Alford BULLetin 11 - Autumn 2018

The

BULLETIN

Issue 11, Autumn 2018

FREE!

A Community Magazine for Alford

Inside your Autumn issue:

... News ... Groups ... Features ... Club Directory

The Commercial TARLAND At The Commercial, ‘big chain’ mentality is definitely ‘off ’ the menu. Instead, you will find an intriguing mix of Scottish regional cuisine and modern international classics, all prepared in-house using the best of available regional produce.

The full menu, along with snacks and light meals, is available all day, and a children’s menu is also available, with under-2s eating free.

Warm, friendly service in the newly refurbished restaurant, cosy lounge bar or attractive beer garden ensures The Commercial is one not to be missed.

We are situated just a five-minute drive from the A93 at Aboyne or why not stroll the new ‘Tarland Way’ walk then relax and enjoy a meal or light refreshment?

. Food Served Daily 12 til 9pm . Xmas Menu Now Available – see website or call for details . . Sunday Lunch from £14.95 . Group Bookings and Private Functions Welcome .

013398 81922

01975 571775 07792 830780

• • •

Local family business Oil and biomass boiler servicing and repairs New boilers sold and installed with 5-year warranty

�lameboilerservices@gmail.com

www.�lameboilerservices.co.uk

Want in the BULLetin?

For advertising and editorial, please note the copy deadlines below and use the contacts listed at the bottom of the page BULLetin Copy Dates 2017/18

Winter Spring Summer Autumn

Deadline Nov 9 Mar 1 Jun 7 Aug 23

Publish Nov 26 Mar 22 Jun 21 Sept 13

Contents Youth Cafe Wedding Festival Film Season Fairtrade News Getting Up To Speed DCC Contacts Cllr Contacts Classic Abode Club Directory Advertisers’ Index Ad Rates & Copy Dates

4 6 9 10 12 16 17 22 28 30 31

Welcome to Issue 11 of The BULLetin.

Our cover photo takes a last gasp at summer before heading to autumn. This gorgeous sunflower head (complete with ladybird!) was submitted by Melissa Grieff and was taken in her garden in Kildrummy.

Thank you, Melissa!

This issue we hear all about the work that has gone into opening the new Youth Cafe, and look forward to more events taking place across the area.

I am delighted as always to welcome new advertisers to the BULLetin, and even more excited about the recent adoption of a new title, The Banchory Fly, coming December.

Thank you to all our advertisers and to anyone who contributed copy. If you want your group, organisation, business or event to feature in The BULLetin, get in touch.

Cat Houston Design/Editor

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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Do you have something to share? An upcoming event or achievement? Group or individual, let The BULLetin know what you are up to, using the contacts on p3 and 26

Alford Youth Cafe Opens Doors

Teen social life in Alford has taken an upward turn with the opening of a new Youth Cafe every fortnight.

With backing from Aberdeenshire Council and Youth Scotland, a dedicated team of volunteers has spent eight months putting the pieces together to provide academy age youngsters with an alternative hangout.

The cafe was founded by mother-offive Joanne Bain and a core team of 10 likeminded souls, who all felt that something was missing locally for those young people who perhaps weren’t engaged in sport.

Joanne told The BULLetin: “Having navigated three teenage girls through academy, I was aware that much of the social life in the area was based around house parties, and alcohol. We wanted to show that just because you live rurally doesn’t mean there is nothing for you.”

Tick Tock Play’s cafe on the edge of the village’s main car park is the venue, as the group’s organisers felt it had to be away from the school campus or any church/ established hall to be attractive to young people: “A cafe is cooler. Meeting your friends for a burger on a Friday night is what these kids want to do.”

Joanne added: “We’ve made it about grassroots and brought in board games, a pool table, air hockey. There’s also competitive games and we end with a dance-off. The aim is to provide a

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fun, friendly and safe environment for them to hang out.”

And the recipe seems to be working, with 38 younsters enjoying the opening night and 55 arriving for the second. In time, the group intends to throw some life guidance into the mix: “Every session has a Pit Stop, just five minutes where we gather everyone round. So far it’s been used to introduce the team etc and make the rules, but in future we will use it to tackle the trickier subjects, make them aware they can make choices.” Visits from drug and alcohol counsellors are planned, along with themed nights and karaoke.

Alford Youth Cafe takes place every second Friday at Tick Tock Play from 7.309.30pm. For more details (and to see the menu!) visit their Facebook page or contact Joanne on 07969 797819.

Buannaich Bookkeeping Services Catherine Dow FIAB Bookkeeping Wages VAT Budgets

Computerised Accounts Accounts Preparation Cash Flows Personal Taxation

Arcadia, Aberdeen Rd, Alford AB33 8ED 019755 63880 07760 413303 buannaich@btinternet.com

Can We Borrow Your Wedding Dress?

Trinity Howe Church Guild’s Somersal Shepley says pretty please

Do you still have your wedding dress? We are looking for any wedding memorabilia, shoes, hats, flowers and photos albums. Do you have any of these things that you’d be willing to loan to Howe Trinity Church Guild for the weekend of November 17/18?

The church will be open on Saturday from 10-4pm and on Sunday from 2-4pm for our Wedding Dress Festival. We are also looking for any wedding dresses that have been converted into evening dresses or into christening gowns. Bring your wedding dresses or memorabilia to Howe Trinity Church Hall on Friday 26th October between 1-5pm.

Contact Jean Thomson: 019755 62797, Aileen Low: 019755 62106 or Somersal Shepley: 01975 564060 soon, so we can make space for your contribution.

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Munara Cycle Solutions

elma munro aromatherapy Specialist Treatments Aromatherapy Facials Thai Hand + Foot Massage Aqua Chi Detox . Reiki

services . checks . repairs . new parts problem solving . Bicycle weight reduction punctures . wheel building/repair tuning . rider positioning Buggy/pram tyre repair boxed christmas bikes assembled + checked Munara, Gallowhill, Alford, AB33 8NE 019755 62646 . 07969 963209 nuvolari1953@hotmail.com facebook.com/munaracyclesolutions/

Purpose-built tranquil and calming room just on the edge of Alford Can help boost the immune system helpful with aches and pains, depression, anxiety and much more 01975 562646 elmamunro61@hotmail.co.uk Find me on Facebook: Elma Munro Aromatherapy

Digitised and embroidered logos sewn on Clothing . Bags . Cushions Patchwork quilts . Soft toys . Baby gifts Table cloths . Napkins . Hand-made crafts 07812 192083 alison.buglass@aol.co.uk find me on Facebook

Dee Ross

Holly Wreaths

ABERDEENSHIRE ELECTRICAL SERVICES LTD All aspects of electrical work undertaken

ORDER EARLY FOR XMAS Many colours available Also Nature Wreaths Orders taken for special requests I'll be at the Mart Road Co-op and Graeme Barber butchers throughout December, or you can uplift from my home at Mossat by appointment 07837 659225

– Domestic – Commercial – Industrial – – Agricultural – Oil & Gas – – PAT testing – Inspection & Testing – Free Estimates All work guaranteed No job too small Local friendly family-run business

(M) 07855 678677 (T) 01339 885355 (E) aberdeenshireelectricalsrvs@btinternet.com

Curtain Rises on New Film Season

Tullynessle Hall Film Club have announced the schedule for their next season.

As well as the eclectic list below, they will also be showing four Community Films which will appeal to a more mainstream audience.

Films are shown on Thursday evenings at 7:30pm (doors 7:15pm). Bring your own bottle/refreshments, though tea, coffee and biscuits are available. Admission is £5 at the door.

Further details are available on the website: www.tullynessleandforbeshall. co.uk/filmclub.asp

25/10/18 – Edie 08/11/18 – Victoria 22/11/18 – The Big Clock 06/12/18 – The Man Who Invented Christmas 28/12/18 – Mama Mia! Here We Go Again 10/01/19 – The Death of Stalin 24/01/19 – Ladybird 07/02/19 – Mountain 21/02/19 – A Fantastic Woman 07/03/19 – Maudie 21/03/19 – Get Out

The Man Who Invented Christmas

A Fantastic Woman

Maudie

Christmas Festival set to delight all ages

Alford’s first Christmas Festival takes place on Sunday 25th of November from 1-5pm in the grounds of Grampian Transport Museum.

There will be an ice rink, a visit from the Cairngorm reindeer herd, Thomas rides around the track, kids’ Christmas crafts, wreath-making, Santa’s Grotto, family sleigh photo opportunity, plus food, a gin bar and other beverages. A stage with live music confirmed includes Tolguhon, The Trybe, Leanne Macveigh Dance School presenting Christmas musicals show, the School Choir, Elaine Crighton and more acts to be confirmed.

There will be a parade at 4.45pm to the outside of the Haughton Arms for the village Christmas light switch-on then a family disco in the Haughton Arms Hotel.

The organisers promise a wonderful family day out for young and old. Check their Facebook page “Alford Christmas Lights” for further information in the run-up to the event or email event secretary kerryjhenderson@hotmail.co.uk

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Village Fairtrade Status Renewed Group looks forward to Christmas event

Alford Village Fairtrade Group was delighted to have their application for the renewal of Fairtrade Village status for Alford successfully granted by the Fairtrade Foundation in June.

The group has been working with Howe Trinity Church, St Andrew’s Church and the two schools at Alford Community Campus to raise awareness of Fairtrade in the Alford area.

The next major event for the group is a Christmas Fayre to be held at St Andrew’s Church on Saturday 10th November 2018 from 10 am until 12 noon. As well as a selection of cards, gifts and food stuffs on sale (all Fairtrade of course!), teas and coffees plus home bakes will be served.

Traditional musical entertainment is being planned too.

Please come along and support the group. If you would like to find out more about Fairtrade or if you would like to help the group at events like the Christmas Fayre please contact the secretary, Ann Wilkinson am_wilkinson81@hotmail.com

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Bi-Folding Door Specialists Bespoke Extensions from design concept to completion Architectural Services Front Doors

Please contact us for a quote or to arrange a viewing of our products

01224 959123 | 01975 562541 info@abode-bifoldingdoors.co.uk | www.abode-bifoldingdoors.co.uk

Counselling Services Melissa Grieff MBACP

Zone Face Lift The ultimate ‘non-surgical face lift’ Glowing on the inside and out

Before and after one session

~ Naturally stimulates collagen and elastin from the inside ~ Tightens, plumps, sculpts the neck line ~ Smooths and lifts the face, leaving a glowing complexion ~ Calming and uplifting, with all the benefits of foot Reflexology

Zone Face Lift has had rave reviews in Vogue, Tatler, The Telegraph and more since its launch last year with many calling it a ‘Spiritual Facelift’ - Ziggie Bergman, Creator, Zone Face Lift

T: 07812 565263 www.gillianfrostreflexology.co.uk

Alison Spice Massage Therapies

Are you suffering from lower back; neck, shoulder or knee problems; plantar fasciitis; repetitive strain Injuries or any other aches/pains/injuries?

Call Alison on 07760 883309 or Elegant Beauty in Main Street Alford 019755 63775

Qualified Massage Therapist in Remedial and Sports, Swedish, Indian Head, Workplace Seated Acupressure and People Living with Cancer.

Registered Accredited Counsellor with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy Post-graduate Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Gestalt/Humanistic) Experience in primary care + higher education settings Central Alford location . Disabled access and parking ”I also provide individual supervision for counsellors Please contact me for further details

Find me in the UK Counselling Directory ~ www.counselling-directory.org.uk ~ 01975 571365 melissa.grieff13@btinternet.com

TUTTI FRUTTI

YOGA

Alford . Keig . Lumsden .Lumphanan .Torphins

All classes are “drop-in” Bring yoga into your life, help cultivate a healthier mind and body.

Private one off/block sessions for workplaces/groups also available

Further info from Julie Webb 07861 719143 tuttifruttiyoga@hotmail.com www.facebook.com/tuttifruttiyogaclasses

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.

Aboyne and Dinnet Church Hall | Wednesday 10:00-11:00am 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

We can get you up to speed, says S&B’s Laura Walker

Speed is an unusual fitness component to speak about in terms of older adult fitness.

Speed is used in, and thought to be only relevant to, many sports such as basketball, football and rugby. However, your reaction time is closely related to speed. Reaction time is the ability to perform motor skills as rapidly as possible, essentially the ability to move quickly and is a key skill in daily life.

Reaction time is very important as we age. Such as the ability to place a corrective step to stop us from falling over a paving stone or the ability to move a little faster to catch a bus. With the right exercise this can be successfully achieved.

Your reaction time and speed can be improved, at any age, with exercise, usually exercises such as power lifting and other sports-specific exercises. As an older adult, 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 is your reaction time and ability to quickly control your body weight.

In our Strength and Balance exercise classes in Cults, Mannofield, Aboyne and Banchory we consider exercise for your balance, strengthening and speed of reaction during our programmes all of which improves confidence also.

Speed is a great 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 of your maximum strength or want a more personal exercise programme, our 1-2-1 fitness programmes are unique to you. Give us a call to discuss.

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CHRISTMAS DAY CELEBRATION Tuesday 25th December 2018 12 noon to 8.00 pm (last orders) Greet the spirit of the season with a special, three-course dining experience of traditional dishes served in our stylish brasserie setting.

FEATURING: Festive Arrival Drinks Coffee and Golden Mince Pies to Finish Full menu available upon request £65 per adult | £32.50 for children under 12 Located within Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Craigendarroch Braemar Road, Ballater, AB35 5XA Reservations are required and taken on a first-come, first-served basis.

Book your table while space is available: Search “Ballater” on resdiary.com | +44 (0)13397 55858 | higvc@hgv.com Please mention “BULLETIN” when booking.

Please Note: Cancellations after Monday 26th November 2018 or no-shows will incur full charges. Reservation times cannot be changed upon arrival. © 2018 Hilton Grand Vacations Inc.

OPSUK-AD-13001.2

Sell your home in 5 days*

ALFORD, SILVER BIRCHES

The Aberwood - 2 bedroom terraced home £194,995 - Plot 137 • Two bedroom home • Separate study/nursery • Spacious living room with French doors to private rear garden • Kitchen with integrated Smeg appliances • Downstairs cloakroom • Built-in wardrobe to both bedrooms • Family bathroom with fitted vanity furniture plus mirror, shower and shower screen at bath in family bathroom • Lots of storage throughout Available with†: • Help to Buy*

Showhome open Thursday to Monday 11.00am to 5.30pm 0845 074 3459 silverbirches@stewartmilne.com

* Offers detailed are not combinable and are available on selected homes only. Offers are subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. See website for details, subject to contract and status. Images shown reflect the varying styles and sizes of typical Stewart Milne homes and are intended to illustrate typical styles and finishes only. Elevation treatments and specification may vary from those shown. Please refer to architectural drawings for details. Please ask for details. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY DEBT SECURED ON IT. Terms and conditions apply. Help to Buy (Scotland) is only available on selected homes at selected developments in Scotland up to a value of £200,000. Eligible

The Castlevale - 3 bedroom detached home £249,995 - Plot 74

The Corrywood - 3 bedroom detached home £259,995 - Plot 135

• Spacious living room • Contemporary openplan kitchen/dining room with integrated Smeg appliances • French doors to garden • Laundry zone • Cloakroom on ground floor • En-suite shower room and walk-in wardrobe to master bedroom • Built-in wardrobe to second bedroom • Stylish vanity furniture to both bathroom and en-suite shower room

• Spacious living room with dual aspect windows • Contemporary open-plan kitchen/ dining room with integrated Smeg appliances • French doors to garden • Utility room and cloakroom on ground floor • En-suite shower room and builtin wardrobes to master bedroom • Vanity furniture and mirror to both bathroom and shower room • Built-in wardrobe to second bedroom • Garage with light and power* Available with†: • Sell your home in 5days*

Available with†: • Sell your home in 5days*

SO MUCH MORE INCLUDED AS STANDARD • Spacious large rooms • Your choice of kitchen when you reserve early • Smeg integrated appliances included as standard • Choice of Porcelanosa tiling when you reserve early • Vanity units in bathrooms and ensuite shower rooms included

The Dukeswood - 4 bedroom detached home £279,995 - Plot 73 • Living room with large window • French doors to secure rear garden • Well-appointed stylish kitchen with Smeg appliances including dishwasher, fridge-freezer, multi-function oven and microwave/grill • En-suite shower rooms and built-in wardrobes to both master and guest bedrooms • Utility room and cloakroom on ground floor • Fitted vanity furniture in both bathroom and master en-suite • Integral garage with light and power Available with†: • Sell your home in 5days*

• Built in wardrobes included in master bedroom and guest room • Pavioured driveways as standard • 10 year warranty for peace of mind

Part Exchange* With Part Exchange, we’ll provide an offer for your home within 5 days. Just get in touch, provide us with details of your property and leave the rest to us. No fees. No delay, no fuss.

• Two independent valuations • No fees • Fair market value • Offer within 5 days • No chain or delays • 10 year warranty for your new home

applicants will be offered an equity stake of up to a maximum of 15% of the full market price. The Scottish Government will hold the second charge on the property. Applicants are required to fund at least 85% of the purchase price by means of a mortgage and any deposit where required. There is no fee charged on the equity stake component. The equity stake is provided by the Homes and Communities Agency and developer as a second charge. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up your repayments on your mortgage. Help to Buy is not available for part-exchange or buy-to-let. The Scottish Government will start processing Help to Buy applications as of 1/3/16. Prices correct at time of going to press

Donside Community Council

When do we meet? Every 2nd Tuesday of the Month (except July and December) What Time? 7.30pm – 9.30pm: tea/coffee from 7.15pm Where? Alford Community Campus

Your Elected Representatives:

Chair: Nicola Sedgwick Vice Chair Bruce Scott Secretary/ Treasurer Margaret Henderson Alford Bill Reid Dorothy Anderson Margaret Henderson

Andy Travis

Bruce Scott Vacant Vacant Vacant Lumsden/Kildrummy Sue Cross Tanya Reynolds Glenkindie/Towie Anne Miller Vacant Tullynessle & Forbes/ Vacant Montgarrie Vacant Keig Yvonne Buckingham Vacant Cushnie/Craigievar/ Vacant Muir of Fowlis Vacant Tough Nicola Sedgwick Vacant Strathdon/Corgarff/ Paul Toohey Glenbuchat Vacant Vacant

If you wish to contact one of the representatives please do so via the email addresses below and it will be forwarded: chair@ donsidecommunitycouncil. org.uk or secretary@ donsidecommunitycouncil. org.uk

Anyone interested in what we do is warmly welcome to come along to any of our meetings

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Donside Community Council held its AGM in June and there were quite a few changes due to a number of our representatives “retiring”.

We said a fond farewell to Ian Law (Tullynessle), Johnny Alexander (Glenkindie) and George Marshall (Lumsden) who between them notched up over 100 years on the Community Council.

We presented them with wooden bowls as a token of our appreciation and flowers for their good lady wives. Ed Mathers, who retired at the end of last year, also came along to say farewell too. We are looking for new members to join us – please come along to one of our meetings to see what goes on.

Many thanks to everyone involved in the tubs and hanging baskets in Alford. The tubs and baskets were filled by a group of local gardeners and includ Liz and Ian Law, Ellie, James and Ben Lumsden, Betty Alexander, Betty Moir, June Graham, Dorothy and Harry Anderson, George Mitchell and Terry Wright. Since the tubs and baskets were installed in their respective places the Lumsden family have watered them every second evening and made sure that they have flourished despite the heat wave. Thanks also to Nicoll Robb for looking after Jeremy Eric the Bull who is looking great and makes a fantastic statement as you come into Alford on the Aberdeen Road. Nicoll has studiously looked after Jeremy Eric for many years – Nicoll’s dedication is much appreciated.

The Howe of Alford Community Action Plan was launched in September at Alford Heritage Centre and Museum. The six main themes in the Plan are: 1 - Alford Community Campus; 2 - Transport, Recreation and Leisure; 3 - Community Health, Well-being and Social Care; 4 - Sports and Recreation Facilities; 5 - Alford Village Amenities; 6 - Housing, Domestic Services and Telecommunications. Thanks to everyone who attended – we hope that projects will be taken forward by stakeholders identified in the Plan. We would like to thank everyone on the Steering Group for their continued support and also Roisin Daly, Marr Area Partnership for all her help too. If you would like a copy of the Plan or more information please contact: chair@donsidecommunitycouncil.org.uk or roisin@ marrareapartnership.org.uk or check the Marr Area Partnership website. Copies of the Plan are also available from the Library at Alford Community Campus.

All aspects of roofing – from a minor repair to a new roof

Flat roofs (single ply + felt) . Tiles . Slates PVC Fascias + Soffits Guttering . Maintenance . Inspections registered installers

07773 772829 or 07917 161296 enquiries@alfordroofingcompany.co.uk www.alfordroofingcompany.co.uk

Councillors' Contacts

These are your Ward 14 councillors

Cllr Moira Ingleby

07770 410539 cllr.m.ingleby@ aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Cllr John Latham

07876 475038 cllr.j.latham@ aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Cllr Gwyneth Petrie

07891 296064 cllr.g.petrie@ aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Cllr Robbie Withey

07388 956147 cllr.r.withey@ aberdeenshire.gov.uk

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This is your MP and MSP

FLORIST +MOSSAT PLANT NURSERY DEE ROSS

Scottish Parliament Alexander Burnett MSP 0131 348 5642 Alexander.Burnett.msp @parliament.scot

Floral Tribute Specialist Traditional & Personalised Designs ~ Made To Order ~ 07837 659225 01975 571354 (evenings)

Craiglogie Cottage . Mossat

Westminster

Andrew Bowie MP 0207 219 2791 andrew.bowie.mp @parliament.uk

K&A ANDERSON LONENWELL GARAGE . ALFORD . 019755 62215

LOG SPLITTERS CHAINSAWS SNOW BLOWERS IN STOCK NOW

PREP ARE FOR AUT & WI UMN NTER

LOGS . KINDLING . PEAT BRIQUETTES . ECO LOGS . COAL & CALOR GAS

Producers’ Market Date

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Tullynessle and Forbes Hall will be holding a Producers’ Market in the Hall on Saturday October 27th, 10am-1pm.

There will be over 30 stalls selling a huge range of local produce including meat, fish, eggs, pies, smoked salmon, cheeses, cakes, vegetables and honey.

A wide variety of local crafters will also be selling their wares alongside plants and treats for your dog too.

Teas, coffees and homebakes will be on sale and there will be a raffle. Free entry.

Alford Day Nursery has spaces available for children aged between 0 and 5 years We have a 0-3 room and a 2-5 room Free funded places

If you would like your child to join us, please get in touch Give Claire a call on 019755 62360 or drop an email to alforddaynursery025@gmail.com

The BULLetin LOVES Business! ...and offers a warm welcome to all our new advertisers this issue, a selection of which are featured here >>> The very best of luck to all new businesses starting up.

Have you started a new business in the Alford area?

Want an ad?

See p3 and p27 for more details.

Got a story to tell?

Get in touch: catrionahouston@ yahoo.co.uk

CRAIGIEVAR GARDENERS The perfect place for your pet.

Heading away on holiday? Your cat will be comfortable and cared for at the brand new, purpose built Cattery in the heart of Glenbuchat.

Rest assured, your’re in safe hands.

www.catzcattery.com

Garden design Garden maintenance Landscaping David 07759 977387 019755 81278 Wendy 07831 440848 019756 41778 wendysimpson@hotmail.co.uk

Supplier of quality softwood, hardwood and kiln dried firewood logs to Aberdeenshire and city 07979 494190 alfordfirewood@gmail.com facebook.com/alfordfirewood

Fallen Leaf Compost

with Classic Abode’s Moira Gash After a beautiful summer it is nice to see all the wonderful shades of autumn all around us. How-ever at some point soon, once the winds start to blow these colourful leaves will begin their downward decent to lay across many a garden lawn, path or walkway.

Rather than see them as a nuisance to be tidied up and swept away, did you know that fallen leaves make wonderful free compost. Consider collecting and storing until they turn into a rich compost mixture, which you can then reuse the following year to enrich and feed your garden beds. Composted leaves contain leafmold, which has high amounts of calcium and magnesium, both important to healthy plant growth.

Leafmold also retains moisture that when added to garden soil, helps young

plants stay hydrated.

Leaves usually take 6 to 12 months to break down into compost on their own and can be stored in black sacks or into compost piles or bins.

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For all your Garden & Landscaping Projects & Maintenance

www.classicabode.co.uk

. Members of The Gardeners Guild . Bradstone Assured Contractor . Trades Advisor Awards Winner . . Free Estimates . Friendly & Professional Service .

Moira: 013398 82496

Aboyne CamperVans Camper Van Conversions Full and Partial Conversions Undertaken Lightweight Furniture / In-House Design & Manufacture Rock & Roll Beds / Elevating Roofs / Privacy Windows 12V Charging Systems / LED Lighting / Fridges / Hobs

www.aboynecampervans.co.uk info@aboynecampervans.co.uk

Club Directory

This directory is compiled using the Alford Community website’s listings at www.alfordcommunity.co.uk Thank you!

If you know or discover any of the details to be incorrect, or if you wish to add your club’s details to it, please get in touch: catrionahouston@yahoo.co.uk

Alford & District Rotary Club Alford Community Campus, Almost every Tuesday, 7pm for 7.15pm David Dawson (Sec), 019755 63352 dawsons3@btinternet.com Tullynessle & Forbes SWI Tullynessle & Forbes Hall Shiela Taylor, 019755 62798 email: staylor019@btinternet.com First Tuesday of the month 7.30pm Vale of Alford Young Farmers David Marshall, 019755 71330 Tuesdays 7.30pm

Alford Men’s Shed John McMillan, 019755 62885 john-millbrech@hotmail.co.uk

Alford Fairtrade Ann Wilkinson, 019755 62382 am_wilkinson81@hotmail.com

Howe Trinity Craft Group Aileen Low, 019755 62106 33aileen@gmail.com

Alford Local History Group Community Room, Community Campus Liz Law, 019755 62803; Ian.chapelmoss@btopenworld.com First Wednesday of every month during winter months, 7.30pm

Alford Bridge Club Alford Golf Clubhouse Walter Michie, 019755 62692 Wednesdays 6.50pm October to April Donside Camera Club Alford Public Hall, Kingsford Road, Alford John Fowler, 01224 742278 jdfowler@sky.com

Alford Genealogy Group Library, Alford Community Campus Val Lyons, 019755 62003 valerie.lyons25@btinternet.com Last Saturday of month 10.30am-12 noon

Alford & District Garden Club Community Room, Community Campus, every third Tuesday Morag Watson, 019755 62538 moraglwatson@icloud.com

Scottish Country Dancing Group Howe Trinity Parish Church Hall 110 Main Street, Alford Mrs Alice Kemp, 019755 63459 Wednesday, 8pm – 10pm

Cushnie Handbell Ringers Cushnie Church, Mondays , 1.30pm-3pm Mrs Mary Penny, 01339 883271

Alford Badminton Club Alford Community Campus Games Hall George Matthew, 019755 62600 Mon + Thurs 7.30pm-10.30pm

Alford SWI Alford Upper Public Hall, Kingsford Road Mrs Anne Stallard, 019755 63859 Second Thursday of the month, 7.30pm

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Walking Football Club Alford Community Campus Games Hall Thurs 7-8pm. Sandy Robertson 019755 64221 or a.n.robertson@talktalk.net

Keig Badminton Club Keig School hall Friday (term time) 8-10pm. Roger Buckingham, 019755 64322 Alford Tai Chi Alford Community Community Campus, Community Room, Fortnightly on Sundays 11.30-1pm. 019755 63651 Yoga Alford Community Community Campus, Community Room, Fridays 9-10am; Keig Community Hall, Thursdays 7:45 to 8:45pm; Lumsden Hall Wednesdays 7:30 to 8:30pm. Julie Webb, 07861 719143, tuttifruttiyoga@ hotmail.com Sooyang Do Howe Trinity Church Hall, Tuesday: juniors 6-7pm, Adults 7-8pm.

Friday: Mixed class juniors/adults 6-7pm.

Connor Roberts, 07934434413, Conor_ roberts@ymail.com Alford Tennis Club Jean Peat, 019755 62947 jeanpeat@onetel.com Alford Table Tennis Club Mondays, 8pm, Alford Community Centre Johnallan468@icloud. com

Index of Advertisers to help you find who Abs Electrical Abode Bifolds Aboyne Camper Vans Alford Day Nursery Alford Firewood Alison Spice Ally B’s Embroidery Buannaich Catz Cattery Classic Abode Commercial Hotel Craigievar Gdns Hilton Ballater Dee Ross Florist Dee Ross Wreaths Deeside VOS

Y COP ES DAT

8 10 23 20 21 11 6 5 21 22 2 21 13 19 8 23

Deadline Publication

Winter Nov 9 Spring Mar 1 Summer Jun 7 Autumn Sept 13

Nov 26 Mar 22 Jun 21 Oct 4

Next Issue: 26

Esp Bookkeeping Everlong Art Flame Boiler Services Gillian Frost K&A Anderson Kirkwood Homes Melissa Grieff Munara Cycle Ronald Hay Spotlessly Chic Stewart Milne Strength & Balance Tick Tock Play Transform Foot Hlth Tutti Frutti Yoga Wee Soup + Sandwich

Coming November 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

18 7 2 11 19 28 11 6 5 8 14 12 5 25 11 21

FULL PAGE 140 x 200mm £100

AD RATE S

your name in print!

The BULLetin represents a unique opportunity for you to promote your business to a targetted area at reasonable cost. Ad rates start at £25 for a quarter page.

1,500 copies are distributed through the doors of residences in the village, around many prominent spots in the local community and within businesses willing to stock it. Geographically it covers Alford and the surrounding areas. And... it’s free!

Additional exposure will be given to advertisers and supporters through our Facebook page. If you would like to advertise your business/venture in The BULLetin, get in touch.

Advertising space is also available in our Aboyne publication, The Fountain, and The Banchory Fly, at the same rates

HALF PAGE 140 x 99mm £50

QUARTER PAGE 98 x 66mm £25

Design adds £15 to any size advert Book four issues (one year) up front and save 10% Book the same in Aboyne/ Banchory titles and save 20%

What could be better than a new home? Living free for a year, too.

TYPICAL KITCHEN / FAMILY AREA

Kingsford Rise, Alford FIXED PRICE £209,995

LIVE FOR FREE for the next year when you move in to your new Kirkwood detached family home. Large open plan kitchen /dining area, separate lounge, generous bedrooms – built-in wardrobes with the master bedroom benefiting from an en-suite. Plot specific – ask for details.

Our LIVE FOR FREE offer pays all your living costs for an entire year. Mortgage, council tax, utilities, broadband, satellite, insurance, TV Licence, factoring fees. Even groceries.

All free. A massive offer worth up to £19,500.

OFFER

Email: kingsfordrise@kirkwood-homes.com Call Diane on 07702 909055 or 01975 564141 www.kirkwoodhomes.co.uk

bringing quality to life