Ballater & Crathie Eagle, Issue 60, Winter 2010

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Ballater & crathie Community magazine

Last festive posting dates 1st class: 21 December 2nd class: 18 December

no.60 xmas/hogmanay 2010/11

What’s this? fly to page 45 The Eagle flies all the way to Malcolm Croll in Dubai.

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have been highly embarrassing.

At that time, soldiers and their horses were everywhere in the village and in that great sea of khaki, there were many fathers who were missing their families. As regular visitors to the stables, the village children were probably unaware how much they had filled a certain gap in the soldiers’ lives, many of whom showed their gratitude with small gifts. The main currency amongst the children was badges and buttons and being a born scrounger and with his barracks connections, Wee Chis soon built up an enviable hoard of army regalia.

At the station, one of the railway engine sheds had been allocated to his father as a storehouse for military equipment and soon after the outbreak of hostilities in 1939, a great pile of clothing and military paraphernalia had begun to arrive. One curious feature was the crates of pith helmets, leather bandoliers and lightweight uniforms better suited for service

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in a hot climate, that had appeared unheralded one day. His father reckoned that somewhere, a cunning depot quartermaster had used the confusion of wartime, to make a crafty move and get rid of them from his shelves.

The trouble was that the shed was only made of corrugated iron, much of it in a poor state, and although it often held open boxes of live ammunition, grenades and flares, there was also very little in the way of security. It was very damp and with no flooring or method of heating, the stores soon became covered in mould and deteriorated fast. His father was then allocated a number of Nissen huts that had been built in the woods at Monaltrie, These were a bit more suitable and he was also tasked with providing stores for Monaltrie House and the other large houses in the area that had been taken over by the military. These storehouses were an Aladdin’s cave for a young loon and on the pretext of helping out, he was forever looking for a chance to rake about in them.

A warm festive welcome to our 60th edition

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Pop the kettle on, put your feet up, and enjoy!

The Eagle Team wish you all a Very Happy Festive Season.

Diary

Local Groups:

The dates you need: 4-5 Ballater Business Association: 28

The Crathie Pages Groups, School and more... 24-25

Halls Minutes Extracts A fascinating glimpse: 50

Ballater School P6/7 share their activities: 30-32

Elspet Michie A fresh look: 42

Japanese Knotweed

Ballater & District Old People’s Asscociation: 8 Ballater Enhancement Group: 12 Ballater Halls Indoor Bowling: 8 Ballater Royal Horticultural Society: 10 BRHS Floral Art Group: 14 Ballater Songsters: 8 BOVOF: 27 Carers Group: 10

One woman’s fight: 33 Chiels: 13

Pottering About

CNPA: 9

Garlic, a talk, wood and snow: 47

Local History “The Munchi”: 46

Community Council: 21 Halls Committee: 38 Judo: 26

The Law Reminiscences of local police: 36 Grampian Police: 34

Rotary: 19 SWRI: 8

STATION Popular Informal Restaurant in the Old Royal Station

Open daily from 10am Station Square, Ballater AB35 5PB Telephone 013397 55050

Donkey Wallopers

Upper Deeside Art Society: 10

More from Arthur Chisnall: 55 Upper Deeside Music: 9

Contact us: YES: 11

All the ways YOU can contribute: 7

Advertising: Full page: £60; Half page: £30; Quarter page: £20; Eighth page: £10

Please contact Faye Swan at info@swandesign.uk.com or Tel.55345

Donations: Donations are gratefully received, and acknowledged. You can also put money into our tins in the Library or Yules Newsagents.

A big thank you this issue to Chrissie Morrison from Crathie

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Eagle Eyes

December Myths & Magic with Deborah Leslie & Peter Nicol, Victoria Hall, 2-4pm, FREE Upper Deeside Music, Darroch Learg, 4.30pm BRHS Talk: The Developing Garden of Castle Fraser by Damon Powell, 7.30pm, Mike Sheridan Room CLAN Christmas Coffee Morning, Crathie Church Hall, 10–12.30 St. Kentigern’s Midweek Communion Service, 9.30am Final of Ballater Chiels’ “Ballater’s Got Talent” in Victoria Hall Ballater & Crathie Community Council, Mike Sheridan Room, 7pm Ballater School Christmas Show at 1.45pm Ballater School Christmas Show at 7pm Ballater Local History Group: Quiz, Cheese & Wine, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm Ballater School Christmas Show at 7pm St. Kentigern’s Midweek Communion Service, 9.30am Ballater Chiels’ Fancy Dress Disco Glenmuick Church: Christingle Service, 11am; Nine Lessons and Carols 6.30pm St. Kentigern’s Midweek Communion Service, 9.30am Ballater School Christmas Church Service, Glenmuick Church 11am Ballater & Aboyne Schools Term Ends Santa and his Real Live Reindeer, Church Green, 12.30pm, Sponsored by Craigendarroch Ballater Surgery – Normal Opening Hours Ballater Post Office closing at 12.30pm Ballater Library closing at 4pm St. Nathalans Mass, 8pm St. Kentigern’s Midnight Communion Service, 11.30pm Glenmuick Church: Watchnight. Carols from 11.30pm. Service 12 Midnight Ballater Chemist, Post Office and Library CLOSED St. Kentigern’s Church Holy Communion, 9.30am Glenmuick Church: Family Service 10.30 am St. Kentigern’s Church Holy Communion, 9.30am Ballater Surgery, Chemist & Post Office CLOSED St. Nathalans Mass, 11am Ballater Surgery - EMERGENCIES ONLY (9am – 11am) Ballater Library & Post Office CLOSED Ballater Golf Club Hogmanay Party – Members & Guests Welcome Ballater Surgery – Normal Opening Hours

Tattoo. It was all good practice for the riders and good exercise for their mounts.

Leaping to his feet, he quickly laced up his ‘jimmies’ and ran after the departing pair who fortunately had stopped at the Royal Observer Corps post and were chatting to Donald Morgan and Albert Glashan who were on duty that day. ‘Hi you eens’, he yelled, when he got within earshot, ‘it looks like the Donkey Wallopers’r haein a gymkhana this efterneen. It’s ower yonder by the dooker, n’ ye’ll miss oot if ye ging that wye.’ His brother translated this for a mystified Johnny, and as neither had seen a Gymkhana before, they were fair pleased at the prospect and changed course towards the Clubhouse.

Back again at the ‘Lang Peel’, Wee Chis stretched out on his towel once more, “Ach” he thought, “it’ll be a few hours yet before the Gymkhana gets going, so I’ll just lie here for a while and get a bit more of this rare sun”.

After a time, his thoughts turned drowsily to the horses, many of which he knew

by name. Some of the finer animals were the personal property of officers and others only kept for riding and exhibitions.

Several of the draught animals were also used in the displays and although they might look clumsy, they performed with just as much enthusiasm and apparent enjoyment as their well-bred stable mates.

Dreamily he thought of the one major drawback to horses, as far as he was concerned and that lay in what they were inclined to deposit on the ground. Whenever the clattering of hooves announced a troop of horses passing the barracks, his eagle-eyed father would bellow. “Arthur, get the bucket and shovel will you son! That manure’ll do fine on the veggie garden!” and creeping furtively out into Queens Road, trying to look all ways at once, he would hastily scoop up the free bounty and race madly back to the garden hoping that he hadn’t been seen by any of the local quines, for at that tender age, it would

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from Boy Service in Aldershot and lying close by, sprang quickly to his feet. ‘Oucha’, he yelled, ‘that’s the third time the day that these blasted clegs have drawn blood and that’s all they’re getting, that’s it, I’m out of here’. At a certain time of the year, clegs (horseflies), with their nasty stings, were unfortunately one of the drawbacks to bathing in the Lang Peel.

Rising up on one elbow, Wee Chis watched as his brother and his Boy Service pal Johnny Barlow got dressed and headed off in the direction of Brockies pond. He noticed there were quite a few golfers about, even though the course had recently acquired an additional hazard in the shape of tall tree trunks placed upright in the ground at irregular intervals along all the fairways. This was designed as an anti-invasion measure, the strategy being to prevent enemy planes from attempting to land. There was now the

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slight chance that an unlucky golfer might strike one of these uprights and have his ball stopped dead in flight, but occasionally a lucky one, heading for the rough, could also gain an advantage from a ricochet. Most golfers thought it sort of added spice to the game.

Away in the distance to the right of the clubhouse, he caught sight of a flurry of khaki activity and realised with pleasure that the RASC Horse Transport Regiment were roping off an unused area of the golf course to the east of the ‘Wee Dooker’, for what looked like one of their regular Gymkhanas.

These events were free and one of the highlights was a tent-pegging contest, in which riders with lances – usually the officers would race and attempt to spear small wooden pegs in the ground. Spectacular rough riding exhibitions, races and comic events followed, the like of which the delighted village folk could never have expected to witness outside of an Aldershot Military

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Ballater Post Office – Closed 4pm Ballater Library CLOSED January Ballater Chemist, Post Office and Library– CLOSED Golf Club New Years Day Lunch – 12noon - 2pm Members & Guests Welcome Ballater Surgery, Chemist and Post Office – CLOSED Ballater Surgery - EMERGENCIES ONLY (9am – 11am) Ballater Post Office & Library CLOSED Ballater Indoor Bowling Club Re-starts – Victoria Hall 2-4pm and 7-9pm Ballater & Aboyne Schools Term 3 Starts Mon 10 Ballater & Crathie Community Council , Mike Sheridan Room, 7pm Wed 19 SWRI: Talk by Dr Mike Stephen on Halambu Project, Nepal, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm V & A Halls Fund Raising Burns Night, Victoria Hall at 7pm Ballater Local History Group: Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm February UDAS, Aboyne Bowling Club 2pm. Talk by Jenny Musker BRHS Talk: Butterflies & Moths of the Muir of Dinnet by Helen Rowe, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm Ballater School Occasional Day Holiday Ballater School Occasional Day Holiday Ballater & Crathie Community Council , Mike Sheridan Room, 7pm Ballater School Mid-Term Holiday Ballater School In-Service Day Wed 16 SWRI: Talk by Sheridan’s Butchers, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm Wed 23 Ballater Local History Group: Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm March Mon 7 BRHS: Talk: Bees in your Garden by Janice Kennedy, Mike Sheridan Room 7.30pm Ballater & Crathie Community Council, Mike Sheridan Room, 7pm SWRI (Open Night) Talk: “Birds of Prey” by Stewart Mille, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm

Ballater Surgery: All emergencies outwith the normal times please tel: 013397 55686 OR NHS 24: 08454 242424 For inclusion in this FREE section of the Eagle, please contact our Diary Secretary: Isabel Michie 54094.

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Letter from our Editor

‘The Donkey Wallopers’

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by Arthur Chisnall strength to eaders, Dear R to go from s e tside u n ti n o d from ou agle c n a E l r a te c a lo ll , a B all ore people ith ever m d, but with rl o w e th strength, w raphs cross nd photog a d indeed a n s a le , ic a rt re a a the sending include to Ballater, possible to gazine. a s y m a y lw it a n t with links u m no st to in our com do our be etimes it is l n m il o so si w lu h e c g w u in o d for se, alth rsevere, an e all of the ver, do pe e w o h We welcom se a le Team ed. received. P the Eagle d f lu m o c e it in rs e y b re r e a m ev ossible to all me ches your many as p my thanks r Eagle rea u ss o y re t p a x ensure as e th r who nsure e, I wish to Julie Bloo f ways to e d o n a ty e y Meanwhil ri d a n v e in a ade of A the printer, p their tim must be m ming from o n c o e ti n who give u in e z a m g d Jean ma Particular re John an urs of the a o h ” rs in re h e it v w li letter box.. ge and “de entire villa enderson, m. Other e e H th th n t to h a r Jo e w v , deli may thro e Masson t edition, e weather Clark, Iren ce the firs n y a si s M le , g whatever th re a ty E ly is on MacIn nfortunate designing u ri a n o e h e M b w , y s e s, a ll e h il Ho Potter Naomi M Sedgwick ster. Stella in this by an. Sheila w d S te e is y ss Hugh Ink a a F of all ly er kept track ing manag en ver y ab e s is a b rt h e s v a n d h a so r il d an , and ou ile Betty W al. We are Grantown ires renew y issue, wh r u e q v e re moving to n in o ti le ic triona rip uted an art ie, and Ca en a subsc ib h th tr w ra n o C m c e s m th a o h ding re of the ie Ross fr bers, remin for the futu Team, Oll rs e a th fe our subscri to o n e m ter. I have d to welco from Balla r ver y please jo a M n n Hay ard! nd K are 2011. Ia lent on bo y ta p p h c a Houston a u h m d n healthy a agle with so aders for a Ballater E re r u o ll a s to Best wishe

By Popular Demand!

Ballater Library opening Hours: Sunday & Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10am-1pm, 6.30pm-8pm Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 2-4pm, 6.30pm-8pm Friday: 2-5pm Saturday: 10am-12noon

As it flows towards Aberdeen and the North Sea, the river Dee follows a wide horseshoe course around Ballater. For most of this stretch it has a very stony bottom, which might be great for creating wee ponds at the water’s edge for bairns to puddle about in or as a keep for ‘bandies’, but further out, its slippery stones are treacherous and gey sair on the legs and feet of those trying to learn to swim. In the summer months, the salmon pools are about the only places with sufficient depth for this purpose and of those, only the ‘Lang Peel’ with its fast flowing stretch of deep water is the most accessible. On the village side of the river, the presence of golfers and a few dog walkers tend to make it seldom used by the salmon fishers.

Over the years it became the favourite spot for many of the village folk as they grew up and the urge to learn to swim was upon them. A great attraction used to be a series of thick flat-topped tree trunks placed in an upright position that lined the river bank on the golf course side of the pool and provided ready made diving platforms. These were in fact piles that had been placed there to support a strong bulwark of logs and boulders designed to prevent the river, when in spate, from washing away the bank. A dive from one of these uprights could easily take a ‘dooker’ clear across the main current to the backwater on the Glenmuick side, where the water is shallower and surprisingly calm. From here they could practice their swimming strokes upstream to the rushes at the head of the pool and then float down with the current as it picked up speed again from the ‘Red Braes’. It was quite an easy feat for the learners to make a lunge for the bank as they passed the posts.

A dozen or so pale skinned loons in various positions of rest, relaxed drowsily on the

sun-scorched grass at the side of the ‘Lang Peel’ relishing the cool breeze that came off the river, as it gurgled quietly past on its forty-mile journey eastwards. It was a Saturday afternoon in August and half way through an unusually hot summer school holiday. Away in the distance, the excited cries of young bairns could faintly be heard as they chased ‘bandies’ in the foot or so of safe and sandy waters of the ‘Wee Dooker’- just as they themselves had done a few years back. Wee Chis was proudly wearing his very first real pair of ‘dookers’, bought that very morning from Theodore Henderson’s shop on Bridge Street.

Flicking a horny gollach and several exploring ants off his towel, he came to with a start, as his brother, who was home on leave

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‘Coke Bottle’ 1 – Meteor 0

I was nearing the end of my two-year pilot training and was practicing medium-level aerobatics at around 15,000ft as part of the Final Handling Test on a bright, sunny afternoon over Cambridgeshire. The aircraft was a Vampire T11 jet fitted with ejector-seats which I preferred, for obvious reasons, to the singleseat FB9 - which didn’t!

Before starting the aerobatic sequence I checked the sky for other aircraft and noticed I was not alone. Someone else appeared to be practicing a deliberate spin and recovery – the only problem was, he wasn’t recovering! I flew the intervening 5 miles or so to get a closer look and as I circled round it I noticed the spinning aircraft had no tail! I recognised the plane to be a Meteor NF11 night fighter which I knew had a crew of two and no ejector-seats. It was at this stage that

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By Bill Houston I spotted above me a single parachute with no sign of the other crew member. I remember feeling a sense of horror at the thought that there might be someone else trapped inside the cartwheeling plane as it hurtled down to earth.

Nevertheless, I continued to circle and then had a ghastly thought! “Where was the missing tailplane?” Thank goodness it too was spinning to earth about a mile away from where I was located and well clear of the body dangling at the end of a parachute.

I followed him down and saw a pall of black smoke where the aircraft had exploded not far from a farmhouse. I could see where the crewman had landed because of the plume of the deflated parachute, and decided to get a closer look to see if he was alive. This involved lowering flaps and undercarriage to slow down as much as possible and pass by at about 50ft where he was lying. I was relieved to see him give me a wave, so powered-up and headed for my base at Oakington whilst radioing my report as to what had had happened.

Later that day the incident was reported on Anglia TV and wonderful news! The chap I saw was the pilot who suffered a broken ankle but the other crew member (the navigator) had escaped unhurt. The cause of the accident it appeared was a collision with a USAF F84 Republic Thunderjet known as the “Coke Bottle” because its fuselage resembled the famous soft drink bottle shape.

Its swept-back wing apparently sliced through the Meteor’s fuselage like a hot knife through butter but the aircraft returned safely to base with only some minor wing damage. Result Coke Bottle 1 – Meteor 0!

Keep in touch with a Subscription UK: £8.00 EC: £10.00 Overseas: £14.00 For the rates above, four issues will be posted.

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Simply provide the name and address to whom the issues should be sent, with a cheque or postal order for 'Ballater Eagle' for the relevant amount and drop off your request to the Library. Betty, our Subscriptions person, will do the rest. Easy!

Ways to contact the Eagle:

Hand in to the Library Post to Ballater Eagle, c/o Ballater

How to contact our Representatives:

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SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT: Mike Rumbles MSP

01330 820268 Fax: 01330 820106 e-mail: Mike.Rumbles.msp@scottish.parliament.uk

WESTMINSTER: Sir Robert Smith MP

01330 820330, Fax: 01330 820338, e-mail: robert.smith.mp@parliament.uk

ABERDEENSHIRE COUNCIL: Peter Argyle: 013398 81180 email: cllr.p.argyle@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Library, Ballater, AB35 5QB

Rosemary Bruce 013398 89318 email: cllr.r.bruce@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

E-mail to:

Marcus Humphrey : 013398 85332 email: cllr.m.humphrey@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

ballater.eagle@btopenworld.com

Contributions of any kind on PC disc / cd always welcome.

CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK: Geva Blackett email: geva.blackett@btconnect.com

Eagle Who's Who & Where Editor: Ian Hay 55941 Treasurer: Dr. Sheila Sedgwick 55292 Secretary: Betty Wilson 55791 Advertising Manager: Faye Swan 55345 Distribution: Andy and Julie Bloor Diary Secretary & Typing: Isobel Michie 54094 Design: Stella Potter 55969 Email us at: ballater.eagle@btopenworld.com Eagle Online by Tom Potter: www.ballaterscotland.com/eagle

If you would like a large print version of the Eagle, please contact Faye Swan at info@swandesign.uk.com or Tel.55345.

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Local Group News SWRI

by Frances Johnstone The new session of Ballater SWRI has been well attended. The opening meeting in September was an excellent demonstration by Rhoda Ross entitled “Flowers and Fancies�, the flowers being beautiful buttonholes for men and women, and the fancies shortbread, truffles and fudge. Members enjoyed eating these, and were given appropriate recipes.

The October meeting was a demonstration by Kathleen Fraser of many lovely crafts, one being soap carving. She finished off her evening with a lovely rendition in Gaelic and in English of “Leaving Lismore�.

All are welcome to come along to our meetings, details of which are contained in the Diary section of this Eagle.

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Ballater Songsters

by Sheila Rumbles

See pic on back page Since the success of our concert during Victoria Week the Songsters have been back hard at work practising for our Christmas programme, and look forward to performing at various venues throughout the festive season.

We would take this opportunity to wish our “fans� a Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2011.

Ballater Halls Indoor Bowling Club

by Sheila Rumbles It was lovely to return indoors again after quite a wet bowling season outside. We are all enjoying our weekly sessions and look forward to our Christmas “Fun� night on Tuesday 21st December at 7-30pm.

We then have a Christmas break and restart on Tuesday 4th January 2011.

Best wishes to all.

Ballater & District Old People’s Association

By Ruth Burrows On Thursday 9 September, following much recent rain, the gods were smiling and the sun shone upon our backs. The second of this year’s outings saw 37 members and 10 visitors set out over the Lecht with a coffee and cakes stop at Tomintoul, followed by a visit to the Heather Centre at Dalnain Bridge. There, everybody enjoyed picking up bargains, plants, or just having a leisurely browse before high tea.

As usual, we all enjoyed the smooth and relaxing ride, thanks to our driver, Jane. For some of the less mobile among us it is a

Sundays which was granted. A Mr John Hendry, who held the original feu charter of the land upon which the Hall was built, objected to the holding of Roman Catholic services in the building and threatened to exercise his legal right to claim the land and its buildings. Mr Douglass, one of the trustees, gave it as his opinion that holding such services was contrary to the terms of the feu charter of the village between William Farquharson of Monaltrie and John Farquharson of Invercauld dated July 1820 which allowed only services according to the established churches of Scotland or England to be held in any building erected on the land in question.

Colonel Farquharson of Invercauld, the present feu superior, was appealed to and he gave his permission for any religious community to use the Hall with the permission of the trustees.

Mr Hendry does not appear to have pursued the matter further.

In 1893 the magistrates and Baillies of

Ballater were added to the list of trustees. The trustees now decided to buy paraffin by the barrel and had built an iron-roofed wooden store 9 feet long by 5 feet wide by the gate to the back lane. New chairs were ordered which were to be stored under the Hall platform. However this was found to be impracticable and it was decided to store the chairs in the void above the anterooms and a hatch opened above the back lobby of sufficient size to admit the chairs and forms.

A safe was installed in the committee room in a cupboard about 6 feet high which was to be panelled to match the rest of the woodwork. The trustees investigated many ways of eliminating the problem of smoking chimneys in the billiard room due to the original chimneys not having been built high enough but no satisfactory remedy seems to have been found.

The first minute book ends here.

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agreed to take the old piano for £2 as a favour to the committee. In October a dispute arose between the committee and the Horticultural Society with regard to unpaid rent for the Flower Show. Legal action was threatened but abandoned as not being conducive to the well-being of the village.

In 1886 Mr Robert Cameron was appointed Keeper of the Billiard Table and Room at a salary of 6 shillings per month and 5% of the takings. The library provided in the building under Mr Gordon’s Deed of Instructions was closed for book refurbishment. There seems to have been a library owned by the trustees and also one owned by the Burgh Council, both of which were housed in different sections of the same bookcase. Borrowers chose from a catalogue and the books were handed over by Miss Farquharson. The books were generally of an educational or improving nature such as Life and Times of Lord Palmerston, Hume

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Smollett’s History of England, Cassell’s Popular Educator, Wyllie’s History of Protestantism and History of Popery, and Adam Smith’s Political Economy.

In 1887 disputes between the trustees and the Hall users, notably the Horticultural Society, over charges and arbitrary rules came to a head and at a public meeting it was agreed that four rate-payers should be elected annually to the committee to represent the community. The library reopened in July.

In 1888 the Candacraig investment was moved to Newe, Edinglassie and Skellater.

Mr Gordon gave another £1000 which was invested by Messrs Edmonds and Ledingham in property in Aberdeen. For some time the gentlemen’s lavatories had been emitting an offensive smell which was noticed in the Post Office as the entrance doors were opposite each other. Glazing the aperture above the lavatory door did not solve the problem so the committee decided to find a practical man to determine a remedy. Mr Emslie the plumber and Mr Duguid the carpenter suggested extra ventilation. The billiard table needed re-covering again and a workman was sent from Messrs Orme & Sons of Glasgow in May to do the work.

However, he disappeared on 2 June leaving the work unfinished, locking the door and taking the key with him. The committee demanded that a reputable and honest workman be sent to finish the job and when the final bill for £29.7/6 was submitted the secretary deducted 16/- as compensation for loss of income while the room was closed and 2/ 6 which was the cost of having the carpenter break open the door and supply a new key.

Patrons were requested to use the spittoons in order to save damage to the new matting which had been laid.

In February 1889 there was a public sale of washing machines.

In 1893, the Glengairn priest requested the use of the Hall for religious services on

luxury to take a hassle-free coach trip. We are by no means decrepit though!!

It was a pleasure to see new faces in the shape of non-members and we hope to see them again – maybe they will join our little band. The Association’s AGM will be held at the end of March next year, shortly followed by subscription–taking time at the Hut on the Green. New members are always welcome, not least because they bring with them new ideas. Look out for the posters which will appear in the window of the Hut on the Green, and come along to the AGM. Anyone requiring more information, please contact me on 53244.

Upper Deeside Music

by Jane Angus The return of the Heller Quartet to St Kentigern’s for Victoria Week was a delightful one, with a large number of visitors from our friends of the Strathdee Society. Regrettably however, attendances have been poorer for the concert ‘for the left hand’ given

by Ivan Illic from Paris and for Allan Neave, the lecturer in guitar at the Glasgow Royal College. Both these concerts gave an unusual repertoire and an unusual variety of fascinating sounds. Allan Neave then gave a workshop which seemed as enlightening and interesting to the listeners as to the participant.

The next concert on the 5 of December at 4.30pm, is to be given by the Aberdonian cellist, Phillip Highman with Simon Lane on the piano in the Darroch Learg, and thereafter the actual dates for Roger Williams (organ) and Petra Paskova, (piano) will depend on weather conditions. We hope to make a telephone alert if there is no threat of snow, as well as posters and attempts to inform the local papers but after the last two years and deferrals, we shall have to ‘wait and see’.

The Paitti Quartet are due on March 20 with an interesting programme in St Kentigern’s and we may manage another concert between those dates, possibly in an unusual venue.

9

CNPA

by Ian Hay

The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) has welcomed a new member to its Board. Minister for Environment Roseanna Cunningham has announced the appointment of Professor Gordon Riddler who lives in Ballater and is a Geologist and Chartered Engineer.

Gordon is currently Chairman of the Board of Ballater (RD) Ltd and is involved in several community organisations and projects. He brings experience in research, development and operations management relating to natural resources as well as business administration to the job, with specialised knowledge of corporate strategy and fundraising in the private and public sector.

He is delighted to have been given this opportunity. Having enjoyed the wild and remote nature of the area covered by the Cairngorms National Park since schooldays in Aberdeen, he looks forward to making a constructive contribution to its future.

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10

Carers meetings

by Anne Hammond

Carers meetings are open to anyone who provides care for a family member/ friend/ neighbour. We are a very informal group, - no minutes, committees, fundraising etc. just a little time for us, the carers. However some very useful and helpful information can be gained even if it’s just the fact that someone else understands how you feel.

Chris Cairns - VSA Carers Support & Development Worker comes along to our meetings when he can, and provides professional support and advice. Chris can be contacted by email chris.cairns@vsa.org.uk or telephone 013398 87291.

We are holding our Christmas Lunch at 12 noon on December 9 at The Auld Kirk, Ballater. Anyone wishing to join us must let

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All other meetings are normally held on the first Monday of each month at 11am for coffee, cake and a chat. Just come along if you can. You buy your own coffee/tea/ snack. Dates for early 2011 are:January 17: Huntly Arms Hotel Aboyne February 7: The Auld Kirk Ballater March 7: The Huntly Arms Hotel Aboyne Contact annechammond@aol.com 013398 85678 (07974375185) for further details/info.

Upper Deeside Art Society

by Moira Mackenzie As the Festive Season fast approaches all the Members of The Upper Deeside Art Society would like to wish you ‘Peace and Happiness’ over this period of the year.

Before the end of 2010, we have a Meeting in the Aboyne Bowling Club premises on Friday 3 December at 2pm , when Madge Wards the talented Textile Artist will demonstrate how she creates her local landscapes combining paint, felting and stitchery.

She will explain to us the steps leading to the composition of her piece of work and her choice of materials which she will use to complete her artwork. This gives us an interesting insight into how her Art is created before we see it on the walls of an Exhibition or Gallery.

We happily welcome non-Members to come along to our monthly Meetings - £1 for Members and £3 for non-Members which includes refreshments.

Our first Meeting of 2011 will be on Friday 4 February at 2pm when Jenny Musker a Member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Gravers and Sculptors will introduce us to this Society founded in 1896.

inscription on the freestone tablet above the Post Office door read “This Hall is erected to the memory of His Royal Highness The Prince Consort Born 26 August 1819 Died 14 December 1861 Treu und Fest True and Firm”. A committee of trustees from amongst Ballater’s great and good was established including the church ministers and school master, William Gordon of Littlemill who must have been a relative of Alexander Gordon, Mr Pithie of Turner Hall, the station agent, and prominent citizens. They drew up a list of dozens of bye-laws and rules. Although the membership of the Club was exclusively male, the first Superintendent of the Rooms was a Miss Elizabeth Farquharson who also ran the Post Office.

The committee agreed which newspapers and periodicals were to be bought for the reading room and banned smoking, gambling and intoxicated persons. At the beginning of each year the previous year’s collections of publications were to be sold – this practice led to difficulties when it was discovered by the purchaser of “Punch” that some mean-spirited person had cut out the cartoons! There was an annual subscription of 5 shillings and a charge per game for the billiard room. This was the main source of income for the Club. The Albert Hall and committee room were to be available for lectures, social meetings, concerts, balls and popular entertainments. The Freemasons were given exclusive use of the Hall every 8 January, St. Nathalan’s Day. The minutes for the next years are mainly concerned with finances and repairs, including recovering the billiard table with second class fabric and negotiating terms with the gas company for lighting. In 1884 the Hall Green, which was where the Victoria Hall now is, was adapted for croquet. Also in 1884 the gas works closed and the Hall lighting was converted to paraffin, the work being carried out by Messrs Shirras of Aberdeen.

The dripping of paraffin from the overhead lamps was found to damage the billiard cloth and led to frequent repairs.

Mr Gordon donated a further £1000 which was to be invested and the interest used for repairs to the building “in all time coming”.

The manager of the North of Scotland Bank suggested investing for five years in the Buckie extension and Great North of Scotland Railway but Mr Gordon did not agree and the money was invested at 4% in a bond on the Candacraig estate in Strathdon.

In 1885 draughts and bagatelle were introduced to the Hall which was to be opened as a recreation room during the visitor season. Mrs William Duguid was charged with purchasing in Aberdeen a suitable piano for the Hall, travelling expenses to be paid. Mr Macbeath of Union Street agreed to provide a piano for £22 or on a sort of hire purchase agreement at 10 shillings per month, or 2 guineas a quarter for 3 years. He also

10

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50

Albert Memorial Hall Extracts from the Minutes

The first meeting of the Provisional Committee of the Ballater and District Club was held on 13 December 1872. Colonel Farquharson of Invercauld, the feu superior, had agreed to give a site for the Club to build its premises at a nominal rent so long as the building was used as a Club, otherwise he would expect the regular feu duty. His suggestion was to build on land “at the top of Mr Cook’s garden.” Mr Cook was the proprietor of the Monaltrie Hotel and his garden extended up to Hawthorn Grove so the Colonel’s site would have been in front of the house called Langdale.

However the Committee, (of which Mr Cook was the chairman), wanted a central location in the Village Square so that the Post Office could be housed in the same building. This would have meant Colonel Farquharson agreeing to demolish some

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by Janet Riddler houses he had recently acquired there which he was unwilling to do as he intended to refurbish them. In February 1873 two possible sites had been identified, Mr Cook’s garden and a site also owned by Mr Cook opposite the railway station, and a public meeting was called to decide between them.

There is a gap in the minutes now until 1875 by which time the Albert Memorial Hall had been built on the Railway Square site, the foundation stone having been laid by the Marchioness of Huntly on 18 September 1874. The Committee had received generous funding from Mr Alexander Gordon, a native of the area who was now a successful brewer and distiller in London, being proprietor of the Caledonian Road Brewery. He lived in Kent and does not appear ever to have revisited Ballater to see the building he had made possible (or the Victoria Hall and Gordon Institute which were also recipients of his generosity) although he did reserve to himself and his friends the right of attending free of charge “all meetings, lectures and entertainments which may be held or given in the subjects or any part thereof.” (More information about Mr Gordon can be found on the Royal Deeside website).

The building, designed by Messrs Duguid, comprised an entrance vestibule from the Square, the Post Office and Post Mistress’s sitting room on the west side, living quarters for the Post Mistress across the back of the building, reading room on the northeast corner and the billiard hall overlooking Monaltrie Road with the gentlemen’s lavatories between them on the ground floor, and the Albert Hall, committee room, ladies and gentlemen’s lavatories and the volunteer armoury on the first floor. The

11 The Duke of Rothesay starts the first official game...

Ballater Pipe Band was in attendance throughout, providing much enjoyed musical accompaniment to the proceedings. As always they were excellent and ver y much appreciated.

A Guard of Honour was provided by the 1st Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The new multi use games area in Monaltrie Park was completed at the end of August. It is proving very popular, with children starting to use it even before it was finished!

H.R.H. Prince Charles, The Duke of Rothesay, flew in by Royal Helicopter to officially open the court on Thursday 14 October. He met the trustees of Youth Engaging Sport, (Y.E.S) the charity responsible for this facility – which is to be called the Sheridan Games Area.

Representatives of the various sponsors and user groups were then presented before he unveiled a plaque. H.R.H. then watched a 5-a-side football game between two teams of local youngsters. He started the game by throwing the ball in (see picture) and was very impressed by the standard of play of the youngsters. At the end of the game he presented the ten children with medals and pennants.

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12 Ballater Enhancement Group

By Martin Holroyd Christmas is nearly upon us once again and your Enhancement Group has been busy organising the festive lights, the switch on and raising money for an upgrade and maintenance of the lights. We have one extra special feature this year and we have to thank the Ballater Charitable Chiels for their idea, finance and lots of work in putting lights on the Church Steeple. The imagination of everyone in Ballater was fired by the sight of the huge crane lifting people and the new lights to the top of the steeple. These should add to what we all know as the best display in Deeside and we are all looking forward to seeing the whole village lit up again during the festive season.

Support from the residents once again is

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how we can manage to provide this display and one of the ways we raise money is by our Twelve Days of Christmas Draws.

These will be taking place again this December from the 1st to the 12th December inclusive. Last year we paid out £1,750 in prizes and we made £1,500 profit for The Funds. Thank you everyone for your support but if you have not entered yet, please contact Martin Holroyd 55365, Pat Downie 55725 or Alistair Cassie at his shop before the end of November and you will be entered in the draws. This will cost you £10 and you will be in every draw. Results will be published daily.

The switch on of the Festive Lights took place on Saturday 27 November and was led by Ballater Pipe Band and Ballater Primary School children. Support is gratefully acknowledged from the Ballater Business Association who provided sweets for the children of all ages and mulled wine for those of a certain age but who are young at heart.

B.E.G. looked after the hanging baskets during the summer months. Thanks to Tober and Willie Murdoch for their efforts to keep the baskets watered. Thank you all for your continued support.

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he

I was greatly amused by the keen young chap who came by recently from the Energy Saving Trust. We sat by my wood-burning stove and he asked me where my boiler was.

I pointed to the stove. He looked a little confused and explained he wanted to know how my central heating and hot water were powered. I pointed to the stove again. He was astounded, having no idea that all heating needs can be supplied just with our extensive local resource: wood. I explained the huge reduction in my carbon footprint, and he was even more surprised when I told him how little it cost in comparison with oil or electricity.

Although in the depths of last winter bringing the wood in was an occasional challenge, particularly when all the snow came crashing down off the roof, bringing much of the guttering with it and smashing some fences. It then froze, hardening into a 5 feet high obstacle course which certainly added

49

to the challenge. It felt more like mountaineering than the usual gentle stroll to the woodshed. The guttering is now repaired - what a lot of guttering was replaced round here this year - and, unlike some, I am hoping for a far milder winter than the one we last endured. I know the youngsters enjoy the piles and piles of snow, and their many snow days, but it’s not fun tramping the snowy streets in the cold and the dark, despite the pleasant side effect of a huge increase in my personal fitness. And I could really do without the accusatory glares from our cat, Willow, when I open the door for him to go out and he seemingly expects me to wave my magic wand and remove all the nasty cold white stuff.

How I wish I had such power…

But whatever weather this winter chucks at us, may we all be happy, warm and cosy.

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las Adams for that wonderful analogy) I still had some preparation to do. I made the Halls on the dot, a little soggy but with all I thought I needed. Neither the lovely organisers of the good group nor I realised that I needed some electronic wizardry (a data projector, I now know) to show my presentation on the big screen. Oh well, sometimes one’s best work is on the hoof.

So I made the best of it reading some parts of my presentation slides, which generally I hate folk doing. They were an eclectic group, and I could feel and appreciated the support of many on my making the best of the circumstance. The fly cup after has probably never been so appreciated. And I must say that I have been very touched by the streetchat and good old-fashioned letters I have received. Thank you ladies. My heart is warmed.

What’s been going on with our recycling

48

collections? I’m on the Tuesday side of the village for the boxes, which had regularly been collected around 9.30am, so I put them out before going to work. However, a few times recently the lorry has come by at silly o’clock, well before 8am. The first time I missed it completely and the second my youngest was superbly on the ball, swiftly and niftily wheeking the boxes out when she heard the smash clunk clatter of the lorry down the street. So one week I put the boxes out the night before, which I’d rather not do in case of high winds or even high jinks by late night revellers. When did the noisy lorry turn up that week? The latest time ever. Middle of the afternoon. It seems well odd that the landfill lorry does the whole village in one day and always turn up at the same sort of time, yet the recycling takes two days and collection times are all over the place. It really doesn’t help to encourage the folk who haven’t quite grasped the recycling message yet…

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Ballater Charitable Chiels

13

by Derek Mutch As the year draws to an end the Chiels can reflect on another successful year. It has been a record breaking year in terms of money raised for local charities and worthy causes. Of course we must acknowledge all the help we get from the community, and beyond, whether it is through sponsorship and donations or through practical help such as all the help we get from volunteers on our golf day. Thank you to everyone. Your support is very much appreciated.

As I write this article we have just finished putting the lights on to the Glenmuick Church spire.

This should prove quite a spectacle when they are switched on at the lead up to Xmas. The Church is the focal point in the village and we appreciate that the Kirk session has allowed us to do this. I am looking forward to the switch on. A few of the Chiels have worked very hard on this project!

We are also currently planning our fireworks night which has always proved to be a very entertaining spectacle. By the time the Eagle goes to print it will be a distant memory but hopefully it will have lived up to previous fireworks nights.

In October, once again, we were entertained by the band “Flites “in the Victoria Hall. We raised £1500. Thanks to all who attended and special thanks to Gordon Guest House who, for the second year in a row, provided the band with free accommo-

dation. This obviously makes a big difference to the amount of money we raise on the night. Thank you to Amanda and Martin Will. Also thanks to all who attended. I hope you had a good time, - we all certainly enjoyed it!

Our two sport challenges of the year included taking on the Bowling Club at Bowls and we also played the Ballater Football Club at Golf. Alas the Bowling Club once again proved how competent they were and comprehensively beat us but we managed to beat the Football Club at golf so that was a small consolation.

For the first time we have decided to organise a local talent contest and have called it “Ballater’s got talent”. The emphasis here is strictly on fun and we hope ever yone involved has a good experience.

The winners will receive a small prize and they will be able to donate £500 to the charity or local worthy cause of their choice. The auditions are to be held on Sunday. 28 November, with the final staged on Saturday 11 December in the Victoria Hall. It is open to all!

We plan to have our fancy dress disco on Saturday 18 December. This should prove to be a fun end to 2010 and set us up nicely for 2011, our tenth anniversary year.

So watch this space for future events and all that remains is for me, on behalf of the Ballater Charitable Chiels, to thank you for your support in 2010 and to wish you all a Merry Xmas and a very Happy New Year.

All the best to everyone for 2011.

14

BRHS Floral Art Group

by Mildred Coull

Since its first meeting on 13 April 1995, Ballater RHS Floral Art Group has blossomed and attracted a large and enthusiastic membership of around 50 ladies.

The monthly meetings are always well attended and, under the successful Chairmanship of Kathleen McCulloch and a committee of seven ladies, the Group has enjoyed a wide variety of demonstrations, workshops and outings to local gardens of special interest.

The programme planning starts in October ahead of the AGM and the Charity Christmas demonstration in the Victoria Hall is almost al-

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ways a sell-out with substantial donations to deserving charities. One member of the committee changes the silk flower arrangements in Aboyne Hospital with spring, summer and autumn themes.

By the time this appears in the Eagle our spectacular display in Glenmuick Church by Dr Gordon Smith will have been seen and admired by all who entered the church, not only the congregation but also visitors to Ballater as the church was open daily. The Christmas Charity evening entitled ‘Season of Magic’ will also have provided a preChristmas treat and, hopefully, a generous donation shared between an Alzheimer Charity and the Halls Development Fund.

Every month the talented Maria Franklin produces a beautiful poster to advertise the next meeting displayed by kind agreement in the local shops. A notice also appears in ‘The Piper’ a week in advance of the meetings. Those who attend also have a chance to win one of the superb arrangements at the end of the evening - if they are lucky!

The BRHS Floral Art group is full of friendly people who enjoy the delights of the amazing variety of plant life. Flowers and plants are the wonders of nature - the arrangements are our enjoyment of them.

Come along and enjoy a happy atmosphere with a cup of tea to end the evening. Everyone will be made very welcome.

Details of our programme for next year will appear in the next edition of The Eagle.

Pottering About . . .

47

by Stella Potter Do you remember how proud I was of my garlic growing last issue? Well, I spoke too soon. There I was, mistakenly admiring the luxurious growth and seeming excellence of my garlic crop. It was with great eagerness I took my trusty trowel to lift the bulbs.

What a disappointment. Although all had grown fabulously above ground, when I peered closely the greatest number of cloves I had on any bulb was a very sad and miserable three. It wasn’t worth carefully plaiting the foliage to have my very own tempting garlic plait in my kitchen. If anyone has any ideas where I’ve gone wrong, do please share.

I was honoured, but decidedly nervous, at being asked to speak about the history and philosophy of Humanism to the Ballater Ladies’ Probus group recently. Although

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time consuming, I found it a very enjoyable and useful experience to work on a PowerPoint presentation to explain the rather large subject that Humanism is, in a way that would hopefully engage the good Ballater Probus Ladies. The day did not start well. The constant rain was nearly horizontal. My car had been reluctant to start, and decided to give up trying altogether in a client’s driveway in the outer environs of the village. Despite having a myriad of other useful things in my car, a coat was not one of them, so by the time I reached home after miserably dripping on a couple of other clients’ floors - very sorry! - I was soaked to the skin. Being one who inevitably hits deadlines only just before I hear the whooshing sound of them going past (thank you Doug-

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46

“The Munchi”

by Dr Sheila Sedgwick

A cottage at Balmoral known as “Karim Cottage” is by the road from the entrance gates to the stables. It was named after “The Munchi”, Hafiz Abdul Karim, Queen Victoria’s Indian Secretary, appointed late in her reign.

The Indian was disliked by many members of the household. There may have been colour prejudice but there was certainly jealousy. Some of the staff thought “ The Munchi” had too much influence over the aged Queen. At all events there was much gossip and obvious dislike.

The Queen herself described her Secretary as “handy and useful in many ways” while others said he was “full of low cunning” and “sly and faintly sinister.” One of

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the court officials commented that “The Munchi” was “tactless, pushing and highhanded.”

Matters might have continued uneasily but “The Munchi” suddenly became headline news. In 1897 the Daily Telegraph published a photograph of Queen Victoria at her desk in the cottage where she often took breakfast and dealt with her correspondence.

Beside her was “The Munchie” with a paper in his hand. The text suggested that the Hindustani secretary was giving the Queen lessons in his native language. The photograph had been taken by Robert Milne who had his studio in Ballater. An earlier photograph of the same scene had been entitled “Morning Correspondence.” There seems to be no ground for believing that The Munchi was teaching Hindustani to Queen Victoria, but there is no doubt that the article and the photograph did nothing to increase the Secretary’s popularity.

As was the case with John Brown’s statue and reputation, Edward VII ordered “The Munchi’s” papers to be burned and more were destroyed when he died at home in Agra in 1909.

Around 1946 the retired photographer Robert Milne referred to “The Munchi” as “my good friend”. He described him as a gentleman, deeply grieved that Christians could behave in such an un-Christian manner. No doubt snobbery and racial prejudice as well as jealousy lay at the root of the problem.

Like Victoria’s other favourite, the aim in the next reign was to erase the man’s memory. No statue was ever erected but Karim Cottage remains.

What’s this being built?

15

by Bill Boggia

At the end of September the Abergeldie Community Organisation got together and hosted a four-day ‘Build Your Own Wind Turbine’ course on Abergeldie Estate. The course was attended by a variety of folk resident in Aberdeenshire and was run by Bruce from the Talamh Housing Cooperative in Lanarkshire. The course took a practical hands on, how-to-do approach with participants doing everything from building stators and rotors and casting them in epoxy resin, wiring rectifiers, winding copper coils and carving blades, to soldering and welding - thereby learning the skills needed to build their own.

The turbine built during the course is based upon a design by Hugh Piggott (who teaches the same course at The Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales and who gave us a discount on his build manuals). The completed unit was donated to Vital Vege organic vegetable farm at Midmar where it will be erected this November. As well as putting organic goodness into our community Vital Vege do a lot of local outreach with talks in the locality and visits to local schools, hosting school trips to their farm, as well as having a strong involvement in their local transi-

tion town movement.

Thanks to funding from The Marr Area Partnership we were also able to offer some course places at a significantly discounted rate for people on a low income.

Whilst there appears to be plenty of grant funding available to home owners to help them make the transition into renewable energy for their homes, Abergeldie Community Organisation is keen to hear views from folk here in Deeside on the need for renewable energy technology to be made more accessible to people on housing benefit. Please send your views, and register your interest to bill_boggia@yahoo.com. We hope to host more courses this coming spring.

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16

Deeside and Donside Development Project

45

by Nick Mardall The Project, which has been set up to assist groups in moving forward with projects or initiatives, has now been underway for six months and is building links with a number of organisations and groups in the Project area covering Braemar, Ballater and Strathdon.

My role is to make things happen. I can help identify agencies that can assist. I can look into potential funding to help your organisation and I can help with planning your project and setting timeframes to work from.

It is difficult to approach all groups in the area, and I urge any individuals or groups to contact me directly for assistance in any number of aspects. I cannot physically meet

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all groups to introduce myself and to explain the work of the project due to the numbers of groups and the geographic spread of the work. Therefore I would ask that people contact me and ask what I can do to assist them.

Currently, the project has been involved in a number of initiatives and projects. These include the submission of applications for rural broadband services from Linn of Dee, Corgarff, Glen Muick, Glen Girnoc, Glen Gairn and Glen Livet. If anyone has problems with poor broadband or no broadband, please contact me and I will see if the fund application can help your case.

I have also been involved with a number of tourism and renewable energy related projects in Ballater, Braemar and Donside.

I would urge you to ask what this project can do for your group or organisation. If it will provide community benefit then it is appropriate for me to help where I can. I can be contacted on 0783 451 2029 or 013397 53775. Or drop in to the Bank House, 7 Bridge Street, Ballater.

I look forward to hearing from you.

If you want happiness ... ...for an hour: take a nap. ...for a day: go fishing. ... for a month: get married. ...for a year: inherit a fortune. ...for a lifetime : help someone else.�

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September, for which the Proprietor has an Act of the Scotch Parliament in 1661; and where, from the local situation; it is supposed that Tradesmen will find a great deal of employment, and others a comfortable place to live in. About 100 acres of good land will be let to the villagers in small lots, at very low rents. The day for giving the feus, with other particulars, will be afterwards advertised; in the meantime, all who wish to become feuars, will please to intimate the same by letter, addressed to William Farquharson of Monaltrie, by Tullich.

Ballater House, 1 November 1808.”

Without doubt the one-off substantial grassum payable for the solum of a permanent building, together with a fixed annual feu-duty in perpetuum would have been an attractive source of immediate income to landowners. Recognised as astute businessmen, the Farquharsons of Monaltrie, impoverished as they may well have been by forfeiture of their estate after 1746, would be unlikely to let an economic opportunity pass. Feu-ferme, however, did not fare well in the twentiethcentury progress of inflation. I well recall the anguish of the Invercauld Estate Factor at having to post the half-yearly 37 pence feuduty demand in respect of my property in Ballater’s Queen’s Road. No question of a waver to save estate expense.

Perhaps some reader can uncover the origins of the ephemeral Elspet Michie who may well have been an incomer from Strathdon. Whatever else, Ms. Michie can most surely take credit after two and a half centuries, of giving a boost to Scotland’s retail trade since bottled Pannanich mineral water is readily available on the shelves of my local Glasgow supermarket, albeit at a price which greatly exceeds my former Ballater feu-duty.

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Ballater Post Of fice

Hours of Opening: Mon: 9am - 5.30pm Tues: 9am - 5.30pm Weds: 9am - 5.30pm Thurs: 9am - 12.30pm Fri: 9am - 5.30pm Sat: 9am - 12.30pm Please note we are OPEN over lunchtime

Foreign Currency We now stock both Euros and US Dollars

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Box 472 Update

by John Holley The forgotten Automobile Association box No 472 on the A 93 at Cambus O’May, which was renovated in July 2009 by five Ballater residents, has taken on a completely new life.

The box now houses a ‘mini museum’ which includes exclusive photographs, a renovated original oil lamp pulley system and a visitors book. Cairngorms National Park information brochures and current copies of the Eagle are also available.

The visitors book includes entries from as far afield as the United States of America, Sweden, Holland, Germany, Canada, Italy and Czechoslovakia. Some 70 plus daffodil bulbs were planted and in April this year Box 472 had its first showing, enhancing the box surround.

Team 472 would like to thank Ballater Police officers (Grampian) for their efforts

17

in making regular visits (day & night) to the box ensuring that all is well. We are grateful that Bluebird bus drivers, Aberdeenshire Council employees and local residents themselves play their part in monitoring the well being of Box 472 when passing the location.

You are cordially invited to sign the visitors book, view the pictures and don’t forget to look up at the rare oil lamp pulley system housed in the roof space when you next pass.

Do take care when entering and leaving the location as vehicles are travelling at high speeds on this stretch of the road.

For the full story and pictures of the refurbishment please visit: www.aabox472.webs.com There is also a short (4½ mins) video available of the official Box 472 re opening on YouTube.com.

Simply type in ‘Cambus O’May’ in the search box and all will be revealed.

Don’t forget to close the door securely behind you after your visit!!

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BRHS

by Mairi Burgess

The Ballater Royal Horticultural Society members are looking forward to the new programme to lighten the dark evenings that have just arrived. The AGM in late October started the syllabus off with an insight into Orchids and how to look after these beautiful plants, by Susan Gavin from the Mains of Drum Garden Centre.

The Society has a number of vacancies on the committee and to continue in good stead, is appealing to all interested local people to join the team. A Secretary is required and I’m sure there is a reader who would enjoy this challenge. I can recommend it, and help and support will be given.

The committee is as follows:President: Mrs. Margaret Crawford; Chairman: Jim Clark; Vice Chairman:

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Margaret Glennie; Treasurer: Senga Clark; Secretary:(Vacant); Publicity: Elizabeth Wilson; Membership Secretary: Rosemary O’Shea.

Two new members were voted on to the committee. John Skinner and Morag Hood join Alex Copland, Michael Rattray, Jane Oliver and Kathleen McCulloch.

The new season will start on 6 December with a talk by Damon Powell, the head gardener at Castle Fraser, who will tell us all about the developing gardens there. The February meeting will find us being transported to our local Muir of Dinnet to identify all the butterflies and moths found there by the resident ranger, Helen Rowe. Congratulations to all the prize-winners at our Annual Exhibition, and to Annette Brown, winner of our Best Garden competition.

Our condolences go to Arthur Menzies and the family on the sad loss of Ros, who was a great stalwart of the Society and a very worthy winner each year of many cups and medals. We will miss the wonderful display of her plants and her warm, happy personality.

The society will be clearing the tubs in the village after what I think was a beautiful display this year. The new tubs looked splendid. We are very grateful to Foxlane Garden Centre for their generous gift of plants and bulbs to enable us to have a winter display around the War Memorial. Thank you very much Mr Henderson.

All our meetings are in the Eagle Diary and are open to all. A warm welcome awaits you. Come and join us, learn a bit more about gardening and other interesting topics, and enjoy a cuppa and a chat.

the Rev. George Brown, parish reporter to the Old Statistical Account (1799), and in more recent days, George Fraser (1921) and Fenton Wyness (1964) reiterate the story almost verbatim adding that in course of time, Ballater planned village was purposebuilt as a Spa-township to house an overflow of tourists attending Pannanich mineral wells when accommodation at Tullich across the River Dee proved insufficient.

Spas have a long histor y throughout Europe although it may be said that modern-day versions of the Roman spas in Britain reached their apogee in the Victorian years of the nineteenth century as popular resorts for the prosperous upper classes, or, as Pennant reported on his travels at Buxton, “denied to all, except the opulent”. Hence, with a new-money class with leisure aplenty, the fiscal importance to both land superior and local economy of establishing and publicising a Spa, by whatever chicanery, needs scarce elaboration.

Whilst the Pannanich spa in its day undoubtedly attracted many visitors despite the lack of developed roads at that period, I would argue that the creation of Ballater planned village merely followed a pattern of economic land development that conformed to an ‘enlightened movement’ popular throughout Scotland, first pioneered by the progressive landowner, Archibald, 3rd Duke of Argyll who, in 1743, caused Inveraray to be constructed to a rational pattern of straight wide streets, measured feus and stone-built houses with slate roofs. In this respect the planned village as a central place and service purveyor for the area, mirrored developments in the Scottish economy from around the last quarter of the eighteenth century and lasting until the middle of the nineteenth. To keep people on estate land that was otherwise cleared for economic purposes was paramount to estate proprietors.

As an acceptable basis for my doubting the Pannanich ‘folk-tale’ relating to the creation of Ballater, it is noticeable that no mention of Pannanich Wells as a local ‘attraction’ is made in the Monaltrie Estate Factor’s notice posted in the weekly Aberdeen Journal of 9th November 1808 and repeated on the issue of 22nd March, 1809: “BALLATER VILLAGE NOTICE is hereby given, that Mr. FARQUHARSON of Monaltrie intends immediately to erect a VILLAGE at the North end of the New Bridge now building over the Dee, by feuing off as much ground to each person as will be sufficient for a House with convenient Offices and a Garden; where there is already a good school and the parochial church, with the government post established three times a week. It is also intended next year to have a Weekly Market, and two Annual Fairs in May and

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Ms Elspet Michie

by John Stephen

It is a well known Highland aphorism reaching back to the days of less sophisticated social amusement that one should not stop a good story in the middle by asking if it is true. Perhaps on this occasion I may be allowed to breach that tradition and look at a familiar upper-Deeside story from a new angle. Without doubt, the well-known tale of a local Pannanich woman, Elspet Michie, returned to rude health in the aftermath of bathing in and drinking the Pannanich spring-water “most beneficial for the cure of rheumatic and scrophulous cases and complaints of the gravel” (Thomas Pennant, writing in 1769) has since its airing in the later-eighteenth century become something of a paradigm within the genre of what may be considered couthy folk-tales. With

nearby Deecastle still a fount of miracles at that time, local people would naturally have been receptive to any belief especially that involving health which was usually communicated among neighbours in discreet low tones.

Upon his return from detention in England in the wake of the failed 1745-6 insurrection, Francis Farquharson of Monaltrie, land superior, is credited with developing a Spa - a term with Belgian roots - at Pannanich with adjoining graded accommodation to house an expected influx of visitors of all social classes. To lend some authenticity to the Elspet Michie story, early travellers and commentators on the history of the Glenmuick parish among whom may be cited the above Thomas Pennant (1769),

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Rotary Update

19

by Ron Drever Unfortunately we have to report the resignation of a member from your local Rotary Club of Aboyne and Upper Deeside. Eddy Horton was a key and popular member of the Club and we all thank him for his considerable contribution to Rotary and the local community over the last seven years.

The Club is now gearing up for Christmas and the various activities and fundraising we are always involved with at that time of year. We look forward to seeing many of you during our travels.

Fundraising The Club attended all the local Highland Games as usual with our “Roll the Dice for Whisky” Stall, including our famous bells and horns! At Aboyne we again helped with the car parking this year, and raised around £2300 in total on the day – a fabulous gross total! We also raised gross around £800 at Ballater, £1100 at Braemar, £400 at the Tarland Show, and around £1500 at the Lonach Games. We had great fun and our thanks go to everyone who supported us.

We also enjoyed running the Barbeque at the Ballater School Fun Run, and raised some £170 for our Charity Fund.

At the time of writing this, the Club is getting ready to again provide and man the Barbeque at the Aboyne Bonfire Night, and we shall also be assisting ARCHIE and other charities by selling raffle tickets for a Car in the Bon Accord Centre in Aberdeen on Wednesdays 1 and 8 December. See you there?

Our Aboyne area contingent shall again be bag packing at Aboyne Coop, this year on Thursdays 23 and 30 December, while on Saturday 18 December, weather permit-

ting, our Ballater worthies will be braving the elements to let you add to our Line of Silver in front of the Ballater War Memorial.

Please come and have a chat!!

Community Service As mentioned in the last Eagle, Rotary Clubs throughout the UK planted purple crocus bulbs across the country in October as part of Rotary’s Thanks for Life campaign to remind the public of the need to continue the fight to eradicate polio from our world. The purple flowers represent the colour of ink in which children’s fingers are dipped once they have been immunized.

With the help of the Guides in Aboyne, the Youth Club in Tarland, and the School in Ballater, we planted five thousand bulbs.

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If the rabbits allow, you should see a lovely splash of colour near the Ballater School entrance next Spring!

We have also helped locally with a donation to the cost of an Outward Bound Course.

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Vocational The Aboyne Academy pupils sponsored to attend the Rotar y Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) summer event will be attending a Club Meeting in November to tell us how they enjoyed the experience and meeting all the challenges of leadership training.

We shall also once again be involved with the running of the Primary Schools Quiz early next year.

International Service To give further desperately needed help in those countries which continue to suffer badly from natural disasters, we have donated £2500 in order to purchase more ShelterBoxes, Aquaboxes which purify water for drinking, and Life Straws through which people can safely drink water from contaminated supplies. As ever, we also continue to support Project Mala, which is concerned with the education of children in one of the poorest parts of India.

The Club would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have supported us throughout the year in many different ways. Without your generosity when we are fundraising, we would not be able to support so many local good causes, or help people in other countries.

If you are interested in Rotary, please contact Ron Drever at High Trees, Morven Way, or telephone 013397 56224. We meet on the first Monday of each month at the Glen Lui Hotel, Ballater, 6.30 for 7pm, and on every other Monday at the Boat Inn, Aboyne, 6 for 6.30pm.

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The Auld Kirk Traditional Sunday Lunch During the winter months we will be offering a traditional Sunday lunch 12 noon to 2pm.

Why not treat yourself and your family to a delicious 2 or 3 course meal served in the Spirit Restaurant. A mouthwatering choice of freshly cooked roast meats served with fresh local seasonal vegetables.

Vegetarian option available.

We also have the Minister’s private dining room which caters for groups from 6 to 20.

So if you want a larger group and a room completely to yourselves, the Minister’s room is available at no extra cost.

2 course Sunday Lunch: £18.95 3 course Sunday Lunch: £24.95 For information and reservations please telephone: 013397 55762 or Mobile: 07918 698000

facilities the village and its surroundings have to offer. My Rotarian husband even managed to attend Rotary meetings and was made very welcome at the Rotary Club of Aboyne and Upper Deeside. Every year we discover something new to see and do and this year I have finally joined the local library after visiting on many occasions.

Now, during the rest of the year, I can read the Eagle and once again feel part of the community – albeit it from many miles away. (Whitley Bay is a seaside resort approximately nine miles from Newcastle Upon Tyne, a large city inhabited by friendly Geordies).

Many thanks to all who are involved in the production of the Ballater Eagle and I look forward to many more editions.

Awaiting my next visit to Ballater –roll on next August.

fish on The Green at Ballater with the fly casting lessons as part of the Victoria week.

Thanks again for your kindnesses and inclusion of the children in the Victoria Week’s activities.

Ballater Summer 2010

by Linda Bryson In the cold of the last few days, summer seemed a long way away but today the Ballater Eagle dropped on the mat of my Whitley Bay home. Where is Whitley Bay you may say – and why would someone from Whitley Bay be reading the Ballater Eagle?

Ever since my husband and I bought a timeshare at Craigendarroch some twenty years ago and started to spend a week or two in the loveliest of Scottish villages we have begun to feel like part of the community. And so for two weeks in the summer we become residents of one of the friendliest villages in Scotland. It’s always a pleasure to shop for groceries, buy a daily paper, purchase some gifts and generally use the

paintings sculpture wood glass silver bronze ceramics unusual gifts 46 Bridge Street, Ballater, AB35 5QD Telephone/Fax: 013397 55515

has been busy organising some fundraising schemes – Victoria and Albert Halls 300+ Club - tickets price £10 available in the New Year from any Halls Committee member – draw every second month from April onwards. Help will be needed to sell tickets – good prizes!

Burns Supper – following last year’s successful evening, a repeat event is planned for Friday 21 January 2011 Get the date in your diary NOW and look out for further information.

Think ahead – you could have a chance to enter a photograph competition for our proposed 2012 fundraising calendar – further information available soon.

Become a Member!

Our Constitution requires that we record

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La Mangiatoia Ristorante & Pizzeria We’re open again December 27th!

Happy Christmas!

Bridge Square Ballater Tel. 013397-55999

membership of the Association. Membership is free, and it will help us demonstrate the importance of the Halls to the community in any future funding bids – if you like, we can also send you information about events, general minutes etc. Membership Forms may be obtained from me, and I can be contacted as below.

As you can see, we have a mountain of work ahead of us, and some serious decisions to be taken. If you would like to get involved, we would be delighted to welcome you!

Email: marybellmacaulay@btinternet.com Tel: 013397 55745

Eloise and Victoria Week

by David March Eloise is 8½ years old. She lives in Bruges, West Flanders, Belgium and was born in Houston, Texas. This is the 4th year that Eloise has been here for the Victoria Week at Ballater. She asks to come back every year, amongst other things for the Highland Games Races.

This is the 2nd time that Eloise went to the 4 x 4 Evening Safari. The atmosphere of the evening is to look around you and listen to the stories and the history, see the Cairngorm mountains and the nature, and the natural environment. She enjoyed the evening very much.

I asked her whether she liked the Safari and she said ‘I liked to look on the hills with the binoculars, the nice music from the Highland Piper and the little baby frog.’ Next year she hopes that the soldiers will be back.

Last year she tried on the helmet of the soldiers on the evening safari and tried the soldiers’ hot ration food.

She has also been successful at fishing here at Deeside (see pic). She learnt to fly

Ballater & Crathie Community Council

21

by Robin Blyth Another year rolls round to its inevitable end. Unfortunately the snow and ice seems to have arrived a little early this year. Several strands of public wishes came our way, one being the telephone boxes at Girnock and Gairn Shiel, and I am happy to report that they are now the property of the community. BT assigned them to us in October.

Their upkeep has also been assigned to us and volunteers to assist in this will always be welcome.

The Community Council has been exercised of late by yet another Community Survey. Are they like buses? I certainly hope not. The area of Ballater and the locale has suffered enough of surveys to last for many

years to come. The latest has been the one carried out by the Community Council to develop a Vision for the future. The idea is for a correct and proper summary to be made of the area’s feelings about the direction in which the local authorities, the CNPA and Aberdeenshire were taking us. We thought this needed to be clarified.

The wish for the CNPA to consult on the forthcoming CNP plan before putting pen to paper coincided with the CC’s ambition. The Park, to its credit, stepped back and gave us the means to carry out our survey. This we did, and almost all of the addresses we wished to target within the B&CCC area, from the Inver Hotel to

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Cambus O’May and from Logie Coldstone to the CNP areas east of Dinnet, and Glen Tanar, received a simple questionnaire and a stamped addressed envelope. The return was staggering. A return of 50% is an amazing result and a large thank you to all who responded. The information, including the additional comments made, enabled us to formulate a clear and comprehensive summary which we will encapsulate into a Vision Statement that the CNPA say will be written into the new plan.

The Report has been the work of two of our members, Phil Swan and Graham Adams and their efforts have I think borne fruit. At the public meeting on 3 November we presented the Vision Statement to an assembly of the public in the V & A Halls.

This proved not to be the last word in the process. Who says consultations don’t work?

The strength of feeling in the Mike Sheridan Room convinced us that the ‘Vision’ required more shared thought. This we will do and by the time you read this it is my belief the whole process will have been put to bed.

Did I say, “No more consulting?� Alas, sometime in the months ahead the next Development Plan will come creeping over the horizon. Help! Hopefully the work carried out these past months can fulfil most of the

22

information required and I can certainly promise you no more questionnaires.

The reduction in central funding to the Scottish Government is going to have significant effects upon us all. As yet ‘the dreaded cuts’ to the Local Authorities’ budgets have not been revealed to the populace.

In our case this will come later this month.

One thing we can be sure of is we will not be enjoying an increase and as yet we cannot forecast the changes this will bring.

One thing Ballater and District can be sure of is all our residents are getting older.

True? And no more so than Granny Fraser who celebrated her 104th birthday in November! How wonderful to live that long, and what wonderful memories and stories to celebrate with friends and family.

Winter will be with us in earnest soon with its cold and snow and the festive season will be in full swing with families gathering to celebrate in the spirit of Christmas.

May I wish all Eagle readers the best of wishes from the Community Council.

Please note the Community Council’s web address is www.ballaterandcrathie.org.uk “Nothing great was

39

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board outside the Albert Hall door â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they should be contacted where assistance is required.

Our Halls receive no formal subsidies, and although a certain amount of revenue comes from leasing parts of the building and from charges for use, we need to ensure that we have a sustainable income stream to cover the running costs, as well as a Refurbishment Pot to act as match funding for the proposed upgrades.

Few other communities have such a historic, beautiful resource, and Community involvement is crucial to ensure we make the best of it for users now, and for future generations. Some groups have already pledged money, and a thermometer of donations will be set up to record donations.

In the meantime, the Halls Committee

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required from time to time, and the Halls Committee took the decision to employ a company from Aberdeen with heavy duty cleaning equipment to do the job. This will make it easier not only for our hall-keepers Billy and Annetta, but also for user groups who will need to ensure that everything is left in good order after use, something which will be monitored so that we can keep the building clean and comfortable for all.

Access to the Halls has always caused the odd hiccough, and keys to the building have gradually disappeared into the community. Eileen has organised new locks for all the doors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and some of the more difficult handles will be replaced. The doors will be opened for groups as usual, but a coded key box will give access if necessary. Please note that there is a duty member each month â&#x20AC;&#x201C; see notices in the Halls and in the notice

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38

Victoria and Albert Halls

by Bell Macaulay

The Victoria and Albert Memorial Halls Development Association (the Halls Committee) has been busy on two fronts over the last year. Whilst the day to day running of the Halls involves the ongoing care and maintenance of the building, the Refurbishment Project Team has worked to find information and funding for the production of comprehensive professional feasibility studies covering a new heating system and upgrade of the general facilities.

The Feasibility Studies were completed with the assistance of funding from Community Energy Scotland, Cairngorms Leader, the MacRobert Trust and Marr Area Partnership, and our grateful thanks are due to

all of these who gave not only financial aid, but also valuable advice and assistance. In the current financial climate, it is likely that the proposals will need to be prioritised to identify funding for each stage - what needs doing now, and what can be placed on the back burner until a future date. The Project Team will be making recommendations to the Halls Committee in the next months, as well as trying to identify possible sources of funding.

In the meantime of course the day to day running and maintenance of the building continues, and money needs to be available to cover all these expenses. As with any old building a thorough deep clean is

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Glenmuick Church

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by Betty Wilson Glenmuick Church continues to thrive, in spite of falling numbers and a lack of young people. Open daily throughout the summer, visitors comment on the welcome, the flowers, the windows and the general aura of peace. New ventures this year have included the Charis Fellowship, an evening service with a difference, held monthly in the Church Hall – and a six week study course held in the manse.

The Victoria Week Songs of Praise, organised by the three Ballater Churches, and led by the Salvation Army, was enjoyable, inspiring and well supported. Regular activities, such as the Guild, The Friday Fellowship, Homestart Building Blocks and Bible Study groups continue throughout the win-

ter. Services are held monthly at Craigard, Sluiemohr and Monaltrie Court, and are much appreciated by the residents.

The Church is in good heart, but where are the children, the teenagers and young adults with the energy and enthusiasm to lead them?? This is a common difficulty in a great many rural churches. Without them, the future is bleak. We pray for a miracle!!

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Crathie News

37

by Marion MacIntyre Coffee at the Kirk As the Monday Coffee Mornings have come to an end for another year, the Coffee Ladies of Crathie Kirk would like to thank everyone who has been involved, either by baking, helping, or coming along to chat with friends and visitors to the area. The Ladies are looking forward to their one off Christmas Coffee Morning on Monday 6 December from 10am to 12.30pm in Crathie Church Hall and hope to see you there (weather permitting!)

Betty Gibb, Elaine Beckwith, Jean Young, Nan Colthard, and Judith Edrich

Firewood

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Crathie Book Group The group have continued to tackle a variety of books over the last few months.

The one which probably was the most satisfying read and which provoked the liveliest discussion was Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”. For some of the group it was a return to a much loved book read in earlier years and for others it was a new experience. In both cases however, it proved to be stimulating and enjoyable with the writing, issues raised, and beautifully drawn characters as fresh and thought provoking as they were 50 years ago when the book was first published to international critical acclaim.

The proposed website for the Book Group is on hold meantime, but through Jackie, one of our members, we are embarking on a new venture, having been selected to submit a book review for the next issue of Mslexia, a magazine for women interested in writing. The book we have been allocated to read is “Room” by Emma Donoghue, which was shortlisted for the 2010 Man Booker Prize for fiction, and it promises to be an interesting read.

The group is always open to new members, and if you would like to find out more about us, you can phone Anna on 42408 and she will be happy to talk to you.

Crathie Bowling Club The Crathie Bowlers meet on Tuesday and Friday evenings from 7pm to 9pm in Crathie New Hall. If you would like to try your hand at indoor bowling (no previous experience necessary!) why not come along - you will be sure of a warm welcome.

For more information, phone Jean Young on 42415.

cold days for a heat at the stove.

The constable had been a blacksmith before entering the Force and tended to boast about his strength. One day he challenged Charlie to a pull at the ‘swingletree’; which entailed the two men sitting on the floor facing each other, the soles of their boots touching. They then each grasped a brush handle with both hands, and, at the count of three, pulled, the idea being to lift the other up to his feet. This activity, game or competition, stemmed from the days of horsemen living in farm bothies, where, in the evenings, they amused themselves with such feats of strength, in this case relating to the ‘swingletree’, an essential piece of the harness that connected the Clydesdale horses to their ploughs.

Both the constable and Charlie were big men. At the count, they pulled and broke the brush handle. They started again with a heavier handle but it too broke. By this time all the garage staff and customers were watching the battle, and the boss, Alan Robertson, came out of his office in time to see his third and last brush handle broken. “Look” he said, “if you are set on breaking your backs, use an iron bar”, and with that he produced a heavy crowbar. This time it did not break and Charlie effortlessly lifted the constable to his feet. With bad grace the Bobby sat down again as the competition was best of three. Again, at the count, he soared to his feet even quicker than before. Charlie had won, and the Constable suddenly remembered some urgent duty and went off to fill up his motor bike with petrol!

venge in wartime Ballater where the black market in army goods, fuel and rations was rife.

Another more pastoral duty for the local constable was his attendance, by statute, at all sheep dipping. One fine afternoon in early autumn Charlie, our lodger, entreated me to take him to a roadside corn yard a few miles away. I was to take my air-rifle and he would further my education. It turned out that this corn yard was a mecca for pheasants from far and near.

We duly shot a pheasant and placed bird and rifle under the back seat and set off home.

At the next farm road end stood an exhausted police constable. He had spent the day on duty at, and helping with, a sheep dipping. To our great dismay he flagged us down, but to our greater relief, he only wanted a lift back to Ballater. We tied his bike on the boot and Charlie was quick to offer him his front seat, but no, the constable opened the rear door and sat down on top of our bird and rifle. When we got to Ballater he told me that I really must do something about the lack of springs in my back seat!

That same constable used to hang about Riverside Garage when I worked there. (see Plant and Roots). Charlie also came in on

36

The Law

by Ian Cameron

Next to the Slater’s cottage was the police station. This establishment still occupies the whole feu between Albert Road and Deebank Road.

Above the police station were two houses, one where the sergeant lived and the other for the resident constable and family. The police station was always a source of both fascination and fear for us. Because we lived so near, we were privy to all coming and goings of police transport through the double gate that opened onto our Albert Road. This transport consisted of the sergeant’s small Ford car and the constable’s BSA motorbike.

We had ring side seats as arrested delinquents were marched, and sometimes trailed, past our window to be locked up on Saturday nights. I saw my first American Willys

jeep the night a fight got up at a dance in the Victoria Hall and the Military Police used one to shuttle the combatants from dance floor to the Albert Road police cells.

The Willys Jeep The Police really were community policemen in these days; they knew everyone in the village. They knew the poachers, and the petty criminals, and to let them know they knew, was in itself a potent deterrent.

Policemen stood at the back of the halls at concerts, political meetings and dances. Simply their presence was all that was required to maintain law, order and respect.

But the police also had their informers, villagers with grudges who were only too ready to drop barbed hints, while others that felt missed out, had great opportunities for re-

BALLATER LAUNDRY Ballater Business Centre Ballater, Aberdeenshire AB35 5PN Tel. 013397 55151

Your Local Laundry & Dry Cleaners in Upper Deeside serving Hotels, Guest Houses & Restaurants with Collection & Delivery in Ballater, Aboyne and Braemar twice weekly.

We also carry out Dry Cleaning, Service Washes, Curtain and Duvet Cleaning.

Please Telephone 013397 55151 or call in at the laundry.

Proprietors: Louise & David Halliday

Cooking L a s t month P17pupils have started cooker y lessons with Mrs Inglis. The children have been having fun for the last 4 weeks making lots of delicious food. They made tatty scones and some plain scones.

The children all ate them after they were baked. They were delicious. Everyone enjoyed Mrs Inglis coming in and teaching them lots of yummy recipes.

Rachel P6

Cycling proficiency P 5-7 had cycling proficiency at our school. The first thing the police lady did was check our bikes. She showed the children how to tighten their helmets.

Then the children learned how to cycle slowly, and practiced their signalling and cycling with one hand so that you can signal.

The pupils then cycled in a straight line practising for when they are out on a road.

Parent helpers are going to train us to be better and safer cyclists following the Scottish Cycling Training Scheme. Murdo P5

Gardening First we picked the vegetables we had grown. Then we tidied the garden for winter by cutting down the plants. We have put the cuttings into the compost bins, and used the vegetables for cooking.

Kieran

New Communicator Before the summer holidays Fiona left and a new communicator came to Crathie School. Her name is Miss Peel. Everyone loves her. She is here because she is helping a pupil who cannot hear communicate in school. Miss Peel communicates by using

British Sign Language and teaches us how to sign.

Eve P4

25

Golf On Friday, Mr Kinsella came to school to teach us how to play golf. Firstly he showed us how to hold the golf club and he put out the targets. Next we all practiced swinging the clubs and trying to hit the targets.

It was good fun.

James P5

Art at Crathie The pupils in Crathie School have had art lessons every Wednesday afternoon.

Some of our art work has been about World War 2. We have drawn spitfires, and made gas masks. We were shown a Picasso painting, which looked strange. Then we had to draw a picture using a similar style to Picasso. The younger pupils have been making collages of fire fighters, policemen and nurses. As well as drawing and painting pictures of rescue vehicles.

Rhianna P7

The I N V E R

HOTEL Crathie, By Ballater Log fires and a warm welcome at The Inver Open to non residents Good food & fine wines Lunches & Dinners Reservations Telephone 013397 42345 www.inverhotel.com

26

The Judo Page

by Ian Halliday, Club Coach

The Ballater Judo Club recently lost another good club member to the exciting world of further education. 18-yearold Sam Jackson has left Aboyne Academy and is now studying at Edinburgh University. Sam, who has been a club member since the year 2000, has promised to visit the club when he is back home. The Club wishes Sam all the best and hopes he finds time to pop along to the Edinburgh Judo Club.

The Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scales, which were bought ten years ago, finally gave up on us. I would not like to try and calculate how many students stood on them over the years or attempt to guess the accumulated weight which bore down on them. However thanks to the Ballater Charitable Chiels, we have received a brand new set of digital scales. If any locals who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a set of scales at home

wish to check their weight regularly, then pop along to the Albert Hall on a Friday night where for a donation of 50p to the club you can, in privacy, check your weight.

Thanks again to the Ballater Charitable Chiels for their very kind donation.

The Dufftown Judo Competition was held on the 9th October and I was a bit disappointed that the Club had only three players entered but all did the club proud, winnning a Bronze medal each. The three players were Braemar triplets Fergus, Fraser, and Angus, collectively known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Twigletsâ&#x20AC;?. Fraser and Angus were both in the same category and Fergus was in the category above. Well done boys! I foresee more to come from the Twiglets.

The Ballater Judo Club wishes you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

the

ALEXANDRA HOTEL Lunch served 12 noon - 2pm and

Supper / Dinner served 5.30pm - 8.30pm ĹśĆ?ĆľĹ?Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E; Ä&#x201A;Ä?Ä?ŽžžŽÄ&#x161;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x;ŽŜ Ä&#x201A;Ç&#x20AC;Ä&#x201A;Ĺ?ĹŻÄ&#x201A;Ä?ĹŻÄ&#x17E;

Everybody Welcome!

12 Bridge Square, Ballater. Tel: 013397 55376 www.alexandrahotelballater.com

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34

Winter Preparedness

by Sergeant Stuart Clark

BOVOF

27

Ballater One Voice Our Future

by Gordon Riddler

During bad weather and poor visibility, it is important to consider increasing the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Stopping distances are greatly increased when roads are wet or icy. Use dipped-beam headlights during such conditions. You should not rely on sidelights as they are ineffective in most conditions.

Clear all the snow deposits from all the windows on your vehicle, as well as the snow on the bonnet and roof of your vehicle.

This will prevent snow being blown onto the windscreen as the vehicle is being driven or an ‘avalanche’ of snow sliding down the windscreen when you brake. Many people will still be walking and cycling during the winter months, so drivers must be observant and lookout for them on our roads.

In poor weather conditions, if your journey is not really necessar y, or you are not confident about driving in snow and ice then stay at home or use public transport.

The mnemonic POWER c a n b e used as an aide memoir when carrying out your winter check:

Forbes Duguid Painter & Decorator .55816 Tel el.55816

Petrol Make sure you have sufficient fuel for your journey and it is the correct type of fuel.

Oil Check oil level by using the engine dipstick.

Don’t rely on the oil warning light - it may be too late by then.

Water Check that you have sufficient water and screen wash in the reservoir. Check that you have sufficient coolant (water and antifreeze).

Electrics Check all lights are clean and working (use reflections to assist you). A spare bulb kit should be carried.

Rubber Check that your tyres have adequate tread depth (1.6 millimetres is the legal tread depth, albeit greater tread depth = greater grip).

“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life. It goes on.”

Robert Frost

Monaltrie Park Users Group It was decided that we should wait until after the completion and formal opening of the YES multi sports court (now known as the Sheridan Games Area) before Aberdeenshire Council started resurfacing the children’s play area with rubber tiles. The work should commence shortly. Bins and additional seating are included in the project.

As regards the park floodlights, we are obtaining quotes for the necessary repairs before researching funding. The proposed design of a new park entrance sign is with Aberdeenshire Council for a quote.

We are hoping to discuss the possible future development of the park with the Prince’s Foundation in the near future, with a view to ensuring that some new ideas in relation to public toilets could fit into future plans. The present pavilion will also be part of these discussions. As advised previously, it may be possible meantime for a local organisation to take over management of the pavilion and its toilets, and we would be happy to give more information on this to any interested party.

Health The provision of a dental practice for Ballater remains with NHS Grampian. We have been in touch again to ensure we remain on the radar. The reply was: “We are continuing to appraise all options in relation to premises as well as discuss what NHSG feels best meets the needs of the local population and obviously the input we have had from BOVOF has helped shape that discussion.” BOVOF will continue to monitor the situation.

Motorbike Scrambling We have identified a site which would seem ideal for a scrambling track. After an encouraging meeting with a Council planning officer, we have made a formal PreApplication Enquiry, and await the Council reply. As before, however, if anyone has thoughts of any suitable location, please let us know, just in case the present enquiry is unsuccessful.

V & A Halls Cinema The possibility of cinema facilities is included in the refurbishment project of the Halls Improvement Group, but meantime the Halls Committee has agreed to further research the provision of temporary cinema more over.... facilities.

Graham Stuart Plumbing & Heating Engineers

Bathrooms Boiler Replacements Pressurised Systems Oil Fired, Solid Fuel or Underfloor Central Heating

Tel: 013397 55627 / Fax: 56342 Mobile: 07836 562946 Est. 1975

Sports Partnership At the time of writing, we are collating information on local sports groups, and will very soon be writing to the groups to establish what interest there might be in having this new coordinating Sports Partnership. We see many advantages and hope many will become involved.

Housing Partnership The Ballater One Voice our Future (BOVOF) housing sub-group continue to investigate ways to improve housing options in the town. Affordable housing emerged as a principal issue from the BOVOF consultation, and the Ballater Housing Partnership was convened to investigate possible solutions.

Efforts to look at best options for affordable housing development in the town have focused on assessing the suitability of sites such as the Old School Site. Since 2009, numerous meetings have been held with different stakeholders to discuss bringing projects forward including representatives from Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), Aberdeenshire Council, as well as representatives from Housing Associations, Societies, Trusts and Partnerships operating in Aberdeenshire and the Highlands.

The partnership is always looking to expand its membership of local residents to help to progress this important issue. The latest meeting took place on Tuesday, 2 November and included discussion from the Development Trust Association on possibilities such as Right to Buy, Community Land Trusts, Housing Co-operatives, asset transfer and other potential solutions to Ballater affordable housing issues. A lot more detailed information is contained in the meeting notes posted on the BOVOF website.

Youth Partnership An Action Group has now met which

28

includes a wide range of partners who have an interest or involvement with children and young people in Ballater. This group includes representatives from Aberdeenshire Council, Ballater School, the churches, parents and young people. An immediate aim has been a review of current provision and opportunities available across the age range from toddlers to teens. Once completed, it is planned to publish this as an information pamphlet for the community. The review will also help highlight where there are current gaps and unmet needs. This will then lead to an action plan with clear priorities for new development work.

Like to attend or see what’s going on fully?

Contact Gillian Sinclair at the BRD Office or by telephoning 013397 55467. Information can also be found on www.bovof.org These partnership groups are open to all.

If you would like to attend, give us a call!

Ballater Business Association The BBA has donated £100 to pay for repairs to the Hut on the Green which was vandalised in October. Secretary of The Old People’s Association, Ruth Burrows, has expressed gratitude for the donation and said that the damage had been disappointing and a new window is now in place.

The notice boards displayed in the Hut are maintained by the BBA and updated weekly with space available to all businesses, organisations and the public. Posters for local events can be displayed free and there is a minimal charge for display of business cards or other adverts.

Contact Faye Swan on 07814-035983, or email the BBA at info@visitballater.com or info@ballatercommunity.com The Hut is used by many organisations in the area and Ballater will look forward to the refurbishment work planned for the Hut in 2011!

Japanese Knotweed

33

by Valerie Rae vegetatively, is quite attractive with green heart shaped leaves and flowers arranged in branching panicles like Russian Vine but its thuggish behaviour goes beyond belief. The extensive underground rhizome system can choke out all other growth and can descend to 3m deep, aggressively damaging tarmac/ paving/masonr y/water/drainage as it spreads. The reason I’m writing to the Eagle is that they blew the whistle on this insidious invader some years ago in alerting the community to its presence in Braemar Road. Be aware that it still exists and it has spread beyond Braemar Road.

All I wanted was to retire to Ballater and enjoy a bit of ORGANIC gardening!

On 20 July this year I took this photo.

The shoot popped up overnight in my garden and although it looks delightful it is Public Enemy Number 1 as far as I am concerned.

The Cairngorm Ecologist expressed concern in early May when I reported to her that I had a fully foliaged 2.5metre hedge of it growing on the dream garden of my newly acquired retirement cottage. Apparently it shouldn’t be here in Ballater!

Its native habitat is on the slopes of volcanoes in Japan where there are many species of fungi and insects to keep it under control. I followed her instructions to treat regularly with glyphosate spray/injection and cut it down to 2 nodes from ground level, bag it off, let it die back and burn it in situ as even small pieces of the rhizome or stem can regenerate in our moist well drained nutrient rich soil.

This herbaceous perennial reproduces

ATHOLL COUNTRYWEAR For Quality Ladies’ and Men’s Clothing Accessories & Shoes Fine Gifts 13 Bridge Street, Ballater AB35 5QP

Tel: 013397 53810 Open: Monday-Saturday 10am-5.30pm

BALMORAL will be open on the following SATURDAYS: 23rd, 30th Oct, 6th, 20th & 27th November & 4th & 11th December.

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Tours of the grounds, gardens, Castle Ballroom and Exhibitions will be at: 11am, 12noon, 1pm and 2pm.

Tours last about 1 hour Cost for Balmoral tour £9.50 per adult, £8.50 seniors, £5.50 children.

ROYAL LOCHNAGAR DISTILLERY will be open 6 days a week Monday to Saturday up to and including the 18th December.

Tours at: 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm.

Tours last about 1 hour

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Cost for Distillery tour £5 per person, children under 18 yrs of age £2.50

WHY NOT BUY A JOINT TICKET & SAVE TIME? You can choose to start at the Castle or Distillery where you will receive a tour of each for a combined price of just £14.50 per adult, £13.50 seniors, £8.00 children.

Pay for one child admission and get one FREE child admission

JOINT TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE FOLLOWING DATES 23rd, 30th Oct, 6th, 20th, 27th November & 4th, 11th December.

Tickets can be purchased on the day at the ticket office by the main gates to Balmoral or at the Royal Lochnagar visitor centre.

Children under 8 years of age cannot be admitted to the distillery.

Booking not necessary except for groups of 10 or more Telephone 013397 42534 or 42700 for details

By Rae Stanford As Christmas approaches, why not treat your wife, daughter, grandmother or special friend to a hair make-over, colour or restyle?

Cutting * Colouring * Perming * Concessions * Bridal/Special Occasions Please call the number below and I will be pleased to supply you with a Gift Voucher for delivery by Christmas!

07824 338 767 Ballater - Crathie - Braemar

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BALMORAL will be open on the following SATURDAYS: 23rd, 30th Oct, 6th, 20th & 27th November & 4th & 11th December.

7KH 0F(ZDQ *DOOHU\

Tours of the grounds, gardens, Castle Ballroom and Exhibitions will be at: 11am, 12noon, 1pm and 2pm.

Tours last about 1 hour Cost for Balmoral tour £9.50 per adult, £8.50 seniors, £5.50 children.

ROYAL LOCHNAGAR DISTILLERY will be open 6 days a week Monday to Saturday up to and including the 18th December.

Tours at: 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm.

Tours last about 1 hour

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Cost for Distillery tour £5 per person, children under 18 yrs of age £2.50

WHY NOT BUY A JOINT TICKET & SAVE TIME? You can choose to start at the Castle or Distillery where you will receive a tour of each for a combined price of just £14.50 per adult, £13.50 seniors, £8.00 children.

Pay for one child admission and get one FREE child admission

JOINT TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE FOLLOWING DATES 23rd, 30th Oct, 6th, 20th, 27th November & 4th, 11th December.

Tickets can be purchased on the day at the ticket office by the main gates to Balmoral or at the Royal Lochnagar visitor centre.

Children under 8 years of age cannot be admitted to the distillery.

Booking not necessary except for groups of 10 or more Telephone 013397 42534 or 42700 for details

By Rae Stanford As Christmas approaches, why not treat your wife, daughter, grandmother or special friend to a hair make-over, colour or restyle?

Cutting * Colouring * Perming * Concessions * Bridal/Special Occasions Please call the number below and I will be pleased to supply you with a Gift Voucher for delivery by Christmas!

07824 338 767 Ballater - Crathie - Braemar

Sports Partnership At the time of writing, we are collating information on local sports groups, and will very soon be writing to the groups to establish what interest there might be in having this new coordinating Sports Partnership. We see many advantages and hope many will become involved.

Housing Partnership The Ballater One Voice our Future (BOVOF) housing sub-group continue to investigate ways to improve housing options in the town. Affordable housing emerged as a principal issue from the BOVOF consultation, and the Ballater Housing Partnership was convened to investigate possible solutions.

Efforts to look at best options for affordable housing development in the town have focused on assessing the suitability of sites such as the Old School Site. Since 2009, numerous meetings have been held with different stakeholders to discuss bringing projects forward including representatives from Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), Aberdeenshire Council, as well as representatives from Housing Associations, Societies, Trusts and Partnerships operating in Aberdeenshire and the Highlands.

The partnership is always looking to expand its membership of local residents to help to progress this important issue. The latest meeting took place on Tuesday, 2 November and included discussion from the Development Trust Association on possibilities such as Right to Buy, Community Land Trusts, Housing Co-operatives, asset transfer and other potential solutions to Ballater affordable housing issues. A lot more detailed information is contained in the meeting notes posted on the BOVOF website.

Youth Partnership An Action Group has now met which

28

includes a wide range of partners who have an interest or involvement with children and young people in Ballater. This group includes representatives from Aberdeenshire Council, Ballater School, the churches, parents and young people. An immediate aim has been a review of current provision and opportunities available across the age range from toddlers to teens. Once completed, it is planned to publish this as an information pamphlet for the community. The review will also help highlight where there are current gaps and unmet needs. This will then lead to an action plan with clear priorities for new development work.

Like to attend or see what’s going on fully?

Contact Gillian Sinclair at the BRD Office or by telephoning 013397 55467. Information can also be found on www.bovof.org These partnership groups are open to all.

If you would like to attend, give us a call!

Ballater Business Association The BBA has donated £100 to pay for repairs to the Hut on the Green which was vandalised in October. Secretary of The Old People’s Association, Ruth Burrows, has expressed gratitude for the donation and said that the damage had been disappointing and a new window is now in place.

The notice boards displayed in the Hut are maintained by the BBA and updated weekly with space available to all businesses, organisations and the public. Posters for local events can be displayed free and there is a minimal charge for display of business cards or other adverts.

Contact Faye Swan on 07814-035983, or email the BBA at info@visitballater.com or info@ballatercommunity.com The Hut is used by many organisations in the area and Ballater will look forward to the refurbishment work planned for the Hut in 2011!

Japanese Knotweed

33

by Valerie Rae vegetatively, is quite attractive with green heart shaped leaves and flowers arranged in branching panicles like Russian Vine but its thuggish behaviour goes beyond belief. The extensive underground rhizome system can choke out all other growth and can descend to 3m deep, aggressively damaging tarmac/ paving/masonr y/water/drainage as it spreads. The reason I’m writing to the Eagle is that they blew the whistle on this insidious invader some years ago in alerting the community to its presence in Braemar Road. Be aware that it still exists and it has spread beyond Braemar Road.

All I wanted was to retire to Ballater and enjoy a bit of ORGANIC gardening!

On 20 July this year I took this photo.

The shoot popped up overnight in my garden and although it looks delightful it is Public Enemy Number 1 as far as I am concerned.

The Cairngorm Ecologist expressed concern in early May when I reported to her that I had a fully foliaged 2.5metre hedge of it growing on the dream garden of my newly acquired retirement cottage. Apparently it shouldn’t be here in Ballater!

Its native habitat is on the slopes of volcanoes in Japan where there are many species of fungi and insects to keep it under control. I followed her instructions to treat regularly with glyphosate spray/injection and cut it down to 2 nodes from ground level, bag it off, let it die back and burn it in situ as even small pieces of the rhizome or stem can regenerate in our moist well drained nutrient rich soil.

This herbaceous perennial reproduces

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Tel: 013397 53810 Open: Monday-Saturday 10am-5.30pm

34

Winter Preparedness

by Sergeant Stuart Clark

BOVOF

27

Ballater One Voice Our Future

by Gordon Riddler

During bad weather and poor visibility, it is important to consider increasing the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Stopping distances are greatly increased when roads are wet or icy. Use dipped-beam headlights during such conditions. You should not rely on sidelights as they are ineffective in most conditions.

Clear all the snow deposits from all the windows on your vehicle, as well as the snow on the bonnet and roof of your vehicle.

This will prevent snow being blown onto the windscreen as the vehicle is being driven or an ‘avalanche’ of snow sliding down the windscreen when you brake. Many people will still be walking and cycling during the winter months, so drivers must be observant and lookout for them on our roads.

In poor weather conditions, if your journey is not really necessar y, or you are not confident about driving in snow and ice then stay at home or use public transport.

The mnemonic POWER c a n b e used as an aide memoir when carrying out your winter check:

Forbes Duguid Painter & Decorator .55816 Tel el.55816

Petrol Make sure you have sufficient fuel for your journey and it is the correct type of fuel.

Oil Check oil level by using the engine dipstick.

Don’t rely on the oil warning light - it may be too late by then.

Water Check that you have sufficient water and screen wash in the reservoir. Check that you have sufficient coolant (water and antifreeze).

Electrics Check all lights are clean and working (use reflections to assist you). A spare bulb kit should be carried.

Rubber Check that your tyres have adequate tread depth (1.6 millimetres is the legal tread depth, albeit greater tread depth = greater grip).

“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life. It goes on.”

Robert Frost

Monaltrie Park Users Group It was decided that we should wait until after the completion and formal opening of the YES multi sports court (now known as the Sheridan Games Area) before Aberdeenshire Council started resurfacing the children’s play area with rubber tiles. The work should commence shortly. Bins and additional seating are included in the project.

As regards the park floodlights, we are obtaining quotes for the necessary repairs before researching funding. The proposed design of a new park entrance sign is with Aberdeenshire Council for a quote.

We are hoping to discuss the possible future development of the park with the Prince’s Foundation in the near future, with a view to ensuring that some new ideas in relation to public toilets could fit into future plans. The present pavilion will also be part of these discussions. As advised previously, it may be possible meantime for a local organisation to take over management of the pavilion and its toilets, and we would be happy to give more information on this to any interested party.

Health The provision of a dental practice for Ballater remains with NHS Grampian. We have been in touch again to ensure we remain on the radar. The reply was: “We are continuing to appraise all options in relation to premises as well as discuss what NHSG feels best meets the needs of the local population and obviously the input we have had from BOVOF has helped shape that discussion.” BOVOF will continue to monitor the situation.

Motorbike Scrambling We have identified a site which would seem ideal for a scrambling track. After an encouraging meeting with a Council planning officer, we have made a formal PreApplication Enquiry, and await the Council reply. As before, however, if anyone has thoughts of any suitable location, please let us know, just in case the present enquiry is unsuccessful.

V & A Halls Cinema The possibility of cinema facilities is included in the refurbishment project of the Halls Improvement Group, but meantime the Halls Committee has agreed to further research the provision of temporary cinema more over.... facilities.

Graham Stuart Plumbing & Heating Engineers

Bathrooms Boiler Replacements Pressurised Systems Oil Fired, Solid Fuel or Underfloor Central Heating

Tel: 013397 55627 / Fax: 56342 Mobile: 07836 562946 Est. 1975

26

The Judo Page

by Ian Halliday, Club Coach

The Ballater Judo Club recently lost another good club member to the exciting world of further education. 18-yearold Sam Jackson has left Aboyne Academy and is now studying at Edinburgh University. Sam, who has been a club member since the year 2000, has promised to visit the club when he is back home. The Club wishes Sam all the best and hopes he finds time to pop along to the Edinburgh Judo Club.

The Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scales, which were bought ten years ago, finally gave up on us. I would not like to try and calculate how many students stood on them over the years or attempt to guess the accumulated weight which bore down on them. However thanks to the Ballater Charitable Chiels, we have received a brand new set of digital scales. If any locals who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a set of scales at home

wish to check their weight regularly, then pop along to the Albert Hall on a Friday night where for a donation of 50p to the club you can, in privacy, check your weight.

Thanks again to the Ballater Charitable Chiels for their very kind donation.

The Dufftown Judo Competition was held on the 9th October and I was a bit disappointed that the Club had only three players entered but all did the club proud, winnning a Bronze medal each. The three players were Braemar triplets Fergus, Fraser, and Angus, collectively known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Twigletsâ&#x20AC;?. Fraser and Angus were both in the same category and Fergus was in the category above. Well done boys! I foresee more to come from the Twiglets.

The Ballater Judo Club wishes you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

the

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36

The Law

by Ian Cameron

Next to the Slater’s cottage was the police station. This establishment still occupies the whole feu between Albert Road and Deebank Road.

Above the police station were two houses, one where the sergeant lived and the other for the resident constable and family. The police station was always a source of both fascination and fear for us. Because we lived so near, we were privy to all coming and goings of police transport through the double gate that opened onto our Albert Road. This transport consisted of the sergeant’s small Ford car and the constable’s BSA motorbike.

We had ring side seats as arrested delinquents were marched, and sometimes trailed, past our window to be locked up on Saturday nights. I saw my first American Willys

jeep the night a fight got up at a dance in the Victoria Hall and the Military Police used one to shuttle the combatants from dance floor to the Albert Road police cells.

The Willys Jeep The Police really were community policemen in these days; they knew everyone in the village. They knew the poachers, and the petty criminals, and to let them know they knew, was in itself a potent deterrent.

Policemen stood at the back of the halls at concerts, political meetings and dances. Simply their presence was all that was required to maintain law, order and respect.

But the police also had their informers, villagers with grudges who were only too ready to drop barbed hints, while others that felt missed out, had great opportunities for re-

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Cooking L a s t month P17pupils have started cooker y lessons with Mrs Inglis. The children have been having fun for the last 4 weeks making lots of delicious food. They made tatty scones and some plain scones.

The children all ate them after they were baked. They were delicious. Everyone enjoyed Mrs Inglis coming in and teaching them lots of yummy recipes.

Rachel P6

Cycling proficiency P 5-7 had cycling proficiency at our school. The first thing the police lady did was check our bikes. She showed the children how to tighten their helmets.

Then the children learned how to cycle slowly, and practiced their signalling and cycling with one hand so that you can signal.

The pupils then cycled in a straight line practising for when they are out on a road.

Parent helpers are going to train us to be better and safer cyclists following the Scottish Cycling Training Scheme. Murdo P5

Gardening First we picked the vegetables we had grown. Then we tidied the garden for winter by cutting down the plants. We have put the cuttings into the compost bins, and used the vegetables for cooking.

Kieran

New Communicator Before the summer holidays Fiona left and a new communicator came to Crathie School. Her name is Miss Peel. Everyone loves her. She is here because she is helping a pupil who cannot hear communicate in school. Miss Peel communicates by using

British Sign Language and teaches us how to sign.

Eve P4

25

Golf On Friday, Mr Kinsella came to school to teach us how to play golf. Firstly he showed us how to hold the golf club and he put out the targets. Next we all practiced swinging the clubs and trying to hit the targets.

It was good fun.

James P5

Art at Crathie The pupils in Crathie School have had art lessons every Wednesday afternoon.

Some of our art work has been about World War 2. We have drawn spitfires, and made gas masks. We were shown a Picasso painting, which looked strange. Then we had to draw a picture using a similar style to Picasso. The younger pupils have been making collages of fire fighters, policemen and nurses. As well as drawing and painting pictures of rescue vehicles.

Rhianna P7

The I N V E R

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24

Crathie News

37

by Marion MacIntyre Coffee at the Kirk As the Monday Coffee Mornings have come to an end for another year, the Coffee Ladies of Crathie Kirk would like to thank everyone who has been involved, either by baking, helping, or coming along to chat with friends and visitors to the area. The Ladies are looking forward to their one off Christmas Coffee Morning on Monday 6 December from 10am to 12.30pm in Crathie Church Hall and hope to see you there (weather permitting!)

Betty Gibb, Elaine Beckwith, Jean Young, Nan Colthard, and Judith Edrich

Firewood

Tel: 013397 55997 Mobile: 07821 746756 email: weejim03@live.co.uk web: www.weejim.webs.com

Crathie Book Group The group have continued to tackle a variety of books over the last few months.

The one which probably was the most satisfying read and which provoked the liveliest discussion was Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”. For some of the group it was a return to a much loved book read in earlier years and for others it was a new experience. In both cases however, it proved to be stimulating and enjoyable with the writing, issues raised, and beautifully drawn characters as fresh and thought provoking as they were 50 years ago when the book was first published to international critical acclaim.

The proposed website for the Book Group is on hold meantime, but through Jackie, one of our members, we are embarking on a new venture, having been selected to submit a book review for the next issue of Mslexia, a magazine for women interested in writing. The book we have been allocated to read is “Room” by Emma Donoghue, which was shortlisted for the 2010 Man Booker Prize for fiction, and it promises to be an interesting read.

The group is always open to new members, and if you would like to find out more about us, you can phone Anna on 42408 and she will be happy to talk to you.

Crathie Bowling Club The Crathie Bowlers meet on Tuesday and Friday evenings from 7pm to 9pm in Crathie New Hall. If you would like to try your hand at indoor bowling (no previous experience necessary!) why not come along - you will be sure of a warm welcome.

For more information, phone Jean Young on 42415.

cold days for a heat at the stove.

The constable had been a blacksmith before entering the Force and tended to boast about his strength. One day he challenged Charlie to a pull at the ‘swingletree’; which entailed the two men sitting on the floor facing each other, the soles of their boots touching. They then each grasped a brush handle with both hands, and, at the count of three, pulled, the idea being to lift the other up to his feet. This activity, game or competition, stemmed from the days of horsemen living in farm bothies, where, in the evenings, they amused themselves with such feats of strength, in this case relating to the ‘swingletree’, an essential piece of the harness that connected the Clydesdale horses to their ploughs.

Both the constable and Charlie were big men. At the count, they pulled and broke the brush handle. They started again with a heavier handle but it too broke. By this time all the garage staff and customers were watching the battle, and the boss, Alan Robertson, came out of his office in time to see his third and last brush handle broken. “Look” he said, “if you are set on breaking your backs, use an iron bar”, and with that he produced a heavy crowbar. This time it did not break and Charlie effortlessly lifted the constable to his feet. With bad grace the Bobby sat down again as the competition was best of three. Again, at the count, he soared to his feet even quicker than before. Charlie had won, and the Constable suddenly remembered some urgent duty and went off to fill up his motor bike with petrol!

venge in wartime Ballater where the black market in army goods, fuel and rations was rife.

Another more pastoral duty for the local constable was his attendance, by statute, at all sheep dipping. One fine afternoon in early autumn Charlie, our lodger, entreated me to take him to a roadside corn yard a few miles away. I was to take my air-rifle and he would further my education. It turned out that this corn yard was a mecca for pheasants from far and near.

We duly shot a pheasant and placed bird and rifle under the back seat and set off home.

At the next farm road end stood an exhausted police constable. He had spent the day on duty at, and helping with, a sheep dipping. To our great dismay he flagged us down, but to our greater relief, he only wanted a lift back to Ballater. We tied his bike on the boot and Charlie was quick to offer him his front seat, but no, the constable opened the rear door and sat down on top of our bird and rifle. When we got to Ballater he told me that I really must do something about the lack of springs in my back seat!

That same constable used to hang about Riverside Garage when I worked there. (see Plant and Roots). Charlie also came in on

38

Victoria and Albert Halls

by Bell Macaulay

The Victoria and Albert Memorial Halls Development Association (the Halls Committee) has been busy on two fronts over the last year. Whilst the day to day running of the Halls involves the ongoing care and maintenance of the building, the Refurbishment Project Team has worked to find information and funding for the production of comprehensive professional feasibility studies covering a new heating system and upgrade of the general facilities.

The Feasibility Studies were completed with the assistance of funding from Community Energy Scotland, Cairngorms Leader, the MacRobert Trust and Marr Area Partnership, and our grateful thanks are due to

all of these who gave not only financial aid, but also valuable advice and assistance. In the current financial climate, it is likely that the proposals will need to be prioritised to identify funding for each stage - what needs doing now, and what can be placed on the back burner until a future date. The Project Team will be making recommendations to the Halls Committee in the next months, as well as trying to identify possible sources of funding.

In the meantime of course the day to day running and maintenance of the building continues, and money needs to be available to cover all these expenses. As with any old building a thorough deep clean is

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Glenmuick Church

23

by Betty Wilson Glenmuick Church continues to thrive, in spite of falling numbers and a lack of young people. Open daily throughout the summer, visitors comment on the welcome, the flowers, the windows and the general aura of peace. New ventures this year have included the Charis Fellowship, an evening service with a difference, held monthly in the Church Hall – and a six week study course held in the manse.

The Victoria Week Songs of Praise, organised by the three Ballater Churches, and led by the Salvation Army, was enjoyable, inspiring and well supported. Regular activities, such as the Guild, The Friday Fellowship, Homestart Building Blocks and Bible Study groups continue throughout the win-

ter. Services are held monthly at Craigard, Sluiemohr and Monaltrie Court, and are much appreciated by the residents.

The Church is in good heart, but where are the children, the teenagers and young adults with the energy and enthusiasm to lead them?? This is a common difficulty in a great many rural churches. Without them, the future is bleak. We pray for a miracle!!

“Nothing travels faster than the speed of light with the possible exception of bad news, which obeys its own special laws.”

Douglas Adams

RUSS COOPER Electrical Engineer Installation, Maintenance and Service Industrial and Agricultural 013398 86734 07775 975165 www.ccandee.co.uk Over 25 years experience

Cambus Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;May and from Logie Coldstone to the CNP areas east of Dinnet, and Glen Tanar, received a simple questionnaire and a stamped addressed envelope. The return was staggering. A return of 50% is an amazing result and a large thank you to all who responded. The information, including the additional comments made, enabled us to formulate a clear and comprehensive summary which we will encapsulate into a Vision Statement that the CNPA say will be written into the new plan.

The Report has been the work of two of our members, Phil Swan and Graham Adams and their efforts have I think borne fruit. At the public meeting on 3 November we presented the Vision Statement to an assembly of the public in the V & A Halls.

This proved not to be the last word in the process. Who says consultations donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work?

The strength of feeling in the Mike Sheridan Room convinced us that the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Visionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; required more shared thought. This we will do and by the time you read this it is my belief the whole process will have been put to bed.

Did I say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;No more consulting?â&#x20AC;? Alas, sometime in the months ahead the next Development Plan will come creeping over the horizon. Help! Hopefully the work carried out these past months can fulfil most of the

22

information required and I can certainly promise you no more questionnaires.

The reduction in central funding to the Scottish Government is going to have significant effects upon us all. As yet â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the dreaded cutsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to the Local Authoritiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; budgets have not been revealed to the populace.

In our case this will come later this month.

One thing we can be sure of is we will not be enjoying an increase and as yet we cannot forecast the changes this will bring.

One thing Ballater and District can be sure of is all our residents are getting older.

True? And no more so than Granny Fraser who celebrated her 104th birthday in November! How wonderful to live that long, and what wonderful memories and stories to celebrate with friends and family.

Winter will be with us in earnest soon with its cold and snow and the festive season will be in full swing with families gathering to celebrate in the spirit of Christmas.

May I wish all Eagle readers the best of wishes from the Community Council.

Please note the Community Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s web address is www.ballaterandcrathie.org.uk â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nothing great was

39

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without enthusiasm.â&#x20AC;?

Ralph Waldo Emerson

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ROY MITCHELL JOINER 76 Golf Road Ballater

since 1992 Quality Hand Sewn Kilts Email: kiltmaker@hotmail.co.uk

board outside the Albert Hall door â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they should be contacted where assistance is required.

Our Halls receive no formal subsidies, and although a certain amount of revenue comes from leasing parts of the building and from charges for use, we need to ensure that we have a sustainable income stream to cover the running costs, as well as a Refurbishment Pot to act as match funding for the proposed upgrades.

Few other communities have such a historic, beautiful resource, and Community involvement is crucial to ensure we make the best of it for users now, and for future generations. Some groups have already pledged money, and a thermometer of donations will be set up to record donations.

In the meantime, the Halls Committee

ever achieved

Moira Melrose Kiltmaker

013398 80074

required from time to time, and the Halls Committee took the decision to employ a company from Aberdeen with heavy duty cleaning equipment to do the job. This will make it easier not only for our hall-keepers Billy and Annetta, but also for user groups who will need to ensure that everything is left in good order after use, something which will be monitored so that we can keep the building clean and comfortable for all.

Access to the Halls has always caused the odd hiccough, and keys to the building have gradually disappeared into the community. Eileen has organised new locks for all the doors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and some of the more difficult handles will be replaced. The doors will be opened for groups as usual, but a coded key box will give access if necessary. Please note that there is a duty member each month â&#x20AC;&#x201C; see notices in the Halls and in the notice

TELEPHONE:(013397) 55378 MOBILE:

07792 117963

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has been busy organising some fundraising schemes – Victoria and Albert Halls 300+ Club - tickets price £10 available in the New Year from any Halls Committee member – draw every second month from April onwards. Help will be needed to sell tickets – good prizes!

Burns Supper – following last year’s successful evening, a repeat event is planned for Friday 21 January 2011 Get the date in your diary NOW and look out for further information.

Think ahead – you could have a chance to enter a photograph competition for our proposed 2012 fundraising calendar – further information available soon.

Become a Member!

Our Constitution requires that we record

40

La Mangiatoia Ristorante & Pizzeria We’re open again December 27th!

Happy Christmas!

Bridge Square Ballater Tel. 013397-55999

membership of the Association. Membership is free, and it will help us demonstrate the importance of the Halls to the community in any future funding bids – if you like, we can also send you information about events, general minutes etc. Membership Forms may be obtained from me, and I can be contacted as below.

As you can see, we have a mountain of work ahead of us, and some serious decisions to be taken. If you would like to get involved, we would be delighted to welcome you!

Email: marybellmacaulay@btinternet.com Tel: 013397 55745

Eloise and Victoria Week

by David March Eloise is 8½ years old. She lives in Bruges, West Flanders, Belgium and was born in Houston, Texas. This is the 4th year that Eloise has been here for the Victoria Week at Ballater. She asks to come back every year, amongst other things for the Highland Games Races.

This is the 2nd time that Eloise went to the 4 x 4 Evening Safari. The atmosphere of the evening is to look around you and listen to the stories and the history, see the Cairngorm mountains and the nature, and the natural environment. She enjoyed the evening very much.

I asked her whether she liked the Safari and she said ‘I liked to look on the hills with the binoculars, the nice music from the Highland Piper and the little baby frog.’ Next year she hopes that the soldiers will be back.

Last year she tried on the helmet of the soldiers on the evening safari and tried the soldiers’ hot ration food.

She has also been successful at fishing here at Deeside (see pic). She learnt to fly

Ballater & Crathie Community Council

21

by Robin Blyth Another year rolls round to its inevitable end. Unfortunately the snow and ice seems to have arrived a little early this year. Several strands of public wishes came our way, one being the telephone boxes at Girnock and Gairn Shiel, and I am happy to report that they are now the property of the community. BT assigned them to us in October.

Their upkeep has also been assigned to us and volunteers to assist in this will always be welcome.

The Community Council has been exercised of late by yet another Community Survey. Are they like buses? I certainly hope not. The area of Ballater and the locale has suffered enough of surveys to last for many

years to come. The latest has been the one carried out by the Community Council to develop a Vision for the future. The idea is for a correct and proper summary to be made of the area’s feelings about the direction in which the local authorities, the CNPA and Aberdeenshire were taking us. We thought this needed to be clarified.

The wish for the CNPA to consult on the forthcoming CNP plan before putting pen to paper coincided with the CC’s ambition. The Park, to its credit, stepped back and gave us the means to carry out our survey. This we did, and almost all of the addresses we wished to target within the B&CCC area, from the Inver Hotel to

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If the rabbits allow, you should see a lovely splash of colour near the Ballater School entrance next Spring!

We have also helped locally with a donation to the cost of an Outward Bound Course.

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Vocational The Aboyne Academy pupils sponsored to attend the Rotar y Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) summer event will be attending a Club Meeting in November to tell us how they enjoyed the experience and meeting all the challenges of leadership training.

We shall also once again be involved with the running of the Primary Schools Quiz early next year.

International Service To give further desperately needed help in those countries which continue to suffer badly from natural disasters, we have donated £2500 in order to purchase more ShelterBoxes, Aquaboxes which purify water for drinking, and Life Straws through which people can safely drink water from contaminated supplies. As ever, we also continue to support Project Mala, which is concerned with the education of children in one of the poorest parts of India.

The Club would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have supported us throughout the year in many different ways. Without your generosity when we are fundraising, we would not be able to support so many local good causes, or help people in other countries.

If you are interested in Rotary, please contact Ron Drever at High Trees, Morven Way, or telephone 013397 56224. We meet on the first Monday of each month at the Glen Lui Hotel, Ballater, 6.30 for 7pm, and on every other Monday at the Boat Inn, Aboyne, 6 for 6.30pm.

41

The Auld Kirk Traditional Sunday Lunch During the winter months we will be offering a traditional Sunday lunch 12 noon to 2pm.

Why not treat yourself and your family to a delicious 2 or 3 course meal served in the Spirit Restaurant. A mouthwatering choice of freshly cooked roast meats served with fresh local seasonal vegetables.

Vegetarian option available.

We also have the Minister’s private dining room which caters for groups from 6 to 20.

So if you want a larger group and a room completely to yourselves, the Minister’s room is available at no extra cost.

2 course Sunday Lunch: £18.95 3 course Sunday Lunch: £24.95 For information and reservations please telephone: 013397 55762 or Mobile: 07918 698000

facilities the village and its surroundings have to offer. My Rotarian husband even managed to attend Rotary meetings and was made very welcome at the Rotary Club of Aboyne and Upper Deeside. Every year we discover something new to see and do and this year I have finally joined the local library after visiting on many occasions.

Now, during the rest of the year, I can read the Eagle and once again feel part of the community – albeit it from many miles away. (Whitley Bay is a seaside resort approximately nine miles from Newcastle Upon Tyne, a large city inhabited by friendly Geordies).

Many thanks to all who are involved in the production of the Ballater Eagle and I look forward to many more editions.

Awaiting my next visit to Ballater –roll on next August.

fish on The Green at Ballater with the fly casting lessons as part of the Victoria week.

Thanks again for your kindnesses and inclusion of the children in the Victoria Week’s activities.

Ballater Summer 2010

by Linda Bryson In the cold of the last few days, summer seemed a long way away but today the Ballater Eagle dropped on the mat of my Whitley Bay home. Where is Whitley Bay you may say – and why would someone from Whitley Bay be reading the Ballater Eagle?

Ever since my husband and I bought a timeshare at Craigendarroch some twenty years ago and started to spend a week or two in the loveliest of Scottish villages we have begun to feel like part of the community. And so for two weeks in the summer we become residents of one of the friendliest villages in Scotland. It’s always a pleasure to shop for groceries, buy a daily paper, purchase some gifts and generally use the

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Ms Elspet Michie

by John Stephen

It is a well known Highland aphorism reaching back to the days of less sophisticated social amusement that one should not stop a good story in the middle by asking if it is true. Perhaps on this occasion I may be allowed to breach that tradition and look at a familiar upper-Deeside story from a new angle. Without doubt, the well-known tale of a local Pannanich woman, Elspet Michie, returned to rude health in the aftermath of bathing in and drinking the Pannanich spring-water “most beneficial for the cure of rheumatic and scrophulous cases and complaints of the gravel” (Thomas Pennant, writing in 1769) has since its airing in the later-eighteenth century become something of a paradigm within the genre of what may be considered couthy folk-tales. With

nearby Deecastle still a fount of miracles at that time, local people would naturally have been receptive to any belief especially that involving health which was usually communicated among neighbours in discreet low tones.

Upon his return from detention in England in the wake of the failed 1745-6 insurrection, Francis Farquharson of Monaltrie, land superior, is credited with developing a Spa - a term with Belgian roots - at Pannanich with adjoining graded accommodation to house an expected influx of visitors of all social classes. To lend some authenticity to the Elspet Michie story, early travellers and commentators on the history of the Glenmuick parish among whom may be cited the above Thomas Pennant (1769),

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Rotary Update

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by Ron Drever Unfortunately we have to report the resignation of a member from your local Rotary Club of Aboyne and Upper Deeside. Eddy Horton was a key and popular member of the Club and we all thank him for his considerable contribution to Rotary and the local community over the last seven years.

The Club is now gearing up for Christmas and the various activities and fundraising we are always involved with at that time of year. We look forward to seeing many of you during our travels.

Fundraising The Club attended all the local Highland Games as usual with our “Roll the Dice for Whisky” Stall, including our famous bells and horns! At Aboyne we again helped with the car parking this year, and raised around £2300 in total on the day – a fabulous gross total! We also raised gross around £800 at Ballater, £1100 at Braemar, £400 at the Tarland Show, and around £1500 at the Lonach Games. We had great fun and our thanks go to everyone who supported us.

We also enjoyed running the Barbeque at the Ballater School Fun Run, and raised some £170 for our Charity Fund.

At the time of writing this, the Club is getting ready to again provide and man the Barbeque at the Aboyne Bonfire Night, and we shall also be assisting ARCHIE and other charities by selling raffle tickets for a Car in the Bon Accord Centre in Aberdeen on Wednesdays 1 and 8 December. See you there?

Our Aboyne area contingent shall again be bag packing at Aboyne Coop, this year on Thursdays 23 and 30 December, while on Saturday 18 December, weather permit-

ting, our Ballater worthies will be braving the elements to let you add to our Line of Silver in front of the Ballater War Memorial.

Please come and have a chat!!

Community Service As mentioned in the last Eagle, Rotary Clubs throughout the UK planted purple crocus bulbs across the country in October as part of Rotary’s Thanks for Life campaign to remind the public of the need to continue the fight to eradicate polio from our world. The purple flowers represent the colour of ink in which children’s fingers are dipped once they have been immunized.

With the help of the Guides in Aboyne, the Youth Club in Tarland, and the School in Ballater, we planted five thousand bulbs.

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BRHS

by Mairi Burgess

The Ballater Royal Horticultural Society members are looking forward to the new programme to lighten the dark evenings that have just arrived. The AGM in late October started the syllabus off with an insight into Orchids and how to look after these beautiful plants, by Susan Gavin from the Mains of Drum Garden Centre.

The Society has a number of vacancies on the committee and to continue in good stead, is appealing to all interested local people to join the team. A Secretary is required and I’m sure there is a reader who would enjoy this challenge. I can recommend it, and help and support will be given.

The committee is as follows:President: Mrs. Margaret Crawford; Chairman: Jim Clark; Vice Chairman:

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Margaret Glennie; Treasurer: Senga Clark; Secretary:(Vacant); Publicity: Elizabeth Wilson; Membership Secretary: Rosemary O’Shea.

Two new members were voted on to the committee. John Skinner and Morag Hood join Alex Copland, Michael Rattray, Jane Oliver and Kathleen McCulloch.

The new season will start on 6 December with a talk by Damon Powell, the head gardener at Castle Fraser, who will tell us all about the developing gardens there. The February meeting will find us being transported to our local Muir of Dinnet to identify all the butterflies and moths found there by the resident ranger, Helen Rowe. Congratulations to all the prize-winners at our Annual Exhibition, and to Annette Brown, winner of our Best Garden competition.

Our condolences go to Arthur Menzies and the family on the sad loss of Ros, who was a great stalwart of the Society and a very worthy winner each year of many cups and medals. We will miss the wonderful display of her plants and her warm, happy personality.

The society will be clearing the tubs in the village after what I think was a beautiful display this year. The new tubs looked splendid. We are very grateful to Foxlane Garden Centre for their generous gift of plants and bulbs to enable us to have a winter display around the War Memorial. Thank you very much Mr Henderson.

All our meetings are in the Eagle Diary and are open to all. A warm welcome awaits you. Come and join us, learn a bit more about gardening and other interesting topics, and enjoy a cuppa and a chat.

the Rev. George Brown, parish reporter to the Old Statistical Account (1799), and in more recent days, George Fraser (1921) and Fenton Wyness (1964) reiterate the story almost verbatim adding that in course of time, Ballater planned village was purposebuilt as a Spa-township to house an overflow of tourists attending Pannanich mineral wells when accommodation at Tullich across the River Dee proved insufficient.

Spas have a long histor y throughout Europe although it may be said that modern-day versions of the Roman spas in Britain reached their apogee in the Victorian years of the nineteenth century as popular resorts for the prosperous upper classes, or, as Pennant reported on his travels at Buxton, “denied to all, except the opulent”. Hence, with a new-money class with leisure aplenty, the fiscal importance to both land superior and local economy of establishing and publicising a Spa, by whatever chicanery, needs scarce elaboration.

Whilst the Pannanich spa in its day undoubtedly attracted many visitors despite the lack of developed roads at that period, I would argue that the creation of Ballater planned village merely followed a pattern of economic land development that conformed to an ‘enlightened movement’ popular throughout Scotland, first pioneered by the progressive landowner, Archibald, 3rd Duke of Argyll who, in 1743, caused Inveraray to be constructed to a rational pattern of straight wide streets, measured feus and stone-built houses with slate roofs. In this respect the planned village as a central place and service purveyor for the area, mirrored developments in the Scottish economy from around the last quarter of the eighteenth century and lasting until the middle of the nineteenth. To keep people on estate land that was otherwise cleared for economic purposes was paramount to estate proprietors.

As an acceptable basis for my doubting the Pannanich ‘folk-tale’ relating to the creation of Ballater, it is noticeable that no mention of Pannanich Wells as a local ‘attraction’ is made in the Monaltrie Estate Factor’s notice posted in the weekly Aberdeen Journal of 9th November 1808 and repeated on the issue of 22nd March, 1809: “BALLATER VILLAGE NOTICE is hereby given, that Mr. FARQUHARSON of Monaltrie intends immediately to erect a VILLAGE at the North end of the New Bridge now building over the Dee, by feuing off as much ground to each person as will be sufficient for a House with convenient Offices and a Garden; where there is already a good school and the parochial church, with the government post established three times a week. It is also intended next year to have a Weekly Market, and two Annual Fairs in May and

43

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September, for which the Proprietor has an Act of the Scotch Parliament in 1661; and where, from the local situation; it is supposed that Tradesmen will find a great deal of employment, and others a comfortable place to live in. About 100 acres of good land will be let to the villagers in small lots, at very low rents. The day for giving the feus, with other particulars, will be afterwards advertised; in the meantime, all who wish to become feuars, will please to intimate the same by letter, addressed to William Farquharson of Monaltrie, by Tullich.

Ballater House, 1 November 1808.”

Without doubt the one-off substantial grassum payable for the solum of a permanent building, together with a fixed annual feu-duty in perpetuum would have been an attractive source of immediate income to landowners. Recognised as astute businessmen, the Farquharsons of Monaltrie, impoverished as they may well have been by forfeiture of their estate after 1746, would be unlikely to let an economic opportunity pass. Feu-ferme, however, did not fare well in the twentiethcentury progress of inflation. I well recall the anguish of the Invercauld Estate Factor at having to post the half-yearly 37 pence feuduty demand in respect of my property in Ballater’s Queen’s Road. No question of a waver to save estate expense.

Perhaps some reader can uncover the origins of the ephemeral Elspet Michie who may well have been an incomer from Strathdon. Whatever else, Ms. Michie can most surely take credit after two and a half centuries, of giving a boost to Scotland’s retail trade since bottled Pannanich mineral water is readily available on the shelves of my local Glasgow supermarket, albeit at a price which greatly exceeds my former Ballater feu-duty.

44

Ballater Post Of fice

Hours of Opening: Mon: 9am - 5.30pm Tues: 9am - 5.30pm Weds: 9am - 5.30pm Thurs: 9am - 12.30pm Fri: 9am - 5.30pm Sat: 9am - 12.30pm Please note we are OPEN over lunchtime

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Box 472 Update

by John Holley The forgotten Automobile Association box No 472 on the A 93 at Cambus O’May, which was renovated in July 2009 by five Ballater residents, has taken on a completely new life.

The box now houses a ‘mini museum’ which includes exclusive photographs, a renovated original oil lamp pulley system and a visitors book. Cairngorms National Park information brochures and current copies of the Eagle are also available.

The visitors book includes entries from as far afield as the United States of America, Sweden, Holland, Germany, Canada, Italy and Czechoslovakia. Some 70 plus daffodil bulbs were planted and in April this year Box 472 had its first showing, enhancing the box surround.

Team 472 would like to thank Ballater Police officers (Grampian) for their efforts

17

in making regular visits (day & night) to the box ensuring that all is well. We are grateful that Bluebird bus drivers, Aberdeenshire Council employees and local residents themselves play their part in monitoring the well being of Box 472 when passing the location.

You are cordially invited to sign the visitors book, view the pictures and don’t forget to look up at the rare oil lamp pulley system housed in the roof space when you next pass.

Do take care when entering and leaving the location as vehicles are travelling at high speeds on this stretch of the road.

For the full story and pictures of the refurbishment please visit: www.aabox472.webs.com There is also a short (4½ mins) video available of the official Box 472 re opening on YouTube.com.

Simply type in ‘Cambus O’May’ in the search box and all will be revealed.

Don’t forget to close the door securely behind you after your visit!!

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Deeside and Donside Development Project

45

by Nick Mardall The Project, which has been set up to assist groups in moving forward with projects or initiatives, has now been underway for six months and is building links with a number of organisations and groups in the Project area covering Braemar, Ballater and Strathdon.

My role is to make things happen. I can help identify agencies that can assist. I can look into potential funding to help your organisation and I can help with planning your project and setting timeframes to work from.

It is difficult to approach all groups in the area, and I urge any individuals or groups to contact me directly for assistance in any number of aspects. I cannot physically meet

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all groups to introduce myself and to explain the work of the project due to the numbers of groups and the geographic spread of the work. Therefore I would ask that people contact me and ask what I can do to assist them.

Currently, the project has been involved in a number of initiatives and projects. These include the submission of applications for rural broadband services from Linn of Dee, Corgarff, Glen Muick, Glen Girnoc, Glen Gairn and Glen Livet. If anyone has problems with poor broadband or no broadband, please contact me and I will see if the fund application can help your case.

I have also been involved with a number of tourism and renewable energy related projects in Ballater, Braemar and Donside.

I would urge you to ask what this project can do for your group or organisation. If it will provide community benefit then it is appropriate for me to help where I can. I can be contacted on 0783 451 2029 or 013397 53775. Or drop in to the Bank House, 7 Bridge Street, Ballater.

I look forward to hearing from you.

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46

“The Munchi”

by Dr Sheila Sedgwick

A cottage at Balmoral known as “Karim Cottage” is by the road from the entrance gates to the stables. It was named after “The Munchi”, Hafiz Abdul Karim, Queen Victoria’s Indian Secretary, appointed late in her reign.

The Indian was disliked by many members of the household. There may have been colour prejudice but there was certainly jealousy. Some of the staff thought “ The Munchi” had too much influence over the aged Queen. At all events there was much gossip and obvious dislike.

The Queen herself described her Secretary as “handy and useful in many ways” while others said he was “full of low cunning” and “sly and faintly sinister.” One of

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the court officials commented that “The Munchi” was “tactless, pushing and highhanded.”

Matters might have continued uneasily but “The Munchi” suddenly became headline news. In 1897 the Daily Telegraph published a photograph of Queen Victoria at her desk in the cottage where she often took breakfast and dealt with her correspondence.

Beside her was “The Munchie” with a paper in his hand. The text suggested that the Hindustani secretary was giving the Queen lessons in his native language. The photograph had been taken by Robert Milne who had his studio in Ballater. An earlier photograph of the same scene had been entitled “Morning Correspondence.” There seems to be no ground for believing that The Munchi was teaching Hindustani to Queen Victoria, but there is no doubt that the article and the photograph did nothing to increase the Secretary’s popularity.

As was the case with John Brown’s statue and reputation, Edward VII ordered “The Munchi’s” papers to be burned and more were destroyed when he died at home in Agra in 1909.

Around 1946 the retired photographer Robert Milne referred to “The Munchi” as “my good friend”. He described him as a gentleman, deeply grieved that Christians could behave in such an un-Christian manner. No doubt snobbery and racial prejudice as well as jealousy lay at the root of the problem.

Like Victoria’s other favourite, the aim in the next reign was to erase the man’s memory. No statue was ever erected but Karim Cottage remains.

What’s this being built?

15

by Bill Boggia

At the end of September the Abergeldie Community Organisation got together and hosted a four-day ‘Build Your Own Wind Turbine’ course on Abergeldie Estate. The course was attended by a variety of folk resident in Aberdeenshire and was run by Bruce from the Talamh Housing Cooperative in Lanarkshire. The course took a practical hands on, how-to-do approach with participants doing everything from building stators and rotors and casting them in epoxy resin, wiring rectifiers, winding copper coils and carving blades, to soldering and welding - thereby learning the skills needed to build their own.

The turbine built during the course is based upon a design by Hugh Piggott (who teaches the same course at The Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales and who gave us a discount on his build manuals). The completed unit was donated to Vital Vege organic vegetable farm at Midmar where it will be erected this November. As well as putting organic goodness into our community Vital Vege do a lot of local outreach with talks in the locality and visits to local schools, hosting school trips to their farm, as well as having a strong involvement in their local transi-

tion town movement.

Thanks to funding from The Marr Area Partnership we were also able to offer some course places at a significantly discounted rate for people on a low income.

Whilst there appears to be plenty of grant funding available to home owners to help them make the transition into renewable energy for their homes, Abergeldie Community Organisation is keen to hear views from folk here in Deeside on the need for renewable energy technology to be made more accessible to people on housing benefit. Please send your views, and register your interest to bill_boggia@yahoo.com. We hope to host more courses this coming spring.

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14

BRHS Floral Art Group

by Mildred Coull

Since its first meeting on 13 April 1995, Ballater RHS Floral Art Group has blossomed and attracted a large and enthusiastic membership of around 50 ladies.

The monthly meetings are always well attended and, under the successful Chairmanship of Kathleen McCulloch and a committee of seven ladies, the Group has enjoyed a wide variety of demonstrations, workshops and outings to local gardens of special interest.

The programme planning starts in October ahead of the AGM and the Charity Christmas demonstration in the Victoria Hall is almost al-

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ways a sell-out with substantial donations to deserving charities. One member of the committee changes the silk flower arrangements in Aboyne Hospital with spring, summer and autumn themes.

By the time this appears in the Eagle our spectacular display in Glenmuick Church by Dr Gordon Smith will have been seen and admired by all who entered the church, not only the congregation but also visitors to Ballater as the church was open daily. The Christmas Charity evening entitled ‘Season of Magic’ will also have provided a preChristmas treat and, hopefully, a generous donation shared between an Alzheimer Charity and the Halls Development Fund.

Every month the talented Maria Franklin produces a beautiful poster to advertise the next meeting displayed by kind agreement in the local shops. A notice also appears in ‘The Piper’ a week in advance of the meetings. Those who attend also have a chance to win one of the superb arrangements at the end of the evening - if they are lucky!

The BRHS Floral Art group is full of friendly people who enjoy the delights of the amazing variety of plant life. Flowers and plants are the wonders of nature - the arrangements are our enjoyment of them.

Come along and enjoy a happy atmosphere with a cup of tea to end the evening. Everyone will be made very welcome.

Details of our programme for next year will appear in the next edition of The Eagle.

Pottering About . . .

47

by Stella Potter Do you remember how proud I was of my garlic growing last issue? Well, I spoke too soon. There I was, mistakenly admiring the luxurious growth and seeming excellence of my garlic crop. It was with great eagerness I took my trusty trowel to lift the bulbs.

What a disappointment. Although all had grown fabulously above ground, when I peered closely the greatest number of cloves I had on any bulb was a very sad and miserable three. It wasn’t worth carefully plaiting the foliage to have my very own tempting garlic plait in my kitchen. If anyone has any ideas where I’ve gone wrong, do please share.

I was honoured, but decidedly nervous, at being asked to speak about the history and philosophy of Humanism to the Ballater Ladies’ Probus group recently. Although

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time consuming, I found it a very enjoyable and useful experience to work on a PowerPoint presentation to explain the rather large subject that Humanism is, in a way that would hopefully engage the good Ballater Probus Ladies. The day did not start well. The constant rain was nearly horizontal. My car had been reluctant to start, and decided to give up trying altogether in a client’s driveway in the outer environs of the village. Despite having a myriad of other useful things in my car, a coat was not one of them, so by the time I reached home after miserably dripping on a couple of other clients’ floors - very sorry! - I was soaked to the skin. Being one who inevitably hits deadlines only just before I hear the whooshing sound of them going past (thank you Doug-

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las Adams for that wonderful analogy) I still had some preparation to do. I made the Halls on the dot, a little soggy but with all I thought I needed. Neither the lovely organisers of the good group nor I realised that I needed some electronic wizardry (a data projector, I now know) to show my presentation on the big screen. Oh well, sometimes one’s best work is on the hoof.

So I made the best of it reading some parts of my presentation slides, which generally I hate folk doing. They were an eclectic group, and I could feel and appreciated the support of many on my making the best of the circumstance. The fly cup after has probably never been so appreciated. And I must say that I have been very touched by the streetchat and good old-fashioned letters I have received. Thank you ladies. My heart is warmed.

What’s been going on with our recycling

48

collections? I’m on the Tuesday side of the village for the boxes, which had regularly been collected around 9.30am, so I put them out before going to work. However, a few times recently the lorry has come by at silly o’clock, well before 8am. The first time I missed it completely and the second my youngest was superbly on the ball, swiftly and niftily wheeking the boxes out when she heard the smash clunk clatter of the lorry down the street. So one week I put the boxes out the night before, which I’d rather not do in case of high winds or even high jinks by late night revellers. When did the noisy lorry turn up that week? The latest time ever. Middle of the afternoon. It seems well odd that the landfill lorry does the whole village in one day and always turn up at the same sort of time, yet the recycling takes two days and collection times are all over the place. It really doesn’t help to encourage the folk who haven’t quite grasped the recycling message yet…

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Ballater Charitable Chiels

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by Derek Mutch As the year draws to an end the Chiels can reflect on another successful year. It has been a record breaking year in terms of money raised for local charities and worthy causes. Of course we must acknowledge all the help we get from the community, and beyond, whether it is through sponsorship and donations or through practical help such as all the help we get from volunteers on our golf day. Thank you to everyone. Your support is very much appreciated.

As I write this article we have just finished putting the lights on to the Glenmuick Church spire.

This should prove quite a spectacle when they are switched on at the lead up to Xmas. The Church is the focal point in the village and we appreciate that the Kirk session has allowed us to do this. I am looking forward to the switch on. A few of the Chiels have worked very hard on this project!

We are also currently planning our fireworks night which has always proved to be a very entertaining spectacle. By the time the Eagle goes to print it will be a distant memory but hopefully it will have lived up to previous fireworks nights.

In October, once again, we were entertained by the band “Flites “in the Victoria Hall. We raised £1500. Thanks to all who attended and special thanks to Gordon Guest House who, for the second year in a row, provided the band with free accommo-

dation. This obviously makes a big difference to the amount of money we raise on the night. Thank you to Amanda and Martin Will. Also thanks to all who attended. I hope you had a good time, - we all certainly enjoyed it!

Our two sport challenges of the year included taking on the Bowling Club at Bowls and we also played the Ballater Football Club at Golf. Alas the Bowling Club once again proved how competent they were and comprehensively beat us but we managed to beat the Football Club at golf so that was a small consolation.

For the first time we have decided to organise a local talent contest and have called it “Ballater’s got talent”. The emphasis here is strictly on fun and we hope ever yone involved has a good experience.

The winners will receive a small prize and they will be able to donate £500 to the charity or local worthy cause of their choice. The auditions are to be held on Sunday. 28 November, with the final staged on Saturday 11 December in the Victoria Hall. It is open to all!

We plan to have our fancy dress disco on Saturday 18 December. This should prove to be a fun end to 2010 and set us up nicely for 2011, our tenth anniversary year.

So watch this space for future events and all that remains is for me, on behalf of the Ballater Charitable Chiels, to thank you for your support in 2010 and to wish you all a Merry Xmas and a very Happy New Year.

All the best to everyone for 2011.

12 Ballater Enhancement Group

By Martin Holroyd Christmas is nearly upon us once again and your Enhancement Group has been busy organising the festive lights, the switch on and raising money for an upgrade and maintenance of the lights. We have one extra special feature this year and we have to thank the Ballater Charitable Chiels for their idea, finance and lots of work in putting lights on the Church Steeple. The imagination of everyone in Ballater was fired by the sight of the huge crane lifting people and the new lights to the top of the steeple. These should add to what we all know as the best display in Deeside and we are all looking forward to seeing the whole village lit up again during the festive season.

Support from the residents once again is

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how we can manage to provide this display and one of the ways we raise money is by our Twelve Days of Christmas Draws.

These will be taking place again this December from the 1st to the 12th December inclusive. Last year we paid out £1,750 in prizes and we made £1,500 profit for The Funds. Thank you everyone for your support but if you have not entered yet, please contact Martin Holroyd 55365, Pat Downie 55725 or Alistair Cassie at his shop before the end of November and you will be entered in the draws. This will cost you £10 and you will be in every draw. Results will be published daily.

The switch on of the Festive Lights took place on Saturday 27 November and was led by Ballater Pipe Band and Ballater Primary School children. Support is gratefully acknowledged from the Ballater Business Association who provided sweets for the children of all ages and mulled wine for those of a certain age but who are young at heart.

B.E.G. looked after the hanging baskets during the summer months. Thanks to Tober and Willie Murdoch for their efforts to keep the baskets watered. Thank you all for your continued support.

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he

I was greatly amused by the keen young chap who came by recently from the Energy Saving Trust. We sat by my wood-burning stove and he asked me where my boiler was.

I pointed to the stove. He looked a little confused and explained he wanted to know how my central heating and hot water were powered. I pointed to the stove again. He was astounded, having no idea that all heating needs can be supplied just with our extensive local resource: wood. I explained the huge reduction in my carbon footprint, and he was even more surprised when I told him how little it cost in comparison with oil or electricity.

Although in the depths of last winter bringing the wood in was an occasional challenge, particularly when all the snow came crashing down off the roof, bringing much of the guttering with it and smashing some fences. It then froze, hardening into a 5 feet high obstacle course which certainly added

49

to the challenge. It felt more like mountaineering than the usual gentle stroll to the woodshed. The guttering is now repaired - what a lot of guttering was replaced round here this year - and, unlike some, I am hoping for a far milder winter than the one we last endured. I know the youngsters enjoy the piles and piles of snow, and their many snow days, but it’s not fun tramping the snowy streets in the cold and the dark, despite the pleasant side effect of a huge increase in my personal fitness. And I could really do without the accusatory glares from our cat, Willow, when I open the door for him to go out and he seemingly expects me to wave my magic wand and remove all the nasty cold white stuff.

How I wish I had such power…

But whatever weather this winter chucks at us, may we all be happy, warm and cosy.

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Albert Memorial Hall Extracts from the Minutes

The first meeting of the Provisional Committee of the Ballater and District Club was held on 13 December 1872. Colonel Farquharson of Invercauld, the feu superior, had agreed to give a site for the Club to build its premises at a nominal rent so long as the building was used as a Club, otherwise he would expect the regular feu duty. His suggestion was to build on land “at the top of Mr Cook’s garden.” Mr Cook was the proprietor of the Monaltrie Hotel and his garden extended up to Hawthorn Grove so the Colonel’s site would have been in front of the house called Langdale.

However the Committee, (of which Mr Cook was the chairman), wanted a central location in the Village Square so that the Post Office could be housed in the same building. This would have meant Colonel Farquharson agreeing to demolish some

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by Janet Riddler houses he had recently acquired there which he was unwilling to do as he intended to refurbish them. In February 1873 two possible sites had been identified, Mr Cook’s garden and a site also owned by Mr Cook opposite the railway station, and a public meeting was called to decide between them.

There is a gap in the minutes now until 1875 by which time the Albert Memorial Hall had been built on the Railway Square site, the foundation stone having been laid by the Marchioness of Huntly on 18 September 1874. The Committee had received generous funding from Mr Alexander Gordon, a native of the area who was now a successful brewer and distiller in London, being proprietor of the Caledonian Road Brewery. He lived in Kent and does not appear ever to have revisited Ballater to see the building he had made possible (or the Victoria Hall and Gordon Institute which were also recipients of his generosity) although he did reserve to himself and his friends the right of attending free of charge “all meetings, lectures and entertainments which may be held or given in the subjects or any part thereof.” (More information about Mr Gordon can be found on the Royal Deeside website).

The building, designed by Messrs Duguid, comprised an entrance vestibule from the Square, the Post Office and Post Mistress’s sitting room on the west side, living quarters for the Post Mistress across the back of the building, reading room on the northeast corner and the billiard hall overlooking Monaltrie Road with the gentlemen’s lavatories between them on the ground floor, and the Albert Hall, committee room, ladies and gentlemen’s lavatories and the volunteer armoury on the first floor. The

11 The Duke of Rothesay starts the first official game...

Ballater Pipe Band was in attendance throughout, providing much enjoyed musical accompaniment to the proceedings. As always they were excellent and ver y much appreciated.

A Guard of Honour was provided by the 1st Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The new multi use games area in Monaltrie Park was completed at the end of August. It is proving very popular, with children starting to use it even before it was finished!

H.R.H. Prince Charles, The Duke of Rothesay, flew in by Royal Helicopter to officially open the court on Thursday 14 October. He met the trustees of Youth Engaging Sport, (Y.E.S) the charity responsible for this facility – which is to be called the Sheridan Games Area.

Representatives of the various sponsors and user groups were then presented before he unveiled a plaque. H.R.H. then watched a 5-a-side football game between two teams of local youngsters. He started the game by throwing the ball in (see picture) and was very impressed by the standard of play of the youngsters. At the end of the game he presented the ten children with medals and pennants.

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10

Carers meetings

by Anne Hammond

Carers meetings are open to anyone who provides care for a family member/ friend/ neighbour. We are a very informal group, - no minutes, committees, fundraising etc. just a little time for us, the carers. However some very useful and helpful information can be gained even if it’s just the fact that someone else understands how you feel.

Chris Cairns - VSA Carers Support & Development Worker comes along to our meetings when he can, and provides professional support and advice. Chris can be contacted by email chris.cairns@vsa.org.uk or telephone 013398 87291.

We are holding our Christmas Lunch at 12 noon on December 9 at The Auld Kirk, Ballater. Anyone wishing to join us must let

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me know by November 22. See below for contact details.

All other meetings are normally held on the first Monday of each month at 11am for coffee, cake and a chat. Just come along if you can. You buy your own coffee/tea/ snack. Dates for early 2011 are:January 17: Huntly Arms Hotel Aboyne February 7: The Auld Kirk Ballater March 7: The Huntly Arms Hotel Aboyne Contact annechammond@aol.com 013398 85678 (07974375185) for further details/info.

Upper Deeside Art Society

by Moira Mackenzie As the Festive Season fast approaches all the Members of The Upper Deeside Art Society would like to wish you ‘Peace and Happiness’ over this period of the year.

Before the end of 2010, we have a Meeting in the Aboyne Bowling Club premises on Friday 3 December at 2pm , when Madge Wards the talented Textile Artist will demonstrate how she creates her local landscapes combining paint, felting and stitchery.

She will explain to us the steps leading to the composition of her piece of work and her choice of materials which she will use to complete her artwork. This gives us an interesting insight into how her Art is created before we see it on the walls of an Exhibition or Gallery.

We happily welcome non-Members to come along to our monthly Meetings - £1 for Members and £3 for non-Members which includes refreshments.

Our first Meeting of 2011 will be on Friday 4 February at 2pm when Jenny Musker a Member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Gravers and Sculptors will introduce us to this Society founded in 1896.

inscription on the freestone tablet above the Post Office door read “This Hall is erected to the memory of His Royal Highness The Prince Consort Born 26 August 1819 Died 14 December 1861 Treu und Fest True and Firm”. A committee of trustees from amongst Ballater’s great and good was established including the church ministers and school master, William Gordon of Littlemill who must have been a relative of Alexander Gordon, Mr Pithie of Turner Hall, the station agent, and prominent citizens. They drew up a list of dozens of bye-laws and rules. Although the membership of the Club was exclusively male, the first Superintendent of the Rooms was a Miss Elizabeth Farquharson who also ran the Post Office.

The committee agreed which newspapers and periodicals were to be bought for the reading room and banned smoking, gambling and intoxicated persons. At the beginning of each year the previous year’s collections of publications were to be sold – this practice led to difficulties when it was discovered by the purchaser of “Punch” that some mean-spirited person had cut out the cartoons! There was an annual subscription of 5 shillings and a charge per game for the billiard room. This was the main source of income for the Club. The Albert Hall and committee room were to be available for lectures, social meetings, concerts, balls and popular entertainments. The Freemasons were given exclusive use of the Hall every 8 January, St. Nathalan’s Day. The minutes for the next years are mainly concerned with finances and repairs, including recovering the billiard table with second class fabric and negotiating terms with the gas company for lighting. In 1884 the Hall Green, which was where the Victoria Hall now is, was adapted for croquet. Also in 1884 the gas works closed and the Hall lighting was converted to paraffin, the work being carried out by Messrs Shirras of Aberdeen.

The dripping of paraffin from the overhead lamps was found to damage the billiard cloth and led to frequent repairs.

Mr Gordon donated a further £1000 which was to be invested and the interest used for repairs to the building “in all time coming”.

The manager of the North of Scotland Bank suggested investing for five years in the Buckie extension and Great North of Scotland Railway but Mr Gordon did not agree and the money was invested at 4% in a bond on the Candacraig estate in Strathdon.

In 1885 draughts and bagatelle were introduced to the Hall which was to be opened as a recreation room during the visitor season. Mrs William Duguid was charged with purchasing in Aberdeen a suitable piano for the Hall, travelling expenses to be paid. Mr Macbeath of Union Street agreed to provide a piano for £22 or on a sort of hire purchase agreement at 10 shillings per month, or 2 guineas a quarter for 3 years. He also

51

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agreed to take the old piano for £2 as a favour to the committee. In October a dispute arose between the committee and the Horticultural Society with regard to unpaid rent for the Flower Show. Legal action was threatened but abandoned as not being conducive to the well-being of the village.

In 1886 Mr Robert Cameron was appointed Keeper of the Billiard Table and Room at a salary of 6 shillings per month and 5% of the takings. The library provided in the building under Mr Gordon’s Deed of Instructions was closed for book refurbishment. There seems to have been a library owned by the trustees and also one owned by the Burgh Council, both of which were housed in different sections of the same bookcase. Borrowers chose from a catalogue and the books were handed over by Miss Farquharson. The books were generally of an educational or improving nature such as Life and Times of Lord Palmerston, Hume

52

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Smollett’s History of England, Cassell’s Popular Educator, Wyllie’s History of Protestantism and History of Popery, and Adam Smith’s Political Economy.

In 1887 disputes between the trustees and the Hall users, notably the Horticultural Society, over charges and arbitrary rules came to a head and at a public meeting it was agreed that four rate-payers should be elected annually to the committee to represent the community. The library reopened in July.

In 1888 the Candacraig investment was moved to Newe, Edinglassie and Skellater.

Mr Gordon gave another £1000 which was invested by Messrs Edmonds and Ledingham in property in Aberdeen. For some time the gentlemen’s lavatories had been emitting an offensive smell which was noticed in the Post Office as the entrance doors were opposite each other. Glazing the aperture above the lavatory door did not solve the problem so the committee decided to find a practical man to determine a remedy. Mr Emslie the plumber and Mr Duguid the carpenter suggested extra ventilation. The billiard table needed re-covering again and a workman was sent from Messrs Orme & Sons of Glasgow in May to do the work.

However, he disappeared on 2 June leaving the work unfinished, locking the door and taking the key with him. The committee demanded that a reputable and honest workman be sent to finish the job and when the final bill for £29.7/6 was submitted the secretary deducted 16/- as compensation for loss of income while the room was closed and 2/ 6 which was the cost of having the carpenter break open the door and supply a new key.

Patrons were requested to use the spittoons in order to save damage to the new matting which had been laid.

In February 1889 there was a public sale of washing machines.

In 1893, the Glengairn priest requested the use of the Hall for religious services on

luxury to take a hassle-free coach trip. We are by no means decrepit though!!

It was a pleasure to see new faces in the shape of non-members and we hope to see them again – maybe they will join our little band. The Association’s AGM will be held at the end of March next year, shortly followed by subscription–taking time at the Hut on the Green. New members are always welcome, not least because they bring with them new ideas. Look out for the posters which will appear in the window of the Hut on the Green, and come along to the AGM. Anyone requiring more information, please contact me on 53244.

Upper Deeside Music

by Jane Angus The return of the Heller Quartet to St Kentigern’s for Victoria Week was a delightful one, with a large number of visitors from our friends of the Strathdee Society. Regrettably however, attendances have been poorer for the concert ‘for the left hand’ given

by Ivan Illic from Paris and for Allan Neave, the lecturer in guitar at the Glasgow Royal College. Both these concerts gave an unusual repertoire and an unusual variety of fascinating sounds. Allan Neave then gave a workshop which seemed as enlightening and interesting to the listeners as to the participant.

The next concert on the 5 of December at 4.30pm, is to be given by the Aberdonian cellist, Phillip Highman with Simon Lane on the piano in the Darroch Learg, and thereafter the actual dates for Roger Williams (organ) and Petra Paskova, (piano) will depend on weather conditions. We hope to make a telephone alert if there is no threat of snow, as well as posters and attempts to inform the local papers but after the last two years and deferrals, we shall have to ‘wait and see’.

The Paitti Quartet are due on March 20 with an interesting programme in St Kentigern’s and we may manage another concert between those dates, possibly in an unusual venue.

9

CNPA

by Ian Hay

The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) has welcomed a new member to its Board. Minister for Environment Roseanna Cunningham has announced the appointment of Professor Gordon Riddler who lives in Ballater and is a Geologist and Chartered Engineer.

Gordon is currently Chairman of the Board of Ballater (RD) Ltd and is involved in several community organisations and projects. He brings experience in research, development and operations management relating to natural resources as well as business administration to the job, with specialised knowledge of corporate strategy and fundraising in the private and public sector.

He is delighted to have been given this opportunity. Having enjoyed the wild and remote nature of the area covered by the Cairngorms National Park since schooldays in Aberdeen, he looks forward to making a constructive contribution to its future.

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Local Group News SWRI

by Frances Johnstone The new session of Ballater SWRI has been well attended. The opening meeting in September was an excellent demonstration by Rhoda Ross entitled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Flowers and Fanciesâ&#x20AC;?, the flowers being beautiful buttonholes for men and women, and the fancies shortbread, truffles and fudge. Members enjoyed eating these, and were given appropriate recipes.

The October meeting was a demonstration by Kathleen Fraser of many lovely crafts, one being soap carving. She finished off her evening with a lovely rendition in Gaelic and in English of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Leaving Lismoreâ&#x20AC;?.

All are welcome to come along to our meetings, details of which are contained in the Diary section of this Eagle.

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Ballater Songsters

by Sheila Rumbles

See pic on back page Since the success of our concert during Victoria Week the Songsters have been back hard at work practising for our Christmas programme, and look forward to performing at various venues throughout the festive season.

We would take this opportunity to wish our â&#x20AC;&#x153;fansâ&#x20AC;? a Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2011.

Ballater Halls Indoor Bowling Club

by Sheila Rumbles It was lovely to return indoors again after quite a wet bowling season outside. We are all enjoying our weekly sessions and look forward to our Christmas â&#x20AC;&#x153;Funâ&#x20AC;? night on Tuesday 21st December at 7-30pm.

We then have a Christmas break and restart on Tuesday 4th January 2011.

Best wishes to all.

Ballater & District Old Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association

By Ruth Burrows On Thursday 9 September, following much recent rain, the gods were smiling and the sun shone upon our backs. The second of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outings saw 37 members and 10 visitors set out over the Lecht with a coffee and cakes stop at Tomintoul, followed by a visit to the Heather Centre at Dalnain Bridge. There, everybody enjoyed picking up bargains, plants, or just having a leisurely browse before high tea.

As usual, we all enjoyed the smooth and relaxing ride, thanks to our driver, Jane. For some of the less mobile among us it is a

Sundays which was granted. A Mr John Hendry, who held the original feu charter of the land upon which the Hall was built, objected to the holding of Roman Catholic services in the building and threatened to exercise his legal right to claim the land and its buildings. Mr Douglass, one of the trustees, gave it as his opinion that holding such services was contrary to the terms of the feu charter of the village between William Farquharson of Monaltrie and John Farquharson of Invercauld dated July 1820 which allowed only services according to the established churches of Scotland or England to be held in any building erected on the land in question.

Colonel Farquharson of Invercauld, the present feu superior, was appealed to and he gave his permission for any religious community to use the Hall with the permission of the trustees.

Mr Hendry does not appear to have pursued the matter further.

In 1893 the magistrates and Baillies of

Ballater were added to the list of trustees. The trustees now decided to buy paraffin by the barrel and had built an iron-roofed wooden store 9 feet long by 5 feet wide by the gate to the back lane. New chairs were ordered which were to be stored under the Hall platform. However this was found to be impracticable and it was decided to store the chairs in the void above the anterooms and a hatch opened above the back lobby of sufficient size to admit the chairs and forms.

A safe was installed in the committee room in a cupboard about 6 feet high which was to be panelled to match the rest of the woodwork. The trustees investigated many ways of eliminating the problem of smoking chimneys in the billiard room due to the original chimneys not having been built high enough but no satisfactory remedy seems to have been found.

The first minute book ends here.

53

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54

‘Coke Bottle’ 1 – Meteor 0

I was nearing the end of my two-year pilot training and was practicing medium-level aerobatics at around 15,000ft as part of the Final Handling Test on a bright, sunny afternoon over Cambridgeshire. The aircraft was a Vampire T11 jet fitted with ejector-seats which I preferred, for obvious reasons, to the singleseat FB9 - which didn’t!

Before starting the aerobatic sequence I checked the sky for other aircraft and noticed I was not alone. Someone else appeared to be practicing a deliberate spin and recovery – the only problem was, he wasn’t recovering! I flew the intervening 5 miles or so to get a closer look and as I circled round it I noticed the spinning aircraft had no tail! I recognised the plane to be a Meteor NF11 night fighter which I knew had a crew of two and no ejector-seats. It was at this stage that

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By Bill Houston I spotted above me a single parachute with no sign of the other crew member. I remember feeling a sense of horror at the thought that there might be someone else trapped inside the cartwheeling plane as it hurtled down to earth.

Nevertheless, I continued to circle and then had a ghastly thought! “Where was the missing tailplane?” Thank goodness it too was spinning to earth about a mile away from where I was located and well clear of the body dangling at the end of a parachute.

I followed him down and saw a pall of black smoke where the aircraft had exploded not far from a farmhouse. I could see where the crewman had landed because of the plume of the deflated parachute, and decided to get a closer look to see if he was alive. This involved lowering flaps and undercarriage to slow down as much as possible and pass by at about 50ft where he was lying. I was relieved to see him give me a wave, so powered-up and headed for my base at Oakington whilst radioing my report as to what had had happened.

Later that day the incident was reported on Anglia TV and wonderful news! The chap I saw was the pilot who suffered a broken ankle but the other crew member (the navigator) had escaped unhurt. The cause of the accident it appeared was a collision with a USAF F84 Republic Thunderjet known as the “Coke Bottle” because its fuselage resembled the famous soft drink bottle shape.

Its swept-back wing apparently sliced through the Meteor’s fuselage like a hot knife through butter but the aircraft returned safely to base with only some minor wing damage. Result Coke Bottle 1 – Meteor 0!

Keep in touch with a Subscription UK: £8.00 EC: £10.00 Overseas: £14.00 For the rates above, four issues will be posted.

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Simply provide the name and address to whom the issues should be sent, with a cheque or postal order for 'Ballater Eagle' for the relevant amount and drop off your request to the Library. Betty, our Subscriptions person, will do the rest. Easy!

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7

SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT: Mike Rumbles MSP

01330 820268 Fax: 01330 820106 e-mail: Mike.Rumbles.msp@scottish.parliament.uk

WESTMINSTER: Sir Robert Smith MP

01330 820330, Fax: 01330 820338, e-mail: robert.smith.mp@parliament.uk

ABERDEENSHIRE COUNCIL: Peter Argyle: 013398 81180 email: cllr.p.argyle@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Library, Ballater, AB35 5QB

Rosemary Bruce 013398 89318 email: cllr.r.bruce@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

E-mail to:

Marcus Humphrey : 013398 85332 email: cllr.m.humphrey@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

ballater.eagle@btopenworld.com

Contributions of any kind on PC disc / cd always welcome.

CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK: Geva Blackett email: geva.blackett@btconnect.com

Eagle Who's Who & Where Editor: Ian Hay 55941 Treasurer: Dr. Sheila Sedgwick 55292 Secretary: Betty Wilson 55791 Advertising Manager: Faye Swan 55345 Distribution: Andy and Julie Bloor Diary Secretary & Typing: Isobel Michie 54094 Design: Stella Potter 55969 Email us at: ballater.eagle@btopenworld.com Eagle Online by Tom Potter: www.ballaterscotland.com/eagle

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6

Letter from our Editor

‘The Donkey Wallopers’

55

by Arthur Chisnall strength to eaders, Dear R to go from s e tside u n ti n o d from ou agle c n a E l r a te c a lo ll , a B all ore people ith ever m d, but with rl o w e th strength, w raphs cross nd photog a d indeed a n s a le , ic a rt re a a the sending include to Ballater, possible to gazine. a s y m a y lw it a n t with links u m no st to in our com do our be etimes it is l n m il o so si w lu h e c g w u in o d for se, alth rsevere, an e all of the ver, do pe e w o h We welcom se a le Team ed. received. P the Eagle d f lu m o c e it in rs e y b re r e a m ev ossible to all me ches your many as p my thanks r Eagle rea u ss o y re t p a x ensure as e th r who nsure e, I wish to Julie Bloo f ways to e d o n a ty e y Meanwhil ri d a n v e in a ade of A the printer, p their tim must be m ming from o n c o e ti n who give u in e z a m g d Jean ma Particular re John an urs of the a o h ” rs in re h e it v w li letter box.. ge and “de entire villa enderson, m. Other e e H th th n t to h a r Jo e w v , deli may thro e Masson t edition, e weather Clark, Iren ce the firs n y a si s M le , g whatever th re a ty E ly is on MacIn nfortunate designing u ri a n o e h e M b w , y s e s, a ll e h il Ho Potter Naomi M Sedgwick ster. Stella in this by an. Sheila w d S te e is y ss Hugh Ink a a F of all ly er kept track ing manag en ver y ab e s is a b rt h e s v a n d h a so r il d an , and ou ile Betty W al. We are Grantown ires renew y issue, wh r u e q v e re moving to n in o ti le ic triona rip uted an art ie, and Ca en a subsc ib h th tr w ra n o C m c e s m th a o h ding re of the ie Ross fr bers, remin for the futu Team, Oll rs e a th fe our subscri to o n e m ter. I have d to welco from Balla r ver y please jo a M n n Hay ard! nd K are 2011. Ia lent on bo y ta p p h c a Houston a u h m d n healthy a agle with so aders for a Ballater E re r u o ll a s to Best wishe

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As it flows towards Aberdeen and the North Sea, the river Dee follows a wide horseshoe course around Ballater. For most of this stretch it has a very stony bottom, which might be great for creating wee ponds at the water’s edge for bairns to puddle about in or as a keep for ‘bandies’, but further out, its slippery stones are treacherous and gey sair on the legs and feet of those trying to learn to swim. In the summer months, the salmon pools are about the only places with sufficient depth for this purpose and of those, only the ‘Lang Peel’ with its fast flowing stretch of deep water is the most accessible. On the village side of the river, the presence of golfers and a few dog walkers tend to make it seldom used by the salmon fishers.

Over the years it became the favourite spot for many of the village folk as they grew up and the urge to learn to swim was upon them. A great attraction used to be a series of thick flat-topped tree trunks placed in an upright position that lined the river bank on the golf course side of the pool and provided ready made diving platforms. These were in fact piles that had been placed there to support a strong bulwark of logs and boulders designed to prevent the river, when in spate, from washing away the bank. A dive from one of these uprights could easily take a ‘dooker’ clear across the main current to the backwater on the Glenmuick side, where the water is shallower and surprisingly calm. From here they could practice their swimming strokes upstream to the rushes at the head of the pool and then float down with the current as it picked up speed again from the ‘Red Braes’. It was quite an easy feat for the learners to make a lunge for the bank as they passed the posts.

A dozen or so pale skinned loons in various positions of rest, relaxed drowsily on the

sun-scorched grass at the side of the ‘Lang Peel’ relishing the cool breeze that came off the river, as it gurgled quietly past on its forty-mile journey eastwards. It was a Saturday afternoon in August and half way through an unusually hot summer school holiday. Away in the distance, the excited cries of young bairns could faintly be heard as they chased ‘bandies’ in the foot or so of safe and sandy waters of the ‘Wee Dooker’- just as they themselves had done a few years back. Wee Chis was proudly wearing his very first real pair of ‘dookers’, bought that very morning from Theodore Henderson’s shop on Bridge Street.

Flicking a horny gollach and several exploring ants off his towel, he came to with a start, as his brother, who was home on leave

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from Boy Service in Aldershot and lying close by, sprang quickly to his feet. ‘Oucha’, he yelled, ‘that’s the third time the day that these blasted clegs have drawn blood and that’s all they’re getting, that’s it, I’m out of here’. At a certain time of the year, clegs (horseflies), with their nasty stings, were unfortunately one of the drawbacks to bathing in the Lang Peel.

Rising up on one elbow, Wee Chis watched as his brother and his Boy Service pal Johnny Barlow got dressed and headed off in the direction of Brockies pond. He noticed there were quite a few golfers about, even though the course had recently acquired an additional hazard in the shape of tall tree trunks placed upright in the ground at irregular intervals along all the fairways. This was designed as an anti-invasion measure, the strategy being to prevent enemy planes from attempting to land. There was now the

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slight chance that an unlucky golfer might strike one of these uprights and have his ball stopped dead in flight, but occasionally a lucky one, heading for the rough, could also gain an advantage from a ricochet. Most golfers thought it sort of added spice to the game.

Away in the distance to the right of the clubhouse, he caught sight of a flurry of khaki activity and realised with pleasure that the RASC Horse Transport Regiment were roping off an unused area of the golf course to the east of the ‘Wee Dooker’, for what looked like one of their regular Gymkhanas.

These events were free and one of the highlights was a tent-pegging contest, in which riders with lances – usually the officers would race and attempt to spear small wooden pegs in the ground. Spectacular rough riding exhibitions, races and comic events followed, the like of which the delighted village folk could never have expected to witness outside of an Aldershot Military

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Ballater Post Office – Closed 4pm Ballater Library CLOSED January Ballater Chemist, Post Office and Library– CLOSED Golf Club New Years Day Lunch – 12noon - 2pm Members & Guests Welcome Ballater Surgery, Chemist and Post Office – CLOSED Ballater Surgery - EMERGENCIES ONLY (9am – 11am) Ballater Post Office & Library CLOSED Ballater Indoor Bowling Club Re-starts – Victoria Hall 2-4pm and 7-9pm Ballater & Aboyne Schools Term 3 Starts Mon 10 Ballater & Crathie Community Council , Mike Sheridan Room, 7pm Wed 19 SWRI: Talk by Dr Mike Stephen on Halambu Project, Nepal, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm V & A Halls Fund Raising Burns Night, Victoria Hall at 7pm Ballater Local History Group: Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm February UDAS, Aboyne Bowling Club 2pm. Talk by Jenny Musker BRHS Talk: Butterflies & Moths of the Muir of Dinnet by Helen Rowe, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm Ballater School Occasional Day Holiday Ballater School Occasional Day Holiday Ballater & Crathie Community Council , Mike Sheridan Room, 7pm Ballater School Mid-Term Holiday Ballater School In-Service Day Wed 16 SWRI: Talk by Sheridan’s Butchers, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm Wed 23 Ballater Local History Group: Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm March Mon 7 BRHS: Talk: Bees in your Garden by Janice Kennedy, Mike Sheridan Room 7.30pm Ballater & Crathie Community Council, Mike Sheridan Room, 7pm SWRI (Open Night) Talk: “Birds of Prey” by Stewart Mille, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm

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Eagle Eyes

December Myths & Magic with Deborah Leslie & Peter Nicol, Victoria Hall, 2-4pm, FREE Upper Deeside Music, Darroch Learg, 4.30pm BRHS Talk: The Developing Garden of Castle Fraser by Damon Powell, 7.30pm, Mike Sheridan Room CLAN Christmas Coffee Morning, Crathie Church Hall, 10–12.30 St. Kentigern’s Midweek Communion Service, 9.30am Final of Ballater Chiels’ “Ballater’s Got Talent” in Victoria Hall Ballater & Crathie Community Council, Mike Sheridan Room, 7pm Ballater School Christmas Show at 1.45pm Ballater School Christmas Show at 7pm Ballater Local History Group: Quiz, Cheese & Wine, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30pm Ballater School Christmas Show at 7pm St. Kentigern’s Midweek Communion Service, 9.30am Ballater Chiels’ Fancy Dress Disco Glenmuick Church: Christingle Service, 11am; Nine Lessons and Carols 6.30pm St. Kentigern’s Midweek Communion Service, 9.30am Ballater School Christmas Church Service, Glenmuick Church 11am Ballater & Aboyne Schools Term Ends Santa and his Real Live Reindeer, Church Green, 12.30pm, Sponsored by Craigendarroch Ballater Surgery – Normal Opening Hours Ballater Post Office closing at 12.30pm Ballater Library closing at 4pm St. Nathalans Mass, 8pm St. Kentigern’s Midnight Communion Service, 11.30pm Glenmuick Church: Watchnight. Carols from 11.30pm. Service 12 Midnight Ballater Chemist, Post Office and Library CLOSED St. Kentigern’s Church Holy Communion, 9.30am Glenmuick Church: Family Service 10.30 am St. Kentigern’s Church Holy Communion, 9.30am Ballater Surgery, Chemist & Post Office CLOSED St. Nathalans Mass, 11am Ballater Surgery - EMERGENCIES ONLY (9am – 11am) Ballater Library & Post Office CLOSED Ballater Golf Club Hogmanay Party – Members & Guests Welcome Ballater Surgery – Normal Opening Hours

Tattoo. It was all good practice for the riders and good exercise for their mounts.

Leaping to his feet, he quickly laced up his ‘jimmies’ and ran after the departing pair who fortunately had stopped at the Royal Observer Corps post and were chatting to Donald Morgan and Albert Glashan who were on duty that day. ‘Hi you eens’, he yelled, when he got within earshot, ‘it looks like the Donkey Wallopers’r haein a gymkhana this efterneen. It’s ower yonder by the dooker, n’ ye’ll miss oot if ye ging that wye.’ His brother translated this for a mystified Johnny, and as neither had seen a Gymkhana before, they were fair pleased at the prospect and changed course towards the Clubhouse.

Back again at the ‘Lang Peel’, Wee Chis stretched out on his towel once more, “Ach” he thought, “it’ll be a few hours yet before the Gymkhana gets going, so I’ll just lie here for a while and get a bit more of this rare sun”.

After a time, his thoughts turned drowsily to the horses, many of which he knew

by name. Some of the finer animals were the personal property of officers and others only kept for riding and exhibitions.

Several of the draught animals were also used in the displays and although they might look clumsy, they performed with just as much enthusiasm and apparent enjoyment as their well-bred stable mates.

Dreamily he thought of the one major drawback to horses, as far as he was concerned and that lay in what they were inclined to deposit on the ground. Whenever the clattering of hooves announced a troop of horses passing the barracks, his eagle-eyed father would bellow. “Arthur, get the bucket and shovel will you son! That manure’ll do fine on the veggie garden!” and creeping furtively out into Queens Road, trying to look all ways at once, he would hastily scoop up the free bounty and race madly back to the garden hoping that he hadn’t been seen by any of the local quines, for at that tender age, it would

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have been highly embarrassing.

At that time, soldiers and their horses were everywhere in the village and in that great sea of khaki, there were many fathers who were missing their families. As regular visitors to the stables, the village children were probably unaware how much they had filled a certain gap in the soldiers’ lives, many of whom showed their gratitude with small gifts. The main currency amongst the children was badges and buttons and being a born scrounger and with his barracks connections, Wee Chis soon built up an enviable hoard of army regalia.

At the station, one of the railway engine sheds had been allocated to his father as a storehouse for military equipment and soon after the outbreak of hostilities in 1939, a great pile of clothing and military paraphernalia had begun to arrive. One curious feature was the crates of pith helmets, leather bandoliers and lightweight uniforms better suited for service

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in a hot climate, that had appeared unheralded one day. His father reckoned that somewhere, a cunning depot quartermaster had used the confusion of wartime, to make a crafty move and get rid of them from his shelves.

The trouble was that the shed was only made of corrugated iron, much of it in a poor state, and although it often held open boxes of live ammunition, grenades and flares, there was also very little in the way of security. It was very damp and with no flooring or method of heating, the stores soon became covered in mould and deteriorated fast. His father was then allocated a number of Nissen huts that had been built in the woods at Monaltrie, These were a bit more suitable and he was also tasked with providing stores for Monaltrie House and the other large houses in the area that had been taken over by the military. These storehouses were an Aladdin’s cave for a young loon and on the pretext of helping out, he was forever looking for a chance to rake about in them.

A warm festive welcome to our 60th edition

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Pop the kettle on, put your feet up, and enjoy!

The Eagle Team wish you all a Very Happy Festive Season.

Diary

Local Groups:

The dates you need: 4-5 Ballater Business Association: 28

The Crathie Pages Groups, School and more... 24-25

Halls Minutes Extracts A fascinating glimpse: 50

Ballater School P6/7 share their activities: 30-32

Elspet Michie A fresh look: 42

Japanese Knotweed

Ballater & District Old People’s Asscociation: 8 Ballater Enhancement Group: 12 Ballater Halls Indoor Bowling: 8 Ballater Royal Horticultural Society: 10 BRHS Floral Art Group: 14 Ballater Songsters: 8 BOVOF: 27 Carers Group: 10

One woman’s fight: 33 Chiels: 13

Pottering About

CNPA: 9

Garlic, a talk, wood and snow: 47

Local History “The Munchi”: 46

Community Council: 21 Halls Committee: 38 Judo: 26

The Law Reminiscences of local police: 36 Grampian Police: 34

Rotary: 19 SWRI: 8

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Upper Deeside Art Society: 10

More from Arthur Chisnall: 55 Upper Deeside Music: 9

Contact us: YES: 11

All the ways YOU can contribute: 7

Advertising: Full page: £60; Half page: £30; Quarter page: £20; Eighth page: £10

Please contact Faye Swan at info@swandesign.uk.com or Tel.55345

Donations: Donations are gratefully received, and acknowledged. You can also put money into our tins in the Library or Yules Newsagents.

A big thank you this issue to Chrissie Morrison from Crathie

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Ballater & crathie Community magazine

Last festive posting dates 1st class: 21 December 2nd class: 18 December

no.60 xmas/hogmanay 2010/11

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Singing their hearts out Ye hah! page 8