Aboyne Fountain 12 (Spring 2018)

The

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Fountain A Community Magazine for Aboyne . Issue 12, Spring 2018

Get Inspired!

Lady V takes on the ultimate Challenge 30

Inside your Spring issue:

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

STRACHAN’S Serving Royal Deeside for Four Generations

Newsagents

Ice Cream

Confectionery

Photocopying & Laminating

Wines & Spirits

Haberdashery

Malt Whiskies

Lottery

Calor Gas

Hardware Pet FoodsBalloons & Party Gifts

Toys & Puzzles

By appointment to HM The Queen General Merchants

Main St Aboyne AB34 5HT 013398 86121

Stationery

Toys and Puzzles

Grocery

Gardening

Delicatessen

Fishing Supplies

and lots more...!

2 Golf Rd Ballater AB35 5RE 013397 755452

www.georgestrachanltd.com

By appointment to HRH The Prince of Wales General Merchants

Yabba Dabba Do 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 2018/19 Summer Autumn Winter Spring

Deadline May 25 Sept 14 Nov 9 Feb 22

Publish Jun 15 Oct 6 Dec 1 Mar 15

Contents News Academy News Youth Forum The Big 30 Speed Festival First Responders In Lady V’s Shoes Douneside House Councillors’ Contacts Ready, Steady, Duck!

Foot Health Your Affairs in Order Church News Club Directory Advertisers’ Index Ad Rates/Copy Dates

5 7 8 10 12 14 17 21 22 27 28 33 34 36 38 39

Welcome to Issue 12 of The Fountain Spring is here! No, really, it is. Well done to everyone who dug themselves or others out of the recent snow dump to keep the area moving, safe and supplied.

Truly inspired this quarter to catch up with Victoria Kennedy and her plans to celebrate her 30th year with 30 challenges to raise money for good causes. You can read all about it on p10. She is also the first individual to feature on a Fountain cover, with her lovely dog, Captain Hastings.

We also have special features on Douneside House and Health Club and business newbies Transform Foot Care on pages 21 and 28 respectively.

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.

Cat Houston – Design/Editor pic: Zwartbles Sheep by Angela Ellis

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

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

Saturday 19th May 2018 6.45pm - 12.30am at the Victory Hall, Aboyne In aid of

MND Scotland Featuring

Dark Island Ceilidh Band and Slim Geordie Jockin “No G” Disco

To p u rc h a s e t i c ke t s c o n t a c t : Gwen: 07793 525191 Ro n a : 0 7 7 4 0 4 2 5 1 6 4 (tickets on sale from 19th March 2018)

Price £37.50

Includes welcome drink, two course sit down meal, coffee and fudge.

Fundraisers during the evening.

(Black Tie/Highland Formal)

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.

Parents: 1 – Snow: 0 Group gets school cleared in record time

The recent spate of bad weather proved to be snow match for a group of parents who cleared the primary school paths, car park and playground.

Following three days of closures across the county, Aboyne Primary School Parent Council used the power of social media to rally volunteers over the weekend and hailed a passing JCB to get the job done.

The head expressed her thanks. Pupils were perhaps less pleased...

SALE! Aboyne’s popular shoe shop Footprint in Station Square has gone on the market as a going concern. Owner Ruth Punyer is hoping for a quick sale so she can join hubby Lee in his new job in Mallorca.

Well, who can blame her? Fancy it? Go to www. rightmove.co.uk to check out the details, or follow the link from Footprint’s Facebook page. Best of luck, Ruth!

Tennis Club in the running for awards

Aboyne Tennis Club has been shortlisted in three Tennis Scotland annual awards, including: 2017 Club of the Year (also short-listed in 2016) 2017 Coach of the Year (Graham Kay) 2017 Volunteer of the Year (Andrew Fyfe, an award previously won by Christine Fyfe in 2011) The winners will be announced soon.

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Please, Remember A message from Catherine Robertson Ross MBE It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to have been made to feel part of the family that is the Royal Marines. Those who serve do so with great courage and commitment.

Along the way I have gained many sons who have continued our relationship long after they have left the Corps.

I also have a close relationship with 45 Commando RM, where in 2011 a garden of remembrance and reflection was built, I was delighted to help raise funds for this project. This garden is a place where the marines can spend time, as well as remember those who have fallen in the service of our Nation. Many of those whose names are on the memorial I knew well.

Recently I stood there with Colour Sgt Paul Barrett, who was profoundly wounded in Afghanistan. As we looked at the names on the memorial whom we both knew, Paul said, “Catherine, my name should be on this memorial stone.” He then said, “I owe it to those marines who did not come home to live the very best life that I can.” And he does, Paul Barrett is a credit to the Corps, his family and those of us who care deeply about him.

Ladies and Gentleman, by attending Matilda’s Vintage Tea Party, you will not only experience a fantastic afternoon in the Officers Mess at 45 Commando, in doing so you will also be supporting the Royal Marines and the families of their fallen. Personally I believe they have sacrificed much in our country’s name and by supporting this event you will be making sure their memory lives on in this beautiful garden of remembrance.

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Academy News All S1 pupils from Aboyne Academy made their way to the Aberdeen Science Centre in Aberdeen for a day of inspiration, fun activities and learning back in November. The trip was partly funded by the Centre and was organised by the school Science Faculty.

The pupils attended a series of relevant shows and workshops designed to help understand science and its influence in their everyday lives. All of the activities were directly linked to the S1 Science Curriculum.

School science trip was out of this world Aboyne Academy has recently been presented with the highly sought after sportscotland Silver Award. The sporting accolade was awarded due to the breadth of activities taught during PE lessons at the school and was achieved with the help of the pupil Health Leaders group combined with the fantastic extra-curricular opportunities created and promoted by Shona Park, Active Schools Coordinator.

The sportscotland School Sport Award is a national, Lottery-funded initiative designed to encourage schools to continuously improve physical education and school sport opportunities.There are only 336 schools in Scotland (primary and secondary) that have been awarded the Silver Award. Aboyne Academy is one of the schools out of only eight in Aberdeenshire to have been awarded at all.

The award runs annually so the school will be reapplying next year with the intention of maintaining its Silver status and even better – going for Gold!

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Pop Up, Pop In: more than a café...

Youth Forum to consult on community hub project Aboyne Youth Forum has taken on an ambitious new project.

The role of the group, established in 2014, is to identify and improve issues within the community. This has led to numerous projects throughout the years, such as working with Stagecoach to improve the local bus service and providing links to the wider world for young people in Deeside.

Upon the addition of new members in late 2017, the group decided it was time to start a new venture within Aboyne. A key issue identified by the group is the generation gap and the barrier that this creates within the community. Youth Forum plans to tackle this topic by creating a community café. This business would be run by youth volunteers from the academy and contribute to their Saltire and DofE awards. With all profits made donated to a local ‘charity of the month’, the cafe would directly give back to the local area and help build community spirit. Not only this, but Mag’s Café would act as a community hub: a space tailored to address the needs and wants of its users.

The group, bursting with ideas – some of those being “a café in a double decker bus, with movie night, with a focus on local history and promotion of artists!” – decided that, as a community space, the only way forward is to create a spot which everyone, of all ages and experiences, has chosen.

For this reason, Youth Forum are opening a ‘Pop Up, Pop In’ café in Aboyne; with the aim of consulting the public to make this community project community led. These two evenings will be cost free, offering cake and coffee in return for only a few minutes of your time to get​your​views on what Mag’s Café should be.

‘Mag’s Pop Up, Pop In Café’ will be held from 4.20pm to 6.30pm on Tuesday the 27th and Thursday the 29th of March at the Dinnet Parish Church hall. Youth Forum believes that to make this café a success they need your support, your insight, and above all, your contributions.

Year of Young People 2018 makes this the perfect time to launch this exciting new project, with links and support to many local businesses and a strong local interest in promoting youth platforms. S5 pupil Pixie Russell, an ambassador for Year of Young People, also was of the strong opinion that the café was addressing a serious issue throughout all of Aberdeenshire: “​A lot of people in Aboyne never interact with anyone outside their own age group,” she explained, “Mag’s Café is the perfect opportunity to address this problem and give back to our local area.”

If you require any additional information about Youth Forum or about the Pop Up, Pop In cafe please do not hesitate to contact us Facebook and be sure to follow our Aboyne Youth Forum facebook page to receive updates about our work and news.

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Mag’s Pop Up, Pop In Café 4.20pm to 6.30pm Tuesday 27th & Thursday 29th March Dinnet Parish Church Hall

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Victoria tackles 30 head-on

Mum celebrates milestone with charity challenge An Aboyne mother-of-two is facing her 30th year by taking on a series of challenges to raise money and awareness for a number of charities.

Victoria Philips Kennedy turned 29 in early January, and while deliberating what she might do to celebrate next year’s big three-oh immediately set about drawing up 30 challenges to achieve before her birthday instead.

Born in Aberdeen, Victoria now lives in Ballater Road with husband David and children Toybn, 4, and Bryony, 3.

The challenges range from the bizarre (Twiglet scoffing), through numerous fitness event goals, to the downright scary swimming with sharks (for which a cashmere onesie has been purchased to keep her warm under the drysuit).

Victoria told The Fountain: “I was married at 22 and pregnant at 23, so I missed out on some of the crazy things my friends were doing around that time.

Obviously I love my family to bits but I wanted to do something for me. It’s kind of a 20s bucket list.”

All of the activities are aimed at fundraising for three charities dear to her: Homestart Deeside, Mental Health Aberdeen and the National Autistic Society.

Victoria suffered from depression and obsessive compulsive disorder during and after her second pregnancy, and a friend who was instrumental to her recovery has a daughter with autism.

You can read about her quest in her weekly blog at www.30thingsfor30years. com, donate at www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/30things or catch up with her progress in between by following the Facebook page “Lady Victoria and her Wolfpack”.

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The List

1) Swimming with sharks 2) Balmoral 5km 3) The Illuminator night race 4) The Banchory Beast 5) Swim the Channel distance in 12 weeks 6) Be a human sponge target 7) Conquering a zip wire course 8) Giving up chocolate for Lent 9) Reverse advent calendar 10) Canyoning 11) Volunteering at a care home 12) Organising a pop-up cafe 13) Anonymously pay for someone’s meal 14) Read at the children’s hospital 15) Climb Ben Nevis 16) Host a pudding night 17) Shear a sheep 18) Learn the art of stained glass 19) Try open water swimming 20) GungHo! Aberdeen 21) Visit the homeless in Aberdeen 22) Eat an entire tub of twiglets in one go 23) Host a pub quiz 24) Go vegan for a month 25) Create a ‘shared bookshelf’ 26) Cycle the whole Deeside Way 27) Plant a ceremonial tree 28) Volunteer at the Drop-In Games Club 29) Host a charity Beauty Night 30) Give a public talk on Mental Health

young@♥deeside Young@ deeside is a new initiative coming to the communities of Aboyne, Ballater and Braemar soon.

It is aimed at older people who want to take part in activities, clubs and events across the three communities while learning new skills or hobbies and meeting new people and having fun!

We would like to hear what you want.

Are you involved in a local group in Aboyne, do you have an idea for a group or activity. Do you want to meet new people or reconnect with old friends or just find out what’s going on in your community?

Come along for a coffee and a chat to find out more in the Victory Hall, Aboyne on Tuesday 17 April from 10am-11.30am.

Email: aileen.longino@avashire.org.uk

01975 571775 07792 830780

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Fast Forward for Speed Festival Popular event moves from August to June for 2018

The Royal Deeside Speed Festival will race back into action on an earlier date this year, and you are well advised to save the date and get yourself along to the event which promises to build upon 2017’s success.

RDFS will now take place on Saturday 16th June 2018, returning to the beautiful and historical setting of Kincardine Castle, 20 miles west of Aberdeen in the roaming highland countryside. The change of date is for a variety of reasons – some of which cannot be just shared yet, but the organisers promise that all will be revealed over the coming weeks... and will be worth it.

The festival will return with its traditional mix of horsepower and festival stalls, with the Soapbox Derby once again promising to thrill, excite and entertain everybody as the finale to the day.

RDSF is still accepting entries for the hillclimb, club stands, soapbox derby and static displays – together with accepting enquiries from exhibitors and traders.

If any businesses would like to become involved through advertising or sponsorship, then there are still some opportunities available.

Similarly, if you would like to be involved with the event, please contact the RDSF team directly, as they still require trained Track Marshalls and General Stewards to assist on the day.

For further information about RDFS, visit the website on www.rdsf.co.uk or find them on Facebook. Tickets are also on sale from the website. Gates will open at 9:45am on Saturday 16th June with the first cars due up the hillclimb around 10am.

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“Far ev’r yae wint tae ging”

A Day in the Life: First Responders Ruth Emslie describes the emergency response’s front line

Recently I was asked if Community First Responders have to stay up all night, waiting for the phone to ring, when on duty. Happily the answer to that is a firm ’no’; we do go to bed.

Should a call come through for our assistance in the wee small hours from the Ambulance Call Centre, we take note of the address and the patient information, hastily pull on our clothing and dash out to our van or personal car. I keep my fleece and high-vis jacket, boots, keys and spectacles ready by the front door.

Usually, when morning comes, everything gets put back in cupboards and drawers – CFRs in Mid-Deeside don’t tend to get called out multiple times during the day or night, sometimes a week or more may pass without any of us attending a suspected heart-related emergency.

However, it can happen that it’s 3am and pouring rain and our services are required, and then at 2pm the same day another person is in need of CFR help before the ambulance can get to them.

What is essential is that we keep our CFR phone by our side throughout our shift, whether we are shopping in the Co-op, gardening, having a coffee locally, making the dinner or watching tv. When a call comes through, we have to be able to drop what we are doing immediately, and bolt for our vehicle. You will be reassured to know that we observe all road speed limits; flashing blue lights are not part of our remit.

Our rota is 7am-7pm, and 7pm-7am Monday to Friday, then 7am-1pm, 1pm7pm, 7pm-7am Saturday and Sunday.

Currently, we cannot cover all the shifts.

Sometimes it happens that we can only be available for part of a shift, a

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few of us respond singly, most do so with a fellow Responder, some do one shift weekly, others are available to do multiple shifts. The essential commonalities are that we are all equally trained by The Scottish Ambulance Service, undergo a monthly SAS proscribed training practice including updates, and we are all volunteers.

It’s great to announce that Lumphanan will shortly be getting its own kit as three volunteers from the village have stepped forward to be trained as CFRs, and they will soon be going on duty with their fellow Tarland and Aboyne Responders.

Perhaps you have what it takes to join us.

We welcome enquiries and the prospect of more Responders in Mid-Deeside. Please be aware that no previous experience is required, over-18s welcome, preferably with a driver’s licence. tmdcfr@gmail.com Our Annual AGM is Wednesday 28th March 2018 at 7pm at The Boat Inn Aboyne. This meeting is open to anybody who may be interested in joining us, or perhaps just want to find out a little bit more about what it is we do.

Hope to see you there!

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Breastfeeding help

Aboyne Breastfeeding Group meet every Monday 10am to 11.30am in the Community Room within Deeside Community Centre.

Whether you are pregnant, a new mum or an experienced breastfeeding mum, Aboyne Breastfeeding Group would love to see you.

Come along for a chat and a cuppa, while the little ones can have a play, roll about and interact with others. Partners, older siblings, friends and family members are very welcome. NHS Peer Support always available. National Breastfeeding Helpline 0300 100 0212.

cinema@Aboyne

Friday 27th April 17.30 – Monster Family 19.30 – Fifty Shades Freed Friday May 4th 17.30 – Momento Mori 20.00 – The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie Thursday May 10th 19.00 – NT Live: Macbeth Friday 18th May 17.30 – Peter Rabbit 19.30 – Ghost Stories See www.indycinemagroup.com for more dates and film details.

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

In the Spring of last year I took on the ‘Walk in her Shoes’ challenge for Care International.

This challenge involved walking five miles a day for seven consecutive days, helping to support women and girls who, instead of going to school or work, trek for miles to the nearest water source, to collect water that isn’t even clean.

As I’m sure you’ll agree, this is a fantastic cause, and in a place like Royal Deeside where the walking options are boundless and beautiful, a pleasure to undertake.

A new column on village life There was just one small thing that I thought would hold me from Victoria Kennedy back... during the week I don’t have access to a car, thus limiting my walking remit to being from all of Royal Deeside to being from my front door.

As it turns out though, this was not a limitation. From my front door a whole world of walks were open to me that I didn’t even know about. Of the seven days, only one of the walks I did started somewhere that I accessed by car. The rest were all Aboyne based, and all different. My favourite walk of these six took me from my house on Ballater Road, through the village streets, across the green and along the River Dee. Without ever leaving the village boundary I had found my own little Eden, with herons, squirrels and birdsong. It was idyllic.

Maybe this walk is so fond in my memory because of not only the picturesque surroundings but also because of the time of day. I had made the most of it being a Spring Saturday and I left at first daylight. The tranquility at that time of the day was magical.

There was not a soul around, just me, my dog and the sounds of nature.

This walk highlighted to me one of the main things that I truly love about life in Aboyne – the way that we have the wonderful community and conveniences of village living but in a matter of moments you can have the peaceful serenity of the countryside.

I can’t wait for the longer spring days to come so that I can once again reclaim my mornings and continue exploring from my front door.

in

Lady V’s Shoes

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16-22 April 2018

Ladies Probus Culture Vultures Sandra Wilson outlines what this group of retired professionals and business women have been up to...

We resumed our programme for 2018 on the 6th February at the Victory Hall Aboyne. We had a talk by Belinda Rowlands entitled “The Seed Box”.

On March 6th the talk by Lynn Batham was about “Charli House-Life is Precious”.

The Reverend James Falconer will talk about “The Roof Garden” on April 3rd (10 for 10.30am).

May 1st is our AGM with entertainment (10.30 for 11am) followed by lunch.

If you’d like to know more about Ladies Probus in Aboyne, contact Barbara Thompson on 013398 83303 or email bathompson@btinternet.com

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Cromar History Group will have its last talk of the season on Thursday 12th April: The Pictish Symbol Tradition 7.30pm, MacRobert Hall, Tarland Dr Gordon Noble is head of the Department of Archaeology at the University of Aberdeen. His talk will outline new dating evidence for the symbol tradition found in Pictland. The symbols appear to represent a non-alphabetic written language and this talk will explore new data on the origins and dating of this epigraphic tradition.

For further information please see our Facebook page or: www.cromarhistorygroup.org.uk

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Business In Focus: Douneside House Modern health club’s origins are steeped in history

Sir Alexander MacRobert purchased the Burnside Estate (now known as Douneside House) just outside the village of Tarland, near Aboyne, as a holiday home for his family in 1888.

During the early 1900s, the MacRobert family added extra rooms and a tower, transforming the property into the spectacular country house and gardens which are to be admired today.

Douneside House is owned and run by the MacRobert Trust in memory of Lady MacRobert, who wished for the house to remain a place of tranquillity and peace.

The MacRobert family were well known locally as significant philanthropists, which is why, following her three sons’ tragic deaths in accidents relating to aviation and WW2, Lady MacRobert decided to set up a charitable trust in their honour in 1943.

All surplus profits generated at Douneside are either re-invested into the estate, or donated to charitable causes. Every year the Trust donates almost £1m to charitable organisations and it has supported many organisations and initiatives in the local area.

Lady MacRobert also wished for Douneside House to be used as a holiday home for members of the British Armed Services and this valued tradition is continued with special discounted rates available for serving or retired members of the armed forces throughout the year.

Douneside Health Club is located within the grounds of Douneside House.

There are various Health Club membership options available – from monthly payas-you-go to a full platinum membership – which includes access to all Health Club’s facilities and fitness classes. In addition, platinum members can enjoy various benefits at Douneside House, including an overnight stay and discounted dining at their fantastic restaurant which offers the region’s only 3 AA Rosette dining experience. Douneside’s menu features culinary delights using the finest local ingredients, including fresh produce grown organically in their kitchen garden. You can even join their exclusive Dining Club.

More info: www.dounesidehouse.co.uk . www.themacroberttrust.org.uk

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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

New Community Council is taking shape A new Mid-Deeside Community Council (MDCC) is coming together following an appeal for members.

There are ten councillors to represent the local area – two of whom have served in the recent past. The Chair and other office bearers were elected at their first meeting in early March and dates for future meetings will be announced soon.

Aberdeenshire Councillor Geva Blackett said: “It’s great to see a new community council being formed and one that includes someone representing the young people in the area. I know I speak for all three ward Councillors when I say we are looking forward to being a part of the council and to working with the members to further the ambitions of the mid-Deeside area. There’s much to be done.” For further info contact Janelle Clark, Marr Area Manager, at janelle. clark@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.

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Cllr Paul Gibb 07388 956148 cllr.p.gibb@ aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Westminster

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Access courses to help your group

Being an effective voluntary organisation or community group can mean navigating a minefield of regulations, compliance, reporting and funding. It’s the everyday, challenging reality of working in the Third sector.

AVA is delighted to open its new Spring/Summer 2018 training programme for bookings. Booking forms and more information can be found on the website www.avashire.org.uk/calendar.html The aim at AVA is to provide quality, cost-effective training on topics that are most relevant to your needs as a voluntary organisation, community group or social enterprise. The 2018 Programme offers regular half-day and full-day training courses all over Aberdeenshire for your staff, volunteers, trustees and committee members.

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NEW BEGINNINGS The Fife Arms opens in 2018 and we want you to join our team as we set out on an exciting new chapter in the life of this historic hotel. We think a new job is like a blank page, the opportunities are endless. Be part of our new beginning...

We are currently recruiting for the following positions: PA & HR CO-ORDINATOR F&B OPERATIONS MANAGER RESERVATIONS & RECEPTION MANAGER SPA SUPERVISOR SHOP SUPERVISOR FINANCIAL CONTROLLER ACCOUNTANT EVENTS MANAGER HOTEL RECEPTIONIST Job descriptions and application forms are available online at www.thefifearms.com Alternatively, send your CV and Covering Letter to mail@thefifearms.com #thefifearms

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Ready, steady, Duck!

Stage is set for third summer trip down the Dee

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The Giant Inflatable Ducks will be back racing on the River Dee in Ballater this year on Sunday 3rd June when the Ballater Duck Festival will once again send the village quackers.

In the village centre there will be a variety of charity, craft and trade stalls, food and games, and entertainments throughout the day. The highlight will be the Duck Race, on which you can have a wee flutter!

The event grew out of a desire to help Ballater in the aftermath of the terrible flooding in 2015, and to allow some of the then flooded out businesses an avenue to reconnect with their customers and to show that Ballater was still open for business. Now in its third year, the Duck Festival has become an annual event celebrating the spirit of Ballater, and encouraging visitors into the village whilst raising funds which are distributed locally.

If you would like to help with the event please contact John Burrows (013397 53244) or Ron Drever (013397 56224), or email ballaterduckfestival@hotmail.com If you would like a stall, or for the latest update on advertising and sponsorship, please contact the Ducks on the email address above. Check out and like our Facebook page Ballater Duck Festival. All monies raised are ploughed back into the community.

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Business In Focus: Transform Foot Health New practitioner aims to keep your tootsies in top condition

Foot Health Practitioner Emily Carter is based in Alford, and offers friendly and professional foot care treatments in your home.

She told The Fountain: “I am asked so often ‘but why feet?’. It is simple, I strive to reduce pain and increase mobility, and that in itself is amazing.”

A Foot Health Practitioner (FHP) is qualified to provide routine footcare and maintenance. FHPs can assess the condition of your feet, treat as appropriate and then refer when necessary.

An appointment with Transform Foot Health will always start with a full foot overview, followed by a discussion and then treatment. Treatment plans are available for people who require long-term foot care.

Emily can help with regular problems such as corns and calluses, as well as offer advice on foot care for people with with conditions such as diabetes.

She added: “I am a friendly local lady. I offer a mobile service and will come to your home. I love meeting people and learn so much from my clients at every appointment.

“Please feel free to check out my credentials on the Register for Foot Health Practitioners at www.footreg.org.

“I am also part of SAC Register for Foot Health Practitioners.”

To keep your feet healthy and in good condition, make an appointment. Your feet will love you for it! To find out more, you can reach Emily using the contacts on the ad opposite.

28

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

Interior/Exterior Painting . Guttering Pointing . Slating . Etc . Free quotes

HATE IRONING?

Tornaveen

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

013398 82906 derekpittendreigh@btinternet.com

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

ANY MAKE SUPPLIED: HONDA . ALKO CASTEL GARDEN LAWN KING

Moira: 013398 82496

We h a range ve a wide of and r mowers mowe ide-on rs in Part- stock e After x + -sale s

STRIMMERS . CHAINSAWS . LOG SPLITTERS . ROTOVATORS . SCARIFIERS

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

FOUNDED IN 1842...

matured over the

• Residential Property Sale, Purchase & Leasing

years to create a

• Personal Law - Wills, Trusts & Executries

fine blend of expert

• Commercial Property and Business Law

legal services.

013398 87665 www.mackinnons.com

• Employment Law • Dispute Resolution • Marine, Offshore & Renewables

Putting Your Affairs in Order

The law is complex and forever changing. Your solicitor can advise you on the best way to plan ahead and/or arrange your affairs during your lifetime whether this be to put in place a Power of Attorney or a Will, or perhaps carry out a review of your tax situation as well as help you plan for residential care.

• Power of Attorney – Granting a suitable Power of Attorney can mean that families can avoid the harrowing emotional and administrative difficulties which can often arise when a person loses capacity and the ability to make decisions about their own financial or welfare needs.

• Making a Will – Without doubt, the principal reason for making a Will is to allow you to control who will inherit specific assets in accordance with your wishes. Without a Will (intestacy), Scots Law has various rules which otherwise dictate how an estate must be distributed and to whom. These rules do not mean that your assets would transfer where and to whom you may wish.

• Tax and Estate Planning – Throughout your life you are entitled to make financial gifts which may help to reduce any inheritance tax liability. Large financial gifts, however, may be subject to a tapering scale should you not survive the gift by 7 years.

• Residential Care – Private care routinely costs at least £1,000 per week

which can leave a huge dent in family finances/inheritance. There are ways to plan for this and to deal with the situation as it develops. The timing of asset disposal and the manner in which the disposal takes place are essential. Proper guidance and advice at an early stage is crucial so as to ensure the best possible outcome for both the individual and their family.

At Mackinnons we are here to make life easier, helping you to make informed decisions when planning for the future.

Contact Patricia Gray for further advice on 013398 87665.

Patricia Gray, Senior Partner

33

St Thomas’ Church News We only just seem to have got past Christmas and we’re already heading into Easter. Christmas this year was a busy time at St Thomas’, with our service of Nine Lessons and Carols, the annual Christingle, featuring the Rector with her light up coat and tutu, and the Crib service, with standing room only on Christmas Eve. We finished off the Christmas season with a Carol-a-long on New Years Eve – choose a carol and we’ll all sing it.

Send a Cow is our Lent appeal this year at St Thomas’. Send a Cow is an organisation that works throughout Africa.

While they do indeed send cows – both dairy cattle and cows used for farm work – they also provide education and training in different subjects. They also send sheep, goats, chickens, pigs – whatever is appropriate to the local context – as well as providing seeds, plants, tools and other resources. Our aim this year is to ‘send-acow’. A dairy cow costs £650, while a local cow costs £210. If we raise more than that amount other things will be bought as well. And if you want to buy something instead of an Easter egg – you could buy an Easter chicken for £7.

You can find out more details about the work of Send a Cow on their website: https://www.sendacow.org/.

34

with Vittoria Hancock We are rapidly approaching Easter.

We’re looking forward to our joint Easter bonfire, when we light the Easter candle and remember Jesus as light of the world.

We start in the grounds of St Thomas’ by lighting the bonfire on Easter Saturday at 6.30pm, before going into the church for a short service with two baptisms this year. After that we head back outside for sausages over the bonfire. All ages are welcome to join us.

On Easter Sunday we have our family communion service at 11.15am, with activities for children of all ages, finishing with an Easter egg hunt in the grounds of St Thomas’. Feel free to come and join us as we celebrate.

Baptism Bowl Members of St Thomas’ were delighted to have been presented with a new baptism bowl. The bowl is carved out of oak from one of the trees recently felled in the grounds of St Thomas’, and was carved for us by Ed Horton. We thank him very much for his gift to us. The bowl will be dedicated and blessed at the Easter Bonfire and Vigil on the 31st March, when we have two baptisms.

Dates for the Diary: Holy Week and Easter 2018 Palm Sunday, 25th March, 6pm, Choral Evensong for Palm Sunday, St Thomas Maundy Thursday 29th March, 7.30pm Eucharist and Stripping of the Altar, St Thomas’ Good Friday, 30th March, 2-3 Service of prayers and readings, St Thomas’ Easter Saturday, 31st March, 6.30pm Easter Vigil and Bonfire and Baptisms, St Thomas’ Church, followed by refreshments Easter Sunday, 1st April, 11.15am, Easter Communion, St Thomas’

Turn Your Back on Pain with Ionela Borodatencu By chance my crippling back pain when pregnant got me in touch with Body Stress Release. When, after only a few sessions, the pain was gone it seemed almost magic that such a gentle technique could have such an impact on the body.

Now having been a practitioner for two years, none of the magic has gone. BSR does exactly what it says on the wrapper – it releases the deep-held muscle tension.

This tension may undermine the communication between the brain and the organs and body systems so that the brain is no longer aware of the stress areas. In this way the stress becomes locked into our physical structures and does not naturally release, and can manifest as headaches, migraines, painful and stiff neck and shoulders, back pain, tingling or numbness, trapped nerve, sciatica, dizziness, sleep and concentration problems, etc. BSR uses a series of gentle impulses, stimulates the body to release stress, restoring proper communication between the brain and the rest of the body.

Why not give it a try – all you have to lose is the unwanted tension and pain.

See contacts below.

PODIATRY / CHIROPODY FOR ALL YOUR FOOT CARE NEEDS

COUNSELLING

ACUPUNCTURE

TALKING THERAPY FOR LIFE’S PROBLEMS

BACK AND JOINT PAIN RELIEF

MASSAGE BANCHORY HEALTH & MEDICAL THERAPIES PRACTICE HERBALIST THERAPY MUSCLE PAIN AND STRESS RELIEF

CARING FOR YOU - FROM TOP TO TOE

DIETITIAN

USUI REIKI NATURAL RELAXATION & STRESS REDUCTION

HEALING THE BODY NATURALLY

BODY STRESS RELEASE

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

APPOINTMENT AVAILABLE MONDAY TO SATURDAY

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

36

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.

Aboyne Sub Aqua

Aboyne Judo Club

Deeside Gliding Club

Cromar History Group

Index of Advertisers to help you find who...

Abs Electrical Alpine Tree Servs.

Badger Banchory Podiatry Classic Abode Commercial Hotel Concept Wetrooms Deeside VOS Douneside Health DWR Architecture Fife Arms First Domestics Flame Boilers Fraser Taxi George Anderson Gerry Robb Gillian Frost Highland Glen Spas

9 25 7 15 30 40 16 33 20 23 26 15 11 13 18 15 9 33

Hilltrek 9 Jackie Davies Iron 29 John Troup 9 Julian Barclay 19 K&A Anderson 30 MacKinnons 32 Meet Again Tea Room 15 MKM Slaters 29 Myriad Pro 7 Pittendreigh Prop.

29 Ronald Hay 13 S Anderson Fabrication 13 Seed Box 24 Speedwell Framing 23 Strachan’s 2 Tornaveen Plumbing 29 Transform Foot 28 Wee Jim Landscapes 23

Y COP ES DAT Deadline Publication

Summer May 25 Autumn Sept 14 Winter Nov 9 Spring Feb 22

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

Jun 15 Oct 5 Dec 1 Mar 15

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 Group Bookings and Private Functions Welcome New Sunday Lunch Offer Now Available

013398 81922

www.thecommercial-hotel.co.uk