Alford BULLetin Issue 7 - Autumn 2017

The

BULLETIN

Issue 7, Autumn 2017

FREE!

A Community Magazine for Alford

Inside your Autumn 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 ***Book Now For Christmas*** 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

Want in the BULLetin?

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

Winter Spring Summer Autumn

Deadline Nov 10 Mar 2 Jun 8 Sept 14

Publish Dec 1 Mar 23 Jun 22 Oct 6

Contents

Autumn Breeze

Welcome to Issue 7 of The BULLetin.

News/Clubs 4 In the blink of an eye, Autumn is here and Not Mush Room 6 with it all the special events, indoors and DCC Contacts 8 out, that the season brings.

Alford is a hive of activity for new Music Box 10 businesses at the moment; I am delighted Film Club 12 to welcome no less than seven new to this issue and several Body and Mind 14 advertisers returnees!

Business Focus 16 Thank you to all our advertisers and Events 21 contributors, and to John Black of Red Driving School for assisting with deliveries.

Autumn Sort-it 22 Thanks also to Jodie Bews of Everlongart Classic Abode 24 Studio and Gift Shop for our cracking front Simon Sawers 26 cover photo of a Haughton Park mushroom (more of those on p6) and also Melissa Marketing Tips 27 Grieff for contributing the photo above.

If you want your group, organisation, Club Directory 28 business or event to feature in The Advertisers’ Index 30 BULLetin, get in touch.

Ad Rates & Copy Dates 31 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

Market Produce

Having A Ball

The Annual Alford Charity, Dinner and Dance is this year raising money towards Pancreatic Cancer Scotland and Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland.

The popular event takes place on Saturday 11th November at Tullynessle Hall. Tickets cost £33 per person, including a three-course meal provided by A&J Catering and musical entertainment from Pepperpot. No bar is provided so this is a BYO event. There will be a raffle and auction on the night.

For tickets and further info contact 019755 64064 or 07979 267565 or check out the Facebook page. Sponsors are still needed as well as raffle prizes and auction lots so get in touch if you can help.

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The fifth indoor Producers’ Market takes place on Saturday October 28th at Tullynessle Hall, 10am til 1pm. Grand raffle, teas and homebakes on sale in cafe area overlooking the beautiful Donside countryside. Over 30 stalls selling huge variety of food and crafts and new stalls added. Go along to support the hall and the stallholders. Free entry.

Business Net Works

A new networking group for local businesses has been reaping dividends for its members in just the first few months of operation.

Initiated as a tentative Facebook group, the Alford, Aberdeen & Shire Local Business Network now has over 200 members and meets once a month on the last Tuesday of each month in Alford Golf Club. Nikki Peachey-Gonnella, who runs the group, said: “We’ve had over 40 individuals/businesses through our doors in only three meetings. Loads of referrals are being fed back to me too.”

For more info you can find the group on Facebook or email Nikki at nikki. peachey@notjusttravel.com

Let There Be Light

Put the date in your diaries for the Alford Christmas Light Switch-on, taking place in the village centre this year on Friday November 24th from 6-8pm.

There will also be a Family Disco/Party afterwards from 8-10pm in the Haughton Arms Hotel. All welcome and both events are free.

Munara Cycle Solutions

creating a tailored ride to suit your needs and comfort

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

Glitz! Glamour! and ...Christmas Jumpers?

A Christmas party with a twist comes to Tullynessle Hall on Saturday December 2nd, from 7.30pm until late.

Glitz, Glamour and Christmas Jumpers is brought to you by Sam Storey and Co and will be raising money for Global’s Make Some Noise appeal, which supports 33 different charities throughout the UK for disadvantaged kids and their families.

Bring your own booze and nibbles, there will be entertainment from D&S Roadshow.

Tickets at ÂŁ10 can be bought and tables booked by calling Sam on 07917 154916 or Liz on 07900 690371.

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

mushrooms Didn’t Have Mush Room... ...but just had to make space for Jodie Bews’ beautiful photos of the glorious fungi to be seen in Haughton Park at this time of year, and also gracing our front cover.

Jodie told The BULLetin: “Sadly most of them have been flattened, either by animals or humans. I had planned photographing one of them every day until it died but it had been squished come day three!”

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Donside Defibs

Lifesaving training is here on your doorstep... says Clive Marsden

DAG IT Services Dmitry Gavin Based in Aboyne

* Fixing Issues * Building Devices * Teaching IT * Video Gaming You provide the problem & I will provide the solution

07388828248

d.gavin@hotmail.co.uk https://dgavin5.wixsite.com/dagitservices

Since the installation of the Public Accessed Defibrillator (PAD) at Tullynessle Hall, PADs have been appearing on various buildings in Donside. There are now five PADs in Alford Village at various locations.

Others can be found at Glenkindie garage, Glenbuchat Hall, Towie Hall, Lonach Hall, Corgarff, Keig School and Monymusk Hall. More PADs are planned for Lumsden and Tough. The British Heart Foundation has provided part funding for several of the defibrillators. Some of the PADS have been provided by private donation, but for the majority, money has had to be raised by each community.

It is vitally important that as many people as possible in the community are trained in CPR and the use of defibrillators.

The Defibrillator Group has been awarded grants which have allowed us to buy training defibrillators and manikins and we have also been given British Heart Foundation training packs which can be used by community groups, schools and youth groups.

There are free training sessions held in the area. For more information phone 01975 62309 or 81142.

https://www.facebook.com/DAGITServices https://twitter.com/DAGITServices https://www.linkedin.com/companybeta/18135860/

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

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 paulgleisner238@gmail.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@talktalk.net Vacant Cushnie/Craigievar/ Fiona Bain Fiona.bain@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Muir of Fowlis Vacant Tough/ Per Arno

arnodcc@gmail.com 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.

We thank everyone who has helped with the fantastic flower tubs and hanging baskets and the Bull again this year – Alford is looking ‘blooming’ lovely as always.

Many thanks also to the Christmas Lights Committee who are working hard on the preparations for this year’s Christmas Lights – we are looking forward to seeing a great display.

We are currently working on the responses to Howe of Alford Community Action Plan Survey so look out for further information on what is happening via the Alford Community Website and local noticeboards.

The public access Defibrillator has now been installed at the Community Campus and ready to use. We are making progress with Alford Main Carpark and the Recycling Centre.

Donside Community Council are keen to ensure that all areas are represented.

If you would like to get involved, please come along to one of our meetings to see what we do.

Minutes of our Meetings can be viewed in the Library at Alford Community Campus.

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

01975 563096 07756 127736 jeffdsmith@btinternet.com

Spotlessly Chic Canine Spa

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

Turning Coldplay Into Child’s Play!

Learning a musical instrument benefits children, says Val Sutherland Children can gain life-changing skills by playing an instrument, a new study published has revealed (Glasgow Centre for Population Health’s research into Big Noise Torry, June 2017). A range of benefits which children learning music gain are: improved ability to learn, improvements in academic performance, their ability to listen, concentrate, be creative, communicate and co-operate and enhanced wellbeing generally.

Not only is music a life skill which children can enjoy as they progress to adulthood and beyond, but there are other rewards as well. Playing an instrument is a fantastic way to increase independence and confidence in children, something which we nurture at The Music Box, Huntly.

Although lessons are primarily concerned with the piano, violin and theory of music, The Music Box also actively promotes a more general musical education by running groups where children can learn about different kinds of music and have the chance to meet other children and play together in small groups using instruments like bongos, windpipes, maracas, triangles and tambourines.

From history to harmony, a child with good all round knowledge of their instrument has a better approach to and appreciation of a piece of music. The lessons are tailored to each individual student, to encourage them in their strengths and support them in areas where they need to improve. In addition to working through the ABRSM grades (18), pupils are taught how to play pieces in a range of different musical styles, like classical, folk, traditional.

The Music Box has a vast selection of music from Chopin to Coldplay, enabling lessons to be tailored to each

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pupil’s personality.

As we all know, practice makes perfect.

Since regular practice is an essential part of your child’s musical education and often children have busy after-school schedules, it is extremely important to learn how to most effectively use time at the piano to achieve the best results. I teach you and your child how to make the most of practice time.

The Music Box also holds regular concerts throughout the year exclusively for our pupils. The events give them a fantastic platform to perform in a real concert environment and to meet and listen to other young musicians. Needless to say, there is always a collection of eager friends and family in the audience and children express feelings of happiness, enjoyment and pride in playing their instrument.

If your child or yourself would like to learn an instrument or come along to one of our regular small music groups then get in touch at www. musiclessonsaberdeenshire.co.uk, or call 07769 730054 or email: valsutherland@ ymail.com

UPHOLSTERY SERVICES

Call or email Colin Wilkinson for a free written estimate to transform your furniture 07840 669251 beechgroveupholstery@gmail.com www.beechgroveupholstery.com Find us on Facebook

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

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

Film Club Change Tullynessle Hall group broadens its mix and appeal in new autumn/ winter programme

ITEC eco

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

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

The film club formerly known as Craigievar has changed its name to “Tullynessle Hall Film Club”. Secretary Annette Wright told The BULLetin: “We made the change to reflect our association with the Hall. We have been meeting there for approximately 10 years and our equipment is permanently located there.

Retaining the Craigievar name was no longer appropriate.”

The group has also decided on its film programme for the 2017-18 season.

As well as their eclectic range of independent and foreign language films laid on by the film club, they also show what they call a selection of Community Films at the same venue.

The club is showing these on behalf of the Tullynessle Hall committee, in response to requests for more mainstream movies. Details of all films can be found on the venue’s website: www.tullynessleandforbeshall.co.uk. The season is also broadly outlined here: October 12 – Lion October 26 – I, Daniel Blake November 9 – Whisky Galore (1949) November 23 – The Salesman December 7 _ Hunt for the Wilder People December 28 – Fantastic Beasts January 11 – Sully January 25 – Kubo and the Two Strings February 8 – Hidden Figures February 22 – Creepy March 8 – X + Y March 22 – Julieta

Hidden Figures

Just one of a number of exciting films showing at Tullynessle Hall over the 2017-18 season

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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

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?

Counselling Services Melissa Grieff MBACP Registered Accredited Counsellor with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy Post-graduate Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Gestalt/Humanistic) Experience in primary care + higher education settings Central Alford location . Disabled access and parking

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.

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

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

TUTTI FRUTTI

YOGA

Alford . Keig . Lumsden .Aboyne .Torphins

All classes drop-in, no block booking or upfront payment Bring yoga into your weekly routine – help yourself get healthier and fitter Come and give my yoga a try!

Private one off/block sessions for workplaces/groups also available Just get in touch

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

Body and Mind...

Spoilt for choice here!

As autumn brings darker nights and colder weather it’s important to keep ourselves as healthy as possible. Things we do automatically in summertime can often seem like a challenge when it’s a typical cold rainy day. As winter approaches though, try to maintain a healthy diet and eat those five portions of fruit and veg every day; de-stress with meditation or take regular exercise; get outdoors for as much natural daylight as possible, take time for yourself and spend time with people that make you happy.

The Alford area has a wealth of therapies and classes that can help: Yoga, Sports Massage, Hypnotherapy, Aromatherapy,; Reflexology, Counselling Services, Pilates, Aqua aerobics, Jazzercise and more are all available locally to name but a few.

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FACIAL REFLEXOLOGY Facial Reflexology aims to help your en�re body func�on at its op�mal level, with the addi�onal benefit of a radiant and glowing complexion. It also promotes the produc�on of new skin �ssue and improves skin tone • Aims to relieve the effects of stress • Relieves tension in muscle �ssue • Helps relieve sinusi�s/conges�on • Direct rejuvena�ng effect on the skin • Calmness and relaxa�on Stress Bus�ng Face Reflexology (20-30 mins) £25.00 Face Reflexology (40-45 mins) £35.00

Home Visits and Salon Appointments available

Gillian Frost Reflexology . 07812 565263 . www.gillianfrostreflexology.co.uk

Business Focus: Booking.Scot

Des keen to share benefits of his hotel experiences Tourism is big business in Scotland.

Aberdeenshire and especially Alford boasts some of the most glorious scenery in the country. We also have some pretty special attractions that cannot be found for miles around.

If you happen to be an accommodation provider in the area, however, you may find that your rooms aren’t necessarily booked out year round.

This is where local service Booking.

Scot comes in.

Now happily esconced in Cushie, Des Pirkhoffer ran a hotel in Austria for 10 years: “Coming from an IT services background I soon realised that to succeed in the cut-throat world of accommodation provision, the Internet is King!

“I struggled through the whole confusing world of internet advertising and took a few wrong turns. However, the light soon began to dawn and now I have a solid understanding of not just Booking.com but of how many different such companies can all be made to work together.”

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Des and his wife recently passed the hotel business on to their elder son and moved to Scotland. He decided that with so much experience of the industry it would be good to try to help others benefit from his experiences.

He is keen to stress that there is no connection businesswise between Booking.com and Booking.scot: “Booking. scot was set up as a result of direct experience of the benefits that joining Booking.com brought to our business.

“As accommodation providers we would have loved someone to guide us through the process. No such company existed so we had to learn the hard way. We simply wish to pass on that experience.”

Digital photography and strategic rates management assistance are just some of the services offered.

Des added: “When moving to the area I tried to find a hotel for the night we arrived, sadly without success. Given the number and quality of attractions in the area, local accommodation providers should recognise that there is a global market looking to stay in the area. Tapping into that market is at the core of Booking.

Scot’s expertise.

“As we offer a ‘No new bookings – No fee’ deal you have nothing to lose by contacting us.

“Since launching Booking.Scot we have been very pleased by the warmth and support of the community and look forward to returning that welcome in solid financial growth for all our clients.”

You can get in touch with Des using the contacts on the page opposite.

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

Do you provide accommoda�on?

Would you like more bookings?

Contact us for a free chat bu No sin too ess sm all!

Booking.scot Helping Sco�sh accommoda�on providers take full advantage of the Booking.com pla�orm 0753 5950 263 . info@booking.scot . www.booking.scot Find us on Facebook

A fresh new start and a beautiful new home.

ALFORD, SILVER BIRCHES

0845 076 6134

The Dukeswood - 4 bedroom detached home £279,995 - Plot 21 This striking four-bedroom detached home has a spacious living room and large, well-appointed open plan breakfasting kitchen. The kitchen comes complete with integrated Smeg appliances. Off the kitchen there is a family room with French doors leading onto the rear garden. A cloakroom completes the ground floor. On the first floor, there are four bedrooms including a master bedroom with built-in wardrobes and en-suite shower room with large double shower. The guest room also has built-in wardrobes and an en-suite shower room. There is a spacious family bathroom with fitted vanity furniture that is offered in an attractive range of finishes.

Available with†: • Part Exchange*

We are proud to be awarded

5 Star Home Builder

in the HBF annual consumer survey 2017

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

Offers detailed are not combinable and are available on selected homes only. Offers are subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. See website for details, subject to contract and status. Images sho Please refer to architectural drawings for details. Please ask for details. ‡Offer is available on selected plot. Subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. This example is based on a purchase price of deposit contribution from buyer) and lender’s fixed rate of 1.15% until 30/09/2019, reverting to the lender’s variable rate for the remaining of the term, currently 5.44%. The overall cost for comparison is transfer fee of £35 is payable to the lender on completion. The valuation is payable by the lender (subject to T&C’s.) Early repayment charges apply to the end of the incentive period. The actual rate w This example is also based on using the Scottish Government’s Help to Buy Equity Loan Scheme, they will retain a 15% share of the property, which must be repaid on sale of the property. Typical exam †

The Aberwood - 2 bedroom terraced home £194,995 - Plot 137

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

£480.53 PER MONTH MORTGAGE ‡

The Corrywood is a much-admired three-bedroom home with impressive dual-aspect windows. Inside, there is a light and airy living room and a large breakfasting kitchen incorporating premium Smeg appliances and French doors to the garden. Upstairs, the master bedroom has the benefit of a walk-in dresser as well as a built-in wardrobe and en-suite facilities The second of the three bedrooms also has a built-in wardrobe and the family bathroom comes complete with fitted vanity furniture.

The Aberwood is a cleverly designed terraced two bedroom home. The light and airy entrance hall opens into a stylish fitted kitchen, complete with integrated, Smeg appliances. The hallway continues to a bright, spacious living room with French doors leading to the private rear garden. Upstairs, there is a generously proportioned master bedroom featuring built-in wardrobe. The second bedroom also comes with built-in wardrobes. Completing the upstairs of this home is a family bathroom.

Available with†: • Help to Buy • First Time Buyers Plan

The Carlton - 4 bedroom end-terraced home £269,495 - Plot 22 On the ground floor of this three-bedroom home, there is a spacious living room, large stylish kitchen/ dining room with premium appliances and French doors leading to the garden and, off the hall, a WC/ cloakroom. Upstairs, the master bedroom has a builtin wardrobe and en-suite shower room with 1200mm shower cubicle. The second bedroom, which is big enough to accommodate a double bed, also has a built-in wardrobe. A choice of fitted vanity furniture is offered for inclusion in the family bathroom.

Available with†: • Part Exchange*

Available with†: • Part Exchange* Help to Buy allows you to purchase a brand new home with just 5% deposit and an affordable mortgage through help from the Scottish Government.

Help to Buy gives you the chance to buy a new home with the assistance of an equity stake. The value of the stake is a maximum of 15% of the full price of the property. The maximum full purchase price is set at £200,000.

YOU HAVE A HOME TO SELL* With Part Exchange, we’ll provide an offer for your home within 5 days. Just get in touch, provide us with details of your property and leave the rest to us.

No fees. No delay, no fuss.

• • • •

Independent valuation • No fees Contribution to LBTT £500 removals voucher 10 year warranty for your new home

own reflect the varying styles and sizes of typical Stewart Milne homes and are intended to illustrate typical styles and finishes only. Elevation treatments and specification may vary from those shown. £194,995. The amount you will need to pay Stewart Milne Homes on purchase is £165,745 being 85% of the purchase price. Monthly costs based on a repayment mortgage of £146,245 (£19,500 s 5.01% APRC. Interest rate correct as at 01/09/2017. Calculated over 30 years the monthly cost on 1.15% is £480.53. An arrangement fee of £1999 is payable to the lender on application. A funds will depend upon your circumstances. Loans are subject to availability and subject to status. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE. mple - if the property is sold for £200,000 then 15% (£30,000) is payable to the Scottish Government. Terms and conditions apply. Prices correct at time of going to press.

.......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 30.

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.

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October...

27th – Halloween Activities + Critter Keeper, GTM, 1pm-3.30pm 28th – Producers’ Market, Tullynessle and Forbes Hall, 10am-1pm 29th – Last day of GMT 2017 Season 31st – Local Business Network meets Alford Golf Club, 7.30pm

November...

4th – Keig School Winter Fayre, 10-12noon 7th – Tough Primary Christmas Fayre, 6.30-8.30pm 11th – Alford Ball Charity Dinner & Dance, Tullynessle Hall 18th – Alford Christmas Fayre, Howe Trinity Church, 11am-3pm 24th – Christmas Lights Switch-on, Haughton Arms Hotel, 6pm 25th – Tullynessle School Christmas Fayre 25th – Alford Playgroup Christmas Fayre, Howe Trinity Church Hall 28th – Local Business Network meets Alford Golf Club, 7.30pm

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

December...

2nd – Glitz, Glamour and Christmas Jumpers, Tullynessle Hall, 7.30pm

movie

Tullynessle Film Club – Fortnightly films until March; details on p12 Lumphanan Moving Pictures – details can be found on Facebook Aboyne Theatre has films year round – www.indycinemagroup.com/tours/aboyne/ Tarland Film Club meets first Thursday of each month Sept-June in Upper Room, MacRobert Hall, Tarland, 7.30pm (film at 8pm)

Seasonal Flu Vaccines Available

s

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Autumn Sort-it!

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Get your house in order Alford and the surrounding area is teeming with businesses, both established and new, that can help you get your home in order, whether you have just moved in, or want to improve.

In this beautiful part of the world, we all take stock in autumn, and prepare for the variable vagaries we have ahead, good or bad, depends on your point of view...!

Maybe you need a new log pile, or somewhere to store it. Gutters, gardens or a larger project to undertake before winter sets in...?

Get in touch with the companies featured on this page or, if you think you have a company that can help, get in touch to advertise! The BULLetin would love to hear from you.

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

Overgrown? Resist Temptation Classic Abode’s Moira Gash shares tips on producing flower beds If you have just moved house and inherited a small jungle of a garden or your own garden has been getting out of control for many years, then don’t despair.

Apart from clearing out the absolute rubbish, it’s worth holding back on an immediate total clearance unless it really is totally unusable in the short term You might want a reasonable looking lawn in summer, a level place to sit and eat, and maybe a dry surface for children to play.

Take panoramic pictures of the garden throughout the first year you own it, at intervals to catch all four seasons. Snap these from both upstairs and downstairs windows looking out.

Photos help you to pick out and remember good things and bad including plants that may be worth saving.

If this is a new garden for you it’s also useful to know which boundaries you own so you know how far your work can extend.

Once you have built up a complete picture of the good, bad and ugly then you can plan what really needs to be tackled to make it more into the garden you will love. 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

Donside

Cleaning Company We have a small, friendly team who will get to grips with those annoying jobs for you We are proud to have built a reputation for providing our clients with an efďŹ cient service they can rely on Covering: Alford Sauchen Inverurie Banchory Monymusk Kemnay Lumsden Clatt Insch Tarland Kennethmont + surrounding areas To arrange a free initial consultation call us today on 07738 245 410 enquiries@donsidecleaningcompany.co.uk Established 1999

Photo: Simon Sawers

View from the Summit

Go For Gold’s Simon Sawers overcomes injury to tackle four Corbetts You could say that you can’t do too much hillwalking! However, the more you do the more prone you are to repetitive type injuries and I recently strained the sheath around one of my Achilles tendons. Although not too painful it did run the risk of a worse injury.

I went to an excellent local physiotherapist and he worked wonders – several massages and strict instructions for remedial exercises worked a treat. A good hillwalking friend of mine has not been so lucky – he’s been suffering with Morten’s Neuroma in his foot which is a painful nerve condition that has limited his walking for a few months now.

Some of these conditions just happen and regular exercise is so important, but this also brings into focus the need to look after our bodies, especially as we get older, and to combine exercise regimes with body maintenance regimes.

What a fantastic summer we had – warm, sunny and just enough rain to keep the garden going! This can be a prolific time for hillwalkers with summits all over Scotland just begging to be conquered! For many of us, other things in our busy lives get in the way of escaping to the hills but it’s all a question of prioritisation – let’s get our boots on, plan our routes and get out there!

I was lucky enough to have time for some hillwalking, although it doesn’t feel enough sometimes, and can mention two of my trips so far this summer. The first was to the Loch Lochy Munros of Meall na Teanga and Sron a’ Choire Ghairbh from which the views up and down the Great Glen were just stunning. It was like a view from a plane and seeing the size and scale of this huge geological fault line that runs for 62 miles between Inverness and Fort William was both impressive and humbling at the same time. How small are we compared to the huge natural forces that created this? The air was so clear that the full length was visible in one huge panorama that the photo doesn’t do it justice.

The second trip was to the Torridon area, well known for its massive and steep Munros of Beinn Alligin, Liathach and Beinn Eighe: However I was there on a Corbett hunting trip and would say that the Corbetts in the area are even better than their only slightly higher brothers. The five Corbetts of Ruadh-stac Beag, Meall a’ Ghiubhais, Beinn an Eoin, Baosbheinn and Beinn Dearg are all just to the North of the Torridon Munros but are far more remote and just as, if not more, challenging. The views of the Munros from these Corbetts are both unusual and impressive. In particular, the north side of Beinn Eighe displays the charming grandeur of her ridges, not often seen. These are big days out and the tops are covered in loose angular scree that means slow going. However, I was blessed with excellent weather and plenty of daylight managing four of these Corbetts over two days, leaving Beinn Dearg for another day.

Enjoy your autumn in the hills!

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When you start a new business, it takes time to know which marketing tactics will work for you. You can’t just copy other people because your customers are likely to be different. It can be difficult to set a budget for your marketing.

More and more marketing is online e.g. social media and on your website.

Experiment with different ways of generating new sales for your business.

Pick one or two social media platforms then manage them well, and ensure that you are measuring performance against your goals. Look at the sources of your web traffic and where your sales leads originate from. Spend more in those areas.

If you prefer offline marketing such as printed flyers, brochures and leaflets, that’s great! These channels are still powerful in helping people to learn about your business.

Cafes and community centres in the Donside area are usually happy for you to put your flyers on their notice boards.

Also, approach doctor’s surgeries to see if they will display your leaflets in their waiting rooms.

To get the most from print marketing materials, include a code e.g. BULL10 that a potential customer can quote to get a 10% discount or additional bonuses. This allows you to measure how many people use the code, and see if your investment is worthwhile. Without tracking your returns on the budget you spend on offline marketing, you won’t know what is working.

Badger . .

Badges Magnets Mirrors Fun & Seasonal Gifts

Custom Orders Taken

Group Discounts /Bulk

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

New Business?

YO! Marketing’s Yekemi Otaru shows you how to manage your marketing budget...

info@yomarketing.co http://yomarketing.co @yomarketingco

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

Myriad Pro

Design and Print for the Small Business

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

Cat Houston

catrionahouston@yahoo.co.uk 013397 55243 / 07805 731401 www.myriadpro.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 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 Bob Humphreys, 019755 81315 humphreys479@btinternet.com Alford & District Garden Club Community Room, Community Campus, every third Tuesday Morag Watson. Phone 019755 62538 moraglwatson@icloud.com Cushnie Handbell Ringers Mondays at 6.30pm in Cushnie Church for 1 hour. Ages 10-100. Mrs Mary Penny, 01339 883271 Alford & District Rotary Club Haughton Arms Hotel, Main Street David Dawson (Sec), 019755 63352 dawsons3@btinternet.com

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Almost every Tuesday, 7.00pm for 7.15pm Alford SWI Alford Upper Public Hall, Kingsford Road Mrs Sheena Esson, 019755 62341 Second Thursday of the month, 7.30pm 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 annwilkinson81@hotmail.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

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 22 Alford Day Nursery 29 Alford Roofing Co 23 Alison Spice Massage 14 Ally B’s Embroidery 7 Badger 27 Beechgrove Upholstery 11 Booking.Scot 17 Buannaich 5 Catherine Wright 25 Certax Accounting 32 Classic Abode 24 Commercial Hotel 2 DAG IT Services 7 Deeside VOS 29 Donside Cleaning Co 25 Elma Munro 14 Esp Bookkeeping 25

Y COP ES DAT

Deadline Publication

Winter Nov 10 Spring Mar 2 Summer Jun 8 Autumn Sept 14

Dec 1 Mar 23 Jun 22 Oct 5

Next Issue: 30

Everlong Art Flame Boiler Services Gillian Frost Iain Main Itec Eco Jenflo hypnotherapy Jeff Smith K&A Anderson Kemnay Pharmacy Meet Again Tea Room Melissa Grieff Munara Cycling Music Box Red Driving School Spotlessly Chic Stewart Milne Tutti Frutti Yoga W & R Murray

Coming December 1

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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