Issue 174 mbc feb mar apr '17

mbC

Photo supplied by Loraine Barlow

News Milltimber

Bieldside Cults

Issue 174

Feb-Mar-Apr 2017

Thinking of selling in Aberdeen?

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www.kippielodge.co.uk Page 2

mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr‘17

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

Copy Deadline: 01 APR ‘17 Distribution: MAY ‘17 delivery

NB : the editorial content for this issue should be relevant for reading in mid-May thru to end of July 2017 and beyond.

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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)

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Editorial

A few questions…

W

ould a Trumpette and a hard Brexiteer agree that Trumponomics were a post-truth delusion? What would they think about Grexit? And what do these questions have in common?

The first two questions require some thought, but you’re right, what they have in common is their language. A year ago, you may not even have known what they meant. They are littered with the new words of 2016, my favourite and ‘word of the year’ being post-truth: “the phenomenon of the objective truth having less power than appeals to emotion or personal belief.” The vote to leave the EU and Trump’s victory have been attributed to post-truth but the concept has been around for much longer. I’m sure we can all think of times when post-truth has frustratingly (or perhaps not), won the day but now we have a label for it. Always nice to have a name for something and I’m sure 2017 will bring some more inspired words to our conversations.

Looking forward to 2017, the start of the year is the perfect time to take up a new hobby or sport. It kicks those winter blues into touch and boosts your mood. Our regular contributors, clubs and groups have put together their new dates and activities so put the kettle on, sit down (for a short time) and take a look. There is such a variety to choose from: hillwalking; tennis; bowls or cricket; cooking; painting; golf or even croquet! Or why not volunteer with a local community group?

‘More Blooms’ are always looking for helping hands if you fancy a spot of gardening. With such a variety of choice and an engaged community, you are bound to find something that appeals. And when you come home to a warm house on a dark night, remember to embrace those comforting hygge* moments.

And finally, if you feel you can answer the first two questions, please send a letter in to us at MBC News. We always

welcome feedback and letters on any subject.

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

Carol

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.

*Hygge – a fundamental quality of Danish culture. Hygge cannot be translated using a single word. Rather, it includes many of the pleasures we associate with everyday living – relaxing with friends, enjoying good food and creating a cosy evening by lighting a candle or two.

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.

MBC News Delivery

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.

are interested in helping out, please contact

New volunteers are always welcome and if you

Peter Roberts Tel. 01224 868524.

Contact Graham Payne, 01224 868827.

mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr ‘17

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Aberdeen Climate Action Does the risk of flooding worry you? Do you care about ensuring a positive future for everything and everyone on this planet? Do you ever think about climate change and wonder what you could do to help prevent further catastrophic change? It is easy to take small steps that all build into making a big difference (and save you money). These steps can be as small as: changing your home power supply to renewable; growing your own veg and eating less meat; buying second hand goods and recycling; walking; taking the bus and biking more; getting a hybrid or electric car; voting for ‘green’ policies to starting up your own community project or company with reduction of carbon as an outcome.

Aberdeen & the Shire Climate Week is running from 18th-25th March 2017 and has many different events and information aimed at giving you the knowledge and inspiration to take small (and big) steps to saving our planet and all those on it. From rangers’ walks, kids storytelling, tours of the Donside Community Hydro, films, talks, bikeability events to exhibits, zero waste cafes and much, much more, Aberdeen Climate Week is designed for you to find out what is happening here, and around the world, and demonstrate what you can do to help. Come and be inspired by the showcase of the community initiatives, taking place around the North East, at the Central Library on Wednesday 22nd March at 6.30pm, watch thought provoking films at the Belmont or simply browse through our display boards. We are also hoping to hold an event at the Hub in Cults during that week so please check our website for details. Find events and inspiration at www.climateweekaberdeen.org

December Carol Concert

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Community Christmas Lights Project

There is nothing like the sparkle of Christmas lights to give our community that instant festive makeover.

Your community council embarked on a Christmas Lights Project during 2016 with the aim of introducing new festive lighting into our community for the festive season. We reached out to prominent local businesses for sponsorship and were delighted to obtain sufficient sponsorship to fund four new festive lights, these feature lights were column mounted onto prominent positions along the North Deeside Road in Cults. I’m sure you’ll all agree they looked fantastic...

The Community Council would like to thank and acknowledge the following local business for their support and sponsorship:

Scott Gilmour Optometrists, 5, The Courtyard, North Deeside Rd Aberdeen Clinic, 387a North Deeside Rd CKD Galbraith, 337 North Deeside Rd

As you know, the Community Council owns a number of Christmas lights which light up the trees and shrubbery opposite the Cults Hotel. This makes for a wonderful festive backdrop for our annual community carol singing event.

The Christmas Lights project is an ongoing initiative. Our aim is to erect festive lights along the North Deeside Road in Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber. The Community Council has no budget for this project however, we aim is to obtain sponsorship from a number of sources including individual sponsors, community stakeholders and prominent local business to fund this ongoing project. This is an excellent opportunity to support our drive to brighten up the heart of our community during the 2017 festive period, fostering good will, boosting the collective feel good factor and potentially attracting more people into our local businesses.

If you would like to support this project please contact Lindsay Davidson, CBM Community Councillor.

We would also love to get more community engagement in this project, so if you have any feedback or improvement suggestions please get in touch.

Email: lindsaydavidson23@hotmail.co.uk

mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr‘17

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News from the Cults Bieldside and Milltimber Community Council This is the time of the year we should be looking ahead into a new year with new opportunities to continue enjoying life in our superb suburb. I have nothing specifically in mind but just feel that a bit of optimism would be good medicine for many of our problems, be it the neighbour’s hedges or any more serious issues affecting the quality of life.

The Community Council looks forward to a year where several of the new developments in the area will approach maturity, hopefully resulting in improvements in the road infrastructure and fewer traffic measures. That may not yet happen around the new township of Countesswells and the AWPR, although completion of the A93 bridge towards the end of the year will certainly have a positive effect.

Hopefully the new Health and Social Care Partnership of the City and NHS will also get their act together in the new year.

Progress has been agonisingly slow and the task of the Leadership Group (apologies for the name, not my idea) - to help shape the plans for the locality with community participation – has not been eased by confusion about the actual requirements.

The Group intends to organise a number of public consultation meetings in the area in April. That would be the ideal opportunity to express your views on the current health and care services so that these can be brought forward during preparation of the plans. That should not keep you from letting us have your thoughts at any time in our meetings or by whatever means is convenient to you.

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

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

Graham Payne our treasurer/gardener has already been busy preparing for the 2017 ‘More Bloom’ set up. As in previous years he is looking for green fingered and heavy lifting assistance. Contact him!

And the Path Group of the CC is expected to continue their quest for improvement of and information on the footpaths in the area, specifically those in and around Foggieton and Countesswells Woods.

Of course, there will be familiar events during 2017: the MBC Festival and looking much further forward the Carol Concert.

The Festival committee has reorganised itself and is already working on a new programme. Additional members are still welcome. The Carol Concert has been set a hard target by the successful event of 2016. A fantastic turn out of singers with Fiona Kennedy, Ewan Gilchrist, the Morven Singers, the Bon Accord Silver band and the helpers from the Rotary in good form, resulted in a fine community event. Sainsbury staff had volunteered to serve the mince pies and the soup from Cults Hotel was hot and tasty. The collection for the VSA resulted in a record donation of £557.

Thinking about Christmas 2017 – that is looking ahead for you – during the year the Community Council hopes to secure sponsorship for many more festive lights than the initial four that brightened the Cults main street in 2016.

Enjoy 2017!

Guus Glass

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

mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr ‘17

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Planning Matters!

Well, 2016 was an interesting year with a few shocks and surprises; planning activities in our area also produced surprises ranging from the Good to the Bad and the downright Ugly. The Good would include the fact that we saw the need to comment on only three applications this year, a better level of engagement with the community on planning matters (though more needed) and the successful uptake of houses and progress at Oldfold Farm and Friarsfield. The Bad would include the lack of flexibility in the AWPR project to accommodate desired changes for the routing of the Deeside Way and the receipt of anonymous letters to Community Council members objecting to positions taken. The Ugly would be the lack of consideration shown to local residents along the C128 Cults to Kingswells Road at the beginning of work on the Countesswells development and the actions of the Scottish Government Reporter who has added in extra development sites in Milltimber to the Local Area Development Plan against the wishes of the community and the Aberdeen City Council.

Here’s an update on the major developments in our area: Countesswells - Phase 1 development is around 1260 homes, Phase 2 will be 750 homes and construction has begun. The consortium thinks it will take around three years for the first 700 homes to be built. A Primary school and the temporary health facility are expected after 500 homes 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 sold.

The major road works on the C128 Cults/Blacktop to Kingswells have been completed but activity will continue requiring single lane traffic under control of traffic lights. Countesswells Road will be closed again for up to 10 weeks from 16 January 2017. At a recent meeting, the Countesswells Consortium and their infrastructure contractor were made very aware how the disruption has impacted on people in the area, particularly those residents who live along the C128. The Community Council has written to Aberdeen Roads Department asking that lessons are learned about how to avoid the problems encountered – we hope we will not have to suffer a similar closure again in our area.

Friarsfield – work has begun on Phase 2, 109 houses and 12 apartments.

The link road between Kirk Brae and Craigton Road is due by the time 160 houses are sold. Some trees were removed without permission and the City Council has requested CALA to plant new trees as replacements. The footpath to the old Waldorf school is closed but will be reopened in March 2019 when construction is completed; an alternative route through Friarsfield Avenue, on to Stoneybrae and out onto Craigton Road is available.

Oldfold Farm – work on Phase 1 for 61 homes continues and a good number of homes are now occupied. We welcome all the new residents to our area.

AWPR – by the time you read this there will have been a meeting of local residents with the Scottish Government Transport Minister, Humza Yousaf to discuss the many issues raised about the project, including flooding and damage to properties caused by the works. The routing of the Deeside Way will probably also have come up.

The Project team have provided the original traffic assessment for the design of the junction connecting the A93 to the AWPR, which shows a signal controlled junction is better than a roundabout. Although the three-way mini roundabout appears to be working well without traffic signals, the fourth arm appears to require a much larger roundabout to work effectively than can be fitted in. Upcoming events: Milltimber Brae E/Station Rd bridge complete April 2017.

A93 bridge complete late summer 2017 (utilities re-diversions to do).

Local diversion on S Deeside Road for Dee Crossing construction March/April 2017 Brace yourselves for more traffic lights and road works!

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McCarthy & Stone Development at 3 South Avenue, Cults – The planning application 160552 for 21 x two-bedroom apartments on the site of the house at 3 South Avenue was refused by Planning.

Inchgarth Road Development – a Planning Application Notice for a development on open land between the North Deeside Rd and Inchgarth Rd to the west of Pitfodels Station Rd. has been submitted.

The proposed development would comprise a sports field, retirement homes and a link road between the North Deeside Road and Inchgarth Road, which is seen as a key piece of transport infrastructure for Aberdeen. An alternative of just retirement homes and no sports field is being considered. The detailed Planning Application is expected to be submitted in January.

Earlspark Crescent – The owner of land behind the houses on Earlspark Crescent wishes to remove some trees and requires access to the land over Aberdeen City Council land. This will require the removal of rocks and shrubs which will be replaced and garden restored on completion of the work. The Community Council have met with the owner and ACC officials to discuss alternative approaches and these have been investigated. A meeting with residents was held on 15 December where the landowner and tree surgeon provided details of their plans.

Council officers are likely to grant a licence to occupy, though not yet agreed, to the landowner and his contractor for access across Council ground. The licence will contain additional conditions in order to protect the Council. The detail of all the conditions are still to be discussed and agreed; however, clauses will be inserted within the licence to occupy to protect the Council and hopefully alleviate the concerns of the local residents. These will include: a photographic record of the ground prior to entry to ensure appropriate reinstatement; the licence will last for a period of circa two weeks only, with all works and reinstatement to be completed within this timescale, although it is noted that additional planting may be required outwith this period; a restriction on the times that work can be undertaken on the site; a method statement for the taking of access will be required to be agreed prior to any access being taken, including: details of how any off street loading arrangements for vehicles will be addressed; no stacking of timber allowed after the expiry of the licence agreement; any timber stacked during the occupation to be secured by fencing at all times.

Aberdeen Local Development Plan – The Scottish Reporters have now submitted their recommendations on the Local Development Plan (LDP). The bad news for our area is that the reporter has recommended the inclusion of three new development sites: Milltimber South for 60 homes and a small retail centre (the two fields used for grazing south of A93 NDR); 10 homes on the west side of Contlaw Rd (just north of Culterhouse Rd); 8 homes in Culterhouse Rd (next to current Churchill homes development). Unfortunately there is no ability to appeal. The LDP has been adopted by the City Council and we expect the report will be finalised and issued in January 2017. Comments are being sought on the Supplementary Guidance notes to accompany the LDP; responses were due by 30 January 2017.

City Centre Master Plan - a Reference Group has been established to provide input to proposals for City Centre Development. The group is chaired by Marie Boulton and has representatives from various city groups including the Civic Forum and the Community Council Forum.

The group met on 15 November to receive a status report – progress continues on the first phase of projects being pursued over the next three years, including: the Art Gallery, the Music Hall, Broad Street pedestrianisation and Union Terrace Gardens. The next review is on 1 February 2017.

Three thematic groups have been established for the Masterplan – transportation, property and young people The Post Office have agreed to repaint all post boxes in Union Street as part of the smartening up work Art Gallery - target is still to reopen in December 2017 Union Terrace Gardens – the project team have met with a number of stakeholders to get their input to the new design. The proposed design for

mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr‘17

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Union Terrace Gardens was presented and the public was able to see this at the beginning of December. The Community Councils of Aberdeen felt the time allowed (1 week) for comment in the survey was too short Broad Street part pedestrianisation will cost £4 million with £1 million from Sustrans AberdeenWorks project is now helping people from disadvantaged communities to get jobs in the city Aberdeen 365 – a proposal is going to the Finance Committee in December Provost Skene House - £1.5 million for refurbishment of the house with work to be completed in 2017. The structural work is already done and the future work will be updating the displays and internal decoration.

Modern audio visual displays celebrating famous Aberdonians are planned. An independent panel will select the people to be featured and these will be updated over time.

Schoolhill/Golden Square – design work is underway Next steps Queens Square development framework is being created Independent Aberdeen (Aberdeen smaller businesses) – a new manager has been hired by Aberdeen Inspired and the initial focus will be on George Street businesses North Dee Business Quarter – looking at a mix of commercial and residential property St. Nicholas/Bon Accord centres – the team is helping shape the plans Station Gateway – establishing the right pedestrian access to Union Street is a key aspect City Centre Living report – looks at what needs to be in place to support people living in the city centre Working with 10 city schools to get the views of young people – the number of schools may be increased later.

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 www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/transport_streets/ roads_pavements/roads_and_pavements.asp Planning Applications of Note A couple of recent planning applications are worthy of note; 161721 for four single bedroom flats at 19 South Avenue, Cults and 161804 for four single bedroom flats at 431 North Deeside Road, Cults, the site next to the library. You can see a current list of applications on our website. The Community Council would like residents to know that they can approach us, either at one of our monthly meetings or outwith 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 represent fairly 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/or you would like to place a topic on our meeting agenda. … and the Boring The number of Planning Applications in Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber was lower in 2016 than 2015 but slightly higher than the number in 2014. There were 186 applications in Lower Deeside (200 in 2015) and we reviewed 140 applications for Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber (151 in 2015). We submitted 3 letters of comment or objection (11 in 2015); one of the three applications was refused, action on our comments was taken on a second and the third is still under review.

Peter Roberts

Community Council Future Meetings

Future Meetings

Venue

Other useful contacts details

23 February 2017

Deeside Christian Fellowship Church Cafe

Cllr Marie Boulton 01224 522178 / 734712

23 March 2017

Cults Community Centre - swimming pool entrance

Cllr Tauqeer Malik 01224 346615 / 07732 172225

27 April 2017

Deeside Christian Fellowship Church - Café

25 May 2017

Cults Community Centre - swimming pool entrance

22 June 2017

Phoenix Community Centre, Newton Dee Village (pro.)

Cllr Aileen Malone 01224 522356 / 868690 Police (non emergencies) 0845 600 5700

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 174 Feb-Mar-Apr ‘17

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News from Councillors Marie Boulton and Tauqeer Malik Happy New Year!

This time last year, many people were recovering from flood damage to their properties because of the arrival of Storm Frank. Thankfully, we haven’t had to contend with another Storm Frank this year but work has been continuing in the background between Aberdeen City Council’s flooding team, Scottish Water, SEPA and other interested parties to carry out surveys of our local water course and prepare plans which will prevent the damage to properties should we see further storms hit the area. There has also been a discussion between ourselves and Aberdeenshire Council to draw up a formal protocol to ensure that we consult each other on any planning application or intervention which is near to any water courses and could have the potential to cause flooding in each other’s areas. The Council’s flooding team will soon be putting information on the Council’s website outlining the proposed plans to address the flooding of the past and anticipated flooding of the future. The plans will take time to roll out because of the scale of work that is required. We want to ensure that the works carried out will mean that people will be taken out of a flood zone, allowing them to get reasonably priced insurance and, more importantly, peace of mind. The funding for the work has been allocated in the budget and will be drawn down as and when required.

Good news, Allan Park will be getting a transformation with new play equipment for younger children and teenagers. Council Officers engaged with residents and the pupils at Cults Primary School to find out which of the designs they favoured. The design with the long slide won the children over. A couple of items from the other design also caught the children’s imagination so officers

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negotiated with the winning design to add some similar pieces of equipment. Weather dependent, the park should be up and running by the school holidays in April.

The 26-week programme to make vital structural repairs to the Rob Roy Bridge is nearing completion and will be completed on time, subject to any unexpected delays.

Further temporary traffic lights on the A93 North Deeside Road, as part of the ongoing works on the AWPR, will continue throughout the year. A full closure of the North Deeside Road beside Milltimber Brae, for one week in the Easter holidays, is required whilst the ‘new’ section is connected to the existing North Deeside Road. We understand that a full closure will cause disruption and Roads Officers have worked hard to reduce the original request for several weeks down to one week and to ensure that it happens in the school holidays. We are still pursuing Transport Scotland for a better and safer solution for people using the Deeside Way. The current proposal that users will have to come off the Deeside Way and walk along a narrow section of road that doesn’t have a pavement in order to re-join the railway line is very concerning. Whilst we failed to get Transport Scotland to reconsider building the traffic bridge onto Milltimber Brae and instead build a continuation of the Deeside Way and to use the reopened old Milltimber Brae for residents traffic, we feel there is still a very cheap and easy option which we have proposed to the Transport Minster.

Hopefully in the next article, we will be able to report to you we have, on this occasion, been successful. There are still significant concerns over the proposed traffic light signal junction on the North Deeside Rd being fit for purpose, but despite several meetings we are at stalemate with Transport Scotland who are insisting that they are building according to the plans! Other road closures which have caused major disruption to residents have been the closure of the Countesswells Road and the road from Cults to the Kingswells roundabout. Both have been closed to facilitate utilities being laid for the new Countesswells development.

mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr‘17

Following feedback from residents and a review of the usage of the No. 95 bus service, operated by Stagecoach since Monday 13th June 2016, it has been decided to cease the service and invest the funding in extending the Dial-a-Bus service. The Dial-a-Bus currently operates in Lower Deeside on Monday and Thursday between the hours of 1015-1415. This is a door-to-door bus service for those unable to use the conventional bus services to access their destination. The service will travel to the service users chosen destination and as such will travel outwith the local area. Additional capacity has been identified in the in-house passenger fleet to operate an additional vehicle in the Lower Deeside area on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday which would complement the existing services and could be set up for local journeys only. The majority of users of the existing supported service are elderly and, given the low numbers travelling, a demand responsive Dial-a-Bus option would be more appropriate with a door-to-door service and flexible times. Users would be required to book and pay for the service in line with the rest of the Community Transport Service. We hope that the changes will be more helpful to residents who we know struggle with the topography in the Lower Deeside Area. The No. 95 service will cease as of the 31st March 2017.

The following items have been identified to be done from our 2017-2018 budgets: Resurfacing of the carriageway of Inchgarth Road from Deeview Road South to Westerton Road Resurfacing of the carriageway of Friarsfield Road from Kirk Brae to Abbotshall Road Resurfacing of the carriageway of Craigton Road from Airyhall Avenue to Baird’s Brae Bridge strengthening of Cults Bridge on the A93 Flooding capital works Inchgarth We are delighted to give an update on projects that are underway in the City

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

Centre. Marischal Square is on time and will be completed by July 2017. This area will comprise: several restaurants, one of which will be Mackie’s Ice Creams, their first ice cream parlour cum coffee shop; Marriot Residence Inn; offices and importantly the refurbished Provost Skene’s House. Provost Skene’s House will be transformed into the Hall of Heroes which will feature famous people from Aberdeen and the North East who have gone on to make a difference, not just locally but also globally. The heroes will be voted for by you, the public, and will come from all sorts of areas, from science to the arts, to sports, to humanitarian endeavours and more. There will be courtyard spaces where you can sit in the open or undercover as well as sensory gardens surrounding Provost Skene’s House. The partial pedestrianisation of Broad Street will provide a pleasant area for people to wander and a place we can hold events and a Christmas Market.

Aberdeen Art Gallery is well underway and will re-open to the public in November 2017, transformed into a truly remarkable space where we will be able to display large, world famous exhibitions. There will also be two outside terraces on the new roof top area where we will site sculptures, where you can drink your coffee and take in views across the city. The Art Gallery will not just be for displaying art but it will also provide space

for music and educational space for people of all ages who perhaps fancy themselves as the next Picassos or Tracey Emin. There will be a new restaurant on the ground floor for those attending concerts in The Cowdray Hall as well as those visiting the Gallery. There will be a second outlet for refreshments on the top floor of the Gallery to provide a choice.

One of the most important elements of the transformation of the Gallery is that, for the first time ever, it will be truly DDA compliant; a place that no matter your mobility, you can visit.

The Music Hall is undergoing its own transformation with the upgrading of the internal layout to make it more user friendly and suitable for the needs of today. The main auditorium has not been compromised and retains the excellent acoustics that it is renowned for but will see improvements to the seating and stage. The much longed for reopening of the Music Hall will be in the second half of 2018.

interventions into a design. LDA talked to over 50 stakeholders and interested parties whilst working up the design, then went out to public engagement in December. The responses from the public and stakeholder groups were extremely positive and of note was the response from the disability group who said that the interventions that had been suggested to make it accessible for all were some of the best they had ever seen. If the scheme and design are approved by Council in the next couple of months, the timeline would see work under way by the third quarter this year with completion in 2019.

There are several other projects including the new Exhibition Centre at Dyce which we will expand upon in our next article. Aberdeen is working hard to reinvent itself in what is a very difficult financial climate for business, for the Council and for its citizens but if we work together we can make it happen.

The final update is on the long-awaited, sensitive transformation of Union Terrace Gardens. The agreed City Centre Master Plan contained, amongst its 49 projects, a project for Union Terrace Gardens. Set out in the project were interventions that had been identified by the public and stakeholders groups over a nine month consultation period. LDA were appointed to turn the

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News from Councillor Aileen Malone This seems an appropriate time to let you know that this will be my last article for the MBC News as the summer issue will be delivered after the May local elections. After serving as your elected member for the past 14 years, it is with mixed feelings that I have decided it is time to retire and will not be standing for re-election in May. It has been a great privilege for me to have represented our local community. Thank you for allowing me the honour of serving our area as councillor. Over the years, I have tried to help in any way I can. I am grateful for all the support, comments and queries. I value all the contacts and friendly discussions during this time of public service. I will do my best to have all your queries resolved before I retire and I will ensure that any outstanding queries are handed over to my successor. In the meantime, please get in touch with any concerns. I will continue to do my best to assist you.

Repairs to Path from Cults Ave/ Primary School Recently, residents contacted me with concerns about the condition of the footpath that runs from Cults Avenue to Cults Primary School. The surface was deteriorating and had safety implications. This is a popular route used daily by the school community, dog walkers and others. I arranged for the path to be repaired and am pleased that this has now been carried out. Please keep me informed of any similar problems. Our local paths should be kept safe and attractive.

Public walkway at Woodlands Grove Local people asked me about signs that were installed at Woodlands Grove, Milltimber. The signs state that the paths through this new residential development are ‘private’. These paths have been much used by local residents for a long time. This is a valued walking route and there was concern at losing this local amenity, if the paths were indeed ‘private’. I am pleased to confirm that these walking routes are not ‘private’ and are, in fact, public ‘rights of way’.

I am a great supporter of ‘green transport’ and this is a popular network for walkers. The new signs are invalid and can be ignored.

‘Rights of Way’ are routes which have been in existence since ‘time immemorial’. They are formed by people using the same route consistently for a very long time. There are now four tests to check if a ‘right of way’ has been established. These are as follows: 1. It must join two public places.

2. It must follow, more or less, a defined route.

3. It must have been used, openly and peacefully, by the general public as a matter of right and not simply by permission of the landowner.

4. It must have been used without substantial interruption for at least 20 years.

Prior to the current development, the property was a hospital. At that time, members of the public were free to exercise their right to cross the land without permission of the landowner. It is understood that the path used started at Binghill Road and passed round the back of the main building, finishing at the riding stables. This route was a ‘right of way’ during this period. Council officials confirmed that there is a more or less defined route from one side of the development to the other, joining two public places. The route has been consistently in use for at least twenty years without requiring permission of the landowner.

Unfortunately, there is nothing that we can do to enforce removal of the signs.

They do not contravene regulations or policies on advertisements or planning.

When Planning Permission was granted for the housing development, the wording of the planning condition sought to maintain access in and out of the site via the gateway opposite Five Binghill Road. The signs possibly act as a deterrent to walkers to enter the area but they are not physically preventing anyone from accessing the site via this entrance. As a result, there is no breach of the planning condition. At least the right to walk has been affirmed.

Major Grey’s Plaque You might have noticed that Major Grey’s bench has been moved from its site in North Deeside Road to Darroch Park. A new bench has been placed in North Deeside Road as it is important to provide places to rest and enjoy the environment. The benches in Darroch Park were in need of repair so I requested they be refurbished. This is now taking place and they will be Page 10

reinstated in Darroch Park - hopefully very soon. Major Grey’s bench has been re-positioned with a planter nearby. There is also a plaque to give some historical background to the bench. These arrangements for the bench seemed appropriate and in keeping with Darroch Park.

Pedestrian safety in Cults Avenue/ Kirkbrae Avenue I, like so many others, support safe walking to and from school and value the well-being of our young people. It was brought to my attention that school pupils were faced with safety problems when trying to cross Cults Avenue at the junction with Kirkbrae Avenue. This can be a tricky corner to negotiate.

To help make this a safer walking route, yellow feet have been painted on the pavements. There are painted feet at the end of Kirkbrae Avenue/Cults Avenue and also at the bridle path, highlighting that this is a safe crossing point.

Unfortunately, there have been vehicles parked at this location which reduce visibility and make it difficult for children to cross safely. I have asked for the installation of ‘double yellow lines’ at this place. This process can take some time, but hopefully they will be in place soon to help the young people and all other pedestrians.

Local Development Plan- Milltimber South In December, the council were faced with the decision to adopt the next local development plan. This designates various purposes to areas in the city and identifies suitable sites for possible building developments. We were faced with a proposal from the Scottish Reporter that was simply unacceptable. The plan had been modified by the Scottish Reporter to give the green light for possible development in the land known as ‘Milltimber South’. The advice from Council officials was that we could not change or challenge this modification. Needless to say, we felt it was not acceptable to be told that we could not make our own local decision about the future use of our local land. The Liberal Democrats, therefore, submitted a proposal not to re-designate ‘Milltimber South’ for building use. I am pleased that the Council fully supported this.

The wording of the Liberal Democrat proposal was that the council: 1. Deeply regrets that the Town and Country Planning Regulations Scotland 2009 oblige that this Council accept the Reporter’s recommendations for modifications regardless of the views of local communities or of this council.

2. In particular, deplores the reporters’ recommended modification to include 80 homes and 1225sqm of employment land at Milltimber South.

Scottish planning legislation unfortunately puts heavy constraints on local authorities. The regulations forced the Council to adopt the local plan with the modifications. My motivation has been to stand up for the interests of the local area so the issue continues.

Community Council I would like to take this opportunity to express particular thanks and appreciation to the CBM Community Council. We are fortunate in this area to have a very active community council whose members give up their time voluntarily for the good of the area. I am grateful for their stalwart efforts.

It’s easy to get in touch The most rewarding time of being a councillor is when I have been able to help members of the community and hopefully made life better for them in some way. The most frustrating part is that I have not succeeded in some issues. This is often due to budget and resource constraints or because the issue is outwith the Council’s control. I try to make a difference for the good. Please continue to get in touch with any issues and queries. My contact details are below. I look forward to hearing from you.

Councillor Aileen Malone Email: amalone@aberdeencitygov.uk Tel: Office: 01224522356

mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr‘17

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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.

2017 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 prelecture drinks. For more information, please ring Alison on 01224 869639 or Thyra on 01224 481278 or check the GDFAS website.

Tea, coffee, home baking and best decorated cake competition.

Chocolate tombola, toy and book sale and games Bargains galore for mothers day A fun community event, the rainbows, brownies and guides of Cults look forward to seeing you there!

Saturday 25th March 10 am till 12 noon in the Scout hall, South Av Cults

Brian Taylor PainTEr & DECoraTor

25

ovEr yEars ExPEriEnCE all interior and exterior work undertaken H: 01224 735016 M: 07711581789 E: brian.taylor33@yahoo.co.uk

mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr ‘17

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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.

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I went on a course…

For some years now I have been learning Italian with Enrica Conti, who gives lessons in Bieldside. Last year she decided to take some of her students to Vasto, on the Adriatic Coast of Italy. Eight of us went and had the most marvellous time.

Vasto is a lovely little town in Abruzzo, central Italy. It is set high above the sea and affords wonderful views of the coastline and beach below. The town is beautiful - clean and tidy with lots of flowers, winding alleys, interesting shops and ancient buildings. There are pretty squares with cafes where you can sit and watch the world go by, while you sip a glass of local wine. In the evenings, it is very lively with the usual ‘passegiata’ and musical events in many of the churches.

After breakfast in our quirky B&B, we set off

for the morning’s lessons: two hours of Italian every morning and, on most afternoons, Enrica had arranged an “activity”.

We were taken on a guided tour of the town where among other delights, there are the remains of Roman Baths with some beautiful mosaic floors. Another day we visited a vineyard where a tour of the wine making area was followed by a wonderful meal cooked by the nonna (grandmother) and accompanied by lots of wine. After lunch, we had a dip in their swimming pool. Another day we visited an Agriturismo (Farm Stay) in the mountains. The whole family greeted us and the grandmother taught us how to make spaghetti, using a Chitarra. This is a box with wires stretched across. Once your pasta was rolled thin enough, you placed the sheet of pasta on the chitarra and rolled it, so that spaghetti fell into the box below. Our spaghetti was cooked for our lunch as part of another marathon meal.

Perhaps the outstanding outing was a trip by private motor launch to the nearby Tremiti Islands. We were treated to Prosecco and nibbles, before going ashore to explore the rugged island. Later, anchored in a delightful bay, we swam from the boat in the azure sea, before being served another wonderful lunch.

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mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr‘17

One evening we had a cookery demonstration from a famous female Italian Chef. And, of course, it would have been rude not to eat the dishes she prepared! And on our final night we visited a fish restaurant situated in a Trabocco, a rickety structure built on stilts, from where they used to lower nets into the sea. Fishy course followed fishy course, and the wine flowed.

In our ‘free’ time we enjoyed sitting in a café with a glass, or two, of wine and some delicious aperitivi, watching the world go by.

Vasto was delightful; its people are helpful and friendly and they did not mind us practising our Italian on them. I can heartily recommend it as a holiday destination, and learning a language as a way to keep your brain active. For information about Italian courses, contact Enrica Conti at encoit@ talktalk.net (Contributed by Janet Hood)

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The Allan Park, Cults 2017 will see a significant improvement in the facilities and standard of the Allan Park.

The partnership of local Friends of the Allan Park, volunteers and the Council have embarked on a range of initiatives to encourage more people to use the park and to get greater value from it when they visit.

Pupils from Cults Academy Eco and Environment teams planted 30 trees in October, donated by the Woodland Trust to replace dead elms and also planted shrubs to enhance the east entrance courtesy of a grant from Action Earth.

Bank of Scotland branch staff have contributed day volunteer work in 2016 and plan to continue this year with maintenance and both, the pupils’ and the banks’, support is much appreciated.

A significant investment and enhancement will be the new play park which the council is installing this spring after consultation with school pupils and the public on the most suitable design. It will have a wide range of equipment for young children and teenagers for fun and fitness using the top and bottom of the hill to good effect.

The cricket and football pitch have now fully recovered from last year’s flood damage. A new Cricket club pavilion replacing the old wooden shed will help adult and youth players to enjoy playing there again in 2017.

We are very grateful for financial support from MBC News, generously provided in response to the burnt-out picnic table. Any other benefactors would be most appreciated.

I would encourage more local people of all ages to visit the Allan Park this year and enjoy the facilities, the green space and peaceful environment which can enhance our mental and physical wellbeing – for free!

Anyone wishing to receive information, contribute ideas or help should contact me.

Iain Clark, Secretary, Friends of the Allan Park, iainhc9@gmail.com

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mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr ‘17

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Tee at Kippie?

A new-found interest for golf has seen a surge in participation and membership among female players at a blossoming north-east country club.

Kippie Lodge, set within the bounds of Aberdeen yet surrounded by the picturesque scenery of the Dee valley, has been the perfect sport & leisure retreat since the early 1970s.

Once dominated by male businessmen in the oil trade – the club is affiliated to Scottish Golf as Aberdeen Petroleum – it is now seeing an upsurge in ladies, keen to take up the game and gain handicaps. The picturesque ninehole golf course in the grounds opened in the early 1990s and provides a challenge for all levels of player, with a family-friendly ethos.

Director of Golf, Keil Beveridge, has been working at the venue with groups of ladies through Scottish Golf ’s ‘Get into Golf ’ coaching programme, while Laura Murray, who recently won her first pro event, continues the female theme through her attachment to Kippie Lodge.

Such has been the interest from female club members at Kippie, they have now taken a leaf out of the men’s book by setting up their own ladies’ golf association. The 45 members

can have fun, learn the game and perhaps gain handicaps to start playing medals next season. Currently, only six of the ladies are members of other city clubs.

Nicky Caldwell, marketing co-ordinator at Kippie said, “It’s never been so busy with the ladies. Groups of men go out, but all of a sudden these ladies have come out wanting to play and wanting to get involved in golf.

They’re not feeling pressurised, if they are a beginner or intermediate, they can join this group of ladies and play. It’s a group of ladies who have got together who are learning, enjoying and playing the game.

“They are trying to encourage other ladies to come along, saying ‘you don’t need to have a handicap, come along for a bit of fun. If you want to join us, brilliant, we can then look at getting you a handicap’. It’s golf at Kippie for ladies. It’s a club within a club.”

The lady members meet for golf every Wednesday and Saturday, numbering around 20 regularly, with more expected next season.

One of the beginner ladies, Fiona Willox, has even already notched a hole in one, at the fourth hole in pouring rain!

Susan Chappell–Smith, who runs the ladies’

golf association at Kippie, added, “The ladies are already playing a longer course which allows for handicaps and competitions. The greens staff at Kippie have altered the tee positions to comply with this and new cards have been printed with the revised yardages.

We have 45 paid up members and have been able to register and issue handicaps to 24 ladies since the course was changed to allow for the required yardage.

“Over the winter we will devise a competition schedule for 2017, incorporating various ideas we have to retain the interest of the ladies – allowing for a mix of competitions and fun games. We will be playing fun bounce games on Wednesday mornings as well as Saturday’s during the winter, weather permitting, and have also organised social functions and away days to other courses, just for fun golf.”

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mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr‘17

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St Devenick’s Playgroup News We have had an exciting term kicking off with our Halloween Fayre! All the children came dressed up and enjoyed lots of stalls including face paints, bat and ghost crafts, a Halloween disco and lots of fun games. Many thanks to our committee for their hard work in running the successful event – a great time was had by all while raising funds for the playgroup.

The children have had loads of fun with all the season has had to offer – everything from exploding firework pictures to making delicious Christmas puddings! They got their hands messy and had a great time chopping up the ingredients for each individual pudding to take home. There was mess everywhere but it was well worth it – they were very proud of their creations!

We had a wonderful festive trip to meet Santa at BA Stores – the children even got to meet the reindeer on a train and had their snack in a Winter Wonderland. Many thanks to all the parents who came along – the outing was very much enjoyed by everyone and hopefully gave the children some lasting memories!

This year the Christmas concert was made very special by being held in St Devenick’s Church. The children were all in costumes and sang beautifully to tell the story of the Nativity. They even rang bells for Santa to come in to give them all a present! Many thanks to Reverend Paul Watson for letting us use the church and allowing us access to rehearse – it was a beautiful Christmas experience for the children and families. Well done to the staff for getting the best out of the children – they sat like angels and performed amazingly – you forgot they are only 2 and 3 years old!

This term we sadly said goodbye to Kathleen Welch. She has been a wonderful playleader with us for 7 years and will be very much missed. We wish her all the best in her new post at the local school. We have also welcomed two new playleaders – Kasia Banaszek and Rachel Gillot who are both very warm and enthusiastic and we look forward to them working with the children.

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

We have lots planned for the upcoming terms. We will be developing our playground so that the children can get out every day and enjoy all weathers! In celebration of Burns Night, we will pipe in our own haggis and the children will have a go at their own Scottish games e.g. Welly Wanging and Tossing the Caber (which will be a cardboard tube!).

Mother’s Day, Chinese New Year and Spring will be here before we know it!!

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 in 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

Website - http://stdevenicksplaygroup.btck.co.uk

mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr ‘17

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The Importance of Having a Will… and the Pitfalls of Not. Considering what will happen to your family and estate when you are no longer around can be a daunting prospect. For this reason, many people put off having a Will prepared – the latest figures from Will Aid found that less than half of those surveyed (47%) had a Will in place. However, dying without a Will, known as intestate, can cause delay, expense and distress to your family.

Executors One of the first things we do when creating a Will is to appoint Executors. Executors are responsible for ensuring the administration of your estate is carried out correctly. You should choose people you trust and who would be capable of this role. Without a Will, you have no say in who will be your Executors. Instead, someone will need to apply to the court to have themselves appointed. This can cause not only stress and delay to proceedings, but also added expense.

More importantly, anyone with a right to inherit from your estate can seek to be appointed - which can include people you barely know. The court has no discretion to refuse an application, which means that in the worst case someone entirely unsuitable and untrustworthy could be appointed. If the court receives more than one petition, they will simply appoint those competing parties as joint executors. If these people do not get along and refuse to agree on anything, this can be a disaster!

Bonds of Caution Without a Will in place, in most

circumstances, Executors will require to obtain what is known as a “Bond of Caution”.

This is provided by an insurance company and guarantees that the estate will be dealt with correctly for all beneficiaries and creditors. The insurance company will seek to recover, from your Executors, any expenses incurred and a one-off premium which is directly related to the value of your assets.

The premium can range from a few hundred pounds, up to tens of thousands: money that would otherwise have gone to your family.

Beneficiaries Without a Will, you have no control over who inherits from your estate. This is instead governed by law.

There is a common misconception that if someone is married and has not made a Will, the spouse will inherit the entire estate.

Although a spouse or civil partner has certain entitlements, it is only up to specific values. With an estate valued higher than these entitlements, any children can then be entitled to inherit the remainder. If there are no children, the remainder of the estate will pass to other family members, including parents, siblings, or more distant relatives such as cousins or their children.

Also, if you live with your partner, but are unmarried, he/she is not automatically entitled to inherit from your estate. Instead they will need to raise a claim in court, within a strict time limit and it is entirely at the discretion of the court what (if anything) will be awarded. In addition to this, (unless the beneficiaries determined by law all agree) funds cannot pass to charities, or close friends who you may have wanted to benefit.

first named person fail to survive you.

Otherwise, part of your estate may not be covered by your Will and those beneficiaries specified by law will instead be entitled to it.

Other matters covered in a Will If you have young children, you can state who you would wish to be appointed as their guardian in the event of your death. Whilst not legally binding, this is given weight by the court when making any decisions. Without a Will, there may be no written record of your feelings on this matter.

You can also specify how funds being inherited by young beneficiaries are to be dealt with – for example by saying they should be held in trust until a certain age or paid over to their guardian.

Your Will can also set out your wishes in relation to funeral instructions, giving guidance to your family. A Will can also be beneficial in terms of Inheritance Tax planning, ensuring that you can make the most of the allowances and exemptions which exist.

It is never too early to have your Will put in place, and doing so can give you peace of mind that your affairs are in order. Having a Will can simplify the administration of your estate and avoid additional costs being incurred. More importantly, it can ensure your wishes are carried out and save unnecessary distress being put on your family at what is already a difficult time for them.

Ruth Lussier, Solicitor, Raeburn Christie Clark & Wallace

In a Will, you should also specify fall back beneficiaries who will inherit should the

Cults Canoe Club

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FRISKIS&SVETTIS HILLVIEW

Do get in touch with us at deesidepaddlers.com or look us up on Facebook under Cults Canoe Club. We would love you to join us on the water.

Exercise Classes to Music Improve Fitness, Flexibility and Strength Have fun !

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

CULTS

Hopefully, you’ll become so committed to it that you will continue to take advantage of our weekly trips throughout the year. The photograph shows one of our winter trips on the river Dee where a group of club members and friends paddled the river from Aboyne to Potarch. The scenery was beautiful, with vestiges of snow on the hills and a low mist hanging over the water. We had a gentle paddle down the river spending time chatting, playing on the water and offering tips and encouragement; and everyone finished with a smile.

FRISKIS&SVETTIS EXERCISE HILLVIEW CULTS FRISKIS&SVETTIS

Why not take advantage of the summer months by getting fit and active with a new hobby. Cults Canoe Club offers coaching and trips for inland kayak and open canoe, from beginners to advanced paddlers. Float down the River Dee admiring the scenery and watching herons, dippers, oyster catchers and if you are lucky otters and kingfishers. If there are some over 50’s interested, we’ll happily arrange an introduction to paddling for a group of you. Children are welcome accompanied by an adult on suitable trips. In the summer months, we have access to Knockburn Loch, near Banchory -a manmade loch with showers and toilets, and we run coached sessions one evening per week and occasional Saturday afternoons. All kit can be hired through the club by members.

FRISKIS&SVETTIS EXERCISE HILLVIEW CULTS

mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr‘17

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C ults

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tel 0845 337 1140 : fax 01224 860171 On behalf of Cults Medical Group, I would like to wish you all a very happy and healthy 2017. The partners and staff would like to thank every patient who gave them gifts over the festive period. The gifts were lovely, and it is a real morale boost for the doctors and staff to know that the service provided is appreciated by the community.

We were extremely busy before Christmas with repeat prescriptions. In addition to our existing services we have now started a service where you can order your prescription on line. If online ordering is something you would be interested in, please ask the staff at reception who will show you which form to complete.

We have also updated our system for flu vaccination invitations and attendance at other clinics. We may contact you by text message if we have up-to-date mobile details for you. If we do not have an up-to-date mobile phone number for you, please speak

to the staff at reception or complete one of our ‘text messaging slips’ which are at the front desk.

At this time of year, there are some very significant coughs and colds going around.

Most coughs and colds can be resolved, initially, at the local pharmacies, allowing your Doctor at the surgery to be available for more complex issues.

We have recently taken part in live GP video teaching delivered to medical students in Aberdeen. This is nationally pioneering work in General Practice and medical student teaching, and with the University of Aberdeen we have been invited to present our work at two national education conferences in the next few months. Dr McKeown delivered his first lecture to 200 medical students at the Suttie Centre in Aberdeen University recently, and we are hopeful that we are contributing to producing excellent GP’s for the future. Our teaching could not be delivered without the

assistance of our patients, and we appreciate that greatly.

The car park at the practice gets very busy, especially on Wednesdays when we host a baby clinic and midwife appointments along with our regular surgeries. Please use the car park for appointments at the practice only. Surprisingly, though most patients are extremely understanding of the need for emergency medical access to the car park, we have had instances of people taking up a space, then shopping or walking dogs. We’ll be marking areas for on-call emergency staff shortly, and would appreciate if you could respect those zones.

Finally, like other North-East surgeries, the practice will be closed on the afternoons of Wednesday 1st February and Wednesday 22nd March for Protected Learning. In case of an urgent medical emergency during those hours, please contact NHS24 on 111.

Thank you Tracey Wilson, Practice Manager

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The Garden at Cults Square In 2011 when I opened my shop, Just Gems, next to the then Post Office in Cults Square, the island of planting beside the bus stop was overgrown with thorny plants and was an unsightly litter trap.

With the support of Councillor Marie Boulton and a team of enthusiastic volunteers, headed by garden designer Alison Shearer, the island has been transformed into a colourful and attractive mixed shrub and herbaceous border.

Kelly’s of Cults, Interiors@Home, the Cults Hotel and Just Gems all contributed to the costs of purchasing the new plants and clearing out the old ones. I know from all the supportive comments we get from passers-by when we are working on the garden, how much the beautiful display is appreciated by Cults residents.

I’d like to thank Alison Shearer, Vilma McAdam and Robert Ross for their hard work and enthusiasm in keeping the area looking lovely.

For family reasons, I will be moving away from Cults, to help care for my elderly parents who live in middle England and so, after six years of serving the Cults community, Just Gems is relocating to the Cotswolds. My team of volunteers are also moving onto other projects and we are looking for some replacement gardeners to take our place.

Save the date Thursday 16 March 2017 The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa

Aberdeen Ladies’ Lunch

with speaker – Steve Brown Wheelchair Rugby Para Olympian, Public Speaker and TV Presenter.

Enquiries contact Maggie Atchison E maggieatchison@mac.com T 07801 933102 or 01224 310562

Now the planting is established and the old shrubs have been removed, there is little major to do beyond some regular weeding, removal of litter and some occasional pruning. Aberdeen City Council’s Steven Shaw is always willing to arrange a special collection for any bulky prunings and has been a great source of bulbs and compost.

If you’d like to help, please contact helen.plumb@just-gems.co.uk and I will make sure you have all the information you need.

Helen Plumb Just Gems Charity reg. nos 208701 and SC039284

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Page 18

mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr‘17

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

The Mixing Bowl Aberdeen At the end of October, the Mixing Bowl welcomed back Mary Moh to run a workshop teaching a number of sweet, red bean paste recipes including Tang Yuen from China and Dorayaki pancakes from Japan. Mary was also our first ever guest cook at the Mixing Bowl over two years ago. The October workshop was dedicated to Vegetarian World Food and after the hand-on session, everyone enjoyed a buffet of various vegetarian dishes from around the world that had been kindly prepared by other ‘Mixing Bowlers’. It was a delicious educational feast that also provided inspiration to try making them at home.

The event in November was a fantastic start to the festive season with an impressive forest being created out of 3D gingerbread Christmas Trees. The event attracted quite a number of children as well as adults who were all dedicated to making and shaping the cookie dough as well as the skilful construction and decoration of the trees. While the gingerbread was cooking, orange and clove pomanders were created for added decoration – you can imagine the mouth-watering aromas coming from the hall!

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

Saturday 25th February, 2pm to 6pm Saturday 25th March, 7pm Friday 28th April, 7pm Friday 12th May, 7pm

Breadmaking with Doug Cookson of Crannoch Bakery (at Cfine’s ‘Cook at the Nook’ kitchen near Union Squ) Chinese Spice and Everything Nice (Chinese cooking with local resident Deborah Chang) Fresh filled pasta workshop (tortellini and ravioli) with Michela Marocchi of local business Pasta Mia BBQ and smoked food event with local resident Andrew Lough

Local Advice, National Awards

Paul Gibson (centre) receiving his 2016 Financial Planner of the Year award from TV personality Chris Hollins

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

Paul is currently the FT Money Management Financial Planner of the Year, retaining the title he won last year when he became 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: • • • •

Contact us for a free initial consultation.

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

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

Granite Financial Planning Ltd, Banchory Business Centre Burn O’Bennie Road, Banchory, Aberdeenshire AB31 5ZU Granite Financial Planning is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr ‘17

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

Page 19

Cults Library News We hope you enjoyed the Festive Period and that Santa was good to you. We received a present at Cults library with 12 new PCs being installed thanks to North East Scotland College (NESCOL). Come down and try them for yourselves. They are free to use - you just need to be a library member. If you are not a member, just bring in proof of ID and we can register you. Remember that any of your family and friends visiting from outwith Aberdeen City can also use our PCs. They just need to show proof of ID to the staff and they can be signed in as guest users. We have free Wi-Fi available to anyone who wishes to use their own device. Printing and scanning facilities are also available at all branches.

NESCOL will be running some short courses at Cults Library in the New Year including Computing Essentials, Purely Photography and Internet Safety. For more information or to book a place on one of these courses please see the NESCOL website or contact them on 01224 612330.

If you have been lucky enough to receive a new IPad, tablet or handheld device over the Festive Period and you need a little help we offer one-to-one sessions to get you started. For more information, or to book a time, phone Cults Library on 01224 868346 or Culter Library on 01224 732587. Alternatively, come in and talk to the staff.

Did you know that you can use the library even when our branches are closed? We have a range of online resources available for adults and children. We have Busythings full of educational games for your little ones, Fregal for streaming and downloading music and Zinio for downloading emagazines to read on your PC, tablet or even your smartphone. You can also borrow books through our Overdrive site. Our full list of online resources is available online: http://www. aberdeencity.gov.uk/Library_Service/Services/lib_services_online. asp. To access these resources you need to be a library member.

However you can sign up online and access the resources straight away via the link on our website. Library staff are happy to show you how to access and use these resources. Please ask next time you are in one of our branches.

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

Our Bookbug sessions, for preschool children, continue to be popular. Sessions are held once a month at Cults and Culter libraries. For the dates and times of Bookbug sessions held across the city please see our website. Booking isn’t required at Cults and Culter, just come ready to share some songs, rhymes and stories. If you have any questions about Bookbug sessions contact your local branch and we will be happy to help.

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

From all the staff at Cults Library we hope you have a great and prosperous 2017.

Cults Library & Learning Centre, 429 North Deeside Road, Aberdeen AB15 9SX Tel: 01224 868346 Email: CultsLibrary@aberdeencity.gov.uk Car Park, Disabled access

01224 862008

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

Our particular expertise includes: 

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

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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

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mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr‘17

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

Cults Cricket Club January 2017 The only way to begin this article is by writing a few words in memory of our dear driver, Shirley Reid, who died on Thursday 22nd December after being unwell for some time. She was an exceptional lady in so many ways: not only was she our driver, she became a good friend to many, was always ready to help and always knew where to get whatever anyone was looking for.

She brought a buoyancy and genuine interest into our community, and was a fount of knowledge in regard to what was happening in Camphill and even more so locally. Our love and thoughts are with her family.

Since my last article, we have appointed an interim land manager to support the transformation of our farm into a care farm with emphasis on both production and participation, offering increased work placements for our young people as well as increased leisure possibilities as paths are opened up and new animals appear: pigs have arrived and chickens and goats are on the way.

The school has been busy raising funds to support the redevelopment of Cairnlee and during the last term the John Lewis Foundation has awarded Camphill School a very generous Christmas present - store credit worth £10,000 for furniture for Cairnlee House. In addition, we have received £8,000 for a new greenhouse from Tesco via their Tesco Bags of Help scheme and the Aberdeen University Students’ Charities Campaign will attempt to raise £2,000 for sofas – our thanks to all three donors and to those who supported us with the Tesco Bags of Help scheme.

Finally, we are aware that many local groups look for speakers to address various meetings; we would be happy to oblige so please feel free to ask!

Laurence Alfred (office@crss.org.uk)

Season 2016 been assigned to the annals of history. It was not a stellar year: the club members unable to play or practise at Allan Park Stadium due to continual wet weather and flooding; withdrawal of the 2nd XI half way through the season through lack of players, and no Junior set up. We must commend the Club Captain, Aqeel Ajazi, for somehow managing to get a Grade 1 side out and comfortably stay in Grade 1. It was not easy for the guys who played not being able to use our own ground.

There is now only one way for the Club to progress and that is upwards. This will not be an easy or overnight task, but there are measures in place for the Club to recommence at the Stadium for the start of the 2017 season on the 29th April. The square has had the mud removed and is recovering. The outfield has been verti-drained and that is helping with water dispersion. The metal containers have been reroofed after the summer vandalism.

This has been financed from grant aid from the Scottish Government Flood Relief Fund and Sport Aberdeen.

The Club has been working closely with Aberdeen City Council and the results of that work are starting to be seen. The pavilion and roller shed have been demolished after being declared unsafe. Being under four metres of flood water for several days finished them off. A more substantial and secure structure will be in place before the start of the season.

This will provide changing and kitchen facilities once again. New practice nets on wheels and a bowling machine have been purchased through a grant from Sport Scotland. There is a grant available from the Council Common Good Fund and the possible purchase of a replacement mower and/or roller is being investigated.

The Club wishes to thank publicly all the bodies who supplied finance in the form of grants but especially Aberdeen City Council. ACC have been more than generous to the Club with finance and other assistance without which it would have been difficult for Cults CC to continue. The Friends of the Allan Park with ACC have been busy during the last year and that work has started to improve the look of the Park after the severe flooding. Springtime will also herald the installation of the new play equipment. All part of the long-term aim of revamping the Allan Park and improving the experience for visitors.

Whilst grateful for the grant aid received, the Club has had to spend its own funds as well and will soon be running at a loss. With that in mind if any readers of this article wish to support the Club financially, or know of anyone who can, please get in touch with me, Ian Sutherland (contact details below).

The final request is for cricket players of all ages and abilities to come to the aid of Cults Cricket Club to enable us to rebuild at all levels, Seniors and Juniors. We intend to run two XIs on Saturdays, a Mid-week XI, proposed recreational and development cricket on a Sunday, and to restart the Juniors. Therefore, there could be cricket for anyone who is interested. If you are interested or require any further information, please contact Ian Sutherland on 07815637407 or email: thesutherlandfamily@btinternet.com.

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

07762 149712

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mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr ‘17

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Here’s to a glorious summer...

As the winter recedes, the days lengthen and the prospect of snow diminishes, what could be better to look forward to than warm summer days? And, let’s face it, what says ‘summer’ better than croquet on the lawn?

So, did you know that here in the MBC area we are fortunate to be located midway between the two venues of the thriving Aberdeen & Crathes Croquet Club, which plays croquet in both the attractive setting of Albury Sports Centre, Ferryhill and the spectacular setting of Crathes Castle? The Club, which was formed in 2012, currently has around 50 members who enjoy both social and competitive croquet from around mid-April to late October each year.

Croquet, or Association Croquet to give it its full name, is a million miles away from Alice in Wonderland and cucumber sandwiches. It’s a highly tactical game, often referred to as snooker on grass which, through a handicapping system, can be enjoyed on equal terms by players of widely differing age and ability.

So, what about it? Fancy giving it a try? If so, you can register your interest now or attend our Taster session on Saturday 29th April at Crathes or the following day at Albury. Simply email: accc@aberdeenandcrathescroquetclub.org.uk or call Chris on 01224 769557.

Croquet, enjoying life on the lawn in 2017 - now doesn’t that seem like a good idea!

Chris Southworth Secretary 27 Earlspark Crescent, Bieldside 01224 869557 accc@aberdeenandcrathescroquetclub.org.uk

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mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr‘17

For a free consultation call Milltimber - 732 070

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

Rotary Club of Aberdeen Deeside Rotary Club of Aberdeen Deeside urges Cults, Milltimber, Bieldside and Culter to go Purple4Polio for a polio-free world!

The Rotary Club of Aberdeen Deeside is helping to rid the world of polio by supporting the nationwide initiative, Purple4Polio, by holding events to raise funds and awareness of the deadly disease, which is on the brink of eradication. The club has been planting crocuses and organising other activities to support this effort!

As part of the campaign, the Rotary Club of Aberdeen Deeside teamed up with local community groups and Churches to transform public spaces and brighten up the local community by planting purple crocus corms across Cults, Bieldside, Milltimber and Culter.

Cults, Cults Scout Hut, Cults Parish Church, Cults Primary School, Deeside Christian Fellowship Church, Culter in Bloom at Culter Medical Practice, Culter Primary School, Kingswells Primary School.

Broadcaster and author Alan Titchmarsh, legendary singersongwriter Donovan and TV Presenter Konnie Huq, are supporting the campaign, which was launched by Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland, to encourage everyone to join together in the final push to eradicate polio worldwide.

There have been promising steps, with just 18 cases of polio recorded this year. To make a polio free world a reality, Rotary, who started the campaign to eradicate polio more than 30 years ago and has spearheaded this major health initiative ever since, is determined to raise awareness and funds to finish off the job.

So look out for the lovely Purple crocuses in the Spring!!

Crocus planting sites undertaken and organised by Graham Payne on behalf of the club were as follows;- Darroch Park

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mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr ‘17

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Ha! Ha! The Wooin O’t

Pupils Show Christmas Spirit Pupils and the families of Cults Academy generously donated food, toiletries and baby supplies to the charity ‘Lighthouse’ in the run up to Christmas. Lighthouse support the whole of the Tillydrone community, including some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people.

The photo shows S6 pupils handing over the donations to Lighthouse’s John Merson, who is also a school parent. The donations were used to fully stock the foodbank for January. January can be a difficult time financially for many and Lighthouse were able to widen the foodbank to more families in need and also to give out an extra item or two to help beat the January blues.

Once again Cults Bowling Club has held its always enjoyable and successful Burns Supper. We have the customary haggis, neeps and tatties, the address to the haggis (or, at least, a bowler’s version of that poem), the Immortal Memory, and the Toast to the Lasses but then convention disappears out the window. For the past 5 years, our resident playwright Margaret Ludgate has written a play, centring on an aspect of Rabbie Burns’ life. This year the theme was Rabbie’s wooing and then marrying Jean Armour. I would say that the play is the icing on the cake but, in truth, it is the cake itself. The actors are Club members and the poems and songs of Burns are celebrated throughout, but I don’t think Rabbie would be too put out to see that certain liberties are taken with historical accuracy and songs and jokes that would be new to Burns come thick and fast. One thing I am sure of, Rabbie would not have been spinning in his grave; he would have been shaking with laughter as we all were.

Still to come this winter is an Evening of Magic with the well-known local magician, Paul Rae and we conclude our winter social programme with Marissa and Jim who will entertain members and friends in song and story.

Every Tuesday morning, we have a work group of members doing all the jobs that need to be done before we open for the season in mid-April. If you want to know more about the Club that is a good time to come along and have a chat. Time it right and you will be treated to a rowie as well!

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 on 01224 868263 or findlaybaxter@yahoo.com

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mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr‘17

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Cults Hillwalking Club The first walk of 2017 in January saw a full bus, including a few new members, set off in icy conditions on a dull, but milder day, compared to the previous sunny but cold windy day. The forest track was not so slippery and was a pleasant introduction to the new year’s walks. Progressing to the top of Kerloch we encountered more snowy but manageable tracks. A very chilly wind at the top meant a quick descent into more sheltered terrain and a lunch stop. The proximity of Kerloch to Banchory and the shortish route of 8 miles meant we were all back at the bus by about 2.30pm.

After a stop for ‘rehydration’ at the Feughside Inn we were all back to Cults by 4.00pm.

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

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, 01224 863938, pauldumont@sky.com or Membership Secretary John Adams, 01224 868402, john@adamsnet.co.uk

FEB 12

WALK COASTAL WALK: Troup Head to Gardenstown

MAR 2

MEETING Ross MacDonald: Management of the River Dee

MAR 12

WALK : Glen Ogil

MAR 17

CEILIDH Kippie Lodge, 7.30pm

APR 6

MEETING Claudia Zeiske: Heilan Ways Project (Cults Kirk Centre)

APR 9

WALK : Bennachie

Sunday Morning Worship 10.30 am 1 Quarry Road, Cults AB15 9EX “When the Sun Goes Down” Reflective Evening Worship in Cults Kirk Sanctuary 5th March and 2nd April at 6 pm

Music in the Sanctuary Sunday 19 February

Sunday 19 March Sunday 16 April

2.30 pm Charlotte Whittle (soprano) A programme of popular and classical music.

2.30 pm Hyuk Namkoong Classical Pianist from RCS 2.30 pm Andrew and Erika Fairhead on the theme of Easter

Creche Jesus And Me SHED

Under 5’s 5 – 12 years Teens

‘Cults Music to Remember’ - a fortnightly singing group for people with dementia, their family, carers and friends.

Tuesdays at Cults Kirk Centre 10.15 – 11.45 7 & 21 Feb - 7 & 21 Mar - 11 Apr

Friday Café for S1-S3 at CKC 3.30 – 6 pm during term time MESSY CHURCH in Cults Kirk Centre - 1st Thursday of each month. Contact Debbie Gordon 01224 863472 HUB CAFÉ 10-3 PM e-mail: sdebbieg@hotmail.com Tues, Wed, Thurs.

JOINT HOLY WEEK EVENING SERVICES Cults Parish Church, Peterculter Parish Church and St Devenick’s Mon 10th – Fri 14th April 7 pm Early Morning Easter Worship 7.30 am followed by bacon rolls etc at St Devenick’s Church.

mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr ‘17

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Joanna Lumley Scoops another Award Joanna Lumley has become the first award recipient of the 2017 Scottish Samurai awards. Besides being a wellknown BAFTA TV award winning actress, former model, author and voice over artist, Joanna has been a great advocate for human rights for Survival International and the Ghurka Justice Campaign. She is also a great supporter of Animal welfare charities such as Compassion in World Farming and Vegetarians International Voice for Animals.

65TH ABERDEEN (MILLTIMBER) SCOUT GROUP Annual JUMBLE SALE

Her recent documentary ‘Joanna Lumley’s Japan’ was a great hit with the Samurai Award’s membership and UK audience. The Scottish Samurai awards were founded in Aberdeen by Culter resident and international 9th Dan Karate instructor Ronnie Watt OBE, ORS to celebrate those who serve and excel. The award of Great Shogun recognises those who have reached the ultimate achievement in their field.

Joanna Lumley has said she is very proud and very humbled to receive the honour and she is ‘thrilled to be a Scottish Samurai’.

Ronnie Watt is delighted to add Joanna to the ever-growing list of Samurai. Some of the previous award winners include Sean Connery, Billy Connolly, Alex Salmond, Aberdeen City Council, Sir Ian Wood, Lord Charles Bruce, Compton Ross, Tommy Dreelan and the current and former Japanese Consul Generals of Japan in Edinburgh. Each year the Scottish Samurai awards grow and continues to encourage and recognise people from different walks of life for their positive contributions to society and those around them.

At Cults Academy Saturday, 25th March 2017 1pm – 3.30pm

Admission £1, Concessions 50p

Toys, clothes, books, bikes, brica-brac, soft furnishings etc.

Milltimber Scout Group News All sections of the Milltimber Scout Group have a full Winter programme working for badges and enjoying outside activities. Our Beavers enjoyed the ‘Spooky Walk’ at Templars’ Park at the end of October and are busy with activities for their safety badge and a charity project. The Cubs are preparing to enter the District Chess Tournament in February and planning a Night Hike at Crathes Castle in March. The Scouts hiked up Clachnaben in November, took part in the Mission Impossible Night Games at Templars’ Park in December and had a Night Hike in January using local tracks and paths, finishing with a camp fire at Templars’ Park. Many Scouts signed up for the popular Winter Camp in February, staying at a bunk house in Braemar with a day at the Glenshee Ski Centre and a hike in the local area.

Many thanks to our Executive Committee, Leaders, Young Leaders and helpers who have made the group successful and we are all looking forward to another exciting year of scouting activities!

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

Our Group Executive Committee organised the successful St Nicholas Fayre in December, with many Beavers, Cubs and Scouts helping on the stalls and they arranged our Burns Supper and Ceilidh in January, always a popular and lively event! Finally, we will be holding our Annual Jumble Sale at Cults Academy on Saturday 25th March with all proceeds used towards running our group.

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mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr‘17

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Milltimber Playgroup

ing area and outdoor facilities around the MCA Hall. Watch this space for our exciting updates.

A very happy New Year from everyone at Milltimber Playgroup! Having shared a truly magical and fun-filled end to 2016, we were excited to turn the calendar into 2017 and look forward to sharing this term’s journey with our youngsters.

Committee Updates

Playgroup Session Updates - In the lead up to Christmas the children enjoyed many winter topics including ice, snow, animals that live in the cold and hibernation. They also took great pride producing many seasonal craft items such as cards, tree baubles, reindeer dust and calendars. It was lovely to share another end of term Christmas party with mums, dads and siblings joining in the games, dancing, sing-a-longs and sheer delight of a visit to Santa’s Grotto!

A huge thank you as always, to the parents and carers who assist with our parent rotas and vital fundraisers. The preparations for our annual Race Night hosted by Khyber Pass are well underway and we are sure we will enjoy yet another fun-filled (and competitive) event!

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 transports the children, if required to Milltimber Nursery’s afternoon session providing seamless child care from 0915 – 1535 Monday to Friday. We also offer the wrap around transportation service and lunch club for our Friday afternoon Forest School session, offering seamless child care from 0830 - 1440. Spaces are currently available, please contact our Playgroup Manager Julie McWilliam on 07740 575273 or email milltimberplaygroup@hotmail. com to obtain further information or to arrange a visit. We look forward to welcoming you into our family.

The new term started with great excitement as we welcomed everyone back, watched the children settle in, shared their stories and helped our new families feel ‘at home’. As always, we will take the children’s lead on new topics and look forward to enhancing our wall displays and floor books with their wonderful comments and pictures.

Forest School Session Updates – During November we reintroduced sessions within the woods on Contlaw Road, which proved very popular as it allowed the children to explore bigger and muddier puddles and enjoy bear hunts and hide & seek.

They also enjoyed collecting leaves to make cosy hedgehog homes, made their own tin lanterns for candlelight walks and dressed trees, based on the old Celtic custom of tying cloth dipped in a holy well. As spring approaches, we look forward to sharing all nature has to offer with our inquisitive children.

Our Forest School sessions continue to grown in popularity allowing children to learn through imaginative and active play in our outdoor environment. We currently offer both a morning and afternoon session on a Wednesday and Friday respectively so why not come along and see firsthand what these sessions can offer.

Exciting enhancements – we are delighted that the foundations for our outdoor storage and shelter facilities are now in place allowing us to proceed with our plans to enhance the surround

mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr ‘17

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

1

14/12/2015

09:54

News from Amber Kindergarten On 9th December 2016, Amber Kindergarten, in Camphill School Aberdeen, was transformed into a pizzeria and craft fair. The children baked delicious Christmas biscuits, parents brought a variety of lovely handmade gifts and Claudia made an industrial production of authentic Italian pizza.

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

Print Add.pdf

1

9/17/2015

7:57:11 AM

We moved the tables and set them with colourful tablecloths, we displayed all the crafts and at 12.30, instead of going home for lunch, families settled down and had a great meal with pizza and fresh organic vegetables. These were provided

by Fruver, the organic fruit and vegetable delivery initiative that runs in Camphill.

This workshop enables young adults with additional learning needs to have a meaningful working and social experience.

So, first of all, we want to thank the Camphill Fruver team for their support on this special day!

The idea of this special day came about for different reasons. In Amber, we celebrate and acknowledge festivals related to the world religions as indicated in the Curriculum for Excellence. On the 12th December 2016, Muslim people celebrated the Birth of The Prophet. Charity is an important aspect of all Muslim celebrations and it also seemed in keeping with the spirit of Advent and Christmas to do something in this direction. That’s how the initial idea of a special day for fund raising came about. The terrible news we see and hear every day suggested an appropriate recipient of the proceeds of our fundraising event: the UNICEF Syrian Blanket Appeal which provides warm clothing for Syrian children. From the children in Bieldside, Milltimber and Cults to the children in Syria.

As we started to share this idea with the families we had more and more support and people generously offered to bring their creations for a Craft Fair. Claudia always jumps in whenever there is the opportunity for producing vast amounts of pizza and so our special day was created.

On that day a Muslim friend came to speak to the children about this celebration and the staff got busy with the transformation from Kindergarten to Pizzeria-Craft Fair.

At the end of the day the free donations people gave raised £254. We wish to thank all the people that made this possible and we look forward to more opportunities to have fun and do something special together in 2017. Amber Kindergarten Team.

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mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr‘17

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Peterculter Medical Practice Our ‘flu vaccine campaign at the practice enjoyed another successful year with good uptake, and the Saturday morning clinics again proved popular. We always note that there is a certain sociable element to these sessions!

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.

Please note that the practice will be closed for team education/ training on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 22nd, with emergency cover provided by NHS24 (telephone 111) and GMED. These are regular training afternoons where the practice medical and administrative staff can have protected time to engage in educational activities and planning of service developments, ultimately with improvements in mind.

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, or if there are several issues needing discussed, or if a physical examination is likely to be required (for example rashes, painful conditions). We would also recommend, where possible, that you deal with the GP that you usually have contact with.

News from Culter & District Pipe Band We have started our year well and were delighted to pipe at the Culter Gala Burns Night in January. We are a local band and always keen to support events and to perform in and around our local area, please get in touch if you would like our services.

We are a band for all and not only have a competing band but we are proud to say we have a thriving learner section for both pipes and drums. If you are up for a new challenge this year, then please come along for a taster session. We meet in Culter Village Church Hall on Mondays & Wednesdays.

Lots of hard work ahead to be ready for this year’s competitions, finishing off with our trip to Glasgow for the World Pipe Band Championships in August.

Susan Falconer, Band Manager Tel: 07540 530705

This is an ideal opportunity for me to remind you of our practice website www.petercultermedicalpractice.co.uk There are many of you now using online appointment booking and ordering of repeat prescriptions - if you are interested in this please see details of this online or ask at reception.

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MBC Festival 2017 The MBC Festival first took place 42 years ago. Initially, it took place every two years, but it evolved into an annual event over time. John Page was, firstly, Treasurer and then Chairman of the Festival Committee throughout all of this time and Joyce Wright has been Secretary.

John and Joyce have now retired from these key roles but will continue to be invaluable members of the organising committee. To thank them for their invaluable service to the community, in 2015, the CBM Community Council nominated John and Joyce for a Gold Civic Award for volunteering. ACC agreed and the awards were presented

by Lord Provost, George Adam, at a ceremony held in the Town House.

The Festival Committee would also like to thank John and Joyce for their many years of commitment to our community. The Festival is an embedded event in the local calendar and this is largely due to their efforts.

We see the MBC Festival as a celebration of active organisations in our area. Some

of these organisations are charities but others are commercial/social enterprises - all are welcome to be involved. We strive to have a wide range of activities in each year’s timetable; something for all generations. We also try to include some new events each year to keep things fresh and interesting.

The organisations involved retain any monies made at their own event (donations etc.). To cover administrative and advertising costs, the Festival receives a commission on the sale of artwork, a contribution from the Community Council and occasional grant funding from other sources.

The exact start and end dates of the 2017 Festival are yet to be finalised, but it is likely to take place in the second half of August, just as the children return to school after the summer break.

2017 has been designated the year of ‘History, Heritage and Archaeology’ in Scotland. Aberdeen City Council’s local initiative is called Silver City Stories.

Funding is available for events that celebrate the history and heritage of our area, so we are especially keen to hear ideas which might involve an ‘historical’ element!

If the timing of the upcoming meeting is awkward for you, or you simply want to offer personal opinions regarding what works and does not work for you, please contact us via Facebook: www.facebook. com/ mbcfestival or email mbcfestival@ cbmcommunity.org.u k Tracey Davidson (MBC Festival Secretary) The photos show John and Joyce receiving their awards

We would like to extend an invitation to all local organisations: Come and join us! Our next meeting is on Tuesday, 14 March at 2pm in the Kirk Centre. We’d love to see new faces and hear new ideas to help us engage more of the MBC community in 2017.

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Cults Playgroup News Cults Playgroup, Feb/March/April 2017

Happy New Year from all at Cults Playgroup. We hope you all enjoyed the Christmas break. At playgroup, we welcomed several new children into the group during October, November and December 2016 and are now almost at capacity.

Last term was full of special days and celebrations. Halloween saw all the children doing ‘spooky’ art and craft, dressing up, and bobbing for apples. On 5th November, there was a discussion about fireworks and some spectacular art creations.

Book Week Scotland, from 21st to 25th November, allowed the children to bring in their favourite books from home. Puppets for the ‘Three Little Pigs’ story were popular with bricks, sticks and straw used imaginatively.

During December, there was much enjoyment on the theme of Christmas. A post office, post box and postmen’s outfits

led to discussions about Christmas cards and why we send them. The role play area was also a house with Christmas tree, ready to be newly decorated every day! A wide variety of art and craft activities used large quantities of glitter and brightly coloured paints. The children enjoyed doing hand printed baubles out of card, for a tree in the Cults Parish Church ‘Christmas Tree Festival’. It was also fun to dress the tree, and finally visit the church when all the trees had been decorated. Thank you to Peter Cross (Youth Worker, Cults Parish Church) for taking the time to read the nativity story to the children. The end of term finished with a party and ‘Sing-Along’ Concert for parents, carers and friends.

The children have a snack every day and we thank Scotmid who have awarded us vouchers of £150 to help buy nutritious food.

Amongst all these activities we have continued to use the garden despite the colder weather. The trikes are always popular and balls and hoops used whatever the weather. The natural logs and stones have also been used imaginatively, the stones becoming pet animals that need caring for!

Cults Playgroup runs each morning of the week in the North Hall, Quarry Road, from 9 am until 12.10pm. If you would like to know more, then do get in touch: mobile 07842 470828 or email cultsplaygroup@gmail.com

mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr ‘17

The playgroup committee continue to be busy and have hosted ‘Temple Spa’ and ‘Stella and Dot’ evenings which were very successful. A raffle has also given one fortunate lady a new Mulberry handbag.

The committee look forward to hosting the ever popular ‘Burns Supper’ on 21st January 2017. So, dig out your kilt and dancing shoes in preparation for an exciting night!

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

Page 31

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Rotary Club of Aberdeen Deeside Charity Art Evening, Sunday 14 May 2017 The Rotary Club of Aberdeen Deeside is holding their 14th annual Charity Art Evening in aid of Easter Anguston Farm and Rotary Charities at the Marcliffe Hotel, Aberdeen, at 7pm on Sunday 14th May, 2017. (Doors open 6pm)

This Charity Art Event has been running for over 13 years based at The Marcliffe Hotel, Aberdeen thanks to the continued generosity of Mr Stewart Spence.

Wintry weather as always presents problems to gardeners when soil is frosted. It delayed the planting of bulbs but eventually daffodils and crocuses have been planted ready for a spring display. Daffodils have been placed in new locations by the perimeter road entrance to the Cults Primary school and also by the Cults Library as well as widening the displays at some of the existing beds. Purple crocuses have been planted as part of the Purple 4Polio partnership between Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland and the Royal Horticultural Society with local schools, churches and cub scouts taking part. The picture is of Rotaracters planting bulbs in Darroch Park.

It will soon be time to order summer bedding and hanging baskets. 2017 is already galloping ahead. .

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

This year’s artist is Michael Samson, who is making a return visit after his great success in 2013 which drew a large and delighted audience as they watched the development of a charcoal sketch and a large acrylic painting. These unique works were later auctioned for charity.

Known for his Contemporary Scottish Landscape paintings and drawings Michael lives and works in the North East of Scotland. Scottish born, he studied Fine Art at Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen and toured Europe on a travelling scholarship with RSA. On his return, he completed a Post-Graduate Diploma in Art & Design and a Masters Degree in Fine Art. He now teaches, demonstrates and exhibits throughout Scotland.

The Rotary Club of Aberdeen Deeside invite all artists and students who enjoy art to attend the evening.

The artist talks to the audience while he is painting, describing what he is doing and why. There is, therefore, a teaching element during the evening on the artist’s technique, choice of colours etc. The painting produced will be auctioned on the night and further examples of the artist’s work will also be on sale.

Further details and tickets are available via the club website – http://rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php?ClubID=1854 If you need any further information please contact: John Conroy.

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mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr ‘17

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Page 33

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mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr‘17

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In 2017, Cults Tennis Club will have been ongoing for 130 years as a Private Club, run on behalf of the members by a pro-active and dedicated committee. Subscriptions for 2017 which are due on 1 March 2017 will be at almost the same rates as last year. At the AGM, the adult annual subscription was raised by £3 to £230, still less than £20 per month. The junior (10 to 18 years) subscription, less than £10 per month, will be £115 and mini members born 2007 or later will pay £75. Family membership is maintained at £490.

Courts 1 and 2, replaced in 2015, and courts 3 and 4, resurfaced last autumn, are in great condition and playable in all seasons. On the first Thursday in January players were out at minus 1 degree in thermals, gloves, shorts and shades. Plans are afoot to upgrade courts 5 and 6 at some stage. The Committee are in the process of arranging an active programme for the season starting with a tournament in March to open the Summer Season. The programme will include social tournaments, club ladders, club championships, team play (10 teams are entered for NESTLA Leagues) and regular refreshments in the clubhouse.

A comprehensive coaching programme for adults and juniors is run

by Gareth Rennie and his team of qualified coaches. Adult beginners are invited to come along to a group session on a Sunday evening for a nominal charge. This session is also open to non-members who can pay as they go. Junior sessions are arranged after school – ask Gareth for details.

The general weekly schedule is that Match Practice is on Monday evenings. Teams play on Tuesday evenings (Men) and Wednesday evenings (Ladies). Thursday evenings are for Junior Sessions. Social players, who just want to play non-competitively for exercise and fun, play on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

During the month of March 2017 non-members are invited to come along to the club at Abbotshall Place and try the social sessions free of charge.

For more information check the club website www.cultstennisaberdeen.co.uk or contact the club secretary Dan Packham d.packham@ cultstennisaberdeen.co.uk or the club coach g.rennie@cultstennisaberdeen.co.uk

Happy New Year to you all; I hope that Sanity Clause (as Groucho would say) has been good to you. I’m pleased to say that it appears that we’ve entered the usual post-festive doldrums with the level of reported crimes having noticeably reduced. This normally continues for several weeks before returning to normal levels around February.

While we’re sitting becalmed, I thought it would be a good opportunity to post a few crime prevention reminders. With all of the new bikes and mobile phones, no doubt costing substantial sums, bought over the Christmas period, the matters I’d like to cover are: Mobile Phone security - Please don’t carry phones in back pockets as this makes them easy to identify and steal. Instead, keep them in a front pocket using zips or buttons, if available. Never leave handbags unattended within premises such as on tables, under tables or on counter tops. Always wear handbags to the front and always make use of zips, clasps etc. Always ensure that mobile phones are password protected and I would also say that it’s fairly unwise to walk down the street using the phone, completely focussed on the conversation, as this makes it very easy for a potential thief to pluck it from the owner’s hand. Instead step into a doorway or quieter corner with a clear 180 degree view.

Bicycle Security - To help protect bikes from thieves, get a good quality ‘D’ lock rather than any bike chain. The ones to go for are solid metal ‘D’ locks, ideally marked ‘Sold Secure’ or ‘Secured by Design’ which are Police approved as they’ve been shown to resist attack longest. These can be used in conjunction with bike cables which are then threaded through wheels and secured by the lock to the seat post, to reduce the chances of a wheel being stolen. The lock should then be attached to a sign post, lamp post, bike rack or similar. When the bike is being kept at home, ensure that it is locked away safely in the shed or house rather than allowing it to be left insecure in open view in the garden or on the pavement. Many bikes are lost this way each year.

Vehicle security – If you have a garage at home please use it. Similarly, close gates if your car is in the driveway. If you are obliged to park on the street, whether at home or elsewhere, try to choose well-lit and busy streets. Also, if there is CCTV coverage, whether public or private, try to park in view of the cameras. If you have a friend or neighbour who has an unused drive, consider coming to an arrangement with them to park your vehicle in their drive. Please also bear in mind that some attacks on vehicles are entirely random, though these tend to increase during the hours of darkness and at weekends. Many owners are now installing dash cams in their vehicles or small CCTV systems at their homes, with the appropriate prominent signage, to protect their vehicle and deter would be vandals.

As always, be alert to bogus callers and email phishing scams. If you’d like further information on how to protect yourself or your property, please contact Police Scotland via the non-emergency number of 101 and ask for your local Crime Reduction Officer.

Bob McKinney, Constable A8930, Crime Reduction Unit, Police Scotland

• • • • • •

Friendly local club Excellent facilities including 6 floodlit artificial grass courts Professional coaching team headed by Gareth Rennie Extensive coaching programme available throughout the year for all members (Junior and Senior) Weekly sessions for both social and competitive players Social events and club tournaments

Contact the Secretary Dan Packham at d.packham@cultstennisaberdeen.co.uk for membership details Contact the Coach Gareth Rennie at g.rennie@cultstennisaberdeen.co.uk or on 07714753607 for coaching details

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mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr ‘17

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Page 35

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Christmas Baubles I have a theory I’d like to share About the ageing game It’s rather like a toilet roll My thinking is just the same.

When the roll begins there’s lots of time Now listen up my dears, The nearer to the end it gets The faster it disappears.

When we look back upon this year Are we happy, proud or sad?

Or perhaps we feel a bit of each Some good mixed with some bad.

Best to avoid the big events Like Brexit, Boris, Trump And focus in on Aberdeen Sadly facing its own slump.

The Cooooncil did us proud last year Spurred on our spending habits With farmer’s market, scary rides And five deflated rabbits.

The Marischal Square site’s coming on The plans seem somewhat airy They’ll need to wave a magic wand And summon the Good Will Fairy.

When to get from Cults to Banchory You have to go via Perth And to make the simplest journey Feels like orbiting the earth.

A hotel, shops and offices A postage stamp of grass And Provost Skene’s house lost from view Behind the chrome and glass.

Have you tried to get from here to Dyce To fly or meet a friend?

The challenge just to get there Will drive you round the bend.

The Music Hall and Gallery Are closed for quite a while At least the Theatre’s in one piece But it’s difficult to smile.

You’ve driven four sides of a square For a bypass road to die over While queuing at the Haudigan You watch your plane flyover

We’re bereft of all our culture It seems so very heartless The Oil Capital of Europe Is now completely artless.

Now if my little poem Seems to be an ode to grief It’s really only meant to be A bit of light relief.

We faced new challenges this year With roads closed off at will They tell us it’s the new by-pass But it’s a bitter pill

I know it isn’t Browning It’s a long way from fine art But if it’s entertained you then Perhaps I’ve played my part.

Alison Bruce December 2016

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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 -

Page 38

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

mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr‘17

What’s On Locally I would like to bring your attention to the Hatha Yoga class which Deborah Thompson has recently started at the Cults Kirk Centre and to the wide range of Swimming Sessions available at the Cults Academy Pool. Also think of visiting the Cults Library – unless we use it we may lose it.

Thanks once again to those who have sent me amendments to contacts and timings of activities in the listing - as I have said many times, this information is only as good as the information the organisers send me!

Enjoy your activities! Why not take up something new in 2017?

Best wishes,

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

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

Fitness, Sport and Dance Badminton - Junior, CA Saturdays, 1.30 - 5.30pm Sept to April Email CultsJuniorBC@gmail.com 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, CA 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 174 Feb-Mar-Apr ‘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 Adult Lane sessions Mon 8.30-10.00 p.m Wed. 7.45-8.30 am; Friday 7.45-8.30 am Public session, Friday 8.00-9.30 p.m.

Sat and Sun - Adult Lane swimming 8.30-10.00 am followed by public swimming 10.00-12.00. All welcome Continues during school holidays.

Contact Sports Aberdeen, 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 bus Average walk +/- 7 miles Contact Joyce, Tel. 01224 323925 or Maureen, Tel. 01224 318075 AURINKO YOGA Sundays, 4.30-6.00pm Contact Aidan Mulkerrin, 07710-495552 HATHA YOGA, CKC Mixed class, beginners welcome.

Wednesdays, 7.00 -8.00 p.m.

Contact Deborah Thompson, Mob. 07821704826 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. 07531811506 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/

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Hobbies and Social CULTS O50 CLUB, CKC 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 www.cultsparishchurch.co.uk/o50 Contact Liz Kilvington, Tel. 867103 or Margaret Wood, Tel. 310685, 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 & 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, Kippie 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: encoit@talktalk.uk Tel: 07786 827714

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 - Office: 01224 739180

Come & join us for this 7 session series and discover the greatest gift in the universe.

Starts Tues 31st Jan @ 7:30pm with a meal & introductory session.

Contact Church Office to sign up

www.dcfchurch.org Check our Facebook page for our Weekly Term Time Activities The Ark baby and toddler group; mainly music; GREENHOUSE (P1-P7); “Who let the dads out?”; 55+ coffee mornings; Sanctuary Ladies’ Bible Study; Missionary Craft Workshop; Friendship in Art; Parenting Classes; Divorce Care; ‘C’ night

Our 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 - 01224 739180 or call them direct - 07712 326049 (Elmer) & 07889 538972 (Kathryn).

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mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr‘17

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CULTS LIBRARY Open Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 10am-1pm, 2pm -5pm; Wed. 1.00 pm -7.00pm and Sat. 10am-1.00 pm. Books, CDs, DVDs, Blu-Ray, Audiobooks Free Wi-fi and PC access with print/scanning and photocopying facilities. Bookbug sessions every 4th Monday at 2.00 pm for preschool children.

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

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

ABERDEEN PHILATELIC SOCIETY Meets fortnightly on Thursdays 7.30 - 9.30 p.m. Rubislaw Church Centre, Fountainhall Road Contact Chris Jefferies, Tel 705676

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.

CULTER PIPE BAND Meet Mon & Wed 7.00 – 9.00 p.m.

Culter Parish Church, Peterculter All ages and experience levels welcome Contact: Susan Falconer, Mob. 07540-530705 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 174 Feb-Mar-Apr ‘17

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 Matthew Mtumbuka - Tel : 861028 Email : matthews@mtumbuka.com

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 & 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 ABERDEEN WINE & FOOD SOCIETY Meets monthly from September to June.

Events in restaurants in and around Aberdeen http://aberdeen-wine-foodsociety.co.uk/ For more information contact Bob Chisholm, 319372

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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

Cults Scouts

Dancing lessons with a difference were provided for members of the Scout Group on a recent visit to Gomel, Belarus. Young Cossack dancers put the Scouts through their paces during a visit to School No. 10. They put up a strong performance on stage to traditional Belarusian music.

Not to be outdone by the Cossacks, the apprentices at a local technical college supervised the Scouts attempting some bricklaying and plastering. Sometimes more plaster went on the Scouts than on the wall, but it was good fun.

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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

(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.

Four Scouts recently gained the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award and others are well on the way to gaining the Silver Award. Parts of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme correspond to the progressive Scout programme and count towards the Chief Scout’s Gold, Platinum and Diamond Awards.

Volunteering in the Scout Group and attending residential events, such as the Arctic Scout Adventure at Bodø in Northern Norway in July, all help qualify for these awards. The Norwegian Scout Association very thoughtfully sent us a supply of eye masks to help us sleep at

mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr‘17

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.

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

night while in Bodø. In mid-summer, there is 24 hour daylight that far North. I wonder if anyone will actually sleep?

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Winter Walk Cults Hotel to Hazlehead Park Introduction The walk for this winter issue of MBC News is a circular route starting from Cults Hotel, mainly on paths, but involving two or three short sections on vehicular roads where care is required, especially if you have children and/or dogs with you, as there are no pavements. The route passes the cafe in Hazlehead Park (open every day 9am to 4pm in winter) and the charity coffee shop “Somebody Cares” (open 10am to 4pm Wednesday to Friday and 10am to 5pm on Saturday) Start and Finish Point Cults Hotel. An alternative starting point could be Friarsfield Road.

Footpath Details Grade: Easy Terrain Description: mixed; mainly good paths but some muddy sections and two or three parts of the route are on vehicle roads without pavements where care should be taken.

Distance: about 3 to 4 miles but the walk can be shortened or extended at various points on the Hazlehead path network.

Time: about two hours Route Directions Cults Hotel to Hazlehead Park Starting from Cults Hotel go up the narrow road leading past the public bar to a small parking area. At the end of the parking area take a path leading to the right up Cults Den towards Friarsfield Road. Look out on your way up for a heron that can sometimes be seen fishing in the burn. At the top of Cults Den turn right and walk along Friarsfield Road until you reach Friarsfield Park, opposite the end of the CALA Housing development, and turn left here to go up a tree-lined track (Stony Brae) leading to Craigton Road. On a clear day, there is a good view from here of Clachnaben, Mount Battock and other hills out to the west.

Turn right on to Craigton Road and walk along as far as a right-hand bend where two tracks lead off to the left; take the first left hand track, which goes between fields with horses, past Newton Cottage to Countesswells Road.

Cross this road with care, as traffic is often moving fast here on this straight stretch, and go along the road signed “Private Road”, with a 15mph speed limit. A very short way along this road there is a disabled parking area on the right from where a well-surfaced path leads off, signposted “Den Wood Trail”. From this point, most paths are well signposted and there are several alternative routes.

mbc NEWS Issue 174 Feb-Mar-Apr ‘17

Our suggested route is to follow the path marked “Den Wood Trail” to a junction where you bear right and then follow the path signposted “Hazlehead Park” through beech woods until you reach a tarred road. Cross this road and then turn left on a path signposted “Cults via Den Wood”. This path runs alongside the road with playing fields on your right. When you reach a path junction, just beyond the entrance to the Charity Shop/Cafe called “Somebody Cares”, turn right and follow a path with large beech trees on both sides until you reach Hazlehead café. Refreshments are available here and also at the charity coffee shop “Somebody Cares”.

Return Route To continue the walk from the cafe, take the wide path heading west past the Piper Alpha Memorial Garden and the Queen Mother Rose Garden to reach a gate exiting the park. From the gate go straight on in the same direction on a widewalled track, signposted “Anderson Wood”, crossing part of the golf course. When you reach a T-junction, turn left onto the path signposted “Den Wood and Cults”. Stay on this path until you reach another signposted junction, where you turn right following the sign saying “Cults”. This takes you across Countesswells Road and down Craigton Road to a sharp left hand bend beside the former Waldorf School. Again, there is no pavement on this road section of the walk so care should be taken. (From here, you can follow Craigton Road round the bend and along to rejoin your outward route at the top of Stony Brae, which takes you back down to Friarsfield Road. This is shown as the alternative shorter return route on the map.)

The main route back, as the map shows, is to turn right at the Waldorf School and go along a private road. After passing several large houses, this road turns left at a house called Ellen Gowan. Follow it down through Sunnyside Stables to the main Road, Kirk Brae; you can turn left here to follow the road down into Cults and your starting point, but after a short section with no pavement, there is only a very narrow pavement on Kirk Brae, which can be busy with traffic at times. A safer alternative is to turn right up Kirk Brae Avenue, just a short distance along Kirk Brae, and climb some steps just ahead of you, leading to a short path to the top of Cults Avenue, from where you can make your way down to the the North Deeside Road and turn left back to Cults Hotel.

Afterword As far as we know, no closures of this route are planned.

Apologies to anyone who tried out the Autumn Walk (featured in the last issue of MBC News) in November or early December. The Forestry Commission closed off part of the route during this time in order to upgrade part of the path network in Ladyhill Wood. The work was completed in December and the route is now much improved with surfaced paths all the way from Hillview Church to Foggieton Woods.

(There is an entrance to the Ladyhill Wood path just across from where the walk route featured in this issue joins Kirk Brae.)

If anyone has any suggestions for favourite walks to feature in forthcoming issues of MBC News, please contact Christine Anderson at christine@christinalogie.plus.com or Sarah Gordon at sargogs@aol.com

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

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Cults Hotel to Hazlehead Park

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

The walk for this winter issue of MBC News is a circular route starting from Cults Hotel, mainly on paths, but involving two or three short sections on vehicular roads where care is required, especially if you have children and/or dogs with you, as there are no pavements. The route passes the cafe in Hazlehead Park (open every day 9am to 4pm in winter) and the charity coffee shop “Somebody Cares” (open 10am to 4pm Wednesday to Friday and 10am to 5pm on Saturday)