The Alford BULLetin 20 - Winter 2020

The

BULLETIN A Community Magazine for Alford

FREE! Issue 20 Winter 2020

STRACHAN’S Serving Royal Deeside for Four Generations

Newsagents Hardware Confectionery

Balloons & Party Gifts

Wines & Spirits

Paints

Lottery

Haberdashery

Stationery

Grocery Malt Whiskies Pet Foods Calor Gas Delicatessen

Toys and Puzzles

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 ABOYNE SHOP OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY 10am – 2pm

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

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

Contents Heritage Cash No�ce Board Feet on the Ground DCC Contacts/News AbCo Cllr Contacts New! Small Ads Offer Fairtrade Films Live Life Aberdeenshire Adver�sers’ Index Ad Rates & Copy Dates

5 8 10 12/13 13 15 19 22 24 26 26

Welcome to Issue 20 of The BULLe�n.

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.

By the time you read this, Alford Christmas Fes�val will have boosted spirits in an online extravaganza, and Main Street will be ablaze with pretty festive lights.

On that subject, thank you to Jodie at Everlongart for this issue’s cover picture.

In these pages, you can read all about a funding boost for the Heritage Centre, FairTrade developments, and lots more.

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 15.

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.

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

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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DEE’s

Holly Wreaths Available from: Goodbrand & Ross, Corgarf Glenkindie Garage Lumsden Garage The Yard, Alford Essentials, Kemnay Kellockbank, Insch Craiglogie Cottage (by appointment) Co-op, Alford (call Dee for dates)

Contact Dee on 07837 659225

GILLIAN FROST 07812 565263

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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.

Heritage Museum Secures £50k Covid Funding Alford and Donside Heritage Association is set to receive £52,000 from the Museums Galleries Scotland Recovery and Resilience Fund, which is financed by the Scottish Government as part of their funding package to protect Scotland’s culture and heritage sectors from the impacts of Covid-19.

The Fund aims to secure the future of Scottish independent museums put at risk by the pandemic and to protect the vital role that they play in their communities.

The scarecrows pictured below, which formed part of the amazing decorations scattered around the village of Alford over Halloween, are a reminder that things are

not ‘normal’ this year!

A campaign on social media encouraged local people to decorate the village as an alternative to the usual guising and the village responded.

But where do scarecrows go after Halloween? Alford Heritage Museum of course! Unfortunately, the museum isn’t open at present so Chair of Trustees, Rob Hughes, has suggested they take the Virtual Tour instead and come back ‘in person’ next season when the museum hopes to reopen thanks to a substantial grant they have just been awarded.

For more on what the museum has been up to in lockdown, see over the page.

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>Heritage Funding

Alford Heritage Museum is a well-loved, volunteer-run venue which preserves and promotes local culture and history.

During these momentous times the Trustees decided to develop a plan for the sustainable future of this historic building and investigate how it could better serve the community.

The funding awarded will help them carry out some vital repairs to enable the Museum to reopen next season. It will also help pay for a feasibility study to evaluate the viability of a community asset transfer, gather views from the local community about their vision for the Museum and create a long-term business plan.

Lucy Casot, CEO of Museums Galleries Scotland, said: “We are delighted to support Alford Heritage Museum through the Recovery and Resilience Fund. The museum has responded to the challenges of the pandemic, and subsequent closure, with plans to secure the future of the museum.

Through the fund we are pleased to support essential repairs and maintenance of the museum, alongside a business model review and implementation, which together will help safeguard their important role in the community as a hub for regional and traditional culture.

Alford Heritage Museum’s forward thinking is credit to the volunteers of all ages who run the museum and have embedded it into the community. As they work to safely reopen the museum in 2021 we wish them every success.”

From teaching local youngsters who take part in educational visits to hosting the annual Hamewith Concert involving schools from Strathdon to Dunecht; from housing an extensive collection of artefacts, photos and documents to assisting members of the public with genealogical and historical research; from supporting young adults undertaking their Duke of Edinburgh

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and Saltire Awards to providing a range of volunteering opportunities for adults – the Museum plays an important part in the local community.

Rob Hughes, Chair of the Board of Trustees said, “The hard work and dedication of many of the Alford Heritage Museum’s membership and volunteers has been greatly recognised by this award.

It is not only a boost to the local economy, at this difficult time for everyone but also a very big vote of confidence in the future of the museum.”

He also urges members of the public to take part in the consultation process, which will begin soon, on the future direction of the Museum. As a community resource, the Trustees are very keen to involve as many people as possible in discussions about ideas for its future.

The Association was delighted to hear that it has been chosen by the Co-op as a beneficiary of the Co-op Local Community Fund. This means that local people who are members of the Co-op can show their support for the Museum and its outreach programme by choosing Alford Heritage Museum as their ‘local cause’. With the funds raised it is hoped to develop an outreach programme with Reminiscence Boxes for Care Homes and Artefact Boxes for schools. These boxes will allow some of the Museum’s extensive collection to be shared with those who are unable to visit in person.

In the meantime, should any member of the public wish to ‘visit’ the Museum they can do so by taking a Virtual Tour.

Simply go to their website https:// alfordheritagemuseum.com/# Click on the ‘Visit Us’ tab and enjoy a 360 degree tour of the Museum. Watch you -on’t bump into a scarecrow! We have not been able to open the Museum this season but the committee ​and volunteers have not been idle.

THE COMMERCIAL, TARLAND 013398 81922 www.thecommercial-hotel.co.uk

So 2020 is proving to be quite a year.

After all the stresses of recent months, we want to make this Christmas as simple as possible for you. Obviously we will have to do things differently this year, as big family gatherings and larger parties are on hold. However, we think that's the perfect excuse to have a cosy smaller festive outing.

It goes without saying our main concern is to ensure you all have a safe, happy festive time with us, but you will still be assured our usual warm welcome, cosy log fire and plenty of Christmas cheer.

~ CHRISTMAS MENU 11th to 24th December ~

To make things as easy and flexible for you this Christmas, and in case things change, there will be

* NO DEPOSITS| NO SET MENUS| NO PRE-ORDERING * Instead, every day from the 11th December you will find special dishes with a decidedly Christmas flavour and of course the traditional Turkey roast, alongside your usual favourites. As there is no need to pre-order you can just decide what you fancy on the day.

So. while some things may be different, we promise that the twinkling trees and the warm welcome will be the same as it's always been at The Commercial.

If you would like to book, please get in touch.

Government guidelines currently state no party sizes larger than six people.

However ,we will review this in line with Government advice and let you know of any changes.

GIFT VOUCHERS NOW AVAILABLE

NOTICE BOA RD

W & R MURRAY ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES LARGE AND SMALL STOCKISTS OF: SIRDAR STYLECRAFT KING COLE J BRETT YARNS DMC THREADS Home to the Alford Post Office 019755 62896 27 Main Street . Alford . AB33 8PX call 019755 62366 for opening hours pattywilkie@gmail.com

Aberdeenshire Voluntary Ac�on (AVA) is a registered charity covering the whole of Aberdeenshire.

It was set up to support groups, organisations and registered charities with 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 Aileen Longino who can support your organisation. During these last few months we have seen a huge surge in groups looking for help and volunteers going above and beyond to support their communities. Please don’t hesitate to contact Aileen, she is here to help. Aileen.Longino@avashire.org. uk Mobile: 07824 096531

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Alford Valley Community Railway

...are proud to announce that we are now a community benefit society. This means we are a charitable society and will be offering shares which will be available to purchase at a later date!

If you shop at the Co-op, don’t forget to choose us! We are one of the fantastic local causes that you can support with your membership between now and the 23rd of October 2021!

Look out for more ways to support us and return this village icon to its former glory! Find us on Facebook.

As the nights are fair drawing in, LLA is working with Aberdeenshire Community Planning Partnership to encourage people to keep busy and be kind to others in their community by taking part in a winter knitting project.

Through the initiative Knit A Cosy Bosie, they 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 by co-ordinating the collection and distribution of the Cosy Bosies in their community.

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

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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FOOT CARE IN YOUR HOME All relevant C-19 precau�ons taken

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Donside Community Council Your Elected Representa�ves:

Chair: Vice Chair Secretary/ Treasurer Minute Secretary Alford

Lumsden/Kildrummy Glenkindie/Towie Tullynessle & Forbes Montgarrie Keig Cushnie/Craigievar/ Muir of Fowlis Whitehouse/Tough Strathdon/Corgarff/ Glenbuchat

Nicola Sedgwick Anne Miller Margaret Henderson Dorothy Anderson Steven Graham Dorothy Anderson Margaret Henderson Bruce Sco� Vacancy x4 Sue Cross Tanya Reynolds Anne Miller Nicola Sedgwick Vacancy x2 Gloria Malcolm Vacancy Yvonne Buckingham Tom Milne Fiona Bain Vacancy Nicola Sedgwick Andy Travis Paul Toohey Vacancy x2

When do we meet?

Every 2nd Tuesday of the Month (except July and Dec) What Time?

7.30pm – 9.30pm: tea/coffee from 7.15pm Where?

Alford Community Campus Once Government restrictions ease, anyone interested in what we do is warmly welcome to come along to any of our meetings

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

This is your MP and MSP S������� P��������� Alexander Burne� MSP 0131 348 5642 Alexander.Burnett.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

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

Throughout the pandemic, Donside Community Council has continued to meet online.

This has its challenges as those of you who have used any of the meeting pla�orms available will appreciate, but we are getting more used to it the more we use it. However, we are all looking forward to the time when we can all get together and meet face to face again. Our most recent meeting was also our Annual General Meeting. We have some new faces and there are still vacancies to fill. Elections will be held some time in the future but we can co-opt members at any time. If you are interested have look at where our vacancies are and get in touch. You can attend any of our meetings to get a feel for what goes on and whether you would like to be a part of the Community Council and represent your community. Minutes of meetings can be accessed at the Library and from the Donside Community Council Facebook page.

Grants of up to ÂŁ250 for individuals groups doing work of benefit to the community in Lumsden, Towie, Kildrummy and Glenkindie are available from Donside Community Council.

Applicants can be groups (whether or not you have a constitution) or individuals, and applications can be made at any time.

Application forms are available from: Margaret Henderson Secretary, Donside Community Council 3 Kingsford Road, Alford, AB33 8HH chair@donsidecommunitycouncil.org.uk or at: https://www.foundationscotland. org.uk/programmes/kildrummy/

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The BULLe�n 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 pla�orm, they will be shared.

Feel free to tag The BULLe�n 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 Aboyne and Banchory 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 BULLetin 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.

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

your name in print!

The BULLe�n represents a unique opportunity for you to promote your business to a targetted area at reasonable cost.

Ad rates start at just £27 for a quarter page Around 1,500 copies are distributed through the doors of residences in the village, prominent spots in the local community and within businesses willing to stock it. Geographically it covers Alford and the surrounding areas.

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

When times are tough, don’t stop ADVERTISING!

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

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

01975 571775 07792 830780

... MAN with a VAN ...

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

Call Kev

07579 824061 corybegservices@gmail.com

• • • •

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

Befrienders con�nue to reach out

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Kincardine and Deeside Befriending have returned to telephone befriending only, in line with Government guidelines.

Many of our volunteers were delighted to return to visiting their clients again so this is hard on everyone.

However, a weekly telephone call can make a world of difference, particularly at the moment when many of our elderly people are especially isolated.

If you think that you would like to get involved, K & D Befriending are now offering an online training package which can be done at home in your own time.

To find out more, contact Maggie Dornan on 01330 823368 or by emailing maggie.dornan@kdbefriending.org.uk Alternatively, get in touch through the website www.kdbefriending.org.uk which also has a link to our Facebook page

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.

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SG

TREE SERVICES

Specialising in all aspects of Tree & Hedge Maintenance

~ Tree Reduction/Removal/Dismantle ~ ~ Dangerous Branch Removal ~ ~ Pruning and Shaping ~ ~ Hedge Maintenance ~ ~ Stump Grinding ~ ~ Scrub Clearance ~ ~ Storm Clean-up ~

Buannaich Bookkeeping Services Catherine Dow FIAB Bookkeeping Wages VAT Budgets

Computerised Accounts Accounts Preparation Cash Flows Personal Taxation

Free Advice on TPOs/Licences Professionally Insured/Trained 019755 63869 / 07764 198725 sgtreeservice@yahoo.com www.sgtreeservices.co.uk

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

years 30we’ve on...

moved!

Original outdoor clothing

Aromatherapy | Facials Aqua Chi Detox | Reiki Thai Hand/Foot Massage Nutritional Therapy

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.

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

hillgear.s

cot

Hilltrek clothing • Páramo shop • Outdoor clothing repairs

www.hilltrek.co.uk

Munara Holistic Therapies

01339 886062

01975 562646

elmamunro61@hotmail.co.uk Find me on Facebook: /munaraholistictherapies

The Alford Fairtrade Group met via ZOOM on the 24th of September to discuss moving forward into 2021. Normally the run-up to Christmas would be a busy time for the group with coffee mornings and sales of work. However, this year has turned out very different with Covid putting a stop to many such activities. And though it might seem all doom and gloom the group did find some positive things to speak about.

Take a peek at the Fairtrade website (www.fairtrade.net) and you’ll see that the Fairtrade Relief Fund is helping farmers, producers and their communities across Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Americas cope with the impact of Covid crisis. With the help of these funds individuals and communities have pulled together to help one another during this terrible crisis.

In Ghana the Asunafo North Farmers Union Co-op provided funds for radio programmes to disseminate information on how to prevent the spread of the virus, and in Kenya the Machakos Coffee Cooperative Union of 60,000 farmers were supplied with face masks and hand washing facilities. Good news indeed!

And though we won’t be having our usual Fairtrade ‘tables’ this year there’s still time for you to buy that special gift. The Traidcraft website (www.traidcraftshop. co.uk) has plenty of gifts for the home and garden, gifts for special occasions including birthdays, anniversaries and, of course, Christmas! And it’s so easy; you can either order online or have a catalogue sent direct to your home. Finally, the Alford Fairtrade Group would like to thank everyone who has come to their sales, contributed and helped out at our stalls throughout the year, and continued to support Fairtrade by buying Fairtrade goods. If anyone would like to hear more about the group and what we do you can find us on Facebook (Alford Fairtrade Group) or you can contact us via email at: alfordfairtradegroup@gmail.com

FairTrade News

Sakura Florist Winter Online Shop Now Open

• make your own wreath kits • door wreaths • gift flowers •graveside/memorial wreaths •wrapped bunches •garlands

Visit- www.sakuraflorist.co.uk Call- 07792720100

Advertorial

“My back just went!”

So often 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 after 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

K&A ANDERSON LONENWELL GARAGE . ALFORD . 019755 62215

LOG SPLITTERS CHAINSAWS SNOW BLOWERS IN STOCK NOW

PREP ARE FOR AUT & WI UMN NTER

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

Fortnightly Films on offer from Tullynessle Tullynessle and Forbes Hall reopened to the Community in September. This meant that, complying with stringent COVID regulations, Tullynessle Hall Film Club could open their Community Cinema to the public. In September they successfully showed the Community film “Wild Rose” on behalf of Tullynessle Hall.

In October the club opened up again and had good attendances for Judy and Jojo Rabbit and the schedule for the remainder of the Autumn and Winter seasons is listed right >>> We appreciate that the current Covid tiers and regulations could change at any time, so would advise that anyone planning on visiting a film should check the club’s web address for regular updates www.tullynessleandforbeshall.co.uk/ filmclub.asp.

Film showings start at 7.30pm with a £5 entry fee. If you plan to attend, please email the club at tullnesslehallfilmclub@ gmail.com with your contact details, these will be stored for 21 days to comply with Test and Protect.

The club has undertaken a number of new measures to comply with Covid regulations and to aid the safety and comfort of their audience.

All contact points and chairs are disinfected prior to audience arrival.

Social distancing and wearing of masks is mandatory. Chairs are spaced well apart and social movement is not allowed.

Refreshments are no longer provided.

Despite these restrictions, audiences have appreciated the opportunity to go out in the evening and enjoy a film in company.

The Club Committee look forward to welcoming you to our showings.

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3rd December: Styx 28th December: A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood 7th January: Parasite 21st January: Bait 4th February: Sometimes, Always, Never 18th February: My Life As a Courgette 4th March: Free Solo 18th March: A Man Called Ove There are also plans for Community Film Nights on 12th February (Emma) and 16th April (Tenet)

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

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

Family’s talents in song and word

Singer-songwriter Jenny Sturgeon, who grew up in this area and went to Alford Academy, has recently released an album called The Living Mountain, based on the book of the same name by Nan Shepherd. The audiovisual performance explores Nan’s writing, the Cairngorm mountain range and human connections with the wild.

Copies are available to buy from Everlongart Studio and Gi� Shop, or online. Info: www.jennysturgeonmusic.com Meanwhile, mum Annie Sturgeon has had a short story published in the book that accompanied Book Week Scotland, this year entitled Future, which is available free from libraries and other outlets.

You can also download a visual and/or audible copy of the book from the Scottish Book Trust website www.scottishbooktrust. com/book-week-scotland Annie’s story is called “Hefting to the Land” and is set in the Howe of Alford.

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Plan A Electrical All your current needs

All types of electrical installation work Inspection and Testing (including EICR & PAT) Fault-finding and problem rectification Signal cabling: TV – Satellite – Audio – Telecomms Networking – Alarms

No job too small 07535-312759 contact@planaelectrical.com www.planaelectrical.com

Monkey Business For all your little monkeys

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

Station Square, Aboyne 013398 87140

Index of Advertisers to help you find who AES Electrical Alford Roofing Alison Spice Alpine Tree Care Banchory Spinal Buannaich Commercial Hotel Corybeg Services Dee Ross Wreaths Esp Bookkeeping Flame Boiler Services Foodbank Gillian Frost Hilltrek John Watson Boilers K&A Anderson Kirkwood Homes Legacy Celebrant Monkey Business Munara Holistic Myriad Pro Not Just Travel NFU Mutual Plan A Electrical Ronald Hay Sakura Florist SG Tree Services Strachan’s Tax Assist Transform Foot Health W&R Murray World Horse Welfare

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AD ES T A R

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 Fly, covering Banchory FREE!

Fountain

The Banchory Fly A Community Magazine for Banchory

A Community Magazine for Aboyne

Hold the front page! Sisters get foot in the door of community business...

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FULL PAGE 140 x 200mm £108

Issue 23 Winter 2020

FREE!

Issue 9 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

WE’RE ON YOUR DOORSTEP Remember when service was truly personal and not just another one size fits all approach?

We are backed by a team and organisation built on over 100 years of customer service and trust.

Working from a local office in Inverurie we bring our knowledge and experience to you to help ensure you have the right cover in place to protect the things that matter.

Whether it’s home, motor, equine or business we have the expertise to make sure your insurance needs are covered.

For a real conversation about your insurance call us on 01467 697243, or alternatively send an email to Inverurie_agency@nfumutual.co.uk.

T C Brodie & R C Silvers is an appointed representative of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982).

FINAL PLOTS