Alford BULLetin 6 - Summer 2017

The

BULLETIN

Issue 6, Summer 2017

FREE!

A Community Magazine for Alford

Inside your Summer issue:

... News ... Groups ... Features ... Seasonal Highlights

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 New Summer Menu Now Being Served Sunday Roast £12.95 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

In Summerrr!

Welcome to Issue 6 of The BULLetin.

I’m delighted to say that delivering through most doors in the village in the Spring has paid dividends in terms of interest in the magazine, as well as new contributors and advertisers.

More and more groups and organisations are raising their heads above the parapet in the Alford area.

If you have any suggestions for items to include in The BULLetin, don’t hesitate to contact me using the contacts below.

In this issue you can Go Ape! with some mini reporters, find out how Morris Dancing may have originated in Scotland and reconnect with The Great Outdoors.

On the business front, see what’s behind the new Alford, Aberdeen & Shire Local Business Network, discover what the village’s former Postmaster is up to now and learn about the benefits of Hypnotherapy...

Thank you to all our advertisers and contributors, new and established, and to John Black of Red Driving School for assisting with door-to-door deliveries.

Hurl yourself into summer with as much gusto as you can and if you want your group, organisation, business or event to feature in The BULLetin, get in touch.

Cat Houston Design/Editor

Contents News/Clubs 4 Hypnotherapy 6 DCC Contacts 8 Musical Theatre 10 Business Focus 12 Go Ape! 14 Morris Merriment 16 Events 18 Simon Sawers 20 Classic Abode 22 Club Directory 24 Advertisers’ Index 26 Copy Dates 26

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

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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

New Business Network On The Go It’s a start, says Nikki Peachey-Gonnella

Have you started a new business in the Alford area lately? If you have, you may be interested in the opportunity to speak about your business and connect with others in the same boat. The Alford, Aberdeen & Shire Local Business Network is here to help.

Instigator of the new group Nikki Peachey-Gonnella told The BULLetin: “I started it because I am passionate about using local independent businesses where possible – especially with the sorry state of affairs Aberdeen has been in with the oil decline. There is nothing similar in Alford or surrounding at present.

“The aim is to make people more aware of local offerings, to introduce businesses to each other and hopefully gain people some referrals. It’s along the same vein as the Business Network International but without the financial outlay, as a lot of smaller businesses are really struggling.”

The group is starting as a monthly initiative with a view to increase frequency should members deem it necessary. Meetings and networking events will take place on the last Tuesday of every month, upstairs at Alford Golf Club. Starting from 27th June, 7-9pm, teas and coffees will be provided for a small fee! You can find the new network on Facebook by searching for the Alford, Aberdeen & Shire Local Business Network or by contacting Nikki on 077010 52585 or nikki.peachey@notjusttravel.com

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Young Farmers lend a hand...

The Vale of Alford Young Farmers are taking part in a campaign this year to engage with local community groups, rather than just donating money. So they are asking you to challenge them...

Challenges could range from weeding a community garden/helping at a fundraiser/stewarding a show car park etc. They have already helped out a local farmer by helping cater and prepare for an Open Farm Sunday event, which allowed them to raise over ÂŁ2,000 for charity.

The group will be accepting challenges up until December 2017.

Get in touch by calling Johanna Bruce on 07747 070734 or email valeofalfordyf@ gmail.com

BULLetin Copy Dates 2017/18

Autumn Winter Spring Summer

Deadline

Sept 15 Nov 10 Mar 2 Jun 8

Publication

Oct 6 Dec 1 Mar 23 Jun 22

NEOS Got Wood

Formed in 2003, NEOS provides an informal contact network for artists, gallery-owners and makers, and help the public access the wealth of creative talent throughout the North East of Scotland.

This year sees Kenny Woods taking part in NEOS for the first time, from Everlongart Studio and Gift Shop. Kenny started turning, carving and sculpting native and exotic woods about four years ago from his shed in Alford; his favourite to work with is Elm Burr.

He now mainly only hand-carves and sculpts wood. Each piece is completely unique in form and colour and finished in a way that complements and maximises the natural beauty of the wood.

This year’s event will take place from 9th-17th September 2017.The free NEOS Directory can be collected at Everlongart Studio & Gift Shop, which will be open every day for the duration of NEOS 105pm except Mondays (closed).

Hypnotherapy Benefits Outlined

by Jenflo...

I began my Hypnotherapy training in 2015 at the Harvest Clinic in Glasgow, which resulted in my being awarded a Certificate in Personal and Professional Development in Clinical Hypnosis from the University of West London.

I furthered my studies in 2016, receiving an Advanced Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy and NLP Coaching with Motivation Training in Boat of Garten.

Hypnotherapy is a completely normal, natural state that we experience every day of our lives, very similar to the feeling of daydreaming, like that feeling you have upon awakening, when you can’t be bothered to get up, you want to stay safe and warm under the duvet. When you are in this state, your mind is much more receptive to suggestions. The deeper part of your mind is much more available to receive and accept positive suggestions, but you will only accept suggestions that are right for you.

Hypnotherapy has many benefits, not least of all the ability of learning to relax.

Once the body is relaxed the mind will follow suit and quieten the internal chatter to enable your subconscious mind to come to the fore for you to make the necessary changes you want in your life. Quite often the unwanted habits we have developed in our lives are due to un-conscious preprogramming, perhaps by people telling you you were useless & would never amount to anything, or by events out-with your control that left you traumatised and grief stricken.

Hypnotherapy is a suggestion therapy that can alleviate these unwanted feelings and habits and is a very powerful tool of self-healing and transformation.

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Here are some of the many benefits of hypnotherapy: • Alleviate anxiety/stress/depression • Build self confidence and self- esteem • Weight control • Stop smoking • End panic attacks • Ease grief and bereavement • Trauma removal • Binge drinking • Insomnia/nightmares • Cure phobias, such as fear of flying/ heights/spiders etc • Nail biting • and much more www.jenflohypnotherapy.co.uk

The

Music Box

Music Lessons!

Violin Piano Theory Based in Huntly Business Centre from the end of June

Valerie Sutherland

07769 730054

valsutherland@ymail.com www.musiclessonsaberdeenshire.co.uk

Your one stop shop for all your Domestic & Commercial Property Services Joinery & Construction

Plumbing & Electrical

Kitchen Fitting Bathroom Remodelling Laminate & Hardwood Flooring Finish Joinery Plaster boarding & Taping Timber Cladding & Facings Fascia / Sofitt Replacement Garden Sheds - Built to Order Window & Door Fitting Timber Construction Decking & Fencing Design & Advice Project Management

Plumbing & Heating Services Electrical Services Repairs & Upgrades

Property Repair & Maintenance Home & Estate Maintenance

Contact Us:

07896 865801 / 019755 81310 enquiry@aaronpropertyservices.net www.aaronpropertyservices.net

“From flat pack furniture assembly to fully finished extensions…..aaron has you covered”

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 Who can attend?

Anyone, meetings are open to the public.

The police and local councillors are also in attendance Membership: 6 representatives from Alford 2 representatives each from:

Lumsden/Kildrummy Glenkindie/Towie Tullynessle and Forbes (inc Montgarrie) Keig Craigievar/Leochal-Cushnie/Muir of Fowlis Tough Strathdon/Corgarff/Glenbuchat Contact: Margaret Henderson, Secretary 3 Kingsford Road, Alford mgt.henderson@yahoo.com Alford Community Website – www.alford.org.uk

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Your Elected Representatives:

Joint Chair: Nicola Sedgwick nicola.sedgwick@btinternet.com

John Watson j.fwatson@btinternet.com Vice Chair Bruce Scott brucescott123@btinternet.com Secretary/ Margaret Henderson mgt.henderson@yahoo.com Treasurer Alford Bill Reid bill@echosofhome.co.uk

Ed Mathers edwardmathers925@btinternet.com

Andy Travis andalf@btinternet.com

Bruce Scott brucescott123@btinternet.com Margaret Henderson mgt.henderson@yahoo.co.uk

Paul Gleisner baillie47@yahoo.com Lumsden/Kildrummy George Marshall g.v.marshall@btinternet.com Vacant Glenkindie/Towie John Alexander lorna@manacor.plus.com

Nicola Sedgwick nicola.sedgwick@btinternet.com Tullynessle & Forbes/ Ian Law ian.chapelmoss@btopenworld.com Montgarrie John Watson j.fwatson@btinternet.com Keig Yvonne Buckingham yvonne.buckingham@btinternet.com Vacant Cushnie/Craigievar/ Fiona Bain Fiona.bain@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Muir of Fowlis Vacant Tough/ Vacant Whitehouse Vacant Strathdon/Corgarff/ Paul Toohey paul.toohey@btinternet.com Glenbuchat Vacant Anyone interested in what we do is warmly welcome to come along to any of our meetings

Community Councils are a link between the community and the Shire council, meeting monthly to look at ways of improving the area in which we live. We work closely with local police and schools.

Projects we have already been involved in include Alford Community Campus, refurbishment of Alford Village Clock, flower tubs/hanging baskets in Lumsden and Alford, allotments/Xmas lights in Alford, community action plans for Alford, Lumsden and Strathdon, Mirco Grant Scheme for the Kildrummy, Lumsden and Towie Community Benefit Fund, WWI Commemorations in Alford, Keig, Tullynessle and Tough, Working Groups for the Murray Park and the redevelopment of the Alford main car park.

We have helped fund litter bins in Alford, Towie Indoor Bowling Club, Corgarff Picnic and Games, Keig Badminton Club, Alford Day Care Centre and many more.

At present we are facilitating the Howe of Alford Community Action Plan, funding and fitting a public accessed defibrillator to the community campus, closely working with Donside Defibrillator Group to offer training on CPR/Defibs, and pushing the redevelopment of the Alford Recycling Centre.

Donside Community Council covers the largest geographical community council area in Aberdeenshire; from the boundary of Tillyfourie up to Tough, over to Keig and Craigievar, Cushnie, Strathdon, Corgarff, Lumsden and Alford - a huge area.

It is very important that the whole of our area in Donside is represented at the Community Council.

We are very keen to come out to the various communities within our area to meet with those unable to come to Community Campus so please watch out for your local meeting. If you wish to get in touch, you can do so by writing or emailing us at the addresses shown in the representatives list or to our Secretary.

Valerie Sutherland

Psychotherapist Counsellor & Medical Homeopath PGDIP, MBACP, DHOM, FBIH, DSM

Psychotherapy Medical Homeopathy Counselling Flower Essences Autism Counselling Medical Herbalism Massage Therapy Nutrition/Dietetics

Talk Health . Be Happy Huntly Business Centre

07769 730054 val@valsutherland.co.uk www.valsutherland.co.uk

JEFF SMITH Appliance Services Sales, repairs + installation of all kitchen + laundry appliances

01975 563096 07756 127736 jeffdsmith@btinternet.com

Musical Theatre Classes on the Cards Teacher Leanne McVeigh has plans for Alford youngsters

Students at Leanne’s S1+ Streetdance Class at Alford’s Community Campus get warmed up

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Budding theatrical types should keep their eyes peeled for some new classes starting in Alford and Insch soon.

Leanne Macveigh’s Dance Academy will be starting classes for age P1 up, with three different age groups, from August.

Spaces will be limited and to promote the new classes Leanne will be running some workshops in the summer holidays.

The dance academy was established in 2013 and provides British Ballet Organisation syllabus classes in ballet, tap and modern dance.

Leanne has trained in Edinburgh and completed her Teaching Diploma through the British Ballet Organisation. She runs classes at Alford Community Campus and at Insch’s Bennachie Leisure Centre. Parent and Toddler dance classes will be starting up in Insch in August too.

Contact Leanne on 07845 048495 lmdance@btinternet.com or find her dance academy on Facebook.

INDOOR SOFT PLAY CENTRE

We are a Soft Play Centre catering for children 0-10 years.

As there are separate areas for babies, toddlers and juniors, each child can make the most of their time with us in an age appropriated area.

We have wavy slides, a helter-skelter slide, football target area, high walkways and Award viewing bubbles. So however daring they are feeling that day, they can enjoy our Winning area, designed by kids for kids.

Our Time Cafe serves light lunches including soup, paninis, etc, with delicious home bakes made on the premises by our fabulous team.

Open Tues-Fri 10.00am-5.30pm, Sat & Sun 9.00am-5.00pm.

Closed Mondays (Except School holidays and in-service days). Please call to confirm.

Watchmakers Lane, Alford, Aberdeenshire AB33 8EW Tel. 019755 64146 email: ticktockplay@gmail.com website: www.ticktockplay.org.uk

Business Focus: what next for PO? Ex-postmaster is going great Gunns with the books

A certain amount of shock, dismay and perhaps resignation was expressed back at the end of 2016 when it was announced that Alford’s Main Street Post Office was to close and move into W&R Murray, with many concerned that yet another prominent unit would be left empty.

But a recent chat with the former postmaster Gordon Gunn revealed the community has nothing to fear, as he has plans for a new business which will make full-time use of the high street spot.

Of his time in the hot seat in the village’s incidental “Google”, Gordon said: “I enjoyed working for myself. You get what you put in. It was a handy commute living just next door but it was also sometimes hard to get a day off. I loved being part of the village and part of the community; having been a distance commuter myself, it was nice to get to know folk and have them know you.”

And he has seen some changes in Alford in the seven years he held the job: “The village is a lot bigger now, and there were a lot more shops when we moved here.”

Economic forces, changes in shopping habits and PO restructuring meant Gordon found himself faced with a bit of a dilemma: “Technically I was in agreement with the move, but I was faced with

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two choices; either a 25% pay cut, or take redundancy and accept the loss of my business, because postmasters are selfemployed businesspeople.

“The change was forced on me due to government cutbacks in funding of the Post Office. Quitting the PO network with a leaver’s payment suits postmasters nearing retirement; for someone of my age (35) it wasn’t great. I could not afford to take such a cut, so I reluctantly had to take the redundancy option.

“It was disappointing that not a single elected official came into the old Post Office before it closed, to ask why it was moving, thank me for serving the community, or to find out the future of the building.”

Like a lot of regional postmasters in the same situation, Gordon owned the building in which the Post Office had been housed, so he faced a few choices in terms of what do next, and considered converting the building to an “Airbnb” and a bike shop before settling on the more obvious solution of a bookkeeping business: “I’d studied accountancy at university and our own bookkeeper Frank Reid had said he intended to retire and was turning work away, so we felt there was a gap in the market to fill.”

The new business is called Bridgeton Bookkeeping, an historical nod back to the original name of the row of houses that now makes up the block of retailers on Main Street, which used to be a farmhouse called Bridgeton House.

The red door has been painted an attractive blue, the wall-mounted stamp dispenser has been left intact and, 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

following completion of his exams by midJuly, Gordon intends to open the office from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday by the end of that month. Signage will go up nearer the time and a website will also be created. Contact 019755 63297 or find him on Facebook at “BridgetonBookkeeping”.

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

John Black Professional instruction tailored to suit you Block booking and introductory offers Covering Alford and Aberdeen Approved Instructor

t: 07832 067331 e: jg.black84@yahoo.co.uk Facebook @jbreddriving

Lizzie 12 Ballater

Jessica 13 Logie Coldstone

“It was great that at some points in the tree top course you could choose whether to take the easy route or the more difficult one but I just loved the challenging parts of the course, so I’m glad I went that way!

I also really loved the Tarzan Swing.

The feel of the adrenaline was magnificent. I felt super safe because I knew that if I were to lose my stepping, I would be attached to the wire.

The instructors were very good at explaining and they were also very nice!

The sessions are spaced out so you don’t feel pressured to hurry up. It took us about two and half hours to complete but it was over too soon!

I would definitely recommend Go Ape to my friends and family because it was so much fun!!!! I loved it!!!!!”

“Go Ape was amazing! It was challenging and surprising and it gave you that thrilling feeling but I always knew I was safe as the instructor explained everything in great detail and made sure I was always attached.

We didn’t feel rushed going through the course as there were plenty of stops where you could let people overtake. I also found having water as you go along very helpful as you couldn’t really carry a water bottle the whole way round.

I really liked how there was a selection of different obstacles. I especially liked having points where you could choose the easy or hard route; my favourite part would have to be the Tarzan swing! The course was overall fantastic and I would definitely recommend it to family and friends.”

Lizzie’s Rating: 100 out of 10!

Jessica’s Rating: A definite 10 out of 10!

Fancy a challenge? It’s time to Go Ape! Mini-reviewers get a shot on Crathes’ Tree Top Adventure

Go Ape experiences are located all over the UK but their most northerly adventure is not far away, in the historic grounds of Crathes Castle. There you can enjoy two to three hours in the trees, taking on zip wires, Tarzan swings, rope ladders and a variety of obstacles and crossings – including a skateboard zip! – as you navigate a high ropes course which takes you up to 9m off the ground...

Go Ape invited The BULLetin to come and try out their Tree Top Adventure so we found two intrepid mini-reviewers eager to take to the trees with an adult (me!) to test their mettle.

Following a thorough instructional and safety briefing with Craig, where we were familiarised with all the clips, pulleys and ropes to keep us safely attached at all times, we were set loose on the course to enjoy it at our own pace.

And we had a ball, as you can see by the girls’ reviews opposite...

Participants at Go Ape Crathes have to be over 10 and at least 1.4m in height.

Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult and no more than two U16s can be supervised by an adult at any one time.

Open from February to December 4, you can Go Ape daily during the Summer and October holidays. Team-building sessions are available, school parties are catered for and you can also gift an adventure to your fave gorilla with a Go Ape gift voucher.

What are you waiting for?

Go to www.goape.co.uk or call 0333 331 7515 for more information on prices, booking availability, conditions and FAQs. Would you like to be a mini-reporter? The BULLetin welcomes submissions from any budding writers still in full-time education. Get in touch if you have a topic you’d like to see feature in The BULLetin. Contacts on p3 +26.

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Morris Merriment

Pastime has more historic connections to Scotland than you may think, writes Neil Bayfield People think of Morris Dancing as from south of the border. The strange truth is that the oldest written accounts of Morris in the UK are from the Court Records of James IV at Stirling Castle in the 1470s.

Even stranger, when James VI of Scotland became James I of England he took a team of Morris dancers down with him to London. So what happened to Morris in Scotland? Well over the next 100 years or so it descended the social scale, from Court to Church to Trades Guilds entertainment. Eventually it began to be performed by ordinary folk in the streets and at fairs.

Then John Knox and the Scottish Reform Church intervened. They concluded it was too close to fun (true) and possibly associated with drunkenness (surely not!) and had to be suppressed. There are records of prosecutions in Edinburgh, Elgin and Aberdeen.

One man in Edinburgh, Jamie Gillen, was even sentenced to be hung for Morris dancing, but was broken out of the Tollbooth by an angry mob, and escaped.

However, Morris was largely wiped out and only survived in a few, mainly remote corners such as Papa Stour (Shetland), where there is still an authentic Scots Morris sword dance that has been performed for hundreds of years and which has been copied by teams all over the world.

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Here in the North-east, Banchory Morrismen have danced up and down Deeside and further afield for more than 40 years, performing traditional dances and their own more recent dances. The traditional instruments are fiddle, accordion and pipe and tabor.

Banchory MM have danced at many National Trust Castles such as Leith Hall, Crathes, Craigievar and Drum. It is interesting to speculate whether Morris was also performed there centuries ago!

Donside

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......Events..........Events..........Events.........

Do you have an event you wish to publicise? Regular or one-off, group or individual, let The BULLetin know what you are up to, using the contacts on p3 and 26.

If your event falls outside of the mag’s deadlines (three months is a long time!) let us know anyway and we can publicise it on our Facebook page instead.

July...

1st – Zumba Glow Party, Bennachie Leisure Centre, 2-4pm 2nd – Speedfest 2017, Grampian Transport Museum, 11am-4pm 6th – Alford Library Book Group, 4-5pm 19th – Big Stuff Rides, GTM, 2-4pm 26th – Tractor Ted Live, GTM, 10am-4pm 28th – Moths and Bats, Craigievar Castle, call 01330 844810

August...

3rd – Emergency Vehicle Rides, GTM, 2-4pm 4th – AIYF Extended: Treol and Folkband North, Howe Trinity Parish Church, 7.30pm 12th – Annual Flower/Vegetable Show, Alford Public Hall, 10am 16th – Family Fun Activities, GTM, 1-4pm 17th – Pop-up Free Play, Haughton Country Park, 10am-12noon 17th – Dipping for Pond Predators & Prey, Haughton Country Park, 07787 583976 27th – Allford, GTM, 11.30am-3.30pm

September...

3rd – Grampian Motorcycle Convention, GTM, 11am-5pm 9th – KT Bike Run and Craft Fair, starts GTM, 10am-2pm 24th – Autumn Autojumble, GTM, 9am-3pm

Fancy a movie?

e Mor list vents e e a F “Lik acebod on o re e o to ” it k pa ur knodate ato kee ge. w a nd p up le b eve out y t us nts our

Lumphanan Moving Pictures – details can be found on Facebook Aboyne Theatre has films year round – www.indycinemagroup.com/tours/aboyne/ Ballater Films has a monthly film (exc July 17) – www.ballaterfilms.co.uk Tarland Film Club meets first Thursday of each month Sept-June in Upper Room, MacRobert Hall, Tarland, 7.30pm (film at 8pm)

Myriad Pro

Design and Print for the Small Business

. Adverts . Leaflets . Posters . Banners . . Brochures . Promotions . Laminating . . Copywriting . Websites . Facebook .

Cat Houston

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Custom Orders Taken

Group Discounts /Bulk

www.ballaterbadger.co.uk 013397 55243 Find me on

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Buannaich

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Bookkeeping Services

Electrical contractors online

Catherine Dow FIAB Bookkeeping Wages VAT Budgets

Services: Re-wires, additions and modifications Electrical Installation certification Condition Reports

Computerised Accounts Accounts Preparation Cash Flows Personal Taxation

Solutions:

SmartHome, IoT, Access Control, CCTV, Home Cinema, Multi-Room Audio

Domestic, Commercial, Industrial, Agricultural

e: info@itececo.co.uk t: 01330 833926 or 07985 613 591 w: www.itececo.co.uk

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

We love big tech projects but are just as happy doing small jobs

TORNAVEEN HALL EVENTS

Midsummer JCB Sat 24 June 7.30pm-Midnight £15 Under Jazz, Ceilidh and Bonfire. A summer celebration for all the family

18 half price

UMAMI JAZZ + FLYING PIEMAN CEILIDH + BONFIRE + STOVIES (BYOB) Tickets on the door or to book: 013398 83631 (Gill) OR 013398 83527 (Geoff)

Old Blind Dogs (Aboyne Festival)

Thurs 17August 7.30 pm £16

Book: Details at www.aboyneanddeesidefestival.org.uk or phone TicketSource at 03336 66 44 66

Big Lunch and Duck Race

Sun 20 Aug. 12.30pm-3.30 pm

FAMILY FUN: LUNCH £5 CHILDREN HALF PRICE. DUCKS £1 Just turn up!

Creative Tornaveen Art Show (NEOS) Daily Sat 10th –Sun 18th Sept 10-4

Admission free

Tornaveen is on the B9119 from Aberdeen to Tarland

Challenging The Great Outdoors Go For Gold’s Simon Sawers travels from west to east to find paradise

Photo: Simon Sawers Each May about 300 hardy souls start from various points on the west coast and head east, backpacking across Scotland. They are participating in the The Great Outdoors Challenge, which is a personal challenge, not a race, started by the well-known mountaineer and writer Hamish Brown in the 1980s. You may well have seen scruffy and smelly people with large backpacks wandering around Aboyne, Alford and Ballater recently and these would have probably have been some of the challengers in this event.

I am lucky to be fit enough and to have the time to participate and this year was my fifth “crossing”, when I started in Ardrishaig on the Kintyre peninsula and finished in Arbroath. According to my satellite tracker I covered 367km in distance and ascended a total of 7,574m in height. Must be mad!

May is the perfect month for walking and hiking in the hills as the weather is often kind and the midgies are yet to emerge, wild flowers are prolific and the birds are chirping - this year was no exception. Hearing the cuckoo is very common but how many of us have actually seen one? I was lucky enough to see a cuckoo for the first time up close, as on two occasions one flew past within a few feet, cuckooing for all its worth!

It’s amazing who you meet in the hills as well. One wet and misty day in the middle of a remote glen I met two people coming the other way, the first people

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I had seen for two days. We stopped to chat and it turned out they were on a personal pilgrimage walking from St Andrews to Iona as the father of one of them was instrumental in the founding of the Iona community and they were commemorating this. He gave me a shell as a token or talisman which will always remind me of our chance meeting. I assumed he made it across alright.

Why do we do this? Well the full answer is long and complex but in essence it’s about the challenge, about stretching yourself, the adventure and not quite knowing how things are going to work out, being self-contained and self-sufficient, just focusing on our primary needs of food, shelter and warmth, and having an extended period to relax and reflect on life. It’s all very satisfying despite being tough and uncomfortable at times.

So, next time you see a scruffy, smelly person wandering around in May, don’t assume they’re a tramp! Ask if they are a TGOer and they will probably chat for ages!

This is the sixth in a series of articles about hillwalking. Simon Sawers is an avid hillwalker having completed all the Munros and is a qualified Mountain Leader. He runs Go for Gold! Expeditions, providing Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and Golf DofE residentials for young people. www.goforgoldexpeditions.co.uk

Borders? It’s all in the shape Classic Abode’s Moira Gash shares tips on producing flower beds If you are creating new flower beds or wanting to rejuvenate existing borders then it is worth remembering that formal beds are oval, circular, square or rectangular and have regularly curving or straight edges, whereas informal beds have irregular shapes and irregularly curved edges. A formal border is usually one in which the plants are set out in geometric patterns, whereas informal beds generally have the plants in drifts (irregular clusters).

It is best to avoid star- or triangular-shaped beds as these are difficult to plant the points of such figures. Also make the curved edges as sweeping as possible if the lawn runs alongside a bed as this will make cutting the grass much easier. Plants for the beds will come down to personal taste but perhaps worth remembering that mixed beds/borders can create effective year round interest. These are ones which can contain any kind of plant, including trees, shrubs as well as the more commonly grown herbaceous perennials, bedding plants, annuals, biennials and bulbous plants. So whatever your style, do it your way and create your individual garden. www.classicabode.co.uk

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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

Alford Playgroup •

Early Years setting providing morning sessions for children from 2 ½ to 5 years

•

Opportunity to have fun, play and learn in a stimulating environment

•

Activities structured in line with Curriculum for Excellence guidelines

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Social, emotional and cognitive development with the guiding principles of fun and friendship

•

Morning sessions available for funded and unfunded children

We look forward to meeting you!

Howe Trinity Church Hall, 110 Main Street Alford AB33 8AD Tel: (019755) 63505 Email: alfordplaygroup@live.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 Men’s Shed John McMillan, 019755 62885 john-millbrech@hotmail.co.uk This exciting new development for men will be opening soon Howe Trinity Craft Group Aileen Low, 019755 62106 33aileen@gmail.com A group for all types of craft including knitting, sewing and beadwork

Alford & District Rotary Club Haughton Arms Hotel, Main Street David Dawson (Sec), 019755 63352 dawsons3@btinternet.com Almost every Tuesday, 7.00pm for 7.15pm Alford SWRI Alford Upper Public Hall, Kingsford Road Mrs Sheena Esson, 019755 62341 Second Thursday of the month, 7.30pm Tullynessle & Forbes SWRI 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 annwilkinson81@hotmail.com

Alford Bridge Club Alford Golf Clubhouse Walter Michie, 019755 62692 Wednesdays 6.50pm October to April

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

Donside Camera Club Alford Public Hall, Kingsford Road, Alford Bob Humphreys, 019755 81315 humphreys479@btinternet.com For meeting details see website

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, Dorothy Anderson, 019755 62862 alfordanddistrictgardenclub@yahoo.co.uk Every third Tuesday

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

Cushnie Handbell Ringers Mondays at 6.30pm in Cushnie Church for 1 hour. Ages 10-100. Mrs Mary Penny, 01339 883271

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

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

Index of Advertisers to help you find who Aaron Property Alford Day Nursery Alford Playgroup Banchory Morris Men Buannaich Catherine Wright Certax Accounting Classic Abode Commercial Hotel Deeside VOS Donside Cleaning Co Elma Munro Esp Bookkeeping Everlong Art Flame Boiler Services Gillian Frost Itec Eco Jenflo hypnotherapy Jeff Smith Jilliby Joinery K&A Anderson Kemnay Pharmacy Music Box Red Driving School Tick Tock Play Tornaveen Hall Valerie Sutherland W & R Murray

7 25 23 17 19 23 28 22 2 25 17 27 23 11 2 7 19 6 9 17 27 13 7 13 11 19 9 10

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

Copy Dates 2017/18

Deadline Publication Autumn Sept 15 Oct 6 Winter Nov 10 Dec 1 Spring Mar 2 Mar 23 Summer Jun 8 Jun 22

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Next Issue

Coming October 6

The BULLetin launched in Spring 2016 and is produced by Myriad Pro in Ballater, quarterly with the seasons. This issue has 28 pages but there is scope to extend the magazine and its editorial space as more businesses and organisations support it.

Geographically it covers Alford and the surrounding areas. 2,000 copies are distributed around many local prominent spots in the community and within businesses willing to stock it. It is also delivered through most doors in central Alford. And... it’s free!

Additional exposure is also given to advertisers and supporters through a related Facebook page.

If you would like to advertise your business/ venture in The BULLetin, the prices and copy dates are listed below:

Quarter page

(74mm x 105mm)

£25

(148mm x 105mm)

£50

(148mm x 210mm)

£100

Half Page Full page

Design fee (for first ad or full redesign) £15 Subsequent amends/small tweaks free

Get In Touch email

catrionahouston@yahoo.co.uk

call Cat on 013397 55243

www.myriadpro.co.uk

find us on facebook The BULLetin Magazine

K&A ANDERSON LONEWELL GARAGE • ALFORD

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TEL: 01975 562215

Spotlessly Chic Canine Spa

Bespoke Dog Grooming Fully Insured, Licensed Boarder Wedding Chaperone Service Westwind . Alford . AB33 8JA 07801 283452

SECO NDHA M N TAKE OWERS D N IN P EXCH ANGEART

elma munro aromatherapy Specialist Treatments Aromatherapy Facials Aqua Chi Detox Hopi Ear Candles 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