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but that will be dependent on having all the necessary paperwork (Health & Safety etc..) and safety procedures in place. A few years ago we organised a sponsored abseil at the Pass o’ Ballater which proved very popular. Our Golf day this year falls on Friday 10th June and as in previous years there is currently a waiting list for this event. It takes the form of a Texas scramble and has always raised a lot of money in the past. It is a very popular event in the North East golfing calendar and helps to put Ballater on the map. The Euan McDonald centre for Motor Neurone Disease and local charities / good causes will be the main beneficiaries. As usual we will have other activities during the year, so keep an eye out for them! At our AGM we elected a new chairman, Brian Florence, Vice chairman, Stuart Esson and the new post of Public relations/Press officer, Scott Fraser. Money raised to date by the Charitable Chiels is a very creditable “£266,357.
paintings sculpture wood glass silver bronze ceramics unusual gifts 46 Bridge Street, Ballater, AB35 5QD Telephone/Fax: 013397 55515
All the best from the Ballater Charitable Chiels and hopefully we will finally get the long awaited “Barbecue Summer” that folk have been talking about for the last three or four years!!
Ballater Royal Horticultural Society by Mairi Burgess
As I write this, many Society members can be found in their gardens. It feels as if summer has arrived, and after the bad winter, we are all filled with enthusiasm. We are looking forward to a busy season and planning the annual Exhibition on 20th and 21st August. The Primary School has been very much in focus, and we have been encouraging the children to plan their own vegetables and flowers. With the help of two “proper” gardeners from Balmoral, and the gift of seed potatoes, we are hoping for a record entry from the young people. They will need help from Mums and Dads, so we will be depending on you all. Members of the Society are helping the children and even the Brownies have been included, by making posies for their Mums on Mothering Sunday. The Best Garden prize is waiting for one lucky person - £100 and the Copland Rose bowl can be yours, BUT you must enter the competition. The more the merrier and the judges can have a real selection from which to pick a winner. Size does not matter, and if you have a neighbour with a lovely garden, do let us know, and we will consider all-comers! Just now the bulbs by the War Memorial are looking splendid, with a lovely selection of spring flowers. This display is due to the generosity of Foxlane Garden Centre, which the members will be visiting soon to see the array of locally grown plants, and stock up their flower beds. Remember, these plants are among the few grown locally, and suitable for our area.
Deeside Land Purchase by RSPB Scotland by Carrie Watt RSPB Scotland has purchased 520 hectares of land known as the Crannach, near Ballater in Deeside, to manage for the conservation of native Caledonian pine forest. The new reserve lies within the Cairngorms National Park. The area comprises open ground with pine and birch regeneration, juniper stands, young Scots pine and birch woodland as well as some small ponds. It is a long term investment by the charity to manage habitat important for priority species such as black grouse, Scottish crossbill and a wide range of other wildlife associated with this special habitat. Stuart Housden, Director, RSPB Scotland said. “This is an exciting new venture for us. We already own pinewoods in Strathspey and in the Beauly catchment but Deeside is a special place. We are very privileged to be able to deepen our commitment to the area by playing our part on
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the Crannach in protecting the Caledonian Forest and the wealth of wildlife it supports”. Dr Martin Auld, RSPB Scotland’s East Regional Director based in Aberdeen said, “We look forward to working with the community to develop the potential of the site as an asset for people and wildlife on Deeside. We will be advertising for a new staff member to manage the area and represent our interests in the local community.” Until now the site has been managed privately and there are no plans for any immediate changes. Once a more detailed survey of the area has been carried out a management plan will be developed in consultation with the local community and neighbours. There will an official launch of the reserve at a later date. Currently there is no formal access, infrastructure or signage on the site.
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