Culter Courier No. 105

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NEWS

Chairman's Report October 2006

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T has reached that time again when I

must summarise what Culter Community Council (CCC) has been doing (or trying to do!) on your behalf over the last 12 months - since the AGM in October 2005. It is also the time when I take the opportunity to thank the Community Council members for all the invaluable work they have put in during that time. This work has increased because of their enthusiasm a) to see the Culter NeighbourhoodAction Plan being 'acted' upon and b) to maintain Culter as a viable and sustainable community: Doug Stewart, our joint vice-chair, has continued to work with the Councils of Aberdeen City and Shire to make Malcolm Road safer (top of the priorities in the Action Plan). Despite poor funding for road improvements, there have been some successes this year - mainly with the Shire.

Along with another of our members, David Plant, and the volunteers on the Paths Group, Doug has liaised with the officers of Aberdeen City Council (ACC), Aberdeenshire Council, the Aberdeen Countryside Project (and the Forestry Commission) who are responsible for developing and maintaining walking paths throughout the City and also into the Shire - another priority in our Action Plan. They also have been talking with land-owners, farmers and Forestry Commission on designing new paths for our enjoyment. They have erected many signs around the village to indicate where we can enjoy walking - always remembering that we have the responsibility to keep the paths in good order and litter free!

Doug also kept us up to date on what is happening with the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. He and I both liaise with the AWPR engineers to keep Culter's concerns prominent and acted upon. I

ISSUENo.105

also keep our MSP 'in the loop' Ann Wakefield, our otherjoint vice-chair, as well as supporting the Chair, plays a prominent part in the Gala Committee.

She is in charge and very competently sees to the Courier distribution along with her team of willing volunteers. Other aspects of her work include her involvement as a member of the committee dealing with the rebuild of Cults Academy. and is CCC's spokesperson on the use of the School Field. Apart from all those, Ann does all the catering for the Gala Committee's as well as the Community Council's 'get togethers', which is greatly appreciated.

Marjory Skinner, our secretary, keeps us minding out Ps and Qs (and apostrophes) while dealing with an ever increasing mound of correspondence because, through the NeighbourhoodAction Plan, we are being consulted and given

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NOV 2006

information on a much wider variety of matters dealing with the well-being of our community. As if that was not enough, she does an excellent job collating and editing all the articles for the Culter Courier, liaising with the advertisers, collecting their fees, liaising on the layout and printing then helping with the distribution!

Last October, Jim Farquhar took on the new office of Minute Secretary to relieve Marjory of some of her workload. In addition, Jim is an active member of Culter in Bloom (a priority in our Action Plan and chaired by Erik Stein) and now has taken the lead in acquiring new Christmas Lights for Culter. He has liaised with the Lighting Dept (ACC) and the manufacturers of the decorations, printed and delivered leaflets to households and businesses to raise funds to get this project (suggested by several

residents for our Neighbourhood Action Plan) off the ground - and up the lamp posts! Money will also be needed for their future storage and maintenance.

Culter Bo Peeps and Toddlers,

Nicola Hector, our treasurer. ably looks after not only CCC's accounts but also those for the Gala, the Courier, Culter in Bloom and now the Christmas Lights. We are fortunate she is there to put in a cautionary word when required and to agree to the spending of what little funds we do have. Nicola, too, is an active member of Culter in Bloom.

Culter Village Hall, 9.30am - 11.30am.

Monday: Bo Peeps 1-3 yrs (free play, songs, arts 8 crafts) Tuesday & Friday: Toddlers 0-3 yrs (free play 8songs)

Susan Chappell-Smith provides the link between CCC and the Village Hall and, when the occasion arises, the Golf Club.

S h e is also invaluable in that s h e substitutes for me on planning matters when I go on holiday - a subject where you can never take your eye off the ball!

Call Pamela on 07743 526 301

or just p o p in and join in the fun.

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Catherine Lacy is our link to Culter's Horticultural Society and Flower Show.

With her interest in gardening, she is an enthusiastic and knowledgeable member of Culter in Bloom.

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David Plant has been an important member of Culter in Bloom as well as working with Doug Stewart in the Paths Group (see above).

Jon Strachan always said he felt guilty at not attending enough meetings because of business commitments. However the members appreciated his input because he was from the business community and could give a different insight in our discussions.

1 also wish to thank our * City Councillor, Pam MacDonald, for her input, * Neighbourhood Community Planning Officer, Sharon McNutt, for her assistance * Community Police for helping to keep Culter one of the safer places in Aberdeen.

Other good outcomes for Culter in the past year have been: * The receipt of a grant for £3,000 from Aberdeen City Council to be spent on community improvements. The members of CCC decided that £1.500 should be spent on repairing the west wall of the Village Hall and £1,500 on Christmas Lights. * The start made to building sheltered housing on Coronation Road not only for

pensioners but also for others with special needs ( a high priority in our Neighbourhood Action Plan). * The extension to Kelly's Caf6. * Permission for outdoor seating at Kelly's and the Richmond Arms despite planning officers advising refusal. * New businesses starting on North Deeside Road (The Barber's Pole, Petals and Rosewood Furnishings). * BP are still maintaining the Filling Station.

However there are two ongoing projects still giving great concern to CCC and to residents.

1 THE ABERDEEN WESTERN PERIPHERAL ROUTE (AWPR) The members of Culter Community Council formed a Roads Sub-group (CCC Roads Sub-group) to deal directly with the AWPR Engineers based in Aberdeen and at the Scottish Executive's Transport Division based mainly in Glasgow. On 1st June 2006, we had a meeting with Mr Derrick Murray (in charge of the Aberdeen engineers) and Mr Graham Edmunds (AWPR Project Manager from Glasgow).

They brought some preliminary drawings, which we discussed. The points which CCC Roads Sub Group found most alarming were: * The junction between the AWPR and the North Deeside Road (A93) would be half a kilometre north of the A93. * A slip road would be made (through the International School) opposite Milltimber Brae (B979) making a virtual crossroads on North Deeside Road, which would be controlled by TRAFFIC LIGHTS. * There would be an access road from Culter House Road on to the new junction.

Mr Murray and Mr Edmunds said they would take our concerns on board when designing the junction.

I reported the outcome of this meeting to our MSP Mr Nicol Stephen who is taking a close interest in the development of the AWPR in our area.

The members of CCC therefore were very upset and angry at the beginning of September when we were sent a draft of the AWPR plans showing that the Junction with the A93 was virtually unchanged from the drawings presented on 1st June.

After a hastily arranged meeting of CCC Roads Sub-group on 15th September, and a quick consultation with a Fellow of the

Institute of Civil Engineers, I felt it was feasible we could pursue a gradeseparated roundabout on North Deeside Road and the removal of the Junction with Culter House Road. This road could then be bridged over the AWPR.

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Finally, on Wednesday 27th September, 1 managed to have a meeting with Mr Cliff Buchan of the AWPR team in Willowbank House. At this meeting, 1gave him a copy of CCC's alarm, shock and serious concerns about the design of the AWPW A93 Junction and its effects on Culter.

These were: *: The concerns and the reasons for them expressed at the meeting held on 1st June 2006 had been ignored: "The new slip road carrying traflic to and from the new roundabout north of the A93 will still form a crossroads with the B979 (Milltimber Brae Netherley Road) It will still require to be controlled by traffic lights because so many commuters will need to make right turns to get on or come off this new slip road in order to access or leave the AWPR or to access or leave the B979. In our opinion this will simply transfer the problems and long queues from the present traffic lights at Bieldside to this new junction. From our experience of the Bieldside lights, this would lead to very long queues and traffic gridlock in Culter, especially at morning commuting times. * Our request that Culter House Road is NOT connected to the new AWPWA93 roundabout appears to have been ignored.

This will prevent its use for walking, cycling and horse riding - one of its main uses at present as it passes through District Wildlife Sites (DWS ). ;K This latter connection of a minor through-road with a major junction onto the AWPR will only invite developers to pressurise the planners (as they have been over the past two years through the development of the Local Plan) to allow them to develop the District Wildlife Sites. This is directly opposite to the use designated for the AWPR. * This minor road junction to the AWPR roundabout will also encourage drivers to use Culter House Road. Contlaw Road and the other minor roads around the area. which will allow them to access or leave the AWPR without queuing at the traffic lights. Again this was not the purpose of the AWPR. * Gridlock in Culter will only delay traffic and increase journey times (and

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frustration) for people not only travelling east but also west, or trying to use the local shops.

During our discussions Mr Buchan said that their computer models were beginning to highlight these possibilities and that was why they were having to adjust their thinking and designs but still keeping within the restraints they were given (leaving the railway line intact and a minimal number of houses to be demolished). I suggested that a radical redesign was vital to ~naximisetraffic flow. not impede the use of our walking and cycling network around Culter and allow easy access to people's homes in the rural area.

Mr Buchan also said that the AWPRTeam would not be handing out more statistics which they were regularly collecting because they had not been thoroughly analysed. They could give a distorted

picture it' not used properly.

He added that the Line Orders for the Northern Leg (Kingswells to Blackdog) were on schedule for issue by the end of the year but those for the Southern Leg Kingswells to Charleston and to Stonehaven would not be ready until possibly JuneIJuly 2007.

I felt this should give us some time for further negotiations since the members of CCC feel that a proper free-flowing grade separated junction on North Deeside Road is crucial to the well-being of our community and the viability of our local shops and busines~es.

This report will be passed on to Mr Stephen MSP to keep him informed and to ask him to assist us in pursuing the matter further with the engineers and the Transport Minister.

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2. LOCAL PLAN - LOCAL PUBLIC INQUIRY In my report for the October 2005 AGM. I summarised how the Local Plan (Green Spaces - New Places) was slowly going through the legal process since its first publication for consultation in August 2004 and the possible effects it would/ could have on Culter. This included the search for a site for a business park, discussing * the field at junction of the Shoddy Road and Malcolm Road, * the Roads Depot at The Bush and * the field investigated by the Planners at the east of Pittengullies Brae between North Deeside Road and the old railway embankment. (This was also published on page 3 of the November 2005 Culter Courier - Number 101.) Since then the field on the north side of the A93 at the west of Culter has been included in the search.

We have discussed over the past year, and reported in the Courier, the developers' objection bids to the Local Plan which came in during the consultation period

August-September 2004. These included: North-west of Culter * Rob Roy Caravan Park and the field beside it * the site of the previous fir plantation which was supposed to become a market garden at the junction of Malcolm Road and Bucklerburn Road North of Culter * Bride's Ward and Ardbeck Hill East of Culter * the Milltimber Farm fields * on Pittengullies Brae * on the riverbank beside the houses built on the old builders yard site * between Camphill and the old railway embankment * on North Deeside Road, between Avendow and Milltimber Brae.

These developer bid objections were heard by the Scottish Executive Reporter at the Waterwheel, Murtle, during October 2006 and the members of CCC could only listen to what was being said since you cannot object to the objections.

These could only be 'fought off' by the Planners in their counter-presentations.

Weekly Lists * No doubt you will have realised that the Richmond Arms and Kelly of Cults were granted permission by ACC Planning Committee to have their outsides 'terraces' for tables and chairs. This was despite the planning officers advising refusal. With the weather turning colder, we may not see them used much this year but if next summer is like this past one we will be able to appreciate them. * Back in May, 1 wrote about the owner\ of Waulkmill House wanting to demolish it and replace it with a new one further from the Leuchar Burn. Culter Community Council did not oppose this but asked that the new house had conditions applied to make it look like the old one. After they had visited the site, this is what the planning officers are advising the Planning Committee to do - if they agree to the application. (The planning officers will write the conditions and see that they are carried out.) * CCC has just received notice that Culter Mill Club is asking for outline planning permission for three houses within their grounds. These would be sited where the old club house stands, where the 'putting green' grass area is and on one of the tennis courts. No designs were given as this application is for establishing the principle of getting houses on the site; 'details' would come later.

Looking at the site, however, the members of CCC estimated that the houses would be two-storeys high in order to fit three on the site. One resident in the area already has expressed concern to CCC and the planners on loss of light, loss of visual amenity and the traffic situation on Cairn

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Road. The members of CCC have therefore asked me to write to object to this application.

In addition to the affects on thc residents on Cairn Road (and School Crescent) I will add our concerns about the loss of leisure facilities at the Club. Within the Neighbourhood Action Plan. some residents of Culter indicated that they wanted to have the tennis courts made usable again. However this was not seen as a priority compared to sheltered housing and safety on Malcol~nRoad.

This is a matter we (the Mill Club, CCC. along with Culter residents and our Neighbourhood Community Planning Officer) need to look at again urgently including how the upgrading of these facilitie:. and their running, could be funded or even re-sited (and where?)

Lavina C Massie

LOCAL PLAN = PUBLIC INQUIRY 1HAVE been attending this Inquiry in the Waterwheel along with Ann Wakefield or Madory Skinner when they could manage it. We listened mainly to developers making their case (on a11 sites I listed in the Chairman's Report) and Aberdeen City Council Planners opposing them.

The Reporter 'quizzed' the developers in depth on the schools being near capacity and the traffic problems we experience on Milltimber Brae and especially on Malcolm Road. He wanted to know how they would improve traffic tlows in and around their sites as well as asking about bus scrviccs and distances to retail and leisure facilities etc.

When it came to CCC's turn to present their case for having sheltered housing on Coronation Road instead of The Bush, we found that there was an argument between a developer and the planners on whether or not their case should be allowed. It appeared that their developer's objection bid for housing on Ardbeck Hill was not acknowledged by Aberdeen City Council (ACC) in October 2004 but the company did not raise this until 18 months later. It seemed to me that they made up for it by objecting to change of site for sheltered

housing from The Bush to Coronation Road.

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The developer was making the case that any change should be open to any developer not retained within Council control on ACC land. In addition, their representative said that The Bush had not been designated specifically for sheltered housing in the Local Plan in August 2004.

In the end. it was agreed that the developer could change his case for 38 sheltcrcd houses on Ardbeck Hill and we all would go before the Reporter again (possibly on 13 November). After discussing this at the CCC meeting on 19 October, I will have to make some changes to the case, which I will be presenting on behalf of CCC. However, I have been assured by the Senior Planner dealing with this that the sheltered housing on Coronation Road will not be stopped because of this.

Planning permission has been given and the funding secured in the ACC budget so building will go ahead as planned. If the Reporter accepts this developer's objection bid. then it would mean an cxtra 38 sheltered - but private - houses and not managed by ACC. At the time of writing, the business park for Culter had just come before the Reporter who emphasised that he was looking only at whether or not there should be one at Malcolm road.

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THE CHAIR'S Report seems to have covered everything 1 had intended saying except for one or two changes to CCC. Jim Ritchie, a long-time member of CCC and Chairman for many years has finally called it a day. Jim 'retired' at the last elections three years ago but was co-opted back again when our numbers went down.

However he has had a spell of bad health this past year and does not feel he can continue. This, of course, means he will have more time to watch football on TV although he has been advised about not getting too excited. No chance of that if

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Jonathan Strachan had let us know that he was finding it exceedingly difficult to attend meetings (due t o business commitments). We regret his resignation.

David Plant was an enthusiastic member who devoted much time and effort to the paths round our area. He is very much a 'green' person and concerned about preserving our natural heritage.

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These three will be greatly missed and we thank them for giving their time for the benefit of Culter residents.

T h e Election Day for Corrununity Councils is on 27 October 2006 and we were happy to see that three new persons had come forward as members to CCC. These are: * Judith Dack, 5 Howie Lane *Anne Russell, 101 North Deeside Road * Margaret Watson, 2 Brick House, The Bush We welcon~ethese ladies and hope that they find their time rewarding with CCC (No election will need to take place as we have 1 1 nominations and we are allowed 12 members.)

My last task - and a very pleasant one - is to thank our Chairperson. Lavina Masue. for the amazing amount of energy - - she spends on behalf of the residents of CuIter.

Yes. 1 type out the letters but the thought and knowledge behind them is a11 Lavina's.

THERE IS some good news from the City Council. First of all. some extra money has been provided for speeding up the programmes of work on roads, pavements, street lighting, play parks etc.

1 have already put in some requests for Culteralong these lines. You will no doubt suggest some more.

You will be pleased to know that the average time taken to relet Council homes has been halved this year, and over 900 previously empty properties have been let in the city. 'This will produce a lot of extra rent income, which will be put to improving our housing stock.

ACouncil officer met me recently, telling me he has been charged with looking after Culter's needs for cleansing and other issues. So if you have anything you see that needs doing (dirty or missing road signs; drunken lamp-posts; collections of litter; anything at all) please get in touch.

T h e best way is t o e-mail me o n : pmacdonald@aberdeencity.gov.uk. All I then have to do is to forward your message. But if you do not have access to e-mail. then phone or leave a message on 733433 or 522356 and I would be interested to have some feedback, to see how quickly things get done, so please keep in touch.

In collaboration with the Community Council arid Nicol Stephen MP. 1 am trying to get a sensible solution to the junction of the A 93 with the Western Peripheral Road. Traffic lights we do not need!

Enjoy the coming festive season, and the new Christmas lights. Best wishes.

Pam MacDonald

PETERCULTER MEDICAL PRACTICE T H E A N N U A L 'flu

Marjory Skinner few weeks now, with the Saturday

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session again proving popular. There is a certain sociable atmosphere at the practice on these occasions, allowing folk to bump into acquaintances and have a chat - interrupted only by the nurse's needle! You may recall the warnings last year about a possible future 'flu pandemic in the years to come. It is difficult to know for certain about the true likelihood of this but we would encourage those in the recognised and well publicised 'risk' groups to take up the offer of i~nmunisation.

On the same theme. there have been changes to the children's routine vaccination programme this year. and this is now operational. These developments nationally keep pace with evolving information on patterns of the different infectious diseases and the most effective methods of protecting us from them.

Health visitors arid nursing staff can provide information as appropriate.

Our refurbished and modernisedpremises have served us well over the six years since the conlpletion of the work, but the building is now in need of some repainting and a general freshen-up. This work is being planned at present and interfere with

The national o b e s i t y problem is getting a lot of attention via the media at present, specifically raising awareness of a developing major health concern in children. It certainly does need to be addressed thoroughly although treatment is often difficult - sometimes di.et and exercise combinations do not work a s well a s hoped. and drug treatments and specialist referral may be necessary. We are at present trying to improve our recording and monitoring of patients' weight.

Best wishes

Dr Douglas Harris

PETERCULTER PARISH CHURCH

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THERE WILL be a Family Service on December 17th when the children will be performing a nativity play with a difference. O n December 24th at 10.30a.m. we will be having a Nine Lessons and Carols Service. On the same day, at 7p.m. there will be our popular Candlelight Service and the Watchnight Service will be at 1 1 .15p.m. There will be a short service of worship on Christmas Day at 10.30a.m.

We will also have an outdoor carol service on Monday 18th December at 7p.m. in the church car park, weather permitting.

There is a church Christmas Card now available from the church office at 735845. It has been designed by one of our members. Laura Chalmers, and costs ÂŁ4 for a pack of ten.

You are all warmly invited to our Christmas services and events. Our advent services begin on December 3rd when we start to countdown the days to Christmas.

On Saturday December 2nd. we will be holding our annual Christmas Fayre from 2 - Ipm. Tickets, priced ÂŁ2 adults, 80p children. are now available and can be purchased in advance from the church office or on the day. There will be a wide range of stalls and tea, coffee and home baking.

The Aberdeen Chorus of Sweet Adelines will be performing their annual Christmas Show: "A Christmas Cracker" in the church on Monday 1 I th December at 7.45 pni. I n a change from their usual pantonlime, the show this year will feature the nativity story and a second half of fairies, elves, S a ~ i t aClaus and more!

Tickets available from Val Muir on 01 224 735001. For full details see the chorus website at www.aberdeenchorus.co.uk .

Christian Aid week door t o door collection raised E3720.82 in the village this year. Many thanks to everyone who contributed to this excellent total and to all the volunteers who collected. The Christian Aid Walk along the Deeside line

Continued on page 8

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March 7th: lona March 14th: Lourdes March 21st: Santiago de Compostela, Spain March 28th Canterbury

COURSE 6 CHRISTIANITY AND ART Christianity and art has had a close relationship for centuries and some of the greatest works of art in the world are of a religious nature. This course explores what some great works say to us about the Christian faith and also looks at some of the outstanding works of stained glass in church buildings May 3rd: Paintings - Titian, Salvador Dali May 10th: Paintings - Michelangelo, Holman Hunt May 17th: Traditional Stained Glasc May 24th: Contemporary stained glass May 31st: lcons and Trlpestries More information on all activities can be found on our web site: www.culterkirk.co.uk

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An exploration of people and movements which challenged Christian beliefs and how the Church responded November 15th: Galileo and co November 22nd: The Enlightenment November 79th: Charles Darwin December 6th: Atheism and secularisation

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Editor: Apo1ogit.s for omitting some of the dotes of the Christian education courses in the A u g u ~ Courier: t

POLICE R E P O R T HELLO again.

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in September raised E587.50 and thanks again to all who undertook the walk, run or cycle.

Finally, here is a reminder again of the remaining Christian education courses, which are open to e\,eryone and not just church members.

An exploration of radical, inspiring

COURSE 5 PLACES O F PILGRIMAGE

probably just as well as a visit to the West Coast comprised of rain and - well more rain. Having felt cleansed of all the pressures of being a neighbourhood Police Officer. I returned refreshed.

People have travelled to holy and special places since the early years of the Christian Church. This course explores the background to some of these well

Unfortunately not everyone has been on holiday as there were several sneak-in thefts, but the majority occurred in the Milltimber/Bieldside/Cults (MBC) area.

February 22nd: Jim Wallis March 1st: Sheila Cassidy

For Culter. St Ronans and Hillside Place were targeted but the good news is that a male has been reported for these and the ones in Cults. I have included the street names. as I a m sure they are not all that far away from you. Please be vigilant as it is coming to the time of year when break-ins, theft or sneak-in thefts are on the increase.

The majority of crimes are committed by opportunists. Unfortunately we make it easy for them by leaving property lying around and not securing o u r homes, garages or sheds. Please keep items, like bicycles, secure indoors o r chained to some permanent fixture preferably out of sight. What you cannot see you d o not know about. Please make sure your doors are locked even when you are in.

If you find anyone in your garden o r property who has no reason to be there i.e. they were not invited by you, call the Police. Numbers are at the end of this article.

In the past few weekends, Milltimber Primary School has been targeted by vandals. The play furniture. which was installed during the holidays, has been damaged. The youths responsible are local to the Culter and MBC area s o parents please keep tabs on your kids.

On that note, during the early hours of the morning several weekends ago. I was duly invited, down to the banks of the river Dee to attend a party. Unfortunately, it was whilst I was on duty and 5 minutes before 1 went off shift. Picture the scene.

O n attendance there I f o u n d several marquees and the c l i n h n g of champagne glasses (well - shabbily constructed tents and a few bottles of bud not Boli) and some 30 local young socialites who were gracing the banks of the Dee on the Murtle Estate.

The reason why I have bought this one up, is that on previous occasions, there have been problems with youths camping on the estate, where bottles have been smashed, litter left and fires lit, not to mention the noise which carries to the local residents. This is frustrating for those who manage the land, and 1am sure with a hoof in the wrong place, painful for the animals that graze there.

I 3 19 North Deeside Road PETERCULTER A61 4 OUL T E L : 0 1 224 733773

OPENING HOURS Monday - Saturday: 4.00pm - 10.30pm Sunday: 4.00pm - 9.00pm I

For them the party was over, but give them their due they were polite, took their tents down, and with a bit of cajoling swept the area for rubbish which they took with them. They were then duly escorted away from the river to Milltimber where they dispersed in groups to their parents' gardens. One youth was taken home to his parents due to being worse for wear through alcohol.

Camping can be great fun but permission has to be sought from the land owner.

Now the legal bit. If some one is camping without permission. they can be prosecuted under the Trespass (Scotland) Act 1865; making an encampment or l i g h t i n g f i r e s is i l l e g a l a s w e l l a s potentially dangerous.

Again parents please be aware, and please confirm what your kids are doing. A phone call to the other parents to confirm arrangements. may prevent them getting into trouble or getting out of hand, especially when they are not supervised.

If they become involved in under-age drinlung or dnigs they could be vulnerable or on lead to anti social behaviour which effects your and other communities.

There w a s the recent incident where youths broke into Milltimber Comnlunity centre, ~f arrangementshad been in place

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PILATESCLASSES

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SOLVEIG DAHLE SMITH Cert. Pilates Jnst. .WPl Experienced rnusculoskcletal physiotl~erapist Suits all ages and fitness Icvels Sillall Classes PETERCULTER SPORTS CENTRE Monday & Tuesday afternoons Wednesday & Thursda! evenings

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Call 01224 861421 for details

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to where the kids were going to be or what were it possibly could have been avoided.

Underage-drinking anddrinking in public will not be tolerated, as several persons found out last weekend when they were charged and their wares were confiscated.

Cult"cademy is compiling their travel plan. In the near future there will be a survey of how pupils get to

0845 600 5 700. In the e\ent of an emergency or you suspect a sneak-in or house break-in 1s ongoing dial 999.

Alasdair MacHardy & Robert Greenhorn Culter Police Office.

CARDS & GIFTS Extensive range of cards, wrap, balloons, banners & other gift stationary inc. handmade cards niade t o order.

PLUS gift ideas t o suit all 'pockets' from the everyday to t h e unusual!

CULTER 50+ WALKING GROUP WITH ONE exception - more about this later - we continued to enjoy the excellent summer weather for our walks during July and August and even into what are usually the cooler months of September and October.

Discover t h e delights of our w e e shop at 7 Scott Skinner Square, Posties Walk Banchory Tel:: 01 330 825055 Mon-Fri 10.3Cb17.30 Sat 10.30-16.30

school. which will be sent out to the pupils and parents to complete. The purpose is to put a plan in place, which addresses a number of issues e . g . improving the environment around the school at drop off and pick up times. promote safer travel to school, promote health and better environmental practices.

Another reminder for some motorists (as the rest or majority of motorists, appear t o understand and abide by the legislation). Parking on the ZlG ZAGS on a pedestrian crossing will cost you a ÂŁ60 fine and 3 points on your licence. It is the same for the ZIGZAGS OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL at CULTER PRIMARY (that is the yellow ones). The single yellow line on the opposite side of the road means it is illegal to stop, or park f r o m Sam to 5 p m even when it's raining!!!! ! Feel free to go and check the sign on the same side of the road, where the yellow line is.

Halloween is around the comer. Last year saw a dramatic drop in incidents of fireworks and egg related incidents as

patrols were put on to identify trouble makers and confiscate their wares.

Our clifftop walk from the Bullars of Buchan to Slains Castle thrilled us with the views down to the sea between the

some of the many enjoying lunch at the old bridge.

You could help by again being aware where your kids are and that the eggs in the fridge are not being scrambled on somebody's windows. Shops have already been issued with letters reminding them not to sell eggs to any youths under 16. They have the right to refuse anyone if they believe they will supply eggs to youths.

Our next walk took us south to Edzell followed by a must every year - the seven bridges at Ballater. Still the weather was more than kind but our planned walk at Mintlaw on a very wet Thursday in September had to be shelved for a protracted coffee stop at the Happy Plant Garden Centre. However we moved on to Aden Park, spent a fascinating hour or so at the farm museurn and all agreed that we had "a good day out".

On a final note as the nichts are drawing inl it is that time of year again where the number of house break-ins usually increases. If you are out. please lock up and leave a light on within the house. preferably i n a room and not just the hallway. A house that looks occupied is less likely to get broken into.

Our final two walks were aroundTarland - a new walk for us - and in Ballochbuie forest; an old favourite. Before the end of the year, we plan walks at Kemnay, Denside of Durris and Girdleiless before finishing up with Christmas lunch.

That's all for now folks and take care.

1 can be contacted on M O B I L E 079 1949 1197 and if there is no answer or you have to report an incident to the Police please dial GRAMPIAN POLlCE

Once again we have been delighted to welcome new members. If anyone would like more information about our group please contact our secretaryftreasurer, Kate Thomson (Tel: 01330 811275).

Ethel Taylor

4 7 T H ABERDEEN (CULTER) CO. THE BOYS BRIGADE THE NEW Boys' Brigade session is now well under way on Thursday nights at Culter School. W e have seen a number o f new boys joining us and it looks as though we haven't lost any boys since last year so our overall numbers have increased slightly. There is still room for more, so i f any boys are interested in joining us. please come along on a Thursday night. See below for times and venues.

W e commenced our session with our annual opening service at Peterculter Parish Church o n 1st October but unfortunately the usual parade through the village had to be cancelled at the last minute due to the bad weather - this is the first time I can remember this happening.

Thanks to all who attended.

The boys have been given a challenge to help raise funds for the refurbishment o f the Battalion Headquarters in Crimon Place in Aberdeen by Sir Alex Ferguson CBE, appeal Patron.

This is by way o f a "Smarties" challenge. where they have each received a free tube o f Smarties but in return they have to fill the tube with 20 pence pieces and return it. Hopefully i f a11 the boys manage to do this we will raise f 600 - ÂŁ700 pounds for the appeal. T h e y are also holding a "Scottish Question of' Sports" night in the Queens Hotel on 30th November with Frank MacAvennie and Joe Harper as team captains and DJ John McRuvie as Question Master. I f any "Old Boys" or anyone else would like tickets for this event to support the B o y s Brigade Battalion HQ Refurbishment Appeal, please contact any o f the Officers.

Anchor Boys For Primary I to 3 boys: meets at 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm in the school canteen Junior Section For Primary 4 to 6 boys: meets at 6:30

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Our vision is to equip our pupils with the achievements, confidence and skills they will need for later life.

Robert Gordon's College offers a wide and rich curriculum and the highest academic standards, along with unrivalled opportunities in the arts, sports and extra-curricular activities.

Our pupils' success is founded on a strong sense of who they are. what they are capable of and what it feels like to be part of a happy and purposeful school community.

Open Morning for prospective parents and pupils Saturday 4th November 2006 from 9.30am

Tel 01 224 646346

www.rgc.aberdeen.sch.uk

pm to 8:00 pm in the school gym.

Company Section For Primary 7 and up boys: meets at 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm in the school canteen

CAMPHILL RUDOLF STEINER SCHOOLS NEWS WITH MUCH local support. the Open Day on the Saturday o f the September holiday weekend was a great success with many o f you coming in and sampling what we have on offer:it is always so nice to see so many returning children pulling their parents along t o their favourite activity, which they have remembered for a whole year.

This year we were able to offer stone baked pizzas for the first time, baked in an oven which had been built by some o f the older pupils o f the School as part o f one o f their class projects O n the following weekend George Morgan. the former Chair o f the Schools'

ROBERT G O R D O N ' S COLLEGE

ALAN J. SANGSTER FAREVIEW GARAGE DRUMOAK FOR ALL YOUR MOTORING NEEDS SERVICING BRAKES MOTS EXHAUSTS BATTERIES REPAIRS CAR UNDER WARRAN73'7

WE CAN SERVICE YOUR CAR AT A FRACTION OF MAIN DEALER PRICE WITHOUT AFFECTING YOUR WARRANTY Tel: 01224 733662 Mobile: 07976 962465

1 MILE FROM CULTER, TURN RIGHT AT GARLOGIE JUNCTION WE ARE NEXT TO JACKIESHILLOCK TRAINING CENTRE

Council opened Cherrywood House in the centre o f Murtle. It was a glorious sunny day with about 150 people present children and young people f r o m Camphill. their co-workers, parents.

Council members and those involved with the planning and construction o f the house. It is light and spacious with a central communal area, but also areas for personal space. It has especially wide

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Opening Times: Monday : 12noon - 5pm Tuesday - Saturday : 1 Oam - 5pm Sunday : Closed

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ADVENT FAIR ON SATURDAY 2 DECEMBER l o a m - 4pm CHRISTMAS STOCK NOW AVAILABLE Find us at Newton Dee Village, Old Ferry Road, Bieldside, Aberdeen Telephone: 01 224 868609 corridors, which are very child-friendly and allow for maximum movement for those with disabilities. It is another example of our commitment to provide the best facilities for those with special needs and our commitment to the future of our work here.

On a similar vein one of our co-workers has just completed a M S c in the Understanding of Autism and becomes, we believe. the first person in Scotland to carry such an award; again showing our commitment to be at the forefront of current research and development in this area.

Finally I would like to share with you that our Annual Report for 2005-6 has now been published and is available at the locd libraries. Should you not find copies there please contact our central office on 867935 and they will be happy to send you a copy.

Laurence Alfred

CULTER CHRISTMAS LIGHTS "SWITCH ON" Saturday 25th November 4-6pm OVER THE past few months, the Culter Christmas Lights Committee has been busy working on our Christmas Lights Appeal and we are finally getting there.

Residents and Local Businesses have been generous with donations and we are on target for 10 Christmas Lighting features. We are in the process of planning an afternoon of festive fun for the official "switch on" of the Christmas lights at Culter Village Hall on Saturday 25th November between 4-6pm. We hope residents will join us in celebrating this first ever Culter Christmas Lights Switch On Event Festivities will include: * Carol Singing, 'Tarnily Fun, * Mince Pies and Mulled Wine and

* a visit from Santa.

This will be followed by the Switch on ceremony. We will keep you posted on further details nearer the time.

If anyone wishes to make a donation towards the Culter Christmas Lights Appeal, contact: James Farquhar Culter Community Council 46 North Deeside Road, Peterculter Cheque.? mridr payable to "Clrlter.

Christmas Lights "

CONTACTS DIRECTORY HOPEFULLY everyone will have received a copy of the Culter Community Contacts Directory with this issue of the Courier.

The directory has been compiled by the Rotary Club of Aberdeen Deeside and produced by Aberdeen City Council as part of the Neighbourhood Community

Planning process with the support of Councillor MacDonald and Culter Community Council.

We hope that you find the directory useful and that it may be possible to produce it annually. Pleace keep it, use it and let us know how we can improve it for the future.

Anne Russell Rotary Club of Aberdeen Deeside Tel: 01224 733 384 Sharon McNutt Neighbourhood Community Planning Officer Tel: 01224 523 018 smcnuttC3aberdeencity,gov.uk

CKTLTER BOYS CLUB. THE 2006-2007 football season is now in full swing. We have 13 teams this season playing in the Aberdeen & District Juvenile leagues ranging from Under 8s t o Under 17s with 6 tearns in the competitive I 1-a-side leagues and 6 teams in the 7-a-side non-competitive leagues.

In addition we have started an Under 7s group who are currently recruiting anyone who is interested should contact Alex Brown on 01224 734369.

Another development within the club is the formation and official adoption of Culter Girls Club. The girls Under 13s team played under the banner of Culter Boys Club last season however we have restructured the club to accommodate girIs' football under its rightful title. A parent club has been formed called Culter Youth FootbaIl Club and this new club has two associated clubs * Culter Boys Club and * Culter Girls Club.

The constitution of Culter Boys Club becomes the new constitution of Culter Youth Football Club with the necessary changes to incorporate the girls' teams.

The operation and finances of the boys and girls teams remain the same - only the name has c h a n g e d . Any girls interested in joining Culter Girls Club should contact Jim Masson on 01224 735762 or Shaun Shaw on 01224 732939.

Further details on the various teams can be found on www.culterboysclub.co.uk <http://www.culterboysclub.co.uk/>

All these developments keep Culter Youth Football Club as one of the largest and most progressive clubs in the North East.

CULTER SCHOOL NEWS DURING the October holidays. contractors began installing "Zoe's Playground". 1 am pleased to say that it is almost finished. We would like to thank the Community, Parents, Pupils and Local Companies for their tremendous financial support. Without your help. we would not have been able to provide such a lasting and fitting memorial for Zoe.

addition to o u r school website, we have launched a 'Blog Spot'. This is like an online journal or diary in which pupils will share information. opinions and thoughts with

SIMEON CARE FOR THE ELDERLY A Camphill Community

Relief Hank CARE ASSlSTANTS Previous training or caring experience preferred &

Relief Bank COOKS To cook nutritious traditional and vegetarian meals using fresh, local, mostly organically grow food for 30 residents and staff.

We need a nnniber of new people on our relief bank to work in our pleasant. sniall arid friendl!. Care Home in Hieldside.

Salary in the range of f 5.63 to f6.96 per hour with placing depending on experience and qualifications.

Please phone. or ernail Jeannie. for rliore information Phone: 01224 862415 or Ernail: admin@simeoncare.org.uk

DEE-CIDERS WALKING GROUP T H E R E IS just a bit of a nip in the air these days just to let us know that our wonderful summer is past. and what a summer it has been. Gorgeous days with no need for fleecies and cardigans. shorts and T-shirts the order of the day.

Our walks recently have taken us from The Lecht, Ballochbuie and the Quoich all fayourites we have done before but of which we never tire. We had quite an experience in Ballochbuie -

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CANDLES f C A R E , DECORA'ONS, mS,RAFFLE,NEEDLECRAFT, HcMEBAK~ NG.

Brian Smith Funeral Services The only privately run family-owned Funeral Director in Peterculter, Ranchory and Aboyne I'w-l?~idFuner;~lPliua 3 17 North Deeside Road PETERCULTER Tel: 01214 732530 85a High Street BANCXORY Tel: 01330 825400 Aboyne Business Centre Huntly Road, ABOYNE Tel: 01 3398 86625 Contact Brian o r Angela Smith (24 hours)

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the world. P I N and P7H will be the pilot classes initially, with hopefully other classes taking part. It is a good way for parents to see their child's work online and post comments on what they have seen. C o m m e n t s will be moderated before they are published. You may remember the Pupil Council won a digital video competition recently. Cliclung on the 'LearningTeaching Scotland" link on our blog spot will let you view the film.

Please feel free to post any comments relating to this.

T h e a d d r e s s f o r o u r b l o g s i t e is: www.culterschool.blogspot.com A n d o u r s c h o o l w e b a d d r e s s is: www.culter.aberdeen.sch.uk

Barbara Polson For Culter School

Lovely day. stopped at the car park at Keiloch, crossed the road and took the river path to the Old Bridge of Dee. One never tires of standing on that humpbacked bridge looking at the tumbling waters. Off we went towards the Falls of Garbh Allt through the pine forest of Ballochbuie. (I can practically smell those pine trees as I write this.)After a brief stop to admire the scenery. we set off up hill through high heather towards Princess Anne's log-house. Our family has always called it 'Pokahontas' but I don't know why. We didn't receive an in invitation from any of the Royals, but as we are a tidy lot, we settled down to have a drink of something hot and a piece. N o sooner had we started when a Land Rover drew up and security lads jumped out a n d asked us to move on as the Queen was coming to have a picnic. After s o m e good-natured banter, we decided we must move on (or perhaps face being sent to The Tower!).

to Inchrory was another

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Inchrory i s a magnificent grey granite building which glistened in the sunshine. We learned that the House was owned by a 'foreign gentleman' - a story for another time?

Jean Duff Editor: Apologirs i f any of the place tlariles are misspelt - und,for shortening your sfon., .lean.

DEESIDE CHORISTERS Mason Lodge Skene Westbill AB32 6XR

WILL BE taking part in a Service of Carols and Lessons at St.MarylsChurch.

Blairs, on Saturday, 9th December at 7.00 pm.

Tel: 01224 744333 Fax: 01224 744388 theflooringlodge@tiscali.co.uk

Carpets * VinyG

The Choir is also singing a Choral Evensong for Remembrance Sunday in St.John1s Church. off CI-own Street, Aberdeen on Sunday, 12th November at 6.30 pm.

@ d a n * Deqner Flboring * Laminutes Wood F h r s

* Ws* 8findr

Wide Range Professional and

FLOWER SHOW

THE i-LOORRG A944

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OPEWING HOURS A BIG thank you to everyone who took part in this year's Flower Show, and congratulations to all those who won a trophy or award. There was an impressive display of entries in the Village Hall, representing months of hard work, time committed and care taken. Our President, Mrs Paula Silvester. told us how the Show had changed over many years. Our records only go back to 1933 and we would welcolne any inforlnation o r records of its earlier existence, so if you remember the old days, or have any records of its activities then, please get in touch with me.

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Monday: 1 30pm 5 30pm T u d a y : CLOSED

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Wednesday: loam 5 30pm Thunday: loam - 8pm

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Salurday: 9am 5pm

* Society Trophy floral art: Vi Smith.

Culter Also - Diploma best exhibit (floral art)

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M r s Geddes Challenge C u p (Vegetables): Fred Stewart, Portlethen

* James Milne Trophy overall winner: Terry Stott, Aberdeen Also - Diploma best exhibit hanging basket or patio container William Berry Cup (cut flowers)

* Challenge Trophy (Cookery): Elma Taylor, Culter

* Society Trophy overall runner-up: Eddy Loudon, Westhill Also - Culter Leisure Programme Trophy (Decorative) Mrs Edna Edward Trophy (novice floral art) Challenge Trophy (preserves, dairy)

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* Challenge Trophy pot plants: Lewis Bisset, Culter Also -Kenneth Ross Shield (best exhibit pansies/violas) Shield (senior citizens)

* Diploma Best exhibit (cookery): Alison MacDonald, Culter Mrs Edwards Trophy (knitting & needlework): Joyce Cowie, Culter Also - Diploma Best exhibit (knitting & needlework) Society Salver (crafts)

* Community Council Trophy (Photography ): Bill Murphy, Culter * Diploma Best exhibit children's 7 years and under: Robin Beedie. Culter Also - Culter School PTA Trophy Children's overall winner

* Robert Morrison Challenge Trophy (best begonia): Bill Loudon, Westhill

* Diploma

* Leonard Cup ( 3 vases dahlias): Doug Stewart, Aberdeen Also -Challenge Trophy (best vase dahlias)

* Diploma Best exhibit children's 11-16 years: Nicola Murphy, Culter

Best exhibit children's 8-10 years: Tarran Ross, Blackbum

REWTBR BEE CAPE Welcome to our Caf6 serving a wide variety of teas. coffee, juice with home-made cakes and biscuits.

Light Lunches from March 2007.

PQOEF2313 G9PT SQBP Come and discover unusual and delightful gifts for everyone, which are a pleasure to give and receive.

Handcafted wooden toys Pottery & Glass Soft toys &textiles Candles, Cards & Crystals Opening Times Tuesday to Saturday 10.00am - 4.45pm For more information, Tel: 868262 We hope ?-ouenjoy your visit.

Trophies presented by Culter Community Council representative

* Community Council Trophy Best-kept garden in Culter: Kate Martin. Towerview Lane

old railway line Bloom!

Holistic BeautyTherapy Exclusive in Aberdeen Karin Herzog Angel Organica

All therapists Attuned t o Universal Energy Tel: 0 1224 735000 265 North Deeside Road Peterculter,AB 14 OUL www.justpurebeauty.co.uk

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Edwin Davidson Trophy Best pensioner's garden: Mrs Dawson.

Towerview Way

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courtesy of Culter in

SECOND MERIT AWARD A judge from Beautiful Scotland in Bloom (BSIB) paid us a visit in August and was impressed by the number of new planting locations we had created since last year, but he still had some criticism of the * general tidiness of the village, * the condition of railings, benches and shelters, and he felt that some businesses could do more to enhance their own premises - a reminder that our pavement barrels and lamp post baskets are really only the "icing on the Culter cake ". It's the impression made by the community as a whole rather than just the efforts of the committee which he is assessing.

However we gained our second merit certificate under the BSIB Neighbourhood Awards scheme. Our secretary Catherine Lacy and our member Anne Writson will receive this at the BSIB annual conference in Perth in November and we will display it in the Library.

was "opened up" by a new footbridge across the burn about I00 yards upstream from the Health Centre. It is accessible from 47-7 1 Coronation Road, and now gives many more options for walking in and around this area. The bridge was made possible by a grant from Aberdeen Countryside Project which also provided volunteer labour to construct it.

Eventually we hope to plant the area with some small belts of native species trees and wildflowers, to locate some public benches and to lay some paths on the more popular routes through it. One of the benches will be purchased with a generous grant from Culter Gala Fund we'll put it in place next Spring - many thanks!

While our enthusiastic team should now be able to relax for a few winter months, we're always in the lookout for new members and helpers to keep up the momentum in 2007. If you'd like to know more about us, or have any ideas for projects we might take on, check out our website www.cu1terinbloom.org.uk where

* Community Council Trophy Best allyear round garden: Anne Watson, The Brick House

* Culter in Colour shield (For improving the appearance of Culter by use of tubs & containers) Moira Marshall, St Ronan's Place Jim & Hazel Simpson, St Ronan's Drive Mr R Grieve, Towerview Wynd

CULTER IN BLOOM Planting pride in the community AS I write this we are about to start the autumn bulb planting. having already refilled our seventy plus containers, our train and our raised bed at the village entrance with polyanthus, pansies and dwarf tulips for the Sprine. We have to naturalise a further 6000 crocus, 1000 snowdrops, 1000 bluebells and two big bags of daffodils, all donated by Aberdeen City Council. This sounds a lot - and it is certainly a lot of work by our volunteers to get them in the ground - but surprisingly they don't go far. Look out for some more Spring colour at the village entrances, the War Memorial, Malcolm Road and the

"Coror~~ztion Bric{gr" - bzlilt ~ i t labour h crrldfiilanciul I~elp,fi-omAberdeen Countryside Proj~ct you will find a full set of minutes of our CORONATION BRIDGE meetings and contact details, or get in We've previously mentioned our aim to touch with our secretary Catherine Lacy.

1 Brighton Place on 7337 10. improve access to. and biodiversity in, the grassy area owned by Aberdeen City Council behind the Health Centre - which is virtually Culter's only remaining ErikStien Convenersizeable open public space. The first steps were taken in early October when the area

CHRISTMAS GIFTS...

AT BARGAIN PRICES 57-59 North Deeside Rd

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bust along from the B~elds~de Inn)

OPEN WEDNESDAY - SATURDAY

Planting time ~ ~ g a -i soine i ~ of our volllnteers as.remble lo replant our amtmmn contuiners. From left: Jean Cook, John Trolip, Helen Rt71nceyr.r; Tim Ramseyer; Mike Mcrckic), Sandy Cook, Anne W~rtsoiz.Bill Coopel; Dirk Gage/ ~ ~ Elsa n d Plont. The high-vi.5 ~ a f e l yvests M ' P I - ~ ?u gifi from the Balmoral Group.

HOW SAFE IS YOtTR HOME THIS CHRISTMAS? CHRISTMAS is just round the corner and probably fire safety is the last thing on your mind when preparing for the Christmas celebrations. However! spare a moment to think about fire safety, identify the risks and plan ahead.

* Take care with electricity, open flames, and other heat sources. * Check Christmas tree lights. other electric decorations and appliances for damage, such as frayed cords. Never use lights. decorations, or appliances with worn electrical cords. * Only use British Standard (kitemark) approved electrical decorations and extension cables. * Place the Christmas tree well away from heat sources such as space heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, televisions. computer monitors. * Never block a room exit with the tree. * Unplug tree lights and other decorations when going out or going to bed. * NEVER use real candles on a tree even if that is what they are designed for. They are not safe.

Having a Christmas party? * Decorations: Paper decorations and Christmas cards will burn given the slightest opportunity. Keep them away from fireplaces, heaters, lights and candles. * Candles: Make sure they are in secure holders or on a heat resistant surface.

Make sure they are properly extinguished, before going to bed and when going out. * Cooking: Never cook if you've been drinking alcohol. * Smoking: If people are smoking, make sure all cigarettes are properly extinguished. * Fire Action Plan: Make sure you have a fire action plan and that all members of the household know it - including any guests.

Celebrate Safelv Make your home a safer place this Christmas For further information contact Grampian Fire & Rescue Service Tel01224 696666 Email: info@gran~pianfrs.org.uk or visit: www.grampianfrs.org.uk

CULTER GALA WE HELD a Gala Cheque Presentation Night on Wednesday 4th October which local groups attended and went away with not only a donation but an information sheet on the Gala and its aims. which we hope they will pass around their organisations. This year a total of £3,700 was distributed to local causes and groups from Gala funds. Groups that applied received the following donation:

* Christmas Lights Project * Village Hall * Heritage Centre * Scouts

E600 f 400 £400

£300 £300 £300 * Pipe Band £300 * Playgroup £250 * OAPs Group £250 * Nursery Woodland Garden £200 * ToddlersIBo-Peep £200 4: Culter Boys Club £200

* PTA * Culter in Bloom

As you can see, we were able to donate a substantial amount to the Christmas Lights project: it has been our aim this yeas to help get this project off the ground as we felt it was something that will benefit the whole of the community. We look forward to seeing the lights up in the village over the festive period. The Family Fun Day that we hoped to arrange to help raise further funds for this cause was shelved mainly due to the fact that there were so many other events on during

DRAMARAMA 2000 Creative Drama Club Confidence Creativity Communication

Drama

Workshops for Primary 1-7 School Pupils on Tuesdays in Culter Village Hall N o r t h beeside Road Peterculter Tel: 01224 868582; www.dramarama2000.com

the last quarter of the year. However, the ITPPER KENNERTY Gala Committee would like to wish Jim MILL Farqhuar good luck with the project and hope that people will come along to the ~Aswitch~ngonmceremonyhehasplanned, THE MILL is to be rebuilt. T h e professional team who carried out the 2005 survey has made a further survey.

Dates for Important features, including the your diary millstones, have survived, and will remain.

Gala Day is set for Saturday 26th May at the School Playing Field Gala Race Night - Provisionally 12th May, Culter Village Hall We plan to have our first Gala meeting in late January (date to be announced).

Local groups will be notified of this meeting and we urge a representative to attend.

Also, if anyone is interested in joining the committee to help organise this event next year please get in touch.

Jan Murphy Gnlrr Conir~rittee

Work is being done meantime to secure the safety of the buildlng and enable salvage work to start in the immed~ate future. Protective nleawres will be taken, including some re-roofing, to ensure that there will be no further damage from winter weather.

Restoration of historic buildings is inevitably a very slow process. but we are receiving valuable advice and guidance from experts as far afield as the north of Scotland and south of England. A further report should be at hand before the next issue of the Courier.

Evelyn E. Gavin

PETERCULTER GOLF CLUB WE HAVE come to the end of another very successful summer season for Peterculter Golf Club (PGC) during which we have enjoyed exceptional weather and a beautiful well-maintained course. Winter golf starts in November and both members and visitors are welcome to come and enjoy the course when it is not raining or snowing! The views of the hills and the river Dee are quite ,. spectacular on crisp +&bbq&p ..2 . " " clear days. We hope to stay o n the summer greens a s much a s possible, but frost will 'i. rll dictate the use of winter greens and the course may be closed early morning until the frost has lifted a little.

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As usual, the greens staff will be busy on a fairly extensive winter programme of work on the course to ensure that it is in tip top condition for next year. We have received many compliments about the course this year and we now pride ourselves on one of the most attractive courses and one of the friendliest clubs in the area. If you are thinking of joining a golf club in the near future, come and have a look at Peterculter before making any decision. We expect to be able to offer s o m e full and/or five day memberships in March 2007 if you add your name to the list now. For more information about the club, you can also website, visit the www.petercultergolfclub.co.uk Honorary membership of the club has been extended to four long standing members. Messrs Harvey Aberdein, Bob Burnett, Eddy Lappin and Bob Skene have all made an outstanding contribution to the development of the club since it first opened. A celebratory dinner will be held for them at PGC o n 2nd December.

We'd like to take this opportunity to wish all our members a happy Christmas and a prosperous. successful New Year both on and off the golf course.

Susan Chappell-Smith

CULTER FOOTBALL CLUB Friendly Fixtures: [n a variety of preseason friendly fixture opposition, Culter went down 4-2 to strong running Aberdeen FC Under 19s at Crombie Park; gained a creditable draw against Highland League side Rothes (at Rothes): and ran out very conifortable winners against Amateur outfit Glendale at Culter.

A match programme was published for the Dons game by Ian "Kip" McKenzie resulting in an unexpected demand from programme collectors. Programme expert Easton Thain of Keith stated in his excellent programme which he produced for our game against Islavale, "1 was darn lucky to get this one and its value will appreciate fast!"

Season Start: Culter had a mixed start to the season. In the best possible e was recorded beginning, a 4-1 l e a g ~ ~win against Sunnybank at Heathryfold ant1 we won our Section in the Grill League Cup. On the other hand, an unbelievable 5-1 Dyce defeat in the league was suffered at Crombie Park in spite of having beaten the newly promoted side 3-0 a couple of weeks earlier at Culter in the Grill League Cup. Culter made an early exit in the North Regional Cup going down 3-1 to Formartine United at Pitmedden in the Preliminary Round.

Playing Pool: In the normal course of events, there were comings and goings of Players for the new season. We welcomed * Andy Campbell from Glentanar. * Danny Craib from Deveronvale, * Scott Knox from Portlethen Sports Club Under 19s and * Chris Mountford from Dyce.

We bade farewell to "avid Glass who returned to Stonehaven, * Roddy Cameron who has joined Postal whilst * Mark Greig and Russell Milne appear to have "hung up their boots".

Absentees from our squad are * last season's Player of the Year, Kyle Scott, who suffered a traumatic accident, * Chris Ogboke who is studying at Newcastle University and * Chris Collie who is out of action due to a long term injury.

Strath Saves Stuart Shield: Former Culter FC Team Captain Dave Strath (from OLIS Amateur glory days in the 1970s) has continued to have a close interest in Culter F C . Dave. now President of Echt Amateur FC. has done us a further favour.

At a recent Amateur FA Meeting, obsolete Trophies were being disposed of and Dave pricked up his ears when one was the P J Stuart Memorial Trophy, donated

by Culter FC in 1986 to follow the original PJ Stuart Shield which Pat himself donated to the Amateur FA in 1973. The 2nd shield covering seasons 3985186 to 1991192. rescued by Dave. now joins the 1st shield covering seasons 1972173 t o 1984185 in the proud possession of Pat's family - the Davidsons.

Grill Games: Grill League Cup holders Culter p~~mmelled Parkvale, who featured former players Marc Small and David Neish. 6-1 at Crombie Park on Saturday 28 October to clinch a place in the Semi Finals. Culter now meet Hillhead at Hillhead of Seaton on Tuesday 14 November and the winners play Hermes or Tuniff United on Sunday 26 November with a 12 noon kick off.

Albert J Moir

Past Picture: Culter FC team and officials are pictured 100 years ago outside The Gordon Arms Hotel. The 1906107 group is as follows:Buck Ron,: J McAra, J Lorimer. A Cooper (Bandy ). A Milne, F Lindsay, C Dey. A Burnett. Mr McPherson (Hotel Proprietor) Middlr Row: J Brands (standing), F Cowie. D Guild, F Dey. McLeod, A McDonald (Fitchie). A MacDonald (standing) Frot~t Kott.: A Middleton, J Ogilvie, J Lorimer

GUIDING IN CtTLTER & MILLTIMBER DISTRICT MANY THANKS to Joyce Cowie for her time as District Commissioner, which involves looking after the Rainbow.

Brownie and Guide Units in Culter and Milltimber. This position is for a fixed period and Joyce has done her full term plus a good few years! Well done, Joyce. for all your effort and dedication. She will be continuing with her weekly commitment to the 2nd Culter Brownies - to yuote Joyce: ' I really enjoy my Brownies'.

A replacement is required. Anyone out there with an interest in the future of Guiding'? This is not a weekly commitment - more a 'managerial post'.

Enquiries to the Division Commissioner Morag Williamson, who will also be pleased to help with any District concerns until a replacement for Joyce can be found. Telephone her on 867967.

%e CT)Qougkwaw Mine Hosts: Graeme & Shirley Wight

Bar & Pool R o o m L o u n g e & D i n i n g R o o m F o r T a b l e R e s e r v a t i o n , T e l e p h o n e 733365

CULTER VILLAGE HALL NEWS WE WOULD like to take this opportunity to remind residents of the village that Culter Village Hall receives no financial aid from Aberdeen City Council and we rely on the generosity of other groups and our own fund raising activities to maintain the standard of service and amenity we can offer to user groups. We endeavour to keep our rental charges as low as possible to benefit a11 community users, but this means we have nothing left over for repairs and upgrading.

We have received substantial help from local tradesmen this year. " lain Bruce, ( P l ~ ~ m h i nSrrvices) g has helped in the re-fit of the ladies toilets and with other plumbing problems. * Jim Skinner (Hundyman Sewicrs) has repaired gutters. windows, light fittings and many other small jobs around the hall.

"Adam Hilliard and his colleague Gordon (TWPSurgrorls) have cut down the large overhanging trees from the front garden.

Our heartfelt thanks go to these gentlemen who have given their services for free and for all the hard work they have done for us. All users of the hall will benefit from their efforts. If there are any other local tradesmen who feel they could offer their services to the hall we would love to hear from them.

We have also received donations from members of the community as a result of an article by a Culter resident which appeared in the Culter Courier earlier this year. We would like to thank them for their generosity and also the Courier editor for printing the article. which resulted in these donations. There is a

poster in the hall which lists some of the individuals who have donated to the hall. but some people wish to remain anonymous. And finally we received a donation from Gala committee for which we are very grateful. We thank you all.

Two fund raisers were planned for November.

On Friday 10th November there was a "Paml~eringEvening" for the ladies when you could sample alternative therapies. head. foot and hand massage, and enjoy a glass of wine and some cheese.

On Friday 17th November we are holding a "Silent Auction" which may be the chance to acquire an unusual Christmas gift Por someone or even for you. Details can be found on the notice boards in and outside the hall, or contact Alison Skinner on 73437 1 for more details.

The hall will be closed for Christmas from Friday 22nd December to Friday 5th January inclusive. Anyone who needs to contact the hall during that period may leave a message on the answerphone. but please be aware that it will not be dealt with until Monday 8th January 2007.

We wish all our community group users a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Susan Chappell-Smith Pr~sitlrrlr.

HERITAGE TRUST THE HERITAGE Centre has had a busy summer with a considerable number of visitors: many of these visitors are from the Aberdeen area but also visitors come from all over the world - Canada, Australia and Europe. Articles of local interest are still being handed in and this is to be welcomed.

Afternoon Teas have been well supported over the last few months and, as always, the Trust is grateful for the involvement of volunteers in the providing of the teas and the good home baking. As it has been a good summer: a number of people have taken the opportunity of sitting outside in our pleasant garden area to erl-ioy their refreshments.

The Heritage Hall is in use most evenings each week and now also on Friday and Saturday mornings - more daytime use would be welcome. The Hall is also used for private parties. If you are interested in using the Hall, contact John Troup Tel01224 732701.

The Centre will close from Sunday 24th December until Saturday 3 1 st March 2007 to allow improvement work to be carried out in the ground floor area, particularly to improve access for people with disabilities. At the same time, it is also hoped to improve the heating system so that all our exhibits call be kept at a reasonable even temperature. During this time there will be no afternoon teas and they will resume again on Saturday 3 1 st March.

It is hoped that on the afternoon of Sunday 17th December there will be our annual Christmas Carols with mulled wine and mince pies - more information will be circulated nearer the time.

John Troup

CULTER HILLWACKING CLUB

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The complete Legal b Property senrice on your doorstep

14 branches throughout the North-east.

225 North O e e s i Road, Peterculter. Tel: 734734.

Open 6 days, late night Thursday on Monday 23rd October.

The Club's 'Walk Meeting' took place in the Pop In on Wednesday 25th October when members chose walks for 20072008.

We are always delighted to welcome new members to our club. Why don't you contact us on infoOculterhillwalking.org.uk?

PETERCULTER SPORTS CENTRE CORONATION ROAD, PETERCULTER 01224732069 IT'S THAT time of year when the nights begin to draw in and the cold starts to bite.

What better way to fight off the winter blues than having a workout at Peterculter Sports Centre?

The centre has a well-equipped fitness studio, aerobics studio. creche area and main hall. Everything you need for a fitness kick before the Christmas turkey takes hold.

Our fitness studio has jogging machines, cross trainers, evocycles, concept rower as well as resistance weights machines and a selection of dumbbells. If you've never been to the gym or you've not been for a while it's not too late to start now.

I The fitness studio offers a relaxed and friendly environment to en,joy a workout and get you looking and feeling better.

Our aerobics programme offers a widc and varied selection of classes suitable for any ability. There are step, spin, toning, boxercise, circuits and aerobic classes available.

Our creche is available to book for all customers, so. whether you are working out in the fitness studio or aerobics class. or even playing badminton you will be able to put your child in the creche at no extra cost.

We offer excellent membership packages which start at £19.60 per month. This will entitle users to use all fitness studios. centre classes, swimming pools and health suites in Aberdeen City Council as well as the climbing wall and skating rink at the Beach leisure Centre and Linx Ice Arena. If you don't want to commit to a membership. then we have off peaktpeak prices as well as countdown cards which offer discounted rates.

For information o n our aerobics programme or fitness studio opening times please pop into the centre or email us at cultersports@aberdeencity.gov.uk.

You can also see us at www.aberdeencity.go\~/sports.

Advance notice: A date for your diary

CULTER SCOUT GROUP CEILIDH CULTER Scout Group is holding a family Burns Night Ceilidh on Saturday 3rd February 2007, from 7.30pmmidnight, in Culter Village Hall. This will be the third year the Group has run this very enjoyable evening, with dancing to the band Grampian Sound. Don't worry if you're not sure of the dances, as help will be available!

Tickets. which include haggis, neeps and tatties, cost f 12 for adults, and £6 for children, and are available from Peter 73580 1 or Vickie 735 15 1.

THE OAPs had their Sale of Work on 7th October at Culter Mill Club and it was a great success. £1,640 was raised on the day plus money from the raffle gave us a total of £2,405 - a truly marvellous amount. So many people deserve a big 'thank you': * My workers and helpers :': Those who came and bought so well * Shops, pubs and businesses in the village who donated prizes for the Raffle

MILTON STUDIO Needlework & Craft Shop

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A Kaleidoscope of Colour in the Aberdeenshire Countryside

Fantastic range of FABRICS, including: Batiks, Hoffman, Oakcraft, P & B, Moda Kide Selection of Knitting Yarns Debbie Bliss, Colinette, Noro. Patons, Sirdar THREADS for Hand 81 Machine Cross Stitch Kits Beads Selection of BOOKS. M4G.UINES & LEAFLETS P & Q. Cross Stitch, Knitting Patterns WORKSHOPS & WEEKLY CLASSES catering for all levels

MILTON OF CRATHES Banchory. AB3 1 5QH Tel. 01330 844000 Open: Mon - Sat 9.30 - 5pm Sun 11 - 5pm

* Farmers who gave produce.

December2 Coffee Morning in the Supper Room, Village Hall (loam - 12 noon) Home Baking/Miscellaneous stalls/Raffle December 6 Dress Rehearsal of Pantomime which we are invited to see. " 13 Christmas Party at Culter Mill Club (6.30pm) Bus will pick up as lrsual .starting ~ l 5.30prn at Johnston Gardens 2007 January 10

Business Meeting

We are always looking for more members and it costs ÂŁ5 to join and 50p each meeting. We have lovely concerts every month.

Do hope you all have a merry Christmas and a healthy. happy New Year.

Flo Will Presiclent

CULTER MILLS SPORTS & RECREATION CLUB

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The Old Club The Project Team has made great strides looking at the ways forward to replace the old Club and Bowling Pavilion. which is now in a serious state of disrepair. If planning in principle is granted. then the existing buildings will be demolished and the Bowling and Snooker Sections will be housed in a modified version of the main Club building. We expect to take the proposals to the Membership within the next few months for ratification if things go according to plan.

Tea Dances Although these will have started at time of going to press, Tea Dances are going to be held in the Hall commencing 19th October with follow ups on 2nd and 16th November. Music will be provided by Charlie Esson of Garioch Blend from 2 pm until 4:30 pm. Cost is E3 for members

and ÂŁ 3 . 5 0 for guest and includes refreshments. If these are well supported. consideration will be given to running these on a regular basis.

Festive Diary The Entertainments sub group are firming up the acts for the Festive Period. Once this has been established then Posters will be displayed in the Club for all to see.

The Christmas Raffle. which proved a huge success last year. is being finalised so members can expect to see their batch of Raftle tickets dropping through their doors in the near future.

Saturday Night Dances Attendance numbers at these once popular events have ceen a decline in recent times making the majority of these l o \ s making.

The Committee would dearly like to provide a service on a Saturday Night for Members and Guests and would welcome suggestions for entertainment that would prove popular t o the membership. Please contact a Committee Member if you feel that you have a worthwhile idea.

All Day Opening The decision to open the Lounge during the afternoon has proved fairly popular with members popping in f o r a refreshment or chat. It is hoped to keep this service going over the winter period.

New Lighting Following an assessment of the quality of lighting in the Hall. it has been decided that a complete new lighting system will be installed in the Hall which will benefit all the members and guests. The current system is getting antiquated and does not meet the requirements of Bingo players and dancers.

Minutes Members should note that minutes of previous Committee Meetings are posted on the Lounge Notice Board and in the Lounge Bookshelf and any member has access to this.

Ray Gordon Chairman

~ & Y J ~ ~ N O RESTAURAUNT O P E N FOR LUNCHES Saturdays & Sundays O P E N FOR SUPPERS Tuesday Sunday

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5.30prn - I0.30prn 2 Course f 9.95 3 Course f l 1.95 availableTue,Wed,Thu, Sun all evening and Fri and Sat 5.30 till 7.00 prn.

All-year-round Outdoor DiningArea with Patio Heaters

Full details of events together with information on the Rotary Club of Aberdeen Deeside, which meets in the Cults Hotel on Wednesday evenings (6.15 for 6.45) may be had from Mike Craig at mike@craiglane.co.uk.

ROTARY CLUB OF ABERDEEN DEESIDE THE PICTURE shows Rotarians Ellen Smith and Mike Craig registering the Malone family from Culter for the annual "Walk or Run" along the old Deeside railway line. Mum Irene, dad Sean and sons Grant and Ross together with nearly 5 0 other participants completed the course raising over ÂŁ1,800 in the process.

The major beneficiary was "Saving Sight in Grampian" with a donation also being made to Peterculter Primary School.

During November the club organised charity events for all ages with a "Halloween Disco" for primary children held in Jumpkin Jaks on 4th November.

Funds generated will be given to "Cancer and Leukaemia in Childhood" (CLIC Sargent).

On 17th November a Ceilidh for the more mature will be held in Kippie Lodge with the ever-popular "Reel Din" providing the entertainment on the night. Proceeds from the evening (tickets priced ÂŁ15- including stovies!) will be given to local charity "Instant Neighbour"

KATHLEEN Robertson in the Deeside Piper (6 August) highlighted Culter Community Council's concerns about the missing link in the Deeside Way. Aberdeenshire has almost completed its construction from the city boundary at Coalford to Banchory, but no work has been done by the city on the 2km from Coalford to Culter. Most critically, there was no signing for this section. Travellers reaching Culter from Aberdeen would wander aimlessly around Culter station looking for non-existent directions.

Now that problem has been relieved.

Wooden signs erected by the city near Station Road West, and green ones by Stuart and Irene Duncan on their land, make it easier to walk or cycle from Aberdeen to Banchory without getting lost. Signing does not yet mention the Deeside Way, however, apparently because this obvious name for the route is not yet agreed between the county and city, so we encourage them to do so and finalise construction of this essential path.

Doug Stewart

337 North Deeside Road PETERCULTER Telephone: 0 1224 732902 For Reservations

PETROLEtTM WOMEN'S CLUB OF SCOTLAND WHEN I first arrived in Aberdeen with my husband, who had been posted here for his work, I was lucky to have a friend who invited me along to the Petroleum Women's Club of Scotland. It's an international group and, 1 can honestly say, 1 have never looked back. The Club was so welcoming and provided me with friendship, activities and social life that I was sorely missing in this new and strange place!

On the first Thursday of each month there is a Meeting at the Inn at the Park where we have an interesting speaker or demonstration.... we have a cup of coffee, achat and, if you wish, you can have lunch too.

However, within the Club are many different activity groups - for instance, I go Ten Pin Bowling every Tuesday, play golf on a Wednesday and from time to time go off on a "Day Trip" to some place of interest. Other activities include Bridge, A Dinner Club, a Book Group, Mah Jong, Patchwork and Quilting and a Self-Help Painting Group. There is something for everyone... and if you have

Peterculter: or Craigard, 18 Ramsay Road, Banchory AB3 1 STT.

Allan Pennie

THANK YOU THIS IS for all the residents of Culter who put on such a wonderful display of flowers this year. I don't remember seeing so many - every garden, patio area and hanging basket seemed prettier than the one before. Your efforts were appreciated by many passers-by and especially those like me who do not own a garden.

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other interests the Club is happy to help organise another activity group.

Each year we adopt a local charity and run lunches and social events to raise money. A recent, highly successful Indian Vegetarian Lunch was enjoyed by 26 members, and helped raise money for the Aberdeen Branch of the Citizens Advice Bureau. Our lndian hostess. one of our members, found so much interest in her cooking that she is to run a Cookery Class in the new year!

A recent change in the club rules has enabled Associate Members, friends not connected to the oil industry, to join us.

So, if that sounds your sort of thing, please get in touch. Either write to us c/o P.O. Box 77, Aberdeen AB 15 4 QU, or e-mail us at pwcsotland@yahoo.co.uk. You will be made very welcome.

Janet Hood Petroleum Women's Club of Scotland

P R O P O S E D GALA PROJECT ARE YOU good at lots of sports and are you 13 to 18 years old? Yes, there are some who could fit the roll: football. tennis, golf, horse riding. hockey, snooker and so on. This is what this Project is all about. It is aimed at producing the allround competitor, boy or girl, who has excelled in at least three sports. If you can give a good account of yourself in any of these mentioned (or any other) sports, please let me know.

In the 1950s, I ran St Andrews Football Team (Juveniles) in the Aberdeen and District League as it was then. We were quite successful and won many trophies over the years. As far as this 'Gala Trophy' is concerned, 1 wish to dedicate it in memory of two of my former players, who sad to say, are no longer with us.

They were George Angus and Edward Grimmer both of whom were good allround con~petitors.

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As well as the visual impact, 1 was amazed at the scents from many of the flowers and plants. Maybe 1 was more aware of these as 1 was not walking so quickly (or flashing by in my car). Thank you for taking so much care and attention and helping to make Culter such a lovely place to stay.

M J Skinner

CKTLTER COMMKTNITY PLAYGROUP PLAYGROUPis back in full swing after the holidays and our new committee is busy planning the fund-raising calendar for the coming year. Our first event is the annual Christmas Fayre on Saturday 18 November at the Village Hall from loam till I pm. This promises to be a fun packed morning for all the family with lots to do and the usual stalls - bottle, lucky dip. home baking, jewellery, hand-made cards, gifts and second hand books and toys.

Entry is ÂŁ2 for adults and Sop for children (includes teaslcoffees and delicious home-baking).

Barry & Janet Hood may be contacted at: 9 Kennerty Park Peterculter Aberdeen AB14 OLE

In no way do I want to embarrass anyone, but 1 do feel that we are a bit short of facilities in Peterculter. However there may be opportunities that can be explored.

First of all, if you are interested and would like to help or assist in any way,

The Playgroup relies on its fund-raising each year to buy new equipment and pay for outings for the children, so please support us by coming along - and have some fun while contributing to your community.

Tel: 01224- 732558 e-rnail: hoods.lochway@tiscali.co.uk

1 would like you to contact me either at The Heritage Centre, Howies Lane,

Fiona Mair 732284

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One of the largest collect~onsof Deslgner Frames In the North-east lncludlng CHRISTIAN DIOR, GUCCI, EXTE, CAZAL, RALPH LAUREN, DKNY, DIESEL,ARMANI,OAKLEY, ADIDAS, CHANEL, RAY-BAN + more Deslgner Sunglasses from GUCCI, DIOR, RAY-BAN, OAKLEY, MOSCHINO, MAUI-JIM,VOGUE, CHANEL, GIORGIOARMANI Prescription Sunglasses from DKNY, NAUTICA, CALVIN KLElN - stortrng from ÂŁ99 complete wrth single vrsron lenses Large Selection of Children's frames covered by N.H.S Open Saturdays and late nlghtTuesdays.

5 The Courtyard, North Deeside Road, Cults,Aberdeen AB 15 9SD

Telephone 0 1224 863344 Culter Community Playgroup

('HRIST3IAS FAYRE Saturday 18th November

Village Hall loam till 1 pm.

Bottle Stall, Lucky Dip, Home Baking, Jewellery, Hand-Made Cards, Gifts and Second Hand Books and Toys.

Entry is &2for adults and 50p for children (irzcludes teas/cojfee.~and delicious home-baking).

QUERY FROM OZ...

Dear Editor

I am researching my Scottish ancestors from the other side of the world in Australia.

Grandfather Captain James Smith Scott obtained his Master Mariners Certificate

in Aberdeen in 1883 and eventually ended up based in Singapore for the rest of his life.

His parents were George Scott and Isabella Jolly who were married in Aberdeen at St Nicholas 16 May 1840. I am having some trouble obtaining clear details of their origins. From Census results they were both born out of the County and according to their death certificates George was born c1812 and Isabella c 1822.

An old family note I have states that one of James Scott's siblings, Jessie Scott, married a Captain lnkster and their daughter Julia knew more about the Scott history. The note probably c1970s stated that Julia Inkster lived at Burra Voe, Peterculter, Aberdeen.

If any of your readers can shed any light on this family I would very much like to hear from them.

Many thanks, Sincerely

Murray Scott Upton 38151 Dawes Street, Kingston. ACT, 2604 Canberra, Australia email: jackary @ bigpond.com

RACE NIGHT Enjoy a night at the races, bet on your favourite horse. Road Sense is holding a R a c e Night on Friday 24th November 0 6 at the Culter Mills Social Club.

Be sure not to miss out, tickets will be available early November, contact enquiry @road-sense.org for more details and where to purchase tickets.

Katherine Keay

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PETERCULTER

SPORTS CENTRE CORONATION ROAD

evening of family entertainment, full of laughter. music and a good dollop of slapstick, then Culter Theatre C l u b ' s pantomime is a must for you.

And, it's right on your doorstep.

Look out for posters with more information on the village hall and library notice boards.

Susan Chappell-Smith

FOR FLIRTHER INFORMATION A N D TO CHECK OPENING TIMES, PLEASE CALL -

01224 732069 REACH OUT m D LEARN REACH is a project that aims to support people in the NE of Scotland, to gain access to a chosen course or qualification by providing a suite of preparattxy and access course options. It is aimed at those who have been out of formal education for some time, or who may have no formal entry qualifications. This project is for anyone who would like to further their career prospects by taking part in more formal learning but is unsure where or how to start.

REAcH is funded by the European Social Fund in conjunction with the Robert Gordon University working together with local Colleges, Learning Houses, Community Learning facilities, Libraries, Jobcentres, Careers Scotland and other Universities.

If you are unemployed (or work less than 16 hours per week) and have been for less than two years, you will be eligible for funding to cover course fees and other costs such as chitdcare and travel. If you do not fit these criteria there will be a nominal fee, but other resources of funding may be available.

Study is flexible to suit individual learner needs and availability and can be offered locally - subject to minimum numbers of learners attending.

If you would like more information or are interested in joining a REAcH group, please call Pat Edward on 01224 262040 or email me on p.edward@rgu.ac.uk

CULTER THEATRE CLUB "Trouble in Pantoland" T H E PANTOMIME will take place in Culter Village Hall frorn Wednesday 6th December through till Saturday 9th December with evening performances at 7.30pm and a matinee on the Saturday at 2ptn.

Rehearsals are well under way and we seem to have a good show in the making.

This is a traditional pantomime with baddies to boo and goodies to cheer.

Tickets go on sale at Culter Village Hall frorn 15th November, priced at ÂŁ6 for adults and ÂŁ4.50 for concessions.

There is something for everyone in this production, so if you are looking for an

RNLI .NHEN T H E pagers go oft', the volunteer crews of the RNIJ have no idea what they are being called out to, but time after time they selflessly give LIPtheir own time to rescue someone they have never met. We expect a lot of our volunteer crews from the ability to strip down an engine to firstaid and navigation. This is where training comes in. Crews train on average twice a week. 52 weeks a year. As technology advances and new lifeboats are introduced into the fleet, training has to keep pace with these changes. When Jim Reid first volunteered as a member of Peterhead lifeboat crew in 1958, they went to sea in a Watson class lifeboat.

"The Watson had an open cockpit but was a great sea boat, so when the RNLI wanted to introduce the Solent class the crew didn't want a change. It was a case of better the devil you know. Yet when the bad weather came and the waves came cra5hing o\.er the Solent's covered wheelhouse, the crew all began to laugh as we were all bone dry - grateful to the tnodernised lifeboat" .

These improvements carry on to this day with the allocation of the new Tamar Class to Peterhead.

Training is the vital ingredient that turns our volunteers into lifesavers. The value of this training cannot be measured, but it does have a cost. One fully trained crewmember could go on to save many lives over their time as a volunteer. To fund this training the R N L l have introduced the North East Crew Training Appeal (NECTA). The aim is to raise L250.00 over the next 18 months to

If you would like further information about NECTA, or how you can help please call Anne Scott on 01 542 839992 or email northeastcampaign@rnli.org.uk

CULTER S.W.R.1 PROGRAMME for 2007 January 11

February 1

March

1

April

5

May

3

June

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R M Laing (Talk) Irish Novelty Mrs Donald Trophy Birthday Card David Robertson (Photo Slide Show) Photograph - view Steven Mitchell (Aberdeen in Bloom) Flower Arrangement in Cup & Saucer Mrs McArthur Trophy Fabric Covered Box Annual Business Meeting (4 Tray Bakes) Margaret Farquhar ('My Days as Lord Provost') Decorated Pebble Outing

NEWS FROM MILLTIMBER/ PETERCULTER AWPR ACTION GROUP

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Pnmry, Secondary and AduR Education

ilc: 07743 - 39'3754

Tel: O t P d - 3 3

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Provides A Tranquil Setting for Bar Lunches and Suppers, Weddings and Coruorate Barbecues.

Bedrooms, Lounge Bar & 'Taste of Scotland' Restaurant

THE "Milltirnber/Peterculter AWPR Action Group" is a group of residents working to challenge the announcement that the AWPR will be routed through Milltimber Brae.

We have met councillors. MPs. MSPs, the Transport Minister, the media. members of the "AWPR Road Team" and other interested parties.

Despite our efforts, it is unclear how the choice was made. Key data are unavailable. There are no minutes of a meeting on 14th November 2005 at which the decision was apparently taken.

The "AWPR Road Team" based in Glasgow and Edinburgh has attempted to create a majorjunction in a location where a long-established community is living and where there is in reality no free space in which to create ajunction. Their efforts have so far cost 55.5 million, but the team

has yet to overcome these basic constraints.

The current design has a new set of traffic lights on North Deeside Road, with sole access to the AWPR via a slip road and roundabout. This would cause huge tailbacks in all directions. Drivers will attempt to avoid the queues by rat-running along minor roads and through residential areas.

The Transport Minister assesses that an additional 1.000 vehicles/day will travel through Peterculter. The threats to residents are illustrated by recent data on the Newbury by-pass, where traffic growth led to a 67% increase in fatalities

in the five years after the by-pass opened One would similarly expect an increased incidence of accidents in Milltimber and Peterculter, particularly those involving children.

The next step is the issuing of Road Orders in December 2006. A massive response in the form of letters of objection would strengthen our case during the Public Inquiry. taking place towards the end of 2007 and we will keep local residents informed via circulars. public meetings and our web site at http:// www.campaignon.com/Milltimber.

Colin Cranfield, on behalf of Milltiri7bc,r-/Pc,terc.lrltc,r AWPR Action Group

Culter Community Council Members Susan Chappell-Smith Judith Dack James Farquhar (Minutes) Nicola Hector (Treasurer) Catherine Lacy Lavina Massie Anne Russell Marjory Skinner (Secretary) Douglas Stewart (PathsIRoads) Ann Wakefield (Vice /Chair) Margaret Watson

79 North Deeside Road AB I 4 OQL 5 Howie Lane AB 14 OPU 46 North Deeside Road AB 14 OQN 8 St. Ronan's Drive AB 14 ORA 1 Brighton Place AB 14 OUN 18 Hillside Road AB 14 OTX 101 North Deeside Road AB 14 ORR 6 Johnston Gardens West AB14 OLB Benview, Peterculter AB 14 ONT 95 North Deeside Road AB 14 OQL 2 Brick House. The Bush AB 14 OUX

Pam MacDonald (City Councillor)

29 Station Road West AB 14 OUS

733433

Opinions expressed in the "Courier" are not necc.s.rarily shared by the Editor or the Cornmmrzi~Cortncil.

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