Alford BULLetin 8 (Winter 2017)

The

BULLETIN

Issue 8, Winter 2017

FREE!

A Community Magazine for Alford

Inside your Winter issue:

... News ... Groups ... Features ... Business In Focus

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

Spring Summer Autumn Winter

Deadline Mar 2 Jun 8 Sept 14 Nov 9

Publish Mar 23 Jun 22 Oct 6 Dec 1

Contents News/Clubs 4 Oh! Christmas Tree!

6 DCC Contacts 8 Keeping Counsel 10 Alford Pilates 15 Business In Focus 16 Haughton Arms Hotel 19 Carpets Covered 20 Cllr Contacts 21 Classic Abode 25 Simon Sawers 26 Club Directory 28 Advertisers’ Index 30 Ad Rates & Copy Dates 31

Welcome to Issue 8 of The BULLetin.

The frosty mornings have come round again but who doesn’t love this time of year, with so much festivities to look forward to?

Yet more businesses have come under the BULLetin radar this quarter and we have also got some tips on where to buy your real Christmas tree.

Thank you to all our advertisers and contributors, and to John Black of Red Driving School for assisting with deliveries (and welcome, baby Emily!).

Thanks are due again to Melissa Grieff for supplying our lovely snowy cover pic, while above you can see Everlongart in the gear-up for Christmas.

If you want your group, organisation, business or event to feature in The BULLetin, get in touch.

Cat Houston Design/Editor

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

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Do you have something to share? An upcoming event or achievement? Group or individual, let The BULLetin know what you are up to, using the contacts on p3 and 30

Out Now!

17 nd ar 20 le a C s e Forb es sle & n y A4 opening ll u T The to A3

with envelope

ONLY £6

Available from: The Bistro, Alford All proc eeds ar Loose Ends, Montgarrie e in ai d of ha ll fund Committee Members s or call 019755 62273 or 019755 63548

Film Club Dates

Films are shown on Thursdays at Tullynessle Hall, at 7.30pm (doors 7.15pm).

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 Details of all films can be found on the venue’s website: www. tullynessleandforbeshall.co.uk.

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New Year Ceilidh

Tullynessle and Forbes Hall is hosting a Hogmanay Ceilidh on Sunday December 31st from 8pm, featuring the fantastic Jiggery Pokery Ceilidh Band.

This event is BYO in terms of drinks and snacks and there will also be a raffle.

Entry prices are adults £12, children 5-16 £8, under-5s free. Tickets are available from Alford Bistro and: Edna Harris: 019755 63548 Gloria Malcolm: 019755 64336 So go get ‘em!

GAELO jewellery

We have a HUGE Selection of sterling silver jewellery‌ and an exciting new range of gifts for Christmas, weddings, anniversaries, christenings and birthdays We look forward to welcoming friends old and new over the festive season

1 Greystone Road

.

019755 63760

the

Meet Again Tea Room

Homebakes and a warm greeting New menu items now available Cakes baked to order/takeaway Ideal for small business meetings Open Mon-Fri 9-5, closed Thursday Weekends 10.30-4pm

Perkhill Road . Lumphanan . AB31 4SE 013398 83776 rosalindbuckingham@yahoo.co.uk

Heritage Still Life

Donside Camera Club enjoyed a recent foray into Alford Heritage Centre & Museum for a still life workshop, and reported: “The exhibits and settings in the museum gave a wide choice of interesting objects that could be used in still life compositions. Workshops are a good, informal opportunity for our members to learn from each other.� www.donsidecameraclub.co.uk

FLORAL TRIBUTE SPECIALIST DEE ROSS

Traditional & Personalised Designs ~ Made To Order ~ 07837 659225 01975 571354 (evenings) Craiglogie Cottage . Mossat

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

Oh! Christmas Tree!

Where do you go for a real festive pine?

Artificial trees can look great but to really get the scent and feel of Christmas, perhaps you need a real tree.

Where do you shop for yours? The BULLetin took to Facebook for some suggestions...

“Hudson’s at Blairdaff.

Family service, fantastic.”

Vicki Williams

“Ian Ballantyne at Dess. They are a bit pricey compared with some but I’m a great believer in you get what you pay for.”

Eleanor Noble “Best service and excellent trees from Hudson’s at Blairdaff.”

Gillian Gibson “We go to a place next to Deeside Activity Park. They start selling from 1st December. You do get a nice tree that seems to last!”

Tracey Mortimer Gerrard “Tyrebagger and get a venison burger too, it’s super Christmassy.”

Emily Carter

Dee Ross

Holly Wreaths

Many colours available Also Nature wreaths Orders taken for special requests I'll be at the Mart Road Co-op and Graeme Barber butchers throughout December, or you can uplift from my home at Mossat by appointment 07837 659225

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 efficient 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

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

Andy Travis andalf@btinternet.com

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

Paul Gleisner paulgleisner238@gmail.com Vacant 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 Dorothy Anderson Associate Member dorothy2710@yahoo.co.uk

Anyone interested in what we do is warmly welcome to come along to any of our meetings

DCC would like to thank everyone involved with the fantastic Christmas Light Display and launch event again this year.

Many thanks to Santa, Lonach Pipe Band, School Choirs and everyone else who contributed to the entertainment at the “switch-on” event.

Thanks must also go to the Haughton Hotel for organising the Family Disco and allowing us to mount the tree in the hotel grounds. Since this had to be written before the event we hope the weather was kind!

We are running the Christmas Window Competition again this year and look forward to seeing some wonderful displays. Dorothy Anderson will be in touch with businesses shortly – good luck to everyone who joins in.

We are still working on the Community Action Plan and are looking at publishing in Jan/Feb next year – further information will be available on local noticeboards and the Alford Community Website.

We say a huge thanks and fond farewell to Ed Mathers who has retired as one of the Alford Members of the Community Council after 15 years. Ed has contributed to many projects over the years and is a well known face in the community - thank you Ed. As such, we are looking for a replacement member of the DCC, so if you are interested please get in touch.

As of April next year there will be a new scheme by which Community Councils operate and we are awaiting the finalised documentation.

The Community Councillors Handbook will also be updated. Both documents will be available on the Aberdeenshire Council website in due course but if you have any questions, please get in touch with us by email at donsidecommunitycouncil@ yahoo.co.uk.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a wonderful festive season.

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/

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

Keeping Counsel Melissa aims to boost rural mental health

Counselling and psychotherapy are long established professions providing a safe, confidential space for an individual to explore aspects of themselves that may be causing them distress. This could be a pattern of relating to others that they would like to change, or there may be an overall desire to understand themselves better so they can lead more fulfilling lives.

I am launching my own independent counselling practice in the Alford and surrounding areas after many years of working in both Higher educational settings, GP practices and the voluntary/ independent sector. I have made the decision to practice independently as it is becoming increasingly difficult to have the flexibility to practice both short and longer term within the financial constraints of many organisations including both Higher Education and the NHS. Living in a rural area where the population is widely dispersed presents some challenges to me in reaching my audience so I am inviting anyone who has considered counselling as something that could be of benefit to them to get in touch.

I am happy to offer an initial consultation to answer any questions you may have.

I am an experienced professionally Accredited counsellor registered with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (www.bacp.co.uk) which means that I adhere to their professional code of ethics and codes of conduct. I have a post-graduate Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Gestalt/Humanistic) from the Northern Guild of Psychotherapy.

Within my counselling practice I am able to deal with a range of issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship

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Melissa Grieff MBACP issues, work-related stress, bereavement, loss, physical illness, post-traumatic stress, gender identity/sexuality, domestic violence, sexual/physical/emotional abuse and low self-esteem.

What can counselling help with?

Counselling can help you deal with any aspect of your life that is causing you distress, anxiety,or disturbance on some level. Counselling enables you to explore what may be at the source of this feeling and help you identify ways of addressing these issues to restore you to a sense of optimum, well-being and functioning.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Fees are ÂŁ40 for a 50-minute therapeutic hour, ÂŁ20 for a 30 minute consultation.

I can also provide individual supervision to qualified counsellors. Please contact me for more details.

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

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 and higher education settings Experience in dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, loss, bereavement, workrelated stress, health issues, sexual abuse, domestic violence, sexuality and gender identity

NOT JUST TRAVEL Local Travel Agent Nikki Peachey is excited to announce that from 1st December she will be based alongside Bridgeton Bookkeeping at 48 Main Street, Alford All aspects of holiday and corporate travel covered Pop in and make an appointment!

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

Nikki.peachey@notjusttravel.com 0203 908 0043/07701 052585 Find me on Facebook

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

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

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

“An amazing calming space”

Sonia Cameron started working intensively as a Physical Therapist in 2006 and in 2014 became a certified Level 3 Diploma Pilates Instructor. This was a natural transition where she could help clients develop core strengthening techniques to aid their rehabilitation.

Sonia established Alford Pilates in 2014 and her new studio opened in 2017.

The studio is purpose-built and is a fully equipped modern space, making it the ideal venue to relax and exercise. Clients will benefit from: • Free accessible parking • Specialised flooring • Sound speaker system • Temperature controlled heating • Disabled facilities and access “I believe Pilates should be fun and functional. Once a client learns the Pilates principles in class and starts to incorporate the functional alignment into what they do daily they will feel more energised and begin to move with more efficiency. This translates into more energy, less pain, improved endurance and strength as well as elevated mood. To be able to do what we love more often and with greater ease makes people happier.”

Sonia holds additional certifications in post and pre-natal training, Barre and large

equipment Pilates. She has an unending curiosity for learning which will continue to enrich and enliven her teaching approach for the benefit of all who come to her classes from Alford and surrounding area.

Alford Pilates Studio offers the following classes suitable for all abilities: • Small Group Pilates • 1:1 Pilates Sessions • Barre Fusion Classes • Large Equipment Pilates Pilates aims to strengthen the whole body with particular emphasis on core strength. Starting by establishing a good postural base then ‘adding on’ challenging movements maintaining alignment.

Movements are flowing and controlled meaning that it is a form of exercise for most people. The exercises can be performed at varying degrees of difficulty allowing you to work at a level that suits.

To book your slot in one of the above classes, please contact Sonia Cameron on 07980 112294 or via her Facebook page.

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Professional valet is no con...

Embarrassed by your wheels? Go to Fergus

I have a confession to make. My car is a disgrace. Basically an extension of my equally scruffy house, it suffers a peculiar mixture of abuse between holidays (sand, ice cream, things that fly), various voluntary commitments (Lego, shortbread crumbs... straw?) and two children (and adults) who basically treat it like a mobile dustbin and storage unit.

Cleanouts, on the rare occasions we have them, usually procure three full bags – of litter, recycling, and stuff that really belongs in the house. That smell of spilt chocolate milkshake will just not go away.

So when the chance of a professional valet from FHP Valeting was presented (I begged him), I snaffled it before the nice young chap at the heart of the business could change his mind...

Alford loon Fergus Paton is a busy man.

He also runs his own air conditioning firm, and has been valeting vehicles as a sideline for four years. Baby boy Harris arrived in September this year, too.

Demand for clean cars has been high lately, possibly due to the word-of-mouth steam engine that is Facebook, and a steady stream of “before and after” pics that show he really does know one end of a chamois from the other. I was delighted with the magic worked on my dearly beloved (abused) Passat. It is now dark grey inside, not brown. It even smells nice.

Mainly working out of his Alford base, Fergus also provides a mobile valet service.

His talents include mini valets, full valets, showroom valets, leather deep cleaning/ protection, engine bay valets (do people really do that?) and interior shampoos.

Time-short and tempted? Call Fergus on 07745 605877, email fergie_fhp@yahoo. com, or find FHP Valeting on Facebook.

Prices start at £45.

Cat Houston

Before...

Fergus Paton

After!

* Christmas Menu now available *

~ * Three courses £29.95 * Two courses £25.95 * ~ Family-run Hotel in the Heart of Alford ~ En-suite Rooms ~ Bar Lunches and Evening Meals ~ Rueben’s Restaurant ~ Superb Selec�on of Bri�sh, Sco�sh and European Modern and Classic Dishes ~ Func�on Room Hire

Main Street . Alford . AB33 8WA . 01975 564219 info@haughtonarmshotel.co.uk . www.haughtonarmshotel.co.uk

Hotel sitting at heart of the community

We hear a lot about the demise of traditional local hostelries, and out-of-own pubs have certainly fared the worst.

But we are lucky to have a high-quality hotel, bar and restaurant in the Haughton Arms, right in the centre of Alford.

Originally built as The Station Hotel in the 1820s, it was renamed The Haughton Arms Hotel in 1871 and was the first major building in the area, helping stimulate the growth of the village. The hotel has grown and developed into its current format, gaining a well-earned reputation for good

food and great service. There is also a conference and banquet suite, ideal for weddings and other large events.

Present owners Margret and Rup are keen to maintain the hotel’s links with the community and the hotel played a large part in this year’s Christmas lights switchon. There are regular themed nights, live music and quizzes in the bar to which all are welcome, and plans for more exciting events in 2018 – keep a lookout for details or check out the Facebook page. www.haughtonarmshotel.co.uk

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

New carpet shop ready to impress Alford’s Main Street has had a lift lately with the opening of a new carpet shop in what was a previously empty unit.

Alford Carpets and Flooring is no newbie, however, with the family behind it having run Westill Carpet and Flooring for the past 13 years. And a real family concern it is. The new shop is fronted by Kintore’s Caroline Inglis, with dad Stewart heading up the fitting alongside son Michael while mum Karen holds the fort in Westhill.

Things have been busy since the shop opened in September, and Caroline says it’s the company’s existing reputation that sets them apart. That and the fact that “Folk like to shop local” and until now carpet shoppers have had to travel to Inverurie, Banchory or Aberdeen, or shop online.

Pop in to find a wide range of carpets, laminates and blinds. Alford Carpets and Flooring are also an official Quick Step dealer, which Caroline says is “the best laminate flooring available”.

The shop is open from 9.30am until 5pm, closed Wednesdays and Sundays.

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The very best of luck to all new businesses starting up. Have you started a new business in the Alford area? Want a mention? Get in touch: catrionahouston@yahoo.co.uk

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

Scottish Parliament Alexander Burnett MSP 0131 348 5642 Alexander.Burnett.msp @parliament.scot

Cllr Gwyneth Petrie

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

Cllr Robbie Withey

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

Westminster

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

Seasonal Flu Vaccines Available

All aspects of roofing – from a minor repair to a new roof

Flat roofs (single ply + felt) . Tiles . Slates PVC Fascias + Soffits Guttering . Maintenance . Inspections registered installers

07773 772829 or 07917 161296 enquiries@alfordroofingcompany.co.uk www.alfordroofingcompany.co.uk

K&A ANDERSON LONENWELL GARAGE . ALFORD . 019755 62215

LOG SPLITTERS CHAINSAWS SNOW BLOWERS IN STOCK NOW

PREP ARE FOR AUT & WI UMN NTER

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

Coo Magnetism

Ballater-based teenage badge-maker Lizzie Scripps aka Badger is delighted to be working with Jodie Bews of EverlongArt Studio and Gift Shop to produce a new line of mirrors and magnets featuring Jodie’s beautiful Rainbow and Daisy Coo designs.

Perfect stocking fillers, the mirrors and magnets are available from Jodie’s shop in Main Street now.

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

Badger . .

Badges Magnets Mirrors Fun & Seasonal Gifts

Custom Orders Taken

Group Discounts /Bulk

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

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

Bring in the Bees...

Classic Abode’s Moira Gash tells us why a Bee Hotel could be just the thing Bee hotels are a great way to boost the population of local pollinators. They also provide a wonderful focal point to observe the activities of bees.

Bees are probably the most important pollinators of crops and other plants. We rely on bees to pollinate apples, plums, carrots, coffee, cotton and much more. Worryingly, many bee species are in decline, largely because of the loss of feeding and nesting habitats.

Not all bees live in hives. Many bee species nest in tiny spaces ranging from hollow plant stems to holes in deadwood or bare ground. Bee hotels are places for solitary bees to make their nests. These bees live alone, not in hives. They do not make honey. Solitary bees are much less likely to sting than honeybees because they aren’t defending a hive.

Not heard of a bee hotel? Well, quite simply it consists of a number of hollow tubes that mimic the conditions suitable for bees that nest and lay eggs above the ground in stems and holes.

Fairly easy to make, using some small logs or pieces of wood and a selection of plant stems like bamboo or sunflower stems.

Instructions can be found on many different websites online.

Once constructed it should be positioned in a sheltered area where it will not be disturbed in your garden. You can tell if bees are using your hotel when they make a mud “door” to cover the entrance hole. This means a female bee has laid an egg inside.

After the bee hatches, it will eat a supply of pollen until it is ready to break through the mud and fly away.

This is a good winter project that children can assist with and also makes a useful addition to your garden. www.classicabode.co.uk

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Hillwalking in Winter Go For Gold’s Simon Sawers gives us his tips for safe trip Many enthusiastic hillwalkers get up into the hills all year round, and for many winter is the best season especially on those pristine, snow covered, glorious sunny days when the temperature is way below zero and you can see for miles and hear a pin drop. So I thought for this article I would remind us all (and myself!) about the additional things to think about when

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hillwalking in winter conditions.

The most important thing to remember is that walking in winter conditions is completely different to summer conditions and all the items below require consideration. Generally you will be making slower progress, over more difficult ground with a heavier rucksack. By winter conditions we mean in the winter months, November to April/May and with snow on the ground.

• Daylight is limited especially in the period when we set the clocks to GMT. This means that one should be off the hill by about 4pm, even earlier in December and January, so unless you have early starts in the mornings you are likely to be limited to 6 to 7 hour days.

• Walking in snow is slow going, especially if it’s knee or even thigh deep.

We once attempted the straightforward hill of Clachnaben one winter and could not reach the summit due to floundering around in deep soft snow. You also should allow time for putting crampons on and off, getting ice axes out and checking navigation. All this adds time. There is a real risk of coming off the hill in the dark when combined with the limited daylight hours.

• Navigation can be a lot trickier. A true white-out is very hard to navigate in and extremely slow going. People have been known to walk straight over a cliff or through a cornice because they just haven’t seen it. It also affects your balance and I have fallen over while standing still, as there are no reference points at all.

• Take additional kit. Crampons and ice axe are essential pieces of kit, and even more essential is knowing how to use them! Boots should be B1 or B2 rated to take crampons. In addition you will need more clothing, additional food, good head torch, survival bag and possibly a sleeping bag. Modern down insulated jackets are very good to put on when you stop. You will rapidly cool down, especially if you sweat during uphill exertions. I once dropped my compass in the snow and took ages to find it again - such a critical piece of kit that I now take a spare compass with me.

• Lastly, know when to turn back. The aim of a good day out is to get back to the car safely - reaching your target hill is only half way through the day and will be there another day if you are at risk of walking after dusk.

I’m not trying to be gloomy and the rewards of being in the hills in winter

conditions are tremendous but be aware that emergencies occur when a number of factors combine. Any one of the above going wrong may not be too much of a problem but two or more may well result in real danger.

We belong to the very active XXL Hillwalking Club with weekends away most months to various parts of Scotland and a local day walk once a month and include winter hillwalking in our programme. We are a very sociable bunch with a number of social activities throughout the year and have our annual dinner and ceilidh coming up soon in Ballater. Non-members are very welcome to come along on walks or socials to try us out - see http://xxlhwc.yolasite. com/ for details.

Here’s a suggestion for you: Consider joining a hillwalking club and/or taking a winter skills course as a New Year’s resolution!

This is one 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

Photo: Simon Sawers

Club Directory

This directory is compiled using the Alford Community website’s listings at www.alfordcommunity.co.uk Thank you!

If you know or discover any of the details to be incorrect, or if you wish to add your club’s details to it, please get in touch: catrionahouston@yahoo.co.uk

Alford & District Rotary Club Alford Community Campus, Almost every Tuesday, 7pm for 7.15pm David Dawson (Sec), 019755 63352 dawsons3@btinternet.com Tullynessle & Forbes SWI Tullynessle & Forbes Hall Shiela Taylor, 019755 62798 email: staylor019@btinternet.com First Tuesday of the month 7.30pm Vale of Alford Young Farmers David Marshall, 019755 71330 Tuesdays 7.30pm

Alford Men’s Shed John McMillan, 019755 62885 john-millbrech@hotmail.co.uk

Alford Fairtrade Ann Wilkinson, 019755 62382 am_wilkinson81@hotmail.com

Howe Trinity Craft Group Aileen Low, 019755 62106 33aileen@gmail.com

Alford Local History Group Community Room, Community Campus Liz Law, 019755 62803; Ian.chapelmoss@btopenworld.com First Wednesday of every month during winter months, 7.30pm

Alford Bridge Club Alford Golf Clubhouse Walter Michie, 019755 62692 Wednesdays 6.50pm October to April Donside Camera Club Alford Public Hall, Kingsford Road, Alford Bob Humphreys, 019755 81315 humphreys479@btinternet.com

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, every third Tuesday Morag Watson. Phone 019755 62538 moraglwatson@icloud.com

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

Cushnie Handbell Ringers Cushnie Church, Mondays , 1.30pm-3pm Mrs Mary Penny, 01339 8832711

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

Alford SWI Alford Upper Public Hall, Kingsford Road Mrs Sheena Esson, 019755 62341 Second Thursday of the month, 7.30pm

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Walking Football Club Alford Community Campus Games Hall Thurs 7-8pm. Sandy Robertson 019755 64221 or a.n.robertson@talktalk.net

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 Alford Carpets 20 Alford Day Nursery 29 Alford Roofing Co 22 Ally B’s Embroidery 7 Badger 23 Buannaich 9 Certax Accounting 32 Chris Paterson 11 Classic Abode 24 Cool Air Aberdeen 16 Commercial Hotel 2 Dee Ross Holly 6 Dee Ross Florist 6 Deeside VOS 29 Donside Cleaning Co 7 Elma Munro 14 Esp Bookkeeping 24

Y COP ES DAT

Deadline Publication

Spring Mar 2 Summer Jun 8 Autumn Sept 14 Winter Nov 9

Mar 23 Jun 22 Oct 5 Dec 1

Next Issue: 30

FHP Valeting 16 Flame Boiler Services 2 Gaelo 5 George Anderson Ltd 23 Gillian Frost 14 Grampian Housing 5 Haughton Arms 18 Jenflo hypnotherapy 14 K&A Anderson 22 Kemnay Pharmacy 21 Meet Again Tea Room 6 Melissa Grieff 11 Munara Cycling 9 Not Just Travel 11 Red Driving School 19 Stewart Milne 12 W & R Murray 11

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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