Bridge
Local News, Events and Information for the Dunkeld & Birnam Area
Platinum Jubilee Celebrations coordinated by the Archives will take place on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th June See article below and details programme information on page 2
Community News
Dunkeld Community Archive JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS –SATURDAY 4TH & SUNDAY 5TH JUNE 2022
Saturday 4th June
PARADE STARTS AT THE NIEL GOW STATUE AT 10 15am
HEADING TO STANLEY HILL PARK, DUNKELD
The Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry ‘C’ & ‘E’ Squadrons (the descendants of our Scottish Horse regiment), Horses and ‘Jackal’ They will be joined by our very own young Cadet force, the ‘Scots at War ’ , ‘Great War Society’ and ‘Erskine Regiment’ re-enactment groups along with a 10th Century Saracen Warrior and Thrall recently rescued from the Vikings!
Stanley Hill Park will be open to the public from 10 15am to 4pm where there will be camps set up showing what it was like for the soldiers during the Battle of Dunkeld in 1689, the Boer War, and both World Wars There will also be a Medics tent showing the difference between treatments in WW1 & today The Fire Department will be joining us to show ‘old & new’ equipment, including a ‘Green Goddess’ Engine
There will be an arena hosting a program of events throughout the day
Craig Herbertson (singer/songwriter) will be performing throughout the day in the park
At 7pm the Birnam Arts will host a play, written and performed by the Birnam Institute Players, about Beatrix Potter and her time in Perthshire Tickets are on sale now through Birnam Arts
Sunday 5th June
The Army will retreat, but everyone else will remain to entertain you throughout the day in Stanley Hill park
Please see the program of events for the Arena on page 2 Craig Herbertson will be joined by Munro Gauld and Neil Gowrie to play and sing ‘Local’ songs
At 3pm a Fancy Dress competition will be judged in the events arena
At 4 30pm Dunkeld Cathedral will host a narrated story of the church, with music from the Scottish Plainsong Choir and Canty, Scotland’s only professional Medieval Music Group Tickets are on sale now through Birnam Arts
At 7 30pm Birnam Arts will host a narrated story of Niel Gow with music from Pete Clark and Jamie Jauncey Again, tickets are available now through Birnam Arts
There will also be an exhibition in the Community Archive (next to the park) throughout the weekend featuring Royal visits to Dunkeld including the 450th Anniversary of The Royal School of Dunkeld All events in Stanley Hill Park and the Archive are FREE ENTRY
Tickets for the three concerts should be booked through: Birnam Arts –www birnamarts com
01350 727674
Dunkeld Community Archive12 The Cross, Dunkeld, PH8 0AN archives@historicdunkeld org uk 01350 727786
The Bridge
Edited by volunteers for the people of Dunkeld, Birnam and the surrounding villages since 1974
Thank you for all your support
The Bridge Contacts
Editor: Sally Robertson
E-mail: editor@dunkeldandbirnamnews co uk
Advertising Manager: Kirsty Gowans Tel: 07967 117149
E-mail: adverts@dunkeldandbirnamnews co uk
Advertising rates from £7 per month Contact the Advertising Manager for details
Please e-mail your article to the editor at: editor@dunkeldandbirnamnews co uk or post to: The Bridge Dunkeld & Birnam Community Co-Working Space Lagmhor, Dunkeld PH8 0AD NEW!!!
Facebook Page Dunkeld & Birnam, The Bridge
Download Online: www dunkeldandbirnamnews co uk
Scottish Registered Charity Number SC009867
All the excitement surrounding the Queen’s Platinum jubilee has set the hamsters in my brain sprinting around the old memory banks They have whizzed me back to 1977 and having to learn a song to celebrate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee I can hear our rather tuneless, if enthusiastic, young voices trilling at a jamboree in a field somewhere “Guides of the world wish her long life and happiness singing with love and loyaltttttttty God bless Elizabeth God bless Elizabeth God bless Elizabeth (breathe) Elizabeth our Queeeeeeeeeen ” Well, it certainly seems our good wishes have worked a treat as Her Majesty continues with her incredible reign It’s wonderful to hear about various events taking place over the festival weekend to mark this milestone A particular thanks to everyone at the archives for the amazing weekend of events they have planned to celebrate the platinum jubilee (see front page and this page )
Given her advancing years I hope Her Majesty has someone else to open her fuel bill as it might give her of a bit of a shock to see how much its costing to heat Balmoral these days Here at Meikle Logie we use oil for our heating and our prices have, quite literally, doubled in the last six months up from 57ppl in December to 109ppl today I know gas and electricity prices have also sky rocketed If you are interested in finding out if there is anything you can do to reduce your bills through reduced energy consumption, then come along to the community coworking space on 6th June for a free energy saving conversation with Martin from the HEAT project in Blairgowrie Thanks to our Climate Café for arranging this advice
It's great to read about the progress of the PH8 group At the start of the pandemic this group was pulled together out of thin air to provide coordination to community support at the start of the pandemic Now, two years later, and having undertaken the community survey, it is moving
forward to become a fully constituted charity that will coordinate a number of initiatives The group have taken this moment in time to look back at all that has been achieved in the past two years including a helpful financial overview of all monies raised and spent (see page 5) Many thanks to everyone involved so far and wishing the new incarnation of the group all the very best with taking forward new initiatives
Maybe one idea could be to set up a knitting bee as we’ll need to pile on the jumpers now that we can’t afford to put the heating on Come to think of it maybe we could knit a jumper for the Queen in regal purple and white to keep her cosy at Balmoral It would make a perfect jubilee gift – and so very practical We could also knit matching jackets for all the corgies – now that would be cute It would also mark us out as a very thrifty and creative community - qualities I’m sure Her Majesty admires We might be rewarded with an extra special smile and wave as she passes through Dunkeld and Birnam station on her travels north and south on the royal train Hey! Surely time for another of those classic Jubilee guide songs altogether now
Dunkeld Community Archive
JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS – SATURDAY 4TH & SUNDAY 5TH JUNE 2022
CALLING ALL KID’s - RECRUITS WANTED (Saturday at 1.20pm & Sunday at 1pm in the Events Arena)
Reports are flooding in of an imminent Viking attack !! We need your help to defend Dunkeld Join our Saracen Warrior & Thrall for defence training in the Events Arena (Saturday at 12 10pm & Sunday at 1 45pm in the Events Arena) Join the Erskine Regiment and learn ‘Pike Drill’
Stanley Hill Park Program of Events
10 00: Blairgowrie Rattray & District Pipe Band
10 20: Munro Gauld & Neil Gowrie “Local” Tunes
10 40: Erskine Regiment Battle of Dunkeld (1689) Story
11 10: Craig Herbertson “Local” songs
11 30: Munro Gauld & Neil Gowrie “Local” Tunes
12 20: Erskine Regiment Musket Display
12 50: Craig Herbertson “Local” songs
13 00: Help ! The Vikings are coming – Recruitment & Training
13 30: Blairgowrie Rattray & District Pipe Band
13 45: Erskine Regiment Pike Display
14 15: Munro Gauld & Neil Gowrie “Local” Tunes
14 30: Erskine Regiment Big Gun Display
15 00: Fancy Dress Competition Judging
15 20: Help ! The Vikings are coming – Tug of War Show of Strength
15 50: Blairgowrie Rattray & District Pipe Band
Sally Robertson
Arts News 3
Summer is Upon Us!
Summer is almost with us, and as the days lengthen, we are delighted to enjoy being open 7 days a week again Our new café furniture is getting rave reviews, and people are enjoying tasty treats prepared by our fantastic chef team, so why not pop into Birnam Arts for a coffee or bite to eat And if the sun pops out, maybe you’ll be tempted to enjoy a drink and bite to eat on the terrace There is also a new exhibition to enjoy – we look forward to seeing you soon –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
WHAT’S ON –PERFORMANCES & ACTIVITIES
SAT 4 & SUN 5 JUN
Queen's Platinum Jubilee and Dunkeld History Event
Dunkeld Community Archive and Chapter House Museum are presenting a weekend of activities Along with the parade on Saturday morning at 10 15am, and a programme of events at the arena throughout the two days of celebrations there are three ticketed events to enjoy, with tickets available through the Birnam Arts website All tickets: £10 adults, £5 U16, + Booking Fee.
SAT 4 JUN | 7pm
End of Summer Song: Beatrix Potter in Perthshire
Birnam Institute Players present a fulllength play with songs about the famous writer This is Pitlochry musician Tom McEwan's first full-length play, piecing together her Perthshire experience each childhood summer, and how the local flora and fauna stayed with her on her return to London
SUN 5 JUN | 4 30pm
The Scottish Plainsong Choir at Dunkeld Cathedral
The Scottish Plainsong Choir and Canty, Scotland's only professional medieval music group, present the history of Dunkeld's religious past, narrated by Wattie Barbour Join them for a sacred medieval repertoire including Gregorian and Celtic chant, the works of St Hildegard of Bingen, Cantigas de Santa Maria and Italian medieval Laude
SUN 5 JUN | 7 30pm
Niel Gow: His Life and Times
Join Jamie Jauncey as he talks with Pete Clark about his life-long passion for the music of Niel Gow In between the conversation, Pete will play a selection of his favourite Gow tunes and others
THU 9 JUN | 8 – 10pm
Adam Holmes
£14 + Booking Fee
Acclaimed Edinburgh born singersongwriter Adam Holmes is one of the brightest stars on the UK roots music scene, with influences from either side of the Atlantic mixing traditional and contemporary folk with his own brand of soul and Americana
Twice nominated for BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, his first two albums were also nominated for Scottish Album of the Year in 2014 & 2017, and there is much anticipation as to whether he can make it three in a row this year with his third album Midnight Milk
His first album, Heirs & Graces, was produced by John Wood (producer of all Nick Drake’s albums and John Martyn’s iconic Solid Air album) and mastered by Simon Heyworth (co-producer of Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells) and second album, Brighter Still, features two-time BRIT award winner Eddi Reader on backing vocals throughout
Adam's latest album was recorded in his one-bedroomed flat in Edinburgh, complete with full brass section, an eighteen-piece choir and a widescreen folk/soul/electronica production, influenced by a 2016 collaboration with Adrian Utley of Portishead, Dominic Aitchison of Mogwai and Martin Green of Lau
SAT 18 JUN | from 12pm
Birnam Arts 21st Birthday Bash
Free entry
Suitable for families, kids aged 6+ Throughout the day there will be an offering of workshops for kids and families! Something musical, something arty, a little Beatrix Potter magic and even a surprise or two! Full details on the Birnam Arts website
Throughout the day there will be fun activities for the whole family, including a chance to throw a pot, kids crafts, and even a tasty drink to celebrate our birthday – the Mopsy-tail We’ve also heard that Peter Rabbit will come by for a visit Make sure you stop by to celebrate with us!
SAT 18 JUNE | 8pm
Amos, Jauncey & Friends
£10 + Booking Fee
A musical evening with a posse of local musicians Dave Amos, Jamie Jauncey, Pete Caban
IN THE GALLERY:
6 MAY - 26 JUN | 10am – 4pm
Pockets of Experience
Ciara Gibson | Artist in Residence '22
Pockets of Experience is a playful exploration that seeks to identify the moments, connections and memories that have created a sense of entanglement with the landscape and natural world
If you visited in May, it is worth coming by again to see how the work is unfolding throughout Ciara's exhibition
There are still a few opportunities to meet Ciara at our Meet the Artist sessions on Friday 10 June and Saturday 25 June, between 2 - 4pm There's no need to book for these, just pop in and say hi! More details at birnamarts com/Exhibition-Gallery
CLASSES:
CREATIVE KIDS with Helen O'Brien
THU 3 45pm - 5 30pm
£12 per child
Fun and creative, learner led workshops delivered by professional artists and educators Contact creativecatscot@gmail com for more information
TUE 14 JUN – 19 JUL |
9.30am – 12pm
CREATING EXPRESSIVE CERAMICS CLASS
Ceramicist Anna Olson will lead a 6week course aimed at exploring the expressive potential of core handbuilding techniques, including: pinch, coil and slab building, as well as the Japanese technique of kurinuki Conveying thought and emotion through form and decoration, with functional aesthetics considered in relation to the Japanese ethos of wabi-sabi, you will journey with the clay from wet to dry, learning to react and respond to its transformational qualities, on a voyage of discovery to finding your creative voice Materials and tools will be provided: various clays and glazes will be available for use Tickets available through birnamarts com
REGULAR CLASSES
As well as these special events, our ballet classes, tai chi, yoga, Heels Over Head dance, French Conversation, and Pilates sessions will continue through the coming months You’ll find the latest information about what’s on, times and costs on our website: birnamarts com
Have you come by recently to enjoy the new menu items, relax with our new café furniture, or soak up some rays on the terrace? Our summer hours – open daily from 10am to 4pm, with the Gift Shop and Beatrix Potter open 10:30am to 3:30pm – offer more opportunities to visit Birnam Arts again and again For more information on any events and to buy tickets, you’ll find all you on our website – www birnamarts com The Box Office is open 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday
Arts News continued
Dunkeld & Birnam Art & Crafts Fair
Due to unforeseen circumstances the Dunkeld & Birnam Art & Crafts Fair will not now take place in June but from 26th to 28th August
PH8 Community Matters
PH8 Community Vision and Community Action Plan PH8 Community Coordinator freelance role
Over the past year the PH8 community (Dunkeld, Birnam and surrounding areas) has developed its first ever 5 year Community Action Plan (CAP) The plan, coordinated by a Steering Group, was launched in March 2022, and presents a vision for the PH8 area over six key themes:
1 Safe and active travel;
2 Housing for All;
3 Connectivity, accessibility and care;
4 Environment and a greener future;
5 Community and culture; and
6 A thriving local economy
We have now moved to the next phase where the Steering Group will transition into a formal, constituted body which is able to take the CAP forward The PH8 Steering Group is seeking to engage a part time, freelance PH8 Community Coordinator to support the transition The key roles of the Coordinator, who will report to the Steering Group, will be:
Coordinating the work of the PH8 Steering Group, including meetings and communications
• Conducting work specific to the Housing for All theme reporting to the Theme Coordinator;
• Liaising with Dunkeld and Birnam Community Council
• Assisting with fundraising planning for the future constituted body; Any other reasonable responsibilities as agreed with the PH8 Steering Group
Person specification:
We a looking for someone with: Excellent coordination skills involving a wide range of stakeholders
• Strong communication skills; ability to build relationships and network with a broad range of people from different backgrounds, ages and interest groups;
• Record of local community public engagement
• Strong social media skills; Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Excellent inter-personal skills, with a friendly, supportive and outgoing personality;
• Experience of facilitating meetings of individuals from mixed ages and backgrounds;
• Awareness, understanding of and commitment to the PH8 CAP process
Ideally someone with:
• Good local knowledge of the PH8 area
• Knowledge of issues related to the CAP themes, in particular the housing theme; Personal experience of volunteering and working with volunteers;
• Understanding and knowledge of the Community Development Trust model;
Time commitment: approx the equivalent of 2 days (16 hours per week) worked flexibly for minimum of 4 months
Rate: £120-150 per day depending on skills and experience
Location: Home based
Please note: as this post is self-employed, the contractor shall ensure they have the appropriate level of insurance, make their own National Insurance and tax contributions and have access to requisite equipment to complete the role, including: computer, desk or workspace and telephone
If you are interested in this exciting role, please email a CV and short covering letter (no more than 2 A4 pages) to ph8communityvision@gmail com by 5pm on Wednesday 15th June 2022 For further information please drop a note to this email address
Sports, Health and Wellbeing 5
AIMS:
1: To transform the lives of people in the villages and surrounding areas through sport and leisure
2: To promote the various sports and leisure activities in the Dunkeld & Birnam area
3: To support the building and maintenance of sports facilities including a sports hall ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––All sports and leisure clubs are invited to join 'The Sports Hub ' Membership is free
Please send details of your club's activities and events to editor@dunkeldandbirnmamnews co uk for inclusion in the hub page of 'The Bridge '
For more details see: www dunkeldandbirnamnews co uk/sport ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Covered MUGA Project
Work is continuing apace on the Covered MUGA Project The great news is that we are now fully funded for the main parts of the project which allows us to commit to contracts and expenditure with confidence
We have already started work on the ground with the demolition of the old brick shed, removal of the fence round the practice court and removal of the small sycamore trees as permitted under the planning approval In time, we will replace the trees with planting along the edge of the Medical Centre grounds
We have progressed detailed structural design, unfortunately slightly slower than expected, and are now essentially ready to submit the building warrant application to PKC
In parallel, we are advancing work with SSE on upgrading the electrical supply We are also continuing efforts on our new car parking (between the Medical Centre and Hub land) by finalising a sub lease from PKC (which has unfortunately taken a lot longer than expected) and securing a contractor to do groundworks
We are still confident that we will build the facility over the summer and Autumn and be up and running before next winter
We have also started discussions with a variety of potential user groups and individuals to help us finalise decisions on lining the pitch, access, booking regime etc If you would like to be involved please drop a note to dbsportsleisurehub@gmail com or drop in to speak to a member of the club- all ideas and thoughts gratefully received
PH8 Community Matters
There is lots to update you on from the PH8 Community Action Plan!
Working groups have started to plan actions for some of the priority themes The Care action group have identified various projects which they want to take forward, including a Social Prescribing project, Carers Co-op and Men’s Shed project The Environment action group held their first meeting recently to discuss taking forward practical conservation works and path repairs and also access improvements for people with mobility issues They are also focusing on the concept of a community energy project and food waste scheme (which also enjoys the support of the Care group) They are hoping to publish a calendar of practical conservation activities that anyone can join in with soon
As many of you will have seen, a Housing Needs and Demand Assessment Survey has also been undertaken during recent months This closed on 1st May, with 170 responses in total The Communities Housing Trust has been analysing the responses and will produce a report of the survey findings, which you will be able to download on our webpage – further information on key finding, actions and recommendations in the July/August edition of The Bridge
The PH8 Community Matters Steering Group is making great progress towards establishing a constituted Scottish Charitable Incorporate Organisation (SCIO) to oversee the Community Action Plan and take forward those actions that do not fall under existing organisations, as a Community Development Trust The new office bearers in the steering group are now as follows: Chair, Adrian Blundell; Secretary, Ginger Ramsden; Treasurer, Elliot McCandless John Gilruth and Stuart Paton have stepped down as Chair and Treasurer respectively, but will continue to be involved in work streams within the Action Plan A separate article setting out how funds received to date have been applied to support both work during the Pandemic and the Community Action Plan can be found elsewhere in this copy of ‘The Bridge’
Sophie Cade, who has done such sterling work having been involved in the PH8 Community Action Plan (CAP) since 2020, recently working as Community Coordinator for the CAP, has now finished in her role in order to spend more time on family commitments This means that we are now recruiting for another self employed part time coordinator, to help the steering group deliver on the CAP and progress towards becoming a Community Development Trust If you know anyone with good communication skills and experience of administration, social media, marketing,
fundraising, volunteer management/project management, the PH8 Group would like to hear from them Full details and job description can be found on our web page, closing date - Wednesday 15 June
If you would like to get involved in any of the action groups or in the steering group, ask the PH8 Group a question or tell them what you think, get in touch on ph8communitymatters@gmail com or on Facebook and Instagram @ph8communitymatters Visit our web page for more info: www dunkeldandbirnamnews co uk/communitycouncil/ph8-community-matters
PH8 Coronavirus Group and Community Group: Financial Summary
Since March 2020 (in those days before people had ever heard of lock downs and were not experts on Community Transmission rates), the local community has done a fantastic effort in providing direct support and, particularly in the last year, thinking about the future and how we make the local area an even better place to live
In the first year, the main effort was involved in providing direct to those most in need This ranged from providing a shopping and delivery service, hot meals, direct financial support to individuals and families, making PPE and supporting local groups during the crisis A key part of the support was supporting publication of the Bridge newsletter (in paper copy and online) which was a vital method of keeping in touch with the local community particularly during the lockdowns The Bridge had no other sources of income during this period when advertising income essentially dried up
An appeal was immediately made for funds and had a huge response with a total of £9,757 raised through a combination of donation cheques, on line donations and crowdfunding Grant applications were made to a number of sources, including PKC, Tesco and the Corra Foundation which raised a further £3,500 giving a total income of £13,257
All the corporate funders and PKC have received final reports for the funding and general thanks to the community have been issued at regular intervals We have also undertaken a financial examination of all income and expenditure over the last two years, carried out and signed off by a highly experienced qualified accountant
The funds were used for:
Financial hardship fund to individuals and families: £3,030
Publication of emergency Bridge issues: £5,822
PPE and sanitiser for volunteers: £231
Research of food plan: £500
Support for other local groups: £1,216
The balance of the Coronavirus funds are now held by the Dunkeld and Community Council for distribution to
causes directly related to ongoing issues relating to the coronavirus crisis
The group also received a number of laptop computers and IPads as part of a Scottish Government IT project to support individual people and families who lacked IT support which was so vital during this period These devices were distributed on a confidential basis to people in the local area
Since March 2021, the main focus of work has been the development of a Community Action Plan (CAP) There has been a huge amount of engagement through surveys, focus groups, community meetings to get to the launch of the plan in March 2022 The Steering Group, re-energised with a lot of new participants, is now focussed on setting up the long term, formal body to deliver the CAP actions and supporting the groups delivering on actions identified in the plan
Over the last year, the PH8 Group has raised £20,400 (with significant further in kind support from PKC through LEADER funding) The sources of income have been: SSE Griffin/Calliachar Community Fund: £17,300
PKC (LEADER and Community Investment Fund): £12,700
Dunkeld & Birnam Community Council: £1,000
These funds have been held by the Dunkeld & Birnam Community Interest Company (CIC) with a clearly defined approval process for expenditure between the PH8 Steering Group and the CIC
The funds have to date been used for Planning, preparation, writing, printing of Community Action Plan This includes the work done by Star Consultants who were the key group working with us on the plan: £8,500
Events (community events at Birnam Arts, focus groups, meetings in village halls): £2,300
Community Connector costs (coordinator of all activities, managing process, arranging events, liaising externally): £6,600
Social media and communications (licence fees, social media coordinator, web presence): £2,300
The outstanding balance of funds balance £10,500 In line with commitments to funders, the balance will be used in the coming months for further engagement events and paying fees for a part time Community Coordinator These activities are required to take the Steering Group to a formal legal basis (as a Community Development Trust registered as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation), coordinating the work of the Steering Group and supporting the ongoing work of the CAP themes
The PH8 Steering Group would like to wholeheartedly thank everyone who has been involved in the last couple of years in whatever capacity We think the Community Action Plan is a fantastic basis for enhancing the local area for the future and making it an even better place to live
Community News continued 6
Highland Perthshire Welcomes Ukraine
Firstly a huge thank you to those of you who have been in touch either offering to sponsor refugees or to volunteer If you haven’t been in touch yet and would be willing to sponsor a Ukrainian refugee or offer to volunteer any help then please get in touch with me at ionalancaster12@gmail com Aberfeldy are in the process of welcoming their families who have begun to arrive and meanwhile they have also made a start at matching sponsers with refugees in the Pitlochry area As yet they have not moved into our area but that will happen over the next few months if the need is there In terms of what we as a community could be doing now here a few ideas:
Fundraising
There are several ways to help: Donate to –www gofundme org and search for Highland Perthshire Welcomes Ukraine (by Samantha Leighton)
Direct payment into their bank account –Highland Perthshire Welcomes Ukraine business account:
Sort code 80-05-22, Account number 10116262
Please put a reference eg Dunkeld and Birnam Support
Enter the Holiday Bonanza raffle at £20 a ticket run by Mains of Taymouth Castle Country Estate for fantastic short holiday stay prizes to the value of £10,000 to be drawn on the 31st August
Visit www taymouth co uk/ukraine to purchase tickets
See the Schiehallion Hotel facebook page for details of some fundraising which has already happened and if anyone is interested in planning a fundraiser for HP welcomes Ukraine themselves and wants some help let me know and I can see if any of the folk who have offered to volunteer can help
Other information
Peter Donaldson in Aberfeldy is asking for people to donate children and adults bikes which he can refurb for guests use, let me know if you have any going spare and I can arrange to put you in touch with him If anyone can offer job opportunities locally that may suit guests I would be keen to know
Iona Lancaster
Spick & Span
Need help around the house? Sick of cleaning bathrooms, hoovering, dusting and changing beds?
We’ve got you covered Highly professional and with over 10 years experience
Give Spick and Span a call on 07738 456467
Only limited space available.
Three Churches in the Community
A few thoughts on silence
The rather strange letters OCDS after my name below refer (in Latin) to my being a member of the contemplative religious order known as the Order of Carmelites who were reformed in 16th Century Spain by Teresa of Avila, a woman who put a very high value on silence Those who know me will confirm that I am generally not short for words - but I do also spend a lot of time in meditative silence - in fact it’s probably why I make so much noise the rest of the time! Vocal praise in its many forms is arguably the public face of our relationship with the divine but I would argue that praise and silence are in fact two sides of the same coin So, Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel exhorts us when praying to ‘go into your inner room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret’ whilst Paul in Thessalonians sees both sides, calling on us to ‘Rejoice always and pray without ceasing’ This can be difficult advice for a world getting noisier and busier every day, with technologies that aim to make our life easier, but only at the expense of increasingly demanding our attention A few years ago, I was invited to speak about inner silence to some theology students During coffee beforehand we reflected, with a smile, on whether talking about silence was perhaps a contradiction, so I was very touched afterwards when one of the students pressed a book into my hands and extracted a commitment from me that I would read it The book was The Solace of Fierce Landscapes by Belden C Lane In this Lane relates the three stages of emptiness he experiences watching his beloved mother ’s mental and physical decline at the end of her life, against which is set the silence he finds backpacking in wild mountain landscapes Alongside these are reflections on the writings of the desert fathers of the Early Church from which we are invited to draw the underlying harmony that he himself found I take Belden Lane’s point on the power of landscape Hillwalkers will confirm that away from all the noise one is somehow effortlessly absorbed into the silence of the landscape In this sense I conclude that we are very fortunate to live in this part of the world Inevitably, we all have different things that we notice in everyday life and for me the wooded backdrop to Birnam and Dunkeld when driving north up the A9 somehow pings a bell to remind me of what Paul is calling us to So, I ask myself, why don’t I get this ping when in a crowded urban environment? Well, from a Carmelite perspective, I imagine that Teresa of Avila would simply say that this is the area where I need to put in a lot more work
What’s strange is that I have absolutely no idea who the man who gave me the book was, and of course I never saw him again, but then doesn’t grace sometimes just work like that?
July 3rd 11am – Morning worship in the Cathedral
July 10th 11am – Morning worship in the Cathedral
July 17th 11am – Morning worship in the Cathedral
2 15pm – Service at Amulree
July 24th 11am – Morning worship in the Cathedral
6 30pm – Songs & Silence in the Cathedral
Tea and coffee are served each week after the morning service in the Chanonry Although it is a small space, the front and back doors can be kept open and folk can go out onto the street or into the area at the back of the Chanonry
As everyone will be aware, masks are no longer a legal requirement in public places such as churches but obviously, it is up to everyone to make their own decision and quite a number of people feel more comfortable wearing one
Songs & Silence
On June 19th there will be the first of a summer series of services called ‘Songs & Silence’ - evening services of prayer and meditation Using music in the Taize style (quiet and meditative), words and silence these services give an opportunity to enjoy a different type of worship in the peace of the Cathedral
They all start at 6 30pm and last about 45 minutes Come and enjoy the peace and quiet of prayer and reflection in the lovely setting of the Cathedral
The other dates for this summer are:
July 24th
August 7th
August 28th
September 11th
September 25th
Reader in Training
Keith Redwood from Blairgowrie was with us for six months last year as he considered a calling to serve the church as a Reader He has been accepted for training and is now in the middle of his first placement He started that in Pitlochry but with the retirement of the Rev Mary Haddow he is to complete it here Keith will be with us in Dunkeld for three months from June onwards and will be welcomed back at the service on June 5th
Long Service Certificates
At the service on May 8th three of our elders were presented with Long Service Certificates signed by the Moderator of the General Assembly, Lord Wallace of Tankerness (Jim Wallace ) Pat Buxton, Forrest Moffat and Ann Young have all served as elders for 30 years and tribute was paid to the work they have done and continue to do in the congregation here
Thanks to everyone who supported and helped with the second hand book sale at the Duchess Anne The money from the sale and the proceeds from two weeks of the Meeting Place will be sent to Christian Aid Christian Aid supports projects of many kinds to help people of all faiths and none Thank you for your support for the world’s poorest communities
The Meeting Place
The Meeting Place is in the Duchess Anne on Friday mornings from 10 – 12noon All welcome
Fellowship Group
An Ecumenical Fellowship group meets fortnightly on Tuesdays at 7pm There are just a couple of meetings left before the summer – on May 31st the study will be about Pentecost and we will have a social night on June 14th to round off the season
We meet in the Chanonry and it is hoped that most people will be able to meet in person but there is also the possibility of joining by zoom for people who are too far away or for reasons of time don’t find it easy to come along The contact codes are sent out each week by email but if you would like to join that way, please get in touch with either Fraser Penny, or John Ferguson (727585)
Men's Breakfast
The sizzle of sausages and the smell of bacon rolls once again emanates from the Chanonry fortnightly on Wednesday mornings The Men’s Breakfast starts at 9am and will be meeting on June 1st , 15th & 29th
There will then be a break over the summer, starting back again on August 31st
If you would like more details please contact Peter Mackie at Petermackie46@gmail com
Thursday Youth Group
A group meets in the Duchess Anne on every Thursday between 7 and 8 30 and people from P6, P7 and S1 (or the equivalent in any school) are welcome to join Games, sports, refreshments, reflection time and a chance to get together with friends and more Entry is £1 per session
The remaining dates before the summer holidays are May 26th , June 2nd , 9th , 16th and 23rd
For more information, please contact William Hogg (727053) or Fraser Penny (727249)
Booking Halls
Columbas)
Roderick Campbell Guion OCDS (St
Church of Scotland Services
June 5th 11am – Morning Service in the Cathedral for Pentecost Sacrament of Communion
June 12th 11am – Morning worship in the Cathedral (Including the Sacrament of Baptism)
June 19th 11am – Morning worship in the Cathedral
2 15pm – Communion at Amulree
6 30pm – Songs & Silence in the Cathedral
June 26th 11am – Morning worship in the Cathedral
On the same Sunday the service of Pat Buxton and David Arbuthnott in the choir was acknowledged as they have both decided to retire They have both given dedicated service in the organ loft week by week and will continue to add to the singing in the body of the Kirk! The choir had a lunch after the service on the 8th of May to mark the occasion
Online Services
Online worship continues and can be accessed on our YouTube channel ‘Dunkeld Cathedral online ’
A huge thank you is due to a fantastic team of people who put in a lot of work to produce the end results To take this ministry forward, the Kirk Session has recently employed Karen Kelman, initially until the end of this year, to be our online producer/coordinator
Anyone who would like to book either the Duchess Anne or the Chanonry for meetings and events should contact Jill McCrory on chanonrydunkeld@gmail com
The Meeting Place
The Meeting Place
Open Again!
10-12 Fridays
Duchess Anne
Three Churches in the Community
Church Services and Contacts:
Weekly Services
Church of Scotland:
Dunkeld Cathedral at 11am
Every Sunday from Easter Sunday to Remembrance Sunday
Little Dunkeld Kirk at 11am
Every Sunday from the Sunday following Remembrance Sunday to Palm Sunday
Scottish Episcopal Church:
St Mary’s Birnam at 10am
Every Sunday
Roman Catholic:
St Columba’s, Mass 6pm
Every Saturday
Monthly and Occasional Services
Church of Scotland, Amulree
Third Sunday of the Month 2 15pm Servite
There is a Communion Service in the lounge at Servite at 3pm on the first Sundays of March, June, September and December
St Mary’s Episcopal Church Service Time: 10am
Said Eucharist (communion) every Sunday Beautiful organ music instead of hymns for the duration of the virus
Brilliant sermons too!
All are welcome in this space https://www stmarysbirnam org uk/
Contact Details:
Church of Scotland:
Congregational Office Bearers:
Minister: Rev. R.Fraser Penny,B.A. B.D., Cathedral Manse, Dunkeld, PH8 0AW Tel: 01350 727249
e-mail: r fraserpenny@gmail com
Session Clerk: Mrs C McNicoll Tel: 01350 727500
e-mail: mcnicoll431@btinternet com
Treasurer: Mr. John Gray
Highfield, Brae Stret, Dunkeld, PH8 0BA
Tel: 01350 728697
e-mail: gray john17@sky com
Covenant Officer: Mrs Ann Bryce
Tomnagrew House, Dunkeld PH80BX Tel: 01350 723228
e-mail: j bryce@farmline com
Organist & Choir Leader: Mrs Hazel Murch
Tel: 07867 642954
e-mail: hazel murch@gmail com
Parish Office: Mrs Jill McCrory
The Chanonry, 07808 703641
email: chanonrydunkeld@gmail com www dunkeldcathedral org uk
St Mary’s Episcopal Church, Birnam
The Rector:
Reverend Lesley-Ann Craddock
Priest in Charge of St Mary’s Birnam and Dunkeld St Mary’s rectory, St Mary’s Rd, Birnam, PH8 0BJ
Tel: 07903 020509
email: lesley craddock@btinternet com
Part time = Friday, Saturday & Sunday
I can also be found dwelling nr LochNess 01456486663
Treasurer:
Penny MacGregor and Charles Cox
Vestry Secretary:
Adrian Freer
Tel: 01821 650536
email: adrianfreer@btinternet com
Organist :
John Walker B Mus, FRCO, LRAM, ARCM
Tel: 01350 727755
(www stmarysbirnam org uk)
St Columba’s
Roman Catholic Church
Catholic Church Priest:
Fr Emmanuel Adindu MSP
Tel: 01796 472174
e-mail: stbridespitlochry@dunkelddiocese org uk
St Bride’s Catholic Church
Rie-Achan Road, Pitlochry PH16 5AL
Our Lady of Mercy’s, Home Street, Aberfeldy, PH15 2AL
We celebrate the presence of the Risen Lord amongst us during these Masses:
St Columba’s Birnam, Saturday Vigil Mass at 6 00 pm
Our Lady of Mercy, Aberfeldy, Sunday at 9 30
St Bride’s, Pitlochry at 11 30 pm
Holy Days of Obligation: Mass Times
St Columba’s Birnam, at 9 30 am
Our Lady of Mercy, Aberfeldy at 12 30 pm
St Bride’s, Pitlochry at 6 00 pm
Weekday Masses:
Our Lady of Mercy, Aberfeldy, Tuesdays at 9 30 pm
St Bride’s, Pitlochry, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 9 30 am
Lent and Easter
During Lent Stations of the Cross will be observed as follows:
Our Lady of Mercy, Aberfeldy, after the Tuesday Mass
St Bride’s, Pitlochry after the Friday Mass
St Columba’s Birnam, before the 6 00 Saturday Vigil Mass
Five free ways to connect with your local community this June
This June, the UK will enjoy two consecutive bank holidays to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Whether or not you’re a royalist, Elizabeth II is the first British monarch to achieve 70 years’ reign and so this will be history in the making and something we’re unlikely to see again in our lifetime A major focus of
the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee (QPJ) celebrations is to connect people and unite communities Here are some ways you can connect with your community and make a difference throughout June
Plant a green legacy
The whole UK is being invited to take part in the Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) by planting a tree
Apart from the obvious environmental impact that more trees will make to our planet, spending time in nature has been widely recognised as having a positive effect on our wellbeing – reducing stress, lowering blood pressure and improving mood These benefits have been identified whether spending time in wooded areas or simply having trees in the street where you live The QGC is giving away hundreds of thousands of trees to schools and communities this year, so that everyone in the UK has the chance to take part Find out if you can order a tree by going to queensgreencanopy org/get-involved/communitiesand-groups
Connect with your community
One of the few positives people took from the COVID19 lockdowns was the renewed sense of community it forged between neighbours The Jubilee celebrations offer an incentive to continue that, inviting people to create open and welcoming spaces for their neighbourhoods to gather and engage with one another – like the Big Jubilee Lunches being hosted in streets throughout the UK on Sunday 5 June So check local community magazines eg The Bridge and the Breadalbane and Atholl Quair, to see how they’re engaging with your local neighbourhood? Local churches often host free events and activities for the local community throughout the year This June offers the perfect opportunity to contact them to see how they’re engaging with your local neighbourhood Celebrate people giving back
June is also Volunteer Week, which recognises the huge impact that individuals make to their communities This year ’s theme is ‘a time to say thanks’ – a moment to show gratitude to those who give their time, energy and service to local charities, organisations and people Why not join in this June and celebrate the positive impact that volunteers make to your local area?
Get creative
If you’re looking for a summer activity that isn’t dependent on the unpredictable Scottish weather, Pinterest is exploding with creative ideas on how to make your own bunting, royal emblem cupcake decorations or craft corgis out of toilet tubes Setting up a mini exhibition for the crafters in your neighbourhood to submit their entries to is a great way to get people together and have fun, no matter what their age! Or you could collectively enter one of the QPJ creative challenges as a community, like designing a Jubilee crown, composing a poem or producing a video Discover more at platinumjubilee gov uk/get-involved
Ask for help
This is a time to connect, relax and have fun with others! Celebrations don’t have to be expensive If you or someone you know is struggling with finances, Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is on hand to offer practical, emotional and holistic support Our free services are available to everyone Visit capuk org to find out more or call 0800 328 0006 to book a free debt help appointment
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a UK charity working with over 800 affiliated churches to deliver debt help, budgeting guidance, support to find work, life skills groups and more Visit capuk org to find out more
Community Noticeboard 12
Dunkeld & Birnam Community Fire Station are looking for new firefighters!
Retained Firefighters in Dunkeld & Birnam operate ‘oncall’ and respond to emergency calls via a pager from their home or place of work at any time of the day or night
They provide vital fire and rescue cover in the community, protecting local people and businesses in the area from fire and other emergencies
If you join the Fire Station not only will you be performing a highly valuable role in the local area, but you will be taught vital life-saving skills that will be of real benefit to you
It’s a challenging role within a team spirited environment where all have pride in working for the SFRS
If you are interested please come to the Station on a Wednesday evening between 7pm and 9pm or call Watch Commander Matt McLay on 07971 138179 for an informal chat about the role
More information is also available at the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service website:
https://www firescotland gov uk/careers/on-call/
Help us protect communities from fires involving rubbish
There are approximately 22,000 outdoor fires each year in Scotland which require our emergency attendance and approximately 50% of all these outdoor fires involve refuse, rubbish and fly-tipped materials
With an estimated average cost of £2,000 for each attendance at such incidents, the estimated annual cost to the Service is £22 million
You can help prevent rubbish fires by following our advice:
Store your rubbish in a secure area if possible
Keep your garage and shed locked as well as your home
Keep all flammable liquids locked away
Consider installing security lighting outside
Be alert to strangers loitering in your street and call the police if strangers are loitering for some time
Report any build-up of rubbish to your Local Authority or community fire station This will help ensure it can be removed and prevent fires
Report any fly-tipping direct to your Local Authority or to the National Dumb Dumpers Stop line on: 0845 230 40 90
Warn other people if a fire breaks out
Remember not to:
Allow rubbish to block escape routes
Store rubbish by doors, windows or any other openings
Store bins or sacks up against your home as fire can quickly spread to buildings
Overfill your bin or leave rubbish around it
Smoke in or around storage areas
Put bins out for emptying until the day your refuse is collected
Fly-tip materials or leave rubbish to build up outdoors –it could start a fire
Accept deliberately fire-setting in your community It’s a crime that threatens lives – report it to the police
If there is a fire in your home
GET OUT. STAY OUT. CALL 999.
Please be careful and considerate when disposing of your refuse and recycling If a crime is being committed, or is about to be committed, or if there is a risk of serious injury, or if the fire and rescue service is needed, call 999
Amulree Hall
Amulree Hall will be open and serving delicious soup and cakes on 25th June 10am-2pm, part of our fund raising effort There will also be a family BBQ on the June 11th late afternoon All welcome, please get in touch for further info
Seeking cottage/house in Dunkeld/Perthshire area
Freelance writer/creative/housekeeper looking for a one/two-bed property with garden to rent long-term in Perthshire
One well-behaved old dog in tow. 07730 030024.
Doctors Surgery
Our Doctors Surgery will be open as normal with telephone consultations with the GP in the first instance
To help keep our phone lines available for the GPs use, please consider using our online prescription service via our website rather than phoning in your requests
Please consult our website for updates on our COVID vaccine clinics
See page 7 for all the latest Doctors Surgery News
Dalguise Meditation Group
Everyone is welcome who would like to learn to meditate, to consolidate a meditation practice they already have, or simply to join our friendly group for a period of quiet contemplation and thoughtful discussion We are non-religious, and non-commercial (i e there is no charge –plus free tea, coffee and biscuits too!) for further information contact: faithanstey@gmail com
Bir nam Library
Opening hours: Thursday: 5pm – 7pm Friday: 12pm – 5pm Saturday: 9 30am – 12pm Birnam Library is situated in the Birnam Arts Centre, Station Road, Birnam, PH8 0DS Tel : 01738 459709
Birnam Library is run by Culture Perth and Kinrossa charitable trust bringing art, culture, books, learning, creative communities and local history and heritage to people across the whole of Perth and Kinross https://www culturepk org uk/
RBS mobile bank visits Dunkeld and Birnam. Thursdays: Dunkeld, The Cross 14.50 pm to 15.20 pm and Birnam, Post Office 15.25 pm to 15.45 pm
•
•
• Laundry
• Equine Rug Wash & Pet Beds
• Holiday Cover Cleaning Service
• Self Catering, Holiday Homes, Private Homes & Small Businesses Any questions or to discuss individual or business requirements, please contact: Kelly or Rosanagh on mob: 07871 695461 email: dunbraantaylaundry@yahoo com Facebook: @dunbraantaylaundry Opening times: Tuesday - Friday 9am to 1pm Perth Road, Birnam PH8 0BH (behind the post office)
• Patios • Walls • Paths •
• Steps • Driveways • Turfing •
• Raised Flower Beds • • Artificial Grass • All types of Garden, Stock and Deer Fencing Treework & more Mark Blair 07850 014073
blairfencing@hotmail co uk
www blairfencingandlandscaping co uk
TOP SOIL BULK BAGS
Available from Balnadrum Farm, Pitlochry - only £40 per bulk bag
Delivery can be arranged subject to quantity, charge may apply depending on delivery point Call Kelly on 07483 176791 or email: callum@oldfaskallycontracting.co.uk
Notes from a Councillor 15
The Scottish Council Elections at the beginning of May was the culmination of a few months of hard work and I am delighted to have been elected as a councillor to represent Strathtay along with Grant Laing and Ian James Grant also becoming the new leader of Perth & Kinross Council
Whilst campaigning I meet many residents who have passed on their various concerns The main areas of concern for residents include accessibility to affordable housing, speeding vehicles on local roads, adequate broadband connections, public transport availability and activities for youth
I also found that there is a strong strength of community running throughout Strathtay, with an army of local champions giving of their time and abilities from organising litter picking, regular coffee get togethers or being part of committees who deliver good back to the community which is inspirational
It is important that the community concerns are addressed, and solutions are found Some of the solutions may take longer to deliver than other
There have been many firsts recently, currently settling into my new office and familiarizing myself with the layout of 2 High Street is it reminiscent of my first day at senior school There is a lot to remember, including more passwords!
I thank the residents of Strathtay for placing their trust in me To be elected as on of the three voices is an honour and one, I do not take lightly The hard work has only just begun
Thank you again
Claire McLaren
I can be contacted via email - ClaireMcLaren@pkc gov uk
Cath’s Dog Walking
Dog Walking and sitting Service in Murthly, Bankfoot and Dunkeld area
Either group or solo walks daily as well as dog sitting
Prices:
£10 per hour weekdays and £12 per hour weekends
Available 7am until late each day
I am insured, hold Canine First Aid Level 4 and current PVG Clearance
Email:cathhendry@icloud com Telephone: 07934217252
Mon-Fri 8 00am to 5 00pm Sat 10 00am to 11 00am
Struan, Coulterenny, Cairneyhill, Bankfoot, Perth. PH1 4AQ
Email: admin@potterplumbing co uk
JOHN SWINNEY, MSP for PERTHSHIRE NORTH can be contacted at: 17-19 LESLIE STREET, BLAIRGOWRIE Tel: 01250 876576
SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT, EDINBURGH EH99 1SP Tel: 0131 348 5717 e-mail: john.swinney@parliament.scot
Pete Wishart MP: Member of Parliament for Perth and North Perthshire pete.wishart.mp@parliament.uk Perth Office: 63 Glasgow Road, Perth, PH2 0PE. Tel: 01738 639598 North Perthshire Office: 17-19 Leslie St, Blairgowrie, PH2 6AH Tel: 01250 876 576
A World Community 16
Climate Café
Martin from the HEAT Project will be back on Monday 6th June for another early evening energy advice session at the community Coworking space (The old Doctors surgery) He can help you reduce your energy costs as well as emissions
GrowBiz: Celebrating 15 Years of Providing Support in Perth and Kinross
This June, GrowBiz is celebrating its 15th birthday, after starting in 2007 to provide community-based support to small businesses and the self-employed in rural Perth and Kinross
GrowBiz provides support in many different ways As well as our 1-1 business advice, learning sessions and networking events, we run an award-winning mentoring programme, which offers the opportunity for personal development with a trained mentor
SEED (Self Employment + Entrepreneurial Development) is GrowBiz’s young enterprise programme, a relatively new initiative aimed specifically at young people in Perth and Kinross who would like to start or expand their own business
Another of GrowBiz’s initiatives is Smart Village Scotland, designed to connect people in rural areas This includes the Perthshire Artisans platform a community of local creatives that supports the artisan way of life
As a long-term response to the difficulties created by the pandemic, GrowBiz also set up REDS, a comprehensive online directory and gift card scheme for small businesses in rural Scotland Listings are free: www reds scot
GrowBiz will be officially celebrating its 15th birthday on the 16th of June Find out more about this and all of our support and initiatives at www growbiz co uk
June at Loch of the Lowes
June 2022 is very special for Loch of the Lowes! This month marks the 50th Anniversary of the opening of our first visitor centre on the banks of the loch!
To celebrate this historic event, entry to the Visitor Centre and Hides will be FREE to everyone over the week-end of 4th and 5th June!
With ospreys and great crested grebe nesting in clear view of the hides, you can experience the peace of nature on this picturesque, wood-fringed loch Osprey chicks are due to hatch in mid May so by June there should be fluffy little bobble-heads to watch and opportunities to see our male osprey bringing in fish for his hungry brood Sandmartins, swallows and swifts are back, and although the insistent cuckoo may have moved along, summer will be gearing up towards the summer solstice Fingers crossed for good weather!
Osprey eggs hatching
At the time of going to press two of the three eggs in the nest at Loch of the Lowes had successfully hatched You can keep up with all the lastest news on their website and also through wathching their webcam Osprey chicks reach almost full size by 5 weeks old, and by 7 or 8 weeks old they will be taking their first flights! At around 12-14 weeks, they will embark on their first migration south for the winter To sustain this incredibly rapid growth rate the males osprey has to up his game as primary fish provider – bringing in several fish per day
From the Visitor Centre viewing window, entertainment comes courtesy of woodland birds like nuthatches, great spotted woodpeckers and siskins Spot the different red squirrels (you can often tell them apart by the colour of their tails) as they scamper up tree trunks and leap acrobatically through branches before tucking into nuts from our feeders
Sitting
and
with
Tombola, quizzes to suit all ages and an exhibition displaying the creation of our Visitor Centre at Loch of the Lowes Archive photos show how it’s grown from one small ‘hut’ in 1972 (with no toilets or drinkable water on site) to the 4 Star facility we enjoy today
Don’t miss the special ‘Loch of the Lowes 1969-2022’ booklet, a great memento of the occasion (For the avoidance of doubt – Scottish Wildlife Trust purchased Lowes in 1969, but the visitor centre was not constructed until 1972)
On the Sunday (5th June) storyteller Claire Hewitt will be joining us at Lowes with magical wildlife themed tales, engaging to children and adults alike Highland Perthshire is now Claire’s base where she has committed herself to building strong foundations for Storytelling in the local remote rural schools and communities There’s no need to book to hear Claire’s delightful tales, just come along on Sunday afternoon and join the next session, they start on the hour, every hour from 1pm
Painting Workshop with Michelle Hewitt 21st June 10 30-1pm, 2-4 30pm- fabulous opportunity to work with renowned Scottish wildlife artist Michelle Hewitt surrounded by Lowes' wildlife-rich environment
Booking essential, Scottish Wildlife Trust Member £22 50, Non Member £25 00 For more information please contact Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre: (lochofthelowes@scottishwildlifetrust org uk )
We look forward to welcoming you to Lowes
Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Loch of the Lowes Visitor Center and Wildlife Reserve is open 7 days a week, 10 30am-5pm, Admission charges apply for nonmembers EXCEPT FOR 4th and 5th June FREE entry to all! More information www scottishwildlifetrust org uk
Dunkeld and Birnam in Bloom
Liz, our treasurer would like to thank those members of the community who regularly give donations These are very much appreciated (Several people recently have given money, but in respecting their privacy we have not named them )
The footpath extension at Torwood Park should be started at the end of the month of May It was delayed by the team organisers responsible for the management of it all getting Covid! As it has been so dry the usual muddiness in this area, has not been a problem “A Forget-me-not marker and plants have been installed at the Old Hostel Walk in Torwood by the family of Anne Wood who passed away at the age of 96 during the !st covid lockdown in June 2020 Anne was a native and lifelong resident of Birnam and had been a pupil at Torwood school ” More information on this will be in the next Bridge issue
As our lovely Spring displays fade, we are getting ready to hang summer baskets in St Ninian’s Garden, pruning last years shrubs and feeding the soil to encourage this year ’s perennials to give a super summer and autumn show, which we are anticipating enjoying in lovely sunshine (with just the occasional shower to keep things growing)
Extra hands and help are always welcome, so do join us in St Ninian’s Garden or Torwood park and Old Hostel walk on a Monday morning We are also out and about in various parts of the village at other times in the week so feel free to telephone and organise to meet up with us We will be recycling some of the daffodil bulbs from this year ’s displays and will add these to various spots around the village to naturalise Sales table –
Every Monday am at St Ninian’s to assist with ongoing fund raising Assorted garden related goods and plants
If you have garden related items you wish to donate, we will happily add them to the selection
Linda Speirs
Over our Celebration week-end, there will also be a
Fawn
Canada geese at Lowes by Alistair Bell
back
a cup of tea/coffee (or maybe an ice cream?) and enjoying close up views of our stunning local wildlife is a wonderful way to connect with nature Good for the mind and soul in these difficult times
News from our Community Council 17
Dunkeld & Birnam Community Council
Community Council Matters
Stewart
Pritchard Community Councillor
If you would like to contact the Community Council you can do so by emailing: dbcc correspondence@gmail com
You can also contact us via the messaging system on our facebook page
Of course, if you have the opportunity, then please do chat to any member of the Community Council if you bump into them while out and about Meetings are held monthly at 7pm on the second Monday of the month Date of next meetings:
13th June
11th July
8th August
Venue: Online zoom meeting
Please email us on the above address if you would like to attend and we will send you a zoom invitation
To read the minutes of previous meetings and to find the agenda for forthcoming meetings, see: www dunkeldandbirnamnews co uk/community-news/ community-council
For the first time in my experience on the community council - there were no PKC councillors in attendance It looks like we will retain two weel-kent faces in Grant Laing and Ian James - but lose Anne Jarvis and gain Claire McLaren Many thanks to Anne for your many years of support - and welcome Claire
After the usual preliminaries Iona Lancaster spoke about Highland Perthshire Welcomes Ukrainians (HPWU), the issues they've overcome in helping provide homes for refugees in a rural area Offers to accommodate 8 families have been made and the first is now located in the area The Ukrainians are keen to work, contribute and fit-in with the community so do please extend them a warm welcome, and if you are able to offer additional support do please contact HPWU or Iona on ionalancaster12@gmail com
Returning to more domestic matters, Community Councillor Alan Wylie reported on updating the D&B Community Resilience Plan - the pre-prepared arrangements should we find ourselves dealing with the likes of a major transport incident, power outage or similar Contacts for Kindallachan and Dowally, and D&B itself, are still needed The revised plan may consider a wider range of issues like the current cost of living crisis and epidemics(!)
The persistent issue of roads, traffic and parking came next In response to concerns over road and pedestrian safety, PKC has implemented a 'clearway' along the Boat Road as far east as Eastferry House - it is now an offence to park on this section of road or the verge And traffic wardens have been seen more frequently in the village PKC may implement further
actions to address the increased demand for parking in D&B - but are awaiting local consensus on the options - like time limits, resident permits etc
Only one planning application this month - for two houses at Lagbeag, between Bruce Gardens and the community hub Local people and authorities have raised various concerns - the main ones being road safety, impact on trees and the setting of a listed building
Under AoB - brief discussions about greater promotion of defibrillator locations (do you know where they are?); and an initiative to distribute food from our local retailers that has reached its 'sell-by' but not 'use-by' date
The next meeting is at 7pm on Monday 13 June by Zoom See www dunkeldandbirnamnews co uk for agendas, minutes and Zoom link We reviewed whether we should resume in-person meetings but opted to stay on-line
Finally - if you have a community benefit project and need funding to get it going - there are various funds available The community council administers two (SSE sourced) funds for awards up to £500 and £1,000 At the moment there are also funds available from the Perth Harbour Community Fund (projects associated with the River Tay), the Co-op Local Community Fund and the Nationwide Community Grants For larger projects there are the SSE Griffin main fund and, potentially, another round of (PKC) Community Investment Fund later in the year Stewart Pritchard
June ‘Stick on the Fridge Page’
Local Organisations - Contact Details
Listing for local voluntary organisations are free however The Bridge welcomes donations to cover the cost of these listings Please send donations to the Advertising Manager, John B Gray at Highfield, Brae Street, Dunkeld, PH8 0BA Many thanks Please contact the editor with amendments/additions
Organsiations - General
Local Organisations - Continued
Health Community & Services
Infinityblu Dental Care, Pitlochry 01796 470001
Infinityblu Dental Care, Dunkeld 01350 729198
Dentist
Phone 01350+
Dunkeld & Birnam in Bloom 01350 727288 Linda Speirs
Guide Dogs for the Blind 727346 / 727657
Friends of the Cathedral 01350 728697 John Gray
Probus Club 01738 787930 Sandy Love
Email: slove59@aol com
Horticultural Society 727255 Jan Silburn
Historical Society daveroberts132@btinternet com Dave Roberts
National Trust for Scotland North Perthshire Ranger Service - Office: 01350728641
The Meeting Place (Fridays DA) 727382 Jean Dickson
SWRI Email: evelyn menzies@sky com Evelyn Menziesl
SWRI Amulree 01350 723203 Jane Anderson
Chapter House Archive (Mon 10-12 & 7-9, Wed & Fri 10-12) 01350 727786
Bridge Club (Tuesday 6 45pm BI) 727294 Vilma Morison
Royal British Legion 01350 728884 W Forsyth
Tourist Association 01350 723297 Adrian Blundell
WRVS 01738 633975 Kathleen Coffey
German Shepherd Rescue, Scotland 01738 710111 Liz Bowers
Staffie Smiles Rescue 07743 180228 Shiona Cameron
The Orchard 727048 Katharine
@thefield 728926 Dave Roberts
Email: dblandtrust@btinternet com
3 Churches Charity Shop 01350 727237 / 07751593421 Anne Graham
Alcoholics Anonymous 0141 226 2214
Community Learning & Development
PKC CLD Staff 01738 459701 Email: dunkeldcomlearn@pkc gov uk Cat Gordon/Kim McBain/Alison May U3A 01796 483281 Meg Ross Email: megross@btinternet com
Sport
Dunkeld & Birnam Angling Association Secretary Russ Jobson dunkeldangling@gmail com DBAA@live co uk
Bowling Club Gael Shaw 07977 911068 Gaelshaw@btinternet com
Badminton johnrmoy@googlemal com
Field Archery 07786 073686 01350 727911
Glendelvine/Spittalfield Cricket Club (all ages) Neil Wimberley
Website: www glendelvinecricketclub com Email: wimbo32@hotmail com Golf Club (Visitors Welcome) 727524
Highland Perthshire Clay Shooting Club 07821 940252 Secretary Ted Carr Email: thecarr@waitrose com
Leisure Group (Sports Centre Project) 727361 Alasdair Wylie
Curling 01738 454700 Claire Milne
Tennis Club m: 07740 586064 or 01738 710484 Shona Smith Email: shonamh@googlemail com
Tayside Orienteers 727048 Bill Melville
Running Club adrianrdavis@hotmail com Adrian Davis
Netball 723269 Tiffy Shedden
Yoga 728773 June Mitchell
Yoga 2 728783 Sue Atkinson
Uver 35's Rugby 07738 006738 iainhg@aol com
Tai Chi 07551029076 John Connelly
Swimming and Alexander technique 07778778007 Jan Osband
Music & Arts
Cathedral Tower Bell Ringers 724218 Iona O’Connor
Film Society 727740
Handbell Ringers 01828 628109 Margaret Davidson
Birnam Arts 727674
Just Singin’ 7 30 Weds BI 07545 219529 Carole Reid www justsingin co uk BIPS howemarilyn@hotmail com Marilyn Howe
Birnam Youth Theatre Mon 5 00-6 30pm 727207
Dunkeld Strathspey & Reel Society 07531 520476 Duncan Thomson duncanwthomson@yahoo co uk
Birnam Arts Ballet Mon-Thu age4up 727674
Scottish Country Dancing 01738 561676 / 01350 727380 Helen or Dinah
Annual Events
Highland Games (August) www birnamhighlandgames com
Christian Aid Week 727867 Jim McCafferty Flower Festival (bi-ennial) 724255 Sheila Mannion Art Exhibtion (June - August) 01738 710399 Margaret Scott Arts & Crafts Fair (June & Nov) 01350 727968 Na’an Meikleour Niel Gow Festival - Weekend close to March 22nd - petethefiddler@btinternet com
For Children
Baby & Toddler Group 07546 128902 Lesley Singers
Playgroup 9 20-11 40 Tues and Thurs Playleader: dbplaygroup@gmail com
Nursery at Royal School 01738 454470 Royal School Dunkeld Puddleduck Nursery 727117 Heather Morton Royal School of Dunkeld 01738 454470 Kids Club - After school care 07930 462944 Supervisor
Sunday School - Church of Scotland 727249 Caputh Baby and Toddler Group Tues 10-11:30am - Lorna 07832 235 607
For Younger People
Girlguiding Dunkeld Trix Stephen, District Commissioner (Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers): Tel 07770324173 Email guider@girlguidingdunkeld org uk
Youth Café 727760 Linda McDougall
Youth Club Wednesday pm DA 727259 Fraser Penny
The Black Watch Army Cadets 07429 113439 Staff Sergeant Craig Ross
Beaver Cubs Scouts 07766 071854 Martina Wolfe
Messy Church last Sunday in month 727259/727594 Fraser Penny/Deidre Gerrie
For Older People
Servite
07595 651446 Ivan Russell
Working Hours: Mon,Tues,Thurs,Fri: 09:00 – 13:30
Senior Citizens 727311 Ronalda Pattullo
Friends of Rivendell 728885 Fiona Ritchie
Hall Bookings
Duchess Anne 07808 703641 chanonrydunkeld@gmail com Jill McCrory
Chanonry 07808 703641 chanonrydunkeld@gmail com Jill McCrory
Birnam Arts 727674
Dalguise Village Hall 07746 392268
Amulree Village Hall www amulreehall org uk
Caputh Hall caputhhall@gmail com 01738 710 848
728826 Mr Greig, PS, BDS
Doctors 727269 Craigvinean Surgery
Chemists
727210 Davidsons
Chemist on Sunday 01738 643791 Asda, Dunkeld Rd, Perth
P&K Environmental Services 01738 476476
Library 01738 459709 Margaret Quigley
PKC Roads Dept 01738 625411
Community Council
dbcc chair@gmail com Stuart Paton
Registrar (3/5 High St Perth) 01738 475121
Police (Tayside Non-Emergency) 101
Dates for your Diary
BA = Birnam Arts Centre
DA = Duchess Anne Hall, The Cross, Dunkeld
June 2022
2 Climate Café 7pm Zoom / Community Coworking Space 4-5 Living History Weekend & Queens Platinum Jubilee Celebrations Archives (see main archives article for all details of timings over the weekend) 4 JParade across Bridge to Stanley Hill 10:15am Jubilee Event Archives Continuing until 26 JUN Exhibition 10am – 4pm Pockets Of Experience Ciara Gibson | Artist In Residence '22 Birnam Arts
Stanley Park Events Jubilee Event Archives
End of Summer Song: Beatrix Potter in Perthshire Jubilee Event Archives 7pm Birnam Arts 5 The Scottish Plainsong Choir at Dunkeld Cathedral 4:30pm Jubilee Event Archives
5 Niel Gow: His Life and Times Join Jamie Jauncey as he talks with Pete Clark about his life-long passion for the music of Niel Gow Play about Niel Gow at Birnam Arts Jubilee Event Archives
5 Story teller Claire Hewitt wildlife tales at Loch of the Lowes every hour from 1pm 9 Singer-songwriter Adam Holmes 8-10pm Birnam Arts £14 + Booking Fee 10 Meet the Artist Ciara Gibson 2-4pm Birnam Arts Free 11 Amulree Hall Family BBQ late afternoon 18 Birnam Arts 21st Birthday Bash Free entry from 12pm 18 Amos, Jauncey & Friends A musical evening with a posse of local musicians £10 + Booking Fee Birnam Arts
19 Songs & Silence service Cathedral 6:30pm 21 Painting workshop with wildlife artist Michelle Hewitt Loch of the Lowes £25
25 Amulree Hall soup and cakes 10am – 2pm
25 Meet the Artist Ciara Gibson 2-4pm Birnam Arts Free
July 2022
7 Climate Café 7pm Zoom / Community Coworking Space
24 Songs & Silence service Cathedral 6:30pm
August 2022
4 Climate Café 7pm Zoom / Community Coworking Space
4-1st September Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition Duchess Anne every day 10-4pm and 12-4pm on Sundays
7 Songs & Silence service Cathedral 6:30pm
26-28 Dunkeld & Birnam Art & Crafts Fair the Drill Hall The Cross Dunkeld 0am to 5 pm each day free entry
27 Birnam Highland Games
28 Songs & Silence service Cathedral 6:30pm
For dates further ahead see: www dunkeldandbirnamnews co uk
PETS Lost and Found
If you have lost or found a dog, cat or other pet
Missing Pets, Perth and Kinross 07432 368792 info@dogfriendlyperthshire.co.uk
PAINTING & DECORATING
Elizabeth & Keith Lumsden 01350 728849
E-mail: bizzabooks@gmail.com
Contact the Advertising Manager adverts@dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk 07967 117149
0777 546 0373
Call: Mon-Fri 8am-8pm Text: 7 days 8am-8pm FREE
Grass cutting, Hedge cutting, Strimming, Leaf collection, Weeding/dig over, Edging, Gravel footpaths, Aerating, General tidy-up.
All General Garden Maintenance work carried out to the highest quality on every job, everyday
Gillian Vaughan Painter Decorator Interior / Exterior Feature walls Tel: 07841 116458 Email: thegirlcalledwill@gmail.com www.facebook.com/GillianWVaughan
254520
email: sandytcarr@yahoo.co.uk
ATHOLL STREET 01350 727556
Proprietor: Alasdair Wylie
G
&
A Paddocks
Dunkeld Horse Grazing & DIY Livery Call or Email Karen: 07759 701413 gapdunkeld@gmail com
Contact: 01350 727320 Kevin: 07876 744936 www
