Aboyne Fountain 11 (Winter 17)

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The

Fountain A Community Magazine for Aboyne

Inside your Winter issue:

.

Issue 11, Winter 2017

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

STRACHAN’S Serving Royal Deeside for Four Generations

Newsagents Hardware Confectionery

Balloons & Party Gifts

Wines & Spirits

Paints

Lottery

Haberdashery

Stationery

Grocery Malt Whiskies Pet Foods Calor Gas Delicatessen

Toys and Puzzles

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

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all the staff at Strachan’s Aboyne and Ballater

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

Spring Summer Autumn Winter

Deadline Feb 23 May 25 Sept 14 Nov 9

Publish Mar 16 Jun 15 Oct 6 Dec 1

Contents News 5 Academy News 6 Knitted Nativity 8 Silent Auction 10 Rotary Looks Forward 11 Culture Vultures 12 Royal Visit 14 New Reflexologist 18 Business Focus 20 Out Of The Box 22 Winter Hillwalking 26 Councillors’ Contacts 25 Bring In The Bees 31 Ready For The PRT? 33 Christmas Services 35 Club Directory 36 Advertisers’ Index 38 Ad Rates/Copy Dates 39

Ding Dong Welcome to Issue 11 of The Fountain The frosty mornings have come round again but who doesn’t love this time of year, with so much festivities to look forward to? And the Aboyne area is not short of them.

There’s a saying about buses and I am delighted to say that in this issue we have not one but three articles written by Aboyne Academy pupils...!

Aboyne businesses continue to boom and we have a special feature on Highland Glen Spas on p20.

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

Huge thanks also to Tim Winterburn and Firetrail Events for this issue’s cover photo of October’s Illuminator Run. I wish you all the best for the season.

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

Featuring musicians from Her Majesty the Queen’s Royal Marine Band

Xmas Idealother ’s or M Gift!

Day

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 38.

Catch the Carol Singers Church reveals path of festive phonics

Saturday December 16 Allachburn 2pm Aboyne Hospital 2.45pm Bonty Court 3.15pm Christmas Tree, Station Square 3.45pm Co-op 4pm

Aboyne-Dinnet Church have announced the times and places of where they will be carol singing round the village close to Christmas...

The annual festive tradition will take place on Saturday December 16th. This oldfashioned way of acknowledging the season of Advent has become an annual event.

There will be no fund-raising, but it is hoped that when the public come across the singers, they will take a bit of time out and join in. At a time when everyone is busy, it is good to forget about the things still to do and to reflect on the meaning of Christmas.

In previous years some residents said that they would have liked to take part if they had known about it, so the organisers have decided to advertise the event this year.

Opportunity for village venture beckons

27 The Square in Tarland is available for lease. It is owned by The MacRobert Trust, who are keen to encourage a venture which will complement the existing businesses in the Village. The Trust would be willing to consider preferential lease terms for any charitable organisations or for an intended use that has a wider community benefit.

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5

As a class, we were shown a video about Blythswood Care Shoebox Appeal; the company donates filled boxes to unfortunate countries.

Mrs Barr (our Business teacher) asked if we wanted to form a social enterprise company to run this appeal in Aboyne Academy but we all had to vote to make sure everyone was willing to do this.

Thankfully everyone was keen to take part in this cause and we got started right away.

We organised ourselves into groups: wrappers, packers, buyers, promoters and checkers. We all needed each other to do our job correctly so communication and cooperation was essential. We put posters around the school and buckets for donations to try and involve all the members of our community. Members of our class spoke to each year group and explained what we were trying to do.

The wrappers had to make sure that the boxes were fully covered with Christmas paper as this made the box look inviting and more interesting to open on Christmas Day. Over time people around the school donated lots of items and we started to produce lots of shoeboxes, filled with the essentials and some other important items. It took a lot of hard work and organising but with the help from pupils around the school and teachers we were able to get around 50 boxes completed before the October break.

Mrs Barr also had her local Sunday School, Jam Hearts, involved and they had been doing the same as us with their local community. On return from the October break we learned that the pickup of the boxes was to be the following day and we had to empty Mrs Barr’s car of all the shoeboxes that we and the Jam Hearts had made up and collected, so on a cold morning we warmed up by carrying shoeboxes from the car park to the cupboard where we stored them.

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Academy News Pupils ignite fantastic local response to festive shoebox appeal

Words by Mrs Barr’s S3 Business class

The next day we were sad to see our 105 wrapped, packed and donated shoeboxes to be loaded into the back of a Blythswood Care van where they will be shipped off to different countries to go to children and families who need them. However it was a happy time for a member of staff and a couple of form classes as they were awarded a prize for donating the most items in their group or for donating enough items to fill a shoebox. Overall it was a great project and it was very interesting and fun to do. As a class we learnt a lot about social enterprises and how they work.

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

It’s A Knitted Nativity!

St Thomas’s Church shares woolly characters with local businesses This year a knitted nativity set is going on tour before Christmas Eve. Different shops and facilities in Aboyne have offered to host characters from the set over the Advent period. A treasure hunt can be found at Aboyne Primary School, and is also available from church members – email vittoriahancock@ gmail.com for a copy. Completed entries can be returned to either the school or to the church by 21st December – the winner will receive a prize at St Thomas’s crib service on Christmas Eve. So see if you can spot the shepherds and sheep, wise men, Mary and Joseph and the donkey, and, of course, the angel, as you wander around the streets.

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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

Silent auction raises over £5,000 Rotary and Parent Council worked in tandem Words by Katie Bannister (S2)

An astonishing amount of over £5,000 was raised at the Victory Hall on the evening of 29 September 2017. This incredible amount was raised by the Aboyne and District Rotary Club. They raised this money through holding a Silent Auction.

The Aboyne Academy Parent Council helped the Rotary Club to organise the event and they also attended the event. The Rotary Club and the Parent Council approached local businesses who donated some amazing lots such as meals at restaurants, paintings, sports coaching, board games, whiskey and chocolates. Even HRH Prince of Wales donated a teapot, cup and saucer set from the Highgrove Collection. The lots valued from £10 RRP to £400 RRP. Soft drinks and nibbles helped to create a friendly atmosphere which made it an amazing event to attend.

The money raised was split between Aboyne Academy and the Aboyne Hospital and was most gratefully received. The Silent Auction was a great success as you can tell from the money that was raised but the money could not have been raised without the amazing attendance from the community.

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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

Rotary Club looks forward after a busy 2017

Following a busy six months fundraising for our communities and beyond, the year’s end sees us bag-packing for charity in the local Co-ops in Aboyne and Ballater and selling raffle tickets in aid of CLAN in the Bon-Accord Centre in Aberdeen.

We are delighted to have recently presented a cheque for over £4,000 to Aboyne Academy for IT equipment and £1,000 to The Friends of Aboyne Hospital. In addition to this, we have supported “Switched on Aboyne”, helping to fund additional Christmas lighting in Station Square, donated two ShelterBox tents and equipment to disaster areas abroad, facilitated the Young Musician of the Year competition at the Academy and run a BBQ at the Aboyne Bonfire Night.

To help keep our stream of donations flowing, one of our members has released a challenging “Scottish Lochs” Charity Quiz which can be purchased in local shops and establishments. We are very grateful to the businesses of the area who support us and all the local folk who are so generous with their contributions!

Of course, doing all this requires a huge amount of volunteer hours! We are always looking to recruit new members from our area so, if you wish to know more about joining the Rotary Club of Aboyne and Upper Deeside or becoming a “Friend of Rotary”, please contact Rotarian Mike Powell at tel. 013398 86369 or email: mikepowell.obe@gmail.com Ruth Powell

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

Culture Vultures Take your pick from any one of a series of talks this winter from the Deeside Heritage Society and Cromar Future Group Deeside Heritage Society

Aboyne-Dinnet Church in Huntly Road, Aboyne, from 7.30pm 14th December No Stone Unturned: An alternative look at The Stone of Destiny 18th January The Aberdeen Bestiary: Prof Jane Geddes 15th February Alexander Galloway: The Renaissance Mannie Fae Inverurie 15th March The King’s Dig and Hungry Histories: Dr Chris Croly More information on the group can be found on their Facebook page.

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Cromar Future Group/ Cafe Scientifique

All talks take place at the MacRobert Hall in Tarland, starting at 7.30pm 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 For more info go to info@futuregroup. co.uk or www.futuregroup.org.uk

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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

Fraser Taxi Stuart Fraser – Aboyne

07872 067693 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”

Royal Visit for Harvest Festival

Duchess saw a wide range of displays, writes Cara Blackhall (S5)

Photo by John Dunbar (S6)

HRH Duchess of Rothesay thrilled the staff and pupils of Aboyne Academy by attending the Harvest Festival.

Camilla spent around an hour at the school for the celebration. During this time she was greeted

by Head Teacher, Lorraine Scott, after being piped into the school games hall by Fraser Wood, lead piper of Aboyne Academy Pipe Band.

Camilla then took a seat and was played a short piece by the school’s ceilidh band and enjoyed the opening speech by pupil Shaun Lanigan (S5). Following that, the Duchess toured round the Harvest displays whilst being accompanied by music played by fellow academy pupils.

A mix of representatives from the community and pupils were allowed to attend this event: the Aboyne Academy House Captains and Vice Captains, prefects and pupil council members were also in attendance to be part of the Harvest celebration.

The displays Camilla was touring were made and presented by 10 local primary schools, displaying the work and art they put together for the harvest. As well as this, all the primary children came together as a choir and sung a song for the Duchess of Rothesay.

At the end of the celebration, before being piped out of the building, Camilla joined Aberdeenshire Provost, Bill Howatson, to unveil a plaque to mark her visit to Aboyne Academy.

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the

Head2Tail Grooming

Meet Again Tea Room

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

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

Nicola Robertson

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

PODIATRY / CHIROPODY FOR ALL YOUR FOOT CARE NEEDS

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APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE MONDAY TO SATURDAY

Deeside Stroke Group Are you a stroke survivor?

Do you care for a stroke survivor?

The

Deeside Stroke Group

every

Monday at 10.30 a.m.

in the

Auld Kirk Hall, Aboyne

meets

for an

Exercise Class with a Chartered Physiotherapist.

If you’re a stroke survivor who’d like to keep active and continue your rehabilitation you will be very welcome. Before you come, please contact: Eric on 07442 502 574 Supported by:

Scottish Charity No SC037789

Stroke Group Assists People who survive a stroke on Deeside often find that their options for continuing rehabilitation are very limited after they leave hospital.

At the same time, there is a lot of evidence to show that exercise after stroke promotes and sustains physical recovery.

In Aboyne we are lucky to have an exercise group which is supported by the charity the Stroke Association.

The group meets every Monday morning throughout the year (except January) in the Auld Kirk Hall, beside Aboyne Green.

We are well supported by a fully qualified physiotherapist and the exercise sessions are friendly and enjoyable.

For more information, call Eric Sinclair on 07442 502574. You will be made very welcome.

Upcycling Event

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The next Antiques, Collectables and Upcycling Fair takes place in the Victory Hall Aboyne on 25th February 2018 from 10am-4pm. There will be over 20 different stalls selling all kinds of antiques, collectable items and some upcycled furniture.

FOOTPRINT

Key Cutting . Engraving . Repairs . Laces . Shoe Care ~ For a wide range of adult shoes ~

Open 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday . Station Square . Aboyne . 013398 86442 info@footprintshoes.co.uk . www.footprintshoes.co.uk Facebook: search Footprint Aboyne

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Meet Reflexologist Jen O’Brien I am a qualified Clinical Reflexologist, I live locally, and have just started my own business.

Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure to specific reflexes on the feet.

The aim is to encourage healing and relieve stress and tension. It is also used to improve general health and well-being.

Reflexologists don’t claim to prescribe, diagnose or cure but will offer treatment tailored to each individual client’s needs or requirements.

Some common uses for Reflexology include Stress Reduction, Anxiety and Depression, Relaxation, Reducing Pain, Migraine/headaches, Digestive disorders, Menstrual problems, Back and neck pain, Boost energy levels, Aids natural healing Treat someone this Christmas ~ Gift Vouchers available For appointments contact 07388 517568

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LM-Fire Ltd Fire Risk Assessment

Responsibility for complying with the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the associated Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006 rests with the Duty Holder Fire Risk Assessments and Fire Safety Audits on all types of properties Registered Life Safety Risk Assessor with the Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE)

01339 742005 / 07791 697950 info@lm-fire.co.uk www.lm-fire.co.uk

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

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

Business In Focus: Highland Glen Spas Dinnet’s new luxury line is selling like hot tubs!

Who doesn’t love a work perk? And they don’t come much better than this, an invite to come and try out Highland Glen Hot Tubs and Spas’ wet display model with my motley crew.

Based in Dinnet, the company is owned

by Justine and Archie Buchanan and has been in operation for just over a year.

They previously owned Gairnshiel Lodge and Cottages near Ballater, and found that when they introduced hot tubs there, their occupancy doubled straight away.

So it seems these relaxing bubbly tubs are a must-have when it comes to attracting guests to self-catering properties, as well as being a jolly nice thing to have in your back garden if space affords.

But as Archie points out, there are many health benefits that come with regular use of hot tubs.

Hydrotherapy is a natural pain reliever, and in cases of joint problems and people with more severe disabilities, it is extremely beneficial for restoring normal functions of the body.

Regular use of a hydrotherapy hot tub stabilizes your metabolism, improving cardiovascular function and the respiratory system. It can also aid patients with diabetes and lower blood pressure.

And we all need a stress-buster from time to time...! Researchers have found

that warm flowing water increases your body’s natural production of endorphins, leaving you feeling relaxed and peaceful.

The Buchanans import their cedarclad tubs from the United States, and can cater for every personal requirement with a range of options – round, square, heart-shaped for the romantics, a range of cladding and shell colours, lighting, jets, even cup holders.

All the accessories are available too, from steps to chemicals, lid lifters to cleaning products.

They can deliver, install and support all over Scotland and Archie says the thing he loves most about his new calling is getting out and about in Aberdeenshire.

If you are serious about adding a hot tub to your home or business, get in touch with them on 013398 80540, email relax@ highlandglenspas.co.uk, see their website or find them on Facebook.

They have tubs on display at Deeside Log Cabins in Kincardine O’Neil, and plan to expand their storage/showroom area at their Dinnet base. Contact them to arrange an appointment to try out a hot tub in a truly beautiful setting.

And as a means to relax and spend time with your loved ones, with no gadgets in sight, I can heartily recommend it!

Now, where’s my towel...

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out of the box Not-for-profit venture assists adults with support needs into work of the green-fingered type The Seed Box Ltd is a non-profit horticultural and outdoor therapy centre based at the walled garden on the Ballogie Estate, near Aboyne. This is a Social Enterprise providing meaningful work-related activities for adults with support needs, presently unable to work in mainstream employment. The aim is to improve the social, emotional, and physical health and wellbeing of their co-workers.

The Seed Box Ltd take referrals via social workers or can be contacted directly.

With the help of invaluable volunteers, they provide a range of activities including propagation, growing fruit and vegetables, maintenance, conservation crafts, nature, and wildlife.

When The Seed Box Ltd was set up in 2013, the walled garden on the Ballogie Estate was overgrown. It had to be cleared and the buildings and out-houses renovated. Today the garden is thriving, the buildings have been rejuvenated, raised beds built, with greenhouses, polytunnels and a chicken coup added.

Produce, such as vegetables, plants, eggs, and Christmas products are sold at farmers’ markets and local fairs to raise funds. In August 2016 “The Veg Bag Scheme” took off and at present we sell the produce at our shop in Kincardine O’Neil.

To find out more about The Seed Box Ltd you can follow them on Facebook, or through their website www.theseedbox. org.uk . Enquiries can be directed by email to enquiries@theseedbox.org.uk

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Ideas for Christmas !

Wreaths / Planters Decorations / Gardening Gifts

Available at our Garden Shop in Kincardine O'Neil Wed-Fri 10am-3.30pm,Sat 10am- 4.00pm Or Contact us to Order Tel: 013398 86633 www.theseedbox.org.uk

Established 1998

speed

well

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

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 ďŹ nd the place where happy books live .

www.thehappybookshop.com

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

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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

26

when 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 you 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

From all at World Horse Welfare Belwade Farm Christmas opening days: Last Day Friday 22nd December and reopen on 17th January 2018

Christmas Lunches available throughout December.

For group bookings call 013398 85398.

Keep an eye on our website for information on our Christmas workshops and activities.

www.worldhorsewelfare.org/Farm/Belwade-Farm

Pittendreigh Property Maintenance

Slating and Tiling All aspects of Roofing, Guttering and Cement Work Mark McCubbin 01339 887081 07727 619302 mkm.slaters@gmail.com Find us on Facebook

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

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

Tornaveen Plumbing

Time served plumber

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

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

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 .

K&A ANDERSON LONENWELL GARAGE . ALFORD . 019755 62215

LOG SPLITTERS CHAINSAWS SNOW BLOWERS IN STOCK NOW

Moira: 013398 82496

PREP ARE FOR AUTU & WI MN NTER

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

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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013398 87665 www.mackinnons.com

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Ready for the PRT?

33

Maureen Blease, Private Client and Leasing Manager for Mackinnons Solicitors, explains what the new model tenancy agreements will mean December 1st 2017 will see the launch of the long awaited Private Residential Tenancy (PRT), a “model” tenancy agreement created by the Scottish Government.

Important changes to be introduced by the new PRT include: • Only one date. A PRT only has one date – the start date. There is no longer any fixed contractual term. The legislation does not allow the parties to agree a duration.

• The tenancy will continue indefinitely and can be terminated at any point after the start date.

• The tenant can terminate the tenancy at any time after the start date on giving the landlord the requisite notice period of 28 days, or on a date mutually agreed between the parties.

• The landlord must give the tenant 28 days’ notice to leave (if the tenant has been entitled to occupy the property for 6 months or less) or 84 days (if the tenant has been entitled to occupy the property for more than 6 months).

• The landlord must state one of the 18 grounds for repossession listed in the legislation.

• Where a tenancy has been ended, either by Notice to Leave or by an eviction order, and there is any doubt that the property was repossessed for genuine reasons and/or that the Tribunal had been misled as to the reasons for issuing an eviction order the tenant can apply to the First Tier Tribunal, who can make a wrongful-termination order requiring the

landlord to pay the tenant an amount not exceeding six months’ rent.

• Rent cannot be reviewed more than once in a 12-month period. If the Tenant feels that the reviewed rent is too high they can ask a Rent Officer to set the rent according to the open market level.

• Legislation allows a local authority to apply to the Scottish Ministers to impose a “rent pressure zone” which will enable the local authority to control rent increases in specific areas.

Remember, any existing Assured and Short Assured Tenancies in place prior to December 1st 2017 will continue on the same terms and conditions notwithstanding the introduction of the new Private Residential Tenancy, until such time as that tenancy comes to an end.

Parties can opt to convert their existing tenancy to a new PRT but the legislation does not require them to do so. If an existing tenancy is inherited by a successor (under existing succession rules) it will become a PRT.

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

Christmas Services

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Busy time of year for our churches!

St Thomas’s December Dates

Whether you believe or not, you are welcome to join in at any of the churches, to celebrate the greatest gift of all – that of Jesus, says the Rev Vittoria Hancock 3rd 11.15am – Advent Communion, followed by mulled wine and mince pies

3pm – Christingle service 5th 10am – Advent Communion followed by tea and coffee

11am – Advent study group and reflection 10th 6pm – Nine Lessons and Carols 12th 10am – Advent Communion followed by tea and coffee

11am – Advent study group and reflection 19th 10am – Advent Communion followed by tea and coffee

11am – Advent study group and reflection 24th Christmas Eve Services

11.15am – Communion and Carols

4pm – Crib Service

11.30pm – Midnight Communion 25th Christmas Day services

11.15am – Christmas Communion 31st 11.15am – Carols and Readings

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, 07443 439453 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

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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.

Index of Advertisers to help you find who...

Abs Electrical 24 Alpine Tree Servs.

22 Badger 7 Banchory Podiatry 15 Boat Inn 14 Classic Abode 32 Commercial Hotel 40 Concept Wetrooms 16 Deeside VOS 12 DWR Architecture 22 First Domestics 34 Flame Boilers 11 Footprint 17 Fraser Taxi 13 George Anderson 28 Gerry Robb 8 Happy Bookshop 25 Head2Tail Grooming 15 Highland Glen Spas 20 Hilltrek 9 Jackie Davies Iron 29

Jen O’Brien 18 John Troup 9 Julian Barclay 19 K&A Anderson 32 L-M Fire 18 MacKinnons 32 Meet Again Tea Room 15 MKM Slaters 29 Myriad Pro 7 Pittendreigh Prop.

28 Ronald Hay 13 Ross Ferguson Joinery 9 S Anderson Fabrication 13 Seed Box 22 Speedwell Framing 22 Strachan’s 2 tangletree Studio 34 Tornaveen Plumbing 28 Vintage Tea 4 Wee Jim Landscapes 22 World Horse Welfare 28

Y COP ES DAT

Deadline Publication

Spring Feb 23 Summer May 25 Autumn Sept 14 Winter Nov 9

Mar 16 Jun 15 Oct 5 Dec 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

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

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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 Book Now For Christmas

013398 81922

www.thecommercial-hotel.co.uk