Alford BULLetin 12 (Winter 2018)

Issue 12, Winter 2018

FREE!

The

BULLETIN

A Community Magazine for Alford

Inside your Winter issue:

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

................... Celebrate the Christmas Season at ...................

The Commercial TARLAND Our festive menu is available from 11th-24th Dec, so whether you’re entertaining friends, getting together with family or colleagues, or simply need to take time out from the seasonal stresses, join us at The Cromar Restaurant & Lounge and enjoy our seasonal menu for just:

3 courses & coffee £25.95 | 2 courses & coffee £19.95 Party bookings catered for throughout December 23rd Dec – Xmas party night in the bar with Rosco Boxing Day Family Quiz Night 7.30pm Hogmanay – Bars open til 2am – Karaoke and Live Vocals

See our menu on Facebook or at www.thecommercial-hotel.co.uk

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 BULLe�n?

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 . JUNE 1 . AUG 1 . NOV 1 PUBLISHED MAR JULY SEPT DEC

Contents Winter Wardens Wednesday Walkers DCC Contacts Cllr Contacts Flu Informa�on Club Directory Adver�sers’ Index Ad Rates & Copy Dates

4 7 8 9 10 12 14 14

Welcome to Issue 12 of The BULLe�n.

There are lots of exci�ng things happening across the area and where they don’t occur or become publicised at �mes in line with the BULLe�n deadlines I am happy to share them on Facebook in between.

By the �me you read this, Alford will have had its first Winter Fes�val, complete with ska�ng rink and reindeer. I hope you had a ball and well done to all involved in ge�ng this event off the ground.

It’s a slim volume I have to present to you this quarter! In confident spirit, I’m pu�ng this down to seasonal affec�ve disorder, and hoping things will pick up again in the spring...

I can only make The BULLe�n a community magazine worth having if enough people/businesses invest in adver�sing and also, just as importantly, in providing local informa�on to put in it.

Talking of investment, prices for ads are rising in the new year, a�er remaining sta�c for three years (yup, it’s been that long!) I’ve also streamlined the deadlines for all my publica�ons to make them easier to remember – see above.

Thank you to all our adver�sers and to anyone who contributed copy. If you want your group, organisa�on, business or event to feature in The BULLe�n, 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 14.

Snow Wardens Wanted...

Aberdeenshire Council has introduced the Volunteer Snow Warden Scheme to support members of the community who wish to offer their spare �me to manually clear snow from public footways and footpaths, following last year’s ice problems.

The scheme runs from approximately November 1 to March 31.

Aberdeenshire Council’s Head of Roads, Philip McKay, said: “It seems fairly obvious to point out the sheer physical size of our area, perhaps not so much the substan�al areas of road and pavement surfaces which stretch to about 3,370 miles in length. Despite their experience and dedica�on our teams cannot keep all surfaces clear at all �mes when snow is falling with the resources available.

“Many people will remember a �me when ge�ng involved in local snow clearing wasn’t that rare an occurrence” Informa�on and training packs have been produced for communi�es and individuals interested in ge�ng involved, and the council will supply protec�ve and snow clearing equipment. Volunteers would operate independently of council teams, targe�ng public footways and paths only.

There are no legal issues preven�ng members of the public clearing snow from public footways. Legal guidance clarifies responsibility if someone falls on a path or pavement cleared by volunteers – if it’s done in line with guidance, the responsibility lies with the pedestrian.

Any snow clearing from public and

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private carriageways and private footpaths would be at the volunteers’ own risk.

Basic training will have to be undertaken by all volunteers before they can par�cipate in the scheme, including how to avoid injury and best prac�ce for snow clearing. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer snow warden or in se�ng up a scheme in your local community, contact marr.roads@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

ALFORD CHRISTMAS

CRAFT FAYRE SATURDAY DECEMBER 1ST ALFORD PUBLIC HALL 10am til 4pm BEAUTIFUL HAND-CRAFTED GIFTS Crystal Engraving | Wood Turning Jewellery | Knitwear & Crochet Leather Work | Candles | Quilts Cards + much, much more HOLLY WREATHS by Dee Coffee | Tea | Home Bakes

ABERDEENSHIRE ELECTRICAL SERVICES LTD All aspects of electrical work undertaken

Dee Ross

Holly Wreaths ORDER EARLY FOR XMAS

– 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

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

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

Counselling Services Melissa Grieff MBACP 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

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.

TUTTI FRUTTI

YOGA

Alford . Keig . Lumsden .Lumphanan .Torphins

All classes are “drop-in” Don’t hibernate! keep mind & body healthy, come along to class!

Thank you for coming along in 2018. I look forward to continuing the journey with my ‘regulars’ and welcome new starts any time Wishing you all happiness in 2019

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

Wednesday Walkers Help required for health group

The dedicated walk leader from health walk group ‘Alford Wednesday Walkers’ has been leading the walks successfully on her own for a number of years and is now looking for someone to lend her a hand.

The walk takes place every Wednesday at 11.30am, mee�ng at the car park across from the Golf Club. The walk lasts around one hour, based around the town of Alford, with an op�onal social lunch a�erwards at the Golf Club. Becoming a volunteer walk leader with us would require you to commit a couple of hours of your �me each Wednesday and to some�mes complete a small amount of prepara�on and paperwork for the walk.

You would also have to a�end a one day ‘Paths for All’ walk leader training course, if they have not done so already. Walk leader training courses are free, organised locally and equip a�endees with all the skills necessary to be able to lead a health walk.

This opportunity would best suit someone who is a ‘people person’ and has a passion for helping others improve their health. The social aspect of walking is really important to this long established group, who have been running for nine years – so they would need to be friendly, adaptable and pa�ent.

For more informa�on or to enquire about this opportunity, please contact Kirsty Muirden, Health Walk Co-ordinator via email at kirsty.muirden@nhs.net, or phone 07973 945467 or message the ‘Aberdeenshire Health Walks’ Facebook page.

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FLORIST +MOSSAT PLANT NURSERY DEE ROSS

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

Craiglogie Cottage . Mossat

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 Representa�ves:

Chair: Vice Chair Secretary/ Treasurer Alford

Nicola Sedgwick Bruce Sco� Margaret Henderson Bill Reid Dorothy Anderson Margaret Henderson Andy Travis Bruce Sco� 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

This is your MP and MSP S������� P��������� Alexander Burne� MSP 0131 348 5642 Alexander.Burne�.msp @parliament.scot

W����������

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

Councillors' Contacts

These are your Ward 14 councillors

Cllr Moira Ingleby

Cllr Gwyneth Petrie

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

Cllr John Latham

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

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

Cllr Robbie Withey

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

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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

Get Your Flu Jab Flu Vaccines are s�ll available at Alford Clinic (Children’s Flu is only available un�l the end of December 18).

It is very important that you protect yourself with a ‘flu vaccine, even if you feel hale and hearty, and the surgery asks that you make an appointment to have this done if applicable.

It is equally important to let us know if you do not wish to have a ‘flu vaccina�on and we would be grateful if you inform Recep�on on (019755) 62253 so that we can record this in your notes.

Keep an eye on the Prac�ce’s Facebook page, website www.alfordmedicalprac�ce. co.uk and posters in the surgery for up to date informa�on about upcoming clinics and eligibilty criteria.

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The BULLe�n LOVES Business! ...and offers a warm welcome to all our new adver�sers this issue, a selec�on 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 p14 for more details.

Got a story to tell?

Get in touch: catrionahouston@ yahoo.co.uk

CRAIGIEVAR GARDENERS All types of electrical installation work Inspection and testing (inc PAT + EICR) Fault-finding and problem rectification Signal cabling TV | satellite | audio| telecomms networking| alarms Covering the Strathdon area and well beyond . No job too small .

07535 312759

contact@planaelectrical.com www.planaelectrical.com

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

MP ACCOUNTS AND BOOKKEEPING SERVICES

PROVIDING PROFESSIONAL BOOKKEEPING AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES

 Data Entry  Accounts Payable & Receivable  Bank and Credit Card Reconciliation  Payroll & PAYE  VAT returns and submissions  Electronic Filing  Financial reporting  Annual accounts  Profit and Loss  CIS returns  Monthly / Yearly Reconciliation  Software set up and training For more information please contact Magda on: Mobile: 07912788495 or Email: magda.pierce@gmail.com www.mpaccountsandbookkeepingservices.co.uk

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

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@b�nternet.com Tullynessle & Forbes SWI Tullynessle & Forbes Hall Shiela Taylor, 019755 62798 email: staylor019@b�nternet.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 Cra� 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@b�nternet.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

Sco�sh 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 Ma�hew, 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 �me) 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, tu�fru�yoga@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 Alford Firewood Alford Roofing Alison Spice Buannaich Christmas Craft Fair Commercial Hotel Craigievar Gdns Dee Ross Florist Dee Ross Wreaths Esp Bookkeeping

Y COP ES DAT

5 11 15 6 5 4 2 11 7 5 10

Flame Boiler Services Gillian Frost K&A Anderson Kirkwood Homes Melissa Grieff MP Accounts Plan A Electrical Ronald Hay Strength & Balance Transform Foot Hlth Tutti Frutti Yoga

2 6 15 16 6 11 11 5 9 13 6

DEADLINES . FEB 1 . JUNE 1 . AUG 1 . NOV 1 PUBLISHED MAR JULY SEPT DEC

The Banchory Fly Issue 1

AD ES RAT

FULL PAGE 140 x 200mm £108

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

FULL BACK PAGE £135

Advertising space is also available in our Banchory publication, The Fly, and The Fountain, covering Aboyne

14

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%

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

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

K&A ANDERSON LONENWELL GARAGE . ALFORD . 019755 62215

LOG SPLITTERS CHAINSAWS SNOW BLOWERS IN STOCK NOW

PREP ARE FOR AUTU & WI MN NTER

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

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