The Banchory Fly 9 - Winter 2020

The Banchory Fly A Community Magazine for Banchory

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Issue 9 Winter 2020

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Lochside of Leys, Banchory 3, 4 & 5 BEDROOM LUXURY HOMES FROM £313,495 LBTT paid or part exchange available on selected plots

OPEN Thurs - Mon 10am - 5pm 1 Lochside Drive, AB31 5BR

Reserve and move in before Christmas and receive £500 of John Lewis vouchers

Contact our team today on 07918 677 891

Search for: ‘Bancon Homes Lochside of Leys’ WWW.BANCONHOMES.COM

Want in the Fly?

For adver�sing and editorial, please note the copy deadlines below and use the contacts listed at the bo�om of the page DEADLINES . FEB 1 . MAY 1 . AUG 1 . NOV 1 PUBLISHED MAR JUNE SEPT DEC

Contents Cover Story Number One What the Heel?

Elf-Hunt!

Banchory is Open Small Ads Rule!

Community Council Cllr's Contacts Adver�sers’ Index Ad Rates & Copy Dates

Welcome to Issue 9 of The Fly. And so we go on. Predictions of a long and lonely winter for many are hopefully being counteracted by news of more reopenings. Special ways are being found to celebrate Christmas and the New Year, as well as generally bringing light into these dark times.

In these pages you can read all about a a couple of artistic endeavours that have been happening in the town centre to really brighten things (and people's spirits!) up. High Street initiatives, Elf Hunts, daily markets and cosy bosies feature too.

Meanwhile, business developments continue to be buoyant, all considered!

I’ve introduced a new “small ad” for £15 to help new and smaller businesses keep their toe in the door of printed publicity.

You can read all about it on page 16-17.

Remember that community information is FREE to include in these pages, so if you have any news for the Spring edition, tell me about it by February 1st if you can.

November's issue saw a last-minute glut..!

Best wishes to all affected by Covid, and thanks to everyone fighting it on the front lines. Keep hanging in there, folks!

5 7 8 12 14 17 24 24 26 Cat Houston Design/Editor 26

get in touch via email to catrionahouston@yahoo.co.uk call Cat on 013397 55243 or 07805 731401 www.myriadpro.co.uk find us on facebook

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“What I say is, a town isn’t a town without a bookstore.” – Neil Gaiman, American Gods

YEADON’S of BANCHORY Come and visit your local book shop...

A book is a gift you can open again and again – Garrison Keillor Come and enjoy the festivities in Banchory, shop local and support your independent bookseller Let our welcoming and friendly staff help you find the perfect Christmas gift If you are not comfortable shopping in person please phone, email or find us on bookshop.org

Books | Cards | Gift Wrap | Ordering Service | Gift Wrapping | Dogs Welcome

20 Dee Street | Banchory | AB31 5ST | 01330 822221 | banchory@yeadons.co.uk

ORDER NOW FOR CHRISTMAS + NEW YEAR

By Royal Appointment Now open in a new shop on Banchory High Street with a wide variety of deli products and a fresh meat counter * Free local deliveries * * Visit our online shop * See Facebook for updates and specials Thanks to all our customers, old and new, for their continued support

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29 High Street . Banchory 11 Bridge Street . Ballater Tel: 013397 55218 info@hmsheridan.co.uk . www.hmsheridan.co.uk

By appointment to HM the Queen Purveyor of Meat and Poultry

By appointment to HRH the Prince of Wales Purveyor of Meat and Poultry

Cover Story: The Painted Stones Project During lockdown our community came together as painted stones appeared in woodlands, by the river and public areas.

The stones raised spirits, brought joy in difficult and uncertain times, and gave us the opportunity to show gratitude to all our key workers and those who serve our community.

Aware of the public's wish to save the stones, I set myself the challenge of creating a permanent memorial depicting the community's time in lockdown and beyond, along with Torphins resident Caroline Reid.

My vision of a sloped wall structure with a landscaped backdrop was different and somewhat ambitious, however we encouraged the public to collect the previously painted stones and to paint more. The idea was greeted with great enthusiasm, the response overwhelming with more than 3,500 stones painted by the residents of Banchory, Crathes, Drumoak and Torphins.

Having found the prefect location within Bellfield’s Rose Garden and with local builder Bruce McCombie generously offering to build the structure free gratis we approached local companies to supply the building materials.

The support from each and every company was unbelievably generous and Caroline shared her artistic talents by painting the Scolty Hill backdrop. With an abundance of stones the project area has been increased and will also include a children’s area. Building began in October, with a view to completion this year, weather permitting.

The project's aim is to remember how our lives changed during the global pandemic, share our many skills and give thanks for the beautiful area of Deeside which we are fortunate to call home.

Further information on the project's progress can be viewed on Facebook.

from Maureen Mutch 5

ELLINGTON MENNIE

Kitchens & Cookware

Providing full furniture solutions to create the perfect space in your home

Kitchens

We focus on providing the best end-to-end customer service and delivering beautifully fitted kitchens that exceed expectations. We listen to your ideas and develop conceptual kitchen designs to suit your living space. By combining 3D software, product samples and photos taken from our portfolio of projects, we can help you visualise your kitchen potential. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, we provide the full installation service using our own in-house joinery services and working exclusively with local ancillary trades.

Cookware

We are excited to announce the launch of our new venture into cookware. We have hand picked a range of professional cookware and kitchen tools from exclusive, luxury brands to complement your kitchen.

Station Square, Aboyne, AB34 5HX Monday to Friday: 9:30 - 17:00 Saturday: By appointment only

sales@ellingtonmennie.co.uk

Remote consultation

www.ellingtonmennie.co.uk

07788 316144

Market Stalls Encourage Continental-Style Shopping

In response to the COVID restrictions, the Number One cafe in Banchory has sadly had to close. However to keep going the team have ‘repurposed’ the space with an outside market stall. There are now 4 stalls each week, open from 10am - 2pm.

Wednesday and Saturday is the Fruit and Veg stall with produce from Turriffs of Montrose. Apart from the fresh produce there is a range of ready meals cooked by the Number One cooks. To support local businesses the eggs and potatoes come from local farms. Produce can be delivered to homes around Banchory for anyone without transport or who is shielding.

We also have bakery products from Larch Tree Bakery and bread from the Bread Maker on the stall on Wednesday.

Thursday is Deeside Refill day. Gayl has her supply of green products on sale from 10am - 2pm. You can refill any bottle with shampoo, laundry and kitchen cleaners and more. She also has a range of nonplastic household goods.

Local people are embracing the continental concept of shopping once a week from a local market stall. It is a simple way to provide affordable shopping in the town centre.

If you are a producer and want to test out the market, contact the team at numberonebanchory@gmail.com

During the lockdown period the team at Number One supported the resilience support team by providing food parcels and shopping for people who were shielding.

The produce for the parcels was supplied by the Fareshare and Foodcloud schemes where excess food is donated to local charities.

Tesco, Morrisons and the Co-op in Banchory were a great support, donating a wide range of produce every week.

From the experience it was found that there is a need for both a means of distributing excess food and supporting people who have difficulty accessing affordable food. This has led to the development of a community grocer based in Banchory town centre at Number One. The community grocer concept is based on a membership, where members can get a weekly shopping basket of goods. The goods will be provided through the Fareshare scheme and donations from local supermarkets. Membership will be open to anyone.

The grocer will be open on Wednesday and Saturday (time to be confirmed).

For more information contact numberonepantry@gmail.com

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Plantar Fascii�s…

What the Heel?

Advertorial

We all know that we are supposed to be more active, and indeed active every day.

However for some people this can be very challenging, particularly if they have a painful foot condition, aggravated by exercise!

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common reasons that people consult our clinic, specifically our Biomechanics Consultant Edward.

Plantar Fasciitis is a term people use to describe heel pain, but what is it exactly?

Your plantar fascia is like a thick band of fibrous tissue that runs across the sole of your foot. It starts at your heel, goes under your arch and spreads out like a fan.

Its job is to hold your foot together yet keep it flexible, so it is very strong and a little bit stretchy.

The plantar fascia can become inflamed when it gets over-stretched, which can lead to microscopic tears and then pain.

So what causes this over-stretching?

Of course, there is rarely a clear answer to this question, but there are some factors which we believe contribute to the development of this condition: – Poor footwear – Sudden onset of exercise – Tight calf muscles – Imbalance in full-body biomechanics – Biomechanical problems in the foot

The standard treatment for this is ice, rest and painkillers. This may be effective initially, but in chronic (over 6 weeks duration) cases this is not a sustainable solution.

There are a number of treatment options to try for this particular condition, and the best course of action should be customised to each individual sufferer.

At Banchory Spinal Health, our specialist Biomechanics Consultant is trained to assess and diagnose foot problems such as plantar fasciitis, and we have partnered with FootHealth, the leading experts in producing bespoke orthotics to help with a wide variety of foot problems. We utilise a number of different techniques and will have some key recommendations to help you get back to feeling your best.

If we feel that you would benefit from a pair of our custom orthotics we will certainly recommend them, but not without taking a full history of the problem, doing a full biomechanical assessment and foot scan with our state of the art technology and then fully discussing the best course of action first. Sometimes we recommend other options first such as massage, dry needling or specific home exercises.

Foot and heel pain is an extremely debilitating condition, one that you don’t have to live with forever! Our team of Chiropractors, Osteopaths, Massage Therapists and our Biomechanics Consultant are here to help you live a painfree life!

If you or someone you love has suffered with this condition or is experiencing foot pain, we would love to offer readers 50% off an Orthotics Assessment (usual cost £60) until December 31st 2020 when you present this article.

Call us on 01330 824040 to book an appointment with Edward or send us an email to info@banchoryspinalhealth.co.uk

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REIKI

CHRISTMAS VOUCHERS The ideal gift for a friend or relative

Relax in the hands of Fiona Bonner, a qualified Reiki Master and Teacher with over 20 years’ experience

Appointments available in Aboyne, Banchory & Aberdeen

t: 07900 046956 | w: reikiwithfiona.com e: healing@reikiwithfiona.com

Isabel Addison is a Family, Wedding and Funeral Celebrant She will support you in creating a celebration as unique as you are Funeral Services | Memorial Services Eulogy Writing | Interment/Scattering of Ashes Pet Funerals | Living Funerals End of Life Planning Get in touch if you would like to find out more about her services:

isabel@legacycelebrant.org.uk | 07846 689884

www.legacycelebrant.org.uk

... MAN with a VAN ...

House Clearances Licensed Waste Removal Delivery Services Removal Services Friendly | Compassionate Professional | Local

Call Kev

07579 824061 corybegservices@gmail.com

It may be a little known fact that play at Banchory Tennis Club in Burnett Park continues all through winter with some of our more resilient members.

This is all the more important at the moment as it’s one of the activities that can continue under even quite harsh Covid restrictions. Our mitigation and Track and Trace procedures are set by Tennis Scotland who are required to consult with the Scottish Government every time the national and local regulations are changed.

In these times, playing tennis is a great way to be able to get outside exercise and safely interact with other people.

We provide PAYG court access for nonmembers and we offer a great winter deal to welcome new members who can be any standard.

Winter Tennis!

You can book courts and other activities via https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/ BanchoryLTC Website https://banchorytennis.net

Singers vow to revive Christmas Spirit

The Banchory Singers are delighted to be able to offer a Festive Concert again this year, albeit Virtual.

It will be on Sunday 13th December at 4pm. Our vision for the Christmas concert is that our supporters, friends and relations from Banchory and all across the world will sit down at their iPads, laptops and TVs on Sunday the 13th December, and enjoy a virtual live concert which will use a mix of recorded choir performances and audience participation tracks complete with live MCs and of course our raffle. The Christmas spirit will survive.

The Singers are immensely grateful to our Musical Director, Tara Leiper, who has been absolutely dedicated to providing us with the best possible singing and social experiences throughout these Covid times. Working tirelessly, she has enabled us to meet and sing together as a choir through Zoom every week. This has been a highlight of the week for choir members and has meant we have been able to keep our friendships alive and our singing voices exercised.

To register your interest in our concert, email banchorysingers@gmail.com

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Elf-hunt leads the way to PTA's improvements

Banchory Primary PTA’s latest fundraising initiative, Elf and Fairy Treasure Hunt, has been a big success in raising much needed funds for the school.

It is encouraging families to spend quality time together outside whilst at the same time supporting the local businesses who have kindly supported the PTA by donating prizes, selling trail forms and hiding the fairies in their windows. With major fundraising events like the Christmas extravaganza and school discos cancelled this year, the PTA has had to be even more creative with its plans and will soon be launching its Twelve Days of Christmas event which, thanks to some generous prizes pledged by local businesses, should bring a little sparkle during the dark days in December.

The big campaign for next year, which the committee has been gearing up for some time now, is the long overdue Playground Redevelopment Project.

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The aim is to raise enough funds through grants and community fundraising to enable the school to resurface the playground and create an engaging and fun space (including green areas) for the pupils, and the wider community, to enjoy. The pupils have been busy coming up with their own ideas for playground designs which will all be considered for the final plans.

The Banchory Primary PTA will continue to work hard to support school improvements, classroom resources, sports equipment and by offering their time and creativity. They would like to give a big thank you to the parents and the public for their continued generosity and support as it means a lot to the entire school community. If you would like further information on how you can support the Banchory Primary PTA email banchoryprimarypta@gmail.com.

01975 571775 07792 830780

• • • •

Local family business Oil and biomass boiler servicing and repairs New boilers sold and installed with 5 and 10-year warranties Aga Servicing

�lameboilerservices@gmail.com

www.�lameboilerservices.co.uk

y r o h c n a B is Open!

SUPPORT LOCAL Our small independent businesses contribute vital funds to our local community and provide employment within the town. Every penny that you spend with them makes a difference so please buy what you can from a local supplier and help to keep our High Street alive.

BE PATIENT We know that additional hygiene measures and social distancing rules means that everything takes just that little bit longer. Please be patient with the person serving you or the person in front of you.

They may be frustrated too and we’re all just trying to get through this as best we can.

Thank yo u for choo sing to shop loca l – We’re delighted to welcom e you bac k to our town cen tre.

Please do your bit a nd help u to make s s ure that e v e ryone has a positive experienc e when they are v isiting the High Stre et.

BE KIND Spare a smile or a kind word for people you encounter on our High Street. We don’t know what each person is going through and how this pandemic has impacted their lives. Banchory is a friendly town so let’s make everybody feel welcome.

KEEP YOUR DISTANCE Remember that the social distancing guidelines are there to keep everybody safe.

Banchory Let’s make the it something to community spir d all do our bit be proud of an port everyone to help and sup s and visits our who lives, work . beautiful town

Please be considerate to others, leave plenty of room when passing and stand well back in queues.

WASH YOUR HANDS There are hand sanitizers available throughout the town and they are there for everybody to use. Please wash your hands regularly and try to avoid touching items that you don’t plan to purchase.

The Fly relies on advertising to pay for design and printing and it means a lot that so many regular customers have continued to advertise during the Covid calamity.

Always delighted to welcome new advertisers, I have opened up opportunities with a new value ad size, see right >>> At Myriad Pro Publishing, advertisers are not just a space on a page. All advertisers benefit from featuring in a Facebook album every quarter, and where advertisers’ own posts are seen on that social media platform, they will be shared.

Feel free to tag The Fly to make sure.

New customers can also benefit from introductory features, and there are perks to being a long-term advertiser too, as well as discounts for featuring in the Alford and Aboyne publications.

The business landscape and publicity methods are changing all the time, and especially at the moment! So if you have any ideas on how The Fly can further support you, do let me know.

No matter if you are on the main street, out in the sticks, working from your spare room or just operating online, I can help.

When times are tough, don’t stop ADVERTISING!

Have you started a new business in the Banchory area? Want a mention? Get in touch.

your name in print!

The Fly represents a unique opportunity for you to promote your business to a targetted area at reasonable cost. Ad rates start at just ÂŁ27 for a quarter page.

Around 2,000 copies are distributed every quarter in prominent spots in the local community and within businesses willing to stock it (500 go into Tesco Banchory).

Geographically it covers Banchory centre and surrounds.

All Myriad Pro Publications are also available to read online at issuu.com

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small

new size!

business

see samples below

painter + decorator odd jobs

TAXI!

ÂŁ15 ads | big just including design

07803 0*9*8*

single colour | max 5 lines

24hr service

contacts

Farm piano Foods plinky plonk

festival Mobile

Hair Dresser

teacher www...

LOGS

little bit about me

Come and get them

Tel | Email | Web

013398 44*44

Established 1998

speed

well

FRAMING

Friendly, Reliable Service Wide Range of Quality Materials in Stock

Paintings, Photographs & Mirrors Needlework, Sports Shirts & Objects Framing Canvas Stretching and More...

t: 013398 80448 m: 07766 176 186 e: jay.speedwell@intamail.com Inchmarnoch Dinnet Aboyne AB34 5NX

Hot Tubs for your home and business Our luxurious hot tubs are hand-crafted in the USA and are a perfect combination of quality and affordability. Do you have a holiday home? We have models designed specifically for the hospitality industry that come with a full commercial warranty.

www.highlandglenspas.co.uk Phone. 013398 80540

Knit A Cosy Bosie

Through the initiative Knit A Cosy Bosie, Live Life Aberdeenshire are asking people to help others who may be struggling to keep warm by knitting or crocheting a cosy bosie for someone in their community.

A cosy bosie can be a lap blanket, hat, scarf, pair of gloves or socks. Once you’ve knitted it, simply give it to someone!

Local groups could also get involved with collection and distribution.

If you would like to connect with a local group, or for more information and details of how to take part, call 01467 532929, email libraries@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or see http://bit.ly/CosyBosie

Aberdeenshire Voluntary Ac�on (AVA) are a registered charity covering the whole of Aberdeenshire set up to support groups, organisations and registered charities.

We cover funding, governance, charitable status, volunteer recruitment, retainment and recognition, start-up help and business planning advice and support.

The Development Officer for your area is Sandra McGuigan: Sandra.McGuigan@ avashire.org.uk | 07585 330348.

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STRACHAN’S Serving Royal Deeside for Four Generations

Licensed Grocer . Specialist Produce Wine Merchant . Calor Gas Agent Delicatessen . Malt Whiskies Large range of Whiskies, Gins, Wines, and Spirits, including Deeside’s own ESKER and EENOO Gin PLUS the full range of PERSIE Gin from Glenshee Craft Distillers

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all our staff

By appointment to HM The Queen General Merchants

Main St Aboyne AB34 5HT 013398 86121

2 Golf Rd Ballater AB35 5RE 013397 755452

www.georgestrachanltd.com

By appointment to HRH The Prince of Wales General Merchants

Advertorial

“My back just went!”

So o�en we hear these words…

Many times new patients come to us in agony, sometimes with excruciating back pain, sometimes even radiating down the leg (sciatica), that all began a�er a really simple movement such as tying their shoe, bending down to pick up something they’ve dropped or turning their head quickly to hear someone calling at them.

So why does this happen? There can be many reasons, but in our experience it may very well be a case of “the straw that broke the camel’s back”. This is to say, a camel can carry many loads however there will be a breaking point where the camel cannot take one more piece of straw!

So how are our spines like a camel?

Well although some people may be developing a bit of a hump (!) that is not what we mean. The reality is, a lot of these patients who did something seemingly small and insignificant (but are now in agony) have a number of things in common: – A history of prolonged sitting (e.g. a desk-based job, lack of physical activity due to age or other commitments) – A more sedentary lifestyle – Poor posture – A period of increased stress levels or a long period of constant “low-grade” stress – Little “niggles” of discomfort over time that have been ignored Our current lifestyles are not conducive to having a healthy pain-free body!

Imagine one day you do

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something that you have done hundreds of times before, maybe leaning over the sink, washing your hair, picking up a grandchild and BAM! Your body announces for all to hear that it has HAD ENOUGH. So what could this pain mean? Perhaps you have sprained some joints and/or muscles in your back, perhaps if the pain is radiating into the leg then the disc may also be involved. Regardless of the exact physiological cause of the pain, there are some easy things you can do when this happens to ease the pain: 1. Reduce the inflammation by using an ice pack. An ice pack (or pack of frozen peas will also do!) placed on the area for 10 mins every hour will help reduce any inflammation in the area 2. Try to keep moving. Gone are the days of the recommendation of bed rest for back pain! Try to keep walking around and don’t sit for longer than 30 mins at a time. The worst thing you can do with a back pain flare up is stay still for a long time.

3. Drink 2-4 litres of water per day.

Dehydration may play a part in these types of problems, plus all that going to the toilet will help keep you moving!

4. Don’t Panic – seek a professional diagnosis and care as soon as you can.

Then you can relax in the knowledge that you know what is wrong and you know the person who can help to make it better.

If you or a loved one needs some help with a new or ongoing pain issue – now is a great time to get in touch with us. We are offering readers 50% off their first visit to the clinic to see one of our expert Chiropractors or Osteopaths with this article. Call 01330 824040 or email info@ banchoryspinalhealth.co.uk to book your New Patient Consultation appointment (which includes a full assessment, a report of findings and your first treatment) for the incredible price of just £34 (usually £68) – let us know where you saw us!

Belwade Farm

Merry Christmas from all the staff and ponies at Belwade Farm!

Although we remain closed, we look forward to seeing everyone in 2021.

World Horse Welfare Belwade Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre Dess, Aboyne, AB34 5BJ

www.worldhorsewelfare.org Registered charity no: 206658 and SC038384

years 30we’ve on...

moved!

For all your little monkeys

Original outdoor clothing

• Children’s Clothing 0-6 • Wide range of children’s shoes, size 0 to 3/36 • Foot measuring service • Large selection of new baby gifts • Quality brands • Friendly service

Made in Scotland.

Used worldwide.

At Hilltrek we’ve been hand cra ing performance outdoor clothing on Royal Deeside for 30 years. Our story now continues in larger premises at

Deeside Activity Park.

For more information or to book a shoe fitting, call the shop on number below or email monkeybusinessforkids@live.co.uk

hillgear.s

cot

Hilltrek clothing • Páramo shop • Outdoor clothing repairs

www.hilltrek.co.uk

Monkey Business

01339 886062

Station Square, Aboyne 013398 87140

Dental practices in Aboyne and Banchory High quality private dental care in a comfortable environment Children welcome under the NHS Disabled access and easy parking Emergencies treated promptly Payment plans available Call us today for more information and to make an appointment

Aboyne Practice Old Ballater Road Aboyne AB34 5HN Tel: 013398 86177

Banchory Practice Fountain Lodge Station Road Banchory AB31 5YA Tel: 01330 822583

www.fountaindentalgroup.co.uk

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Cllr Rosemary Bruce

Cllr Eileen Durno

07388 956154 cllr.ann.ross@ aberdeenshire.gov.uk

07388 956152 cllr.e.durno@ aberdeenshire.gov.uk

These are your Ward 16 councillors

07388 956151 cllr.r.bruce@ aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Councillors' Contacts

Cllr Anne Ross

Banchory Community Council

2020 has been a uniquely challenging year for our community, but we have pulled together and risen to the challenge embracing new technology and new ways of doing things.

During the lock-down period the Banchory Community Resilience team was in operation co-ordinating volunteers from local churches and organisations and arranging deliveries of food, medicines and even newspapers to any Banchory residents who requested our assistance.

During this time we dealt with over 300 enquiries, including offering support to neighbouring comminuty councils.

The team was wound down as the advice to the most vulnerable to shield ended, however we stand ready to resume should the need arise. We have also worked with the Rotary Club of Banchory to weed and tidy up the high street and extended help to charitable projects looking for volunteer labour.

Through applying to various funds, and a generous donation from Scott Birse HIIT, we were able to raise funds to donate to both Primary schools. This donation went

towards their amazing work in supporting vulnerable families. We remain so grateful to all those who have so generously helped us to support our town and community, in particular Number One Community Hub, the Banchory Scouts and the Banchory West Church.

Our monthly meetings, currently conducted via Zoom, are held on the second Monday of every month from 7:30pm until roughly 9:30pm and all are welcome to attend.

If you have a project or group working to the benefit of Banchory, we may be able to assist with funding. Please get in touch with us via Facebook or e-mail for details.

It has been amazing to see the whole community pull together to support our town through these difficult times.

We are always on the look out for new members or candidates for office roles, if you have gotten a taste for community service please reach out to us for a chat to see if joining the BCC is right for you!

To get in touch, please email on banchorycommunity@hotmail.com or find us on Facebook.

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Aberdeenshire Electrical Services Ltd T: 013398 85355 M: 07855 678677 E: aberdeenshireelectricalsrvs@btinternet.com F: AberdeenshireElectricalSrvs All aspect of electrical work undertaken: Domestic - Commercial - Industrial - Agricultural - Oil & Gas Inspection & Testing - PAT Testing Supplier/installer of electric vehicle charging points free estimates - all work guaranteed - no job too small - local run business

K&A ANDERSON LONENWELL GARAGE . ALFORD . 019755 62215

LOG SPLITTERS CHAINSAWS SNOW BLOWERS IN STOCK NOW

PREP ARE FOR AUTU MN & WI NTER

MOTs + SERVICING 40 YEARS in BUSINESS LOGS . KINDLING . PEAT BRIQUETTES . ECO LOGS . COAL & CALOR GAS

Ways of Keeping Ourselves Entertained (some more sensible than others) from Philosophy Group's Bob Russell Stuck inside? Fed up of "lockdown" and long winter nights? Try one (or more!) of these sugges�ons to pass the �me...

• Get out those old cookbooks and try something new.

• Take the opportunity to lose weight.

• If you play a musical instrument, serenade your neighbours.

• Search out those old exercise/Pilates/ yoga CDs (or seek out new ones online) • Take up knitting/embroidery etc.

• Write long pen-and-paper letters to friends and loved ones.

• Sort out your old photographs.

• Write a novel.

• Get involved in Family History research.

• Mend that old picture frame (or whatever).

• Take your sketch book into the garden.

• Learn a foreign language.

• Sign up for a free OU course.

• Redecorate the bedroom.

• Grow fruit and veg in pots and tubs.

• Knit baby clothes for all these newborns due in nine months.

• Open the window and observe nature: butterflies, the birds and bees (careful now!). Identify and list.

• Write a letter to a care home resident.

• Make a list of things you’ve been meaning to do for years – do them!

• Try devising your own crossword and other puzzles. Then share them with your neighbours.

• Arrange with someone else to watch a TV film or programme at the same time.

Then have a phone call, email or social media discussion.

• Get out your Christmas Card list and reconnect with people by phone or letter.

• Look through your bookcase. Re-read favourite books and open those you’ve never really spent time with.

• Learn to play the bagpipes – a great way of maintaining Social Distance!

• Learn how to use a computer / tablet / mobile phone / toothbrush!

• Take 3 pieces of fruit, spend 20mins a day, and learn how to juggle in a week (Hint: apples are easier than bananas!)

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Index of Advertisers to help you find who AES Electrical Alpine Tree Care Banchory Business Banchory Podiatry Bancon Homes Corybeg Services EllingtonMennie Fiona Bonner Reiki Flame Boiler Services FoodBank Fountain Dental Highland Glen Spas Hilltrek HM Sheridan Innes Associates John Watson Boilers Julian Barclay K&A Anderson Lava jewellery Legacy Celebrant Monkey Business Myriad Pro Not Just Travel Ronald Hay Speedwell Framing Spinal Health Strachan’s Tax Assist World Horse Welfare Yeadon's Book Shop

24 9 14 13 2 10 6 9 13 10 22 18 21 4 28 18 27 24 18 9 21 16 15 21 18 8/20 19 10 21 4

AD ES RAT

HALF PAGE 140 x 99mm £55 QUARTER PAGE 98 x 66mm £27

FULL BACK PAGE £135 Design adds £15 to any size advert Book four issues up front and save 10% Book four ads up front in two or more mags and save 20% ~ DEADLINES ~ FEB 1 . MAY 1 . AUG 1 . NOV 1 ~ PUBLISHED ~ MAR JUNE SEPT DEC

Y COP ES DAT The

Advertising space is also available in our Aboyne publication, The Fountain, + The BULLetin, for Alford FREE!

Fountain A Community Magazine for Aboyne

YOUR NAME IN PRINT! Hold the front page! Sisters get foot in the door of community business...

26

FULL PAGE 140 x 200mm £108

The

BULLETIN A Community Magazine for Alford

Issue 23 Winter 2020

Get in touch via email to catrionahouston@yahoo.co.uk Call Cat on 013397 55243 or 07805 731401 www.myriadpro.co.uk find us on Facebook

FREE! Issue 20 Winter 2020

Tree Surgery Qualified & Experienced Tree Surgeons covering all aspects of tree surgery, Including stump removal & 24 hour emergency call out

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We will raise your brand profile and grow your business Advertising Marketing PR

Make a wise choice... contact us Innes Associates Aberdeen Ltd, Banchory Business Centre. email: info@charlieinnes.com

www.charlieinnes.com