Bucksburn News Our local newsletter
Spring 2023
A MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR
Dear Readers,
I hope that your New Year started well.
I think this is one of my favourite times of year, as we leave the Winter behind.
There has been a delay to the production of this edition. A lot seems to have happened since the last one. We have a new First Minister in Scotland, and we have witnessed the Coronation of a new King.
This edition is only in digital format, but I hope we find a way to produce a paper copy for future editions. This would certainly be what the Community Council would prefer.
Anyone with ideas about how to fund the printing costs is welcome to contact us with ideas. If you email with ideas about this to BNEditor@ outlook.com then I can pass suggestions on to the Community Council.
Neil Halstead Editor
CONGREGATIONS Brimmond Church
The New Year has started well for us at Brimmond Church. There is a great buzz and energy in the atmosphere of our morning services, and it has been lovely to welcome new faces and faces we haven’t seen for a while. We were delighted to be able to purchase a second-hand minibus, which arrived just in time for Christmas last year.
Previously we have leased a minibus that proved prohibitively expensive in the current climate and included a 12-month wait. Thanks to the great generosity of
HINDU TEMPLE
We celebrated the start of the Hindu New Year on 22nd March in its various forms across different cultures of India. The bonfire celebrations for Holi had to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. The Annual Day celebrations in January and Maha Shivratri festival in February were hugely popular with around 300 plus people attending the events.
We had the Ram Navami festival on 30th March followed by Sita-Ram Kalyanam (Lord Ram and Sita’s wedding) on the weekend of 1st and 2nd April. We have regular pujas and shloka sessions arranged every week that are open for everyone to attend.
many members, we were able to purchase a very good 17-seater minibus. We know it will be of great benefit to our different groups, and already has been used for Messy Church and Sunday morning services. If you would like to be picked up for either of these things, please email office@brimmondchurch. org.uk.
Check our website and Facebook for times and details.
As a church we are now in the season of Lent. It is chance to reflect on our lives and take stock of what is important, what guides our decisions and if there is anything in our lives we need to change. It also helps us prepare for Easter which
The temple community hall is available for booking for types of events and is proving popular among the local community. Yoga sessions and festivals are advertised on our Facebook page https:// www.facebook.com/AberdeenHinduTemple
The calendar of events and festivals for the rest of the year is published on our social media pages. We are open 7 days a week from 9am to 12noon and from 5pm to 8pm. All are invited to visit and take advantage of all our services.
Amol Deshmukh B.Tech MSc
Mobile: 07964 317720
BEACON CUPPA
Our cuppa at the Beacon Centre on a Wednesday and Friday is doing great. We are still waiting for our tables and benches to be set up
Our usual opening times are: Wednesday morning 9.30am to 12.30pm; Friday afternoon 12.30pm to 3.30pm.
All are Welcome!
Morag and Betty and the Cuppa team
this year is on the 9th of April. We will have extra things going on in Holy Week, as well as a special celebration on Easter morning, with an early service up the top of Brimmond Hill and a service at our regular time of 10:30am. Keep your eyes on our Facebook page and website for more details.
All our services can be watched on our YouTube channel as well, @BrimmondChurch - a warm welcome awaits all who wish to join us.
Jonny Brimmond Church.
Jonny Clipston, JClipston@churchofscotland.org.uk
Number 103 page 1 - Bucksburn News - Spring 2023
BEACON RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS CLUB
Its only Spring, but so much has already happened in the club.
In January Louise and Emma travelled with our friends from City of Manchester Rhythmic, to compete in Athens, a chance to gain experience and scores for new routines.
We also held the Scottish Gymnastics Squad training at the Beacon Centre, with gymnasts from many clubs taking part.
February was a trip to Wigan for the National Zonal Grades. The scores from this competition determine a few things, what level the gymnasts compete in for the rest of the year, qualification for Grade Finals in June and a direct qualification to the British Championships in July.
We had fantastic results at this competition resulting in 8 girls from various age groups heading to Grades finals, well done Emma, Emilie, Orla, Lucie, Zalina, Cally, Marianna and Mariia. Heading to the British Championships are Louise along with our Senior Group the Butterflies, Suzanne, Abbi, Gaby, Lucy, Jasmin and Cara and our Junior Group the Rubies, Emilie, Orla, Clara, Polina, Hania, and Eva, an amazing achievement for these girls.
We are extremely proud of all our gymnasts and are delighted that we received Nominations for the Aberdeen Sports Awards which was held on 23rd March.
Well done to everyone who was nominated.
Louise has been selected to represent Great Britain for the European Championships being held in Baku from 17th –21st May.
We all wish you good luck Louise. Butterflies (standing) Rubies
Any budding young gymnasts out there who would like to try Rhythmic Gymnastics, we have beginners’ classes on Monday evening & Saturday morning, please see our Website or Facebook page or email brc.enquiries@outlook.com We have to fund all our travel & kit with the help of parents. If you’d like to sponsor us, please get in touch (contact details above).
BRIMMOND PRIMARY SCHOOL
The Brimmond Fundraising Group, the BFG, have a date for your diary, the School Summer Fayre is being held on Saturday 3rd of June. All are welcome.
Frances Wilson on behalf of the BFG
BRIGHTER BUCKSBURN
Our devoted group of volunteers is presently concentrating on Cloverfield Park. The rose beds on either side of the path are beginning to show spring growth, and we hope for a good show this summer. The rose shrubs have been pruned by a local expert, Duncan Bowers, and each bed is otherwise cared for by an individual volunteer. If you have walked along the path lately, you may have noticed that two of the beds are in need of such a volunteer carer. If you feel you could spare an hour or two once a month to be a carer, we would love to hear from you. Advice or instruction can be given if needed.
If you would like to help, please contact lesleyglasser@btinternet.com or call 01224 712605.
Additionally in the park we shall this year install two picnic tables, donated by the Cuppa, and awaiting a suitable area of paving. These will be on the level area at the upper end of the park. We hope eventually to provide some play equipment for small children, which will be sited nearby.
We have received a grant that will enable us to plant winter-flowering and berried shrubs in an area, to be rotavated shortly, between the path and the care home. As well as providing winter interest, these should attract more birds to the park.
The sapling trees near the top of the park that were planted some years ago are now beginning to reach a size to be
page 2 -
News - Spring 2023
Bucksburn
of interest to birds. More saplings were planted last year with the help of pupils from the Academy, and we wait with interest to see how these will fare as they begin to grow.
The wildflower area is still being developed. More seeds are being sown, and Bucksburn Primary School is helping with this. Last year, although the area looked untidy, we were able to count some twenty species of wildflower. As we learn how to manage the area better, we hope to improve on this tally.
As a group we meet, briefly and informally, once a month at the Beacon Centre, usually on the first Tuesday of the month, the meeting lasts no more than about an hour. All are welcome, so if you have suggestions for improving Bucksburn, would like to help, or simply want to know more about what is going on, do come along.
For details about the next meeting email me or call on the details above. Lesley Glasser, group co-ordinator.
BUCKSBURN ACADEMY
As you will be aware, the new accommodation for the school has been erected, but we have still not been able to access the facility for a variety of reasons. This has been disappointing, but we continue to look forward to moving in to give more space for the young people across the school.
This term has been an incredibly busy one with our senior pupils preparing for their SQA examinations – in January/ February they sat their ‘prelims’ (we call it their ‘assessment week) and they are using their learning from this to prepare for their final exams that start on April 24th. We wish them all the very best for these, but good preparation makes for good results, so if you have a young person at home preparing for these, please support them by providing a quiet place to revise, an ear to listen to them when they find it difficult or frustrating, and lots of snacks and drinks to keep them going.
At the other end of the school, we have had the pleasure of inviting all the P7 pupils into the school, including all our new learners in the ASN Wing. It has been a pleasure to welcome into their new school and to work with them and we look forward to seeing them all next term before they start in August.
You will be aware of the fire at the school in the middle of March. Whilst this was very unfortunate, no-one was injured and all the young people, staff and visitors evacuated the building safely. I would like to thank all of them for their patience and
very good behaviour during the extended period we were outside on a very cold day. Fortunately, the fire was small and contained so we were able to resume classes in the afternoon. Finally, we are launching our new ‘Community Code’ that links with our refreshed vision and values in the school. Our vision, Together We Achieve, is now backed by our values of Ambition, Inclusion and Respect and our Community Code mirrors this by asking all in the school (young people and staff) to be Ambitious, Inclusive and Respectful – we hope our wider community can support us in this.
Mike Paul Head Teacher Bucksburn Academy, Aberdeen
OTHER NEWS FROM BUCKSBURN ACADEMY
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our community partners for attending our recent school stakeholder event. During the in-service day in February, we welcomed industry experts, further education partners, parents and pupils for a collaborative discussion on the school’s vision for the next 3-5 years. It was wonderful to bring our community together to discuss our key focus areas of learning and teaching, health and well-being, and positive futures. Thank you to all who supported by giving up their time and sharing their talent and expertise. I’d particularly like to thank our young people who gave up the chance of a day off to help shape their school experience!
Dave Salmond Business & Community Support Officer Bucksburn Academy
WOMEN’S INSTITUTE
Our most recent meeting was on Tuesday 11th April, when the Deen Divas came to visit us. We will have a break over the summer and will meet again in September.
For further details of upcoming events, please call Audrey Hendry – 01224 724116 or Gladys Henderson - 01224 715077
NEWS FROM ABERDEEN CITY LIBRARIES
For information on all our services, please visit www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/ services/libraries or contact Bucksburn Library by email:
bucksburnlibrary@aberdeencity.gov.uk or telephone: 01224 710830
Our current opening hours are Monday 10am-7pm, Tuesday & Thursday 10am5pm, Saturday 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm.
Visit www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/ libraries-and-archives/find-your-local-library for information on other libraries.
MESSY CHURCH
Join us at Messy Church @ Brimmond Church (formerly Newhills Church) for a family-friendly event, filled with games, crafts, Bible story, a simple meal & a blether. It usually runs on the first Saturday of the month, between 4pm and 6pm. If you have any questions, please email them to office@newhillschurch.org. uk.
If you have any questions, please email them to office@newhillschurch.org.uk
NEWS FROM THE BEACON CENTRE
Hello, Spring is here, and the Management Association at the Beacon are pleased to share our latest program, and update about a couple of Easter Events that took place.
Mondays Cafe is open from 9.30am to 12 noon serving Rowies, Pancakes and SconesTea and Coffee refills are free.
Beacon Singers 10am to 12 noon and are looking for new members! You don’t have to be the greatest singer to join us. Scrabble - a small group but new members welcome. A good workout for the brain!
Tuesday Child art class - two sessions at 4.15pm and 5.15pm with each class lasting an hour. Aimed at P4 to S1 pupils. Popular class so get your name down now.
Wednesday
Cuppa is open from 9.30am to 12.30 and is run by local volunteers. Knit n Natter - 10am to 12 noon. A great
page 3 -
News - Spring 2023
Bucksburn
place for meeting other like-minded people, so bring along your knitting projects and join us.
Stitching - Whether you love embroidery, cross stitch, or machining, come over and see what we do.
Friday
Cuppa is open from 12.30pm to 3.30pm serving home-made pancakes, fine pieces, and cakes.
The first Friday of the month is Boys Club P4 to P7 - see our Facebook page for details.
The last Friday of the month is Girls Timeout Club P4 to P7 - see our Facebook page for details.
The Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs do not run during the school holidays.
NEW GROUPS
We had a new group starting on Monday 27th March at 7pm. It’s a social gathering for the Ladies of Bucksburn to come together and meet over a cup of coffee.
Also, to be confirmed is our Baby Massage Class - further details will be sent out as soon as we have dates.
EASTER!
On the 5th of April we had an Easter Egg Hunt and a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party - this was a great success, and much fun was had by all who came.
And a date for your diary... 24th June is our Beacon Summer Gala
We look forward to welcoming you at the Beacon Centre! If you require further info, and to check when events are running, please contact us by email on bbclaenquiries@gmail.com
Anne Cruickshank
THE LIVING WELL PROJECT
Do you know anyone living with dementia? The Living Well Café is open at Brimmond Church on every second Tuesday from 1pm -3pm and offers a safe and welcoming place for those living with dementia and their carers; we also support people who may have lost a loved one to dementia.
As well as a cuppa and a fine piece, we have a range of optional activities on offer - music plays a strong part in our afternoon and we love to sing and dance.
Everyone enjoys a chat, and we are no different - we enjoy chatting with others and carers can get invaluable support from others in similar situations. We also signpost to other organisations who may be able to offer support.
If you know of anyone struggling with this difficult and demanding illness, do please pass on our details. We are here to support you. We are happy to pay a visit prior to coming to the café if necessary, so that there’s a familiar face on arrival. We have no set charge for coming along, but donations are welcome to offset our costs.
Jeanette – 07512 141818 Linda – 07927 541029
Email café@thelivingwellproject.org.uk www.facebook.com/livingwellcafe www.thelivingwellproject.org.uk
on the back of a very successful Burns Supper we staged in January which, supported by the membership and four excellent speakers proved to be arguably the best and most successful social event we’ve enjoyed since COVID 19 hit us. The evening I think gave everyone who was there a real lift and the promise of better things to come after a couple of difficult years.
As always, I end with an open invitation to come and visit us. New members whether to Bowl or simply socialise are always welcome.
David Beattie Secretary
STONEYWOOD SCOUT GROUP
We held a Jumble Sale on Saturday 29th April at the Scout hut on Waterton Road, AB21 9HS. We raised £1925.77, which is much appreciated.
Thank you to everyone who came for all your support.
NEWS FROM THE GREEN
With the days stretching and the weather getting ever so slowly warmer we’ve begun to turn our thoughts to the start of a new season.
At our Annual General Meeting held in February I’m delighted to announce that Scott Wheeler who lives in Dyce was elected to be our new President. Scott has developed considerable knowledge of our sport which is not entirely unsurprising as his father Frank also bowled as does his wife Katrina and daughter Amber. Plenty of experts to keep him right! We wish Scott all the best in his new role and guarantee him the full support of the membership in the year ahead.
Our outgoing President, Brian Leslie has as usual been very busy over the winter supervising major remedial work on the Green. The wooden edges around the Green were lifted and replaced with new treated maple wood and securing posts. The Astro turf around the ditch walls will be removed and replaced before the start of the season. The Green itself has been subjected to the usual detailed winter maintenance programme.
Our thanks to Brian for his supervision of the project and ongoing work.
As a member of our Social Sub-Committee, I and my colleagues have been putting together our programme of events for the forthcoming year. This follows
ABOUT OUR REPRESENTATIVES
There have also been significant changes to our local representatives since our last Edition.
Local Councillor, Avril MacKenzie, passed away on the 1st December 2022. She was well regarded in the Community and our thoughts are with her family. You can see a tribute to her in the Press and Journal at the link below.
Tributes for Dyce councillor Avril MacKenzie who has died (pressandjournal. co.uk)
Following on from the sad news above, a local by-election was held on 23rd Feburary 2023.
page 4 - Bucksburn News - Spring 2023
The election was won by Graeme Lawrence, in an interesting example of how the local government electoral system operates in Scotland. He was elected after the 8th round of counting. No candidate had reached the quota of 2363 votes needed to win. This election showed the importance of selecting as many of your preferred candidates on the ballot paper. Every vote really does count!
See details of the local election at the Press and Journal link below.
Labour win Dyce, Bucksburn and Danestone by-election (pressandjournal.co.uk)
Councillor Barney Crockett
Bus. phone: 01224 522412
Fax: 01224 648940
Email: nmacgregor@aberdeencity.gov.uk
SUPPORTING THE BUCKSBURN NEWS
Correspondence address: Aberdeen City Council
Town House
Broad Street
Aberdeen
AB10 1FY
Email: bcrockett@aberdeencity.gov.uk Mobile: 07717 513573
Councillor Graham Lawrence
For this edition, we have only made an on-line version. To do a printed copy we need to raise money. We do not currently have anyone volunteering to manage the fundraising to cover the printing costs.
If there is anyone in the Community who would like to help out with fundraising, please email the Editor at bneditor@ outlook.com I would be delighted to hear from you.
Contact details for Local Councillors for Dyce/Bucksburn/Danestone
Below are the contact details for the Local Councillors. They hold regular surgeries and can be contacted about issues of importance to local constituents.
Councillor Gill Al-Samarai
Bus. phone: 01224 346610
Email: Gralawrence@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Bus. mobile: 07584 337051
Councillor Neil MacGregor
Correspondence address: Aberdeen City Council
Town House
Broad Street
Aberdeen
AB10 1FY
Bus. phone: 01224 346613
Email: galsamarai@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Correspondence address: Town House
Broad Street
Aberdeen
AB10 1FY
page 5 - Bucksburn News - Spring 2023
