MBC Issue 173

mbC

News Milltimber

Bieldside Cults

Issue 173

Photo supplied by Dan Hodsden

Nov-Dec ‘16 Jan ‘17

Thinking of selling in Aberdeen?

CKD Galbraith’s local knowledge together with our national expertise and pro-active approach to selling, will ensure your property achieves unrivalled exposure. For more information on selling your property and to arrange a free market appraisal contact Hannah Christiansen on 01224 860 710 at our Cults office or email aberdeen@ckdgalbraith.co.uk

Local knowledge | National expertise | International reach | ckdgalbraith.co.uk

Kippie Lodge

Aberdeen’s Sports & Country Club North Deeside Road, Milltimber with the widest range of facilities in Aberdeen, Kippie has something for everyone!

Memberships now available.

Arrange a tour today by calling 01224 734747.

www.kippielodge.co.uk Page 2

Untitled-1 1

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/ 03/10/2016

11:30:02

Copy Deadline: 15 JAN ‘17 Distribution: FEB ‘17 delivery

NB : the editorial content for this issue should be relevant for reading in mid-Feb thru to end of May 2017 and beyond We are trying to make the process of sending us information as simple as possible. We are all volunteers and cannot man the office 24 hours a day and respond to every email. Want to send us some editorial? Editorial - please put it in a word document. If you have picture attachments please do not put these in the body of the word document, they need to be SEPARATE attachments. Want to send us an advert? Please send it as a high resolution jpg or pdf file. If you CAN’T DO THIS... then contact mbc@gazettemagazines.com and Sue will help you build an advert suitable for publication for a small fee.

NEW : Upload and book direct from the website website address www.cbmcommunity.org.uk OR Send your copy as an email instructions above: mbcnews@cbmcommunity.org.uk Or POST to : MBC News, c/o Craigbank House, Kirkbrae, Cults, AB15 9QL Contact Details for mbc News Team : 07415 659161

Editor (Carol)

Assistant (Christine) 01224 043592

Advertising (Fiona)

Assistant (Maren)

01224 864466

Accounts (David)

01224 862262

What’s On Locally (Eleanor)

Layout (Sue)

01224 868524

Editorial

F

rom Festival to Festivities…

Many of the articles in this issue mention the lovely, warm weather we had as the summer stretched on.

Meanwhile, autumn crept in unnoticed and was firmly installed when the last of the summer sunshine finally admitted defeat. So to spice up this Autumn, we have the first of a new feature for MBC News. Each issue will include a seasonal, local walk, with detailed directions and a helpful map. We are lucky to have so much green, open space to enjoy on our doorstep so get your boots on and crunch your way through the Autumn leaves of our first woodland walk.

Christmas is, once again, around the corner and remember, we are also very lucky to have some quality, independent shops nearby. There are also details of the many craft and Christmas fairs held in the local area in this issue. Independent traders often have that very personal gift you have been searching for so it’s worth avoiding the crowded malls and shopping locally.

If the thought of Christmas festivities (already!) brings you out in a cold sweat, then think festival not festivities! The summer MBC Festival committee are still needing new volunteers. What better way to beat the winter blues than to get involved in planning for the summer?

Finally, I would like to wish all of our advertisers, our contributors and our readers a very happy time over Christmas and New Year.

With very best wishes for 2017.

Distribution (Peter)

Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Community Website http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/

Carol

MBC News Delivery

If you check the Community Website now and again you will have seen that it has had a makeover. The website serves the Cults Bieldside & Milltimber Community Council (CBMCC), MBC News and the MBC Festival. Regular surfers will have noticed some different layouts and formats being tried out since the turn of the year. This has now settled on the current format.

The website is not Facebook and so may not have the immediacy of such social media but does provide information which tends not to change so frequently. Notices of CBMCC meetings are posted on the website including minutes of the meetings and planning reports.

Those of you who contribute to or who wish to advertise in MBC News can now submit/upload their contribution and pictures and adverts via the web pages. Deadline dates for copy for MBC News are also posted and you can read the last few issues on line.

Thanks to all you faithful deliverers of the MBC News – you’ve carried the message for another year and it is much appreciated.

New volunteers are always welcome and if you are interested in helping out, please contact Peter Roberts Tel. 01224 868524. We have a couple of rounds that have gaps at present; Golf View Road/Station Road, Bieldside – 30 copies North Deeside Road (north and south side) between Peterculter boundary and the B979 Milltimber Brae road – around 15 copies

Contact Graham Payne, 01224 868827.

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Page 3

News from the Cults Bieldside and Milltimber Community Council

A

fter a hesitant start, the summer of 2016 proved to be nice and sunny and that was just as well as we were treated to an array of in and outdoor festivals. Firstly, there was the Folk Festival; a weekend when excellent musicians and singers did their thing in the very relaxed environment of the Newton Dee Phoenix hall to the enjoyment of young and old. This was almost immediately followed by the main MBC Festival, two long weekends of happy events covering arts, cabaret, sports, games and exhibitions in various venues in the area. A number of new presentations included an exciting cake decorating competition. Finally, we enjoyed the Deeside Local Food Festival in Cults Academy, a one-day programme showcasing cookery and food, and including many kids’ activities. It is a privilege to live in an area where residents take pride in organising these events to entertain the community.

With this in mind, I would like to return to the MBC Festival.

This, always successful, annual event is organised by an independent committee including several long serving members. In fact, both the chairman and the secretary have indicated that they will definitely stand down this year. I would like to see the festival continue with a healthy structure so I appeal to all of you out there to put yourself forward and join the festival committee. There must be several newly retired ‘organisers’ in our area who could strengthen the committee’s ranks. Your participation would be greatly appreciated.

Community Council Members Nurul Ali Christine Anderson David Anstee Eleanor Brennan Norman Burt Colin Caldow Lindsay Davidson Matthew Dickie Guus Glass Sarah Gordon Kirstin Gove Colin Morsley Shan Parfitt Graham Payne Derek Robb Peter Roberts Lorna Sharp Peter Smith Theo Parfitt-Roche

The organisation of the new local health and social care partnership is developing slowly.

A leadership group has been established in which your community council will be represented. Our task will be to help shape the plans for the locality so that it serves the needs and priorities of the existing and potential service users, ie. you and me. Hence, it is important that we are made aware of your views on this matter so that we can bring these forward during discussions on the plan. We will discuss the subject in one of our future meetings but this should not keep you from letting us have your thoughts at any time by whatever means is convenient to you.

Finally, on behalf of the Community Council, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year when it comes and do not forget to get in the mood by coming along to our Carol Concert on 5 December!

Guus Glass

Bieldside Cults Cults Cults Milltimber Cults Bieldside Newton Dee Cults Cults Bieldside Milltimber Cults Cults Bieldside Bieldside Milltimber Cults

07984 062689

01224 862262

01224 864925

Chairman

Correspondence Secretary 01224 868827 01224 868797 01224 868524

Treasurer Vice-Chairman Planning Liaison Officer Meeting Secretary Youth Member

1 - Youth Member vacancy

Page 4

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

2084 - The Future is Ours – a Community Plan!

with these exercises was that they age quickly and are difficult to retrieve/update as circumstances change. Using modern digital technology, we think we can do better.

“I look to the future because that’s where I’m going to spend the rest of my life” – the Community Council is going to follow the advice of the American entertainer George Burns – not related to our own Burns, although the Bard could well have said something like that. We believe it is time for our community to have another look at how we want our living environment to develop in the future. This concerns the protection and enhancement of the local quality of life. The intention is to produce a consolidated CBM Community Plan covering most aspects of life in our area. The aim would be to give an overview of the community; to reflect the views of the local community as to desirable developments; highlight potential developments which are considered undesirable and to identify issues that need further exploration. We will need your input. The outlook will not go as far as 2084, that should be left to a future Orwell.

Depending on the issue, the view could be as long as the period covered by the City and Shire Strategic Development Plan, i.e. the next twenty years.

It is not the first time that residents are being invited to share their views on developments in their neighbourhoods. Several years ago a Neighbourhood Plan and a ‘You Said It’ report was produced on basis of what came out of a number of public meetings across the city. In 2013, we also submitted a ‘Toolkit report’ on the main issues and desirable developments the city should consider for their Local Development Plan (The proposed LDP is only just returned from consideration by Scottish Ministers and still needs to be approved). The problem

Are your finances in Olympic shape?

January 2018. Final document published (but to be reviewed and updated at least on annual basis) This is an exciting project that will hopefully generate many new and innovative ideas for our area. We will keep you informed about the progress.

Guus Glass Chair CBMCC

If your financial fitness needs improving or you would like a second opinion on your existing arrangements, please get in touch.

Financial Planning Investment Advice Retirement Planning Estate Planning and Long Term Care*

f inancial planning ltd 01224 781280 | enquiries@granitefp.co.uk | www.granitefp.co.uk Granite Financial Planning Ltd, Banchory Business Centre Burn O’Bennie Road, Banchory, Aberdeenshire AB31 5ZU

* Not all estate planning is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

September 2017. Revised complete document considered by CC and distributed for consultation.

Paul is currently the FT Money Management Financial Planner of the Year, the first ever Scottish recipient of the award. He has also been a category winner or runner-up on six previous occasions reflecting his varied areas of expertise.

Formed by Managing Director and Chartered Financial Planner, Paul Gibson, the company offers advice in a range of areas:

January 2017 – June 2017. Community Councillors to draft sections of the Plan. Each draft considered by CC as they become available (1-2 per month). Those agreed to be sent out to the community for consultation – via social media and possibly in print.

Paul Gibson (centre) receiving his Financial Planner of the Year award from television presenter Dan Walker

In an Olympic Year Granite Financial Planning Ltd is delighted to offer award winning independent financial advice to Milltimber, Bieldside and Cults residents.

• • • •

The new Community Plan will be a dynamic web based document with information and views obtained through a variety of means, including meetings (CC and other groups), questionnaires and social media but updated as and when necessary. It will form the basis for any responses from, and proposals by, the Community Council. The following time schedule is foreseen:

Granite Financial Planning is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Page 5

Planning Matters!

The number of Planning Applications in Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber was lower this quarter, primarily because Aberdeen City Council have upgraded their website and no applications were accepted for most of July. We reviewed 25 applications, slightly less than 2015 when we had 35 for the same period. No letters of objection were submitted.

A quick update on the major developments in our area: Countesswells - the detailed plans for first phase of housing (124 homes block C1/C2; 239 homes N10) have been conditionally approved and construction will start in October.

Phase one development is around 1260 homes and phase two will be 750 homes. The consortium thinks it will take around three years for the first 700 homes to be built. A primary school is due after 500 homes are sold, which could be in 2019. The first access road will be to the Kingswells roundabout due by the time 400 homes are sold. The road to Jessiefield junction will come after 1000 homes. The temporary health facility is expected after 500 homes are sold.

Hopefully by the time you read this the road works at the junction of the C128 and Blacktop road will have been completed. The C128 to Kingswells will continue to be closed to through traffic until end 2016 as work continues on the gas, water and telecoms utilities which will come from connections at the A944 to the north to the site. We know many people are annoyed at the lengthy closure of a well-used route but our protestations all came to nought.

Friarsfield – CALA are steadily building houses on the initial site, up to 81 homes. Preparatory work has begun on phase two, which will be 109 houses and 12 apartments. The link road between Kirk Brae and Craigton Road is due by the time 160 houses are sold.

Oldfold Farm – work on phase one for 61 homes continues and a good number of homes are now occupied. We welcome all the new residents to our area. The plans to relocate the bus stop on the south side of NDR (Culter direction) away from the Oldfold site entrance and towards the junction with Binghill Road have been approved. The bus stop after Binghill Road junction will also be retained.

AWPR – further to the petition raised by residents of Station Road, supported by the Community Council and your local city councillors, for the reconsideration of a dedicated pedestrian/ cycle/horse bridge over the AWPR maintaining a direct path along the Deeside Way, the Scottish Government Economy Secretary, Keith Brown has said any meeting to discuss a footbridge “would not be beneficial”. The project team has stated that, regardless of any discussions, a pedestrian bridge would not be constructed before the road opens. They have also said there will be no changes to the design of the traffic signal controlled junction on the A93 access route to the AWPR – good to see the spirit of open dialogue and understanding being maintained!

McCarthy & Stone Development at 3 South Avenue, Cults – The planning application 160552 for 21 two-bedroom apartments on the site of the house at 3 South Avenue is still under review by ACC Planning – no date set yet for Planning Development Committee review.

Page 6

Inchgarth Road Development – a public exhibition on the proposed development of land to the west of Pitfodels Station Road lying between the North Deeside Road and Inchgarth Road was held in September. The development would comprise; a sports playing fields, changing facilities, 42 retirement homes and nine detached houses. The developers will probably come to the November Community Council meeting to discuss the feedback they have received. The development will incorporate a link road between the North Deeside Road and Inchgarth Road which is seen as a key piece of transport infrastructure for Aberdeen.

Earlspark Crescent – the Community Council has been discussing a proposal to use Aberdeen City Council public land for access to a section of woodland just behind Earlspark Crescent with council officers and the land owner. The access is required for woodland maintenance; a tree surgeon has advised a number of trees should be removed. The Community Council hopes that an access route that minimises disruption can be agreed – a couple of options are being considered.

Aberdeen Local Development Plan – the two Reporters appointed by Scottish Government ministers have completed their review of the proposed Aberdeen City Local Development Plan. A number of minor changes have been proposed with one major change which will affect residents of Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber. The Reporters have recommended that the area of land which sits between the North Deeside Road and the Deeside Way in Milltimber, which is currently used as grazing for horses at the livery centre, be designated as a development opportunity site for 60 houses. Bancon made the proposal as part of their submission. Neither Aberdeen City Council (ACC) nor the Community Council supported the proposal; unfortunately, it appears that ACC are obliged to accept the Reporters recommendation unless ACC refuse to adopt the plan, which would be a major and unlikely step. The Reporters also recommended the inclusion of two small sites a) land west of Contlaw Road and just north of Culterhouse Road for 10 homes; b) land on Culterhouse for 8 homes next to the current 5 home development.

City Centre Master Plan The status of the phase one projects was presented to members of the community stakeholder groups recently. There are 16 project elements in phase one (next 1-3 years); 35 elements in phase two (4–7 years); two elements in phase three (8–15 years). Main points: Art gallery wrap bringing public attention to the city centre transformation work. Similar wrap planned for the music hall.

Broad Street design is progressing for bus, cycle and pedestrian use - report due on 6 Oct. Work will be done in time to open the street at the same time as Marischal Sq is opened. The design will allow for full road closure for special events. Making progress on letting space in the Marischal Sq development.

Union Street campaign to improve overall appearance. A new council team has been established to begin work on council owned property. Letters have been sent to other Union Street property owners to set out aspirations for Union St and get them to maintain their properties. New Union St Traders Association formed.

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Union Terrace Gardens: the company selected to prepare the design is LDA Design, who were involved in the London Olympic Park design. It is not planned to do a formal public consultation on the design.

Schoolhill area, looking to adopt a similar street design to that used in Belmont St. The plan is still to allow traffic but make it more encouraging for pedestrians. Longer term the section of Schoolhill between the two shopping malls may be closed to traffic but this would be in the last phase of work.

Car Parks: a strategic review of city centre car parking is planned, with a report back in spring. Comments made that it will be important to see this tie in with the traffic flow assessment and plans for road closures.

Aberdeen 365 - there are a good number of events scheduled in Aberdeen but organisers aiming for three to four major events to attract people to the city.

Queens Sq - a development framework has been commissioned for publication in Jan 2017.

St. Nicholas/Bon Accord Centre expansion plans are being developed and the owners have been asked to consider how their plans could help improve adjacent areas, for example, George Street.

Station Gateway - a key element will be improving pedestrian access from the Station/Union Sq to Union St. One concept is to promote greater use of walkways through the Green with better lighting and signage.

Developing a city narrative, Galvanising public and business support for the key projects, Securing additional public and private sector funding e.g.

Sustrans, Scottish Heritage and a marketing plan to promote Aberdeen.

Road Works You can keep up to date on road works in our area through our Community Council facebook page at www.facebook. com/cbmcomcouncil/ and also on our website at www. cbmcommunity.org.uk. You can also find road work updates at www.tellmescotland.gov.uk/notices/aberdeen-city/ and through www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/transport_streets/roads_pavements/ roads_and_pavements.asp The Community Council would like residents to know and feel comfortable that they can approach us, either at one of our monthly meetings or outside of a meeting, to discuss their concerns or support for a planning application being made in our area. We listen to all views and the more we hear, the better we are able to fairly represent the community of Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber.

Please don’t hesitate to contact the Community Council if you have any questions or concerns about a planning application and would like to place a topic on our meeting agenda.

Peter Roberts

Good progress is being made and the Masterplan team are working to secure greater public support and ‘buy-in’ for the Masterplan through; An engagement and communications plan – a communications lead has been hired, David Ewen who is a journalist with 25 years of experience,

Community Council Future Meetings Future Meetings

Venue

Other useful contacts details

24 November 2016

Deeside Christian Fellowship Church Cafe

Cllr Marie Boulton 522178 / 734712

December 2016

NO MEETING

Cllr Aileen Malone 522356 / 868690

26 January 2017

Cults Community Centre - swimming pool entrance

Cllr Tauqeer Malik 346615 / 07732 172225

23 February 2017

Deeside Christian Fellowship Church - Café

Police (non emergencies) 0845 600 5700

23 March 2017

Cults Community Centre - swimming pool entrance

Email: cbmcc@cbmcommunity.org.uk Mail address: CBMCC, c/o Secretary, 188 North Deeside Road, Milltimber, AB13 0HL Website: http://cbmcommunity.org.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/cbmcomcouncil

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Page 7

News from Councillors Marie Boulton and Tauqeer Malik Autumn has brought some beautiful weather, a change from the very wet weather of the summer. Aberdeen City Council staff have been out filling the sand boxes which are strategically placed around Lower Deeside and the wider City. Hopefully they aren’t expecting bad weather quite yet!

We would like to start our article by thanking everyone involved in the MBC Festival which had additional activities this year, one of which was the Cake Off. It proved very popular with both participants and those watching. We would also like to say a big “well done” to the organisers of the Food Festival which took place at Cults Academy at the end of September and was, for the second year of operating, a massive success. These festivals take a massive amount of organising: from the fund raising to make them happen; to getting the appropriate licences in place; to contacting those who may wish to participate. What has been really good to see, in both festivals, is the large and diverse number of local groups taking part. It would be remiss not to mention MBCBM who have been adding a splash of colour to our streets, with the tubs of blooms which are changed out each season. Again, this takes a lot of work: from planning, to ordering, to planting, to keeping watered.

Aberdeen City Council has been busy resurfacing several stretches of road and pavements in our area and replacing lighting columns. In conjunction with Scottish Water and

other partners we are continuing to work on flood prevention measures which will form the overall plan for Lower Deeside and feed into the wider City and Shire plan.

Several meetings have taken place with representative of the AWPR to try and resolve ongoing issues faced by residents on a daily basis. Other meetings have also taken place, which included the two Community Councils from Lower Deeside and one Community Council from Maryculter, to discuss concerns over the proposed type of junction on the North Deeside Road in Milltimber once the AWPR is open. The main concerns raised were that the junction would be traffic-signal operated and that the traffic lights would cause long queues as seen when the temporary lights were in place. Unfortunately, we have been told that the design will not be altered and that if changes are needed it will have to wait until the AWPR is operating. Contlaw Road has reopened to vehicles less than 7.5 tonnes with temporary repairs in place to allow this to happen.

Further permanent repairs will follow.

We have had many people contact us regarding the closure of the Cults-Kingswells road which was deemed necessary due to the Countesswells development. We can assure residents that we explored every possibility with our roads team to keep the road open but the decision to close it was made by officers due to health and safety requirements for the people working on the road. Aberdeen City Council officers are pushing contractors to get the work completed as quickly as possible so that the road can be reopened.

Letters will be sent to every householder over the coming months advising them of changes to the waste collection and

ANDY LOVELL

DÉCOR LTD PAINTER & DECORATOR

City & Guilds Advanced Crafts

Services tailored to suit your home Mobile 07939 150 858 Page 8

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

For a free consultation call Milltimber - 732 070

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

types of bins to be used. The changes are being rolled out across the City and are intended to improve our recycling rates and reduce the need to put anything to land fill.

The Local Development Plan has just been received at Aberdeen City Council following examination by the Scottish Government’s Reporter. The Reporter has included additional sites in Milltimber, these are on Contlaw Road, Culter House Road and North Deeside Road. The following has been added to the plan.

Land, west of Contlaw Road – 10 houses Land at Culter House Road – 8 houses Land at Milltimber South – 60 houses, retail and business opportunities – this is the two large fields, south of Milltimber, between the North Deeside Road and Deeside Line.

The inclusions of these sites will come as a shock to everyone; we are working with the Local Development Team at Aberdeen City Council to see how we can respond to the Reporter’s decision. The legislation was changed by the Scottish Government to stop local Councils deciding whether or not they wanted to accept the Reporter’s recommended changes to their Local Plan. There are a small number of reasons which may allow us to challenge the Reporter’s decision. If we cannot use them, the only other option open to us is not to approve our Local Development Plan, which carries its own sets of risks. Many residents have expressed their disbelief and upset at what has happened. Residents feel that if the sites had come out for consultation as part of the

Local Development Plan being promoted by the Council, they would have had the opportunity to present their views, which then would have gone forward to the Reporter for his ruling.

The residents who have contacted us feel local democracy has been undermined. We will keep you all informed as and when things happen.

On the 2nd October, S5 pupils from Cults Academy organised a fund raising football match in memory of James Stewart, a fellow S5 pupil, who tragically lost his battle with cancer in March this year. Pupils, parents and teachers came together, the sun shone on the day and they raised £3946 which is going to the Bone Cancer Charity.

We had hoped to be in a position to give you the findings from the independent investigation into the tragic death of Bailey Gwynne at Cults Academy last year. Unfortunately, the report has been delayed by a week which means the findings cannot be included in this article.

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Cllr Marie Boulton

Cllr Tauqeer Malik

Yes you actually can see our furniture/carpets/rugs/occasional furniture in our George Street premises, feel free to touch it, see it up close and then if you decide to buy it from stock. if not in stock we can probably source it.

We are a local family run business with local businesses in mind. Delivering a quality service, second to none - with core values of customer commitment, value for money and first class service, including an excellent after sales service.

Landlord s ask for Joann Bryan ana or what we d see ca do for n you!

262 George Street, Aberdeen AB25 1HN • Tel: 01224 636126 • Fax: 01224 638831 Page 9 • http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/ Website: www.ewenandco.com

mbc NEWSEmail: Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

enquiries@ewenandco.com

News from Councillor Aileen Malone Success with car park charging at Dunmail Avenue The campaign to keep Dunmail Avenue free of parking charges has been successful. Thank you to everyone who contacted me about this and who expressed their opposition. Many local residents objected to the proposal in the Administration’s budget to charge £1 for a two-hour maximum stay. I voiced these concerns and sense finally prevailed at the meeting of the Communities, Housing & Infrastructure Committee held on 25th August. They were forced to listen to the community and as a result, the car park will stay free of charge. I am delighted that the proposal has now been abandoned and thank you again for your involvement.

Black Bins and Recycling - Major Changes in the ‘One Household, One Bin’ Campaign The Council is currently going through a major change in its household bin collection service. This aims to reduce the number of refuse and recycling bins that are currently used by each household. A substantial amount of publicity is still required to get the message across so I thought it might be useful to provide some basic information. I hope this will assist.

The expectation is that each home will present for collection, one black bin containing general waste. In addition, each household would have one ‘mixed recycling’ bin.

People will be asked either to return their spare black bins to the Council, or simply stop using them. From next year the larger 240 litre black bin will be withdrawn and replaced with a smaller 180 litre size. If you have a particular need for a second black bin, this can be arranged. The purpose is to encourage more recycling of ‘undifferentiated general waste’ which currently ends up in the black bin. As an incentive to achieve this, an unlimited number of recycling bins will be offered. Therefore, separating different items for recycling becomes more of a priority. The ‘recycling’ collection service will be extended to all households.

I understand that these changes support the recycling message however, I think that residents need to be kept fully informed of changes - as well as the reasons behind them. The green agenda could be undermined if people are kept in the dark about basic details.

This new system has the following key messages: You are allowed one additional black bin if your household is eligible and if you apply; If you don’t need or are not eligible for a second black bin, it will be taken away or it cannot be presented for collection again; There will be no charge or restriction on the number of recycling bins provided; This new policy does not affect the brown bin and food waste system. This area of refuse collection is yet to be reviewed.

More information is available at http://www.aberdeencity.gov.

• • • • • • • •

Driveways Paths and Patios Lockblock or Pavoirs Concrete Yards or Repairs Tarmac Surfacing or Repairs Car Parks, Roads & Entrances House Plot Work and Substructure Drainage, Septic Tanks and Soakaways

9 9 9

Established for thirty years Hundreds of satisfied customers Call for your free Quotation today

info@jrdonald.co.uk www.jrdonald.co.uk tel. 01467 651700 Rothens Steading | Monymusk | Inverurie | Aberdeenshire | AB51 7JA Page 10

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

uk/waste/news/waste_news_general_waste.asp or email: wasteandrecycling@aberdeencity.gov.uk Allan Park and Milltimber Play Equipment I have received comments from residents about the lack of play park equipment in our area. Unfortunately, the play equipment in Allan Park was removed earlier this year for Health and Safety reasons. Equipment must be safe, but it is worrying that there is insufficient budget available for replacements. It is expected that new equipment will be installed in Allan Park in 2017. In the Milltimber play area, the small climber unit had to be removed due to its age and condition. Again, there is no funding available to replace this. I believe a new play unit may be installed in the forthcoming financial year. I hope, in time for next summer - at the latest.

‘In 2017, the Council is due to start an audit of all play areas across the city. Each play park will be evaluated for upgrading and then prioritised for attention. I will continue to press for funding for our local play parks which are required by the many young families in our area.’ Outdoor play is a basic need and children should have a variety of opportunities available to them.

The Bridge over the Den of Cults Unfortunately, the little bridge behind The Mews on Kirk Brae has been dislodged by the flow of water and having collapsed into the burn, it is now in a precarious position. Barriers have been erected to stop people using this handy and well-used shortcut. Now, it is not only hazardous to use, it is also causing a blockage in the water flow. My main concern is that heavy rainfall may cause the area to flood, therefore it is important that repairs are done without delay.

Resourcing our Local Schools It is widely reported that Aberdeen is a particularly underfunded area. More public money is needed as our local schools in Cults, Milltimber and Bieldside deserve adequate resources. The Scottish Government has announced plans to raise the upper bands of the Council Tax. In some areas, this will be welcomed and seen as a means of increasing public funds for hard pressed local authorities to boost council services. However, the main source of council funding (the government grant) is being reduced. This reduction will mean that Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City will together lose out to the tune of £47million, affecting schools and all other services in the city. The government will decide on where its additional public funding for schools is allocated across Scotland. Let’s hope that they have a rethink because Aberdeen cannot take any more cuts in funding.

Continuing Saga – Electronic Traffic Signs I continue to receive requests to have the Electronic Traffic Signs returned to their position on Jacob’s Ladder/ Craigton Road and also on Baillieswells Road. These signs were removed and then re-erected elsewhere in the city. I have been advised that there is a list of 23 sites wishing to have these signs, with unfortunately only a handful available. The sign on Baillieswells Road was installed earlier this year at my request. I was told recently that it was being removed for repair. I have been urging that it is re-instated and operational once again without delay.

The signs are more useful when rotated every few months to different locations. Drivers react to the signs because they are not expecting to see them; the habit of seeing them reduces

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

their impact. Here’s hoping that we get the signs back so that they can do their job and alert drivers of the need to take extra care.

Closure of Kirk Brae to Kingswells Route (the C128c Road) The closure of this major north/ south road has been inconvenient for many. Traffic that usually takes this route has been displaced to alternative roads closer into town and to Counteswells Road. The C128C is due to open up again by 8 to 11 December.

Hopefully, the disruption to local people will be minimised.

Countesswells New Town Development update The proposal to construct a new town on our doorstep - with about 7000 new residents - has moved a step closer. In August, the Council’s Planning Committee voted to approve construction of the first group of houses. At the meeting, approval was gained by a majority of 14 votes to two. The potential impact of this New Town on neighbouring communities concerns me.

The surrounding road network will struggle to cope as the large increase in traffic is generated. This increase in traffic will be combined with the cumulative impact of other major residential developments in and around our area. Please let me know any feedback and queries.

Road Safety and Culter Bridge Everyone travelling east/ west in our area is likely at some point to experience the traffic lights and traffic queues at the bridge works in Culter at the junction of Malcolm Road. The upgrade work is welcome but some people are concerned about safety issues. One specific concern is when vehicles turn from North Deeside Road into Malcolm Road. Malcolm Road has become busier as a result of the closure of the Kirk Brae/ Kingswells north-south road. Please let me know any comments about this situation and I will try to help.

Safety First - Secure your Property At this time of year with the hours of daylight steadily decreasing, it is always worthwhile underlining the need to protect your property. To deter opportunistic crime, the police suggest outdoor motion sensitive lights and leaving lights on in the house when you are out. A house that looks occupied is more likely to deter possible criminals so consider timer switches. If you see anything suspicious in the neighbourhood, the police recommend that you call them on their non-emergency number 101. Crimestoppers can be called on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous.

As ever, please do not hesitate to contact me, at any time, about anything with which I can help. I will always do what I can.

Hope you all have a lovely Christmas and New Year!

Best wishes!

Councillor Aileen Malone Town House Broad Street Aberdeen AB10IFY Tel: Office 01224 522356 Home: 01224 868690 amalone@aberdeencity.gov.uk

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Page 11

Culter Singing Group Competes at National Competition An Aberdeen-based singing group has just competed in a national singing competition.

Albacappella, a ladies’ barbershop harmony group, which meets in Peterculter, took part in the Ladies Association of British Barbership Singers (LABBS) Convention, which took place in Harrogate at the end of October.

Albacappella, which has been in existence since 2012, was one of only two choruses from Scotland which took part in the competition with the best of British ladies’ barbershop singers.

The group competed against 32 other choruses from across the UK. Albacappella performed two songs, a popular upbeat song and a ballad, which the group have been practising at their rehearsals in Peterculter each Wednesday.

Barbershop singing, originating from 19th century American men socialising in barbershops, is unaccompanied vocal music with four-part chords leading to a perfect harmony. Albacappella sings a range of music from classical 1930s barbershop songs to upto-date tunes such as ‘Happy’ by Pharrell Williams. The group currently has 22 members.

Mike Warner, musical director, said: “We are delighted with our performance at the annual LABBS convention. We are a very small group compared to other choruses which can number over 80 singers, but we put on an outstanding show and our voices resonated around the conference hall. We have been working on

Page 12

creating a strong sound, and we enjoyed a singing retreat in Drum in September with barbershop award winning medalist Mike Taylor, the arranger of one of our songs.”

Albacappella chairperson Tina Newcombe added: “We were one of the last to perform which was quite challenging for the nerves!

Many of our singers were performing in front of an audience of thousands for the first time, so it was quite an experience. We love performing and were delighted to show off the new skills we learnt in September at our singing craft retreat.

“Singing is great for the soul. At the end of a hard day, spending an evening singing with friends is the ultimate relaxation. We perform regularly throughout the year, but enjoy competing at the annual convention. At Christmas time you will see us out and about in Milltimber, Peterculter, Cults and Deeside singing from our varied repertoire as well as, of course, our favourite Christmas carols!”

Albacappella meets at St Peter’s Heritage Hall, Peterculter, at 7.30pm on Wednesday evenings. From January – March 2017, rehearsals will take place at Kiipie Lodge. New members are always welcome. No singing experience is required – just a desire to learn and a sense of humour.

For more information, visit www.albacappella.co.uk or contact Yvette Rayner, Tel: 07834 490290 Email: yvette.rayner@tiscali.co.uk

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Cults Canoe Club - Update on Recent Activities Summer 2016 Despite the lack of rain this summer, we have still managed to run a full programme of canoe and kayaking events and trips. Our Open Day on the 19th June was held downstream from the Bridge of Dee close to Duthie Park and was a great success. This gave us an influx of new members and we were able to take advantage of our affiliate membership at Knockburn Sports Loch to deliver a programme of weekly beginner/improver sessions over the summer period. These proved to be very popular with lots of members coming along to improve their skills in a supervised and safe location that has the added advantage of comfortable changing and shower facilities. This proved particularly welcome for anyone unlucky enough to have an “out of boat experience”! Knockburn is a great venue which offers a fantastic opportunity to transfer skills learnt in the pool into a more dynamic environment and a more realistic water temperature; more advanced skills can be practised and developed before applying them to the river environment.

Throughout the summer we have been holding the usual mixture of river trips, to cater for all groups from novices to advanced. All trips are led by experienced members. We also held a safety and rescue session at the Invercannie rapids, just upstream from Banchory.

This was a great chance to develop swimming and self-rescue techniques in the river in a controlled environment and allowed the team to practise dealing with various incident scenarios. For the more experienced paddlers, we held a camping weekend adjacent to Loch Faskally where we made use of the guaranteed white water issuing from the dam releases of the upper and lower stretches of River Tummel.

The Club finished off the summer season with a weekend camping trip to Sandend on the Moray Firth to catch some surf. The weather was all booked and delivered some excellent introductory surf for many of the folk who had been coming along to the Knockburn sessions throughout the summer. A great weekend was had by all and the guys are all looking for the next opportunity to catch some waves.

With the summer period over, after the October break, we will be starting our winter pool sessions in the Cults Swimming Pool again. This is a great opportunity to learn the sport in a warm environment and also to meet us to see what we are about. If you are interested in finding out more, please email info@deesidepaddlers.com or search for Cults Canoe Club on Facebook.

The Allan Park Cults

It is frustrating and very disappointing to report selfish vandalism which resulted in the burning down of a newly installed picnic table – depriving other people of sitting in and enjoying the park. To assist in funding a replacement and other improvements we have organised a fundraising event.

Just Gems in Cults have very kindly sponsored a party night which will be held on Friday, 2nd December at the Beach Ballroom from 7pm to midnight.

Stovies and a disco will be included in the ticket price of £10. Tables of up to 12 (up to the 120 capacity of the Star Ballroom) can be taken by individuals or organisations who wish a good night out for a worthy cause. All proceeds will be used to invest in the improvement of the Allan Park.

Tickets are available from Iain Clark iainhc9@gmail.com The Allan Park is for all residents to enjoy and we hope the community will support this event, which had been generously donated, to enjoy a sociable and fun evening.

Volunteers are also required to help plant 30 sapling trees to replace dead Elms in the Allan Park on Sunday 13th November at 1.30pm. All are welcome and your practical help would be much appreciated.

Iain Clark Secretary, Friends of the Allan Park

 Cults – Bieldside – Milltimber  Monthly, two monthly, single clean  Free sills clean included  Roof gutters cleared  Licence and insured Gordon or Paul

07762 149712

clean33@talktalk.net

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Page 13

T

he new GDFAS season is packed full of varied and intriguingly entitled lectures and every lecture will be liberally illustrated with dazzling photographs. We warmly welcome all existing members and would be delighted to see visitors who, having come once, won’t be able to resist coming back for more. The lectures begin at 7.30. Visitors are requested to make a £6 donation.

2016 November 9

December 7

AGM followed by: Income and Inspiration: Financial Secrets of the Masters Brilliant British Humour in the Forgotten Art of the Picture Postcard 1909 -1939

2017 January 11 Tea with Macintosh: The Glasgow Tearoom Phenomenon February 8 England’s Golden Age of Cabinet Making March 8 Fizz and Crackle – John Singer Sargent April 5 Mars and the Muses: The Renaissance Art of Armour May 10 GDFAS Fundraiser: Earlier start at 6.30 p.m.

Followed by: Modern Art and the Art Market June 14 Dale Chihuly (born 1941) The transformation of the studio glass movement PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF VENUE. We now meet in room N242, Riverside East, Sir Ian Wood Building, Robert Gordon’s University, Garthdee Road.

From the Bridge of Dee, take the first left out of the roundabout along Garthdee Road.

At the second set of lights after Sainsbury’s, turn left on to the RGU Campus and bear right at the first junction. The Sir Ian Wood Building is to the left of the Faculty of Health and Social Care. There are a number of car parks on the campus, some of which may involve a few minutes’ walk, so allow time for parking. Please also note, with great regret we are no longer able to offer pre-lecture drinks. For more information, please ring Alison on 01224 869639 or Thyra on 01224 481278 or check the GDFAS website.

Page 14

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

St Devenick’s Playgroup News August-October 2016

Monday-Friday 9:10am - 12:20pm 2 ½ -5 Yrs.

(Not required to be potty trained)

Friendly, Qualified Staff. Funded Places Available.

Lunch Club Wednesdays (12:20-1:30pm) Healthy Eating Policy Outside Play Area and Garden The playgroup also runs RISING FIVES on Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:30-3:00pm Also every Wednesday TOTS AND TODDLERS: 9.30am – 11.30am For more information phone or e-mail

Playgroup 867431 or Emma 07525825043 E-mail - stdevenicksplaygroup@gmail.com Website - http://stdevenicksplaygroup.btck.co.uk

McKay & Innes Funeral Directors "Let us help, guide and support you through a very sad and difficult time in your life"

154 North Deeside Road Peterculter AB14 0UD T: 01224 730233 324 North Deeside Road Cults AB15 9SE T: 01224 868832 Email: mckayandinnes@outlook.com

 Available 24 Hours  Pre Paid Funeral Plans Available Cameron McKay & Callum Innes

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

We had a wonderful start to the term as we welcomed both familiar and new families to St Devenick’s Playgroup. The children brought in lots of great holiday photos to share and they soon got busy exploring all the different areas of the hall and nooks and crannies in our garden. We made a lot of great paintings and other wonderful creations using playdough. We also made some spectacular Mr Potato Heads using all sorts of vegetables and craft materials.

Who’d have thought that Brussels sprouts would make such wonderful feet for our baked potatoes to balance on!

The hand-shaped cookies that we made to help us remember the importance of hand washing were also a huge hit, both to make and to eat! All this messy hands-on play was a great way to settle the children back into playgroup and brought smiles all round.

A visit to the playgroup garden was another favourite activity amongst the children. It was lovely to see the delight on their faces when they discovered a frog and all sorts of other bugs and beasties hiding under the logs. Later in the term, it was time to get busy with planting bulbs for springtime, which led to all sorts of mucky fun with trowels and watering cans.

We have welcomed in a new Committee this session, who are planning some wonderful events for the year ahead.

These will provide a great opportunity for our families and other community members to socialise and have fun whilst also helping to support the Playgroup. Please watch this space and check our website for more news on Playgroup events. Many thanks to our previous Committee members, in particular our Chair, Serena Morrison, and Vice Chair, Sarah Hollas, for all the great events and fundraising that they organised last year. They did an impressive job of supporting the playgroup and staff over the course of the year and were a fantastic asset to the Playgroup.

St. Devenick’s Playgroup is based at St. Devenick’s Church Hall. Playgroup runs Monday to Friday 9.10am–12.20pm, with an optional Wednesday lunch club. Rising Fives is on a Tuesday and Thursday from 12.30pm-3.00pm and Tots and Toddlers on a Wednesday morning from 9.30am11.30am. If you would like further information about any of the above, please contact playgroup on 867431 or Emma our playgroup administrator via our playgroup email: stdevenicksplaygroup@gmail.com.

Finally, if there are any readers who enjoy gardening and might have some free time to volunteer in helping us maintain our garden, please contact the playgroup as we’d love to have some extra help. http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Page 15

Sunday Morning Worship 10.30 am 1 Quarry Road, Cults AB15 9EX

“When the Sun Goes Down” Reflective Evening Worship in Cults Kirk Sanctuary 6th November and 4th December at 6 pm

Creche Jesus And Me SHED

Under 5’s 5 – 12 years Teens

‘Cults Music to Remember’ - a fortnightly

Music in the Sanctuary

singing group for people with dementia, their family, carers and friends.

Sunday 2.30 pm Paul Tierney 20 November (baritone) and Roger Williams (piano) Sunday 2.30 pm Richard Coleman 15 January (tenor) and Jeremy Coleman (piano) MESSY CHURCH in Cults Kirk Centre - 1st Thursday of each month. Contact Debbie Gordon 01224 863472 e-mail: sdebbieg@hotmail.com

Tuesdays at Cults Kirk Centre 10.15 – 11.45 8 & 22 Nov 6 Dec - 10 & 24 Jan

Friday Café for S1-S3 at CKC 3.30 – 6 pm during term time “Singing Waiters Coffee Morning” Sat 10 December 10 am – noon at Cults Kirk Centre

Christmas Tree Festival Cults Parish Church Sanctuary Mon 12th – Sunday 18th December 1 pm – 7 pm Christian Aid St Andrew’s Night Friday 2nd December 7 pm at Cults Kirk Centre Tickets £15 from Maureen Taylor 01224 861377

HUB CAFÉ OPEN EVERY TUES, WED AND THURS 10 am – 3 pm for coffees, light lunches and fine pieces Volunteers needed. Contact Tracy Gordon 07503 867682

re you one of the 80% of women affected by unwanted facial and body hair?

Apilus Platinum Pure Electrolysis treatments can put YOU in the 20% The APILUS PLATINUM PURE - 100% PERMANENT RESULTS MORE RAPIDLY » State-of-the-art technology - 27Mhz radio frequency to permanently & rapidly eliminate ALL hair types of ANY colour » more effective - works twice as fast as any other epilator by optimising energy concentration in the hair follicle » more comfortable - the 27Mhz radio frequency so swift & concentrated that treatments are much more comfortable than conventional electrolysis » incomparable effectiveness & comfort

Jenny former nurse, an electrologist with 14 Jenny, aaformer nurse, is aniselectrologist specialistspecialist with 13yrs experience. years experience. £10 £10 off off first first treatment treatmentwith this postcard THE AGE OF ULTRA COMFORTABLE ELECTROLYSIS IS FINALLY HERE!!

Finally say goodbye to unwanted facial/body hair

m

u tin Pla een s ilu d Ap Aber t s Fir re in Pu Indoor Poster Sample 3.indd 1

Page 16

tel : 594 777 mob: 07843 054 393 4/23/2014 3:23:45 PM

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

C ults

M edical

G roup

A berdeen ,

:

S outh

ab 1 5

avenue ,

9 l Q

tel 0845 337 1140 : fax 01224 860171 A message from Dr Smith I had a lovely weekend at the end of August for my Ride the North trip. The sun shone and there was no wind. I cycled from Rhynie to Inverness and back over two days, approximately 182 miles in total. It was a very sociable event, with lots of time to chat whilst on the ride (apart from when the hills got too steep!).

Thanks to everybody’s generosity I managed to raise £440.00 in total for Alzheimer Scotland, which will enable the charity to continue to provide support for both patients, suffering from dementia, and their carers.

It’s the flu season again and we are currently running immunisation clinics at

the surgery on a Saturday morning and during the week. If you are over 65 or have had a letter from the Practice, please get in touch with our reception team who will make an appointment for you.

If you are on a longstanding regular medication, you could be suitable to receive serial prescriptions, where your pharmacy will receive a prescription for 24 weeks or possibly 48 weeks on one prescription. To qualify for this service you need to be: On a regular medication Signed up to the pharmacy Chronic Medication Service (CMS) Both your GP and pharmacy feel that you would be a suitable recipient.

Check with your pharmacy for details.

If you think you may be suffering from a possible urinary tract infection, are

female and aged between 18 and 65 years of age, you can now contact your local pharmacy who are offering an assessment/treatment service for uncomplicated urinary tract infections. They will ask a few basic questions to ensure you are suitable for this service. Children and men with a suspected urinary infection should always contact their GP. Finally, the practice will be closed on Wednesday, 26th October and Wednesday, 9th November in the afternoon for Protected Learning Time. We will also be closed on 26th and 27th December 2016 and 2nd and 3rd January 2017. In case of an Urgent Medical Emergency during those times, please contact NHS24 on 111.

Thank you Tracey Wilson, Practice Manager

esents

Granite City Roller Derby pr

Christmas Shopping and Craft Fayre FEATURING THE ‘CREATE ABERDEEN’ CHOIR mince pie and mulled wine included on entry

25 STALLS INCLUDING JEWELLERY, GIFTS, CRAFTS, RAFFLE, BAGS, BAKED GOODS & VINTAGE WAREs

Friday 25TH Nov 7-9.30pm

£3 ADMISSION

Cults KIRK CENTRE, 404 n. deeside rd, cults

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Page 17

Vincent HenegHan

Milltimber PTA

WealtH ManageMent consultant

Christmas Market

Friday 25th November Milltimber School

A wealth of expertise on your doorstep

Gift & Craft Stalls, Tombola, Raffle, Mince Pies and refreshments

i provide an experienced wealth management service and offer specialist advice in a wide range of areas including:

Visit SANTA in his Grotto

6.30pm to 9.00pm

.investment

planning .Retirement Planning .inheritance tax planning

For further details contact Vincent Heneghan on:

mob: 07710 471 815 tel: 01224 202409

Email: vincent.heneghan@sjpp.co.uk

Website: www.sjpp.co.uk/vincentheneghan

Tickets can be bought at the Door Adult entry - £4 each (includes Tea / Coffee & mince pie) – all children must be accompanied by an adult Primary child entry – free / Secondary School Child entry £1 each

Body Stress Release a Gentle Technique to Relieve Tension and Pain Body Stress Release is an effective non-invasive technique which helps release muscle stress, often the underlying cause of pain.

BSR can help with

4 Star Country House Hotel, Banchory

Lunch & Dinner served daily 12 – 2pm / 6pm – 9pm

Back pain, sciatica, slipped discs, Neck pain, arthritis, whiplash, hip pain, frozen shoulder, RSI, Migraines, headaches, neuralgia, TMJ problems, tennis elbow, gyneacological disorders, dizziness and many other ailments.

10% off lunch or dinner bill

For more information visit BodyStressRelease.org.uk or just call me to make an appointment.

on production of this voucher

Ionela F. Borodatencu

Valid 1 – 30 November 2016 and 5 – 29 January 2017

BSR Practitioner, MBSRA (UK)/BCMA Reg.

07880 – 69 55 69

Cults

ionela@bodystressrelease.org.uk Page 18

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

www.tornacoille.com Tel 01330 822242 http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Milltimber School Countdown to Christmas Hello from Milltimber PTA! Are you ready for Christmas? If not, we may just be able to help. The Milltimber School Christmas Market on Friday 25th November will be the event to help get your Christmas shopping started or finished, or perhaps both, all in one night! There will be stalls from a whole range of local businesses with wonderful ideas for festive gifts such as whisky barrel picture frames, jewellery, beautiful handbags and accessories, handmade cards, pictures, Younique make-up, children’s toys and puppets, creative textiles and craft items. The ever popular House Tombola Competition will be joined by a surprise stuffed sock stall … Come and enjoy a glass of cheer and some of our homebakes, buy some raffles and play games.

As if that was not enough, it is also expected that there will be a visit from a very welcome guest in a bright red suit with a bushy white beard. We have made a special request that the children be able to get their photograph taken with Santa.

The Christmas Market will be held in Milltimber School Hall from 6.30 to 9.00 pm on Friday 25th November. Our doors will be open to the whole community and tickets for the market can be purchased at the door on the evening.

Christmas market planning aside, the first term of the school year has been a busy one for the PTA as we have been welcoming new parents to the school, and some onto the PTA committee, as well as running our first fund-raising activities and events. These have included: a Bingo Night at the Ashvale, Spree Book sales, Personalised Christmas Cards, and the first School Disco of the year. Funds raised in this academic year will be going towards new screen and projector for the school hall, literacy resources to support action learning and ongoing playground development work.

We hope the Christmas Market will be as well-supported as it was last year when we were bowled over by the turnout by parents and the wider community. Please come along to the school on Friday 25th November, when we look forward to welcoming you to help us kick-start a happy festive season.

Milltimber PTA

Milltimber Scout Group News

Gone Again Gone gone again, May, June, July, And August gone, Again gone by,

The Milltimber Scout Group are enjoying a busy Autumn with camps, hikes and community events.

Our beavers, with their leaders and helpers, had a hike plus a well-earned snack on the trails at Drum Castle on a sunny September afternoon for their Hikes Away badge. They also built ‘bug hotels’ with twigs and leaves that they will look after as part of their Outdoors Challenge badge. In addition, nine of our beavers signed up for the District Spooky Walk and 30th Beaver Birthday Bash at Templars’ Park in October.

And misty ones,

Off sunny days,

Ten of our cubs, plus adults and a young leader, took part in the NE Region Centenary Cub Camp at Aden Park in September with lots of fun activities including segway, a climbing wall and making paracord bracelets. Our scouts had night games and a campfire at Templars and are looking forward to the District Mission Impossible camp in December.

Geoff Weighill Group Scout Leader 65th Aberdeen (Milltimber) Scout Group

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

Days gone again.

Shorter days, Final colour blaze.

Yellow, orange, red, Then they're dead.

Remember, November,

All members of the group are preparing sketches and songs for our Family Open Evening in November and will also join other youth groups in the area for the Remembrance Day parade and service at Peterculter Parish Church.

Finally, our Group Executive Committee with the beavers, cubs and scouts are preparing for our annual St Nicholas Fayre in the Milltimber Community Hall on Sunday 4th December and everyone will be welcome to visit the stalls and enjoy some festive refreshments.

And heavy rain,

December, Not yet come.

Out of dark, Shines Christmas, Light and joy, The baby boy.

After Edward Thomas, continued by Margaret Cook

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Page 19

Sunday Services 9am & 11am Morning Service with Crèche, Junior Church, S1-2 Bible Class, Celebration Group 11am 6pm – Evening Service 7pm – Youth Fellowship (S1-S6)

Binghill Drive, Milltimber, AB13 0JE Church Office: 01224 739180 – www.dcfchurch.org

Something for everyone at your local Community Church!

TEARFUND CHRISTMAS CONCERT - Sunday 11th Dec @ 6pm CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES Sat 24th Dec @ 6:30pm & 8:30pm

CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE @ 10am (bring along your favourite present!)

Check our Facebook page for our Weekly Term Time Activities The Ark baby and toddler group; mainly music; ‘Who let the dad’s out?’; 55+ coffee mornings; Sanctuary Ladies Bible Study; Mission Craft Workshop; Friendship in Art; Parenting Classes; Divorce Care.

GREENHOUSE (P1-P7) @ 6-7pm on Wednesdays.

Community/Family Workers Elmer and Kathryn Rojas are happy to meet people in the community for a chat. Feel free to call the Church Office on 01224 739180 or directly on 07712 326049 (Elmer) & 07889 538972 (Kathryn).

Camphill Wellbeing Trust is a medical charity which aims to support an extended approach to health and wellbeing.

We offer therapeutic options to address illness, improve resilience and maintain wellbeing.

Our particular expertise includes: 

Learning disabilities,



Children’s health: 0-18 years



Chronic conditions,



Mistletoe therapy

including autism, ADHD

e.g. ME, stress, allergies

To find out more, contact us on: 01224 862008 or by email: admin@cwt.scot

www.camphillwellbeing.org.uk Camphill Wellbeing Trust is a business name of Camphill Medical Practice Ltd A limited company registered in Scotland No.SC120539 Charity No. SC016291 Registered office: St John’s, Murtle Estate, Bieldside, Aberdeen AB15 9EP

Page 20

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

Camphill Wellbeing Trust is a business name of Camphill Medical Practice Ltd A limited company registered in Scotland No.SC120539 Charity No. SC016291 Registered office: St John’s, Murtle Estate, Bieldside, Aberdeen AB15 9EP

www.camphillwellbeing.org.uk

01224 862008

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Community Matters:

Cults Academy PTA & Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Fabulous Fashion Fundraising Show!

The inaugural Cults Academy PTA and Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) Fashion Show took place at Cults Academy on Thursday 29th September and what a roaring success!

The fabulous evening raised an incredible £1,740.30, with the profits directly supporting the work of the PTA and the work of CHSS in the Grampian Region. CHSS provide support to those in the community to ensure stronger, longer and independent lives for those affected by chest, heart and stroke conditions. The evening included a short, but compelling, speech on the work of the charity and its vital importance to the region from a representative.

The wonderful, infectiously enthusiastic host for the evening, Sonya Angus (CHSS volunteer), led the audience through a night of incredible charity shop (and designer!) fashion from the boutique as well as giving a humorous account of the local community! This

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

included a dog walking scene, glitz and glam, the Cults Academy House Colours AND the ‘ladies of MBC’.

Items from the show were then up for grabs in a CHSS Pop-Up Shop which the audience could browse through while enjoying refreshments provided by the PTA. Sales amounted to almost £600 for the shop!

It was down to the hard work of members of the PTA, the Cults Boutique CHSS Shop, CHSS staff and volunteers, that the night was possible and they would like to extend thanks to all those who supported and attended. This includes: Kippie Lodge who provided hair and beauty to our catwalk volunteer models and students; Flash Photography, Aberdeen for providing the star prize; and the staff of Cults Academy for their time, effort, support and guidance.

There are already talks in the pipeline for a similar, but even better, evening for next year and it certainly won’t be one to miss!

Supporting Your Local Community “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” Helen Keller Fancy FUNdraising for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland with the exciting fundraising events team in Grampian or at the Shop? Do you have a few spare hours every week or every now and again? Would you like to also make a direct and positive impact to people’s lives in your local community?

Don’t hesitate to get in touch then! CHSS have a number of roles available for those wanting to volunteer ad hoc and also more regularly within their fundraising and retail teams and would love to hear from you. You can register your interest by visiting the CHSS Website – www.chss.org.uk/ supportus/volunteer-for-us, or by contacting the North East Fundraising Officer Katie Jones on katie.jones@chss.org.uk or 0300 1212 888.

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Page 21

Autumn Walk in Foggieton Wood Introduction This walk follows the route of Core Path 55, through Foggieton Woods, starting from Cults Primary School and returning to the same point.

The walk should last about an hour and a half, depending on pace. The walk is graded as easy, but some sections of the path are uneven, with exposed tree roots, and some short sections can be muddy, especially after rain. Strong footwear is therefore advisable. The first mile or so is not signposted but, beyond Ladyhill Road, the route joins a Forestry Commission path network which is waymarked with posts. You can shorten the walk by turning back before you reach Ladyhill Road and perhaps exploring some of the many other paths that run through these woods closer to the starting point.

Start and Finish Point Beside Cults Primary School, the gateway at the junction of Cairnlee Road East and Earlswells Road, close to the start of the Primary School perimeter road.

There are several other access points including: the gateway at the

top of Cults Avenue, just before the junction with Broom Park and Kirkbrae Avenue; several openings on the Primary School perimeter road; Hillview Church car park.

Footpath Details Section: from Cults Primary School to Foggieton Forest Walks network and car park Grade: Easy Terrain description: mixed, some made-up, well-surfaced paths, some very muddy sections and some sections of path uneven with boulders and exposed tree roots etc Distance: about three miles but the walk can be shortened or extended on the Forestry Commission Foggieton Wood path network Time: about one and a half hours Route Directions Gateway to Hillview Community Church Starting from the gateway at the junction of Cairnlee Road East and Earlswells Road, walk a very short distance along the path to a junction, turn left and then left again at an open space. Follow the

(Contains OS data©Crown copyright and database rights (2016) Page 22

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

path, which undulates initially as it runs through the open space, and continue through the trees alongside the school perimeter road, then alongside the driveway to Hillview Community Church.

This first section is well-surfaced and reasonably level, but beyond the church, the path is not surfaced and there are a few large rocks, which look as if they block the path but can be easily walked around.

Hillview Church to Ladyhill Road Keep going past the rocks until you reach a green wire fence, where the path turns right and follow the path beside the fence. The path then bears right slightly as it leaves the fence and, after passing a gap with a fence post, you reach a wider path like an avenue with tall trees on both sides. Go straight on at the first junction which is just beyond the fence post, then turn left at the next junction and follow a line of telegraph poles. After a short distance, the path bears to the right to go towards Ladyhill Road. There are two or three very muddy stretches on this section, particularly just before the road. They can be avoided by bearing right slightly on a narrower path shortly before reaching the road.

Ladyhill Road to Forestry Commission car park Cross Ladyhill Road with care and continue a short way on the path on the other side before bearing left onto a short section which is uneven with tree roots but, which soon leads to a well-surfaced path with wooden waymarker posts. This is part

of a Forestry Commission path network. *Turn left on to this path and follow the red-topped waymarker posts, first crossing an open area, then through mature woodland, then turning left at a junction in young birch woods, just before a small wooden bridge. Keep following the red marked posts until you reach the Forestry Commission car park, where there are information boards including a map of the various way-marked paths.

Return Route You can use the map on the information board to select your return route: you can either continue to follow the red marker posts on the ‘Ladyhill Trail’, through the car park and round on a loop path through mature woodland, or you can follow the ‘Warblers’ Trail’, a short way along from the information board, where the path forks, to make a direct return through the birch woods. Either of these routes will return you to the point * where you originally joined the Forestry Commission path network and where you take the rough path back to recross Ladyhill Road. You return to Cults Primary School on the path you followed on the outward route, remembering to turn right from the path alongside the telegraph poles on to the wide path through the avenue of trees; this takes you back to the path beside the green wire fence leading back down to Hillview Church and then back to the primary school.

WILSON GARDENS FENCING • DECKING • PATIOS

01224 722423 • 07703 720639 neilwilson1@live.co.uk

I am a One man company based in Dyce, providing all the services listed below.

Whether you need a fence repair or a new build garden planned & constructed.

Call or email me to discuss your next project.

Tree Work•Turfing•Exterior Painting Operating in Aberdeen City, Suburbs and Shire

Check out my reviews at tradesadvisor wilsongardens

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Page 23

Art Exhibition – ‘People’s Favourite’ The organising committee of the MBC Festival Art Exhibition is delighted to announce the winner of this year’s ‘People’s Favourite.’

‘Purple Heather, Bennachie’ by Catherine TaylorArmstrong takes first place!

In second place was ‘Starry Starry Night’ (wallhanging)

by Jane Appelbee and third, ‘Moona Lisa’ by Trisha Richie.

Well done ladies and thank you to everyone who voted. The dates for next year’s exhibition are Thursday 24th - Sunday 27th August 2017.

Holiday AWA

Craft Fair

Saturday 12th November 2016

*

11.00 – 16.00

*

Admission: £3

IN SUPPORT OF

*

Hilton Aberdeen Treetops Hotel 161 Springfield Rd Aberdeen, AB15 7AQ

Page 24

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

MBC Festival 2016 We hope the festival provided some brightness during the last weeks of August after a period without much sunshine. The festival was officially opened by Guus Glass, Chairman of the CBM Community Council, at the charity cabaret organised by the Rotary Club. The audience was entertained by a variety of performances and the evening raised a substantial amount for charity. With few exceptions the festival events were well supported and those who attended enjoyed the varied programme and the excellent refreshments available. The exhibitions of calligraphy, art, flower arrangements, music and baking skills reveal the wealth of talent residing within the MBC area. Children with their pets had the opportunity to chat with SSPCA officers and receive their rosettes. Cults Bowling Club hosted their open day and also a fun evening beetle drive. The junior open evening at Cults Tennis Club was very well attended and the youngsters enjoyed plenty of fun with the coaches. The programme hopefully provided something of interest for all ages, from the family fun day at St Devenick’s to Simeon House and Gardens’ open day, and the opportunity to socialise over tea/coffee and home baking at a variety of venues.

The Festival Committee would like to express their thanks to the organisers of the events for all their time and hard work and to the SSPCA for their help at the Children’s Pet Show. Our thanks also go to the CBM Community Council for their essential financial support, to local businesses and to MBC News for their help in advertising the festival. The festival was instigated to promote the sense of community within the MBC area and we therefore thank all those who helped this by attending the activities. Several charities were supported by funds raised at some of the events. We would like to take this opportunity to appeal for help in organising any future festival. Your comments, criticisms and suggestions would be very welcome as would anyone willing to join the festival committee.

Please contact: John Page, tel. O1224 867988 or Joyce Wright, tel;. 01224 867398

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

As this goes to press, the hanging baskets have just been removed as their displays diminish and the threat of frost looms. The tubs and other planters are still showing fine displays of summer bedding and will do so for a few more weeks. Our thoughts pass to spring bulbs and another allocation of daffodil bulbs from Aberdeen City Council are looked forward to.

Also, this year MBCBM are coordinating the planting locally of several thousand purple crocus bulbs as part of the exciting partnership between Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland and the Royal Horticultural Society, .

The purple crocus is a symbol of Rotary’s worldwide campaign to eradicate polio, with its colour representing the purple dye used to mark the finger of a child who has been immunized.

For over 30 years, Rotary and its members have been committed to fighting to eradicate polio across the world.

The number of polio-endemic countries has dropped from 125 to just two, with over 2.5 billion children receiving vaccinations thanks to the help of Rotary. With eradication now closer than ever, Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland’s latest campaign, Purple4Polio, is designed to unite communities to engage in activities as part of the final push to eradicate polio for good.

If you are interested in helping with MBCBM activities, please contact Graham Payne, 01224 868827.

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Page 25

Milltimber Playgroup We hope everyone has enjoyed the first term back as much as we have! The sunny weather during August and September allowed us to enjoy many of our activities outdoors, utilising both our patio and the fields and play park around the community hall.

Rainy days never dampen spirits as this just makes our mud kitchen more fun with bigger puddles and more splashing opportunities!

Playgroup Session Updates A simple jumping game on one of our rugs sparked the children’s imaginations and led to many funfilled sessions learning all about their favourite animals. Our new Discussion Boxes allowed us to explore many animal-related topics and our floor books benefited from some beautiful pictures and interesting animal facts. We learnt about Eid and how Muslims celebrate this event. The children particularly enjoyed sampling traditional food and trying on the traditional clothes and jewellery.

We encourage our parents to join us via a ‘Stay and Play’ session which will be hosted in the second term

and the Christmas run-up will no doubt be filled with the usual excitement, reaching fever pitch at our Christmas party, which will be open to the children and their families.

Forest School Updates Our Forest School sessions continue to grow in popularity allowing children to learn through imaginative and active play in an outdoor environment.

We currently offer both a morning and afternoon session on Wednesday and Friday respectively so why not come along and see firsthand what these sessions have to offer?

A trip to Newton Dee allowed the children to explore early signs of autumn, collecting seeds and looking closely at bugs and insects on our walk along the railway line. A fallen tree offered lots of fun and allowed us to talk about strong winds and of course our climbing tree and mud kitchen remain firm favourites each week.

Planning permission has finally been granted which will allow our much needed outdoor storage to be put in place, and we look forward to benefiting in

2016 2015

Flu Vaccination Clinic

Now Open

Going Abroad?

Travel Well . Travel Wise Whether you are travelling for business or leisure, before you go, visit the Travel Health Clinic at Charles Michie's Pharmacy

Travel Vaccinations . Yellow Fever Clinic . Anti-Malarials . Passport Photos . Travel Accessories

391 Union Street . Aberdeen . 01224 585312 . michies.co.uk Page 26

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

the New Year, as will the whole community, from the exciting outdoor play plans currently being finalised in conjunction with Aberdeen City Council. This project was made possible thanks to the Tesco Bags of Help grant and the commitment of our Forest School Leader, Claire Hudson Livingstone who has coordinated this project from its infancy.

Committee Updates A huge thank you as always, to the parents who assist with our parent rotas and vital fundraisers. We hosted yet another successful café with a great variety of home bakes during the MBC Arts Festival weekend in August and our popular annual ‘Spooktacular’ Fireworks family event on Saturday 29th October will be closely followed by a Catchlites photography session on 27th November. Looking forward into the New Year, we have our much anticipated Race Night, hosted by Khyber Pass on 27th Feb 2017.

transports the children, if required, to Milltimber Nursery’s afternoon session providing seamless childcare from 09.15 – 15.35 Monday to Friday. We also offer the wrap around transportation service and lunch club for our Friday afternoon Forest School Session, offering seamless childcare from 08.30 – 14.40. Spaces are currently available, please contact our Playgroup Manager Julie McWilliam on 07740 575273 or email milltimberplaygroup@hotmail.co.uk to obtain further information or arrange a visit. We look forward to welcoming you into our family.

About us Milltimber Playgroup operates from the Milltimber Community Association Hall. In addition to our weekday morning sessions we offer a lunch club facility as well as a unique wrap around service which

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Page 27

Autumn 2016

SOX-768-50664-Aberdeen-A4-L-LAWNS-from15-PRINT.pdf

1

14/12/2015

09:54

Karate-Do

Classes for Beginners, Children & Adults Tuesday & Thursday - Albyn School 6.00-7.30pm

Wednesday - Albyn School Adult Beginners - 7.00-8.15pm

Saturday - Cults Academy/Community Centre 10.00-12.00pm Sunday - Pre Grading Courses once a month.

Tel: 01224 734607 Email: rwattobe@outlook.com www.karate-scotland.info

Autumn seems to have arrived in a rush quickly after the equinox: the nights have lengthened, rain fallen and the wind blown … and unfortunately this coincided with our Open Day! Nonetheless, it was one of our busiest yet with hundreds of people joining us for an afternoon of family fun: from donkey rides to craft experiences; puppet shows to face painting; with home baking, café and BBQ all part of the mix. A special thank you to the Culter Pipe Band who brought some festive cheer along with them. (Advance notice -Saturday 23rd September 2017, 2-5pm, Open Day, Camphill Estate!)

This term we have hosted visits from two MSPs: Mark McDonald, Early Years’ Minister, and Ross Thomson. Although they had different focuses, they both commented very favourably on what they had seen and expressed the wish to be informed of our future developments.

Following this, and other recent visits

by MSPs to the Scottish Camphill Communities and in particular our community in Edinburgh, the following motion will be presented at the Scottish Parliament: That the Parliament pays tribute to the charity, Tiphereth, which runs the Camphill community in Edinburgh Pentlands; recognises the valuable work that is done there to support people with a learning disability or other support needs through residential and day services, including an art and design group, woodwork, basketry, environmental work and a gardening group; notes the emotional value that living, learning and working in such a community has for people with a learning disability or other support needs, and wishes the staff and volunteers all the very best in the coming years in continuing to support some of the most vulnerable people in society.

We send them our congratulations for being recognised in this way.

This term has again seen a large influx of co-workers from around the world and in particular from Europe. When this number is added to the number of European co-workers who are resident here, and have been for many years, you can begin to imagine that the Brexit vote could have a major effect on how we work and the services we provide as well as our interaction within our locality. Along with many others, we will be watching carefully how the negotiations unfold ….

Laurence Alfred

Page 28

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Peterculter Medical Practice Our ‘flu vaccine campaign at the practice started in early October, and we have been running our usual regular immunisation clinics targeting those in the publicised at-risk groups. The annual ‘flu vaccine protects: people over 65; those who have certain health conditions; pregnant women; and those who work in healthcare, against the strains of ‘flu virus that are likely to be circulating each winter. The ‘flu vaccine is offered to all children in Scotland aged two to five years (and not yet in school) at their GP practice (children must be aged two years or above on 1 September 2016 to be eligible). It is also offered to all primary school children at school. Please remember that fit and healthy younger adults are not regarded as being at particular risk of ‘flu complications so are not recommended for routine NHS vaccination. Some companies will however, offer this to their employees and the ‘flu vaccine is available on a private basis via some pharmacies and other private medical organisations. Please don’t delay getting your ‘flu vaccine organised so that you are protected from influenza during the winter months.

Over the last ten years, the ‘flu vaccine has generally been a good match for the circulating strains of ‘flu, so that those people in the atrisk groups can be confident that being vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself against a virus which can cause serious illness. Even when it is not as well matched, if you do develop ‘flu, symptoms may be less severe and you may be less likely to develop complications requiring you to see your GP or being admitted to hospital.

News from Culter & District Pipe Band We were delighted to play at the Boys Brigade Parade and at the Camphill open day during September both of which were a great success.

A big “congratulations” goes out to Callum Ross and Blair Garrett, who came 1st and 2nd on the chanter, at a recent piping/drumming competition held at Lathallan school and also to Alexandra Greig, one of our snare drummers, who achieved a very good score on her crit sheet. We are extremely proud to have such great talent representing our band.

Thanks to everyone’s hard work fundraising we have managed to buy several new drums and as a result we are looking forward to giving more of our drummers the opportunity to play and compete with the band next season.

We are always delighted to see new faces within our band so if you would like to try drumming or piping then please get in touch and come along and have a go. We have a mixture of ages and ability so will be able to find a level for everyone.

Fiona Webster Band Secretary Tel: 01224 867784

We have been offering telephone appointment slots over the last several years. These are five minute, scheduled appointments which are suitable for single-issue queries or if the GP needs to communicate a non-urgent matter, such as a test result or a discussion of a hospital letter. Please remember that they are not appropriate for more complex matters, if there are several issues needing discussed, or if a physical examination is likely to be required (for example rashes, painful conditions).

Please think ahead to the Christmas and New Year period. We will be closed during the two public holidays each week only. As ever, it is important to make sure you have sufficient repeat medication supplies so do remember to order early.

Best wishes Dr D C M Harris

PERFECT PAW’S PARLOUR MOBILE DOG GROOMING

A PET SALON THAT COMES

Photo by Dan Hodsden

Stimulating Dog Walks Fully insured Highly experienced References available 07931 412 405

jo.lealisha.gsd@gmail.com www.lealishalongwalks.webs.com

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

RIGHT TO YOUR DOOR. NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL! CONTACT: SANDRA Tel: 07872 172036 perfectpawsparlour@yahoo.com

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Page 29

Cults Hillwalking Club

After admiring the views, the group set off on the final section to Tomintoul for very welcome refreshments.

After various 40th anniversary celebrations the club settled to the start of the new season in September and managed to find a walk not visited before in all of its 40 years, Geal Charn and Ailnack Gorge. This proved to be a popular outing with 38 walking on the day. The group on the shorter route set off from Bridge of Brown on the path beside Allt Iomadaidh and on to the estate property at Fae. Then, east on track to Ailnack Gorge (a most unusual feature) and via Delnabo to Tomintoul. The two groups on the longer route set off from Dorback Lodge to the top of a very windy Geal Charn before dropping down to the Ailnack Water at Ca-du Ford. This section was not suited to those with vertigo but was safely navigated by all and with some relief the main track along Ailnack Gorge was reached.

New members are always welcome. Do come along and see what a varied programme we offer. Evening meetings are normally held at Cults Community Centre starting at 7.30pm.

The new club website http://www.cultshillwalkingclub.org. uk/ has full details of all the 2016 – 2017 club walks and other activities or contact: Chairman, Paul Dumont on 01224 863938, pauldumont@sky. com or Membership Secretary, John Adams on 01224 868402, john@ adamsnet.co.uk

2016

NOV 13 WALK: Glen Feardar DEC 1

MEETING: John Howell: Geology for Hill Walkers

DEC 11

WALK: Speyside Way, Craigellachie (OS28)

JAN 5

MEETING: Graham Marr, Exploring Old Roads in Deeside (Cults Kirk Centre)

2017

JAN 15 WALK: Kerloch

21st Aberdeen (Cults) Scout Group Scottish Registered Charity No. SC 018385 www.21staberdeenscouts.org.uk

Give your roof a new look...

Book Sale and Christmas Fair Saturday 19th November 2016 10am – 2pm

After

Before

Scout Centre, South Avenue, Cults

Start your Christmas shopping early!

Brand new Gifts and Toys Huge Range of Books, DVDs, CDs Refreshments/ Home Baking Chocolate Tombola Children’s Games

Admission £2 Adults £1 Children

(includes refreshment)

Page 30

Services Provided by Patricio: High pressure cleaning and roof repairs Pointing and Valley re-cementing repairs External Painting Eave Painting Unblocking of Gutters Removal of lichen and moss from roofs, patios and driveways!

Roof tile coatings with acryol nulife waterproofing solutions Clear sealer or up to five colours available terracotta, brown, green, grey or red WE ARE ON TRADE ADVISER

Contact: Patricio Cepeda today Landline: 01224 646866 Mobile: 07739 690 575 mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Cults Playgroup News October 2016

Autumn Tints---Winter Fun September Bowling As bowlers have come to accept, September provides the best weather of the summer. The green is running well and Cults Bowling Club provides an idyllic setting for the game of bowls—a green oasis sheltered from the North East wind and surrounded by trees now showing their Autumn tints. But now we close the green and start our indoor bowling! However, there is still a great deal going on in the club over the winter.

Winter Activities These began as soon as we closed the green officially on September 17th. The club is used on a weekly basis by the popular Cults Bridge Club and the club is also open every Tuesday evening for a whist night as well as for a debating group (a bit like Burns’ Tarbolton debating society). Every Tuesday morning, a working group is there to deal with all the jobs such as repainting our benches in preparation for season 2017. If anyone wants to know more about the club, this is the time to come down and have a friendly chat.

Every month the Club has a social evening for members and friends.

Saturday, 29 October

Quiz Night

Saturday, 26 November

Beetle Drive

Saturday, 10 December

Christmas Party

Saturday, 28 January

Burns Night

Saturday, 25 February

An Evening of Magic

Saturday, 25 March

The Great American Song Book

Then it is time for the outdoor season to begin!

An Open Club Cults Bowling Club welcomes every expression of interest—for bowling, for social events or for both. Contact the club. Talk to a friend about it. Drop in on any Tuesday morning. You will find we are an open club with friendly members.

The club’s web site is www.cultsbowlingclub.weebly.com There, you will find details of our programme and much general information about the club. You may also contact Findlay Baxter at: Tel: 01224 868263 or at findlaybaxter@ yahoo.com

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

After the long summer holiday, we welcomed many new children who began the process of separating from their parents/carers, as well as faces from last year keen to enjoy the playgroup routine and familiar activities. With high numbers of children, the playgroup has also recruited a new permanent member of staff to join the team.

The warm weather has enabled us to spend much time in the garden. The big wooden rocker and climbing frames are favourites. The children have had much pleasure from the mud pit, good for digging and raking and also a fabulous place for the outdoor diggers and dumper trucks. Our foldup wheelbarrows are good for moving around the natural tree and factory cut logs and stones. We have numerous baskets of ‘small parts’, a dice and counters, bean bags, small cars and balls and many others to stimulate the imagination.

Alongside more traditional balls, hoops and trikes, there is always plenty to keep everyone busy.

Indoors we have had a focus on colours. Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends have been discussed and played with. In ‘blue’ week we thought about water, animals that live in it and even had a good look, touch and smell of a herring from the fish shop! The role play area has been a house and then a shop with a multi coloured fruit and vegetables to handle and sell. During a particularly warm week there was a camp site set up. We used a new tent and tunnel purchased with Sainsbury’s vouchers. Thank you to everyone who contributed to our voucher collection.

Every day the children enjoy a healthy snack with milk or water. This has included potatoes harvested from our garden which were washed, boiled and eaten. The children are consulted about their favourites and these include crackers and cheese, toast, bagels, cereal and yoghurts, plus a wide variety of fruit and vegetables.

The committee has already been busy with a very successful Clairvoyant night. Upcoming fundraising events include a Temple Spa evening on Thursday 3rd November, a Stella and Dot show on Thursday 8th December and an ever popular ‘Burns Night Supper’ on 21st January 2017. Everyone is welcome at our events, so do come along.

Cults Playgroup runs each morning of the week at the North Hall, Quarry Road from 9.00 until 12.10pm. If you would like to see what we do please arrange a visit. Our mobile is 07842 470828 during playgroup hours or email cultsplaygroup@gmail.com

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Page 31

Auchterdeen Ltd

The fooT lady yvonne m thomson

Personal Support for your Personal Computer in Lower Deeside

mcshp mashp

HOME VISITING PRACTICE EST 1998 NEW PATIENTS WELCOME

D r o p o ff o r h o m e v i s i t

         

Tel: 07752 865 918 MEMBER OF THE BRITISH CHIROPODY AND PODIATRY ASSOCIATION

Business & home users Mac Computer set up Windows Virus removal iPads Advice on what to buy iPhones Help with your website iPad/iPhone/iTunes support One-to-one help Contact Val Muir: 01224 735001 Email account set up val@auchterdeen.scot System restore & recovery www.auchterdeen.scot Printer installation

Pressure Cleaning Services, Aberdeen For a no obligation quotation Tel: 01224 518508 Email: hello@smartenmydrive.com Website: www.smartenmydrive.com GET THAT KERB APPEAL ON YOUR DRIVE & REGAIN THE BLING BACK ON YOUR PATIO !!

 Your local independent domestic cleaning company specialising in pressure cleaning, sealing and effective maintenance of all types of external hard surfaces.  Gutter Cleaning & Debris removal with the High 8m Reach Skyvac Hoover System fitted with Onboard Camera & Monitor  UVPC Windows, Gutters, Soffit’s, Facias & Conservatory cleaning with the Stream-a-Clean High 8m Reach Brush System

Exercise Classes to Music

See listing at back of MBC News for class times. or visit www.FSAberdeen.co.uk

CULTS

Improve Fitness, Flexibility and Strength Have fun !

FRISKIS&SVETTIS

FRISKIS&SVETTIS HILLVIEW

FRISKIS&SVETTIS EXERCISE HILLVIEW CULTS

FRISKIS&SVETTIS EXERCISE HILLVIEW CULTS

Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Service Photo by Dan Hodsden

If your pet is a V.I.P. to you.

They are a V.I.P. to me too!!

Call Lorraine on 01224 - 734 139 or 07875 542 284 Page 32

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

The Scottish Samurai Awards Aberdeen’s famous Karate man, Ronnie Watt (9th Dan), will be flying off to Japan next month at the invitation of the Japanese through a fellow martial artist. Kazuo Yamazaki, 6th Dan, who is also well known in Aberdeen for setting up the Aberdeen Kendo Club, has invited Ronnie and his wife Gail to tour some of Japan with him.

The highlight of the tour for Ronnie will be visiting the Karate Dojo’s where they have organised displays of three of the traditional Japanese karate styles.

They will also visit Nagasaki where they have been invited by the Mayor of Nagasaki, and some of the most prominent Karate Masters, to attend a dinner in his honour. Ronnie will also visit Kagoshima and meet the Satsuma 19 who visited Aberdeen and the U.K. last year.

Ronnie is no stranger to Japan having visited six times to date and even training in the world famous Takushoku Dojo, where modern Shotokan Karate was brought to the world by the Japan Karate Association.

Ronnie’s connections with Japan go back a long way. When he started Karate, 50 years ago, very little was known about Karate in Scotland.

The only way to learn was to go to Japan or attend some courses the Japanese Masters were running down at Crystal Palace in London.

Ronnie did both. After years of training, Ronnie became well known as an instructor and an international competitor, leading the Scottish Karate team and teaching over 20,000 people.

In his Karate career, Ronnie has brought many Japanese instructors to the UK, Germany and Norway and become good friends with many legendary karate masters. Ronnie brought a team over from Japan to compete in a friendship tournament and in 2001 organised the World Karate Championships at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.

His work with the Japanese and his contribution to Karate has not gone unrecognised. Ronnie is one of the few people to be honoured by the Japanese outside of Japan, with an Order of the Rising Sun. He has also since been recognised by the Queen with an OBE and ‘Sports Personality of the Year’ by Aberdeen city Council. He also has honours from the government of Slovakia and other karate clubs in Europe. Last year, he was entered into the “European Hall of Fame for Martial Artists”.

As if all this wasn’t already enough to keep him busy, 22 years ago Ronnie founded a small awards event to help recognise and encourage people in different aspects of life. Initially it was centred around sports but now the Scottish Samurai Awards have grown into something really special. Over the years many famous names have been associated with the awards: Alex Salmond, Sean Connery, Sir Ian Wood, Tommy Dreelan, Martin Gilbert, Dr Joseph Morrow the Lord Lyon and The Very Reverend Professor Ian Torrance are among the esteemed recipients recognised for being ‘people of spirit’, Scottish Samurai.

This year’s awards will take place on 9 December, from 7-9pm at the Town and County Hall, Town House Aberdeen. It welcomes special guests, Dr Joseph Morrow and The Very Reverend Professor Ian Torrance and will feature lectures from the Consul General of Japan and Lord Charles Bruce. Please contact Ronnie for more information. {Photo: Ronnie Watt OBE presents the Very Reverend Professor Ian Torrance with an Order of the Scottish Samurai Great Shogun Masters Award]

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

Deeside Local Food Festival It was wonderful to see so many of you at the Deeside Local Food Festival in September at Cults Academy. From the minute the doors opened we were greeted by enthusiastic visitors, keen to sample a wide variety of local food.

With over 40 local food producers, vendors and community groups exhibiting and 2,000 visitors attending, the event had a fantastic atmosphere. The festival’s local produce market brought top quality locally produced meat, fish, eggs, cheese, vegetables, beer, sauces, preserves, cakes and confectionary to the MBC area. Visitors enjoyed meeting farmers, growers and creators living close by. We were delighted that over 75% of the food producers and vendors present came from within 25 miles of Cults.

During the afternoon Ross Thompson from Culter Pipe Band lead Craig Wilson, ‘The Kilted Chef ’, through the Academy to his Kilted Kitchen. Craig treated us to two cooking demonstrations and was joined by Rebecca Curran from STV. Fisherman and TV personality, Jimmy Buchan, and local farmer, Andrew Booth, were also guests on stage helping to create delicious dishes with local ingredients.

Cults Academy’s playground was transformed into a street café and visitors enjoyed choosing from the selection of freshly-cooked lunches on offer. Wood-fired pizza, homemade soups, local gourmet burgers, stovies, award winning fish and chips and TexMex style street food were all popular. Local band, Jazz & Co, created a wonderful ambience with their uplifting music and Rock Choir’s ‘flash mob’ gave a stunning performance on the steps overlooking the street café.

Children were kept busy with a variety of fun foodie activities, many of which were created by local community groups and volunteers.

The 21st Aberdeen (Cults) Beaver Scouts had youngsters making camp trifle and cheerio necklaces, learning to tie knots with strawberry laces and taking part in their ‘guess the food’ game.

Messy Church were making fruit kebabs and decorating clay coasters with colourful seeds. There was also marshmallow and cupcake decorating, smoothie making by pedal power, facepainting, ‘food fishing’, a reading corner run by Aberdeen Library Services and an inspiring ‘Foodscape’ art project created by David Newbatt and Fiona Jack. We were delighted that Streetsport were also there to provide some football and tennis fun.

Primary school-aged children had the opportunity to take part in a baking competition before the event, they were asked to create a birthday cake fit for The Queen using local ingredients. Cakes from the six finalists were on display at the festival and the children were all congratulated on stage. The overall winners were Rosslyn Tennant from the P3 to P4 category and Ayla Kidd from the P5 to P7 category.

Raffle tickets were sold in aid of the Ballater and Deeside Flood Relief Fund. Local businesses kindly donated prizes and the total raised for this local appeal was £474.20. The Rotary Club of Aboyne and Upper Deeside will ensure the money is used for flood regeneration and resilience projects in the affected areas.

Thank you to everyone involved in this year’s festival and for making it such a huge success. In particular many thanks to our team of wonderful volunteers who generously gave their time and enthusiasm on the day. We are extremely grateful to The Big Lottery Fund Awards for All Scotland and Opportunity North East (ONE) who made the festival possible through their funding.

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Page 33

PODIATRIST & CHIROPODIST

TRACEY WHITE, HILARY BLAIN, & DONNA MACKAY BSc HONS, MCHS HOME VISITS AVAILABLE

CHIROPRACTOR

MATTHEW BARKS

MCHIRO, MRCC

MASSAGE THERAPIST

CLAIRE KELLY DSM, DOSM, MASC, SMTO

DIETITIAN

MARIA DOW

MSC, RD, MBD

COUNSELLOR

LINDSAY GARDNER

BA HONS, PGDIP CC

BANCHORY PODIATRY & CHIROPODY IS NOW PART WESTHILL HEALTH & THERAPIES PRACTICE

OF

TEL 01330 825333 (BANCHORY APPOINTMENTS)

WESTHILL SHOPPING CENTRE

‘

01224 740885

WWW.WESTHILLHEALTHTHERAPIES.CO.UK WESTHILLPODIATRY@GMAIL.COM

PC Repair IT Professional

(Laptops, Desktops, Printers)

• Hardware and Software Repair

• Speed up PC and Complete Virus Removal • System Restoring and Recovery • Wireless, Cabling, Passwords Recovery, • Printer Problems and Repair • Free pickup only if necessary usually up to

24 hours (ON SITE same day repairs)

• No Extra fee for Driving (Aberdeenshire) • The Prices are £35 for the first hour then

£30 per hour (NO-FIX-NO-FEE)

Dan Docea

Tel: 0743 6115 421

Aberdeen - N rthern - L ghts Fireplace / Stove Installers & Fitters Fireplace & Stove Installation Stone Re-pointing & Cladding

Flue Re-lining Cowls / Bird Guards Fitted

Chimney Pots Fitted Chimney Sweeping

SOLVEIG DAHLE SMITH SOLVE Cert. Pilates. Inst. MAPPI Retired physiotherapist

Cert.

Ret

PILATES CLASSES PILA PETERCULTER SPORTS CENTRE

PETERC

CAMPHILL SCHOOL MILLTIMBER

CAMPHIL

Mon & Tuesday afternoons Tues & Thursday evenings Wednesday evenings

CULTS KIRK CENTRE Contact: Alan Mckay M: 07910103308 T: 01224 865087 E: alan@aberdeennorthernlights.co.uk www.aberdeennorthernlights.co.uk

Page 34

Hillhead Farm Cottage Hillhead Road Aberdeen AB15 9EL

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

Friday mornings

Contact details solveig@pilatesaberdeen.com www.pilatesaberdeen.com 01224 861421 http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Mon Tues

W

CU

solveig www

Police News

Cults Scouts It rained! However, the torrential rain and gale force winds did nothing to deter over 35 scouts from climbing on day one of a residential activity weekend at the National Scout Activity Centre at Lochgoilhead. In the evening, not much additional water was required to slide down the water slide, enjoyed by many scouts.

At the same time a group of older scouts set off on a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Expedition on foot in the surrounding area. Much calmer weather on days two and three meant that scouts could take to the water, sailing, canoeing and a burn run and on dry land a high-ropes course, all led by instructors from the Centre. The Expedition participants enjoyed the same fine weather, camping out overnight before returning to the Centre.

All the scouts gained the Adventure Challenge Award, one of the routes to gaining the Chief Scout’s Award. The Centre has been booked for September 2017 for more wet and dry activities and expeditions on foot and by canoe. Before then, in July 2017, about 50 members of the Scout Group will be camping for a week in the Arctic Circle at Bodø, Norway, before heading south for a week in Stavanger.

There have been a number of incidents, in the area, where thefts have taken place from vehicles, especially cars, which have been left unlocked. Please, can I re-emphasise the importance of locking car doors, especially at night? Ideally, this involves using the key in the lock and testing the door handle, rather than relying on the remote key fob or auto-lock system. Removing, or concealing, valuable items or items of potential interest to a thief, such as mobile phones, laptops and satnavs, also reduces risk. It may take a bit of effort to change habit, but it will quickly become second nature and will greatly reduce the chances of becoming a victim of crime.

Similarly, there have been a number of reports of insecure garages being targeted by thieves, often at night, and property such as golf clubs, bicycles and tools being stolen. Again, leaving a garage insecure makes things far too easy for thieves and may have insurance implications for the householder. Make sure locks are applied and in working order. Please make repairs rather than wait to replace stolen property.

Finally, there have been a small number of recent housebreakings where the thief has gained access through an open window whilst the householder was asleep in another room. As with doors, windows should be locked at night before retiring to bed, especially if they are on the ground floor and easily accessible from outside.

The common theme through all of these points is that all that would be needed is a simple change of habit, rather than having to spend money on security products. My concern is that once an area is seen as being a soft target by thieves, they will keep coming back there.

On a different note, (no pun intended) the Bank of England began issuing its new £5 note in September, with aims to introduce a new £10 note during the summer of 2017. There are noticeable differences to the current notes. Further information can be found at http:// www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/Pages/newsletter.aspx If you would like security advice on how to keep your home, garage or vehicle more secure, please give us a call at the Crime Reduction Unit on the Police Scotland non-emergency number of 101 and we’d be only too pleased to help.

Bob McKinney, Crime Reduction Unit

Hedges, Shrubs and Trees

Photo by Dan Hodsden

Thanks to all those who took note of our request in the last edition, to trim back any hedges, shrubs and trees which were overhanging pavements and creating an obstacle – it is much appreciated.

There are still a few places where hedges and trees could do with a trim so please have a walk around the boundary of your garden and trim back any branches overhanging pavements and paths.

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

Gladstone-Noble Tree Surgery Est. 2013

 NPTC Certified  Felling  Dismantling  Crown Thinning & Reduction  Fire wood available  Fully insured  Free quotations

. Tree planting

Contact Coran Email: yogabycoran@gmail.com 01224 917288

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Page 35

Painting & Decorating

All decorating work welcome plus: Ames Taping

Book Online

Skimming

at our Portlethen, Westhill & Great Western Road Salons!

Coving Interior and Exterior work General Maintenance work in house and garden

The Happy Barber provides all aspects of gent’s hairdressing at affordable prices in our state of the art salons.

Walk-in and experience high quality barbering from our friendly qualified personnel.

For free quotes call

We also cater for boys, with a sports car for the younger ones to sit in and a child's chair for the older ones. With DVDs to keep them entertained while having their hair cut, along with sweets and a sticker to reward them when they leave; we aim to make your child's visit a happy one.

Oliviu Docea 07913 082637 01224 740276

We look forward to seeing you soon!

326 King St. AB24 5BJ 01224 379912

535 Great Western Rd. AB10 6PE 01224 379155

Mason Skene PrintLodge, Add.pdf 1 Westhill, AB32 6RN 01224 743288

Unit 2, The Green,AM 9/17/2015 7:57:11 Portlethen, AB12 4UN 01224 379200

C

M

WESTHILL & DISTRICT COMMUNITY MINIBUS Y

CM

Two Community Minibuses are available MYfor hire by clubs and non profit-making organisations.

CY

One bus takes 14 passengers + driver, CMY the other takes 16 passengers + driver K Driver Supplied or Self-Drive

CONTACT: DAVID RITCHIE T: 01224 744058 or 07989 637461 E: westhill.minibus@gmail.com

the oven valet oven cleaners

service with a sparkle*

01330 823079 07920 483 233

www.theovenvalet.com info@theovenvalet.com Page 36

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Exciting Retail Outlet Opening in Cults!

Popular Cults resident, Sonya Angus, has just signed the dotted line on a lease for her very own shop, promising to bring stunning, unusual and high quality – yet affordable – gifts, home wares and furniture to the local area.

Hoping to open before the year is out, the shop in The Courtyard, Cults, will also have a corner dedicated to Sonya’s first love, fashion. Within the premises, the former Jenners Fashion Buyer plans to offer a taster of her fashion advisory brand, Prêt A Porter.

This bespoke service for ‘remerchandising’ your wardrobe has already gained a considerable following in Aberdeen and Edinburgh over the last few years.

Sonya discovered her ‘golden touch’ for styling homes, as well as people, whilst living in Australia, working as a Buyer of linens and home wares for a family-owned store. As a result, back in Scotland, Prêt A Porter has developed to offer home styling too, helping to update a room or prepare a house for sale.

Edinburgh born-and-bred Sonya, aged 46, has lived in Cults since 2012 and has quickly become a valued member of the neighbourhood. She is very proud to be an Elder at Cults Parish Church, an active Parent Council member at Cults Primary School and an enthusiastic volunteer at Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland on North Deeside Road. Her natural talent and passion for fashion and retail, as well as first class skills and knowledge finely tuned over the years, has been a great support to the boutique, helping secure Shop Team of the Year at the UK-wide Charity Retail Association Awards in June this year.

Not content with contributing a few days per week to the charity through retail, she has also abseiled down the Forth Road Bridge to raise funds for the cause.

Get in the Swim!

A club in Cults is helping swimmers improve their technique, speed and endurance, with many now entering masters, open water and triathlon competitions to put their skills into practice.

Deeside Phoenix Masters is unusual for an adult swimming club in that it is open to swimmers of wide-ranging abilities with members ranging in age from their 20s to their 80s.

The club runs sessions at Cults Academy and Aberdeen Sports Village and aims to enable individuals to meet their own personal goals, whether this is training for a 10km open-water swim or just getting fitter.

Mark Briggs, 51, who had a heart attack three years ago, has completed a number of triathlons since joining Deeside Phoenix Masters in January.

This has included coming first for his age group in both the Montrose Novice Triathlon and the Fauld House Sprint Triathlon, as well as completing the 10k at The Great Swim at Loch Lomond.

“After the heart attack I was forced to step back from doing triathlons for a while, but joining Deeside Phoenix has really helped me focus on my swimming and improve my technique.

If you want to be pushed, the coaches will push you but if you don’t want to be pushed hard they will encourage you instead.”

Hilary Stewart, who is one of the club’s five coaches, believes the success of the club is because coaching is tailored to individual needs and does not use a one-size fits all approach.

“We have a really diverse membership in terms of ages and abilities and it is all very social, but also does really help people improve their

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

swimming. We had one member who went from being just able to swim 50 metres when he joined to completing an ironman competition, which involves a 3.86km swim, 11 months later. We’ve also currently got one athlete who will be competing in the 2017 Kona Triathlon World Championships.”

The hour-and-a-half swim sessions take place at Cults Academy at 6.30am on Tuesday and 6.15am on Friday, while there is an evening session at Aberdeen Sports Village on Wednesday at 7pm, which the University of Aberdeen Triathlon Club also joins.

Monica Lever, 35, who tries to train at all sessions, said, “My swim was really bringing me down in triathlons compared to my bike and run, but a year since joining I’ve really upped my game and I’m now entering longer distances and am swimming much faster.”

Hilary Forbes, 34, a former swimming teacher herself, added: “Even though I used to teach swimming, you don’t look at yourself in the mirror when you swim yourself. So while I think I may be doing it perfectly, textbook-fashion, when the coaches notice I’m doing something wrong, and I then put what they say into practice, then I can feel that my swimming is a whole lot better.”

Bill Anderson, who at 85 years is one of Deeside Phoenix Masters’ oldest members, swims twice a week in a social lane.

“I damaged my ankle, hill-walking and swimming was a good exercise to do. I swim 20 lengths each time, so 1,000 metres a week. There are also quite a few members that I’ve discovered are into art, which is something I’m interested in so there’s definitely a social aspect too. I was definitely agreeably surprised that, when I joined, I could actually improve my technique, which wasn’t something I was expecting to do at my age.”

For more information contact hilaryastewart@ btconnect.com

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Page 37

Abbreviations for the venues CA - CAP - CKC - CPCWC - CPS - DCFC - HCC - ISP – KCC KMCC - MCAH - MEHC – MPS - PCH - PCND - PSP- PVH – SCC - SDCH - SPHH - WRIH - WSC -

Cults Academy Cults Academy Pool Cults Kirk Centre Cults Parish Church Worship Centre Cults Primary School Deeside Christian Fellowship Church, Milltimber Hillview Community Church International School, Pitfodels Kingswells Community Centre Kaimhill Community Centre Milltimber Community Association Hall Murtle Estate Hall, Camphill Milltimber Primary School Peterculter Church Hall Phoenix Centre, Newton Dee Peterculter Sports Centre Peterculter Village Hall Scout Centre, South Ave, Cults St. Devenick’s Church Hall, Bieldside St. Peter’s Heritage Hall, Peterculter WRI Hall, Kirk Crescent, Cults Waldorf School, Craigton Road, Cults

What’s On Locally As I write this, classes and activities are starting up again, so I have had lots of amendments to contacts and timings in the listing from the people who organise them – thank you for that!

By the way, I hope you enjoyed a couple of highlights in our area during the summer – the MBC Festival and the Deeside Local Food Festival. Aren’t we lucky that people in our area give so freely of their time to put on such wonderful activities for us to enjoy?!

Best wishes,

Eleanor Brennan, Tel 862262, e: brennaneleanor@yahoo.co.uk

The Mixing Bowl Aberdeen The Mixing Bowl felt very autumnal in late September as we tried our hands at making chutney and marmalade. Local resident, Shirley Butler, lead an inspiring evening, sharing her knowledge of preserving fruits and vegetables as well as infusing alcohol with fruit. Everyone created both tomato chutney and lemon marmalade with Limoncello. We also made a jar of preserved lemons each in preparation for making plum chutney in a month’s time when the lemons are ready to use. The evening also included a tasting session of the delicious jams, jellies and chutneys that Shirley had prepared beforehand and kindly brought along. Everyone went home with quite a collection of jars that will make great gifts or will be a perfect addition to their own tables.

The Mixing Bowl is ready to welcome you to any to the following events. Places need to be reserved in advance and details of which event is open for booking can be found on the website www.mixingbowl.btck.co.uk. All events are held at St Devenick’s Church Hall unless otherwise stated. We are looking forward to seeing you there:

Friday 28th October

Vegetarian Cooking

Saturday 26th November Create a Gingerbread Forest (gingerbread tree decorating) Friday 20th January

Whisky Tasting with local resident and enthusiast Ian MacIlwain

Saturday 25th February

Breadmaking with Doug Cookson of Crannoch Bakery (at Cfine’s ‘Cook at the Nook’ kitchen near Union Squ)

Saturday 25th March

Chinese Spice and Everything Nice (Chinese cooking with local resident Deborah Chang)

Page 38

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Fitness, Sport and Dance Badminton - Junior, CA Saturdays, 1.30 - 5.30pm Sept to April Contact Mike Stokeld, Tel. 735447 Badminton - Adult, CA Tuesdays, 7.30 - 10.00pm Gordon Inglis, Tel : 730256 BADMINTON - SOCIAL, MCAH Mondays, 1.30 - 3.00pm Wednesdays, 10.00am - 1200noon Contact Marion Anderson, Tel : 732505 CULTS CANOE CLUB Regular trips for all levels of ability Contact info@deesidepaddlers.com or Cults Canoe Club on Facebook CULTS BOWLING CLUB All ages very welcome. Summer Bowling, Winter Activities Contact David Steele, Tel : 868485 www.cultsbowlingclub.weebly.com CULTS CRICKET CLUB Contact Ian Sutherland, Tel : 742833 CULTS FIT FOLK, HCC For men and women over 55.

Wednesdays 10.00-11.00 am Contact Ellie Whyte, Tel : 861204 CULTS HILLWALKING CLUB, CPS Indoor session 1st Thursday of the month 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. Walks on Sundays, 10 days after the meeting.

Contact Paul Dumont, Tel. 863938 or John Knowles, Tel. 868051 BONACCORD MBC HOCKEY CLUB, CA P4 – P7, Tuesdays, 6.00 – 7.00 p.m.

S1 – Senior, 6.30 – 8.00 p.m.

Email: info@bonaccordmbc.net Mob. 07434-192089 YOUTH HOCKEY COACHING Tuesdays, 5.45 – 7.00 p.m., end Aug to Easter - Robert Gordon’s College pitches, Countesswells Road. Run by Gordonians Hockey Club but boys and girls from P4 to S4 from all schools are welcome. Sticks can be provided. More details at www.gordonianshockey.com CULTS LAWN TENNIS CLUB 32 Abbotshall Place, Cults See separate item in MBC News for full details. Contact Dan Packham (Sec.) d.packham@ cultstennisaberdeen.co.uk or Gareth Rennie, (Head Coach), g.rennie@ cultstennisaberdeen.co.uk www.cultstennisaberdeen.co.uk CULTS OTTERS SWIMMING CLUB, CAP Development swimming classes and Junior Coaching sessions. Contact Jo Gibson, Tel. 868124 Email: cults.otters. lts@gmail.com www.cultsotters.org.uk CULTS SPORTS COMPLEX , CA Open Mon- Fri, 16.00 -22.00 & 08.3017.00 on weekends.Fitness Suite, Exercise Classes, Indoor Swimming Pool, 2 Sports Halls, Dance Studio and AstroTurf pitch Contact 866282 CYCLISTS’ TOURING CLUB GRAMPIAN Weekly rides led by trained leaders.

Cyclists at all levels of ability and newcomers welcome Contact Gerard Vlaar, Tel. 734799 www.ctcgrampian.org.uk/runs

FLEX ‘n STRETCH TO THE BEAT, PSC Wednesdays 8.00 – 9.00 p.m.

Varied fitness levels.

Contact Anne Low, Tel. 868553 CULTER YOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB Boys’ & Girls’ Teams, aged 6 to 19 years.

Training most days.

Contact Jason White, Tel. 07541027846 or 869474 www.culteryouthfc.com Email: culteryouthfc@gmail.com FOOTBALL IN THE COMMUNITY, PSC Wed, 4.00-5.00pm 5-8 year olds Contact Dons in the Community Tel : 650472 or 650432 Pre-School Football (KCC) Mon, 1.00-1.30 p.m., 1.30-2.00 p.m., 2.00-2.30 p.m.

Fri, 9.30-10.00 a.m. 10.00-10.30 a.m.

1.30-2.00 p.m.(Classes also available at Airyhall Community Centre) Contact Alison McLeod Tel: GRAMPIAN CARDIAC REHABILITATION ASSOCIATION Exercise classes at Kippie Lodge, Milltimber, RGU Sports Garthdee and other venues in Aberdeen Contact Douglas Pacitti, Tel: 01569 763372 e: d.pacitti@gcra.org.uk or speak to the Cardiac Nurse at Cults Surgery w: www.gcra.org.uk KARATE Various sessions around this area – see website for full list. Mondays 6.30 – 8.00 p.m., ISP Fridays 4.30 – 5.30 p.m., CPS Contact Ronnie Watt, Tel. 734607 www.karate-scotland.info JAZZERCISE, WRIH Wednesdays, 7.00 p.m. Contact Louise, Tel. 467567 Email:loargo@ talktalk.net FRISKIS & SVETTIS- SWEDISH STYLE KEEP FIT Monday 7.30pm, HCC, Basic (Rosey) Thursday 9.30am, HCC, Basic (Gavin) Saturday 11.00am, HCC Basic (Rota) For more info contact Rosey 310380 Just turn up - no need to sign up for a block - all welcome Pilates, PSC Peterculter Sports Centre : Mon. afternoon, Tues afternoon evening,Thurs. evening Camphill School, Murtle Wed. evenings Cults Parish Church Worship Centre : Fri. mornings All classes must be booked in advance.

Contact Solveig Dahle Smith, Tel. 861421 solveig@pilatesaberdeen.com www.pilatesaberdeen.com PILATES (WRIH) Wednesdays 6.00 – 7.00 p.m.

Classes run by a trained physiotherapist Contact Laura McKay, Mob. 07734 312798, email laura@physiotherapilates. co.uk www.physiotherapilates.co.uk SOCCER FOR 5-10 YR OLDS, CPS Wednesday afternoons, term time only 3.30 – 4.30 Boys and Girls aged 5 – 7 4.30 -5.30 Boys and Girls aged 8 -10 Contact Ian Wilson, 07770-996767 SOCCER FOR OVER 30’s, CPS Thursdays, 7.30 – 9.00 p.m.

Contact Alistair Brown, Tel. 861314

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

Peterculter sports centre Coronation Road, Peterculter Tel : 732069 Fitness studio, aerobics classes, creche. Monthly membership or ad hoc prices SWIMMING - LIFESAVING CLUB (Adults 14+/Rookies/Junrs 10+) Mondays 6.30-9.30pm ontact Anne Gwynne - Tel : 868846 SWIMMING, CAP Sat – Sun 9.00 – 12 noon Public sessions, Adult lane swimming, Children’s inflatable sessions – ring for times of sessions. Continues during school holidays.Contact Tel. 866282 TAI CHI, (ATCC’88), CPCWC Wednesdays, 7.00 - 9.30pm Contact Don Wells - Tel : 645521 SEAFIELD WALKING GROUP Fortnightly walks for the Over 50s Bus departs from Countesswells Programme includes moderate and easy walks. Contact Jenny, 01569731017 or 07773-072968 Woodburn WalkING GROUP Rambling for the over 50s Meet alternate Tuesdays at Hazlehead Bus Terminus Travel by hire busAverage walk +/- 7 miles Contact Angela, Tel. 318734 or Frances Tel. 821753 AURINKO YOGA Sundays, 4.30-6.00pm Contact Aidan Mulkerrin, 07710-495552 YOGA, CKC Wednesdays, 7.00 - 8.30 p,m, Contact Fiona Britee, Tel. 487712

Dancing

ABERDEEN KILT KICKERS AMERICAN SQUARE DANCE CLUB (WRIH) Mondays 7.30 – 9.00 p.m Beginners 9.00 – 10.00 Mainstream Dancers Thursdays 7.30-10.00 p.m.

Mainstream and Plus Dancers Contact Terry Mathieson, Tel. 326421 DANS SENIOR, PSC - Fridays 11.00-12.00 during term time Disco, Jazz, Rock, Swing - there’s no age limit for dancing! Nothing complicated, just simple, inspiring moves. No need to book, just come along! £3.50 for non members, £3 for Friskis & Svettis members. Tel. Jackie, Mob 07427014700, Fiona, Mob 07885288121 or www. fsaberdeen.co.uk KAREN BERRY SCHOOL OF DANCE Classes for children and adults available in Cults and Peterculter For details see website www. danscentre.com or contact Karen Berry, Tel. 647341 TAYLOR SCHOOL OF DANCE, MCAH Recreational & Vocational classes available Classical Ballet, Modern Theatre, Tap, Jazz, Street Jazz, Boys Only Street Moves, Contemporary & Parent and Toddler Dance Contact Helen Colleran, Mob. 07531-

811506 E-Mail - admin@taylordance.com w: www.taylordance.com GENTLE EXERCISE, INCL DANCE, CPCWC Thursdays, 2.30 – 3.30 p.m. Sept. to Dec., Jan. to Mar. Contact Fiona Murray, Tel. 702305 FOLK DANCES FROM AROUND THE WORLD (PCND) Adults. Wed. 7.00 -8.30 p.m. (school term times only) Contact Andrene Thompson, Tel. 781232 MAINLY MUSIC, HCC Music and movement for prepreschoolers and their caregivers, followed by coffee and chat for the adults while the children play.

Thursdays 9.45 a.m. Contact Iris Johns 07764 940176 or e-mail info@hillview.cc OLD TIME & SEQUENCE DANCE CLASS 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month 7.45 – 10.00 p.m. £5.00 per class Dunbar Street Community Hall, Old Aberdeen Contact Eileen or James, 01224-314953 ScottishCountryDancing,WRIH Tuesdays, 7.30 – 9.30 p.m. (mid Sept. to end March) Contact Sheila Fyfe, Tel. 868164 Wednesdays, 7.30 – 9.00 p.m.

Not suitable for complete beginners Contact Tel. 636128

Has your local group done anything spectacular this season?

A

n unusual way of fundraising? A good turn for the neighbourhood?

Just had a really good couple of months?

Let us know at MBC News as we would love to publish it for you. Even better if you have some photographs to highlight it.

Upload direct on our website www. cbmcommunity.org.uk/ mbc-news or Send to the Editor mbcnews@ cbmcommunity.org.uk for details Get thinking... Get writing...

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Page 39

Hobbies and Social CULTS O50 CLUB, CPCWC Wednesdays, Lunch from 12.00 Announcements/speaker 12.45 Other activities include bridge and scrabble, walks, theatre, cinema, local history outings, garden visits, art appreciation, a book group – the list is endless!

Open to anyone over 50, not only Cults residents Details of activities on the website http://www.cultsparishchurch. co.uk/O50/Index.htm Contact Margaret Wood, Tel. 310685 or Lizzie Thomas, Tel. 869413 , MILLTIMBER O50 CLUB, MCAH Meet monthly in the winter on Wednesdays at 2.00 p.m. for talks.

Other social events include walks, cycle rides, theatre visits, outings, garden visits, lunch outings and city breaks. Annual favourites are BBQ, Games night and a Christmas Party.

Open to anyone over 50. New members are welcome.

Contact John Park, Tel. 733057 or Robin Dyer, Tel 732445 ADULT ART CLASSES, HCC Wednesdays, 1.30 - 3.30 p.m.

Contact Jenny Hunter, Tel. 07751715343 Cults Art Club, CCC This is a self help group for Adults held in Cults Community Centre on Wednesday nights from 1930 to 2130 during school term.

Contact Gordon Crooks tel.

07784838341

FRIENDSHIP IN ART Fortnightly - Fridays 10-12noon Contact 01224 733979 ABERDEEN bridge CLUB 14 Rubislaw Terrace, Tel : 644773 Monday to Thursday - 7-10pm Adult Lessons Wed - 7pm Sept April PETERCULTER BRIDGE CLUB, PVH Fridays, 1.15 – 4.00 p.m., Sept.-April Contact Ellen Smith (Sec.), Tel. 867028 Email - ellen.aberdeen@btinternet.com CAFÉ ONE, DCFC Thurs 9:15am-12:00 (term time only) CALLIGRAPHY GROUP, Sessions arranged according to demand Contact Isobel Archibald, Tel. 867303 THE HUB CKC Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, 10.00 a.m. – 3.00 pm To volunteer as a helper, contact the Hub Manager, Tracy Gordon, Mob. 07503867682 MILLTIMBER COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, MCAH Wide range of activities for all ages General enq Andrew, Tel. 739797 To hire the hall Margaret, Tel. 732477 www.milltimbercommunityhall.com or Facebook ‘Milltimber Community Hall’

Craft and Needlework Class, Wednesdays, 1.30 p.m. –4.00 p.m.

10 lessons, £70 Beginners and more experienced catered for Contact Yvonne Weir, Tel. 732098 Email:- weir323@btinternet.com ABERDEEN CHORUS - SWEET ADELINES INTL. LOVE to sing? Then join Aberdeen Chorus of Sweet Adelines Monday evenings 19:00 - 21:45 Westburn Park Bowling Club Lounge Aberdeen, AB25 3DE Mob Contact 07590690392 www.aberdeenchorus.co.uk Albacappella, SPHH Ladies singing group Albacappella is moving to a new, temporary rehearsal venue from January – March 2017.

Come along and sing every Wednesday from 7.30pm at Kippie Lodge.

For more information, visit www. albacappella.co.uk.

CITY OF ROSES CHORUS Ladies singing in 4 part harmony, Drumoak Church Hall. Mondays, 7.15 – 10.00 p.m.

Contact Mika Mackenzie, Tel. 742004 DEESIDE CHORISTERS, MEHC Wednesdays, 6.15 – 8.00 p.m.

Prospective members most welcome Contact Nancy Paul, Tel. 741378

Dressmaking Group, KMCC Thursdays, 09.30-11.30 a.m.

Couture trained tutor. Beginners welcome. Phone Kaimhill Community Centre, Tel. 311996 FOLK EVENING, CKC Monthly on the 2nd Friday, 7.30 p.m.

Both musicians and listeners most welcome. Bring your own beverage.

Contact Jan Johnson, Tel. 867951 Aberdeen Gaelic Club Aberdeen Gaelic Club brings together Gaelic speakers and individuals interested in Gaelic language and culture. The Club organises Gaelic language evening classes, day courses and other social activities including a monthly coffee afternoon on the last Saturday of each month (except July and December) in the Unitarian Church, Skene Terrace, Aberdeen, 2.30-4.30pm to which all are welcome. Tel 07779 398289 or email clubgaidhlig@gmail.com for more information.

TALK GERMAN Courses for beginners and more advanced, depending on numbers and interest. Contact Erik Stien, 734149/077774-896421 Italian Classes for Adults, HCC Email: enrica.conti@tiscali.co.uk Tel: 07786 827714

The Rotary Club of Aberdeen Deeside ‘O sole mio’ at the Borsalino Club members enjoyed a lively night out at the Borsalino in Culter at the end of August. As well as a first class meal we were serenaded in fine style by our waiter Salvatore with renderings of traditional Italian songs.

On our Wednesday club nights, we have continued to enjoy excellent talks by invited speakers and also from some of our own members. On one such evening the two guest speakers were Cults Academy senior pupils Eilidh Smith and Paul Crockford who gave fine accounts of their experiences at the Rotary Leadership camps based at Abernethy back in July. Our club sponsored their places and we were very impressed by their communication skills and their personal qualities. Eilidh and Paul had, without doub,t benefited greatly from the Rotary Youth Leadership Award programme at Abernethy.

On October 4, at Kingswells Primary School, we will be running our annual Primary Schools Public Speaking competition. Culter, Cults and Milltimber Primaries will all be competing together, along with Airyhall and Kingswells, and from past experience we can expect extremely high levels of presentation skills allied to amazing self-confidence from these eleven year olds.

Our club will as usual be assisting with the Christmas switch-on of lights at Peterculter Parish Church on Saturday 19 November and with the running of the Christmas Carol Singing evening outside the Cults Hotel on Monday 5 December. Another date for your diary is our Club Quiz Night at the Cults Hotel on Friday 4 November, guaranteed to be competitive fun and to have lots of banter between audience and quiz masters. Tickets can be purchased from any of our club members, or through our contacts below.

Visitors and potential new members are always welcome to our Wednesday Club Nights when we meet at the Cults Hotel, starting at 6.15 pm. More information can be found on our website, aberdeendeesiderotary.org.uk or contact Harry Arnold, club secretary: email, harry.arnold12@btinternet.com, tel 01224 740986 or Ian Reid, email, ianreid6@aol.com Ian Reid Page 40

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

CULTS LIBRARY Opening times currently under review. For info Tel : 868346 Email : cultslibrary@aberdeencity. gov.uk Visit : http://www.aberdeencity.gov. uk/Library/library_menu.asp CULTS LUNCH CLUB, CKC Mondays 12.00 – 2.00 p.m. (except July) New members most welcome.

Contact Jacky Hatchwell, Tel.861736 MISSIONARY CRAFT WORKSHOP, DCFC Fortnightly - Wednesday, 10.00 – 12.00 Contact 01224 733979 THE MIXING BOWL, DCFC Community-led food interest group designed to bring together anyone interested in good food.

Meets monthly.

Contact Rachel Gambro, 07964 698789 or see www.mixingbowl.btck.co.uk/ PETROLEUM WOMEN’S CLUB International friendship club for women connected to the oil industry.

Meetings with speaker, 1st Thursday of the month. Coffee mornings, 3rd Thursday of the month. Other activities include ten pin bowling, walks, bridge, golf, dinner club, mah-jong and a book group.

Contact Doreen Waud, Tel. 645789

or Liz Gove, Tel. 876169 or email pwcmembership@yahoo.co.uk www.pwcos.com ABERDEEN PHILATELIC SOCIETY Meets fortnightly on Thursdays 7.30 - 9.30 p.m.

Rubislaw Church Centre, Fountainhall Road Open night 22nd Sept.

Contact Chris Jefferies, Tel 705676 CULTER PIPE BAND Meet Mon & Wed 7.00 – 9.00 p.m.

Culter Mills Club, Peterculter All ages and experience levels welcome Contact: Alison Marsh, Mob. 07939-143680 Rotary Club of Aberdeen Deeside Wednesday ‘s 6.15 for 6.45 pm in the Cults Hotel. For further information contact the secretary Quentin Tweedie on 01224 868218 email qtweedie@btconnect.com Saltire Society Promotes all things Scottish. Meets monthly on Tuesdays, normally in Rubislaw Parish Church. Contact D J Robertson, Tel. 484061 SCRABBLE CLUB, MCAH Fridays, 2.00-4.00pm Players at any level are very welcome Contact Joan Thomas - Tel : 733218

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

LEARN SPANISH Private classes given to individuals and small groups by a native Spanish speaker.Contact Carmenza Inglis, Mob. 07557-194415 Email: hola_aberdeen@hotmail.com Cults Strathspey & Reel Society, CPCWC Meet every 2nd Wednesday, 7.00 -9.00 p.m.

Accordionists and string players welcome.

Contact Myra Noble, Tel. 867433.

ABERDEEN TOASTMASTERS (PUBLIC SPEAKING CLUB) Meets at Northern Arts Club (NAC), 1st, 3rd, 5th Thursdays of every month - 7.00-9.00pm Visitors are welcome - no cover charge. www.aberdeentoastmasters.org.uk Contact Matthew Mtumbuka - Tel : 861028 Email : matthews@mtumbuka.com

ABERDEEN WINE AND FOOD SOCIETY Meets monthly from September to June. Events in restaurants in and around Aberdeen http://aberdeen-wine-food-society. co.uk/ For more information contact Bob Chisholm, 319372 SCOTTISH WOMEN’S RURAL INSTITUTE, WRIH 1st Thursday of every month, 7.309.30 p.m.

(Not July or August) Contact Moira Morris, Tel.861756 or Vicki Fletcher, Tel. 865667 GRAMPIAN WOODTURNERS, SDCH Meet last Sunday in the month, 2.00 p.m. New members are most welcome. Meetings consist of member participation, demonstrations etc., Contact Bill Diack, Tel. 01467-622772

UPHOLSTERY AND CRAFT CLASSES, WRIH Tuesdays, 9.30-12.30 p.m. and 1.00 -4.00 p.m. New students welcome at any time. Refreshments provided Contact Susan Roe-Curran, Mob. 07773521389

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Page 41

Children & Youth Groups AIR TRAINING CORPS 107( Aberdeen ) Squadron, Prince Charles Cadet Centre, Albury Road , Ferryhill, AB11 6TL Parade Mon & Wed 19.00-21.30hrs. Open to Boys and Girls aged 13-17 w: www.107aircadets.org e:107@aircadets.org Tel. 590679 CASPER AFTER SCHOOL CLUB, CPS Contact Marion Skea Tel : 07762-250550 Milltimber BREAKFAST AND After School Club, MPS Mon.–Fri., 7.30 to 9.00 a.m. and 2.45 to 6.00 p.m.

Contact Diane Forbes, Mob. 07525 855348 Cults Toddler Group. (CPCWC) Thursdays 9.30 – 11.30 a.m. during term-time Contact Laura Bain, Mob. 07568-154998 or email Laurabain1979@gmail.com BILINGUAL PARENT AND CHILD GROUP Wed. and Frid.9.15am to 11.10am.

Gilcomstoun Primary School Babies and toddlers introduced to Gaelic through arts, crafts, play and song. You don’t have to speak Gaelic to attend. Tel 0777 939 8289, croileagan@gmail.com.

Facebook: Croileagan Obar Dheathain.

Milltimber Playgroup MCAH Playgroup - Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 09.15am – 1145am (Term time) Forest School sessions Wed 09.15am – 11.45am & Fri 12.20pm – 14.40pm Daily lunch club 11.45 pm – 12.15pm Wrap around transport to/from Milltimber Nursery also available.

Contact Julie McWilliam 07740 575273 or Email milltimberplaygroup@hotmail.co.uk CULTS PLAYGROUP, CWCWC Mon - Fri 9.00am - 12.10 pm during term time in the North Hall, Quarry Road Contact Pam Crowe, Mob. 07842 470828 or email cultsplaygroup@gmail.com St Devenick’s Playgroup and Rising 5s, SDCH Playgroup: Monday – Friday, 9.10am – 12.20 p.m.

Lunch club, Wednesdays 11.50am – 1.00 p.m.

Rising 5s, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12.30 – 3.00 p.m.

Tots and Toddlers, Wednesday, 9.30 – 11.30 a.m.

All of the above are during term times.

Contact Emma, St.Devenick’s Playgroup Administrator 07525 825043 or Tel. 867431 Email - stdevenicksplaygroup@gmail.com

SOUTH DEESIDE UNDER FIVES Fun and friendly childcare for children from birth to five years Maryculter Community Hall (next to the Old Mill Inn), South Deeside Road Baby & Toddler Group – Mondays 9.30am to 11.30am Twos Group – Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 9.30am to 11.30am , Rising Fives – Tuesday lunchtimes 12 noon to 2pm Mob.: 07966 163953 E: info@south-deeside-under-fives.co.uk W: www.south-deeside-under-fives.co.uk

Rainbows are for girls aged 5 - 7yrs Brownies are for girls aged 7 - 10yrs Guides are for girls aged 10 yrs plus

THE ARK - PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP, DCFC Tuesdays, 9.45-11.30 a.m.

Contact Tel. 739180

Beavers, Cubs and Scouts

MAINLY MUSIC, DCFC Thursdays, 10-11am, parent & pre-school Tel 739180

The web address is www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested or you can call 0800 1 69 59 01 These are also the means by which any Adult can register an interest in helping with any of the groups, as we are always keen to welcome new Volunteers.

(Text from Joyce Cowie, Division Commissioner.)

21ST ABERDEEN (CULTS) SCOUT GROUP, SCC www.21staberdeenscouts.org.uk Beavers Wednesdays, 4.30 - 5.30 p.m.

Open to boys and girls aged 6 to 8 Contact Debbie Bone, 07708-018332 Email: ganddbone@btinternet.com.

YOUTH FELLOWSHIP, DCFC Sundays, 7-9pm, S1-S6 Tel 739180 GREENHOUSE P1-P7 CHILDREN’S GROUP, DCFC Wednesdays, 6.00 -7. 00 p.m.

Tel. 739180 FRIDAY CAFE FOR S1-S3, CKC Meet Fridays, 3.30 - 6 pm during term time.

Contact Peter Cross 07734 207203 or email pmarlowecross@me.com

Cubs Thursdays, 7.00 - 8.30 p.m.

Open to boys and girls aged 8 to 10 Email: cultscubs@gmail.com Scouts Fridays, 7.30 - 9.30 p.m.

Email: scoutleader@21staberdeenscouts.org.uk 65th Aberdeen (Milltimber) Scout Group, MCAH Beavers - Mondays 4.15 - 5.15pm Contact Fiona Douglas, Tel: 735523

ASCEND, HCC Youth Group for S1-6 Grades 7-12, Sundays 6.00-8.00pm Tel. 868096 or Email- info@hillview.cc

GUIDES, BROWNIES and RAINBOWS We are very lucky to have active Rainbow, Brownie and Guide Units in the Milltimber and Cults area. This is due to the hard work and dedication of all the Leaders. Previously as an Organisation we could give you a list of all the Units in the area, the name and contact details of the Leaders and as an interested parent you could contact the Leaders directly, but now due to our Nationwide “Safe from Harm” Policy we can no longer publish this information. We now have a Website that you can visit and register an interest for the age group you want a place in for your daughter.

It is a simple procedure and once you have registered, a Guider should be in touch within 3 weeks to say if there are places available or if your daughter will be placed on the waiting list. You will be asked to put in your Postcode, the type of Unit you are interested in and if there are more than 1 suitable Unit you will be asked to put your 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice.

Cubs - Tuesdays 6.30 - 8.00pm Contact Marion Anderson, Tel. 732505 Scouts - Fridays 7.30 - 9.30pm Contact Iain Anderson - Tel. 07514 547071 Youth Hockey Coaching on Tuesday evenings for P4 to S4 by Gordonians Hockey Club at Robert Gordon’s College astroturf pitches on Countesswells Road from 5.15pm to 6.30pm. Children from all schools are welcome and sticks can be provided.

VENUES FOR HIRE Cults Kirk Centre/ Cults Parish Church Worship Centre Rooms/Halls available for various activities Contact 869028 Milltimber Community Association Hall For Group Lets Mon-Friday, contact Tasha, Tel. 739797 For Private Hires, Sat-Sun, contact Margaret, Tel. 732477 WRI Hall, Cults Bookings for weekly activities only, not one-off private lets Contact Sheila Fyfe, Tel. 868164

Introducing the qtr pg banner ad It costs £60 for a single issue or £220 for four issues

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/ Page 42

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Great Western Road (Mannofield) Garthdee Road (North - Asda)

09:00 09:03 09:11 09:21 09:31 09:34 09:44 (A) 09:47 (D) 09:56 10:06

11:20 11:23 11:31 11:41 11:51 11:54 12:04 (A) 12:07 (D) 12:16 12:26

13:40 13:43 13:51 14:01 14:11 14:14 14:24 (A) 14:27 (D) 14:36 14:46

12:30 12:38 12:47 (A) 12:50 (D) 13:00 13:03 13:13 13:23 13:31 13:34

14:50 14:58 15:07 (A)

Garthdee to Peterculter - Monday to Friday Garthdee Road (North - Asda) Great Western Road (Mannofield) Airyhall Terminus North Deeside Road (Cults Village) Hillview Crescent North Deeside Road, Tor-Na-Dee Coronation Road (Coronation Ct) North Deeside Road (Culter Village) Johnston Gardens North

10:10 10:18 10:27 (A) 10:30 (D) 10:40 10:43 10:53 11:03 11:11 11:14

This service will stop at all recognised bus stops on existing bus routes and will operate as hail and ride on all other sections.

Public Transport Unit Business Hub 4 Ground Floor North Marischal College Broad Street Aberdeen AB10 1AB

Email: bluebird.enquiries@stagecoachbus.com For more information, please call: 01224 591381

Email: mayule@aberdeencity.gov.uk For more information about the service 95, please call: 03000 200292 Working in partnership

95

Peterculter to Garthdee, Provided by via Airyhall

Connecting: - Johnston Gardens - Culter Village - Milltimber - Cults - Airyhall - Mannofield - Garthdee Road

Fares: Comment

Hail & Ride Hail & Ride Hail & Ride Hail & Ride

Single Fares Fare Stage

Adult

Child

Concession

Stages 1-2 Stages 3-5

£1.00 £1.50

£0.50 £0.75

£0.00 £0.00

Stages 6 +

£2.00

£1.00

£0.00

Return Ticket

£3.00

£1.50

N/A

For more information about the Service 95, please call: 03000 200292

Ro

ad

eet

Bridge of Dee

95

Kincorth

Garthdee Road

Miltimber

Culter Village

Inbound only

mbc NEWS Issue 173 Nov-Dec’16 Jan ‘17

http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

Page 43

t.

.

rth

ide

eet

Rd

No

es De

Kaimhill

Dr. Inchbrae e Rd. Garthde The Robert Gordon University

n Str

lls

l Rd.

Coro na Roadtion

R

.

Dr

we

Peterculter

ide

ees

th D

Nor

Cults

on

es

illi

Bieldside

oad

garth Inch oad R Grays School of Art

Great Southern Road

ers

Cults

th

Nor

ill mh oo d Br Roa

d An

R

St d. ll R ye n i ch u A

r.

Te

oad

eR

sid Dee

n’s

h Jo

uth

Fri

d.

ad

So

eld

fi ars

Cults Academy

Ba

95

oad nR igto Cra

s Road

Countesswell

Hail & Ride Hail & Ride

Bucklerburn

G

r

te es

tW

rea

o nR

et S

Crow

Airyhall Terminus 95

Hail & Ride Hail & Ride Hail & Ride Hail & Ride Hail & Ride

St. rk Ma

Holburn Union Junction

Other Tickets Grasshopper Travelcards sold and accepted on service

Hail & Ride Hail & Ride Hail & Ride Hail & Ride

Schoo

Johnston Gardens North Malcolm Road North Deeside Road (Culter Village) School Road Bucklerburn Drive School Road Coronation Road (Coronation Ct) North Deeside Road Contlaw Road Colthill Road Binghill Crescent Binghill Road North Deeside Road (Tor-na-dee) North Deeside Road (Bieldside Village) Bailieswells Road Cairn Road / Manse Road Quarry Road Hillview Crescent Cults Avenue North Deeside Road (Cults Village) Kirk Brae Friarsfield Road / Craigton Rod Airyhall Avenue Countesswells Road Countesswells Avenue Airyhall Terminus Countesswells Avenue Countesswells Road Airyhall Avenue Craigton Road Springfield Road St John’s Terrace Great Western Road (Mannofield) South Anderson Drive Sainsbury’s, Garthdee Road Garthdee Road (North - Asda)

Stagecoach North Scotland Guild Street Bus Station Aberdeen AB11 6NA

Peterculter to Garthdee, via Airyhall

Route List: Route

Stagecoach Customer Services:

If you have any suggestions or comments about our bus services, please write to:

Monday - Friday

Stopping Points:

95

Peterculter to Garthdee, via Airyhall

Service provided by Aberdeen City Council

Peterculter to Garthdee - Monday to Friday Johnston Gardens North North Deeside Road (Culter Village) Coronation Road (Coronation Ct) North Deeside Road, Tor-Na-Dee Hillview Crescent North Deeside Road (Cults Village) Airyhall Terminus

95

Holbu rn Str

95

Timetable: Peterculter to Garthdee, via Airyhall

Aberdeen Station River Dee

Come and join us

Carols in Cults Monday 5th December 2016 at 6.30-7.30pm

Special Guest

Fiona Kennedy In front of the Cults Hotel Carol sheets provided.

Please bring a torch.

Bon Accord Silver Band with The Morven Singers Charity Collection for VSA sponsored by

CULTS BIELDSIDE MILLTIMBER COMMUMITY COUNCIL