a while, concerned about the whereabouts of his sons, the Laird sent out one of his servants to look for them, taking a meal for the boys. When the boys’ heads were discovered, the servant, distraught, ran back to Knock with the news of what had transpired that day. Upon hearing the news, Alexander Gordon collapsed at the top of the turnpike stair and tumbled to his death. The Forbes Laird was then taken and executed and all his lands were forfeited to Abergeldie. The castle is now maintained by of Historic Environmental Scotland. After leaving the castle, there is a wonderful old steading and I just can’t resist a rummage around but if you do, please be careful - but it is a lovely building worth a peek! You can either retrace your steps or walk down the track to the road. This is a good walk for a winter afternoon just to get some fresh air and let your imagination run riot! You can also drive up past the end of Knock Farm road and just past Knocks cottages there is a reasonable sized lay by on the left but please park with courtesy to others and not across entrances. If you park here, you can head up Knocks Brae and take the first track to your right which leads up to the fields and past the motte. Keeping to the fence side leads down to the farm track.
The ground is a bit uneven and sometimes quite wet so make sure you have walking boots on and tread carefully. As I said at the beginning you can take half an hour or an hour and a half for this one - it is all up to the imagination and perhaps the weather.
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The Black Hand of Inver
by Sheila Sedgwick
The year was 1767. Deeside was still recovering after the events of 1745. “Smuggling” was rife and a watch was kept for the Excise Men who could turn up at anytime and anywhere, although hiding places were always “at the ready” and a well-rehearsed drill ensured that the precious whisky was kept safe from confiscation. On the banks of the Fearder Burn beyond Crathie was the Mill of Inver, for generations associated with the Davidson family. The Davidson family members were hard-working and like most families in the area were producing their own brew – a very potent whisky. John Davidson and some of the family members were in the habit of drying malt in the kiln at night, away from prying eyes, for fear of a surprise visit by the Gaugers. A weary father Davidson settled down to sleep on a pile of sacks, leaving a conscientious assistant to wake him when the “brew” was ready for turning. Mill doors at the time had a small hole for the cat, essential to control the vermin. Suddenly the assistant saw through the hole, a black hand clutching a stone which was dropped through, landing on the sleeping miller’s chest. When it happened a second time the angry miller rushed to the door. A voice said “Follow me.” Bravely the miller stepped out, leaving a terrified assistant. They reached a little foot-bridge over the Fearder where a large giant was reputed to be buried. The miller attacked the “ghost” and after a bizarre wrestling match the ghost told him that in life, he had stolen a sword and because it was made of metal and buried in the ground, he could find no rest in the spirit world. The ghost pointed out where the sword was buried. Next morning, the miller called his son and told him to bring a spade. They dug beside an apple tree in ground behind the mill. When at first nothing was found, the miller began to think he had been dreaming the previous evening, but they persevered. Eventually the spade hit something hard. It was an old sword with a broken blade. Father Davidson said to his son “The Black Hand can get rest now.” They took the sword home and hung it above the fireplace. The story was told to visitors and locals alike, with many embellishments, and the sword remained above the fireplace for many years. My Grannie told me that as a small girl she had seen it many times – that would have been in the 1860s. Unfortunately no-one seems to know where the sword is now. That is unfortunate, for it is said that ownership of the sword means that the family will never want, and that they will have assured possession of any property they own! Our area has many stories of unusual happenings, most of which have a basis of truth – with a great deal of elaboration!
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Pottering About
with Stella Potter
Flood recovery is, rather like Schrödinger’s cat, a mixture of good and not-so-good news. On the plus side it is utterly delightful to look out of my kitchen window in these dark evenings and seeing so many warm lights of human habitation. Folk have returned, babies have been born, life is back. There is a semblance of complete recovery. However, this is not yet complete. Not only are many householders still trying to make right botched and poor quality renovations but, as the Bakery van in the car park testifies, some properties thought to have escaped the ravages of that awful day have been discovered to have actually not escaped at all. So, nearly two whole years later, the hum of dehumidifiers and the background of workies radios and attendant
hammering still continue. I had really hoped to stop banging on in these pages about recovery by now, and my heart goes out to those who are still struggling. Be assured I will continue to document progress. It’s been a gorgeous autumn so far: little rain, no unseasonal Tattie Holidays snow, glorious autumn colour and as yet no need for hats, gloves, scarves, boots and winter jackets. Admittedly, by the time you read this the winter garb will have been re-instated to a handy box in the hall and I’ll be grumbling about the time it takes just to get out of the door, but for now I’m content. In fact, as I was writing this, an unexpected parcel from a German friend arrived. I’d lent him a favourite book - “Attention All Shipping”
by Charlie Connelly, which documents his journey around all the places in the Shipping Forecast. He posted it back with a wonderful new winter hat. As you know, I love wacky hats, and already had a collection of these delightful ones, handmade by a local artist, and have given away some too. Indeed, the first time I visited my friend we went to her house to buy some of her wonderful headgear. Her house had none of the muted colours or clean lines of many houses. The walls were packed with her art, recycled crafting materials teetered in colour co-ordinated piles and, to my delight, she had the most wonderful coffee table. She’d bemoaned the huge cost of coffins which will be buried or burnt so had made her own, and used it daily as her living room centrepiece. I just loved this practicality. Now I’m not frightened of death, just the actual dying, and have long encouraged folk to talk about death as easily as we can now talk about sex – especially considering how hard it was in my youth to openly discuss the latter. So this gives me a little opportunity to share some of what I’ve learned over the years. I think it’s important to have open discussions about death. Whatever our beliefs, we all know that one day we will no longer be walking, talking, breathing, thinking and hugging our loved ones. Of course that will be a mighty sad day for those who love us, but we can all make it easier for them. If we don’t die suddenly and unexpectedly we can make legal and financial arrangements. We can talk with our families about the sort of funeral we’d like, if any. There is legal obligation to properly dispose of our bodies but the rest is cultural and personal. I know these conversations are not easy, and indeed I have still to have them with some family members, but if we’ve not braved the chat we can so easily complicate our grieving by trying to second guess what the deceased might have wanted. It’s not a good idea to only put such requests in our wills as they are so often not read until after a funeral when, of course, it’s too late. I have worked with some families who, after a funeral, having done their best to do what they thought the deceased had probably wanted, discover that their loved ones wanted something completely different to what they had done. This compounds feelings of guilt on top of the angst of second guessing and hugely complicates and extends the grieving process. So please try and have those conversations. Over the years, I have noticed that more children are attending funerals and I think this is a jolly good thing. Gone are the days when children were automatically excluded to “protect” them from the rawness of grief. Children’s imaginations are boundless, so if they are not given the choice to attend, they can so easily imagine far, far worse than what actually happens. This can be damaging. Grieving is a part of life and to my mind there is no advantage in shielding them from what we all feel, unless of course, they really don’t want to attend. Another difficult yet important conversation to have, especially if they do want to come so that a trusted adult can talk through what will happen. We all have our individual way of grieving. Some keep that pain deep within themselves (the stiff upper lip attitude), some weep and wail (the let it all out approach), most do a bit of both. It’s a personal journey that we need to walk authentically for ourselves, there is no right or wrong way. On a different subject we have a mystery that we hope you may help to solve. In the library recently I met Margaret Balfour from Edinburgh. She’s on our subscription list but she receives two copies arriving the same day or a day apart. Neither Margaret nor the Eagle team have any idea where the second copy is coming from. Envelopes are handwritten with no return address, but the subscription copy address is printed and with a return address. In the last couple of years a business card was once in the envelope: for Carrie Murdoch at Encore Dress & Vintage Agency, Fettercairn, but apparently this is not the person sending them. So can any of you good readers solve this mystery? Finally, as the season of goodwill approaches - apart from wondering why all year shouldn’t be liberally peppered with our goodwill! - I hope we all cope with the short days, long nights and fulsomely enjoy any celebrations we care to mark. Cheers!
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It’s Mom’s Fault (Part 2)
Fast forward over the next twenty-eight years of soldiering across Canada, Europe, and the Middle East clad, as circumstances dictated, in regular Army winter and summer khakis, paratrooper jump smocks and gleaming maroon jump boots, cold weather clothing with felt lined mukluks, resplendent red melton cloth regimental mess kit. Then in 1966 into the new Canadian Forces greens, and the baggy all ranks combat dress. Yes indeed “Dress up” complete. Of those many years, an abundance of uniformed memories flood the mind. But one stands out circa 1980. As a Major commanding the Winnipeg Regional Ordnance Depot on an annual full dress parade, my daughter, then an Air Force Lance Corporal, in uniform, publicly presented me with my medal for 22 years meritorious service (often affectionately referred to as 22 years undetected crime). A fond father – daughter memory. Sadly I must confess that during this time, despite achieving higher rank, masculine independence, and ever increasing authority, I could not escape feminine influence on my dress. On Fridays, at our National Military Headquarters in Ottawa, we wore civilian suits versus uniform. My then wife had my colours analysed, a scheme whereby colours and shades of shirts, suits, ties, socks, and shoes were matched to whether your skin tone was “winter, summer, spring or fall” and you purchased accordingly. For the single-tasking masculine right brain, this was ideal as I could, in theory, select any ensemble with my eyes closed – and all would be complimentary. With such a background one would rightfully assume this uniformed approach to life also affected the family. Indeed, although it was probably more the parent’s desire to expose one’s offspring to the varied aspects of Western culture that would make a man or a woman out of them. Certainly it was not a covert attempt to “dress up.” My three youngsters were soon decked out in the inevitable Guides, Brownies, and Cubs
by Tom C. White
garb, earning their various badges, absorbing the requisite virtues of good citizenship. As time passed, Shelley and Tom escaped the lure of the “uniform”, but Lori answered the clarion call to arms, joined the Air Force, and served her country valiantly for twenty-one years in bases across Canada. But the dog?? Confronted with our family’s “broad” sense of humour it was inevitable that Haemish - our memorable first canine and a fully participating member of the family pack – would end up being “dressed up.” He suffered such indignities with stolid doggie bemusement, probably hoping such would not be the norm. 1985 saw me say farewell to the Canadian Armed Forces to venture off for15 years as a civilian officer with United Nations Peacekeeping missions worldwide. The only uniform denoting my vocation was a compulsory UN blue cap or arm band providing somewhat questionable legal
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protection from the evils of the various war torn nations I frequented. Then a final retirement. My dear Mom has now passed on, content I hope, that her brief Ontario based “dress up” venture has been carried to completion beyond her fondest dreams. However, perhaps in subconscious deference to her, I may still be discovered in unusual attire. Each year during annual summer holidays in Ballater, Scotland, six year old Chief Many Feathers from long ago re-emerges, now an aging, arthritic but enthusiastic pensioner masquerading as a jolly red nosed circus clown amusing the crowds during the town street parades, or a sinister black robed warlock prowling the darkened night woods of the Highlands frightening men, women, and children on the villages’ popular Ghost and Ghouls tour. You would surmise by now my long externally managed “dress up” career would eventually come to a merciful end. But such is not to be, for another “Mom” has risen. My wife Maureen, an ardent Scottish lass, unearthed my extensive Scottish roots, and has embarked enthusiastically on embellishing me from head to toe in the magnificent trappings of a stalwart Highlander. Indian, Mountie, Navy, Army uniform are no more, replaced with Campbell Clan and Black Watch tartan kilts, black leather belt with Clan badge, Balmoral coat, Prince Charlie jacket, quillies shirt, silver plated Clan cufflinks, tasselled sealskin sporran, plaid with brooch, skien dhu, mighty dirk, topped off with a bonny Balmoral tam. Albeit, on special occasions only. Therefore I question what is it that selects life’s road we follow? Environment? Circumstance? Moms? Over the years often my father mused on his own life “How I wonder if some time past I had zigged instead of zagged, where would I be today?” Likewise, why did I forsake the farmer’s lot to spend the rest of my life “dressing up?” Must off to bed now. At least I journey to dreamland confident the checkered flannel pyjamas, folded neatly on the pillow, were my choice and mine alone. Finally!!
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“Mr April” on the Eagle Calendar 2018, available to buy from Yules and Deeside Books now, priced £5 pic by Ruth Samuel
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