The Alford BULLetin 14 (Summer 2019)

The

BULLETIN

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Issue 14, Summer 2019

A Community Magazine for Alford

Time to play!

... 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 | Sunday Lunch | Takeaway Menu Group Bookings and Private Functions Welcome | Pet/Family Friendly

013398 81922

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

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

Contents

Welcome to Issue 14 of The BULLetin.

Always lots going on this time of year so lots to report...

Main Street has received a bit of a boost recently with the opening of not one but two new businesses. The playpark has also had more than a spruce (see cover photo).

Dance teacher Leanne Mackay is rightly excited about her plans to open a new studio in the village.

And there’s two fabulous events to look forward to in September: The Mini Bull Run and The KT Bike Run, alongside the Alford Community Fair.

There are lots of exciting things happening across the area and, where they don’t occur or become publicised at times in line with the BULLetin deadlines, I am happy to share them on Facebook in between. Just send it in.

Thank you to all our advertisers and to anyone who contributed copy about their group, organisation or event.

You can find all the details and ad prices inside the back page.

Remember that community information is FREE to include, so if you have any news, tell me about it.

News 4> K&A Celebrate 6 Future Events 8 Tullynessle Admired 11 DCC Contacts 14 Cllr Contacts 15 Dance Academy Expands 18 Artist Eyes NEOS 24 Club Directory 28 Advertisers’ Index 30 Ad Rates & Copy Dates 30 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 30.

High Time on Main St New businesses on the up!

Main Street in Alford is in better shape this summer thanks to the opening of a few new businesses. Chloe’s Kitchen Creations, run by young entrepreneur Chloe Dawson (left) who turned 18 within a few weeks of opening, is situated behind the old bank building, itself soon to be occupied by a Turkish barber. MacDonalds of Alford also opened in early May and is a deli which offers shelves to rent for other food producers in the area. We’ll have more on Chloe’s achievement in the Autumn issue.

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ABERDEENSHIRE ELECTRICAL SERVICES LTD All aspects of electrical work undertaken

TUTTI FRUTTI

YOGA

Alford . Keig . Lumsden .Aboyne .Torphins

– Domestic – Commercial – Industrial – – Agricultural – New Installations – – Rewiring – Inspection & Testing – Official Installer of ROLEC Electric Vehicle Charging Points

Help your body find suppleness, and strength.... let your mind find healthy balance and space as the seasons change and summer approaches...

All public classes are drop-in :) New starts welcome any time Come along and try my yoga! ** NEW ABOYNE CLASS FROM

All work guaranteed | No job too small Free Estimates | Local friendly family-run business

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

28 MAY **

Feel free to get in touch with any questions

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

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

Forty Years in the Motor Trade for K&A Family business grew from small beginnings

40 years ago this year Kenny and Anne took the leap from working for Anne’s father at Haughton Garage to owning Lonenwell. They started out with an A4 pad of paper, pen, a couple of sale cars and the trusty toolbox. Both worked all the hours they could while raising a family and taking in the social side of the fantastic village of Alford.

They built upon the foundations that were there and added bit by bit for it to become how it is known today: heavily involved in the motor trade, fixing all types of vehicles and carrying out MOTs, proudly serving Shell fuel (even winning a national award for service), and building a garden machinery department.

There have been many great moments and a few teary ones too over the years. Anne and Stuart would at this time like to thank all the members of staff over the years and the community they serve.

Thank you for all your custom.

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K&A ANDERSON LONENWELL GARAGE . ALFORD . 019755 62215

ANY MAKE SUPPLIED: HONDA . ALKO CASTEL GARDEN LAWN KING

We h a range ve a wide of mo wers and mowe ride-on rs in Part- stock e After x + -sale s

STRIMMERS . CHAINSAWS . LOG SPLITTERS . ROTOVATORS . SCARIFIERS *** To celebrate 40 years at Lonenwell – lots of offers and deals to keep your eyes peeled for ***

New 10K event is all about... orange?

GTM is hosting a 10K running race in July with high hopes of developing a festival of running with heats on the 400m track for youngsters to start the day off and hopefully spark a future interest.

The event is to be fully permitted with Scottish Athletics, chip timed and accurately measured so that PBs (Personal Bests) can be recorded and to attract some fast runners.

The GTM 10K aims to be a well-produced quality event with good hospitality for the runners, full support personnel including medical cover, a quality entrants t-shirt and a unique finishers medal.

As the event is all about health and well being the theme is orange and GTM will be giving away oranges from their OUTSPAN Orange Advertising Vehicle from the 1970s. This eccentric vehicle will also feature in starting and finishing the main race and will be used as a backdrop for the presentations.

All the details for entering are on the Entry Central website https:// www.entrycentral.com/ event/109975 so get that entry in and start training!

Fiona Davie Photography

Can you outrun the Bull? asks Gillie Young The Bull is back again with Alford’s Mini Bull Run, for kids aged 4 to 12. Held in the beautiful flower meadow of Haughton Park, this fun-run event helps to raise funds for Alford Primary Parent Council.

Come along for a fun-filled morning on Saturday 28th September, and get involved in the several races being held for different age groups: • Age 5 and 6 – 600m • Age 7, 8 and 9 – 900m • Age 10, 11 and 12 – 1,200m For 2019 the organisers have also added a toddler and parent fun run of 300m!

Entry fee is £5 (parents don’t pay!),

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and this includes a goodie bag and a handmade medal for all kids who take part (sorry parents!). Registration is pre-event only via entrycentral.com.

For more information including race timings and registration details search for ‘Alford Mini Bull Run’ on Entrycentral. com. Search for the event on Facebook too for regular updates! We look forward to seeing you all there, and the Bull is ready and waiting for you!

The event is organised by Alford Mini Bull Run Committee and kindly sponsored by many local businesses, including NS Wilson Pharmacy of Alford.

On Yer Bike for the KT Run! says Clive Marsden The Alford Community Fair and KT Bike Run is on Saturday 14th September at the Grampian Transport Museum.

This community event is organised by Alford and District Rotary and helpers from the village, and will be raising money for ARCHIE, End Polio Now, ACTS and Friends of Haughton Park.

All local clubs, associations and groups in and around Alford are invited to be part of the Community Gazebo Village – showing what their club does and connecting with folk.

Support your local club, come and see what else is going on! The Craft Marquee will have stalls selling local crafts. The Gazebo Village is an opportunity for local clubs, groups and associations to have a gazebo to entertain and show what they have to offer. There will be the famous Graeme Barber burgers at the BBQ as well the legendary teas and cakes provided by ACTS. The Bike Run has two routes – a 13mile and a 29-mile as well as a ‘Kiddies Run’ in the Transport Museum Arena. The 13-mile run is out to Muir of Fowlis, Tough and back, which is ideal for family groups and those who want to help the charities as it’s less taxing. The 29-mile run goes up to Towie and back via Tough and is more challenging – this could be the last year we use this route. Registration is online and on the day, starts at 9am.

All the information on the Alford Community Fair and the Bike Run and the Gazebo Village is on the website, www. ktbikerun.org.uk

CRAIGIEVAR GARDENERS 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

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.

Shared Lives can offer people the chance to contribute to real friendships and become active, and valued citizens with a sense of belonging and confidence in themselves.

We match people over 16 years of age with a disability, mental health issue or dementia with someone who shares the same interests. The support is unique in that it is based in and around the Shared Lives carer’s home and community, sharing hobbies and interests together. This partnership is flexible and can range from a few hours during the day or evenings, at weekends or weekdays, to short breaks and longer placements.

The Shared Lives scheme can offer support to older people from the Marr area where we have been granted new funding from Shared Lives plus via the Prince of Wales Charitable Foundation. We hope to make connections with already established services, groups and voluntary agencies to provide this service to older people who feel isolated and want support to live life to their full potential. This support can be day activities and short breaks, and access to the service is through a referral from the person’s care manager.

Shared Lives is currently recruiting carers in all areas of Aberdeenshire and the Marr area for our new funding. The Shared Lives carers are trained and supported by Aberdeenshire Council. The carers are self-employed, and they can work flexible hours to fit in with their lives and family. If you could offer a person with a disability or an older person a few hours respite or more or if you want more information about accessing the service contact the Shared Lives team. Tel: 07824 837791 email: sharedlives@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, www.aberdeenshire.gov/sharedlives

Village hall envied from miles around Tullynessle has a lot to offer, writes Edna Harris

Tullynessle and Forbes Hall is situated on Suie Road near Montgarrie.

This spacious hall is certainly the envy of other Aberdeenshire village halls, with its magnificent view over the beautiful Donside countryside from the huge south-facing picture windows, making it an ideal venue for a country wedding or a special celebration party and the cost won’t break the bank. It is also available to hire for parties, funeral teas, community group meetings and fundraising events.

In addition to the main hall there is a smaller meeting room that can be booked separately and a fully equipped kitchen.

There’s a lot happening in the hall: a variety of regular fitness classes, SWI meetings, community and local authority meetings. Blood Transfusion Sessions are held there and the hall is also used as a Polling Station at election times. The Hall is the venue for the Tullynessle and Forbes Film Club, NEAT and Fleeman Productions.

The next Fleeman Production, “Far Seagulls Dare”, is on June 29th.

A committee of 13 local volunteers looks after the day-to-day running, upkeep and finances of the Hall. A recent improvement added acoustic panels and a project is under way to permanently install the audio-visual (film presentation) equipment, link it to the hearing loop and create a fully integrated presentation/PA system.

In order to raise money and to foster a community spirit, the committee members organise a very popular Producers’ Market twice a year with over 30 stallholders. The next Market is on Saturday June 29th 10am until 1pm. The Hogmanay Ceilidh, as well as being a good fundraiser, is a fantastic family night out. Jiggery Pokery will be

playing at the 2019 Ceilidh. A Tullynessle and Forbes Calendar is also produced each year with stunning photos of local places, animals and folks. Good quality photos are always needed. Please get in touch if you can help.

The Committee is presently setting up a 100 Club to raise funds and if you are shopping in Inverurie Tesco til the end of June please pop your blue token into the Tullynessle and Forbes Hall box at the exit.

The Hall belongs to everyone in the local community. Please make use of it!

The Hall has a website and a Facebook page. www.tullynessleandforbes.co.uk Tel: 07979 238115

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Foodbank here to help

Today in South Aberdeenshire there are people struggling to put food on the table. For those on low income, a sudden crisis – redundancy, benefit delay or even an unexpected bill – can mean the family going hungry.

If you suddenly find yourself with no money to buy food, the Foodbank can help you with three days’ worth of food supplies and toiletries. To receive this free assistance, you should ask for a voucher from a frontline agency, such as Citizen’s Advice, Council Housing and Social Work, HomeStart, or contact the Foodbank for advice on your nearest voucher holder.

Aberdeenshire South Foodbank is based in Banchory and covers the area from Braemar and Strathdon to the coastal towns of the Mearns. Food parcels can be collected from the store on Mount Street, just off the High Street in Banchory, which is open on Wednesdays and Fridays 1-3pm, or from our distribution points in Aboyne, Stonehaven and Inverbervie.

Sometimes we can arrange for parcels to be delivered.

The Foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust UK-wide network of foodbanks and is run entirely by volunteers from

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across the community using the generous donations from a wide variety of sources.

At the moment our volunteer numbers and stock levels are enough to run the operation, but please do check with us if you wish to contribute in any way.

In the year to March 2019 Aberdeenshire South Foodbank provided three-day emergency food parcels to 878 people, including 345 children, across our area.

This was a 14% increase on the previous year. The clients covered a range of ages, and were single, couples or families. Some were struggling with changes to benefits, but many others had a crisis of low income.

The Foodbank operates in total confidentiality, always seeking to restore dignity and revive hope for those in crisis.

For more information, contact us on info@aberdeenshiresouth.foodbank.org. uk, or phone 07926 969408, website: www.aberdeenshiresouth.foodbank.org. uk

STRENGTH & BALANCE # Seated exercise class # Aboyne-Dinnet Church # Wednesday 10:00-11:00am # Every week # First class is free 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 Can’t come to class?

Visit our website www.Strength-and-Balance.co.uk for our online programme Join us on Facebook/SandBAberdeen

ERIC PROCTOR GROUNDWORKS With over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry, we pride ourselves on the quality of workmanship that we can provide to our customers on a residential or commercial basis

. Agricultural Buildings + Repairs . . Bricklaying . Concrete Work . Drainage . . Foundation Reinforced + Bolt Sets . . Driveways . Patios .

Eric Proctor t/a E-S Proctor | Craigshannoch | Alford | AB33 8EE 07711 507717 | eric.proctor17@gmail.com

Donside Community Council Your Elected Representatives:

Chair: Nicola Sedgwick Vice Chair Bruce Scott When do we meet?

Secretary/ Treasurer Margaret Henderson Every 2nd Tuesday of the Alford Vacant Month (except July and Dec) Dorothy Anderson What Time?

Margaret Henderson 7.30pm – 9.30pm: tea/coffee Andy Travis from 7.15pm

Bruce Scott Where?

Vacant Alford Community Campus Vacant Vacant Lumsden/Kildrummy Sue Cross Anyone interested in what we do is Tanya Reynolds warmly welcome to come along to Glenkindie/Towie Anne Miller any of our meetings Vacant Tullynessle & Forbes/ Vacant Montgarrie Vacant Keig Yvonne Buckingham If you wish to contact one of the representatives Vacant please do so via the email Cushnie/Craigievar/ Vacant addresses below and it will Muir of Fowlis Vacant be forwarded: Tough Nicola Sedgwick chair@ Vacant donsidecommunitycouncil.

Strathdon/Corgarff/ Paul Toohey org.uk Glenbuchat Vacant Vacant

This is your MP and MSP Scottish Parliament Alexander Burnett MSP 0131 348 5642 Alexander.Burnett.msp @parliament.scot

Westminster

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

Get involved...

Minutes of Donside Community Council meetings are held in Alford Library.

Please ask the librarian to see them as they are not kept on the open shelves. You can also access the minutes electronically on the community council pages at www. alfordcommunity.co.uk Election of community councillors will soon be taking place. There are currently vacancies in Alford, Glenkindie/Towie, Tullynessle, Montgarrie, Keig, LeochelCushnie/Craigievar/Muir of Fowlis, Tough/Whitehouse, Strathdon/Corgarff/ Glenbuchat.

If you are interested in becoming a community councillor and want to find out more please contact us either by email (chair@donsidecommunitycouncil. org.uk) or through the Facebook page.

Alternatively you can read all about

Cllr Gwyneth Petrie

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

Cllr Robbie Withey

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

Community Councils in Aberdeenshire at https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/ communities-and-events/communitycouncils/ Nomination forms will be available from Alford Library, Central Garage, Glenkindie or by request to our email or Facebook page.

Donside Community Council will hold its AGM on June 11th 2019 at 7.30 p.m. at Alford Community Campus. All welcome.

Get in touch...

Donside Community Council has launched a Facebook page making it easier for you to find out what is going on in our area and what is being planned for the future. If you are a Facebook user it will also make it easier for you to get in touch with us. Please like and follow our page and share with your friends.

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Introducing the Castlevale

The Castlevale is a fantastic 3 bedroom, detached home ideal for couples and families alike. The ground floor features an entrance hallway and bright lounge leading into a spacious dining kitchen.

The high specification kitchen comes complete with AEG integrated appliances and a contemporary breakfast bar, ideal for casual dining. A hidden laundry zone is perfect for your washing machine, dryer and other household cleaning products.

The dining area features French doors leading to your private garden complete with slabbed patio area. A perfect space for family time or entertaining. In addition the ground floor has a convenient wc.

Upstairs the impressive master bedroom includes a luxurious ensuite with double width shower enclosure and walk-in wardrobe. There are 2 further bedrooms, a family bathroom and storage cupboard.

This high specification home includes many extras at no extra cost.

• • • • •

Bathroom vanity units with mirrors and downlights Luxury Porcelanosa tiles with silver trim Built in wardrobes Monoblock driveway Plus much more

Available at Silver Birches, Alford from £249,995 Visit our sales centre and showhome to find out more.

Ask us about Part Exchange - you could sell you home in as little as 5 days!

S I LV E R B I R C H E S , A L F O R D

P A R T EXCHANGE

S E L L

YOUR HOME

5 DAYS

IN AS LIT TLE AS

More space. freedom.

Located in one of the most picturesque spots of Aberdeenshire, Silver Briches offers rural living, five minutes walk from the thriving market town centre of Alford. With all the amenities of a large town on your doorstep.

2-4 bedroom exceptional homes – prices from £174,995.

We make buying easy. Let us take care of everthing with part exchange.

0845 075 8292 | silverbirches@stewartmilne.com stewartmilnehomes.com

Come and see Silver Birches for yourself – Sales Centre open Thursday to Monday, 11am to 5.30pm

elma munro aromatherapy Specialist Treatments Aromatherapy Facials Thai Hand + Foot Massage Aqua Chi Detox . Reiki Purpose-built tranquil and calming room just on the edge of Alford

Dance Academy expansion brings multiple benefits

Dance teacher Leanne Mackay is very excited to reveal her plans for a new dance studio, which will also provide additional hired space for the village.

The studio is going into two industrial units on the former Gordon’s of Alford Site and the aim is to open mid/late August.

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

Leanne started her academy in 2013 and the space will allow the dance school to develop and grow, with the addition of adult classes, daytime pre-school classes, birthday parties and private tuition.

When not in use by the dance academy, the studio will also be available to hire by various groups from the local area.

Anyone interested in Leanne’s classes or in hiring the studio should email leanne@ leannemacveighdanceacademy.co.uk.

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Howew n the udio st look will

Ballet . Tap . Streetdance . Musical Theatre . Lyrical Ballet and tap exams taken through bbodance

Show productions yearly

leanne@leannemacveighdanceacademy.co.uk . 07445 544543

The BULLetin LOVES Business!

The BULLetin relies on advertising to pay for design and printing. But our advertisers are not just a space on a page.

All advertisers also benefit from featuring in a Facebook album every quarter, and where advertisers’ posts are seen, they are shared. Feel free to tag The BULLetin to make sure we see it.

New businesses who advertise can also benefit from introductory features, and there are perks to being a long-term advertiser too, or featuring in our Aboyne publication, The Fountain, also.

The business landscape and publicity methods are changing all the time so if you have any ideas on how The BULLetin can further support you, do let us know.

No matter if you are on Main Street, out in the sticks, working from your spare room or just online, get in touch.

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The very best of luck to all new businesses starting up. Have you started a new business in the Alford area? Want a mention?

Get in touch: catrionahouston@yahoo.co.uk

June July August

Cheese Month Ice Cream Month TBA...

WHERE A SPOILT DOG IS A HAPPY DOG

NEW DOG STORE, EVERYTHING YOU NEED FROM TREATS AND TOYS TO FOOD AND COLLARS…..

Wealthyton Shop Keig AB33 8BH

Mens’ Shed’s Raised Beds Grab em before they are gone...

All the allotments at the old school site have been taken but we have funding for a large polytunnel and there will be an opportunity for folk to have a raised bed in the polytunnel, which should be erected in the next 6-8 weeks. It will be rent free this year (because of the late start) but in subsequent years a small rental will be paid. Priority will be given to disabled folk.

If you want your name on a waiting list for an allotment or on the list to get a raised bed in the polytunnel, please get in touch with Bill Slee on bill.slee@hutton.ac.uk or 07791 502544.

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Valley Railway Group Steams Ahead News update from the Chuffington Post...

Committed local residents, with the support of Donside Community Council, Abedeenshire Council and Marr Area Partnership have formed a group to investigate the feasibility of reopening the Alford Valley Railway.

The Alford Valley Railway Project Group has been meeting for a few months and is currently operating under the umbrella of Donside Community Council.

The first step in the process is to commission an expert consultant to carry out a Feasibility Study. This will set out the work required to reopen the railway, and the associated costs of upgrading it into a modern visitor attraction.

Work is progressing well to develop a tender for the feasibility study and to raise grant funding to pay for it. The group is

keen to hear from anyone who would like to contribute their time and energy to the project. To find out more, dates for the next meeting or to receive minutes please contact the group at alfordrailwayproject@ outlook.com or via the group’s Facebook page, where you will find regular updates from the Chuffington Post Boiler Room, which are sure to amuse you too...

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

Artist has eyes on NEOS meet Julie McLean

I was excited to win a place at Glasgow School of Art after leaving school, however while conceptual and abstract art were highly praised, my ‘’pretty pictures’’ were not. House prices were rising like never before and so I left to work full-time.

Fast forward 22 years and I’m married with three kids, the eldest of which has Asperger’s and dyslexia. It’s obvious I also have dyslexia. I was fascinated to read that our brains work differently. We struggle with everyday things but have unique abilities. However, at school we spend so much additional time concentrating on the academics that few kids with dyslexia reach their potential in the area in which they are highly capable. I decided to show my son just what can be done with a different brain and picked up a paint brush again.

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We moved to Alford just before my youngest child started school and so I’m now putting every effort into making this a success. For the first time, I’ll be exhibiting as part of NEOS from 14th to 23rd September. I’ll be selling original paintings, prints, cards and gifts, and will be offering demonstrations in my studio at home. Find me on Facebook for details.

FLORIST +MOSSAT PLANT NURSERY DEE ROSS

Summer Bedding Plants

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

Craiglogie Cottage . Mossat

Your Community Campus From swimming to spin classes, find out what else is happening at Alford Community Campus by just dropping in, emailing alford.campus@aberdeenshire. gov.uk, visiting www.livelifeaberdeenshire. org.uk and following the links to Alford, or calling 01975 562922. Open: Monday-Friday 6.30am-10pm Saturday 9.30am- 4pm Sunday 11am-7pm

W & R MURRAY ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES LARGE AND SMALL STOCKISTS OF: SIRDAR STYLECRAFT KING COLE J BRETT YARNS DMC THREADS Now the home of Alford Post OfďŹ ce 019755 62896 27 Main Street . Alford . AB33 8PX 019755 62366 pattywilkie@gmail.com

STRACHAN’S Serving Royal Deeside for Four Generations

Newsagents

Ice Cream

Confectionery

Photocopying & Laminating

Wines & Spirits

Hardware

Haberdashery

Malt Whiskies

Lottery

Calor Gas

Balloons & Party Gifts

Pet Foods

Stationery

Toys and Puzzles

Paints

Grocery

Gardening

Delicatessen

Fishing Supplies

and lots more...!

Aboyne Games: Proud Sponsor of the Mace Over the Bar “Drum Major’s Challenge” Try a sample of our 10y Fettercairn at our stall on the Aboyne Games Park

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

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 Men’s Shed John McMillan, 019755 62885 john-millbrech@hotmail.co.uk Howe Trinity Craft Group Aileen Low, 019755 62106 33aileen@gmail.com 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 & District Garden Club Community Room, Community Campus, every third Tuesday Morag Watson, 019755 62538 moraglwatson@icloud.com Donside Enamelling Group Fridays every fortnight from 12-4pm in Glenbuchat Hall Bothy.

Helen Murray, 019755 62131 helen804@gmail.com Cushnie Handbell Ringers Cushnie Church, Mondays , 1.30pm-3pm Mrs Mary Penny, 01339 883271 Alford SWI Alford Upper Public Hall, Kingsford Road Mrs Anne Stallard, 019755 63859

Second Thursday of the month, 7.30pm Alford & District Rotary Club Haughton Arms Hotel, Main Street, Alford 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 Fairtrade Ann Wilkinson, 019755 62382 alfordfairtradegroup@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 Genealogy Group Library, Alford Community Campus Val Lyons, 019755 62003 valerie.lyons25@btinternet.com Last Saturday of month 10.30am-12 noon Scottish Country Dancing Group Howe Trinity Parish Church Hall 110 Main Street, Alford Mrs Alice Kemp, 019755 63459 Wednesday, 8pm – 10pm Alford Badminton Club Alford Community Campus Games Hall George Matthew, 019755 62600 Mon + Thurs 7.30pm-10.30pm 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

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Index of Advertisers to help you find who AES Electrical Alford Firewood Alford Roofing Alison Spice Belwade Farm Buannaich Chloe’s Kitchen Commercial Hotel Craigievar Gdns Daisy’s Baby Boutique Dee Ross Florist Douneside Health Elma Munro Eric Proctor Esp Bookkeeping Enzo’s Empawrium

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5 9 23 10 21 5 4 2 9 4 25 22 18 11 20 21

DEADLINES . FEB 1 . MAY 1 . AUG 1 . NOV 1 PUBLISHED MAR JUNE SEPT DEC Advertising space is also available in our Aboyne publication, The Fountain, and The Fly, covering Banchory

The Banchory Fly fly: [adjective] to partake in a small unplanned break wth refreshment, often with friends or colleagues; particular to Aberdeenshire, UK

Inside your FREE Spring issue:

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

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

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Flame Boiler Services 2 Gillian Frost 10 GTM 31 Julie McLean Art 24 K&A Anderson 6 Kirkwood Homes 32 Leanne MacVeigh Dance 19 Mobile Computer Servs 21 Ronald Hay 5 Strachan’s 27 Strength & Balance 11 Stuart Milne 16 Tax Assist 18 Transform Foot Hlth 29 Tutti Frutti Yoga 5 W&R Murray 25

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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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