Aboyne Fountain 10 (Autumn 2017)

FREE!

The

Fountain A Community Magazine for Aboyne

Inside your Autumn issue:

.

Issue 10, Autumn 2017

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

STRACHAN’S Serving Royal Deeside for Four Generations

Newsagents

Ice Cream

Confectionery

Photocopying & Laminating

Wines & Spirits

Hardware

Haberdashery

Toys and Puzzles

Malt Whiskies

Lottery

Calor Gas

Balloons & Party Gifts

Pet Foods

Stationery

Paints

Grocery

Gardening

Delicatessen

Fishing Supplies

and lots more...!

70+ Gins in stock, including Deeside’s own Esker Gin Fireworks in stock from October 15 to November 10 and December 26 to 31 – Aboyne store only

By appointment to HM The Queen General Merchants

Main St Aboyne AB34 5HT 013398 86121

2 Golf Rd Ballater AB35 5RE 013397 755452

www.georgestrachanltd.com

By appointment to HRH The Prince of Wales General Merchants

Want in the Fountain?

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

Winter Spring Summer Autumn

Deadline Nov 10 Feb 23 May 25 Sept 14

Publish Dec 1 Mar 16 Jun 15 Oct 6

Contents Finding our way News 5 Academy News 6 Events 8 Flock of Seagulls 10 Cromar Future Group 12 The “W” Position 14 Who Is Doing What?

17 K&D Befrienders 18 Bonfire Night!

20 Business Focus 23 View From The Summit 24 Councillors’ Contacts 25 Classic Abode 28 Church News 30 Club Directory 32 Advertisers’ Index 34 Ad Rates/Copy Dates 35

Welcome to Issue 10 of The Fountain With the turn of the season we have lots to look forward to, including Aboyne’s Bonfire Night featured on p20, and numerous Christmas Fairs.

At the mention of the C-word, we’ll also hear all about Upstage Productions’ upcoming Panto, a young star showjumper and an artist who would like to hang a seagull, somewhere...

Our Business Focus this quarter is on a new online bookshop, while Simon Sawers tells us how he went about bagging four Corbetts over the summer.

There are lots of opportunities to get involved with local organisations and help out with just a little of your time.

Welcome to all our new advertisers and thank you to anyone who contributed copy about their group, organisation or event. If you want some space, get in touch.

Cat Houston – Design/Editor

get in touch via email to catrionahouston@yahoo.co.uk

or call Cat on 013397 55243 www.myriadpro.co.uk find us on facebook

Dinnet, Aberdeenshire

Hot Tubs for your home and business Our luxurious hot tubs are hand-crafted in the USA and are a perfect combination of quality and affordability. Do you have a holiday home? We have models designed specifically for the hospitality industry that come with a full commercial warranty.

www.highlandglenspas.co.uk

Phone. 013398 80540

Do you have something to share? An upcoming event or achievement? Group or individual, let The Fountain know what you are up to, using the contacts on p3 and 34.

Coming this Xmas: Robin Hood Aboyne panto promises pure entertainment

Why head in to HMT when Upstage Productions can offer you such fun on your doorstep?

Sensational costumes, uplifting music, and laughter that will have you in tears, their 2017 panto Robin Hood promises pure entertainment!

With a hugely enthusiastic cast from all walks of life who are willing to rehearse three nights a week, the results are toetappingly good!

Victoria May, director, said: “After our fifth year of Panto this is easily the funniest show we have done, literally something for everybody.”

If you are old, young, in-between, with or without children, they say their show is a must-do night out!

Robin Hood runs from December 3rd9th. Tickets go on sale in October – look out for more information coming soon!

Men’s Shed Gets Green Light

The trustees for Aboyne & District Men’s Shed have secured planning permission for their proposed site at the north end of Cemetery Road.

The major milestone will allow them to move forward, and while they ensure that all funding really is in place, they are applying for a building warrant, and making

enquiries for power, water, telephone and broadband. There are some challenges with these, as the proposed site for the shed is not very close to existing services.

Over the summer, a stall at the Aboyne Games and open evening at the Bowling Club saw more people register interest in the project and show their enthusiasm.

You can see the details of the plans at APP/2017/1365 on the Aberdeenshire Council website.

5

Toddler Group gets festive

Aboyne Baby and Toddler Group is set to have a busy November, with two events lined up to help them raise money.

Their annual Christmas Fayre takes place on Sunday November 19, 10am-2pm in the Victory Hall, where you can find local businesses and crafters offering their wares as well as a special guest for the children to visit. Entrance £3 adults £1.50 children, includes tea/coffee/juice.

Then on Saturday November 25th the group hosts a Ladies Night at Aboyne Golf Club, which promises shopping, games, entertainment, food and a disco.

Tickets priced £15, which includes a cocktail from Dusk bar, must be bought in advance from aboyne.toddlers@hotmail. co.uk, or Cherri on 07900 671844.

SINGING + PIANO

TEACHER

Christmas Fair

Aboyne Academy’s annual Christmas Fair is on Saturday 11th November 2017 10am-2pm in the school canteen (upstairs in the community centre). Get along for lots of lovely locally made crafts and festive goodies to boost your Christmas shopping.

The Parent Council will also have a raffle.

Marion Bateman: Aboyne Qualified, experienced and recently moved into the area Accepting new students now Enquiries: 013398 86561 L.T.C.L. L.G.S.M. I.C.M.A. (teaching)

Photo: First Class Images

Academy News

Roan jumps to new heights in British eventing, writes Rachael Forsyth

Photo: Action Replay Aboyne Academy pupil Roan Grant, aged 15, and his horse Will (Caballo Rojo) rode to victory to win the BE90 event at Scotsburn Horse Trials, Ross-shire, earlier this year.

Against tough competition, this sporting triumph allowed him to qualify for the British Eventing Championships and Mitsubishi Motors Regional Final which took place in September 2017 where he came in seventh overall.

Roan also competed at the prestigious Pony Club Championships at Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire in August. He and Will (pictured), who Roan bought in 2016, won the Novice Dressage at Interbranch on a score of 72.8% and came in second in the eventing on a 28.8 dressage score and a double clear. After travelling for 12 hours to Cheshire for these Championships, the pair came third in the dressage with a score of 70.8% which earned Roan a place on the podium. He came an impressive 12th out of 40 in the eventing after unluckily being knocked out of the top three in the showjumping.

Roan, who has already secured sponsorship by Nag Rags Ltd, is looking forward to riding two horses, Will and Jack, in the 2018 season.

7

Autumn/Winter Events October...

Got something to plug? Get in touch

27th – Halloween Party, Boat Inn, 4-6pm 28th – Spooktacular Halloween Party, Aboyne Scout Hut, 1-3pm

November...

11th – Aboyne Academy Christmas Fair, 10am-2pm 11th – Bonfire and Fireworks, Aboyne Green, from 5.30pm 12th – Festival of Artisans, Boat Inn, 11am-3pm 19th – Christmas Fayre, Victory Hall, 10am-2pm 25th – Ladies’ Night, Aboyne Golf Club, 7.30pm, Cherri 07900 671844

December...

Mo on re eve o pa ur F nts li kee ge. Li acebo sted a p u ke i ok abond let p to d t to ut y us k ate our now eve nts

9th – Bring a Party to a Party, Victory Hall, 7.30pm, Gemma 07810 825 276 16th – Aboyne Village Christmas Parties, Victory Hall, 11am-3pm

8

8

Specialist Outdoor Clothing

made in Royal Deeside, used Worldwide Ballater Road, Aboyne T: 013398 86062 E: sales@hilltrek.co.uk www.hilltrek.co.uk

Ross Ferguson Small Joinery

ABERDEENSHIRE ELECTRICAL SERVICES LTD All aspects of electrical work undertaken

– Domestic – Commercial – Industrial – – Agricultural – Oil & Gas – – PAT testing – Inspection & Testing –

General Maintenance

Aboyne: 013398 87596 Mobile: 07778 569393

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

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

GULLS! 10

...work in progress

Got space for a flock of birds?

Artist is looking for a suitable wall space for new project Love them or loathe them, seagulls are a common sight in Aberdeenshire, not just on the coasts but also this far inland. Aboyne artist Stephanie Vandem has has quite a thing about them and would like to make at least one the centrepiece for a community or private art project in the area.

Stephanie, who recently hosted her exhibition LIFTING at Braemar’s St Margarets alongside the Highland Gathering, told The Fountain: “There isn’t much of a rationale behind this. I just want to paint a seagull because it is a bird with contrasting colours (as opposed to the overall grey or black of other birds around), it has really interesting shapes when flying and it’s one of those birds that inspire a mix of hate and love.

“The seagull is a pain for stealing food and equally reminds people of the seaside which tends to bring back enjoyable memories for most. It’s the kind of bird that behaves a bit like humans...

Seagulls are just fun and seem to have unique and very visible personalities. As opposed to pigeons that are just generally dumb...”

If you fancy a bit of gull on your wall that does not come with any accompanying guano, get in touch with Steph at info@stephanievandem.com or call 07714 422321.

Got some news? get in touch email

catrionahouston@yahoo.co.uk

Call Cat Houston on 013397 55243 www.myriadpro.co.uk find us on facebook: The Fountain Magazine

“Magical” Drop-in for Young Autistic Adults Grows Organiser Jenny Durward-Wright is delighted with progress

Our Drop-in Games Club has just celebrated its 20-week anniversary and so far I’m delighted with how things have gone.

We have a pool table and a craft table which helps with socialising and conversation and it has its own magic! I have watched a group of reserved, shy individuals develop into a chatty and confident group.

Most of this is down to the support team of helpers.

We could always use more helpers. All you need is to give up your time on any Wednesday, 7pm to 9pm, at Aboyne’s Community Centre canteen.

No one has extreme behaviours so all you need is to do is be willing to join in with craft or pool and listen and chat – I promise you will have a lovely evening!

I am happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact me on 07899 877033 or find us on our facebook page.

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

12

Winter Talks Unveiled Lesley Ellis invites you to pass the longer evenings enjoying coffee with a slice of science...

It’s that time of the year again, the winter is drawing in and we are starting our Cafe Scientifique winter talks.

The full programme of “coffee with a slice of science” can be seen here and each talk will be advertised with full details each month, but in the meantime get the dates in your diary. All talks are at the MacRobert Hall, Tarland at 7.30pm.

There will also be a series of evening talks during the March Science Festival, which we are planning to run again in 2018. We will let you know about those in the near future.

For more info go to info@futuregroup. org.uk or www.futuregroup.org.uk

19th October Dr. Linzi Lumsden: Adventures in remote and rural General Practice (tbc) 15th November Dr. John McKenzie: “Fit did yi hae fur your supper?” Understanding eating patterns in Scotland 18th December Glenn Roberts: Changes to local wildlife – tales of rise and decline 17th January Peter Craig : The Howe of Cromar – a geological enigma 21st February Dr. Michael Crabb: Making computer games available to all

Badger . .

Badges Magnets Mirrors Fun & Seasonal Gifts

Custom Orders Taken

Group Discounts /Bulk

www.ballaterbadger.co.uk 013397 55243 Find me on 12

S ANDERSON FABRICATION

blacksmith + welder

Driveway Gates Garden Gates Railings Fencing Mobile Repairs All Steelwork Undertaken . Free Estimates . 07979 675614 The Old Mill . Mill Road . Tarland

Munara Cycle Solutions

creating a tailored ride to suit your needs and comfort

Fraser Taxi Stuart Fraser – Aboyne

07872 067693 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/

6 & 8 passenger vehicles Wheelchair accessibility Trailer hire also available Most cards accepted Member of the Taxi Card Scheme

“Far ev’r yae wint tae ging”

Chest pains?

Go W, says Ruth Emslie If you know what the ‘W’ position is, that’s great. If you don’t, then you might consider finding out. Have you heard it was very recently used in Braemar? As this edition goes to print, we understand its use was a success in this instance.

A golfer on the Braemar course experienced chest pains. Two fellow golfers assisted by calling 112 emergency services (999 still works), putting the person into the ‘W’ position, ensuring the nearest defibrillator was brought to the scene should the stricken golfer’s condition worsen, and waiting with him for 45 minutes until the ambulance arrived.

So how did these two golfers know what to do? Well, they had both attended

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

training sessions in Braemar, under the Heart Start Grampian banner, with whom TMD Community First Responders had run these life-saving courses. Both helpers described their training as ‘invaluable’.

One can only wonder how they would be feeling if they had not been able to help so competently.

Should you witness someone who seems to be having a heart attack, it is recommended you should help them to sit down on the floor, their back leaning against a wall with their knees bent, and support their head and shoulders. This support is necessary should they collapse and hurt themselves. Pressure on the heart is eased by having the knees bent.

This is the ‘W’ position.

It’s not difficult to imagine yourself trying to help as your adrenalin is pumping, the seconds and minutes seem to stretch, and you are asking yourself why you never spent two hours (only two hours!) learning or updating invaluable skills.

In such situations, there is of course no guarantee of a successful conclusion, but that doesn’t mean we should do the equivalent of walking on by. Instead, if you feel like doing something worthwhile, then consider getting yourself educated in lifesaving skills here in Aboyne.

For those readers aged 18 and over, preferably with a current valid driving licence who are interested in joining our volunteer responders, email tmdcfr@ gmail.com TMDCFR, along with Heart Start Grampian, will be providing training sessions in Aboyne on Monday 6th November and 4th December. The two -hour sessions cover CPR on a training manikin, defibrillator use, choking and bleeding, are free and commence at 7pm at Aboyne Community Centre. They are bookable by phoning Sam on 85222, or emailing admin@mid-deeside.org.uk

14

Head2Tail Grooming City & Guilds Professional Dog Groomer Canine First Aider . All Breeds and Sizes Welcome Breed-Specific Cuts . Pet trims . Handstripping

Nicola Robertson

The Mill . Heughhead . Aboyne . AB34 5JE 07583 834174 head2tail_grooming@yahoo.com

PODIATRY / CHIROPODY FOR ALL YOUR FOOT CARE NEEDS

COUNSELLING

ACUPUNCTURE

TALKING THERAPY FOR LIFE’S PROBLEMS

BACK AND JOINT PAIN RELIEF

MASSAGE THERAPY MUSCLE PAIN AND STRESS RELIEF

BANCHORY HEALTH & MEDICAL THERAPIES PRACTICE

CARING FOR YOU - FROM TOP TO TOE

HEALING THE BODY NATURALLY

DIETITIAN

USUI REIKI NATURAL RELAXATION & STRESS REDUCTION

HERBALIST

REFLEXOLOGY

IMPROVED WELL BEING BY DIET

PAIN AND STRESS RELIEF

01330 825333

5-6 SCOTT SKINNER SQ INTEGRATED WELL BANCHORY HIGH ST BEING CLINIC BANCHORYPODIATRY@GMAIL.COM

APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE MONDAY TO SATURDAY

First Domestics White Goods Repairs Engineer •

Washing Machines

•

Tumble Dryers

•

Cookers

•

Ovens

•

Dishwashers

Torphins and surrounding Aberdeenshire areas

. BILLY REID .

Call or text – 07849 975140 email:

firstdomestics@btinternet.com

Who’s Doing What In Aboyne?

Community Day proves to be a great success with plans for more

A sunny Saturday in June saw Aboyne Community Open Day throwing open its doors to welcome groups, organisations, charities and the public to meet, network and find out what is going on on their doorstep.

Organised by Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action (AVA) the event in Victory Hall was bursting at the seams with over 30 groups represented.

The Fountain was there to promote itself and the summer issue and it was lovely to get some great feedback for the magazine.

To keep the momentum going from this event it is hoped to organise Aboyne Community Forums to run from November on a regular basis to which all groups are invited to share common concerns, share skills and get support on governance, volunteering practice and funding.

If you are interested in being involved please email Aileen.Longino@avashire.org.uk

Boulers Bowl On

Our new pitch has proved to be wet weather-proof. In mid-summer, four stoical players played for an hour in torrential rain, thankful for waterproofs, dodging one or two puddles, the winners feeling particularly pleased with their triumph in the trying conditions.

Playing with Clach na Ben and Peter’s Hill in the background is really rather splendid, and our summer visitors from the west of Scotland, Kent, Australia, and the UAE, most new to the game, were as impressed with the scenery as with the

playing and the camaraderie of our friendly members.

We have been experimenting with different boules weights and benefiting from tips on how best to stand, hold the boules, and the different throwing styles.

For example, it’s good to have one foot slightly in front of the other, useful to have the non-throwing arm extended behind for balance, curl your fingers around the boule but try and keep the thumb off the surface, and lobbing works for smashing the opponent’s boule out the way. It’s exciting, humorously competitive, and a great way to spend a couple of hours.

Tuesday evening games are about to end as we drift into autumn and dark nights beckon, so Saturdays from 10-12 are when to come and join in at Birse & Feughside Church, Finzean. Dress appropriately, bring a pound to play, and we look forward to seeing you. info.boulersobirse@gmail.com

17

Befrienders Required For Older People Could you spare a few hours to help reduce loneliness?

Could you offer your time (once a week or once a fortnight) to get to know an older person in your community who might be feeling lonely or isolated?

Kincardine and Deeside Befriending is a local registered charity who is appealing for more volunteers to help support the growing demand for befrienders for older people.

Lisa Wass, Deeside Coordinator said: “We have a fantastic pool of volunteers but we still require more befrienders in Banchory, Aboyne and Torphins because of the growing need. By going for a short walk or a coffee, finding a local activity or just having a chat and ‘cuppa’ at home, a befriender can help someone become more self-confident and make them feel more connected to their community.

Anyone who enjoys the company of older people and can spare a couple of hours every week or fortnight should get in touch with the organisation as soon as possible.

K&D Befriending will provide training, support and expenses. For more information visit www.kdbefriending.org. uk or call 01330 823368.

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” – Martin Luther King Jr

Aboyne Community Safety Rep Needed

Umbrella group meets here five times a year, says Norma Makin

South Marr Community Safety Group, formed in 1998, is a member of the Community Safety Partnership, made up of 12 organisations which include Aberdeenshire Council, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and NHS Grampian. The group covers the area from Braemar to Banchory and we are looking to recruit a member from the Aboyne area. No previous experience is required, just a wish to help improve safety in the area.

We meet five times a year in Aboyne Community Education centre at 7pm; the next meeting is Thursday October 19th.

We have a very comprehensive website which details all that happens in the shire regarding community safety: www. aberdeenshirecommunitysafety.org.uk.

Anyone interested in coming along can either contact the webmaster via the website or contact me as Secretary at normamakin@btinternet.com

18

Tree Surgery Qualified & Experienced Tree Surgeons covering all aspects of tree surgery, Including stump removal & 24 hour emergency call out

Garden Design & Construction Patios, Decking, Turf, Raised Beds, Walls, Water Features, Planting - Call us to find out what more we can do!

Garden Maintenance Grass Cutting, Lawn care, Hedge Cutting, Shrub Pruning, Weeding and more!

Fencing & Gates All types of bespoke fencing and gates

Narrow Access Cherry Picker

For precision tree pruning, wide hedges, paintwork & gutter cleaning

If you can’t get to it, our Cherry Picker can!

Logs, Wood Chips, Mulch, Site Clearance, Painting, Ground Works & Excavations

Tarland: 01339 881589 / 07932 075225 julian@julianbarclay.com • www.julianbarclay.com

Ready to go off with The Bonfire and Fireworks event takes place on Saturday 11th November on Aboyne Green

Tom Faichnie, Chairman of the Aboyne Bonfire Co-operative, says that the community has once again come together to plan an event that would be both safe and great fun for families.

“With the cooperation of groups from our community, we have planned an event that will be great fun. I want to thank everyone for continuing to support this event, which we hope will be bigger and better than ever.”

The bonfire will be lit at 6pm and the fireworks will start at around 7pm – with the extensive display anticipated to be more spectacular than last year’s impressive spectacle.

20

Food will be available from the Rotary Club, the Aboyne Games Youth Forum will sell glow sticks, and Mid-Deeside Limited will sell hot drinks. Stalls will open at 5:30pm.

Keeping with tradition, the Guys for the top of bonfire will be made by the boys and girls of the local Cubs, Scouts, Brownies and Guides groups.

“To help us to build an impressive bonfire, we’re calling on anyone with spare timber or firewood to drop if off to Aboyne Green between 10am and 4pm on the day,” said Mr Faichnie. “We are also looking for additional volunteers to marshal on the night and help with set-up of the event.”

Established 1998

well

speed

a BANG!

FRAMING

Friendly, Reliable Service Wide Range of Quality Materials in Stock

Paintings, Photographs & Mirrors Needlework, Sports Shirts & Objects Framing Canvas Stretching and More...

t: 013398 80448 m: 07766 176 186 e: jay@speedwellframing.co.uk Inchmarnoch Dinnet Aboyne AB34 5NX

WEE JIM Event organisers have worked closely with the local fire service to make sure that the event is run safely.

Mr Faichnie added: “I want to remind families to help make this event safe and fun for everyone please do not bring any personal fireworks to the event”.

This annual fun evening only takes place with the continued generosity of donations from the public – volunteers will be raising money to cover the costs of the communityrun event. To volunteer to marshal, please email Steve Green at steve@green99. plus.com. Keep up to date with the latest news on the event at www.facebook.com/ Aboynefireworks/

Landscapes

All aspects of landscaping Mini digger & small tipper hire

Firewood also available James Anderson Bridgefoot, Glenmuick, Ballater 013397 55997 / 07821 746756 weejim03@live.co.uk www.weejim.com

Alpine Tree Care

Professional Arborists since 1991

Professional Tree Surgeons, caring for trees for 25 years, in the heart of Deeside. ________________________________________________ FREE Quotations and Advice Tree Felling Tree, Shrub and Hedge Pruning – crown lifting, reductions & shaping – dead wood removal & brushwood chipping Tree Stump Grinding / Removal – our machinery makes this an efficient and affordable option Tree and Shrub Planting Winter Tree Surveys Site and Garden Clearance _________________________________________________ All our work is guaranteed and carried out by highly qualified and experienced staff. We are covered by a five million pound insurance policy. Our knowledge and friendly attention to detail have led to an extensive and loyal customer base throughout the region. _________________________________________________ Mark Wright HND

013398 80100 07866773029

East Braehead of Coynach Tarland alpinetreecare@gmail.com AB34 4XL www.alpinetreecare.com

Books that make you feel happier!

Children’s

Inspirational

Personal Development Business Travel Humour Gifts

* * * Come to us for your Christmas books * * * . An Aboyne-based business . . Go online to find the place where happy books live .

www.thehappybookshop.com

Business Focus: The Happy Bookshop A local online book company with your interests at heart

An online bookshop – we have enough of those, don’t we?

But what if we were to tell you that this is a bookshop with a difference? It has a heart, and a conscience possibly not often seen within the cut-throat world of online shopping, and it’s based right here in Aboyne.

Director Donna Scott said: “We only sell books that leave you feeling inspired, confident you can conquer the world (or at least overcome life’s challenges), teach you new things, give you a laugh and help little ones develop the same love of books we have.”

The Happy Bookshop operates on four principles: giving – from every book sold they donate 50p to worthy causes; spending – taking financial obligations

responsibly, they are members of Pay On Time; saving – monies are reinvested back into the bookshop to increase its range of happy books for you to buy; caring – Happy books are packaged in recycled materials.

Donna added: “Living in Aboyne away from the hustle and bustle of Aberdeen makes us happy and is perfect for our happy books. In the future we would like to operate a local delivery service and open a physical bookshop in the village.”

So, if you usually purchase books for Christmas for friends and family, take a look at the website www.thehappybookshop. com, you may be surprised at the range on offer, and at competitive prices too.

You can also call them on 01339 318048, email info@thehappybookshop.com, or find them on Facebook.

23

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!

24

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”

Councillors'

Contacts

Cllr Peter Argyle

01339 882973 07801 900843 cllr.p.argyle@ aberdeenshire.gov.uk

These are your Ward 15 councillors

Cllr Geva Blackett

01339 741541 07876 475269 cllr.g.blackett@ aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Cllr Paul Gibb 07388 956148 cllr.p.gibb@ aberdeenshire.gov.uk Photo: Simon Sawers

25

A well-established family-owned business, we work hard to ensure we offer our customers a warm welcome, competitive prices and great customer service. We look forward to meeting you.

Carpets Wooden Flooring Karndean & Amtico Laminate & Vinyl Blinds Furniture Log Baskets Fireside Accessories Gifts Station Square, Ballater, AB35 5RB www.edwardjemsliecarpets.co.uk

18

013397 55005 info@tedemslie.com

Tornaveen Plumbing

Pittendreigh Property Maintenance

Time served plumber Can’t get anyone to do those small jobs?

Tap washers, cleaning and repairing gutters, drains etc.

Reasonable rates No VAT

Contact: John Whyte 013398 83698 07497 819551

HATE IRONING? Is it too tiring, too boring or simply just too much?

Fiddly shirts or never-ending duvets?

Whether you have just got back from holiday with a mountain to get through, or you just feel that life is too short to spend it ironing!

Call Jackie on 013398 81589 or 07947 650597 and let me do it for you!!

Reasonable rates, references available Collection and delivery negotiable

Interior/Exterior Painting . Guttering Pointing . Slating . Etc . Free quotes 013398 82906 / 07584 137123 derekpittendreigh@btinternet.com

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

28

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

live happy! with

Slimming World

Wednesday Glenaden Hotel, Ballater 5.30pm + 7.30pm Thursday Victory Hall, Aboyne 5.30pm + 7.30pm Contact Lesley 01339755951 ballatersw@gmail.com slimmingworld.co.uk 0344 897 8000

K&A ANDERSON LONENWELL GARAGE . ALFORD . 019755 62215

LOG SPLITTERS CHAINSAWS SNOW BLOWERS IN STOCK NOW

PREP ARE FOR AUTU & WI MN NTER

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

Churchgoers treated to varied programme Aboyne-Dinnet Church offers something for everyone A lot is happening at Aboyne-Dinnet Church. Since the beginning of the year our Worship time has been at the earlier time of 11am. That gives us more time to meet afterwards over a cup of tea or coffee and some fellowship.

Our Reflections & Prayer Meetings take place on the second Tuesday of each month in the MacKenzie Room in the Church Hall at 2pm. There is no need to contact us in advance, just come along and you will be made most welcome.

Our Friendship Hour continues to meet in the Residents’ Lounge of Bonty Court.

Residents welcome visitors. We meet on the first Wednesday of every month between September and May at 2pm. To find out more, please contact Sarah Wright on 013398 86494.

Guild meetings have restarted after their summer break. Their theme for the coming months is ‘Be Bold, Be Strong – Go in Love’.

The Guild committee have worked out an interesting programme until May 2018.

They normally meet on the second Wednesday of the month, and their syllabus can be requested from Sheila Kinniburgh, Tel 013398 86484. The Guild would like to stress that you do not have to be a member to attend any of their meetings.

Please note that the Guild Christmas Bazaar will be earlier this year. The date for it is Saturday, 25 November, between 1012. The venue will be the Church Hall on Huntly Road.

Messy Church is held on the second Thursday of the month straight after school. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The Messy Church supervisors love to have a full house and children and adults alike will be amazed by the exciting crafts the children do during these afternoons. There is always a worship

time in Church followed by a delicious twocourse meal before going home.

The Men’s Group meets on Thursday night to discuss topical issues that matter to them. The meetings take place in the MacKenzie Room of the Church Hall and start at 7pm. These meetings are open to all men and you will be made very welcome if you turn up on the night. To find out more, please contact John Henderson on 013398 85641.

The Community Life Group of AboyneDinnet Church is calling all women in connection with the Ladies Breakfast & Talk events. (Sorry, men, you can only attend if you volunteer to be a speaker!) These breakfasts have now been going for a while.

The next one will be on 4 November when our talk will be on the subject of ‘150 Years of the Aboyne Games’. Ian Scott will tell us about the history of the Games, and his wife, Lesley, will speak about the ‘Aboyne Dress’.

We meet in the Church Hall and at 10am start by eating a Continental breakfast.

Then the speaker is introduced.

Admission to the breakfasts is by ticket only, but these can be reserved and paid for on the day. Ticket price remains £5 per person. A full programme for 2018 has been worked out and will be published in the next few weeks. Ticket reservations or enquiries can be made by calling Christa on 013398 86562.

Some early Christmas dates are worth mentioning. Anyone is invited to attend: 1. Our magical evening of Carols and Lessons will be on December 3rd, in Aboyne-Dinnet Church at 6.30pm.

2. December 8 is Movie Night with ‘The Nativity Story’. The venue will be the Church Hall and entrance is free. Film starts 7pm.

Refreshments will be available.

30

Counting Blessings Churches’ Letter

Dear Friends, We are now well and truly into autumn and moving slowly into winter. All around are the fiery colours, the sound of leaves under our feet, the mellow smell of autumn.

This is a time of fruitfulness and harvest, of celebrating what is. In this community of Upper Deeside, harvest still has a relevance – we are connected to the seasons of the farming year. In the church we celebrate ‘Harvest Thanksgiving’ – we believe in giving thanks for all the good around us to the God in which we believe. If you grow your own fruit or vegetables, this is the time when you will be gathering in potatoes and other root crops, before the first frosts come. Harvest is about more than crops.

Harvest is about what you have achieved in your own lives this year, about the good occasions you have celebrated.

As we live through this season of our lives, celebrate the positives; think of the harvest you have reaped so far; and look at the crops yet to come.

With every blessing, Vittoria Hancock, St Thomas’ Church, Frank Ribbons, Aboyne-Dinnet Church, Chris Brannan, Roman Catholic Church.

St Thomas’ News After a summer full of music, when we had the joy of hosting part of the Cello Festival, and several concerts from the Arts Festival, St Thomas’s is moving into autumn and harvest. Our harvest will be on the 8th October at 11.15am, followed by a bring and share lunch. We will be using the occasion to launch a collection of music by our organist, Sheila Maxwell, and to celebrate our harvest of loos! This year St Thomas’ raised enough money to sponsor 4 blocks of toilets in the developing world.

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

Club Directory

This directory is compiled using Aberdeenshire Council’s club information.

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.

1st Aboyne Brownies Anne Silcock, 013398 86332 annefiona@aol.com1s 1st Aboyne Cubs Bernie Cassie, 013398 85390 bmkh67@yahoo.co.uk Badminton Club Richard Seeber, 013398 89307 rseeber861@gmail.com www.aboynebadminton.org.uk Canoe Club Chris Redmond, 013398 86241 aboynecanoeclub@gmail.com aboynecanoeclub.co.uk/ Craft Club Karen Sheldon, 013398 86495 kds_cc@btinternet.com Drop-In Games (young autistic adults) Jenny 07899 977033 jennydurward@yahoo.com Garden Club Jim Campbell, 013398 85511 campbej9@yahoo.co.uk Golf Club Allan Taylor, 013398 86328 aboynegolfclub@btconnect.com www.aboynegolfclub.co.uk Judo Club James McBeath, 013398 86049 mjmcbeath@btinternet.com Library Book Group Fiona Robertson, 013398 86004 aboyne.library@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Baby & Toddler Group Friday, 10am-11.30am Deeside Community Centre. aboynetoddlers@hotmail.co.uk Ladies Probus Club Barbara Thompson, 013398 83303 bathompson@btinternet.com Probus Club Eddy Horton aboyne_probus_sec@btinternet.com Rotary Club of Aboyne & U-Deeside Dr Douglas Riach, 013398 85488 douglas.riach@btinternet.com Scottish Country Dancing Ruth Housden, 013398 81613 thousden@gotadsl.co.uk Sub Aqua Club Gary Shire, 07443439453 gary_shire@yahoo.co.uk Sooyang Do Martial Art Colleen McIver, 07889850229 colleen_mciver@msn.com Also in Torphins Tennis Club aboynetennis@gmail.com Twinning Association Maureen Forsyth, 013398 86704 moforsyth@gmail.com Deeside Camera Club David Packer, 01330822666 davidpacker00@gmail.com www.deesidecameraclub.org/ Deeside Gliding Club Glen Douglas, 013398 85339 office@deesideglidingclub.co.uk www.deesideglidingclub.co.uk Aboyne Highland Games Morag McBeath, 013398 86049 morag.mcbeath@btinternet.com Cromar & District Horticultural Society Mrs Jess Gibb, 013398 81277 Cromar Future Group Lesley Ellis, 01339 880062 info@futuregroup.org.uk futuregroup.org.uk/ Cromar History Group Lesley Ellis, 01339 880062 info@cromarhistorygroup.org.uk www.cromarhistorygroup.org.uk

32

Finzean SWI Louise Counsell, 01330 850323 louisecounsell@ymail.com Lumphanan Golf Club Joyce Wilson, 013398 83480 secretary@lumphanangolfclub.co.uk www.lumphanangolfclub.co.uk Lumphanan Whist Club Irene Thomson, 013398 83365 Tarland Curling Club Lesley Farquharson, 013398 81534 Tarland Golf Club Carole Foreman, 013398 81000 secretary@tarlandgolfclub.co.uk www.tarlandgolfclub.co.uk Tarland Playgroup 013398 81193 tarland.playgroup@gmail.com Tuesday Stravaigers (Walks) Anne Heath, 013398 81558 abheath@hotmail.com Upper Deeside Art Society Rona Mitchell udasmemsec@btinternet.com www.udas.org.uk/ Boulers o’ Birse boulersobirse@gmail.com Winter: 10-12 Saturdays, Birse & Feughside Church, Finzean. Come the lighter nights we revert to Tuesday evenings.

Seasonal Flu Vaccines Available

Index of Advertisers to help you find who...

Aaron Prop Services 25 Abs Electrical Servs.

9 Alpine Tree Servs.

22 Badger 12 Banchory Podiatry 15 Classic Abode 28 Commercial Hotel 36 Concept Wetrooms 16 DAG IT Services 14 Deeside VOS 4 DWR Architecture 29 Edward J Emslie 26 First Domestics 16 Flame Boilers 11 Fraser Taxi 13 Gerry Robb 8 Happy Bookshop 23 Head2Tail Grooming 15 Highland Glen Spas 4 Hilltrek 9

Iain Main Joinery 27 Itec Eco 31 Jackie Davies 26/27 John Troup 11 Julian Barclay 19 K&A Anderson 29 Marion Bateman 6 Meet Again Tea Room 15 Munara Cycling 13 Peterculter Pharmacy 33 Pittendreigh Prop.

27 Ronald Hay 6 Ross Ferguson Joinery 9 S Anderson Fabrication 13 Slimming World 29 Speedwell Framing 21 Strachan’s 2 tangletree Studio 31 Tornaveen Plumbing 11 Wee Jim Landscapes 21

Y COP ES DAT

Deadline Publication

Winter Nov 10 Spring Feb 23 Summer May 25 Autumn Sept 14

Dec 1 Mar 16 Jun 15 Oct 5

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

FULL PAGE 140 x 200mm £100

AD RATE S

Design adds £15 to any size advert Book four issues (one year) up front and save 10%

your name in print!

The Fountain represents a unique opportunity for you to promote your business to a targetted area at reasonable cost. Ad rates start at £25 for a quarter page.

2,000 copies are distributed through the doors of residences in the village, around many prominent spots in the local community and within businesses willing to stock it.

Geographically it covers Aboyne and the surrounding areas – from Dinnet to Kincardine O’Neil, from Dess to Finzean, inc Tarland & Lumphanan.

Additional exposure will be given to advertisers and supporters through our Facebook page. If you would like to advertise your business/venture in The Fountain, get in touch.

Advertising space is also available in our Alford publication, The BULLetin, at the same rates

HALF PAGE 140 x 99mm £50

QUARTER PAGE 98 x 66mm £25

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 on your travels.

We are situated just a five-minute drive from the A93 at Aboyne or why not stroll the new ‘Tarland Way’ walk then relax and enjoy a meal or light refreshment?

Food Served Daily 12 til 9pm Sunday Roast £12.95 Group Bookings and Private Functions Welcome New Summer Menu now being served

013398 81922

www.thecommercial-hotel.co.uk