MBC News Issue 181 - Nov-Dec '18 - Jan '19

mbC

News Milltimber

Bieldside Cults

Issue 181

Nov-Dec ‘18- Jan ‘19

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mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

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Copy Deadline: 07 Jan ‘19 Distribution: Feb ‘2019 delivery

Editorial So close and yet...

NB : the editorial content for this issue should be relevant for reading in mid-Feb thru to end of April 2019 and beyond. We are trying to make the process of sending us information as simple as possible. We are all volunteers and cannot man the office 24 hours a day and respond to every email. Want to send us some editorial? Editorial - please put it in a word document. If you have picture attachments please do not put these in the body of the word document, they need to be SEPARATE attachments. Want to send us an advert? Please send it as a high resolution jpg or pdf file. NEW : Upload and book direct from the website www.cbmcommunity.org.uk OR Send your copy as an email instructions above: mbcnews@cbmcommunity.org.uk Or POST to : MBC News, c/o Lyndhurst, Deeview Road South, Cults, AB15 9NA Contact Details for mbc News Team : 07415 659161 Editor (Carol) Assistant (Christine) 01224 863519 Advertising (Freia) 01224 864466 Accounts (David) 01224 862262 What’s On Locally (Eleanor) 01383 279355 Layout (Sue) 01224 868524 Distribution (Peter)

Your Privacy matters to Us The MBC News Team is committed to following correct data protection practices and respecting your privacy. Our new privacy notice explains how we collect and use personal data for the purposes of preparing and delivering the MBC News and provides the data processing information required. The Data Privacy notice can be found on the MBC News page at www.cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news-team/

Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Community Website http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/ If you check the Community Website now and again you will have seen that it has had a makeover. The website serves the Cults Bieldside & Milltimber Community Council (CBMCC), MBC News and the MBC Festival. Regular surfers will have noticed some different layouts and formats being tried out since the turn of the year. This has now settled on the current format. The website is not Facebook and so may not have the immediacy of such social media but does provide information which tends not to change so frequently. Notices of CBMCC meetings are posted on the website including minutes of the meetings and planning reports.Those of you who contribute to or who wish to advertise in MBC News can now submit/upload their contribution and pictures and adverts via the web pages. Deadline dates for copy for MBC News are also posted and you can read the last few issues on line.

We are all familiar with the official advice on what’s good for our health, our fitness and the environment: ditch the car and take a bus, walk or cycle. In an ideal world, yes, but time is a factor and I am not brave enough to cycle on the roads in Aberdeen. The provision for cyclists is far from perfect: cycle lanes that come to an abrupt end, by design or because of a parked car and of course, the inevitable potholes. The advisory (broken lines) cycle lanes can be a false friend to the cyclist as I have seen many motorists overtake without moving far enough out, presumably thinking the cycle lane gives enough space and the rest of the carriageway is their own. Sadly, many cyclists now feel they need the protection of a head camera, seen as protection by the cyclist but as a tool to be used against him by the motorist; the cyclist and the motorist move towards the mindset of opposing sides. Although cyclists in the city have to be assertive in order to take their place on the road, I also feel a need to defend car drivers as some cyclists take assertiveness to the point of arrogance. In a queue at traffic lights, oncoming traffic forced me, and others, to pull in close to the side and so block the cycle lane. A cyclist, coming from behind, thumped my car with his hand as his way to the front of the traffic queue had been blocked: aggression was his immediate response… without stopping to wonder why. With no cycle paths separate from the roads, all road users must co-exist safely. As they are, the roads of the city do not smooth the way to a peaceful relationship between cyclists and motorists, but all road users must respect each other and their safety, regardless of their number of wheels. There is a short article on road safety in this issue, including the ‘do’s and don’t’s’ of cycle lanes. And so, I found it quite ironic that at the festival held in anticipation of the AWPR opening, cyclists were invited to ride the road. The day was considered a great success and I don’t wish to detract from that (so I say this tongue in cheek) but which ‘side’ do you think would feel the most put out, the cyclist or the motorist? Cyclists are not to be permitted on the AWPR, yet here was a one-off chance to experience it in all its smooth, unpotholed, car-free glory. A very impressive, but unique, cycle path, never to be ridden again! Or, the motorist who is still waiting in traffic on Milltimber Brae but can see two empty carriageways soaring off to the north and south, tantalizingly revealing their potential. They know it has already been considered ready enough to be used by cyclists and shuttle buses, and yet frustratingly, for the purpose it was intended, still no opening date… I hope, as you read, you are thinking, “What is she wittering on about? The road has been open for weeks!” This autumn issue of MBC News takes us from the highlights of the summer Festivals toward that other great festival – Christmas. Inside, you will find details of the Christmas Carol Concert and other events, along with many ideas from local businesses for that special gift. Thanks to those who sponsor them, we will see the return of the Christmas lights adding a festive and welcoming glow to our community. I wish all of you, our readers, advertisers and contributors, a very happy time over Christmas and New Year.

Carol

Contact Graham Payne, 01224 868827.

mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

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CULTS BIELDSIDE AND MILLTIMBER COMMUNITY COUNCIL News from the Community Council When you read this News, a newly elected Community Council will be on seat, although its first formal meeting will be in November. Many well-deserved thanks should be extended to all members who gave much of their spare time looking after community interests during the past three years. I have much enjoyed being a member of this hard-working team. Apart from attending to the extensive planning issues and those related to roads, medical, footpaths and other facilities, the community continued to be brightened up with flowers and plants during the summer season and with ever increasing Christmas illuminations during the festive season. Very importantly, a web-based Community Plan was created allowing the council to respond to consultations with an up-to-date view of the community. Many more subjects were addressed during the threeyear session, too many to list here, and some projects are still in progress. Several community councillors have agreed to be nominated for the next session to

continue the watch on quality of life, but Christine Anderson, Nurul Ali, Kirstin Gove and Norman Burt have decided to step down at this stage and I wish to thank them for their input and support. As a result, the footpath group, initiated by Nurul, and led energetically by Christine since 2017, may look for new members. Hopefully a number of new volunteers will have stepped up to take all vacant seats on the Community Council. The Community Council has produced a paper on the safety concerns on the Old Deeside Line path, including many of the points brought up by residents in our meetings and on facebook. The paper has been shared with neighbouring community councils and is posted on the CBM website. We have attempted to include all suggested, even remotely feasible, measures to open as wide a discussion as possible. Hopefully, we will manage to arrange a meeting with the authorities this winter so some of the measures may be agreed and implemented in time for next year’s fine weather – none of that is a promise! With low pressure systems approaching rapidly from the Atlantic (Storms Ali and Bronach) and the River Dee levels rising visibly, it was high time to get down to the specifics of the Community Resilience Plan. The objective of this plan is to help the community prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies in a

way that complements the work of the official emergency responders. The emphasis is on early warning of residents and on ensuring that people affected by the emergency are safe and comfortable before formal measures are in place. Progress during the summer has been slow but the plan has now been submitted to the emergency services for approval and will then be published. For it to work, the community council will rely on a dedicated group of volunteers. So far, the number is far below that which was suggested from the results of a public survey in 2017. So where are you all?? Please look at the Resilience item in this News and apply to be a volunteer. The community may need you! Finally, while just recovering from a number of highly successful festivals in the area: the MBC Festival of course, followed by Japan Day and the Deeside Local Food Festival, you are invited to this year’s festive season events. The traditional Carol Concert in early December will be preceded by a formal Lighting-Up Ceremony in the Cults Kirk Centre on 17 November. This is a first for our community so please join in. On behalf of the Community Council I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year when it comes, Guus Glass

Future Meetings

Venue

22 November 2018 December 2018 24 January 2019 28 February 2019 (includes AGM)

Deeside Christian Fellowship Church - Cafe No meeting Cults Community Centre – swimming pool entrance

28 March 2019

Cults Community Centre – swimming pool entrance

Deeside Christian Fellowship Church - Cafe

All meetings start at 7:00pm Email: cbmcc@cbmcommunity.org.uk Mail address: CBMCC, c/o Secretary, 188 North Deeside Road, Milltimber, AB13 0HL Website: http://www.cbmcommunity.org.uk/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/cbmcomcouncil Page 4

mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

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Community Resilience The Scottish Government defines community resilience as: “Communities and individuals harnessing resources and expertise to help themselves prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies, in a way that complements the work of the emergency services.” Emergencies can happen at any time of course. The notion is that with a few small steps we can prepare our family, our home and our business for the unexpected things that can cause disruption to our daily lives. Communities in Scotland have been invited to create a Community Resilience Plan and the Cults Bieldside and Milltimber Community Council initiated an RGU project in 2017 to do exactly that. The final draft is out for approval by the authorities after which it will be made available on the CBM website. We need volunteers to be part of the Community Resilience Team. Please contact the CBMCC at cbmcc@cbmcommunity.org.uk or send in the form on the opposite page. However, as with so many useful things in life: Resilience begins at home. Are you prepared for the kinds of things that can happen because of an emergency?

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Power cuts, or disruption to fuel supplies

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Loss of telephone communications

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Flooding, at home, or at your place of business

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Becoming stranded or severely delayed while on a journey in the car

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Evacuation from your home or business, either by yourself or by the authorities, or being unable to get into your home or premises

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Being confined to the indoors, at home, or somewhere else

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Unplanned separation of family members

Without going over the top, here are a few simple things you can do to cope with some of the above conditions. Just having a few everyday items easily to hand can save you a lot of trouble all year round. For example:  A torch and radio with spare batteries for both or better still: wind up  A stock of 3 days worth of food and water that won’t go off (or gets used regularly)  Baby and pet supplies if needed  Emergency phone numbers  An old-fashioned corded telephone that plugs into the wall will keep working for some time even after a power-cut so it is good to have one in your home  Know where your essential medicines and first aid kit are  Know where your important documents (like insurance and passports) are or keep copies  Know where your spare car keys are These are just a few of the more obvious pointers. You can find out more on preparing for and managing emergency situations on the Ready Scotland website: www.readyscotland.org. This includes advice on how to create an emergency household plan and how to prepare an emergency kit. There is also a useful smart phone app ‘Emergency’ offered by the British Red Cross that will send you alerts on weather and other threats when they occur.

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Resilience Plan- Volunteers Wanted The Community Council is working on a Resilience Plan, an action plan to use local volunteers, facilities, and equipment for an early response to major local emergencies - flooding, severe weather, fires, etc - and to assist the official emergency services. If you live in the local area, are aged over 16 and fit, and are interested in volunteering, then we would like to hear from you. Please complete this form and mail it to the Resilience Coordinator at 5 Millden Road, Cults, AB15 9LJ or send an email to CBMCC@cbmcommunity.org.uk, and we will contact you with more details.

NAME TELEPHONE CONTACT E-MAIL (=HELPFUL) RESIDENT OF : (Circle suburb applicable) NOTES :

CULTS

BIELDSIDE

MILLTIMBER

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mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

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CULTS BIELDSIDE AND MILLTIMBER COMMUNITY COUNCIL Planning Matters! The number of Planning Applications in Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber in 2018 so far has been 118, with 43 in the third quarter. We submitted 12 letters of comment or objection in 2018; six of those were in the third quarter, mainly relating to developments at Countesswells and Friarsfield. Now for an update on the major developments in our area: Contlaw Road – Stewart Milne Group have proposed the development of a site on Contlaw Road (OP112 in the Local Development Plan) and 36 homes were identified in the outline plans. However, as the Scottish Reporter’s recommendation for the site was for 10 homes, ACC Planning are unwilling to accept the larger proposal and the planning application has been withdrawn. Countesswells – the construction of Phase 1 development, around 1260 homes, continues with around 150 occupied so far. There are now 5 developers working on the site – Stewart Milne Group, Kirkwood Homes, Barratts, CHAP and Hillcrest. The consortium is hoping to start work on the road to Kingswells roundabout by end 2018. The application submitted for Block N5, 123 homes, is still under review. NHS have been offered space in block C4 for a temporary health facility. The site for the first primary school is ready for construction, awaiting ACC decision to proceed. Karen Watt is the new Community Liaison person.

Inchgarth Road Development – an application for Planning Permission In Principle for the development of open land between the North Deeside Rd and Inchgarth Rd to the west of Pitfodels Station Rd. was submitted in 3Q2018 (Appl. 181224). The application was for 95 homes and a 50-bed care home. There could also be a small commercial unit, possibly for a GP surgery or pharmacy. A large part of the overall site

on the site of the house at 3 South Avenue, which was refused by ACC Planning, was granted permission on appeal by the Scottish Reporter. The application is subject to a variation of the title condition which is currently being considered by the Lands Tribunal. Milltimber South – the developer, Bancon, is still in discussion with both the Planner Officers and the landowners to finalise a masterplan that is suitable. The different

Culterhouse Road – plans are being prepared for the development of a site on Culterhouse Road (OP113), the open land on the right as you turn the sharp bend near East Lodge, and 11 detached homes are being proposed. Friarsfield – work is well under way on Phase 2, which will be 109 houses and 12 apartments (phase 1 is 73 homes and 8 apartments). The link road between Kirk Brae and Craigton Road is due by the time 160 houses are sold but it is hoped that it will be delivered sooner, possibly by end 2019 or early 2020. Friarsfield Road will remain open but the junction at the top of Jacob’s Ladder will be modified. Traffic calming measures will be put along Friarsfield Road once the link road is open (see picture). Stewart Milne Group is developing plans for the completion of Phase 3 at Friarsfield, which will be for 80-100 homes and should complete the overall development.

will be retained as green space for public use with good access to the Deeside Way. The development will incorporate a link road between the North Deeside Road and Inchgarth Road which is seen as a key piece of transport infrastructure for Aberdeen. The application received a large number of comments, the majority of which were supportive and it is now under review by ACC Planning. McCarthy & Stone Development at 3 South Avenue, Cults – The planning application 160552 for 21 x 2-bedroom apartments

mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

land ownership appears to be creating complications. Oldfold Farm – work on Phase 1 for 61 homes continues and 49 are now occupied. We welcome all the new residents to our area. Phase 2 for 166 homes has been approved. The new primary school is due to be available by the time 250–300 homes have been sold though pressure on places at Milltimber may lead to the City Council working with CALA to bring plans forward. The response from Aberdeen City Council and CALA to the concerns raised by residents who have suffered

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disturbance through noise and dust generated in ground works was not particularly helpful. They stated: “CALA appear to be adhering to the guideline working hours. The investigating officer explained that whilst it is understood that a proportion of residents in that area may be retired or at home with young children, the majority of people will be at work during the day and not affected by the work. It is not possible to take in to consideration people’s individual circumstances in dealing with the matter of working hours. CALA agreed to move the crushing operation to the far side of the development in order to crush the smaller rocks; however, this is not practical for the larger rocks and they need to be broken and crushed in situ. CALA have also been undertaking dust suppression methods in order to mitigate dust emitting from the site. It is impossible to mitigate all dust from a construction site and some dust is to be expected. Current dust levels are considered reasonable under the current circumstances. Noise measurements have also been taken at the site and are considered to be reasonable and within the acceptable standards as detailed in BS 52282:2009 Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open sites.”

AWPR – the festival took place in September and reportedly (P&J) over 14,000 people visited the site over the weekend; there might well have been more if the access arrangements had not been so convoluted! The full opening is expected to be in the autumn after a full safety audit of the road has been completed.

City Centre Master Plan - the Reference Group established to help provide input to proposals for City Centre Development meets quarterly and the last meeting was on 2 October 2018 – see separate article. Strategic Plan and Local Development Plan – The content for the proposed next Strategic Development Plan (SDP), which sets out the vision for long-term planning development in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, has been agreed by both councils. A 10-week public consultation on the proposed plan and its supporting documents will be open from October 8 to December 17, and the plan is available to view now at www. aberdeencityandshire-sdpa.gov.uk/CurrentWork/ CurrentConsultations For the Local Development Plan, the comments we submitted on the matters that should be addressed in the Main Issues Report can be found on the Community Council website. The LDP Main Issues Report should be published in January 2019 but the comments submitted and, more interestingly, the new developer proposals can be seen on the Aberdeen City Council website (www.aberdeencity. gov.uk/services/planning-and-building/localdevelopment-plan/aberdeen-local-developmentplan/aberdeen-local-development-plan-review). There are 146 development bids submitted for inclusion in the next Aberdeen City Local Development Plan, due for publication in 2022. Of the 146 bids submitted, 46 are for land in the Lower Deeside area, the highest with 31% of the total. 31 of the 46 are in the Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber Community Council area. The second and third most popular areas are Bridge of Don, 29 proposals (20 %) and Kingswells/Sheddocksley, 21 proposals (14 %). The three areas combined have 65% of the total number of proposals. Two of the bids for Hazlehead ward (B1003, B1005) also impact our Community Council area as they are extensions of Countesswells; when included this makes 33 (23%) in our area. If all proposals were accepted there would be another 5400 homes in the CBM area and 400 homes in Peterculter area (see picture showing Lower Deeside Ward; note Countesswells sits in Hazlehead Ward to the east).

Contlaw Rd.(800 homes), Baillieswells Rd near Foggieton (500), Friarsfield (280), Countesswells Expansion (545), Craigton Rd playing fields (300). Damhead/Cadgerford (750), NE Countesswells (355), Bellfield Farm/Countesswells (1000). Four developers have carefully shaped their bid for exactly 100 homes which is the limit at which Aberdeen City Council said bids for development on green belt would be considered. If all bids for a development of 100 homes or less were accepted there would be around 900 extra homes in the CBM area. We understand the Aberdeen City Council are not seeking to add large numbers of homes (perhaps 8000) to the current plan of 31500 (21000 on greenfield) to the year 2035 in Aberdeen City and their stance will be to: prioritise brownfield sites; consider proposals of sites for less than 100 homes in greenbelt; not accept extensions to existing developments; maintain there is already enough employment land available for development. The Community Council will be reviewing and commenting on each proposal when the request for comments on the Main Issues Report is initiated early in 2019. Residents will also be able to submit their views to Aberdeen City on the inclusion of any proposed developments – we hope you will. Road Works : You can keep up to date on road works in our area through our Community Council facebook page at www.facebook.com/ cbmcomcouncil/ and also on our website at www.cbmcommunity.org.uk You can also find road work updates at www. tellmescotland.gov.uk/notices/aberdeen-city/ and through www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/transport_ streets/roads_pavements/roads_and_pavements. asp Peter Roberts

Of the 33 proposals for the CBM area, 8 are for the construction of more than 100 homes; the total number of homes proposed for these 8 is 4530. The sites proposed for the large developments are;-

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City Centre Masterplan October 2018

housing built in the city centre for two years; ACC Planning have already had some enquiries. Broad Street – the paving work is finished and open to buses. There are some minor works required to address defects. Schoolhill Public Realm – Phase 1 development and design work is underway. Work will be planned and coordinated to complete it in advance of the art gallery opening.

Current Work Programme – headline statements are;

Union Terrace Gardens – tenders for the work are expected in early October and, dependent on the tender accepted, work will be completed in 2020 or 2021.

Marischal Square project – lettings made on ground floor, with several new restaurants, and lettings progressing for upper floors.

Aberdeen In Colour – funding for the first phase is being sought and this will be for Langstane Place.

Provost Skene House – tenders for work expected in October, with construction starting early 2019, followed by installation of exhibition materials. Open early 2020?

North Dee Business Quarter – effort on this element of the plan is on hold for the moment.

Aberdeen 365 – a new model for resourcing and delivery of a programme of events has been established working closely with Visit Aberdeenshire. Several successful events were run in 2018. Art gallery – a bit of a saga but construction work is almost complete (a pitfall of doing major changes to an old building). There will then be several months to prepare the art works for exhibition, so the gallery is not expected to open to the public until mid 2019. Music Hall - work progressing to plan and a formal opening is expected early 2019. Union Street – the third deep clean programme of 2018 has been completed. More are being considered for 2019 if funding is available. Union Square – the planning application for expansion has been approved, subject to conditions and one of these requires improvements to be made to the bus station. The developer Hammerson has been asked to bring forward some proposals. It was emphasised that ACC Planning have an opportunity to ensure that Hammerson and Stagecoach work closely together to deliver a bus station that meets the public’s needs.

Golden Square – plans are on hold until the completion of the City Parking Study and agreement on way forward. The Car Parking Study – a long history to this and a decision has been taken to merge the work with the current study into a roads hierarchy for Aberdeen city. There is some sense in that and we can expect some consultation on the roads element over the next two months. Final reporting is expected in April 2019. City Narrative – a very interesting piece of work by the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce presented by Russell Borthwick. This will be available on their website at www.agcc.co.uk. In summary the vision for Aberdeen is built around five pillars: Oil & Gas/Tourism/Food & Drink/Life Sciences/Digital Business. The Regional Economic Strategy, City Centre Masterplan and the City Region Deal will help shape how the vison is achieved. The key steps to achieving that will require: securing the infrastructure needed; inward investment; tourism marketing; regional businesses winning new business; skills and talent

attraction and retention. An IBP Citizens Panel survey in 2017 found that 83% of those surveyed would be willing to promote the region, with 26% ‘totally willing’ and 57% ‘to some extent’. Other places have achieved improvements through engaging their public (Manchester, Newcastle, Stockholm, Barcelona and most recently Dundee); Aberdeen can do the same- lets change the ‘to some extent’ to ‘totally willing’.

A partnership of several local companies and trade bodies has been formed to fund and steer an 18-month project plan to ‘sell the city’. A library of materials is being established upon which groups can draw to help promote Aberdeen. Help from further organisations is being sought to provide funding and to promote the message. Local community groups and individuals in Aberdeen can also play a big part by sharing how great a place Aberdeen is to live, work, study, visit, invest and do business; yes, it seems a lot of projects to make Aberdeen a better place, take longer to finish or even get started but it is time to start being positive about what Aberdeen can offer – remember this phrase Aberdeen? Abzolutely! 3D Modelling of the City – RGU have done some work on the 3D mapping and modelling of Aberdeen city to help planners and the general public see how new developments would change the appearance of the city. The mapping can also help in planning work on the city roads once it is linked with information on utilities (gas, water, electricity and telecoms). While there is more to do, the work looks promising. The next meeting of the Reference Group will be on Tuesday 12 December.

Peter Roberts

Queen’s Square – a development framework has been drafted and this will be issued for public review later this year. Redevelopment will be for residential and mixed use which will see a refurbishment of Greyfriars Church, Marischal College East and Mitchell Hall. There will be new homes and provision for arts and cultural elements as well as the law courts. City Centre Living – following the study by Savills, in order to encourage the building of homes in the city centre, the City Council has adopted the recommendation to waive developer contributions on affordable

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News from Ross Thomson, MP I am very pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to this edition of the Milltimber, Bieldside and Cults newsletter. As ever, the last few months have been very busy for myself and my team. The issues that come across my desk are wide-ranging: from Brexit to international trade; support for our oil and gas industry; concerns over education and NHS services; and animal welfare issues. One that is closer to home for readers of this newsletter is an ongoing planning application submitted to Aberdeen City Council for a development at Culter House Road. I have met a number of constituents in relation to this proposal and I have also had regular correspondence on the issue. Many of those who have been in touch live on the same street as this planned development of five detached houses with associated landscaping and infrastructure. While this will ultimately be a matter for our local councillors to decide, I have written to the city council’s chief officer for strategic place planning to express concern on behalf of local residents. Unfortunately, many people feel that their concerns have not been taken on board by the council. There has been a wide range of issues raised: the increased risk of flooding due to poor drainage at present; visibility problems at junctions; the impact of more traffic on a quiet residential road; the potential rise in HGV usage; and inadequate pavements for families walking to and from school.

vital that the views of those that will be affected are taken on board. As a former councillor and MSP, I have never been anti-development. However, I do not think we should have development at any cost. It is also very important that council planners, and the councillors that will be making the decision, stick to their own guidelines set out in the local plan. I hope that those who have contacted me about this issue will appreciate that I have made these points on their behalf as forcefully as I can. I also have regular meetings with the Aberdeen City Council chief executive and this is something that I have raised with her. Away from planning issues, I was pleased to welcome the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Liz Truss, to my constituency this week. We visited Aberdeen harbour, where the minister was given a fascinating insight into the level of activity at the port. With the expansion into the Bay of Nigg progressing well, this is an exciting time for the harbour and a clear signal that Aberdeen is open for business. The expansion opens up huge opportunities for oil and gas decommissioning but also tourism. There will be a real benefit for the local economy if more cruise ships can berth in Aberdeen and enjoy all that this area has to offer. The visit of Ms Truss was just the latest in a series from members of the UK Cabinet. I am very happy to say that the views of people and businesses in Aberdeen South are being heard at the highest level of government.

The flood risk, in particular, is included in the local development plan which has been noted for any future application such as this one. It is normal practice for the planning authority to seek advice and input from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) on this type of application, and I have asked the council to ensure that happens. I have also asked the planners to be aware of the concerns of local residents. There is an ongoing process in which people can make any objections, and it is

Sunday Morning Worship @ 10.30am 1 Quarry Road, Cults AB15 9EX Dates for your Diary

Film Show - ‘It’s a wonderful Life’ 8th December 7pm at the Kirk Centre Christmas Tree Festival 10th-16th December at Cults Parish Church

Christmas Services:

23rd December Nativity Service 10.30am 24th December: Christingle Service 7.00pm Watchnight Service 11.30pm (Mulled wine & mince pies from 11pm) Christmas Day Celebration 10.30am 30th December Service of Lessons & Carols 10.30am Also: When the Sun Goes Down Evening Services 1st Sunday of the Month 6pm at Cults Parish Church

For Children and Young People Friday Café (S1-S4) – Cults Kirk Centre 3:30-6pm Messy Church 8th November & 6th December 3.30pm-6.00pm at Cults Kirk Centre Santa Breakfast 1st December at Cults Kirk Centre

Christmas Coffee Morning at the Kirk Centre Saturday 8th December 10-12:00 NEW: Mid-Week Services Thursday 15th November Café Style worship with discussion and contemporary hymns & songs 6.30pm at Cults Kirk Centre

THE HUB CAFÉ AT CULTS KIRK CENTRE IS OPEN TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY 10am to 3pm For more information on the many events taking place at Cults Kirk and Cults Kirk Centre, please refer to www.cultsparishchurch@btinternet.com  01224 869028  cultsparishchurch@btinternet.com Our minister is Rev Shuna Dicks  01224 861692  revshuna@btinternet.com Page 10

mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

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

News from Councillors Your councillors have been receiving many reports of dangerous incidents on the Deeside Way, the cause of which can be attributed mainly to a few errant cyclists, who refuse to cycle in a responsible manner, travelling at excessive speeds. We would remind all users that the Deeside Way forms an element of this Council’s active travel programme and as such is for the benefit of all who enjoy fresh air and want to leave the car at home. We would be grateful if everyone using this valuable local facility does so with care and respect for others. The new and very popular Cults Skatepark has been suffering from flooding issues which Council officers within the environmental team have looked into. The current view is that the site needs to bed in to ensure that everything has had sufficient time to become properly established. The dry weather we experienced earlier in the year has not helped this process and has exacerbated water runoff now. The Skatepark will continue to be monitored and if necessary future measures to rectify poor water drainage will be applied. Your councillors are also aware of the poor condition of the footpath to the east of the site and have reiterated to officers that it must be fully reinstated to the pre-skatepark condition. Constituents will have been aware of the Cults Primary school being fenced-off during the summer holidays. Your councillors have been told this was necessary to carry out landscaping work and to improve the playground facilities for pupils. This work was funded and initiated by the school’s parent council. Failed lighting at the bus shelters located at the Cults Hotel and St. Devenicks Place was raised with Council officers several months ago. Your councillors will continue to pursue this matter together with any other failed street lighting that you make us aware of. The condition of roads and pavements in

Contlaw Place, Manse Road, Primrosehill Avenue, Ashfield Road, Baillieswells Road & Baillieswells Terrace, Bieldside Station Road and Abbotshall Gardens are to be determined in forthcoming surveys. In order to make the most efficient use of ACC resources the results from these surveys will be compared with surveys from other locations around Aberdeen. These comparisons will form the basis for future capital spend for the roads and pavements repair program. The UK has three classifications of fireworks which are F2, F3 and F4, the last being for professional use only. Some residents felt their 2017/18 New Year celebrations would not be complete without a garden-launched display of F3 category rockets. Of fireworks available to the general public, category F3 require the largest safety distance from the firework. The effect of these celebrations caused young children in nearby properties to be terrified, pets to cower, burglar alarms to be set-off and the Police to attend an Armageddon-type ‘disturbance’. Your councillors and Police Inspector David Cowie would like to make an appeal for future events held on private property to be undertaken safely and with thoughtfulness for others. The recent MBC festival was bigger and better than in previous years and enjoyed record attendance. The original festival first started in June 1975 and was known as the Cults Festival. Following a ten-year break, the renamed festival returned in 1999 and acknowledged the wider local community as the MBC Festival. Last year a competition was run to find a new logo and local resident Heather Millar created the winning design. Well done Heather! In preparation for the winter months, please note that the cut-off date for ordering 1 tonne salt bags is 1st November. Community Councils or individuals may order bags for community use but they must be sited in a location accessible to the neighbourhood as they are for the benefit of all. Finally, when you contact Your Councillors with local issues it is our intention to reply

to you quickly and then alert the relevant council officer and ensure a satisfactory follow-up. Please do be mindful of the fact that some legislation has the effect of tying your councillors hands. Please do continue to contact us with any council-related issues that you feel we can help with. We look forward to meeting you at our surgeries. Councillor Philip Bell, Conservative Councillor Marie Boulton, Independent Councillor M. Tauqeer Malik, Labour Contact details: Cllr Philip Bell: 012224-346638 / 07500999195, phbell@aberdeencity.gov.uk Cllr Marie Boulton: 01224-522178 / 734712, mboulton@aberdencity.gov.uk Cllr M.Taqueer Malik: 01224-346615 / 07876 745826, mmalik@aberdeencity.gov.uk Councillor Philip Bell: Surgeries for the Lower Deeside Ward Cults Community Centre: 1st Tuesday of the month, 7pm to 8pm (school term time only) Milltimber Community Centre: 3rd Thursday of the month from 7-8pm. (school term time only)

MBC News Delivery Thanks to all our volunteers who continue to ensure our residents get a copy of MBC News. We could do with a few extra volunteers to cover deliveries in the Cults area so if you fancy helping us keep the community informed please contact Peter Roberts email: roberts.peter53@gmail.com or Tel. 01224 868524

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

07762 149712

clean33@talktalk.net

mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

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Page 11

Aberdeen Tai Chi Chuan ’88 ¥ Tai Chi Chuan is a gentle Chinese martial art suitable for any age.

¥ The practice develops awareness, coordination and ßexibility.

¥ It relaxes and strengthens the body and calms the mind.

¥ It improves circulation, health and balance.

¥ Practitioners suffer less from trips, slips and falls.

We are the longest-established TCC Club in Aberdeen. We teach the empty hand sequences of circular, free ßowing, whole-body movements and partner exercises like “push hands”. The six instructors between them have a total over 100 years of TCC experience. Classes: Wednesday evenings 7-8pm Cults Sports Complex, Quarry Road, Cults

Want to know more about Tai Chi? Reply to me: Bill Strang Club Sec

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mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

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Climate Week North East Climate Week North East, 15th to 24th March 2019, is a full week of fun, inspiring and interesting events designed to raise awareness of climate change but, more importantly, show what we can all do to make a difference and reduce our carbon footprint in a fun way. The events provide knowledge and inspiration for everyone to take small (and big) steps in the fight against climate change starting with the free Green Family Fun Day in Hazlehead Park on Saturday 16th March and culminating with Earth Day at Aberdeen Science Centre on Sunday 24th March. From tours of community renewable projects and cooking demonstrations to guided ranger walks and bike rides, films, plays, and talks, Climate Week North East is designed to showcase the inspiring action happening here in the North East and demonstrate what each of us can do to help. We want to show you the wonderful projects going on in your community, be it a zero waste café, school growing project, reuse and upcycling initiative or any other carbon-reducing, living sustainably project. We want to enable you to tell your story and inspire others to make a difference in their life. As Alison Stuart, Director of Aberdeen Climate Action, says: “There are so many amazing sustainability projects going on here in the north east and it is community action driving them. Climate Week is a fantastic opportunity to showcase those projects, gain recognition for the wonderful work they do and inspire others to create their own projects, help in the existing ones or simply make a change in the way they live their lives. All of us can do something to help reduce climate change. It is easy to take small steps that all build into making a big difference (and save us money). These steps can be as small as changing your home power supply to renewable, growing your own veg and eating less meat, reusing and recycling, using your car less and getting a hybrid or electric car, starting up your own community project or company with the reduction of carbon emissions as an outcome. There are lots we all can do.” Put a note in your diary for CWNE and come along to the fun and inspiring events. The full programme of events will be uploaded at https://www.climateweekaberdeen.org/programme.html or found on CWNE @ facebook. If you would like to sign up to do an event during climate week then please contact Alison Stuart, alison@ aberdeenclimateweek.org.

T

he letter below was sent to us from eight-year old, Emilie. Emilie and her mum regularly collect rubbish left around their home and have been provided with litter picking tools, gloves and bags from the council to do so. Emilie attends a conservation club at school lunch and has become increasingly aware of the environmental issues associated with littering. We have decided to print her letter unedited, exactly as Emilie wrote it. A photo of her hand-written original is shown.

Dear Editor, I really hope you will publish my letter to the MBC News becuse I would like to raise awareness of the litter problems in our city. Littering is a wide spread problem but I am focusing on Pitfodels Station Road becuse I live there and it is always full of litter. Members of the public throw litter out of their windows. I regularly clean up the litter on my street and I normally find cans, plastic bottles, crisp packets, McDonald products, plastic bags and baby wipes. Once I even found a smelly nappy. Last bank holiday Monday I collected 2 bin bags. Littering is really bad becuse it can harm land animals. Animals can get stuck in litter for example if a hedgehog was to wonder into a plastic bag it would get cought by its spines on it’s back. Animals can alsow eat our litter which can make them unwell. Dropping litter anywhere can alsow harm sealife because it can blow over to the Seas. Once its in the sea, sealife can eat it and get tangled in it. Please don’t drop litter and if you see someone elses litter please pick it up and put it in the bin. Lets make our city beautiful and protect animals. Emilie Parkinson [Age 8]

If you are interested in climate change and what you can do to make a difference then come along to our free monthly Climate Café, the first Tuesday of each month, in Tempo Café between 7.00 and 9.00pm. For full details check out Aberdeen Climate Action @ facebook

mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

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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

HEARTHWOOD LOGS & KINDLING LOCALLY SOURCED & PRODUCED

SEASONED & READY NOW 01330 811266 hearthwoodlogs@gmail.com no delivery charge to MBC area

Cults Toddler Group Cults toddler group creates a fun and happy environment where tots and their parents/carers can enjoy a morning of playing and catching up with friends, as well as making new ones. We meet every Thursday morning from 9.30 until 11.30 in the Cults Parish Church hall on Quarry Road. It costs £2.50 per child (50p per additional child). We have lots of toys and craft activities set out, enjoy a snack mid-way through the morning and finish up with some songs at the end. Over the last few months we have said goodbye to some children who have moved on to school nursery and welcomed some lovely new faces. We are in the process of choosing some exciting new toys for the children with funds raised and will embark on some more fundraising soon to ensure we can keep the group going. The group will not run over the October holidays but at our first session back on the 1st November we will have a Halloween themed snack and craft and the children are welcome (encouraged!) to wear fancy-dress. It’s sure to be a spooky morning so please come along and join us with your tots!

Say ‘Yes’ to volunteering at The Gordon Highlanders Museum Why not think about volunteering at the Museum and help preserve the legacy of the Gordon Highlanders Regiment. There are opportunities to volunteer in the following areas:

Tea Room | Museum Guide | DIY Shop/Reception | Education To find out more about volunteering* with us please call 01224 498927 or email volunteering@gordonhighlanders.com *We can arrange a time to have a chat about volunteering, your availability or perhaps organise a short taster session so you can see what goes on.

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mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

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CULTS PRIMARY PTA NEWS

Cults Primary School PTA Bag2School Fundraiser Saturday 10th November 2018, 10am – 12noon Please bring any unwanted clothes, shoes, bags, belts and soft furnishings to Cults Primary School gym for charity recycling. The school receives commission on the weight donated. For the full list of items accepted visit

http://uk.bag2school.com/what-we-collect

We have separate receptacles for used batteries, ink cartridges & unwanted mobile phones too. Thank you!

Christmas Art Exhibition

Friday 23rd November 12 - 6pm Sat 24th & Sun 25th November 10 - 4pm Supporting local charity “Befriend a Child” Refreshments available 8 Bon Accord Square www.northernartsclub.co.uk

Cults Primary School are delighted with the new garden area in the playground that was installed over the summer holidays by Papillon Designs and Landscaping using PTA funds. This garden and the new paths, that were installed earlier in the year, have really opened up and smartened the school playground. Sadly, our brand new PTA and Parent Council noticeboards have already been vandalised by thoughtless individuals. Our September Scholastic Book Club was very successful with over £180 worth of free books earned for the school library. The 200 Club private lottery has sold out again this year, so we will have ten prizes of £100 to be won before the end of the school year. Instead of a Christmas Fair the PTA will be hosting another Ladies Night at Kippie Lodge on November 30th which we hope will be another great night. Once again, we are collecting clothing, shoes and accessories for the Bag2School collection on Saturday, November 10th. Donations may be dropped off at Cults Primary School Gym Hall from 10am – 12pm. Visit http://uk.bag2school.com/what-we-collect for the broad list of items accepted. Thanks to everyone in the community for supporting our fundraising. This year we plan to use the funds raised to replace the broken drinking fountains in school, paint an external mural and install the planned sensory garden. Cults Primary PTA cultspta@outlook.com Facebook @Cults.PTA

A Family of Healthcare & Retail Services Since 1928

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

mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

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St Devenick’s Playgroup News It’s been a great start to the academic year. Last term we welcomed lots of new children to the playgroup. The staff spend lots of time building relationships with the children and their families. It’s an important part of what we do as we know that for a child to learn to separate from their mum, dad or carer is a big step. Getting to know the child is key – knowing their likes, dislikes, what they can do, what they need help with etc. This way we can offer them opportunities that are catered for their own individual needs.

BIELDSIDE, ABERDEEN

Monday -Friday 9.10 am – 12.20 pm

Our playgroup comprises a main hall, a playground and our Secret Garden (which we access all year) and a team of caring staff. On hall and playground days the children have access to these outdoor and indoor areas as they please, running between the two. The playground is always very popular, and the children will often get involved with lots of messy play activities and enjoy lots of physical play on the bikes. Inside, the children enjoy a range of activities such as building towers with construction, cooking up a storm in the home corner, or creating masterpieces in our art area and much, much more. As a staff we look at what interests the children and build the activities around that.

For children aged 2 ½ to 5 years Funded Spaces Available

When we are not in the hall, the children can be found exploring and have lots of welly boot fun in our Secret Garden. There is lots on offer – mud, sand, water. . . and more mud! The children have lots of splishy splashy sploshy fun creating new ways to learn. We have things to climb, things to dig, things to paint and draw over, things to throw and things for imaginative play. The play is fantastic and the learning even more so! Please look at the photos for a peek at our Secret Garden learners this year! There are more to see on our website and on Facebook.

and

St. Devenick’s Playgroup is based at St. Devenick’s Church Hall in Bieldside. Playgroup runs Monday to Friday 9.10am–12.20pm, with an optional Wednesday lunch club. We are here for the Cults and Bieldside community, as well as surrounding areas and are a great first step for getting a child ready for school. Rising Fives is on a Tuesday and Thursday from 12.30pm-3pm and Tots and Toddlers on a Wednesday morning from 9.30am-11.30am. If you would like further information about any of the above, please contact playgroup on 867431 or Anna our playgroup administrator via our playgroup email: stdevenicksplaygroup@gmail.com.

Page 16



Not required to be potty trained



Spaces available for 2 to 5 days a week, including funded spaces



Lunch Club Wednesdays (12:20-1:30pm)



Healthy snack provided each day



Bright hall and outdoor playground available everyday



Plus our Secret Garden is set up for outdoor learning experiences

TOTS & TODDLERS Wednesday’s 9.30—11.30am

Email: stdevenicksplaygroup@gmail.com

www.stdevenicksplaygroup.btck.co.uk

01224 867431

FERRYHILL RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST, ABERDEEN

The playgroup also has two other groups: Rising Fives and Tots and Toddlers. Rising Fives is on a Tuesday and Thursday for children who are in their pre-school year. The children release their energy with lots of play, indoor and outdoor. They also plan science, food and craft activities which are really popular with the children. Tots and Toddlers, which is a parent, carer and baby and young child group, meet on a Wednesday morning in St Devenick’s Church. The children get to play while the parents and carers have a chance to sit and chat over a cuppa. Please see below for more details on these two groups.

Lastly, our playgroup, would you believe, turns 50 years old next year! We have formed a group to organise a celebration! If you would like to be a part of this group or would like to be informed of what we have planned, please do contact us.

Friendly, dedicated, qualified staff

ALSO….. RISING 5’S for pre-school children Tues & Thurs 12.30 –3pm

Looking towards the festive season we will be planning lots of activities which make the season special to the playgroup. We will have our annual trip to visit Santa and rehearse for our Christmas Concert at the end of term. We will also be celebrating Diwali and St Andrew’s Day!

As a charity community group, we rely on the help of parents and all help given is always massively appreciated. We have welcomed in a new committee this session, and some wonderful events are being planned for the year ahead. These will provide a great opportunity for our families and other community members to socialise and have fun whilst also helping to support the playgroup. Please watch this space and check our website for more news on playgroup events.



Volunteers are required to help with our Railway Trust in rebuilding our Turn-table, Steam Engine, Wooden Coaches and an 1850 Grade ‘B’ Listed Victortian Engine Shed. Everyone welcome whether you have a skill or not – we can use you!!!!

Please call Gordon Simpson on – 01224 749914. For further info visit our website at frht.org.uk

mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

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Christingle Service:

Tuesday 18 December at 4.30pm

Midnight Christmas Eve Communion: Monday 24 December at 11.15pm

Christmas Family Worship: Christmas Day at 10.30am

Bieldside

FRIDAY FRIENDS COFFEE MORNING First Friday of each month 9.30-11.30am

We are a warm and open church family: we look forward to welcoming you!

Coffee, homebakes and toys for little ones Everyone welcome

Sunday service at 10.30am

Crafts, activities, snacks and fun! Sunday afternoons, 3.30-5.00pm:

18 November 16 December—a Messy Christmas!

with children’s and young people’s groups Holy Communion services every Sunday at 8.30am and every Thursday at 10.30am

for young families

St Devenick’s Scottish Episcopal Church, Baillieswells Road, Bieldside, Aberdeen, AB15 9AP mail@stdevenicks.org

01224 863574

www.stdevenicks.org

THE MIX (age 10+) 7.30-9.00pm and

JUNIOR MIX (age 8-10)

6.30-7.30pm

Saturday night fun - Free entry

Rector: Rev’d Captain Gerry Bowyer

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mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

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New Local Group Countesswells to Cults Active Woodlands Group We are lucky to live in a part of Aberdeen City with an abundance of woodland, with all the benefits that brings. As a longterm resident of Bieldside, for some time I have wanted to create a group that helps to encourage people to enjoy and appreciate the woodlands in a safe and responsible way, and to learn more about it. There are many different users of the woods, dog walkers, runners, cyclists and horse riders are just the first that spring to mind. So, we hope to be providing events that all users can enjoy. The other aspect of the group is to assist the landowners, Forestry Commission, and Aberdeen City Council with the management of the woods. There are many activities which can improve the health and biodiversity of the woodland: litter picking, the removal of non-native trees and shrubs (like rhododendron), the removal of old fencing, tree planting, nest box building, etc. The woodland areas the group covers are Countesswells (including Kingshill wood, and Gairnhill wood), Foggieton (including Ladyhill wood), all of which are managed by Forestry Commission Scotland, and Cults Quarry Woods, managed by Aberdeen City Council. Our first official event, a Fungus Foray, was held in late September. A small number of folk joined us for a walk around the woods. We were astonished by the number and variety of fungus we found on a relatively short walk along the trail. We were helped by some very enthusiastic junior fungus finders! By the time you read this, we hope to have had more fun events in the woods. If you want to be kept up to date about our various activities, please ask to join our Facebook page: “Countesswells to Cults Active Woodlands Group”. Remember to turn on notifications for updates of events, activities and news. Or contact me, Claire Marsden, at fbears@me.com See you in the woods!

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mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

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C ults

M edical

G roup

A berdeen ,

:

S outh

ab 1 5

avenue ,

9 l Q

tel : 0345 860171 tel: 337 08451140 337 1140fax: fax:01224 01224 860171 Winter is around the corner and once again we are commencing our ‘Flu Vaccination Campaign. If you are eligible to receive a free ‘flu vaccination from the NHS, for any reason, please call the practice to arrange an appointment with the nurse. We don’t routinely send letters of invitation from the practice to the over 65’s so please call reception to arrange a suitable appointment. If you are not eligible to receive a free ‘flu vaccination, local pharmacies can provide one for a small charge. We would like to congratulate Dr Smith for completing the ‘Ride the North Cycle Challenge’. The course takes in 175 miles of the Grampian countryside. She did this to raise funds for a new defibrillator for the practice and, we are very pleased to say, we have reached our target. We would like to thank our wonderfully generous patients for their kind donations which helped us to achieve this. We will be welcoming back nurse Emily to the practice following her maternity leave and saying farewell to nurse Pauline. We shall miss Pauline and we wish her all the very best for the future. Dr Rowan would like to say thank you to all of you who wished her well following the birth of her new baby son and to thank you for cards and gifts received. Please remember to keep your mobile phone number up to date at the practice as we now send out text reminders for appointments and clinic reminders. We will also text reminders for ‘flu vaccinations. You can opt out of receiving text messages by letting reception know. Thank you Yvonne Spalding Practice Manager

mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

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The Arts Society Grampian is the new name for the Grampian Decorative and Fine Arts Society (GDFAS). Although the name and logo have changed, the riveting programme of varied lectures with superb illustrations remains as exciting as ever. We warmly welcome back all existing members for a new season of lectures and would be delighted to meet visitors who, having come once, won’t be able to resist coming back for more. Visitors are invited to make a donation of £6. Lectures start at 7.30 pm 2018 November 14 December 5

AGM followed by:Food and Art through the Ages from Renaissance Sugar Sculpture to 3D Printing A Cornucopia of Christmas Customs

2019 January 9 February 13 March 13 April 10 May 8 June 12

Pots of Art from Grayson Perry. An appraisal of his life and major works Form and Fortune: 50 Years of British Sculpture 1968 – 2018 Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. The Golden Age of Mexican Painting The work of architect, Dame Zaha Hadid Fundraiser: Earlier start at 6.30 pm. Followed by Great Photographs of the 20th Century Wonders of the Roman Empire – Off Limits

Please note the venue is Room N242, the Sir Ian Wood Building, the Robert Gordon 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. For more information please ring Alison on 01224 869639 or Hazell on 01561 340333.

MBC News Delivery Thanks to all our volunteers who continue to ensure our residents get a copy of MBC News. We could do with a few extra volunteers to cover deliveries in the Cults area so if you fancy helping us keep the community informed please contact Peter Roberts email: roberts.peter53@gmail.com or Tel. 01224 868524

WOMENSWEAR, FOOTWEAR, HANDBAGS, ACCESSORIES

Page 20

mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

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70th Anniversary

Learning for Life Day Centre July—August

of the St. John’s School - 29th June Such a great celebration. Many people from near and far attended. A wonderful play, grand opening of the Ark and tasty food made this a special day! Thank you for supporting and joining.

The school building on Murtle estate has undergone quite a transformation over summer. Alongside (classroom) teaching a number of multiple use workshops have been established including pottery, candle work, metal and jewellery work (picture above). The building feels vibrant and reenergised. A big thank you to all involved across CSA.

August

Farm: New calves, pigs and rare breed poultry were welcomed in August

Camphill School Open Day Saturday 22nd September

The weather stayed fine for our annual Camphill School Open day with Councillor John Wheeler opening the event. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and welcome new ones to Camphill Estate. See you all again next year!

Camphill Wellbeing Trust is a medical charity which aims to support an extended approach to health and wellbeing. We offer therapeutic options to address illness, improve resilience and maintain wellbeing. Our particular expertise includes: 

Learning disabilities,



Children’s health: 0-18 years



Chronic conditions,



Mistletoe therapy

including autism, ADHD

e.g. ME, stress, allergies

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

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

www.camphillwellbeing.org.uk

01224 862008

mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

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

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

Page 21

Scarf

McKay & Innes Funeral Directors

Award-winning social enterprise, Scarf, was founded in Aberdeen in 1985 and has grown to offer a number of services to households and businesses across the North-east of Scotland. Our services are funded from a range of sources including the local authority, Scottish Government and European funds. We have also launched projects entirely as commercial entities with any profits generated reinvested into our charitable aim of eradicating fuel poverty.

"Let us help, guide and support you through a very sad and difficult time in your life"

For householders struggling with high energy costs, fuel debt and warmth related problems such as condensation dampness, our Home Energy Advice Team (HEAT) offers free home visits to anyone regardless of tenure. Funded by Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils, our highly trained Energy Advisors can act as a third-party champion on a householder’s behalf to deal with energy suppliers and other bodies. Through simple things like switching energy supplier or tariff, or educating households on effective use of heating controls, our team can help save hundreds of pounds a year on fuel bills. To speak to a HEAT advisor, call 0808 129 0888 or visit www.scarf.org.uk/heat In the North-east, Scarf also delivers Home Energy Scotland: the Scottish Government’s flagship energy advice service. This primarily phone-based service can provide simple energy efficiency, transport and water saving advice, while also allowing access to grants and loan funding for home improvements, renewable technology and electric vehicles. Home Energy Scotland is also currently offering free trials of electric bikes to anyone and they can be contacted by calling 0808 808 2282. Working in partnership with local authorities, Scarf manages a number of home insulation programmes across the region. Currently we have a scheme offering free loft, underfloor and cavity wall insulation to households across Aberdeen City which meet any one of the following criteria: council tax bands A-C; householders with a child under the age of five; anyone in receipt of state pension; any household within postcode areas AB11 8-9, AB16 and AB24; as well as private landlords who rent out only one property. To check your eligibility call Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 or email warmeraberdeen@scarf.org.uk.

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

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Councillor for Lower Deeside, Philip Bell, said, “Scarf is a charity that complements other city-wide energy initiatives. Its team can carry out energy assessments on your home and, where necessary, is able to help you tap into available grant funding to cover some or all of costs of work they deem necessary for your home.”

Join us on Friday 16th November 2018!

In addition to Scarf ’s services for households, it also has offerings for local businesses such as Scarf Commercial Energy; a free to use energy brokering service which reinvests profits into Scarf ’s charitable work. Scarf also operates Scarf Training which delivers personal development programmes designed by the world-renowned Pacific Institute and City and Guilds accredited Energy Awareness courses.

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Thane Lawrie, Scarf Chief Executive, said, “Scarf has been operating in Aberdeen for more than 30 years and many people will know us through our insulation projects of years gone by, however we have grown into a business which can offer a range of energy services for households and businesses and we are proud of our amazing track record for customer service and commitment to the eradication of fuel poverty and lowering carbon emissions.”

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To find out more about any of Scarf ’s services call 01224 213005, email info@scarf.org.uk or visit www.scarf.org.uk.

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mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

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The new season started in September and the full programme of walks, talks and social meetings for the year 2018/2019 is on our website http:// www.cultshillwalkingclub.org.uk/. Our first walk of the new season started at Auchallater, just south of Braemar on the A93, and everybody walked up the glen to Lochcallater Lodge. From there the faster walkers headed off to Carn an t-Sagairt Mor, avoiding the original top of Meall an t-Slugain, due to the high winds. The slower group walked up to the watershed and then over to the Feindallacher Burn and down towards Deeside on some rough difficult terrain. Both groups reached the Ballochbuie Forest and the Falls of Garbh Allt before crossing the Invercauld Bridge over the Dee and back to the bus at Keiloch.

Forthcoming Diary of Talks and Walks 1 November

**”The John Muir Trust - a volunteer’s perspective” James Brownhill

11 November

Morven

6 December

*”The Mounth Passes of NE Scotland” Graham Marr

9 December

Balmoral Cairns

2019 3 January **

”Climbing on the Antarctic Island of South Georgia” Simon Richardson

13 January

Pressendye

New members are always welcome to come along and see what a varied programme we offer. Evening meetings are normally held at Cults Community Centre (*) starting at 7.30pm. Meetings (**) will be held at the Cults Kirk Centre starting at 7.30pm.

mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

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Winter Fun

Outside Events

Social Events Throughout the close season, Cults Bowling Club runs a number of events as listed below. Some of these have, of course, already taken place.

Quiz Night

27 October

Beetle Drive

4 November

Christmas Party

Burns Night

Speaker

15 December 26 January 23 February

Mama Mia Singalong 23 March And then we will be ready to play bowls outdoor again! The older I get the quicker the time passes. In addition to these events, we have a small whist group which meets every Tuesday evening along with what we might loosely call a ‘discussion group’. If anyone is interested in finding out more about Cults Bowling Club this is a good time to come along. There will always be members there to explain what goes on in the club throughout the whole year.

The very popular Cults Bridge Club meets every Monday evening in our club house. This is of mutual benefit to both parties: the Bridge Club has a pleasant and warm venue and the Bowling Club receives a regular rental. Other outside organisations rent the club premises on a one-off basis. The Soroptimists met there on Saturday 30 September and the Mixing Bowl are having a fund-raising Quiz Night on Friday 2 November. The club charges a small rental and the bar is opened on request. Cults Bowling Club regard this primarily as a way of serving the local community though it is always an advantage to have the club house in use throughout the winter months. We would be pleased to provide this service for any other local clubs or organisations. Please contact David Steele on 01224 868485 or dusteele@talktalk.net. Open Doors As well as Tuesday evenings, a work group of members meets every Tuesday morning doing all the jobs that need to be done during the close season. If you want to know more about the club, Tuesdays are also a good time to come along and have a chat. Time it right and you will be treated to a rowie as well! The Club’s web site is www.cultsbowlingclub.weebly.com There, you will find details of our programme and more general information about the club. You may also contact Findlay Baxter at: Tel: 01224 868263 or at findlaybaxter@yahoo.com

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mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

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Cults Cricket Club: Season Review

21 Aberdeen (Cults) Scout Group st

Scottish Registered Charity No. SC018385 www.21staberdeenscouts.org.uk

The glorious sunshine of the summer of 2018 allowed for a long, uninterrupted and hugely enjoyable season of cricket for Cults Cricket Club which saw the club maintain its Grade 1 league status and reach the semi finals of the Turriff Cup. The league campaign got off to a slow start as new players bedded into the team but it was not long before Cults picked up crucial victories against teams in and around them in the league table. Throughout the season, there were fine individual contributions with bat and ball. Most notably, Geet Grover was in scintillating form with the bat, hitting two centuries with an average of above 60, making him one of the best batsman in the league. He was ably supported by Ravi Mahajan who added vital contributing runs. Kuljeet Singh was the pick of the bowlers, who took regular hauls of wickets with excellent line and length pace bowling. Patrick Watson took up the wicketkeeping duties for the first time and improved steadily throughout the season. The 2018 season was full of ups and downs for the club but it provided Cults with some solid building blocks which we will be looking to improve upon next year. We would like to thank the senior members of the club for their hard work year round to ensure the long term success of the club: our captain Aqeel Ajazi, club stalwart Alistair Mudie and club secretary Brian Lynas. Looking for new players Cults Cricket are on the look out for new players. The cricket season runs from the end of April to the end of August; games take place on a Saturday afternoon and our home games are at the Allan Park in Cults. We welcome all new players to the club. Perhaps you are new to the area or have not played for a while but want to get back into cricket; if so, join us! Please contact our captain Aqeel on 07956 825673.

Book Sale & Christmas Fair Saturday 10th November 2018 10am-2pm Scout Centre, South Avenue, Cults Start your Christmas shopping early! Brand new Gifts & Toys Huge Range of Books DVDs, CDs Refreshments/Home Baking Chocolate Tombola Children`s Lucky Dip Admission Adults £2 Children £1 (includes refreshments) Please bring donations to the Scout Centre from 5th – 9th November Between 1-3pm or 7-9pm.

Time For A Trim? Hedges and Trees After our fine Aberdeen summer weather, and a little rain, it is a good idea to check how your hedges and trees have grown. We ask that residents who have homes bordering pavements and pathways please take a few minutes to walk around the perimeter and trim back any plants that are overhanging the pavement, so that pedestrians do not have to move out in the road to get past. We have seen some instances where people pushing prams find it hard to get past. Your efforts will be much appreciated.

mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

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Family Fun Run 2018 marked the second year of our Family Fun Run. Mackinnons Solicitors provided funding so that we could buy medals and keep it as a free participation event. Approximately 30 family groups took advantage of this, so we had over 100 runners on a lovely sunny afternoon.

The 2018 MBC Festival has been a resounding success. With 23 events at 15 venues, this year was our most geographically spread programme, reaching all corners of our area with a great range of old and new activities. Come and Try This year’s festival included a number of new ‘Come and Try’ events supplied by local businesses and clubs. Classes run by Friskis&Svettis, Deborah Thompson Yoga, Ballroom Barney and Marigold and Mo were all filled to capacity; we hope those new customers continue to support these small businesses in future. We are also grateful to the organisers of our other ‘Come and Try’ events Orienteering, Hockey, Sooyang Do and Tai Chai Chuan. Fashion Show The team from the Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS) shop in Cults, along with Sonya Angus, entertained a large audience with some of their fab finds in the Fashion Show. Kippie Lodge donated the room for free for the event and this contributed to the fabulous £1,500 raised for the charity.

the Fun Run! St Devenick’s Church focussed on the younger generation with their Mix/Junior Mix sessions. The Bieldside Inn allowed us to break into their regular Pub Quiz with a special MBC round of questions. They also provided a free venue for the Rotary Club’s Gin Tasting evening.

Art, Calligraphy and Flower Exhibitions The Art Exhibition contained some beautiful items and was well received. We are grateful to the Cults Academy Art Faculty for sharing a display of S4 artwork which added something new to this event. The Calligraphy and Flower Exhibition was as beautiful as ever, in its serene church setting.

Camphill Schools provided a Workshop Tour of Newton Dee which was very well attended. The Open Day at Cairnlee Estate was also a lovely event despite the rotten weather! Tennis and Bowling Clubs Finally, we would like to thank the Cults Lawn Tennis Club for hosting their annual Open Evening and Cults Bowling Club who provided the venue for the Beetle Drive; great family fun.

Church Events Each of the four churches in the area held events, either as fundraisers or simply as an opportunity to gather the community together to have fun:

We couldn’t run the festival without funding from the Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber Community Council (CBMCC). The funds they provide cover our substantial printing costs, and other miscellaneous expenses. We are confident that this year’s festival encouraged a large number of local residents to have fun trying something new as well as providing plenty of opportunities for socialising. We hope that we can build on this in 2019 and would encourage anyone who is interested to get in touch and get involved. Planning for next year will commence in March 2019; in the meantime, please feel free to get in touch via email mbcfestival@ cbmcommunity.org.uk

The DCFC in Milltimber organised an International Food Evening which was extremely well attended. Various sub-committees from Cults Parish Church organised a range of fundraisers including a Coffee Morning for the Leprosy Mission, a Jazz Band Concert and Cake Off! Coffee Morning. Hillview Community Church provided an Afternoon Tea event which was really busy, especially with families who had just completed

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26/09/2018 19:08:33

Milltimber School PTA Update The Milltimber school PTA had a great start to the autumn term, organising a School Disco for P1-3 and P4-7. The discos took place on 25th September and were a great success, enjoyed by all pupils who attended. Glow sticks were popular with the children and helped with fundraising on the night. Thank you to all who attended and to the parent volunteers who helped on the evening.

Milltimber Scout Group News – Autumn 2018

Our next community event and date for your diary is the Christmas Fayre on 23rd November 2018. We will have a number of stalls with items on display - bottles, Christmas stockings, candles and other gifts. If you are interested in exhibiting on the day, please get in touch with MilltimberPTAsecretary@hotmail.com. Mr and Mrs Claus will be making a welcome appearance, and there will be a grotto and photo opportunity with Santa on the day too. We’ll have a wide range of stalls, offering lots of great gift ideas for Christmas so please come along and support the Milltimber PTA Christmas Market. We are keen to involve the whole local community in the life and activities of the school. While the PTA events may be considered to be for the pupils and families of the school, most are open to all and we look forward to seeing some new faces in the New Year. To keep up to date you can find out more information about forthcoming Milltimber School PTA activities, meetings and events on the Milltimber PTA Facebook page. Many thanks for all your continued support to all the events that we organise. Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. Milltimber PTA

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The Milltimber Scout Group have been taking part in a full programme of activities and community events this autumn. Beavers are working on their Teamwork and World badges and enjoyed an evening hike at Drum Castle in September with hot dogs to finish. Cubs worked on the World Challenge and Disability Awareness badges and took part in a day of challenge activities at Templars’ Park, also known as ‘I’m a Cub Scout Get Me Out of Here’! Our team came in third place; congratulations to all who took part. The Cubs are also looking forward to the 5-a-Side Football Tournament in November. Scouts enjoyed their Summer Camp at Glen Tanar, especially cooking on open fires and helping the Ranger with conservation project clearing undergrowth from a trail on the estate. Badge work included Emergency Aid and Mental Health Awareness and they are looking forward to the ‘Mission Impossible’ night games and camp in early December.

Finally, members of our Group will be joining other youth groups for the Remembrance Day parade and service at Peterculter Parish Church in this year marking the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. Geoff Weighill Group Scout Leader 65th Aberdeen (Milltimber) Scout Group

mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

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News from Milltimber Playgroup It’s been another busy and exiting term for us here at Milltimber Playgroup. We’ve welcomed back a lot of returning families as well as some new faces, and everyone is settling in well. We’re very lucky to be located right next to the newly refurbished park where, weather permitting, the children have easy access to the outdoors with plenty of space to run, jump and play. We also have a fantastic, fully equipped hall with toys and activity stations galore, where the children can do arts and crafts, dress-up and make-believe, active play and interact with each other and staff. Milltimber playgroup is a registered charity, funded entirely though contributions from parents and fundraising in the local community. We started the term with our annual bake sale which was run in conjunction with the MBC Art Festival at Newtondee. This was a huge success, helping to raise vital funds for the playgroup, and thanks go to all those who supported us – we hope you enjoyed the cakes! Continuing with the food theme, the playgroup also hosted an arts and crafts stall at the Deeside Local Food Festival held at Cults Academy. Visitors to the stall enjoyed printing fruit flags, making clay models and decorating badges with pictures of their favourite fruits and vegetables. This allowed the children to learn about all the different smells, textures and colours of various foods. The children have been busy with a large variety of fun activities this term. They have been working on their problem-solving skills, trying to figure out how to free dinosaurs from ice and have had fun out on the patio drawing round each other with chalk. They have done all kinds of arts and crafts over the term, such as making colourful birds, kites and hedgehogs and making play-doh which was a real favourite!

Making the most of the recent good weather at our Forest School, the children have enjoyed soaking up the late-summer sunshine! Forest School provides the opportunity to enjoy a huge range of outdoor activities and allows them to explore and understand the environment around them. This term they have been finding slugs, snails and ladybirds and making homes for toy animals. The children have also been enjoying outdoor storytelling and singing, fishing and playing hide-and-seek, and discovering the changes as autumn draws nearer. About Milltimber Playgroup and Forest School: We operate from the Milltimber Community Association Hall. In addition to our weekday morning sessions, we also offer an optional lunch club and a wraparound service which transports children to Milltimber School Nursery’s afternoon session if required, providing seamless child care from 0915 to 1535, Monday to Friday. We also offer the wraparound transport service from Milltimber school morning nursery and lunch club for our Friday afternoon Forest School session, which means child care from 0830 to 1440. There is currently space in some sessions. Please contact our Playgroup Manager Julie McWilliam on 07740 575273 or email milltimberplaygroup@hotmail.co.uk to find out more or to arrange to visit and meet the staff; we look forward to welcoming you!

Spaces Available for 2018

mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

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

Circular Walk: Hazlehead and Den of Maidencraig Introduction A five-mile circular walk starting from Hazlehead Park, along the Denburn and returning via the Walker Dam. There is plenty of parking at several car parks along Hazlehead Avenue at Hazlehead Park. Two alternative return routes which reduce the length of the walk are included in the description. Hazlehead Café is near the car parks. Footpath Details Grade: Moderate Terrain: Mostly along tracks and footpaths but a short road section and one part along the Denburn is across a grassy area which can be muddy. Boots recommended. Distance: 5.0 miles Time: Allow 2 hours

joins the tarmac road, which turns sharp left, cross over and go straight ahead (west) along a tree-lined track with the golf course on your left, and initially a wood on your right, but after a few hundred yards the golf course is on both sides. When the track divides, bear right and carry on till the start of a forested area where the path splits. Take the path to the right (signposted ‘Skene Road’). Follow the path till about 100 yards after the golf course on your right finishes and you see both the Crematorium on your left and an open area marked with boulders. Turn left across this open area to the road leading to the crematorium. Turn right and within a few yards, at the gates to the crematorium, there is a path (signposted ‘Maidencraig’) to the left with open fields on either side. Along this path there is a distant glimpse of the sea and King’s College crown tower. When the ‘access only’ road is reached turn right and, taking care, cross the busy Skene Road to the path opposite. There is a ‘Den of Maidencraig’ sign and an information board. The path is quite rocky and tricky in places, including a wooden bridge, slippery when wet, so take care, but the path soon leaves Maidencraig wood and enters more open countryside, Den of Maidencraig. (An alternative avoiding the tricky section is to walk along the road for 100 yards and take another entrance on the left.)

Hazlehead to Den of Maidencraig From whichever car park you start, head west along Hazlehead Avenue until you arrive at the corner where the golf course starts (the golf clubhouse is on your right). Continue heading west for a few yards and turn left at the signpost ‘Overspill Car Park’. At the entrance turn right along a rough footpath parallel to the road. When the path rePage 30

continues along a grassy area. Follow the fence line on the left, and at the end you will find a narrow entrance to a path which passes under the road bridge to Woodend Hospital (but avoid the path which crosses over to the north side of the burn). The path then meets a better path. If you want to take the second alternative way back to the start, turn sharp right at this point; otherwise carry on keeping the Den Burn on your left until you reach Kings Gate, at the Fernielea Road junction. Cross over, turn right and then left into Springfield Road.

The Denburn is on your left and the Woodend Hospital water tower ahead. This a nature reserve so keep a lookout for animals and birds. A pond is soon reached and if you are lucky the local Mandarin duck may be here (or at the Walker Dam). Den of Maidencraig to Hazlehead Just past the pond is the first alternative route back to the start, signposted ‘Hazlehead Academy’. Don’t go over the burn but continue on the south side. The tarmac finishes after a few yards and the walk

mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

At the traffic lights at the junction with Queen’s Road continue along Springfield Road to Woodburn Gardens. Turn right and immediately left down a grassy bank to the Walker Dam. If the grass is too slippery you can continue further along Springfield Road and take the path signposted ‘Hazlehead Park’. After traversing the dam turn right and follow the path along the burn, over Craigiebuckler Avenue (keeping to the left side of the burn), and continue to the end where you turn right, over the burn, and within a few yards meet Hazledene Road. Cross the road and cut across a grassy area till you meet a rough track from Hazledene Road to Hazlehead Avenue and the carparks. Peter Smith, smithpeterhs@btinternet.com

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

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MBC News Delivery Thanks to all our volunteers who continue to ensure our residents get a copy of MBC News. We could do with a few extra volunteers to cover deliveries in the Cults area so if you fancy helping us keep the community informed please contact Peter Roberts email: roberts.peter53@ gmail.com or Tel. 01224 868524

A Taste of Peru comes to Simeon The Friends of Simeon arranged for two alpacas to visit Simeon Care for the Elderly in Bieldside on the 25th August. Highland Alpacas, located at Balmedie, visit care homes where residents find that spending time with and petting the alpacas can be very therapeutic and calming. There was great excitement about the visit from both residents and staff and fortunately we were blessed with nice weather on the day. Families and grandchildren of the residents also came along and enjoyed meeting the two animals that were so docile and gentle and completely unflustered by all the fuss. Mabel and Imants Schneider who run Highland Alpacas, own 45 of these exotic pets and sell the fleeces for wool and yarn. Their first Alpacas did indeed come all the way to Balmedie from Peru. The alpacas are also becoming very trendy guests at weddings, galas and festivals and are extremely popular with children. We spent an extremely interesting and thoroughly

Local Advice, National Awards

In other news, Simeon residents have enjoyed a busy summer with frequent trips out to the garden and a recent harvest supper made with vegetables from our home grown produce. Also, by the time you are reading this, we will have had a fundraising concert by the very talented Scott School of Singing and a bulb planting event with help from volunteers from RBS. If you are interested about moving to Simeon or feel you could contribute to life in our community you can find out more by visiting our website www.simeoncare.org.uk, like our Facebook page, call 01224 862415 or email info@simeoncare.org.uk “May you live all the days of your life”, Jonathon Swift Cairnlee Rd, Bieldside, AB15 9BN www.simeoncare.org.uk Charity Number SC012239

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

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mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

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Scottish Samurai Awards The 2018 Scottish Samurai Awards were held in Maryculter House Hotel on 16 September. Ronnie Watt created the Samurai awards 25 years ago after receiving an award himself and being partly inspired by the Scottish Samurai, Thomas Blake Glover. Although ‘sport’ may have been a catalyst for the awards they are not really about sport. They include a wide spectrum of people from a variety of areas of life. Rather than ‘winning’, the awards are really about ‘character’, originating from the Japanese discipline of Budo, which we practice in Karate training. Budo was a code by which the Samurai of Japan lived: a warrior code of living, if you like. The Samurai Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of individuals, who have shown strong character, discipline, dedication and the Samurai way of striving or achieving excellence beyond what would be expected of them. Success in business, winning a martial arts competition, teaching or excelling in the arts are typical examples. Our website has a wall of fame listing many of the recipients, many of whom you will have heard, including Sit Ian Wood, Sir Billy Connolly and Joanna Lumley. Of course, the list also includes many unsung heroes we have recognised. (http://www.scottishsamurai. org/wall-of-fame.html) We have a following in some other countries, including Japan, and although the awards have become international, Ronnie and our team here in Aberdeen still run them. The funds are raised entirely by Ronnie and his karate activities. The Yamanashi Gaukin University has been very supportive and we hope to grow our Japanese activities in the future. Please see the website for details. (http://www.scottishsamurai.org/oss-japan. html) Ronnie and some of the other Samurai will return to Japan in October to arrange some awards over there and visit the Japanese Parliament. We are delighted to say that the great success of the worldwide Samurai Awards has reached the ears of the Prime Minister of Japan and Ronnie is to be given an audience with him on 19th October. Ronnie said, “I am greatly humbled and extremely proud to be given this opportunity to meet the Prime Minister in person”

The hanging baskets have given a fine display throughout the warm summer. As this goes to copy, they will be left in place for another couple of weeks and will be removed as their displays go over and the threat of frost looms. The tubs and other planters are still showing fine displays of summer bedding and again will do so for a few more weeks. Plug plants for spring bedding have been potted on but need significant more growth before being planted out. Our thoughts pass to spring bulbs and an allocation of crocus and muscari bulbs from Aberdeen City Council are looked forward to. These smaller bulbs will be planted close to footfall where they may be appreciated most. The very dry conditions early in the summer created difficulties with many trips required to keep up with watering. Special thanks to those who helped.

Scottish Samurai Award Winners 2018 Legendary Samurai Awards Garry Stevens OSS Legendary Samurai for services to Scotland, Aberdeen and the community Lee McRonald OSS Legendary Samurai for services to Japan and Scotland, Visit Scotland Norman McPherson OSS Legendary Samurai for services to charities Mary McPherson OSS Legendary Samurai for services to charities Gordon McCathie OSS Legendry Samurai for services to the Japanese Martial Arts Becca Hobart OSS Hatamoto for services and contribution to the Order of the Scottish Samurai Duncan McPherson Legendary Samurai for services to a Japanese Martial Art Robert Boyd OSS Legendary Samurai for services to the Martial Arts, a Japanese Martial Art Sally Johnson OSS Legendry Samurai for services to education and the community Janet McRoberts OSS Legendry Samurai for services to education and the community Shogun Awards Terry Boyle OSS Shogun for services to refereeing and the development of the Japanese Martial Arts Tyrone Smith OSS Shogun for services to broadcasting Suzie Huggins OSS Shogun for services to Scotland and Japan Mark McCue OSS Shogun for services to charities Dr Margaret Smith OSS Shogun, LP 1999 -2003 for services to Aberdeen and the community Margaret Farquhar CBE OSS Shogun, LP1996-1999 for services to Aberdeen and the community Hector Emslie OSS Shogun for services to tourism to Aberdeen and Scotland Dr Irene Watt OSS Shogun for services to the arts and to the friendship between Scotland and Japan Alistair Robertson OSS Shogun for services to sport and to Aberdeen Barney Crockett OSS Great Shogun Lord Provost of Aberdeen for services to Japan, Scotland and Aberdeen

If you are interested in helping with MBCBM activities, please contact Graham Payne, 01224 868827. It could be simply by adopting a planter and offering to water as required or help with planting in spring or summer. Every little bit helps.

Sarah Webb Robert Gordons College. Excellence Award. For excellence in the field of education and sport

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Switch On and Christmas Lights Update SAVE THE DATE: Saturday 17th November 4-6pm The Hub Cafe, Cults Kirk Centre 404 North Deeside Road, AB15 9TD Bring the family to the Switch On event: lots of fun, tea/coffee, mince pies, face-painting, raffle, games, music, and, for the first time ever, our formal switch on of the Christmas lights! Good news! We have eight new lights this year. Thank you to all our new sponsors and to all the local businesses and individuals who have supported the project financially since the beginning in 2016, sponsoring the funding of the colourful festive lights that have brightened up our community over the last two Christmas seasons. We couldn’t do it without you. We still have an additional six street-lamps to decorate for 2018/19. Please contact me at lindsaydavidson23@hotmail.co.uk as soon as possible if you would be interested in sponsoring a light in advance of the switch on. The Community Council would be grateful if you would sponsor one or more festive lights (at a cost of £600 per light). The name of each sponsor will be displayed on a plaque on each lamppost-mounted light and acknowledged in the MBC News. This is an opportunity to help brighten up the heart of our community during the festive period, fostering good will and potentially attracting more people into our local businesses. The Community Council are committed to working with local businesses and stakeholders to create the best possible festive display. Looking forward to welcoming you to the Switch On on Saturday, 17th November! Lindsay Davidson, Community Councillor, lindsaydavidson23@hotmail.co.uk

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Cults Playgroup News Cults Playgroup News October 2018 At the start of the academic year in midAugust we welcomed new children who began the process of separating from their parents/carers, as well as welcoming back faces from last year keen to enjoy the playgroup routine and familiar activities. Dry weather has enabled us to embrace ‘free flow play’, with children moving from inside to outdoors as they wish. In the garden the children have had much pleasure from the tyres, crates and pipes which can be used in a multitude of ways. They find much enjoyment from the natural tree and factory cut logs and stones, which are constantly moved around the garden for different purposes using wheelbarrows and buckets. Our most popular activity is playing in the mud pit. It is good for

digging and raking or using as a mud kitchen and is also a fabulous place for the outdoor diggers and dumper trucks, or for dinosaurs to roam around. Alongside more traditional balls, hoops and trikes, the possibilities for using one’s imagination is endless. Indoors, the art and craft table is always popular, having a variety of paints and items to glue, as well as readily available scissors, crayons, felt pens and pencils. Dinosaurs have been a big focus of attention since the start of term. The children have created a big panoramic picture with a swamp and variety of dinosaurs. They have also been creating ‘small world’ scenes with sand and natural vegetation, finding out the names of different dinosaurs and thinking about what they ate. Frozen ‘dinosaur eggs’ have been investigated using workshop tools. This led on to further use of the tools to build with bricks and a short outside visit to see an extension being built on a nearby house. By popular request a workshop area was later set up for repairs of vehicles to use the tools in yet another context. The staff continually ask the children for their ideas, help put them into action and then ask for feedback on enjoyment of particular activities. In this way the children are becoming confident, well-motivated learners.

Every day the children enjoy a healthy snack with milk or water. This has included potatoes harvested from our garden which were washed, boiled and eaten with beans. Children are asked which are their favourite fruit and vegetables and for ideas of what else to eat.

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

FUNDED PLACES AVAILABLE www.cultsplaygroup.btck.co.uk time. If you are interested in improving your game, we have the right class for you. Many of our coaching sessions are open to non-members for a small fee, so please do not hesitate to get in touch with our head coach or secretary for more details.

Upcoming Events at the Club Sunday 4th November – Community Fireworks Display

Cults Lawn Tennis Club What a fantastic summer season we have had at Cults Lawn Tennis Club. The regular season may be over but our members are still out enjoying playing on our six fantastic all-weather courts. The club has something going on for everyone to keep motivated from now until after Christmas with box league matches, social play, social events and coaching at all levels. We are also welcoming back our RGU students. The comprehensive coaching programme continues throughout the year and there are lots of opportunities to get involved during term Page 34

Friday 9th November – Junior Ski Night Saturday 15th December – Mulled Wine & Tennis Social If you are interested in seeing what we have to offer, why not come along to one of our social tennis afternoons on a Saturday or Sunday from 2-4pm. Please check out the website www.cultstennisaberdeen.co.uk, or contact either the club secretary Hilary Leigh (secretary@cultstennisaberdeen.co.uk) or our head coach Gareth Rennie (g.rennie@cultstennisaberdeen.co.uk) for more information.

mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

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mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

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WESTHILL & DISTRICT COMMUNITY MINIBUS

Two Community Minibuses are available for hire by clubs and non profit-making organisations. One bus takes 14 passengers + driver, the other takes 16 passengers + driver Driver Supplied or Self-Drive

CONTACT: DAVID RITCHIE T: 01224 744058 or 07989 637461 E: westhill.minibus@gmail.com Page 36

A seated exercise class which builds confidence in the older adult. 100% of our clients report that their confidence and fitness improved since working with our coaches. Build your confidence, come to class Exercise reduces the fear and risk of falling Socialise with people like you. Wednesday 12:00-1:00 Mannofield Church | Thursday 11:00-12:00 Cults Kirk Centre 10:00-11:00 Aerobics Cults Kirk Centre Studio Address: Fitness Her Way, Space 2B, Bon Accord House, Riverside Drive, Aberdeen AB 11 7SL info@fitnessherwayltd.co.uk | M: 07773021851 Laura | M: 07857273238 Lydia

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Strength & Balance: Speed Speed may seem an unusual fitness component to speak about in the context of older adult fitness. Speed is the ability of the body to move from A to B and how quickly it can do so. This can be the whole body, a limb, muscle or muscle group. Moving at speed requires strength and power and speed is relevant to older adults, but perhaps not as you know it. Speed is used in many sports such as basketball, football and rugby and is often thought to be relevant only to these. However, reaction time is closely related to speed. Reaction time is the ability to perform motor skills as rapidly as possible and is a key skill in daily life as well as in sport. Reaction time is important as we age, such as in the following situations: taking a corrective step to stop us from falling over a paving stone; placing a hand on a worktop or furniture to keep us upright; or moving a little faster to catch a bus. With the right exercise these can be successfully achieved. Your reaction time and speed can be improved with exercise at any age, usually by exercises such as power lifting and other sports-specific exercises. For example, if you play basketball, during training you add sprints in between goal shooting practice. This simulates the sprinting encountered during a game, up and down court prior to goal shooting, under the exhaustion from sprinting. As older adults, we still move, complete a task and then move again. For example, have you ever gone to sit in a chair and realised half way down there is something on the chair which you don’t want to sit on, and then you need to stand up again? This involves your reaction time and the ability to quickly control your body weight. In our Strength and Balance exercise classes in Cults, Mannofield, Aboyne and Banchory we include exercises for your balance, strengthening and speed of reaction, all of which also improve confidence. We know exactly what to put into the exercise programme for you to achieve the power, speed and balance to move confidently. Speed is an important component of fitness to training, for all ages; you’ll work to your own speed and not anyone else’s. To develop your speed training, you are looking at working at a 55-85% intensity of your maximum strength. If you are unsure about your maximum strength or want a more personal exercise programme our 1-2-1 fitness programmes are designed to be unique to you. Give us a call and discuss your needs with us now. Contact details: email: info@FitnessHerWayLtd.co.uk or phone: 07773021851

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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mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19 Email: enquiries@ewenandco.com

Empowering E-Bikes (Peterculter) Electric bikes provide fun, freedom and adventure; whatever you can or can't currently do with a bike, you can do more with an electric bike!  Convert your existing bike to high quality mid drive electric bike (or full E-bikes or rental)  Bike and electric bike servicing, repair, upgrade  Bike parts and accessories  Free / no obligation advice & try out Please contact for free / no obligation advice or try out, can come to you if preferred

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Come and join us

Carols in Cults

Monday 3rd December 2018 at 6.30-7.30pm In front of the Cults Hotel. Carol sheets provided. Please bring a torch.

sponsored by CULTS BIELDSIDE MILLTIMBER COMMUMITY COUNCIL

mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

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Exercise Classes to Music

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

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mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

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Peterculter Golf Club

Peterculter Medical Practice

The nights are fair drawing in and we’re getting closer to Christmas; it can only mean one thing; it’s time for winter golf! Our Autumn Open Day in September marked the launch of our special £200 membership for the remainder of the season. We have also changed our transitional member age to 18-29; there’s never been a better time to join!

Our ‘flu vaccine campaign at the practice started in early October and we have been running our regular immunisation clinics. The annual ‘flu vaccine protects people over 65, those of any age who have certain health conditions, pregnant women and those who work in healthcare against the strains of ‘flu virus that are likely to be circulating each winter. It is offered to all children in Scotland aged 2–5 years (and not yet in school) at their GP practice; it is also offered to all primary school children at school. This year there are different vaccine products being used in the adult and at-risk groups; the recommended vaccine for any individual being based on scientific evidence of best possible effectiveness. Please remember that fit and healthy younger adults are not regarded as being at particular risk of ‘flu complications so are not recommended for routine NHS vaccination. Some companies will, however, offer this to their employees and the ‘flu vaccine is available on a private basis for a small charge via some pharmacies and other private medical organisations. Please don’t delay getting your ‘flu vaccine organised so that you are protected during the winter months – it’s not too late! Further information is widely available online, a good resource being www.nhsinform.scot/flu.

We have a host of seasonal events for the next few months: Fish and Quiz Night – Friday 9th November St Andrew’s Day Ceilidh and Whisky Tasting – Friday 30th November Children’s Christmas Party – Sunday 9th December Blues Brothers Tribute Night – Saturday 15th December Fish and Quiz Night – Friday 18th January Burns Supper – Friday 25th January Please ensure early booking to avoid disappointment as numbers will be limited. Why not become a social member of the club? For just £20 (which is credited back on your gold card) you can enjoy all the clubhouse has to offer! We’ll be running our 2 for £12 deal in the clubhouse with all your winter warmer favourites. The clubhouse will be available to host your own Christmas functions, whether it be for work or friends getting together. Contact the bar for bookings (01224 735245 opt 3) We will have a range of new membership options, available now, to start from December; keep an eye out on our website and social media pages!

In staff news we are delighted to welcome Bianca Petcu and Debbie Morrison to our reception team. Many of you will no doubt have been aware of surface defects developing on the tarmac at the patient car park. We are organising repairs in the early autumn - it may be that these repairs will have been completed by the time of this article appearing in MBC News. Please think ahead to the Christmas and New Year period. We will be closed during the two public holidays each week only. As ever, it is important to make sure you have sufficient repeat medication supplies so do remember to order early. Best wishes Dr D C M Harris

For more information please contact Kirsty on marketing@petercultergolfclub.co.uk

Culter Singing Group Heads to National Competition

The chorus is now heading off to Harrogate for one of the UK’s largest barbershop singing competition.

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Culter’s own barbershop singing group is heading to a national competition, with its eye on the prize after winning an Aberdeen singing award.

161 North Deeside Road, Peterculter Open Daily 11am – 8:30pm

Albacappella, an a cappella harmony group which meets in Peterculter, recently won the barbershop category at the Aberdeen Music Festival. The female-only group won the prestigious prize having fought off tough competition from much larger and more established groups in the city.

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The group, which sings four-part harmony, impressed the Music Festival judge, choral director and alumnus of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Andrew Nunn.

mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

Albacappella’s compelling performance of Canadian folk song, ‘She’s like the Swallow’, followed by a striking rendition of Elvis Presley’s ‘If I can dream’, left the other competitors behind as Albacappella collected first place in the barbershop category.

Albacappella chairperson, Elaine Thompson, said: “We have had a fantastic year so far, welcoming lots of new members and winning a prize at the Aberdeen Music Festival. We are now very excited about competing at the Ladies’ Association of British Barbershop Singers which takes place in Harrogate. We won two awards last time we competed at the event, and we are hopeful of another prize this year.”

Albacappella sings a mix of older and new songs. The welcoming group is always open to new members and meets at St Peter’s Heritage Hall on a Wednesday night from 7.30-9.45pm. For more information visit www.albaappella.co.uk or call 07834 490290.

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

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Mon & Tuesday afternoons Tues & Thursday evenings Wednesday evenings Friday mornings

mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

Mon & Tuesday afternoons Tues & Thursday evenings Wednesday evenings Friday mornings

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

Road Safety and Cycling Some of you may recall that the City Centre Masterplan article in the last edition of MBC News referred to the concerns raised by pedestrians about cyclists riding on pavements. We mentioned that the Police have confirmed that riding a bicycle on a pavement is illegal and that the Police use their discretion when children ride their bicycles on pavements for safety reasons. A reader has asked us to point out that Home Office guidance given to police forces recommends “discretion in taking a reasonable and proportionate approach, with safety being a guiding principle”. As such, discretion can be shown to all those found cycling on a pavement. Our local police sergeant has confirmed that officers will, and do, use their discretion when catching people of all ages riding cycles on a pavement. However, note that it is illegal to ride a bicycle on a pavement and it is the police officer who decides whether discretion is justified and granted. The reader also asked us to note the concerns of cyclists when encountering cars parked in cycle lanes. Rule 140 of the Highway Code states: “Cycle lanes. These are shown by road markings and signs. You must not drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line during its times of operation. Do not drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a broken white line unless it is unavoidable. You must not park in any cycle lane whilst waiting restrictions apply.” The cycle lanes which run through our area have broken white lines so fixed penalty notices are not applicable but it is worth thinking about where you park and whether you can avoid parking in a cycle lane. Some other habits of motorists our reader pointed out were that of parking on pavements and parking facing the direction of on-coming traffic – this is seen as a hazard, particularly at night when a fine could be imposed, unless parking is in a recognized parking space. A new law banning parking on pavements is under consideration by the Scottish Government. So, a few things for all users of pavements and roads to think about – consideration for others is at the heart of it all.

Ben’s ‘Forget me Not’ Marathon Ben Dunbar, who is 12 years old, ran his own marathon in August in aid of Forget me Not Club. Ben said, “My Grandad had Alzheimer’s (a form of dementia). He used to love running marathons and raising money for Charity. That’s the reason I decided to run the distance of a marathon I did ten runs throughout August and ran a mixture of two to three miles each time, totalling 26.2 miles. With donations and sponsorship from friends and family I have raised £1042.44.” Forget-Me-Not Club provides invaluable support to those living with and caring for people with dementia.

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mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

www.bodystressrelease.org.uk

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

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Rotary Club of Aberdeen Deeside

After the tour the group adjourned to Angus & Ale where burgers and real ale etc were enjoyed.

Partner Evening – Walking Tour of Aberdeen City Centre

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards 2018

When there are five Wednesdays in a month, the fifth becomes a Partner Evening (although you don’t need a partner to attend). On 29 August, Rotarians and their partners were treated to a walking tour of the city centre. Our guide, Lia from Scot Free Tours, talked about some of the noteworthy people who have lived in the city. The tour started at Marischal College, the second largest granite building in the world. The architect was Archibald Simpson and it is still owned by Aberdeen University although rented to the City Council. Lord Byron, the wellknown poet, lived in the city as a child and appears to have had some very eccentric relatives. Scientist, James Maxwell worked here in the mid 1800’s. Einstein believed Maxwell had a profound influence on science. We also heard of Peter Williamson, one of 600 young boys, sold in the 1740’s as a slave for £16. He was taken to America for seven years servitude but came back to entertain people as Indian Peter.

This Rotary year, Aberdeen Deeside Rotary Club sponsored Alexandra Cowie, a pupil from Cults Academy, to participate in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) held at Abernethy Outdoor Adventure Centre, Nethybridge, Scotland.

At the harbour, we learned that Houdini had caused consternation when he went to swim in the harbour wearing handcuffs. A real baddie, Provost Davidson was involved in piracy in the 15th century and took Dick Whittington’s boat!

Alexandra came to our club on Wednesday, 12th September and gave a presentation on what she had learned and enjoyed from the experience, the new friends she had made, the increased confidence the event gave her and how she would willingly promote and encourage others at her school to put themselves forward for RYLA 2019. She was presented with a RYLA Certificate of Achievement and is pictured with her certificate of achievement and John Whitfield the Youth and Vocational Convenor for Aberdeen Deeside Rotary Club.

Charity Quiz Night

Our annual quiz night will be held at the Cults Hotel on Friday, 23 November starting at 7.00pm. Tickets are £13 each, which includes a stovie supper. Tickets are available from Harry, the club secretary Tel 01224 740986. Come with a team of four or join others on the night. We are always open for new members. See more about our activities at aberdeendeesiderotary.org.uk or on facebook and twitter.

We finished in the Castlegate beside the Gordon Highlander statue. Lia talked of the work by Duchess Jean in helping to create the best regiment in the world.

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Thousands flock to the Deeside Local Food Festival Over 3000 people descended on Cults Academy on Sunday 16th of September to sample the diverse array of gastronomic delights and activities on offer at the 4th Deeside Local Food Festival, in association with Kippie Lodge Sports and Country Club. Food and drink producers from across the North-East were on hand to present their artisan wares to the 3300 people who came through the festival’s doors. A staggering 62 produce stalls and food outlets took part in the event, 94% of whom hailed from the City or Shire. At the heart of the day was the local produce market, where stallholders showcased and sold their produce as well as shared their passion with equally enthusiastic festival-goers. One of the highlights of the day was ‘The Great Aberdeenshire Menu’ Chef Demonstrations where four of the North-East’s top chefs created a delicious four course menu. Kev Shand of McWilliam Aberdeen created a starter of Deeside partridge served with local black pudding and bacon lardons from Piggery-Smokery. Next, the Chester Hotel’s Kevin Dalgleish whipped up a fish course of roasted Stonehaven langoustine and confit chicken, while Ross Cochrane of Ballater’s The Rothesay Rooms, followed with his main course of pan-basted loin of venison served with roast lentil beignet, sweet cherry puree, roast butternut fondant and rich game jus. The Great Aberdeenshire Menu was rounded off with not one, but two mouthwatering desserts from Orry Shand of Entier, Westhill: a hot dessert selection of blackberry dishes, and a cold dessert of set sea buckthorn curd, meringue and yuzu doughnut. Visitors also had the opportunity to find out about the story behind the brands, with talks from Aberdeenshire Highland Beef, Wild Food Stories, Glen Garioch Distillery and Wark Farm. Children were well catered for at the Festival. As part of the Year of Young People 2018, lots of fun and interactive activities were on offer. Trainee Chefs from North East Scotland College (NESCol) ran hands-on cookery workshops, helping youngsters to make their own pizza, risotto, fajitas or burger. Our main sponsor, Kippie Lodge, provided lots of indoor and outdoor fun for the children and were accompanied by a number of local groups including 1st Cults Brownies, St Devenick’s Playgroup, Milltimber School Playgroup and Forest School, as well as the Cults Bieldside Milltimber Community Council. Outside the farm-to-fork ethos was really brought to life in the Countryside Classroom on Wheels, as children had an encounter with farm animals and a local farmer. The chosen charity this year was Befriend a Child so even Kuddles the Kangaroo came along to the festival to help raise some funds. Throughout the day The Street Food Café served up tasty treats to diners, while they enjoyed live entertainment from various music and dancing groups, including Cults Academy Ceilidh Group, Rock Choir, Chalmers Mackay Music School and the Sinclair School of Highland Dancing. Thank you to everyone who came along, to everyone who contributed on the day, to our superb team of hard working volunteers, to Robertson Janitors who hosted us, to all the event sponsors, and in particular to our main sponsor Kippie Lodge, for their generous support.

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What’s On Locally

Abbreviations for the venues CASC -

Cults Academy Sports Centre

CAP -

Cults Academy Pool

CKC -

Cults Kirk Centre

CPCWC -

Cults Parish Church Worship Centre

CPS -

Cults Primary School

DCFC -

Deeside Christian Fellowship Church, Milltimber

HCC -

Hillview Community Church

ISP –

International School, Pitfodels

Autumn has now come in with a blast, but let’s just quickly remember what a great summer we had sunshine day after day and 2 superb festivals in our area. I hope you managed to enjoy at least one of the 23 events set up by the MBC Festival committee. Were you one of the over 3,000 people who visited the fabulous Deeside Food Festival? On behalf of the community, I would like to express thanks to the volunteers who run both festivals – thank you for all your work in bringing us these enjoyable events.

MEHC – Murtle Estate Hall, Camphill

If you spot anything wrong or out-of-date in this listing, please let me know. As I always say, this information is only as good what I am given.

MPS -

Milltimber Primary School

Keep active!

PCH -

Peterculter Church Hall

PCND -

Phoenix Centre, Newton Dee

PSC-

Peterculter Sports Centre

PVH –

Peterculter Village Hall

SCC -

Scout Centre, South Ave, Cults

SDCH -

St. Devenick’s Church Hall, Bieldside

SPHH -

St. Peter’s Heritage Hall, Peterculter

WRIH -

WRI Hall, Kirk Crescent, Cults

MCAH - Milltimber Community Association Hall

Best wishes, Eleanor Brennan, Tel 862262 email: brennaneleanor@yahoo.co.uk

Stop Press – Christian Aid A big “thank-you” to all those who took part in the recent sponsored walk along the railway and to all those who stopped and spoke to us while we were waiting for folk to return from Culter! Almost £1,000 was raised. On 30th November, we are holding a St. Andrew’s Night celebration in the Hub at Cults Parish Church. Stovies and trifle and entertainment. Tickets £15, phone 861377 We are now recycling ink cartridges and mobile phones with Recycle4Charity and have raised £91 in the last quarter. Please bring your used cartridges and old mobile phones to CPC centre and leave them marked for Maureen Taylor. You can also leave them in Culter Parish Church. So, please keep those cartridges and phones coming as they could be worth £1 each to Christian Aid.

PODIATRY / CHIROPODY

Painting & Decorating

All decorating work welcome plus: Ames Taping Skimming Coving Interior and Exterior work General Maintenance work in house and garden For free quotes call Oliviu Docea 07913 082637 01224 740276

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FOR ALL YOUR FOOT CARE NEEDS

COUNSELLING

CHIROPRACTOR

TALKING THERAPY FOR LIFE’S PROBLEMS

TREATMENT OF NEUROMUSCULAR DISORDERS

USUI REIKI NATURAL RELAXATION & STRESS REDUCTION

WESTHILL HEALTH & DIETITIAN THERAPIES PRACTICE

CARING FOR YOU - FROM TOP TO TOE

IMPROVED WELL BEING BY DIET

PHYSIOTHERAPY

MASSAGE THERAPY MUSCLE PAIN AND STRESS RELIEF

RESTORING MOVEMENT AND FUNCTION

REFLEXOLOGY PAIN AND STRESS RELIEF

01224 740885

UNIT 5 WESTHILL SHOPPING CENTRE WESTHILLPODIATRY@GMAIL.COM

mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

INTEGRATED WELL BEING CLINIC

APPOINTMENT AVAILABLE MONDAY TO SATURDAY

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

Fitness, Sport and Dance Badminton - Junior, CASC Saturdays, 1.30 - 5.30pm Sept to April Email CultsJuniorBC@gmail.com

Badminton - Adult, CASC Mondays & Tuesdays, 7.30 - 10.00pm Contact Rob Wheadon, Tel. 323711 BADMINTON - SOCIAL, CPCWC Fun session, all levels welcome Mondays, 7.15 – 9.30 p.m. Contact John Troup, 732701 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 www.cultscanoeclub.org Email: cultscanoe@gmail.com 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, WRIH For men and women over 55 Wednesdays 10.00-11.00 a.m. 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, HCC P4 – P7, Wednesday, 6.00 – 7.00 p.m. Newcomers welcome S1 – Senior, 7.00 – 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 Hilary Leigh (Sec) Email: secretary@cultstennisaberdeen.co.uk or Gareth Rennie, (Head Coach), 07714 753 607 Email: 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 , CASC Open Mon- Fri, 17.00 -22.00 & 08.3017.00 on weekends. Fitness Suite, Exercise Classes, Indoor Swimming Pool, 2 Sports Halls, Dance Studio and AstroTurf pitch Contact 01224 507 685

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 FITNESS FOR OLDER ADULTS, CKH Thursday Aerobics 10-11am Strength and Balance 11-12 noon Contact Laura Walker, 07773 021 851 Email: laurafitnessherwayltd.co.uk 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, 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. 10.0010.30 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 FRISKIS & SVETTIS- SWEDISH STYLE KEEP FIT Monday 7.30 p.m., HCC, Basic (Rosey) Tuesday, 6.30 p.m., CASC, Medium (Aswin) Saturday 10.00 a.m., CASC Basic (Rota)For more information contact Rosey, 310380 Just turn up - no need to sign up for a block - all welcome Pilates, Peterculter Sports Centre : Mon. afternoon, Tues afternoon evening,Thurs. evening Camphill School, Murtle Wed. evenings Cults Kirk Centre Fri. mornings All classes must be booked in advance. Contact Solveig Dahle Smith, Tel. 861421 solveig@pilatesaberdeen.com www.pilatesaberdeen.com

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

mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

SOCCER FOR OVER 30’s, CPS Thursdays, 7.30 – 9.00 p.m. Contact Alistair Brown, Tel. 861314 Peterculter sports centre Coronation Road, Peterculter Tel : 732069 Fitness studio, aerobics classes, creche. Monthly membership or ad hoc prices 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 CHUAN 88 , CASC Wednesdays, 7.00 – 8.00 p.m. Beginners class available Contact Bill Strang, email William. strang5@gmail.com SEAFIELD WALKING GROUP Alternate Wednesdays, leaving 9.15 from Countesswells Avenue. Coach transport. Long and short walks each outing. Contact kate.graham13@ btinternet.com Come and join our friendly 50+ group FIRST WALK FREE 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 ASHTANGA YOGA, CKC Energetic Ashtanga Vinyasa Flow Yoga Class Mondays, 6.30 p.m - 7.30 p.m. Vinyasa Flow Yoga Class for Beginners (slower, more relaxed pace) Mondays, 7.30 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. One to one yoga development sessions also available. Contact Simone Barnett, 07985 384402 Drop in £7, discounts for block bookings. AURINKO YOGA Sundays, 4.30-6.00pm Contact Aidan Mulkerrin, 07710-495552 FOREST YOGA All levels - 10am-11am on a Friday morning. Rivermead, 3 North Deeside Road Bieldside AB15 9AD Fun, thoughtful sequenced practice. 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

Contact Tom White, Tel. 318963 www.aberdeenkiltkickers.org.uk BALLROOM DANCING, CASC Monday 7.00 – 8.00 p.m & 8.00 -9.00 p.m. Beginners and more experienced dancers welcome. Contact Barney Phillips, Mob. 07342789965 www.ballroombarney.com DANS SENIOR Fridays 11.00-12.00 during term time Disco, Jazz, Rock, Swing - there’s no age limit for dancing! Nothing complicated, just simple, inspiring moves. No need to book, just come along! £3.50 for non members, £3 for Friskis & Svettis members. Tel. Jackie, Mob 07427014700, Fiona, Mob 07885288121 or www. fsaberdeen.co.uk KAREN BERRY SCHOOL OF DANCE Classes for children and adults available in Cults and Peterculter For details see website www. danscentre.com or contact Karen Berry, Tel. 647341 TAYLOR SCHOOL OF DANCE, MCAH Recreational & Vocational classes available Classical Ballet, Modern Theatre, Tap, Jazz, Street Jazz, Boys Only Street Moves, Contemporary & Parent and Toddler Dance Contact Helen Colleran, Mob. 07531-811506 E-Mail - admin@taylordance.com w: www.taylordance.com GENTLE EXERCISE, INCL DANCE, CPCWC Thursdays, 2.30 – 3.30 p.m. Sept. to Dec., Jan. to Mar. Contact Fiona Murray, Tel. 702305 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 Scottish Country Dancing, 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 Lynn Wood, Tel. 636128 SINCLAIR SCHOOL OF HIGHLAND DANCING Children and adult highland dancing classes available in Cults. For more information contact Carolanne Sinclair on 07972104774 or email sinclairhighlanddancing@gmail.com

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

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Hobbies and Social CULTS O50 CLUB, CKC Wednesdays, Lunch from 11.45 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 733850 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 DCFC Fortnightly - Fridays 10-12noon Contact 01224 739180 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 WOODEND BRIDGE CLUB Monday & Wednesday evenings and Friday afternoons mid Sept to mid April. Woodend Bowling Club. Ample parking. All welcome. Contact Chris Blunt. Tel. 317298 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 enquiries Tasha, Tel. 739797 To hire the hall Margaret, Tel. 732477 www.milltimbercommunityhall.com 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 CHORAL SOCIETY Rehearsals Mondays, 7.30 p.m. Mannofield Church Hall New members very welcome Details: www.aberdeenchoral.org.uk

ABERDEEN CHORUS - SWEET ADELINES INTL. Come and sing with us in harmony. Open to girls/ladies over 14. Mondays, 7:00 – 10.00 p.m. Curl Aberdeen, Eday Walk, AB15 6LN www.aberdeenchorus.scot Albacappella, SPHH Ladies singing group Wednesday from 7.30pm -9.45pm www.albacappella.co.uk Facebook : Albacapella DEESIDE CHORISTERS, MEHC Wednesdays, 6.15 – 8.00 p.m. Prospective members most welcome Contact Nancy Paul, Tel. 741378 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 MILLTIMBER GARDEN CLUB (MCAH) 1st Wednesday of the month at 2.00 p.m. Contact Jacky Hatchwell, Tel. 861736 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 and children’s club on the last Saturday of each month (except July and December) in the Boys Brigade Hall, Crimon Place, Aberdeen,

2.30 - 4pm, to which all are welcome. 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 ABERDEEN ITALIAN CIRCLE Talks (usually in English) on Italian subjects and social events Thursdays 7.15 p.m. (every 2/3 weeks Oct – May) Rubislaw Church Centre, Beaconsfield Place Contact: abital@btinternet.com or 635792 https://aberdeenitaliancircle.wordpress.com Italian Classes for Adults bieldside Email: encoit@talktalk.net Contact Enrica, Mob. 07786 827714 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, BluRay, Audiobooks Free Wi-fi and PC access with print/scanning/ 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

The Mixing Bowl The Mixing Bowl Aberdeen has some fun events lined up for the autumn and everyone is welcome. Please check our website for further details or to subscribe to our event announcements: www. mixingbowlaberdeen.co.uk Friday 2nd Nov, 7pm Quiz Night at Cults Bowling Club to raise funds for Deeside Local Food Festival 2019 Friday 16th Nov, 7pm Syrian Food Workshop at St Devenick’s Church Hall – come and learn how to make a selection of appetisers

Monday 1.00 - 5.30 Tues, Wed, Fri - 9.00 - 5.30

Friday 7th Dec, 7pm Christmas Workshop at St Devenick’s Church Hall – Clootie Dumplings …. Just like Granny used to make! Hope to see you there!

Late Opening - Thurs 9.00 - 7.00 Saturday 9.00 - 4.00 Sunday - Closed

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Cults Music to Remember For people with dementia, their families, carers and friends. Singing led by experienced singers, followed by refreshments. Every 2nd Tuesday at Cults Kirk Centre from 1015-1145am From 13 February, with a break for Easter, restarting 10 April. Contact Ann Middleton Tel: 01224 867334 MISSIONARY CRAFT WORKSHOP, DCFC Fortnightly - Wednesday, 10.00 – 12.00 Contact 01224 739180 THE MIXING BOWL, SDCH Community-led food interest group designed to bring together anyone interested in good food. Meets monthly. Contact Rachel Gambro, 07964 698789 or see www.mixingbowlaberdeen.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 Jane Anderson, Tel. 732242 or Liz Gove, Tel. 876169 Email pwcmembership@yahoo.co.uk www.pwcos.com ABERDEEN PHILATELIC SOCIETY Meets fortnightly on Thursdays 7.30 - 9.30 p.m. Rubislaw Church Centre, Fountainhall Road Contact Chris Jefferies, Tel 705676

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. www.aberdeendeesiderotary.org.uk For more info contact the secretary, Harry Arnold, Tel 740986 Email secretary@deeside.rotary1010.org 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 – 4.00 p.m. Players at any level are very welcome Contact Joan Thomas, Tel. 733218 Email – joanat218@yahoo.co.uk

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 in restaurants in and around Aberdeen www.aberdeen-wine-food-society.co.uk/ Email - aberdeenwineandfoodsociety@gmail.com Contact Inma Lopez, 07552 552286 SCOTTISH WOMEN’S RURAL INSTITUTE, WRIH 1st Thursday of every month, 7.30-9.30 p.m. (Not July or August) Contact Lynn Pithie, Tel.867614 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

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 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

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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

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

CASPER AFTER SCHOOL CLUB, CPS Contact Marion Skea Tel : 07762-250550

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

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

Mother and INfant Massage Classes Nurturing, Supportive. Crathes Castle Estate Contact Fiona, Mob. 075884 71511 Email. babysfirstlovegroups@gmail.com

Cults Toddler Group. (CPCWC) Thursdays 9.30 – 11.30 a.m. during term-time Contact Jemma Mathieson, Mob. 07870 621734 or Lindsey Patillo, Mob. 07803 173158

WHO LET THE DADS OUT, DCFC Last Saturday of every month(term-time), 9.30-11:00am, dads and kids Tel 739180 or enquires@dcfchurch.org

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.

FUSION FRIDAYS, DCFC Every Friday (term-time), 5:30-6:00pm P1-P7, 6:00-9:00pm S1-S6 Tel 739180 or enquiries@dcfchurch.org

Milltimber Playgroup MCAH Playgroup - Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 09.15 – 1145 (Term time) Forest School sessions Wed 09.15 – 11.45 & Fri 12.20 – 14.40 Daily lunch club 11.45 – 12.15 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

THE ARK - PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP, DCFC Tuesdays, 9.45-11.30 a.m. Contact Tel. 739180

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

These are also the means by which any Adult can register an interest in helping with any of the groups, as we are always keen to welcome new Volunteers. (Text from Joyce Cowie, Division Commissioner.)

Beavers, Cubs and Scouts 21st Aberdeen (Cults) Scout Group, SCC www.21staberdeenscouts.org.uk Beavers Mondays and Wednesdays, 5.30-6.30pm Open to boys and girls aged 6-8 Contact 21staberdeenscouts@gmail.com Cubs Wednesdays, 7.00-8.30pm Thursdays, 7.15-8.45pm Open to boys and girls aged 8-10 Contact 21staberdeenscouts@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

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 - Tuesdays 6.30 - 8.00pm Contact Marion Anderson, Tel. 732505 Scouts - Fridays 7.30 - 9.30pm Contact Iain Anderson - Tel. 07514 547071

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

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

The web address is www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested or you can call 0800 1 69 59 01

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.

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 St Peter’s Heritage Hall Howie Lane, Culter Attractive facility available for one-off events and regular weekly lets. Contact : 07874 766 285 WRI Hall, Cults Bookings for weekly activities only, not one-off private lets Contact Sheila Fyfe, Tel. 868164

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

ANDY LOVELL

DÉCOR LTD PAINTER & DECORATOR

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mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

For a free consultation call 07939 150 858 http://cbmcommunity.org.uk/mbc-news/

QUALITY? THIS TIME WE’VE GONE TO TOWNHOUSE. KIRKWOOD AT COUNTESSWELLS : ABERDEEN

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mbc NEWS Issue 181 Nov,Dec ‘18 Jan ‘19

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

Page 51

NOV/ DEC DEALS

Note that spray tan appointments are available on Wed. Thurs. Fri after 5pm