Messy Music will resume on Tuesday 1 Nov, running from 3 30- 4 30 in Little Dunkeld church It will include the usual mix of snack, craft, music and nonsense!
This term we hope to use recorders with P2 and P3 children If children would like to play the recorder, for health reasons, they will have to provide their own instrument Recorders are not compulsory for this age
Please contact Hazel Murch by email or have a chat with one of the team on the first Tuesday we meet As previously, parents are welcome to stay for coffee, chat and cake - and recorder playing if so inclined!!!
However if your child is over 5, you can leave for the hour
Please contact Hazel on hazel murch@gmail com if you would like any more information
The Meeting Place
We continue to have a weekly Friday Coffee Morning in The Duchess Anne from 10 - 12 – come and join us for a friendly chat, cup of tea/coffee and some lovely home baking
We had a very busy morning on Friday 30th September when it was The MacMillan Coffee Morning and as a result £368 30 was collected
It is hoped that the LUNCH Club will start up again in the very near future and if you want to know more about it, please come along on a Friday when you can register an interest
The cover goes onto the MUGA down at the Rec! See page 6 for a full update including a proposal for an schedule of use from opening Your comments are invited
Editorial 2
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
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Download Online: www dunkeldandbirnamnews co uk
How many fingers and toes do I need to keep crossed as I suggest that it seems that possibly just maybe we may get a ‘normal’ Christmas this year Instead of exchanging Christmas presents in socially distanced ways in car parks might we be able to gather around the tree this year? Might we be able to bring together more than 8 family members or friends at one gathering? And, maybe, Santa might come to Dunkeld and Birnam on the 10th of December To help the Clausometer of Christmas Spirit meter climb to sufficient height for his sleigh to fly all the way here please support the Santa Day Christmas Fundraiser on the 11th November in the Royal British Legion see page 9
One fascinating aspect during covid was to notice where our ‘boundaries’ lie in terms of our community and the vulnerable people our ‘PH8’ effort was set up to support It turns out that the centre of our community goes along to Caputh, up to Clunie and Butterstone, over to Guay (PH9!) across the river to Dalguise and then up to Amulree and circling down to Murthly Beyond that we also have great connections and friendship with the communities of Spittalfield, Logierait, Pitlochry, Aberfeldy, Murthly, Bankfoot Therefore it’s lovely to be invited to festive Fairs across the area – see the front page and page 9 for details of fairs in Clunie, Butterstone, Trochy and Amulree These are always great fun and a wonderful way to get unique gifts as well as offer support to our local community and our creative members who bring us wonderful unique gift offerings Alongside all the festive fun more serious work is also underway Many thanks to Pam Green, Alasdair Wylie and all those who have been working so hard over the years to try and improve the safety of the A9 It is so
frustrating and heart-breaking to repeatedly seeing blue lights and road closed signs on the A9 knowing that for a family somewhere there will be devasting news coming of the injury or death of a loved one of this treacherous piece of road Please note the meetings in the two articles below on this page if you can are able to help these local groups campaign for a safer future for us all
And finally, I have written this editorial in some unusual places over the years. But no where so unusual as Bali Ngurah Rai airport in Indonesia where we have been holidaying with friends Outside it is a very warm 30 degrees I am sitting writing this in a t-shirt It’s funny to think that within 24 hours, God willing, we will be back in lovely Perthshire noticing the colours that have changed since we left a fortnight ago It’s also reminding me that I need to dig out the long trousers and jersey before we enter Scottish airspace! In fact I’d better get on with doing that now Best wishes to you all
Sally Robertson
Birnam to Ballinluig A9 Community Group
Working constructively to get the best community outcomes from the A9 dualling proposals
The next A9 Community Group meeting will be on Thursday 24th November, 7.30pm at Birnam Arts/ Zoom unless otherwise notified. All welcome!
As described in the Junctions Action Group report here, we took part in an urgent meeting with John Swinney MSP following further A9 fatalities in early October, this time on the Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing section ( We'll have prepared for the meeting John Swinney then arranged with Transport Scotland officials - from both the dualling and roads operations teams - at our October Community Group meeting )
The day before I had been called by Andy Anderson of the A9 dualling team and told that they would be making preferred route recommendations for this section to Ministers “ in some months” Cabinet Secretary Michael Matheson then wrote to John Swinney on 18th October responding to various junctions related issues raised earlier this year, and also advising “In relation to the A9 Dualling Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing scheme, it still remains our intention to announce a preferred route for this section of the A9 Dualling Programme in the coming months I can confirm that my officials have been in touch with the Birnam to Ballinluig A9 Community Group to provide an update on the scheme and I would like to reassure you that we will continue to engage with the group as the project progresses “
“Continue to engage” is a curious way to describe the almost complete absence of engagement with us by TS since early 2020 , but let 's see
As always you can contact us at email: dunkeldA9workinggroup@gmail com, and to have your details added (or removed from) our mailing list; Also at Facebook page: Birnam to Ballinluig A9 Community Group Please Like and Share it Or just phone me!
Alasdair Wylie, Coordinator 01350 727361
Our page on "The Bridge" website, including key documents for download is: http://www dunkeldandbirnamnews co uk/community-council/a9-dualling The latest Information from Transport Scotland is at: https://www transport gov scot/projects/a9-dualling-perth-to-inverness/a9-pass-of-birnam-to-tay-crossing/ https://www transport gov scot/projects/a9-dualling-perth-to-inverness/a9-tay-crossing-to-ballinluig/project-details/
Community News continued
Birnam and Dunkeld Junctions Action Group – an update
As you may be aware there was another bad road accident on the A9 on Thursday 6th October early evening, which sadly resulted in two fatalities We understand that the accident happened between the end of the dual carriage way and the Birnam Junction In addition the road was closed till 7:30 am ,the next morning resulting in long delays on the diversion routes
On Friday 7th October, The Junctions Action Group wrote to John Swinney MSP expressing our sadness about the loss of life and again expressing
our concerns about the safety of this stretch of the A9 and especially at the junctions
He wrote back the same day, saying that he would arrange some further dialogue on junctions’ safety and this had his highest priority
Representatives of the Junctions Action Group, Dunkeld and Birnam Community Council, and the A9 Birnam to Ballinluig Community Group then met with John Swinney in his constituency office on Tuesday 11th October
The outcome of this is that John Swinney has set up a meeting with the representatives of the above
groups, Transport Scotland and himself at the end of October
There will then be a further meeting of Birnam and Dunkeld Junctions Action Group on Tuesday 8th November at 11:30 at Birnam Arts Dance Studio All welcome to discuss the next steps in our campaign In the meantime could you let me know of any ideas that you have and also record any incidents or near misses that you are aware of
Pam Green
Birnam and Dunkeld Junctions Actions Group pammgreen@btinternet com
Arts News 3
WHAT’S ON BIRNAM ARTS IN OCTOBER –PERFORMANCES & ACTIVITIES
Naked Stereo / Rain on Animals
Thursday 3rd November 8pm
Tickets £14*
When hot Paris-based all-girl trio, Fierce Flowers, issued their Mirador album in 2020, it stimulated a frenzy of media interest that resulted in a huge amount of exposure in the UK Julia Zech’s vocals featured strongly and she had written a large number of the album’s killer tracks When differences led to a split, she reverted to focussing all of her attention on this Cologne-based outfit, with whom she had performed with playing partner Pierce Black, for several years
Stereo Naked’s latest album won a huge amount of exposure in the UK BBC Radio 2’s Mark Radcliffe told listeners: “I do like this music!” Americana UK predicted: “This album will establish them as your new favourite band ” This will be a full five-piece line-up on tour World-roving troubadours, Rain Of Animals, a richly euphonious collaboration between Pepita Emmerichs (Oh Pep!) and Theodore Barnard (Wire & Wool) grew from their love of all things mandolin, fiddle, guitar, harmony vocals, bluegrass, oldtime and swing The duo first met and formed after an impromptu jam session in a legendary Melbourne bar in 2018, and they have continued to perform, write and tour together ever since
An Evening in the Nepal Himalaya Friday 4th November – Tickets £12*
All in aid of The Little Sherpa Foundation with contributions from award winning writer and television presenter, Cameron McNeish, BAFTA award winning adventure film maker, Richard Else, acclaimed best selling author, Fiona Valpy, and James Lamb of the Little Sherpa Foundation
The Little Sherpa Foundation which is based in Little Dunkeld has continued to support Sherpa people in the Mount Everest National Park with ongoing scholarships enabling young people to remain in education & indeed enter college & university life, the provision of school uniforms, school books, gym kit, computers, internet connectivity & books written in the Sherpa language as well as the employment of Sherpa teachers & nurses The charity also offers a "meals on wheels” service to the elderly The rebuilding of monasteries continues This year a micro-hydro scheme has been built which has brought running water to a village of 450 people and has transformed their lives All of these costs a lot of money and fund raising is nonstop Doors open at 19 00 so come early as there will be lots of Nepali goods to buy, including hats, pashmina scarves, prayer flags & lots more There will be a raffle with a wide selection of goodies donated by friends & businesses There will also be an auction with items including a self catering holiday for a week near Boat of Garten (www albahhighlandcottages co uk), a framed Thanka (a Buddhist painting), a signed photo by Colin Prior, a framed limited edition print by artist James Hawkins, a whisky tasting voucher and many more!
Miss Lindsay’s Secret
Friday 11th November 7.30pm
Tickets £14*
Come in Shut the door Open the box What’s inside? A museum curator finds hidden letters binding Glenesk to Canada’s Klondike gold rush But should she tell their intimate secrets? A true tale of sewing and 1900s sexting, revealed by the Curator, the Musician and the Man: Maria MacDonell, Georgina MacDonell Finlayson, Alan Finlayson Original live music and archives bring the past to the present, Scotland to the world Fringe 2021 reviews: ‘An outstanding and heartbreakingly beautiful play’ **** (Jenny Gilruth, Scottish Culture Minister) ‘Powerful’ **** (BroadwayBaby com), ‘A delight’ **** (BritishTheatreGuide info) ‘Confidently sweeps us away’ **** (TheWeeReview com)
Jamie Jauncey Don Roberto and Me Birnam Book Festival Event
Thursday 17th November 7.30pm – Tickets £6* Birnam resident and writer Jamie Jauncey has recently completed a biography of his extraordinary great-great-uncle, Robert Bontine Cunninghame Graham (1852-1936), also known as Don Roberto Best known as co-founder with Keir Hardie, of the Scottish Labour Party, and later as the founding president of the Scottish National Party, Don Roberto was many other things besides As a young man in Argentina he became an expert horseman and rode with gauchos The instinct for travel and adventure never left him in middle age he was held to ransom in the Atlas Mountains by a local sheikh At Westminster he declared himself the first ever Socialist Member of Parliament and was convicted of rioting A radical laird, he advocated land reform and abolition of the House of Lords He was a champion of underdogs, a crusader for social justice and freedom of speech Fêted by his literary peers as the ‘Scottish Maupassant ’he was friends with Conrad, Wells, Wilde, Shaw and Chesterton Painted by Lavery and sculpted by Epstein he was directly descended from King Robert II of Scotland He was above all a great humanitarian Almost everything he stood for has a burning relevance to our lives today
Jamie’s book - and the illustrated talk proposed here - not only tells Don Roberto’s remarkable life story, but also explores what it has meant to grow up with such an iconic figure in the family background, and how he has shaped Jamie’s understanding of what it means to be a Scot in the 21st century
Kissing Linford Christie Catherine Wheels Theatre Company – Schools Performance
Friday 18th November 11am – Free
A new solo show about one girl’s journey to Olympic success Vickie wants to compete at the Olympics There is only one obstacle; she isn’t very good at sport Yet despite the odds, her love for athletics takes her all the way to London 2012 Inspired by Victoria’s own childhood obsession with athletics, this is a story about loving failure and dreaming big - even if there’s no chance you’ll make that dream come true
Beauty and the Beast Pantomime
BIPS
Thursday 1st – Saturday 3rd
7pm + Saturday Matinee 2pm
Tickets £10 / £5 / £20* family
The beloved, romantic story of a young girl and a bewitched prince, in a Tale as Old as Time Oh, and a cross-dressing Ma and a giant French Poodle called Felix (every panto should have one)! And a nasty baddie! Every panto has to have one (Well, spoiler, the beast isn't bad really, is he!)
A fast-paced, fun-filled show with a fabulous live band, a cast of lots, 3 (yes 3!) weddings, and fantastic song favourites to singalong with: 500 Miles, Let It Go, Dancing in the Street, Careless Whisper (complete with live sax!) and lots more Come along! You know you want to oh yes you do!
It's just the best start to the festive period you could wish upon a star for!
Tales of Birnam & Dunkeld
Jane Archer: Autumn Voices
Friday 9th December 7pm – Tickets £5*
conc £3*
This evening sees the launch of an anthology of writing, Tales of Birnam and Dunkeld, featuring recently written and specially commissioned work about the area, past and present
The book features new work by James Robertson, Jess Smith, Linda Cracknell, Fiona Ritchie, Jamie Jauncey and Jane Archer, and by members of Jane’s writing group for over-60s which has been meeting at Birnam Arts in summer and autumn this year
The evening is compered by Jane Archer and introduced by James Robertson, with many of the featured writers reading from the book Tales of Birnam and Dunkeld has been devised and facilitated by Jane Archer for Autumn Voices
Santa Day: The Gingerbread Man Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre
Saturday 10th December
10 30am - 11 30am – Tickets £5*
Imagine a world made entirely of biscuits: trees, houses and stars in the sky Into this beautiful world comes THE GINGERBREAD MAN, creating havoc wherever he goes He meets a majestic Cow, a stubborn Goat and an opportunistic Bird
But Can GINGERBREAD MAN outwit the dastardly Fox ?
With a foot tapping ‘Yummy Chase’ soundtrack, reminiscent of an old movie and minimal language this is a tremendously popular story
A visual feast specially devised for younger children aged 3 + years
Talisk
Saturday 10th December 8pm
Tickets £17* U16s £12*
Ground-breaking, chart-topping, genre-bending, instantly enthralling it’s little wonder that Talisk rank highly amongst the most in-demand folk-based groups to emerge from Scotland in the last decade
Alongside extensive touring, and appearances at leading festivals across multiple continents, Talisk have stacked up major awards for their explosively energetic, artfully woven sound
Mohsen Amini, Graeme Armstrong and Benedict Morris fuse concertina, guitar and fiddle to produce an innovative, multi-layered signature that captivates audiences worldwide At its core, three seemingly acoustic instruments - in the hands of three master craftsmen; one unmistakable, bold sound and captivating live show
Lateshift – Evening of Saturday 17th December….
Save the date and keep your eye’s peeled for the return of the famous Lateshift Christmas extravaganza!
Justsingin` Birnam
All are very welcome to join Birnam`s Justsingin` community choir We meet on Wednesdays 7 30pm-9 30pm, upstairs in Birnam Arts, Station Road We are currently delighted to have Adelaide Carlow leading us: https://naturalvoice net/practitioner/adelaidecarlow and from 23rd November we welcome the retun of traditional Scots singer, Amy Lord, https://amylord scot/ If you are new to the Natural Voice approach then please be assured that no previous singing experience is required, there are no solos, no auditions, no music reading Just inspiring professional tutors with modern and ancient songs taught in the traditional by ear method If you love singing with others then come along You will be made very welcome Fees are £64 per 8 week term or £10 per evening, please visit our website for full details, www justsingin co uk or phone Katie on 07765 405203 Scottish Charity No: SCO36400
Arts News continued
Culture Perth and Kinross Museums & Galleries
Hello Autumn! As the days get colder and the nights get darker, we head towards Winter with two brand-new exhibitions at Perth Museum & Art Gallery on until 23rd December Free entry Donations welcome Museum closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays
A Lost Community: Muirton of Ardblair
Photography exhibition that remembers the history of a former Perthshire village that passed into history 50 years ago this year The exhibition was inspired by the recent acquisition of a folio of 1893 photographic prints of the Muirton of Ardblair area These images will be at the heart of the exhibition, highlighting a lost community in rural Perthshire and the homes and lives of those who inhabited this lost village
Are You Going to the Dancing?
A Century of Perthshire Nightlife
Celebrates the important role that evening socialising has played in our society; from the 1920s to the present day, going to the dancing inspired new freedoms and, for many, has resulted in weddings, families and countless memories across the decades Through good times and bad, the exhibition explores the significance of nightlife to Perthshire's social fabric and economy
Birnam Library
Bookbug sessions are held at Birnam Library every Thursday from 10 30 – 11am Come and join us for a session of songs, stories, and rhymes for those under 5s Prebooking for each session is essential
01738 459709 / birnamlibrary@culturepk org uk
Sports,
Cecily Hill (both 30 years) and Ros Timperley (25 years) He was extremely complimentary about the work of RDA and in particular our group who have helped children from 7 different schools in the area over the years Earlier in the day the riders were thrilled to receive special rosettes to commemorate the occasion The photos show our Chairperson Jennifer Valentine receiving her long service certificate and Emma Williamson with her ‘Endeavour Award’ and rosette
Digital skills at the AK Bell Library
Want to learn about computers, download apps or learn how to get online? 30-minute slots Wednesdays 10 am – 12 pm 01738 477060 / localstudies@culturepk org uk https://bit ly/cpkdigitalskills
Princh now at Birnam Library
It is now possible to print from any mobile device, tablet, or laptop from home Just print, pay online and pick up your items You can send your print jobs at any time from any place https://www culturepk org uk/libraries/internet-and-computers/princh-printing/ Curious Minds is back
Live in the Soutar Theatre of the AK Bell Library, for its 7th season of Friday evening lectures around the general theme of "Contemporary Science in Scotland" From Dinosaurs on Skye to Dendrochronology & Climate Change We will also touch on abstract topics, such as the parallels between theology and physics, and everything you wanted to know about concrete! All talks start at 7 30pm https://bit ly/curiousminds7
Birnam Library
Birnam Library opening hours are:
Thursday 5pm-7pm Friday 12pm-5pm
Saturday 9 30am-12pm
Birnam Library, Station Road, Birnam, DUNKELD PH8 0DS 01738 459709 / birnamlibrary@culturepk org uk
The late Queen’s funeral being on a Monday rather disrupted our timetable but luckily we were able to fit in a visit from our Regional Coach who came to assess a trainee coach and review one who qualified last year We were never in any doubt about their abilities and we are now very fortunate to have 3 coaches (and one in training) to take the group forward to next year and beyond
We also had our week at the Thrift Shop, Aberfeldy where we were well supported by friends and where we made a net profit of £1,768 31 A lot of hard work produced this excellent result and as always we are so grateful for all the local support given
Our next big event will be the AGM on November 7th at 11 am in the Church of Scotland rooms, Aberfeldy to which everyone is invited If you would be interested in becoming a volunteer come and hear about us (SC047991)
Dalguise Meditation Group
Why not come to a meeting this month and find out what we do? Meetings take place every other Tuesday in Dalguise Village Hall from 10 30 to 12 30 In November the meetings are on 8th and 22nd We enjoy sitting and walking meditations, discussions and refreshments There is no charge and we have no religious affiliations
If you aren't able to attend in person, you might be interested in joining the mailing list, to receive interesting and helpful articles about meditation on the intervening Tuesdays If you would like to know more about how meditation helps us to become more aware, more focussed, calm and compassionate, contact faithanstey@gmail com
Sports, Health and Wellbeing
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 Update and plans for opening
As most people will be aware, we have been making really good progress on the Covered MUGA project The steel structure and roof, which are the biggest structural parts of the project, are complete as is the car park and upgraded electrical works The contractors are now back on site installing the fence followed by the playing surface (which will be a multi-purpose astro type surface) We are therefore on track for the project being complete around the beginning of December
We are now looking ahead to opening the MUGA Our plan is to have a soft opening as soon as possible followed by a formal opening in January or February The project team and Hub Management Committee have spent a lot of time considering how the MUGA will be run- access, membership, fees etc We have consulted on these proposals with the Hub membership and a wide range of local people and groups who have been involved in the project The attached document shows the current proposal However, we are looking for views from everyone in the community as to how best to run, manage and fund the new facility so please drop a note to dbsportsleisurehub@gmail com or speak to one of the members of the Hub if you have any ideas We are also looking for people to get involved in organising the various activities The Hub does not have the resources to run clubs and activities- we really depend on local people to do this So, if you want to start exercise classes, a basketball club, volleyball or any of the myriad activities which can use the MUGA, please contact us to chat through your ideas
Many people have spent many years working towards the delivery of this fantastic new facility We hope that everyone will want to become a member and use the MUGA for the wide range of sports and activities that can be provided
Use of New Covered MUGA Facility
MUGA Sports and Activities
Fully Lined for:
• netball, including walking netball (portable hoops)
• badminton (portable net)
• tennis (portable net)
Partially lined for:
• 5-a-side football, including walking football (goals integral to MUGA)
• hockey (goals integral to MUGA)
• basketball (3 point markings, hoops integral to MUGA)
Can be used for:
• volleyball (using tennis single court plus Frog tape), handball (using football lines)
• pickleball (tennis or badminton lines plus Frog tape; portable nets)
• fitness sessions
There is an Equipment store in the facility for the portable equipment
Floodlighting
• The MUGA has floodlighting
• Lights are switched on from within the MUGA Lights will switch off automatically after 1 hour (can be switched on again)
• Lights out automatically at 10pm Access
• Combination lock on main entrance
• Lock code given to members Non members get lock code when booking
MUGA Membership
• MUGA membership open to people living in PH8 and PH9 postcodes plus Bankfoot, Murthly, Caputh and Spittalfield
• MUGA membership gives usage of MUGA at no further cost
• MUGA members accept Terms & Conditions of Use (with a focus on keeping facility clean and returning equipment to store)
MUGA membership includes membership of the Dunkeld & Birnam Sports & Leisure Hub The Hub manages the clubhouse, car park and site insurance Therefore, MUGA members have voting rights at the Hub AGM and are encouraged to be involved in the running of the Hub
MUGA Fees
• We aim to keep the MUGA membership fee as low as possible, to cover costs Our current estimate is a MUGA membership fee of £30 per year Fees can be paid one-off or in instalments
• Facilities are due to open December 2022 From opening until April 2023 use of the MUGA is free for MUGA members We will start charging membership fees from April 2023
• MUGA membership is free for Under 16s and those in full time education or training Non-members will be charged £30 per hour from opening
Booking and Timetable
Key points
• Local school and nursery have priority Monday to Friday mornings in term time
• Members can - attend timetabled sessions for specific activities (see table)
- book available slots using the Clubspark app or by calling [number to be confirmed]
- book a session on behalf of a club if the attendees are all members
• Timetabled sessions will be reviewed and amended according to usage
Further details will be confirmed before opening
Any issues on membership, booking or anything else, please email dbsportsleisurehub@gmail com or call [number to be confirmed]
Community Noticeboard 9
Interesting Fact:
Did you know that the masons -Lodge no 14, first met in 1726 with lodge No 152 meeting in 1784 They then amalgamated in the early 1900s Thanks to Archie Steele of Willowbank for this interesting fact and to his daughter, Linda, for sharing it with the community
To Our Wonderful Community
Many of you will have heard that our lease is no longer being terminated and we are able to stay in our home! Scott and I would like to thank each and every one of you for the incredible support that was shown to us over the 13 weeks which was, quite frankly, the most stressful experience of my life so far
So, whether you offered kind words of support, a shoulder to cry on, signed the open letter, or turned up in person to show a united front - we would like to say a big, massive THANK YOU!
We really can't thank you enough for all of your support - and we couldn't have done it without you!
Chris & Scott x x x
Dunkeld & Birnam
Christmas Art & Crafts Fair at The Drill Hall, The Cross, Dunkeld 5th & 6th November from 10am to 5pm each day.
As well as old friends we have some exciting new crafts including metal work, tote bags and hats from award winning hat designer Susan Knox Admission is free
Christmas Market At Clunie Hall 3rd December 10 - 2:30pm
After a two-year break Clunie Hall opened its doors once again in September to a fabulous Tabletop sale ‘We were blown away with the response’ says Kelly Macintyre new Chair of the hall committee, ‘people were queuing for our infamous vintage teas whilst kids were entertained by a local artist with leaf and tattie painting Our home baking table was sold out by midday and most stall holders were so delighted with their sales that they were asking when the next one would be’
Clunie Hall Christmas Market will open at 10:00 am until 2:30pm on 3rd December ‘Visitors won’t be disappointed’, says Kelly, ‘we have lots of exciting ideas up our sleeve to make it a great occasion for all the family ’
To book a table for the market email: cluniehall@gmail com
Look out for our Christmas wreath making workshop 19th November at Clunie Hall, see our Facebook page for details
See our advert on page 16
Butterstone Artists’ Christmas Art And Craft Fayre 3rd & 4th December 10am – 4pm
Paintings and crafts, perfect Christmas presents Refreshments with home baking
RBS mobile bank visits Dunkeld and Birnam. Thursdays: Dunkeld, The Cross 14.50 pm to 15.20 pm and Birnam, Post Office 15.05 pm to 15.25 pm
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/
Three Churches in the Community
Thought for the Month
The other day I was ‘phone shamed’ (if there is such a thing) by my threeyear-old granddaughter! I took out my phone to take a picture of something and heard her say ‘Grandpa, you have such a small phone ’ The shame of it – to have my phone declared inadequate by one so young! It seems phone shaming or phone envy begins at a very early age She, of course, said it quite innocently and she is right My phone is too small and not so good for playing games or watching videos It could, though, be seen as all part of the pressure put on people to have the right image In adolescence it can become a big issue – to have the right label, the right style Merciless ribbing can follow the wearing of the wrong trainers, or untrendy trousers These things matter at a certain age and one would hope to grow out of it It seems, though, that not everyone does There is a lot of image building and many people impressed by the image presented to the world when the real value is found in the inner person When David was anointed by Samuel as the future King of Israel, the older brothers were all paraded in front of the prophet and each was more impressive than the previous one Each time, when Samuel was about to choose one he heard God’s prompting ‘not this one – people look at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart ’ So it was that David came to be anointed because, though young and not yet fully grown, the Lord saw the inner qualities that would be important
We are far too easily swayed by outward appearance and often the integrity and quality of the inner man or woman is secondary to the presentation Most of us get over the fear of what people think about our clothes, our car and everything else the world venerates and realise that the inner person is what matters
Am I bothered about my phone being small – not a bit of it but I have fallen heir to a newer one with a larger screen so I can hold my head up high in public again!
Fraser Penny
Church of Scotland Services
November 6th 11 00am – Morning worship in the Cathedral Including the Sacrament of Baptism
November 13th 10 45am – Remembrance Service in the Cathedral
Please note the earlier start time This will be the last Sunday service in the Cathedral for the year 12 30pm –Act of remembrance at the War Memorial
The main ceremony will be down at the roadside so that those who aren’t able to climb up to the memorial can attend
November 20th 11 00am – Morning Worship in Little Dunkeld Kirk 2 15pm – Communion Service at Amulree
November 27th 11 00am – Morning Worship in Little Dunkeld Kirk
1st Sunday in Advent
December 4th 11 00am – Communion Service in Little Dunkeld Kirk
While in the Cathedral, teas and coffees are served each week after the morning service in the Chanonry and in Little Dunkeld we gather in the open area at the side of the church
Catholic Youth Pilgrimage
On September 24th a group of about 150 young people from the Roman Catholic church were welcomed to Dunkeld Cathedral as part of a pilgrimage, planned before Covid struck and only possible now
Every year they go to significant places commemorating the Saints who are part of the Scottish Church story and this year it was St Columba The group met at St Columba’s church in Birnam and had a picnic lunch before walking over to Little Dunkeld Church where they stopped to pray for unity amongst Christians, then they walked over to the Cathedral
Archbishop Leo Cushley led them in a renewal of baptismal vows down by the river pointing out that the early Celtic missionaries who came here may well have baptised people at that very spot Inside the Cathedral then, Fraser Penny spoke to the older members of the group about Dunkeld’s Christian story since the days of Columba and led the group in prayer which was a very poignant symbol of unity and cooperation between churches
The group ended their day by going up to St Bride’s church in Pitlochry for a celebration of Mass
The photographs show the group arriving at the cathedral gates and Archbishop Cushley explaining the renewal of baptismal vows
Kirk Session
The next meeting of the Kirk Session is on November 8th at 7 30pm in the Duchess Anne
Online Services
For the next three months online worship is going to change a bit It is a huge task to produce weekly worship in addition to the Sunday service so it has been decided to experiment with different formats for a short time to see what works best What is produced will still be accessed on our YouTube channel ‘Dunkeld Cathedral online’ but it will not be in the same style as we have done It is likely that we will end up with more shorter videos and less like a service Once we have run that for a few months we will make a decision about the future of our online presence
Feedback is always welcome and if anyone has anything constructive to offer about what works, what you like about it and what you think would work well online, let Fraser know by emailing RPenny@churchofscotland org uk
The Meeting Place
The Meeting Place is in the Duchess Anne on Friday mornings between 10am and noon Please come along and enjoy tea/coffee and cakes in good company!
Fellowship Group –‘Exploring faith and life together ’
For quite a while now, the Fellowship group has met on Tuesday evenings by zoom and in person After a discussion about the way forward it was decided to split the group and have one which will continue on Tuesday evenings and another which will meet on Wednesday mornings giving a choice of times which might suit some people better
The meetings over the next few weeks will be: Wednesdays – November 9th & 23rd at 10 30am in the Chanonry Tuesdays – November 1st & 15th at 7pm in the Chanonry
For this session both groups will be looking at the same subjects and it will be easy to move between the
two groups All are welcome and it would be good to see the groups grow and perhaps then be able to form more smaller groups in this way More information available from John Ferguson (727585), William Hogg (727053) or Fraser Penny (727249)
Men's Breakfast
Every second Wednesday a group of men meets in the Chanonry to start the day with a cooked breakfast together, discuss events, both local and international, and enjoy each other's company In November the dates are the 9th and 23rd starting at 9 00am There is no need to book; just turn up and enjoy and all are welcome
If you would like more details please contact Peter Mackie at Petermackie46@gmail com
Booking Halls
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
Macmillan Cancer Support News
The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning is Macmillan’s biggest fundraising event What started as a small affair in 1990 with some friends gathering and donating the cost of their cup of coffee to Macmillan has now raised over £290 million so far The covid pandemic has had a big impact on fundraising for Macmillan as with many other charities, but the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning still raised over £11 million in 2021 & we hope to top that this year
The Highland Perthshire Fundraising Group would like to thank everyone who came to the local World’s Biggest Coffee Morning at the Green Park Hotel in Pitlochry It was a fabulous morning with an array of delicious food, once again kindly hosted by the very generous McMenemie family, to whom we extend our gratitude, which raised the amazing sum of £2593 70 for Macmillan Cancer Support Thank you one and all Your ongoing support is greatly appreciated & we are crossing our fingers that the overall UK total surpasses that of last year
At the time of writing we have just held a very successful One Day Sale at Fisher ’s Hotel on Saturday 8th October in Pitlochry which raised a fantastic £1456 76 We would like to offer grateful thanks to Brian Wishart, Krissy Jones & all the fantastic hotel staff It was a wonderful day with lots of visitors & we are grateful to everyone that popped in to see us Special thanks to Henry Murdoch & the brilliant staff of Taymouth Courtyard Shop for the donation of the wonderful Food of Scotland Hamper that was the first prize in our raffle Additional special thanks to all of our supporters out there who also gave donations to the raffle and tombola, we appreciate each and every single one!
We are having a further sale at Fishers Hotel on Saturday 22 October, so will update you all with the results in the next issue
Our next fundraising event after that is the annual Christmas Tea Party, which we are so pleased to be hosting again, on Saturday 19th November at the Grandtully Village Hall The fun starts at 2 00pm with your entry including your afternoon cuppa & a selection of tasty homebaking Come along to join in the festive cheer We do hope to see you all there!
Finally, Macmillan is here to help everyone with cancer live life as fully as they can, providing physical, financial and emotional support Need someone to talk to? Call free on 0808 239 69 62 8am - 8pm or visit macmillan org uk; to find out how you can donate or help with local fundraising, speak to Liz on 07866556360 or email Fiona at malarkey99@gmail com
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: Mrs Louise Luke
The Chanonry, Cathedral Street, Dunkeld Tel: 07773 604372
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 (Anglican) Church, Birnam
Sunday Service 10 am - Holy Communion with hymns, music and sermon, followed by refreshments
The church is open daily for visitors, and prayers are said at 5 30pm on Fridays and 9 30am on Saturday
It would be helpful also if the Contact details could be placed next to the above service details Also p12) - the Servite service is now held monthly on the last Saturday of each month at 2pm and is led ecumenically by members of the three churches in Dunkeld and Birnam It is not a communion service
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
Christians against Poverty (CAP)
Talking money, debt and poverty
This month, there’s a lot of talk when it comes to money And it needs to continue With Talk Money Week 2022, there are plenty of events and activities where we’re able to talk openly and frankly about all things financial From pensions to ISAs, there’s a lot of jargon that comes with talking about money – as well as plenty of hesitation Despite this, there are some good reasons to talk openly about finances
Stay informed
Having conversations with others helps us learn Conversations about money are no different At a time when news sources are filled with talk about interest rates and inflation, it can all begin to sound like another language If you don’t understand, have a conversation about it Knowing about money puts you in control of your own Talking with others is the beginning of learning some really useful financial skills and tools – like where your money works best and how to get the most out of your accounts At worst, you’ll have a laugh when you realise your friends don’t fully understand what inflation is either!
Build relationships
It takes trust to open up to someone about your finances The strongest relationships are built on a solid foundation of trust It’s so easy to get tangled up in our own heads and forget that we’re surrounded by others who are willing to help Maybe money is getting tight, and you’re contemplating a risky financial decision that’s, by all accounts, not wise You’ll likely find a way to justify it to yourself in your head, but speaking to a loved one will keep you grounded There might be solutions you haven’t explored yet Visit moneysavingexpert com for some really helpful resources on managing your money
Lead the way
It’s one thing to receive good advice, but talking about money can also put you in the driver ’s seat Particularly with children, giving a transparent look at money can pave the way to financial independence in the future A really useful, practical skill to give a child is how to budget Talk to them and show them how it works What money comes in? Where does it go? Talking openly will give them the tools to make wise financial decisions when it’s their time
Put your mind at ease
If talking about money is a problem, we know talking about problems always helps We’ve all heard the expression ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’ Whether you talk to a friend, a loved one or an accredited organisation, you can reduce anxiety and worry by sharing financial difficulties you might have Having financial worries can be a driver of loneliness and isolation, negatively impacting mental and physical health It doesn’t have to be that way
You’re not alone
You can find a full list of activities and events, as well as helpful resources for Talk Money Week and beyond at maps org uk/talk-money-week If things are proving difficult for you, especially as the cost of living crisis continues to hit more households across the UK, there are places you can turn Christians Against Poverty (CAP) offers free, non-judgemental debt advice With job clubs, money courses and community groups based in churches across the UK, you’ll find that talking about your finances really is the start of your journey to financial freedom
Visit capscotland org/help to find out more
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 News continued
Dunkeld Community Archive Youth Program Award !!
We are delighted to tell everyone that Dunkeld Community Archive has won an award for our “Outstanding work with the young people through the Kickstart Scheme” It has been an amazing experience working with all of our young people, and one that we want to continue by incorporating into our future development
Michael was our first Kickstarter He went off to London to the Dame Judy Dench Drama School and is pursuing his acting career We have our Street Theatre Production of Dundonnachie to thank him for You can view this on YouTube
Steven came next, who had already completed his Degree in Animation He has not only animated the Bridge Toll Riots story, which was also published in book form, but through further funding from Perth and Kinross Young Person Guarantee Scheme to employ him for a further 6 months, is currently working on the Tree Ent Trail project which will be launched on Sunday 16th October
Iman came at the same time as Steven Her artistic talents produced our amazing entrance hall mural along with 6 designs which we now sell in card and print form Iman has now started hew Degree at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art
Connect …
Linking Asheville, North Carolina, USA and Dunkeld & Birnam
The rearranged AGM of the D and B Friends of Asheville NC will be held on Tuesday 8th Nov at 7pm at the Community CoWorking Space ( Old Doctors Surgery) This year is also the 5th anniversary of the signing of the Twinning/ Sister Cities agreement between our communities so there will be much to look back on as well as, we hope, much to plan! All welcome!
There can also be provision for participation by Zoom
Please let Fiona Ritchie know if you'd like the link, or if you'd like to be added to our mailing list fkritchie@me com
Dunkeld and Birnam on the Sister Cities sign in downtown Asheville, North Carolina
Ross was our final Kickstarter (the scheme has unfortunately now finished) He had an incredible knowledge of Military History in particular so fitted in very well with our Scottish Horse Regimental collection Ross is still deciding what path he wants to take with his career, but thinks he may return to University, changing his course to follow history instead
Daria is still with us under the Young Persons Guarantee Scheme Daria has been exceptionally helpful in advising around Inclusion for disabilities in our archive Daria finishes her time with us in October but wants to continue volunteering We hope to have Daria return to us as an employee next year through an Internship with Inclusion Scotland, where she will work on researching, writing and illustrating a book about Dunkeld Folklore
Dunkeld Community Archive, 12 The Cross, Dunkeld, PH8 0AN archives@historicdunkeld org uk 01350 727786
SUPPORTING US : As we rely on donations to keep the Archive and Museum open and to care for our unique collections, we greatly appreciate any financial support we receive
To DONATE please go to our web site: www historicdunkeld org uk
News from our Community Council
Dunkeld & Birnam Community Council
Community
Council Matters
Stewart Pritchard Treasurer,
Dunkeld & Birnam Community Council
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: 14th November 12th December
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
The AGM on 10 October marked the end of the Community Council year and it’s 3 year term The new council will meet on 14 November to assign posts and plan for its next term
Five members, 3 councillors and 6 members of the public attended the AGM and/or the following ordinary meeting The Chair summarised achievements over the last years and thanked members for their contributions The audited annual accounts were approved
The Community Council awarded 4 grants over the last month – to the Men’s Shed, Dalguise Public Hall, Butterstone SWI and the PH8 Steering Group – and still holds funds to support additional local community projects – get in touch if you have an idea
The meeting discussed recent liaison with The National Trust for Scotland over their treatment of tenants; had updates on the plans for a local development trust and the proposals for traffic calming, roads and parking, and electric vehicle charge points in North Car Park
Peter Shannon, of TetraTech - agents for Verdant Leisure which manages Erigmore Leisure Park, presented their latest proposals to extend the park into the adjacent field between the River and Torlee Road, Birnam This is a sensitive site with implications for water and waste services, landscape, amenity and the
local economy, and the developers offered opportunities for people to comment on their draft plans
Looking ahead – Eilidh Henderson for Atholl Estates explained that they are working towards a community consultation event in mid to late November over options for development of Haughend (the 3 fields up Brae Street and beyond The Field) Details will be advertised
For the last two years all Community Council meetings have been by Zoom – but the next meeting on 14 November may be in-person – watch the facebook page for details
And with that, I’m signing-off from my first term on a community council It was a pleasingly eye-opening experience to see just how active our community is I would recommend everyone puts themselves forward to support our community council – or another community group I plan now to direct my efforts to local paths and nature initiatives
On a final note – the Community Council owns the phone boxes in Birnam and Dunkeld and makes them available as a community resource If you have suggestions for their use or would like to be involved in maintaining them, please contact the Community Council
Stewart
Contact the Advertising Manager adverts@dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk 07967 117149
•
•
• 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)
A World Community 15
The Field –Community Growing Project
The stalls in Dunkeld (Saturday) and Birnam (Tuesday) have now finished for the summer
We would like to thank everybody for your support in coming to the stalls during the summer, buying our produce, sharing recipes and talking to us with feedback on what you have been buying We have enjoyed both meeting and selling our produce to you
We would also like to thank all our volunteers who have been involved in growing, wedding, harvesting, preparing produce for sale, transporting produce to and from the stalls and last but by no means least, our four regular stall holders
It has meant a lot to us all as it really does make a difference
However the good news is that it is not the end of the season for us We will still be working in the field, following any government advice and this means there will be produce available from the stall at the field gate in Brae Street
We will stock the stall on Thursday at midday and Saturday at midday We will do our best to achieve this but it is weather dependent and the produce will depend on what is available We should have potatoes, onions, leeks, other root crops and brassicas
The produce will be £1 a bag or bunch unless otherwise specified and you can leave cash in the honesty box or pay us using bank transfer (BACS), details at the gate
Our AGM will be on Friday November 4th November at 7pm at the Duchess Anne in Dunkeld If you want any more information, our contact details are below: Dave Amos 01350 727763 Dave Roberts 01350 728926
Scottish Wildlife TrustPitlochry and Highland Perthshire Members Centre
The next meeting will be on Monday 14th November at 7 30pm in the Tryst Hall, Church of Scotland Pitlochry
The speaker will be Tom Prescott, Senior Conservation Offier at Butterfly Conservation who will talk about Perthshire butterflies and moths
For further information contact: Tim Fison - timfison@gmail com
November at Loch of the Lowes
We are now entering the winter season at Loch of the Lowes when shorter, darker days reduce our public opening hours to 3 days a week For the next four months (Nov 1st - Feb 28th) our Visitor Centre will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10:30am-4pm The earlier closing time of 4pm is due to the obvious reason – it’s too dark to see outside!
In this cold weather, we are delighted to say our coffee machine is once again in operation, providing cappuccino, mocha, latte and delicious hot chocolate to warm you up while you’re bird-watching If you’re getting ahead with your Christmas shopping, remember we have seasonal cards, bird feeders, gifts and books: from the very popular children’s ‘I Spy’ series to leading wildlife authors, as well as ID books Winter is now approaching through autumn’s falling leaves, the sight (and sounds) of geese flying south and
those unmistakably nippy mornings Our first snow usually arrives this month, rarely lying on lower ground but giving that clear-cut, white back-drop on the northern hills and mountains
This year there was a bumper crop of fungi, nuts and fruit in the hedgerows but it’s already being rapidly consumed by hungry wildlife Once you start to feed the birds in your garden (if you haven’t been doing it all year round) please keep the feeders regularly filled In a cold snap, your support can be life saving Avian flu is still around and hitting headlines, and there are other diseases which can be spread between birds when they share a feeding station, so it’s a good idea to have a regular routine of cleaning feeders and bird baths This is also a very good time to clean nest boxes while they’re not being used A good brush out, scrub with boiling water and, when they’re dry, a layer of sawdust dropped in the base, will make a snug refuge for birds or mammals through the coldest weather ahead If you have a garden, please keep wildlife in mind when ‘tidying it up’ The old stems and fallen leaves are vital homes for invertebrates e g ladybirds If you like to keep a very neat garden, why not choose a corner to pile a few leaves, trimmings of hollow stems from herbaceous plants or hedges and leave them for tiny creatures or hedgehogs to use If you have children (or fancy it yourself) look up ‘creating bug or insect houses’ online and have fun providing a natural place for wildlife to over-winter
Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre and wildlife reserve is approx 2 miles east of Dunkeld Children under 16yrs and Members Free admission, Adults £4 00 Concessions £3 50
Notes from a Councillor 17
again! It’s October already and the evenings are drawing in and the beautiful warm weather that we experienced this summer is just a distant memory Let’s hope that Mother Nature is kind to us this winter I have a bit of a road safety axe to grind this month!
I regularly receive requests from residents for traffic calming measures in their areas These requests are usually justified with tales of speeding traffic and their perception of vehicles exceeding the speed limits and putting life in danger
During the Covid lockdown, money was made available by the Government to put measures in place to protect the increased number of people who were exercising in their locality Vehicle activated signs were purchased and 20 MPH speed limits were imposed especially in areas where there were no footpaths or safe areas for pedestrians and they proved very popular with villages and rural communities
In August this year, there were in excess of 800 such projects on the list to be incorporated within Perth and Kinross, ranging from Vehicle activated signs to Footpaths and an estimated cost of over £15 million Our budget is around £3 5 million
For any restrictions to work there needs to be a level of enforcement and the Police are seriously stretched and unable to be everywhere on every day checking for speeding motorists Speed restrictions are a legal requirement, they not parochial and they need to be observed in ALL locations Reliance on everyone’s adherence to the Highway Code and road traffic legislation is essential If they are so important to people, why are so many people ignoring the restrictions that are already in place?
I have witnessed people who I know are in favour of speed restrictions in their own locality, driving at excessive speeds in my own village of Kinloch and I have feared for my safety whilst walking my dogs Restrictions are in place for reasons of safety If you have to drive at 60 mph through a 20 mph area then you probably need to start your journey 30 seconds earlier to avoid killing someone and breathe!
The Community Investment fund is now open for applications for Community led projects that tackle inequality and improve the quality of life across Perth and Kinross This fund is always well subscribed and has made a difference to a lot of organisations and groups throughout Perth and Kinross Full guidance and application details can be found at www pkc gov uk/cif Remembrance day will soon be upon us This year I am delighted to have received an invite to attend the Cenotaph in London with the Fleet Air Arm association It is the first time that I have attended this special remembrance event and I am extremely honoured and excited to be taking part, especially as this year is the 40th Anniversary of the Falklands conflict
As always, I do not hold specific surgeries for your enquiries, I much prefer to react to your individual requirements and I am happy to arrange meetings around you Please feel free to contact me either by phone on 07557 815546 or email me at ijames@pkc gov uk
JOHN SWINNEY, MSP for PERTHSHIRE NORTH can be contacted at: 17-19 LESLIE STREET, BLAIRGOWRIE Tel: 01250 876576
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
Ian James
November ‘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
Phone 01350+
Organsiations - General
Dunkeld & Birnam in Bloom 01350 727288 Linda Speirs
Dunkeld and Birnam Men’s Shed 07777696953 Mr Jackie MacLean
Email: dbmensshed@outlook com
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
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
Local Organisations - Continued
Health Community & Services
Infinityblu Dental Care, Pitlochry 01796 470001
Infinityblu Dental Care, Dunkeld 01350 729198
Dentist 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
November 2022 1 Messy Music resumes 3 30- 4 30 in Little Dunkeld church hazel murch@gmail com 3 Naked Stereo / Rain on Animals 8pm Tickets £14 4 An Evening in the Nepal Himalaya £12 in aid of The Little Sherpa Foundation 4 The Field AGM & Harvest Support 7pm Duchess Anne
5 & 6 Dunkeld & Birnam Autumn Art & Crafts Fair the Drill Hall The Cross Dunkeld 10am to 5pm each day Free entry
Riding for the Disabled AGM 11am Church of Scotland Aberfeldy
Birnam and Dunkeld Junctions Action Group 11:30am Birnam Arts All welcome pammgreen@btinternet com 8 Friends of Asheville AGM Community Coworking Space 7pm (rescheduled)
Miss Lindsay’s Secret 7 30pm Tickets £14 11 Santa Day Fundraising Quiz, 7 for 7:30pm Royal British Legion, £20 entry teams of 4 13 Remembrance Service in the Cathedral 10 45am 13 Act of remembrance at the War Memorial 12:30 The main ceremony will be down at the roadside so that those who aren’t able to climb up to the memorial can attend 14 SWT speaker Tom Prescott, Senior Conservation Officer at Butterfly Conservation timfison@gmail com 16 Older People’s Consultation 10 30am to noon Duchess Anne 17 Birnam Book Festival Event Jamie Jauncey Don Roberto and Me 7 30pm Tickets £6* 18 Kissing Linford Christie Catherine Wheels Theatre Company Schools Performance 11am Free 19 Christmas wreath making workshop Clunie Hall, see our Facebook page for details 19 Christmas Tea Party in aid of MacMillian Cancer 2pm onwards Grandtully Village Hall Liz on 07866556360 or email Fiona at malarkey99@gmail com 19 SNP Festive Fair 10-3pm Birnam Arts
21 Historical Society Talk ‘Secrets of the Archives’ by Ruth Brown Archivist at the Dunkeld Community 7:30pm Birnam Arts
