Issue 4: October 2017

Contacts Spar Bellabeg Licenced Grocer and PO Mon to Sat 8am – 8pm, Sunday 10.30am – 2pm 019756 51211 Glenkindie Central Garage, Shop and PO Mon to Fri 8am – 8pm, Sat 8am – 6pm Sun 10am – 6pm 019756 41230 Goodbrand and Ross, Corgarff Tea Room, gift shop, ski and board hire 9am – 5pm daily Contact 019756 51433 Lecht Ski Lift 8.30am – 4.15pm Weekend Café 8.30am – 4pm Upstairs Bar opens later. Contact 019756 51440 email info@lecht.co.uk Strathdon Medical Centre Opening Hours 9am - 10.30am Mon to Fri 4.30pm - 6pm Mon, Wed, Fri Surgery: phone: 019756 51209 Dustbin pick-ups alternating Weds - recycling and compost bins (11th Oct) landfill and compost bins (18th Oct) See https://online.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/Apps/Waste-Collections/ Lonach Hall Contact 07586 41064/0771 9846304 Towie Hall Contact 019755 71737 Glenbuchat Hall Contact 019756 41713 Corgarff Hall Contact 019756 51474

Thank you for all contributions, please keep them coming!

If you have any events that could be included in our Xmas Xtra edition please send them ASAP to fitsgandoune@gmail.com And for online copy on Facebook see: Upper Donside Community Page The Fits Gan Doune Team now look forward to working with and having the support of the Strathdon Community Development Trust.

Fit’s Gan Doune Strathdon School celebrates the Lonach …..

It’s clear that pupils and staff greatly value this special opportunity to celebrate together with family, friends and neighbours. The pupils discussed what life for them would be like if Lonach was banned as some cultures have been in the past and in other countries. This highlighted for us all how much we valued our local community spirit and unique identity. The theme for our assemblies this term was Kindness. It linked well with the aims of the Lonach Friendly Society. Pupils and staff together explored what kindness meant to them and they displayed their “thought webs” to remind us all of their great ideas. Pupils from P1-3 performed Aesop’s Fable, ‘The Lion and the Mouse’, in which the lion kindly lets the mouse go after capturing it. Later, the lion is thankful for his kindness, as the mouse remembers his kind deed and rescues him when he is trapped in a net. P4-7 pupils made video sketches demonstrating ways to behave kindly in different situations. The latest kind act to benefit us at Strathdon School got us all very excited. A member of a film production team visited us in school to talk to us about the filming going on right across the road from us and then invited us onto their set. We had a fascinating afternoon watching the actors, makeup artists, special effects technicians and the specially trained horses. The production team kindly explained what had been happening during their time in Strathdon then answered our many questions. We had a chance to discover that the “Best Boy” on the film titles is second in command to the Gaffer in the Electrical Department. Later, we were privileged to watch filming in action, something that is very rarely allowed. Passing actors and technicians spoke to us kindly about their roles. We learnt many things about life in the film world. The kind invitation to visit the set enabled us to widen our knowledge. So what next for the new term? Hopefully back to the classroom, inspired to work hard towards our futures whilst being valued, kind members of our unique community.

1. Lonach 2017 The 176th Lonach Highland Gathering and Games was held on Satur‐ day 26th August 2017. The day started slightly damp but the sun soon shone and a warm and sunny day remained. Al‐ most 200 Lonach Highlanders and the Lonach Pipe Band left Bellabeg at 8am, on the dot, to start their 6 mile march up through Strathdon and back to the Lonach Hall for lunch at 11.30am. This route has barely altered over the years – Strathdon School for the Dr Innes Dram, Candacraig House to visit Mr & Mrs Lino and enjoy a dram with biscuits and cheese, Roughpark for the Dr McBain Dram and musical enter‐ tainment by Mrs Simpson, Tornashean to visit the Lowry Family for a dram, Dr & Mrs Marsh at Bellabeg House for a dram and down to the Lonach Hall for the final dram with the McIntosh family – a dram per mile, although soft drinks are on offer as well!

The Lonach Men then opened the Games at 1pm as they marched in to the field to the joys of a full crowd cheering and ap‐ plauding as they circled the arena.

A new trophy was presented to Lucas Wenta for Tug o’ War (Open). The Rob Walker Memorial Shield was presented by his daughter Ruby, husband Graeme and son Christopher Wallace in memory of Rob Walker who was, until his death in May this year, the oldest Society member at the age of 90. Rob farmed in Strathdon all his working life before retiring, latterly in Bal‐ later, and continuing his hobby of making walking sticks, some of which were sold to members of the Royal Family.

The Lonach Society School of Highland Dancing had a very successful day,

Doric Crossword

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opening the dancing events with their demonstration on the local dancing board. Pupils are taught in the Lonach Hall

by Louise Anderson and her sister Annette McIntosh. The school started 9 years ago with 13 pupils and now has almost 50 ranging from 4 years upwards. The follow‐ ing girls all won the Local Trophies and are pupils of Louise and Annette: Katie

Anderson, Strathdon won the Lawson‐

Johnston Trophy for 16 years and over.

STRATHDON WALKING GROUP Autumn Programme 2017 Alix Foreman, Strathdon won the Yeats 22nd October Guided Walk in Abernethy Forrest. Meet at Bellabeg bottle bank 9.30 Trophy for 12 – 15 years. Chloe Ogg, or Corgarff toll at 9.45. Approx 3 1/2 hours. Contact David and Christine Strathdon won the Stuart Shield for 8 – 11 5th November Abergeldie Distillery Cir‐cuit. Meet at Dinnet crossroads at 10.30. years. Emma Sedgewick, Glenkindie Contact Donald and Monika. Approx 3 1/2 hours won the Junior Lonach Trophy for 8 years 19th November Ballogie Hill. Meet at Bouties crossroads at 10.30.Contact David and and under. Other local dancing winners Christine. Approx 3 hours3rd December Lonach Cairn from Edinglassie. Meet at Bel‐ were: Mhairi McPherson of Alford who labeg bottle bank at 10.30. Contact Frances 2 ‐ 3 hours won the Lady Forbes Shield, Eva Handsley 10th December Xmas Walk. Circuit around Tarland with lunch afterwards. Contact from Kincardine O’Neil who won the Char‐ Donald and Monika. Please pre book lunch. lie Mill Cup, Katie Grant from Tarland who For more info and to confirm arrange‐ments please phone the contact person by won the Lonach Trophy and Emma the day before each walk. Roger Sanders 019756 51278, D and C Roper 019755 McPherson from Alford who won the 71708, M and D Gordon 013398 80059, Frances Denerley 019756 51262 McCalls of Aberdeen Trophy.

P13 Fit's fur denner? As it's nearly Halloween and bonfire night I thought I would include a healthy Halloween treat: Zombie Fingers 250 g chopped dates (stones removed) 100 g chopped dark chocolate 3 tbsp smooth peanut butter 3 tbsp porridge oats Flaked toasted almonds Blitz all in food processor ‐ shape into 'fingers' and add a toasted almond 'fingernail'.

Refrigerate minimum 1 hour.

And staying with sweets, here is a recipe for the most versatile cake ever.

Teacup loaf: You need an old china teacup or an empty small yogurt pot for measuring.

1 cup yogurt (any … plain, Greek, fruit) 1 cup sugar (any kind) 3 cups self‐raising flour (or plain and add a bit of baking powder & bicarb) 3 eggs 1 cup sunflower oil 2‐3 cups chopped nuts, chocolate, dried fruit (any combo I just made one with chopped pecans, dates and choc chips) Mix everything well and put in a 2lb loaf tin lined with baking paper or a round cake tin would work as well.

180 degrees, about 40 minutes.

Sprinkle with icing sugar.

I would love Xmas recipe ideas. Thank you. Sally. greatscotts@waitrose.com Halloween The Second Shortest Ghost Story She was all alone in the old house. Before she went to bed she made sure all the doors were locked. She latched the windows and drew the curtains. She peered inside the wardrobe and under the bed to make quite sure. She got into bed. Then she reached out

Lonach

Lonach Highlanders also had an exciting trip down to Edinburgh on Monday 14th August to open the Tattoo.

and switched off the light. "Oh good," said a voice. "Now there are just the two of us."

Community Bulb Planting at the Doune, Bellabeg on Tuesday 10th October from 1.30pm followed by teas/cake at the Church Hall with permission and support from Candacraig Estate and The Wallace Trust. Help needed, all welcome. If poss. bring a bulb planter and/or a spade. Lifts available.

Contact Gill Cook 019756‐51343

175 Lonach Men along with members of the Forbes and Wallace Clan families, paraded onto the Tattoo arena in front of 8,500 people where Lord Forbes and Falconer Wallace accepted a dram from the Tattoo Quaich. This was a great honour for the Lonach Society to be part of this massive event which is watched by international visitors.

Molly Dobson was taxied to school by school taxi driver Elsie Gordon from P1 to S6. When she was a little girl she used to claim that Elsie would drive her to her wedding. Little did she know that on her big day that is exactly what would happen! Thanks to Elsie and Lyne for making Molly’s day so memorable.

Canada Remembers P2 The Corgarff War Memorial lists the fallen in World Wars I and II noting the man and his military unit. Two of these men had emigrated to Canada and joined Canadian Regiments.

Sergeant J. F. Symons, 31st Canadian Regiment, from Corryhoul, Corgarff, died aged 26 in France.

Private J. F. Philip, 48th Toronto Highlanders, from Garchory, Corgarff, died aged 21 in Flanders.

As the Canadian Government had no knowledge of the men’s names being on the Corgarff War memorial, there has never been any recognition of their sacrifice by them. This year, after a lot of correspondence, a Remembrance wreath from the Canadian Government has been received. This will be laid by a family representative alongside the wreaths of the British Legion and Aberdeenshire Council on Remembrance Sunday. A Wreath has now been promised annually.

Highland Dancing competition winners September 2017 at Lonach hall.

Photographs courtesy of Steven Rennie and Lynn Lino.

P3.The Strathdon Community Development Trust is now up and running and wants to meet you! The Trust has been created to help the community and local groups take forward plans and ideas for making the area a better place to live, work and visit, the new SCDT is holding an open informal meeting on Wed 1st November at the Lonach Hall at 7pm. Refreshments provided.

The meeting aims to introduce the Trust, explain what it’s for, hear from you about how it might be able to help. Drawing on the ideas developed in the Strathdon Community Action Plan published last year, early priorities include exploring how we might support some of existing projects looking to the future help and support new ones.

So if you have views on priorities, ideas or experience to share, or simply to represent a local groups’ interests please come along.

RSVP to 01975641341/51305 Local groups update Football pitch project managed by the Parent Forum is to Astroturf the muddy school playground! Fundraising has been underway.

Another Playing Field Project is a plan to create a new fit for purpose, full size accessible football pitch behind the Doune. Where a site has been offered by Candacraig Estate and Permission given

by Historic Scotland. Support is needed to help this project go forward.

If interested contact: roisin@marrareapartnership.org.uk

Strathdon Paths Group The Paths Group has continued to meet regularly over the summer, walking rather than just talking. We have been walking these various local routes including: - Bellabeg: War Memorial into the forest to Bluefold and Heughhead; - Glenkindie: along the river from the school up to Culquoich and back; - Bellabeg: the Doune to Poldhullie Bridge and along on over the Don to the Colquhonnie and Bellabeg; - Glenbuchat riverside walk.

This has enabled us to review the state of any existing paths and gauge what work might be needed. There has been a positive meeting with Historic Environment Scotland about reinstating a path up the Doune and we are awaiting their suggestions. In addition Gordon Woodlands (Ben Newe) are keen to consult locally and a meeting is planned.

Next meeting indoors: Thurs 25th October at 7pm at the Colquhonnie. All welcome.

The Upper Donside Business and Tourism Group meets on the first Tuesday of each month at Goodbrand and Ross at 10am. The aim of the group is to support businesses and tourism from the Lecht to Lumsden and to attract more visitors to the area.

For more information, please contact lynne.mavor@btconnect.com

Johnnie’s Stories continued… I went to school at Towie at four and a half and left when I was thirteen and a half. The next day my father told me I was to be working a pair of horses! I liked working the horses, worked with them all my days.

We had Sundays off and New Year’s Day. In the winter, up in dark mornings at 6am to feed the horses, then 11.30 lunch, feed and muck out and again grooming and water at 9pm.

I remember my first tractor, shared with Johnny Alexander and his dad, also Johnny, no tyres just ‘spade lugs’.

Permission was needed, tractors were hard to come by after the war.

We had no butchers, just the odd rabbit or hen for meat. We never went hungry with meal, milk, tatties and oatcakes. The farm had a six-year rotation and wherever we grew ’neeps’ we grew our vegetables. There were never any pests.

Every year, when we hadn’t much to do on the farm we went beating for the estates. I started when I was at school and remember getting five whole shillings a day! I’ve been on every hill from the top of the Lecht to Littlewood. It was like a holiday, we enjoyed it.

During the war about 25 bombs were dropped over Tam Beith and the Garlett hill. There was no harm done but I remember the men out in the blackout to investigate. The story goes, a German pilot, educated in Aberdeen, decided to offload the bombs safely over the hills instead of Aberdeen city.

Later forty-five ‘Timberjills‘ were housed at Glenkindie House, hardworking girls mainly from the Lowlands who were employed as part of the land army to cut

down timber from the forests between Corgarff and Kildrummy. The ‘Timber Core’ worked with tractors and horses, cut down trees and drove lorry loads of the processed wood to the railway. Of course, Gladys, a proud Timberjill, was later to become my wife!

Locally, at one time there was the Harvest Home, Beaters’ Ball, the Farmers’ Ball and the Ploughmans’ Ball. They were turnabout at different halls. I remember at Glenbuchat Hall you had to get a drink, a ‘pintie’ from the bar hidden in the cupboard or from a bottle in a nook in the wall. All my dancing days I remember the angels that were painted on the ceiling there, they were really bonny and colourful. I don’t know what happened to them.

I’m not the only 90-something in my family – there are currently four of us going about. I put it down to the rowies (butteries) At a recent visit to the doctor I worked out my count of one or more ‘rowies’ a day comes to at least 25,000.

Just as well I rode a bike most of my life!

Special request: Does anyone have any info or pictures of Glenbuchat Hall’s ceiling angels??

Halloween The Shortest Ghost Story Ever Told He woke up frightened and reached for the matches, and the matches were put into his hand.

Kilty Facts In a bespoke kilt the waistband has an extra 4 inches incorporated into the width to allow for “blossoming” (getting fatter!)

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P11. Towie Nursery and Primary Parent Council Public Events Thank you for giving us this opportunity to share with you a little about us and what’s going on with Towie Parent Council. As well as supporting our children, we are keen to promote events near and around that benefit the local and wider community.

Over this school year we have arranged some events and fundraisers and currently in our diary we have …….

Friday 10th November 2017 Christmas Fair Fundraiser, 7-9pm A chance for local shops and independent sellers to show their fantastic array of gifts perfect for Christmas. There is a raffle and some fine pieces too … so come along and support a great local cause!

Also Saturday 3rd February 2018 Burns Bash at Towie Hall. All profits will be split between Parent Council and Towie Hall. Sure to be a great night!

Community Transport Funds Organisations or groups interested in setting up a new community transport service, or existing groups who require funding to set up a new service or purchase equipment not already fully grant funded are invited to apply to Aberdeenshire Council for a one-off small grant of up to £3,000 to assist with up to 75% of the project costs. Applications can be made until 1 Feb 18 Contact Heather or Marion in the Passenger Transport Unit on 01467 539084 to discuss their project.

Did ye ken? Johnnie Coutts’ story …..

I was born at Newton, Towie in 1924. My mother was Jane Stewart, the daughter of the farmer from Blackhillock, Glenbuchat. My father was a foreman horseman working on the farms. He had been

in the Great War working with the mules in the trenches, dragging the cannon, and had also worked for Queen Victoria at Abergeldie Farm. My grandfather had been a master mason, building the new houses in Glenbuchat in the early 1900s.

I’ve lived in Inverkindie Cottage, and retired there, next door to my old farm for 30 years. Going back, it had been the old Post Office. Did ye ken, the nearby Tollhouse had been a shop before being moved away from Glenkindie House entrance by the then Laird to the ‘Newbiggin’ at Glenkindie.

There was a woollen mill too at Inverkindie Farm where they washed the fleeces in the ‘Kinnie’Burn’. In our house we found the original ‘couples’ hewn beams when we renovated, going back to maybe 1700s. There was not a nail in sight with all the ‘ties’ morticed.

Church News Well, autumn is well and truly here and I hope that you have had

an enjoyable summer and been able to take some time away for rest and recuperation?

I would like to pass on my warm greetings from the Church of Scotland Parish of Upper Donside. As well as our normal pattern of Sunday services in Strathdon, Towie and Lumsden, we have a number of special services coming up over the next few months leading up to Christmas.

On Sunday 22nd October, at 11.30am, we have our very popular Harvest Celebration Service in Lumsden Church. Vale of Alford Young Farmers will very kindly provide a soup and sweet lunch following the service in Lumsden Village Hall.

On Remembrance Sunday (this year it’s the 12th November), we have a number of Acts of Remembrance and services throughout the Parish, including our annual Remembrance Service in Kildrummy Kirk at 3pm.

In the lead up to Christmas, we have a variety of Carol Services both in our Church buildings and in Corgarff and Glenbuchat Village Halls. On Christmas Eve, we have our 6.30pm Family Carol Service in Towie, plus our Watchnight Services in Strathdon and Lumsden at 11.30pm. Why not celebrate Christmas Day, with our Celebration Service at 10.30am in Towie Church?

Some of you will know that I have been appointed as a Locum in the Parish, to cover the vacancy while we search for a full-time Minister. As well continuing with others to lead public worship at

the various churches and elsewhere, I am also going to be available during the week, throughout the day and in the evenings to visit homes within the Parish. Should you want me to call in for a chat or if you know someone who would welcome a visit, or if there is anything that you would wish to discuss with me, then please give me a call.

You can reach me on 019756 51779 or 07713 101358.

I look forward to catching up with you over the coming months.

Simon Crouch Kingdom of the Picts Project We are all very pleased to announce that the Kingdom of the Picts Project was successful in securing the North Marr Participatory Budgeting Fund totalling £28,000. The grant will assist the project to map existing paths, cart roads, drove roads and forest tracks to establish a route that will connect all the communities from Corgarff to Gartly. The route will meander across the hills, filtering down into each community along the way and will allow each community to identify smaller, local paths accessing places of interest, facilities and “things to do” for both residents and visitors. It’s just the beginning and there is lots to do but the project would very much like to thank Aberdeen Health & Social Care Partnership, Marr Area Partnership and all who participated and supported the project application.

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Words from our local repesentatives

Alexander Burnett MSP “I am delighted to contribute to the Strathdon newsletter. This is one of the most stunning parts of my West Aberdeenshire constituency, an area of great natural beauty with a strong community spirit evident in the world-renowned Lonach Gathering and Corgarff picnic.

Locals would argue they have one of the best village halls in Scotland, and I have been very pleased to see progress on a £100,000 plus renovation of the church spire.

At Holyrood, I am doing all I can to help rural areas like Strathdon, campaigning for better broadband coverage and a solution to the CAP payments fiasco.”

Cllr Paul Gibb “The past five months have been a full schedule of learning new responsibilities and networking within the council, as well as meeting residents and business owners. I am acutely aware of my obligations and I intend to deliver on promises made and address the needs of all communities.

I have visited parts of Donside that are both secluded and beautiful; for example, sitting on a bench outside Glenbuchat Hall admiring the heather and endless sky but it is I believe this palpable isolation that characterises many of the challenges for the area. Please contact me to raise any issue you may have at cllr.p.gibb@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.

I look forward to working for you.

Cllr

Geva Blackett “As a great granddaughter of Mabel Forbes of Newe, attending the Lonach Games is understandably a highlight in the Blackett calendar. This year has seen big changes: I was elected to the National Park Board, and I feel I now have a more rounded view of what’s happening in this most fragile part of the ward.

I am acutely aware of how communities suffer when the beautiful Gairnshiel Bridge, now part of the new Snow Road has to be closed for repair. I think the solution lies in building an alternative, functional bridge alongside the original, which can be left for pedestrian use. I hope the council's capital plan next year will reflect the importance of Gairnshiel Bridge.

Please contact me if you have anything to discuss. I will do my best to help.’

Cllr.g.blackett@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Andrew Bowie MP “I am delighted to be able to contribute to this edition of the Strathdon Newsletter.

As I have spent the summer crisscrossing West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, I am constantly reminded of how varied this seat is, stretching from Strathdon and Upper Deeside to the Mearns, and how vast the range of issues facing constituents, can be.

The topic causing particular frustration is broadband coverage, especially in rural areas. Whilst HM Government is responsible for legislation on telecoms across the UK, in Scotland it is the Scottish Government, which has responsibility for the roll-out of broadband.

The scene is set….

I had the opportunity to speak to Film Locations manager, Nathan Flaher, who generously gave some of his busy time for an interview while on production in Strathdon recently, as well as giving the excited Strathdon schoolchildren a taster of being on set. Any production involves a huge amount of research into appropriate and viable settings for the many scenes. This involves working with the powers that be, the local council, environmental bodies and the police, as well as landowners, and, most importantly, gaining the support and discretion of local residents for the landing of a large film crew on their patch! Once a number of available Scottish locations are identified, the many different Heads of Departments recce the sites and their photographic potential, a location is chosen. Only when all permissions are in place, revenue accessed, and people engaged can production commence. All this can take up to approximately 14 weeks of facilitation. Depending on the physical logistics of any set and its scale, the sourcing and managing of equipment, tent cover, vehicles, the needs of the crew, actors, extras etc., provides its own unique, on-going and exciting challenges . Quote…. ’ I wouldn’t do any other job!’

Kilty Facts A hand sewn bespoke kilt has between 25 and 33 pleats. The only part which is machine sewn is the waistband. Kilt length should be to half way down the kneecap.

Heritage and landscape

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Several historic buildings on Edinglassie Estate have recently been demolished, leaving, in one case, no trace that it ever existed. The remote ruins of Lynardoch, with a cornerstone marked 1772, Relaquiem and the Millton of Edinglassie farmhouse, (a family home until last year), and built in the same period.

We hope to give you the landowner’s perspective in our next issue. www.glenbuchatheritage.com Click on Latest News for the extensive Ken Cruickshank Photographic Collection and old plans for Glenbuchat Castle.

Highland dancing at the Lonach

P9 NEOS September 2017 ‘Art in the Buchat’ enjoyed a wet but enjoyable and successful event with lots of appreciative visitors to the Hall and Bothy while participating in North East Open Studios. This year we hosted Aberdeen Chair Art with amazing chair creations from Aberdeenshire and local folks. The final chair auction raised more than £1500 for the Forget-me-not Dementia Charity. We extend a heartfelt thank you to all in the community who support us each year in so many ways.

Glenbuchat Music’s Winter Programme features some magnificent nights of quality live music starting in October. BYOB for all events.

See “What’s On”. events@glenbuchatmusic.co.uk Eclectic Events at the Bothy Look out for a nature talk/fauna jukebox/supper event in November.

And for an open meeting with the Amal Project/Syrian New Scots, with refreshments, in December…

Both dates to be arranged.

See www.eclecticglen.co.uk Yoga in the Buchat!

Andrew Bowie MP continued …

P6 “Unfortunately, due to bungled contractual arrangements with BT, resulting in some properties being passed by fibre cable but not connected to it and a concentration on a percentage of population connectivity rather than household (which puts us in rural Scotland at an obvious disadvantage), we are lagging behind the rest of the UK in terms of coverage.

Whilst some areas face difficulties due to remoteness from infrastructure, the difficulties in Aberdeenshire are more sporadic and complicated. Aberdeenshire has pockets where there is next to no or unreliable coverage. Internet connections are such a vital part of modern life and we simply cannot afford for rural areas to fall behind. People and businesses should not be punished simply because of where they live. I have already contacted BT and Digital Scotland regarding the situation, and I hope to have some news for you soon.

I know there are some of the many summer events that I did not make it to, so if you are holding, or know of an event coming up in the Strathdon area (or elsewhere in the constituency) that you would like me to attend, please get in touch with my office on Andrew.bowie.mp@parliament.uk and I will do my best to fit it in.

Similarly, if you have any issue, large or small that you think I could be of help with contact 01224 766959 or write to Andrew Bowie MP, Westpoint House, Arnhall Business Park, Westhill, AB32 6FJ .

I will be holding a Surgery in Glenbuchat Hall on 10th November at 2pm

Grand Bothy Opening and Ceilidh September saw a good turnout for the official opening of Glenbuchat Bothy, the fully renovated former old kitchen and stables, which is now a fit-for-purpose small venue with kitchen and toilet facilities, and a storage extension. The opening ribbon was cut by Rod McGillivary of Craighead. Refreshments, speeches and a slideshow were followed by dancing to the lively Buchat Ceilidh Band.

Regular yoga classes are held in the Bothy at Glenbuchat with Simon Spirit Spoor on Tuesday mornings. Yoga is a great opportunity to nurture and heal your body, mind and soul and is open to all abilities and ages.

Creative Movement @ School Yoga teacher Simon has been leading the children at Strathdon Primary on magical yoga adventures to learn about exploring emotions, expressing yourself creatively and building trust. Classes will continue after the Tattie Holidays. For more info about Simon’s kids’ parties and a February retreat, contact Simon on 07967 684354 or spiritofthemoment@gmail.com

Community Council Donside Community Council represents the interests of all communities from the Lecht to beyond Alford and to convey this information to elected councillors. It meets monthly, usually at Alford Community Campus. Membership is open to any interested resident. There are two positions for Strathdon, one filled by Paul Toohey and the second currently vacant. If you are interested in finding out more about representing and helping the local community, contact Tel. 019756 51322; 07342 296173; paul.toohey2@gmail.com Lonach Hall Association AGM The AGM will be held on Wednesday 11th of October at 8pm in the committee room.

We do have a fully functioning committee at present however we do also have space for others to join or to get involved. We do need 15 members of the community to be present to convene a meeting, therefore we ask if you are free, if you can come and hear what the hall has been up to. Hope to see as many of you as possible on Wednesday. Thank you.

What’s on … regular stuff Please use the contact details to confirm when classes are on.

Mondays Scottish Country Dancing – Lonach Hall at 7.30pm – Monica Gordon (019756 51365) Fish’n’Chips 2 Go – fish and chip van – Bellabeg 4–6.30pm (every third Monday in the month) Badminton 7pm - 9pm Glenbuchat Hall Isobel ( 019756 41341) Tuesdays Yoga – Glenbuchat Bothy 10am to 12 noon – Simon Spoor (07967 684354) Sole Mates – fresh fish van – Glenkindie Garage 9.15–10am; Bellabeg Carpark 12–12.30pm Wednesdays Silver Circle Day Centre – Upper Room, Lonach Hall 10am to 3pm Nancy Strachan, coordinator (07771 749849 and silvercircle97@gmail.com) Art Class – Glenbuchat Bothy 10am to 1pm – Frances Crawford (019756 51741) Thursdays Walking for Health, an easy 1-hour walk – Bellabeg Car park, 10.30am – Gill Cook (019756 51343) Highland Dancing for age 4 up (from 17 Aug) Lonach Hall at 6pm – Louise Anderson (019756 51407) Winter Carpet Bowls – Strathdon School, 7pm – Gladys Thomson (019756 51297) Fridays Toddler Group – Strathdon School (term time), 10am to 12 noon – Kate Anderson (019756 51420) Silver Circle Friday morning bus, alternate weeks (book on 019756 51300/51343) Buchateers Music Sessions Glenbuchat Bothy. All Welcome. Details from gillrussell5@gmail.com Sundays Enamelling Group – Glenbuchat Hall (beginners’ taster sessions) TBA laura.selway@btinternet.com Strathdon Walking Group (from Sept) – meets 10am (fortnightly); see article Church Services: Towie Church: first Sunday of the month, 11.30am Strathdon Church Hall: second, third, fourth Sundays at 10am and Lumsden Church at 11.30am Mobile Library: Tuesdays 3rd, 17th and 31st October: Newe Lodge 10am Corgarff Memorial: 10.30am Goodbrand’s 11.05am Roughpark 11.30am Bellabeg: 12.35pm Alderside Cottage 12.55pm Heughhead 1.15pm Glenkindie 1.55pm Dial-a-Bus service now cancelled. Weekday bus service Bellabeg to Alford at 7.40am and return 3.30pm What’s on … special stuff October Tues 10th Community Bulb Planting by the Doune, Bellabeg 1.30pm Contact 019756 51343 Wed 11th Lonach Hall AGM 8pm All welcome Wed 11th Marr Area Bus Forum 7.30–9pm at the Victory Hall in Aboyne Sat 14th Pop Up Café Glenbuchat Bothy 10-1pm Sat 21st Dru Yoga with Ruth Matthews 10am to 12.30 pm Glenbuchat Hall £10.00 proceeds to charity Sat 21st Front Country American ‘Roots Pop’ band Glenbuchat Hall 8pm £10.00 BYOB Tickets: events@glenbuchatmusic.co.uk or tel 41303 Sun 22nd Harvest Celebration Service Lumsden. Refreshments at village hall afterwards.

Wed 25th Paths Group meeting 7pm Colquhonnie Hotel Fri 27th Salthouse Scottish Folk band with Jenny Sturgeon, Glenbuchat Hall 8pm £10 BYOB Tickets: events@glenbuchatmusic.co.uk Sat 28th Kids Camp Out at Corgarff Hall 12.00 Saturday to 12.00 Sunday. Fun for kids P1 –7.

Bring sleeping mat, bag + food for barbecue. £1. Adult help welcomed!

Contact: Jockeyed2@aol.com 019756 51474 November Wed 1st Strathdon Community Development Trust open meeting at the Lonach Hall. 7pm All welcome Refreshments provided. Please RSVP 019756 41341/51305 Fri 3rd Field to Fork Upper Donside Annual Farmers Ball Lonach Hall Strathdon See posters for info Fri 3rd Slocan Ramblers Bluegrass, Glenbuchat Hall BYOB Tickets: events@glenbuchatmusic.co.uk Sun 5th Towie & District Senior Citizens Club Towie Hall 2pm music by Eddie Ross and the Garioch Blend Thurs 9th The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc, Glenbuchat Hall 8pm £10 Bookings: eclecticglen@yahoo.co.uk Fri 10th Surgery with Andrew Bowie MP at Glenbuchat Hall. 2–2.45pm Fri 10th Towie Nursery and Primary Parent Council Christmas Fair Fundraiser 7– 9pm Towie School Sun 12th Remembrance Sunday Service 3pm Kildrummy Kirk. Services also at local Memorials.

Contact Simon Crouch for details 019756 51779 British Legion Riders Muster at 10.00 Main Street, Rhynie to attend the Rhynie Memorial Service.

Sat 25th Dru Yoga with Ruth Matthews 10am to 12.30pm Glenbuchat Hall £10 proceeds to charity December Tues 5th Fred Morrison, piper Glenbuchat hall £10 8pm BYOB Tickets: events@glenbuchatmusic.co.uk Thurs 7th Towie & District Senior Citizens Club. Christmas Lunch to be arranged.

Fri 8th Jez Hellard and the Djukella Orchestra, contemporary folk Glenbuchat Hall 8pm BYOB Tickets: events@glenbuchatmusic.co.uk Sat 24th Family Carol Service 6.30pm Towie Church Sat 24th Watch Night Service 11.30pm Strathdon and Lumsden Church Sun 25th Special Christmas Day Celebration Service 10.30am Towie Church Thurs 28th Music by Old Blind Dogs Glenbuchat Hall Tickets:events@glenbuchatmusic.co.uk