Aboyne Fountain 17 (Summer 2019)

The

FREE!

Fountain A Community Magazine for Aboyne

Issue 17 Summer 2019

Future canoeists open cathedral

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...!

Aboyne Games: Proud Sponsor of the Mace Over the Bar “Drum Major’s Challenge” Try a sample of our 10y Fettercairn at our stall on the Aboyne Games Park

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 DEADLINES . FEB 1 . MAY 1 . AUG 1 . NOV 1 PUBLISHED MAR JUNE SEPT DEC

Contents Canoe Cover Story 7 News/Groups 5> Future Is Bright 12 FoodBank 15 Hilltrek Move 18 Highland Games 20 In Lady V’s Shoes 21 Councillors’ Contacts 24 Cinema @ Aboyne 28 Advertisers’ Index 32 Ad Rates/Copy Dates 34

Welcome to Issue 17 of The Fountain ...and with it comes another birthday!

Can you believe The Fountain is FOUR years old with this issue?

Always looking to improve, if you have any suggestions for things that could or should be in the mag, please get in touch.

A quick flick through these pages will tell you there’s a lot going on across Aboyne at the moment, with a new Farmers’ Market starting up, and the Highland Games and Art Aboyne to look forward to. The Day Centre and Foodbank need your help, while our fabulous cover photo by Alan Telford features the lovely ribbon-cutting ceremony at the recent opening of the Canoe Club’s Canoe Cathedral...

We also bring you news of a longstanding local business (and regular Fountain advertiser) who has just completed an epic move: Hilltrek.

Thank you to all our advertisers and to anyone who contributed copy about their group, organisation or event.

You can find all the details and ad prices inside the back page.

Remember that community information is FREE to include, so if you have any news, tell me about it.

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

Do you have something to share?

Group or individual, let The Fountain know what you are up to, using the contacts on p3 and 34.

Farmers’ Market off to a Flying Start Seed Box hopes to bring monthly market to benefit village

The sun shone on Aboyne’s first Farmers’ Market on the green for a while, this time brought to you by social enterprise The Seed Box of Ballogie.

A large number of stalls gathered for the first event on May 11th, with more planned for the future. And shoppers were out in force to take advantage of the fresh foods and goods on offer, from lemons to cheeses, meats to soaps.

Susan Littlejohn of the Seedbox promised a large variety of local and unusual stalls, something for everybody.

She said: “We think this is an exciting new venture for Aboyne and we are hoping for it to be a big success.

“We are hopeful that it will bring more people to the village, not only to support the farmers’ market but also to support the existing traders as well.”

The next market takes place on Saturday June 6th, from 10am to 2pm on Aboyne Green.

5

01975 571775 07792 830780

• • • •

Local family business Oil and biomass boiler servicing and repairs New boilers sold and installed with 5 and 10-year warranties Aga Servicing

�lameboilerservices@gmail.com

www.�lameboilerservices.co.uk

“Canoe Cathedral” Opening Marks Burning Desire’s End writes David Woods

Pic: Alan Telford A dream a long time in the making has been realised with the official opening of Aboyne Canoe Club’s ‘Canoe Cathedral’.

The next paddling generation of ten juniors symbolically cut the ribbons.

Following the opening, club member Ian surprised Chairman Chris Redmond with a hand-carved ‘Canoe Cathedral’ plaque to complete the project. Trustees were on hand to provide a feast to visitors as well as current and former members who were able to enjoy the new facilities officially for the first time.

Despite Aboyne Canoe Club SCIO being a well-established club, it has always been without a permanent base.

Thankfully, five years ago forwardthinking members had already begun the process of making plans to create a purpose-built riverside storage unit.

Having outgrown its current storage space and facing the loss of that space, the Chris and fellow club member Dale Kitching completed planning applications, arranged

a lease of the land as well as a series of funding applications to fund the build.

The opening of this facility, combined with an active club programme, has already seen the club’s membership rise dramatically with the fresh promise of stand-up paddle boarding, canoeing, kayak polo and white water kayaking proving hard to resist.

Chris said: “I like to thank members past and present all their help and support with fundraising. It’s only fitting that the honours of cutting the ribbon fell to the children attending the opening as the facility was built to sustain and grow the club for future generations of paddlers.

“Five years ago the idea was born to build our own shed on this site after we took part in Aboyne’s Sculpture Trail. We hung a giant paddle sculpture in the trees and that night someone set it alight. This unfortunate event was the catalyst to open dialogue with the land owner and the rest is history”

7

ArtAboyne : Exhibition set to shine, writes Lorna Purvis

Summer in Aboyne is once again time for the impressive art exhibition held in the Victory Hall. This year Artaboyne will run from Saturday 20th July till Saturday 10th August, open daily from 10am till 6pm. Along with the talented well-known artists who organize this enticing event there will be over 40 other north-east artists exhibiting.

There is something for everyone with paintings, photography, woodwork, jewellery, sculpture and prints for sale. The selection will change throughout when work is sold so is ever-changing! There is plenty of parking, wheelchair access, refreshments and free entry. Artists taking part will be on hand to assist and discuss their work.

Pic: Robert Grey

Anyone for...

Jumble?

1st Aboyne Brownies needs more adult volunteers and is wondering if anyone can help. They meet every Tuesday between 5.45-7pm in the Scout Hut in Aboyne.

If anyone is keen to help keep this local group going should they contact Kirsty Robertson via email on kirstyrobertson700@yahoo.co.uk

8

Aboyne Tennis Club are holding a Jumble Sale on Saturday 24th August, from 10-12 at the Victory Hall, Aboyne.

Adults are ÂŁ2 and children free to enter, this includes refreshment and home bakes.

Jumble can be handed in at 9am on the day of the sale, or contact Ann Keenan on 013398 86348 for uplift.

Business Association growing in number The Aboyne Business Association was recently formed to support business growth and local employment in the Aboyne and Mid Deeside areas, writes the newly formed committee team.

Through a series of engaging meetings, we aim to encourage business networks and develop ideas that can be acted upon to benefit the local business community.

ABA is already making steady progress by building a business directory for its members – a key initiative that came from the first meeting in February.

The group met for the second time in April in the Pine Loft at the Boat Inn, Aboyne.

Guest speaker was Dr Brenda Hector, Business Growth Specialist, presented an outline of methods to increase business growth and profitability.

10

8

Membership is open to all businesses (including Sole Traders and Ltd. Companies) located in the Mid Deeside Area.

Businesses wanting to find out more can register via www.aboynebusiness.com.

There are limited spaces available for free 90-minute Business Consultations with Brenda Hector, Business Action Coach, on a first to join, first served basis.

The next meeting will be held on 10th June, 7pm at Lost Loch Spirits, Distillery Building, Unit 8, Deeside Activity Park.

We would be delighted to see you there.

Committee team – Dave, Duncan, Magda, Jenni and Peter

elma munro aromatherapy Specialist Treatments Aromatherapy Facials Thai Hand + Foot Massage Aqua Chi Detox . Reiki Purpose-built tranquil and calming room just on the edge of Alford Can help boost the immune system helpful with aches and pains, depression, anxiety and much more 01975 562646 elmamunro61@hotmail.co.uk Find me on Facebook: Elma Munro Aromatherapy

ABERDEENSHIRE ELECTRICAL SERVICES LTD All aspects of electrical work undertaken

Gentle, holistic practices to help realign and restore the body’s innate balance

– Domestic – Commercial – Industrial – – Agricultural – New Installations – – Rewiring – Inspection & Testing –

Bowen Technique

Official Installer of ROLEC Electric Vehicle Charging Points

Muscle Release Therapy: Equine / Canine / Feline Sahajo Stewart . EMRT . BTAA sahajo@hotmail.co.uk . 07712 760247

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

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

March Festival Proves The Future is Bright March saw the largest Science Festival yet organised by the Cromar Future Group which included a schools programme which reached around 800 children, a Family Festival weekend, two events for Community Groups and two adult science talks.

This year the Group focused on working with the smaller and remoter schools and took an individual hands-on activity into 14 primary schools from Braemar to Finzean around the Dee valley, and Strathdon to Tough around Donside.

The group focuses on individual handson science so that every child gets a go at the science activity. In this case it was on electrical circuits. Local retired educator Peter Craig built circuit boards for a class of up to 30 individuals. The flexible boards allowed for an easy range of different circuits featuring switches, motors, lamps

and LEDs. Accompanying the session was a short cartoon explaining how electrons were involved in electricity and how batteries worked; and a system which showed the circuit diagram as components were placed on the board. These were developed by coders in the Group’s Everything Electronic Youth Club.

The Group’s Family Science Festival we e ke n d i nvo l ve d Ro b e r t G o rd o n University’s Department of Computing with Lego Mindstorm robots and virtual reality; Robogals whose banana and lemon keyboard was an instant success; Amy Coulam’s popular Spy School; a display of the “Save the Planet” projects carried out by the Primary science clubs; and a range of hands on science activities and coding workshops organised by members of the Group.

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

Supplier of quality softwood, hardwood and kiln dried firewood logs to Aberdeenshire and city 07979 494190 alfordfirewood@gmail.com facebook.com/alfordfirewood

The Group were bowled over by the reaction to the Festival.

Some parents who came on the Saturday were dragged back again on Sunday and families stayed far longer than expected.

The Group would like to thank their sponsors for the financial support that allowed them to reach around 1,000 people with science activities. They would also like to thank the many local volunteers who helped at the Festival, whether by presenting in schools or helping at the Festival, or helping by building the kits.

Indy Books and Blethers

Ladies – curious about independence in the new political landscape of chaos?

A new group on Deeside invites you to join other women, online or in cafes throughout Deeside around once a month. Blether, listen, borrow a book.

Bring your questions, ideas, respect for others and sense of humour with you.

This group is especially for those who are newly considering political values. You can find them and join via Facebook or email yvonnesrbanchory@btinternet.com

13

Mid Deeside Day Centre meets every Wednesday in the Victory Hall from 10.15am-2.30pm for senior members in the Mid Deeside Area. Our aim is promote their health and wellbeing by providing a chance to socialise with other members over coffee and toast before joining in a morning activity after which a two- course meal is served. Activities in the afternoon can include musical entertainment, quizzes, craft, games.

Due to celebrate its 25th anniversary next year, the Day Centre is run by a number of volunteers who drive the mini bus to collect members from outlying areas, set up and tidy away the tables chairs in the the hall, serve coffees/lunches, and join in activities with members.

We are looking for mini bus drivers who could possibly take a turn one Wednesday a month to collect members in the morning and deliver them home again in the afternoon.

For more information on the Day Centre or volunteering please contact: Aileen Paterson on 01339886534 email aileenpaterson50@gmail.com

Day Centre needs drivers

Aileen Paterson appeals

14

Fuel bills keep rising….

Time to take control of your fuel bills.

££

...

The HOME ENERGY ADVICE TEAM (HEAT) is a service delivered by Scarf and funded by Aberdeenshire Council, to offer FREE & IMPARTIAL ADVICE available to all households to lower your fuel bills and make your property more energy efficient.

PLEASE CALL THE HEAT TEAM on Freephone

0808 129 0888 or email duty@scarf.org.uk

12

IT’S FREE & YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR GRANTS & OTHER SUPPORT...CALL US TO ARRANGE A FREE HOME VISIT

Foodbank here to help

Today in South Aberdeenshire there are people struggling to put food on the table. For those on low income, a sudden crisis – redundancy, benefit delay or even an unexpected bill – can mean the family going hungry.

If you suddenly find yourself with no money to buy food, the Foodbank can help you with three days’ worth of food supplies and toiletries. To receive this free assistance, you should ask for a voucher from a frontline agency, such as Citizen’s Advice, Council Housing and Social Work, HomeStart, or contact the Foodbank for advice on your nearest voucher holder.

Aberdeenshire South Foodbank is based in Banchory and covers the area from Braemar and Strathdon to the coastal towns of the Mearns. Food parcels can be collected from the store on Mount Street, just off the High Street in Banchory, which is open on Wednesdays and Fridays 1-3pm, or from our distribution points in Aboyne, Stonehaven and Inverbervie. Sometimes we can arrange for parcels to be delivered.

The Foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust UK-wide network of foodbanks and is run entirely by volunteers from across the community using the generous donations

from a wide variety of sources. At the moment our volunteer numbers and stock levels are enough to run the operation, but please do check with us if you wish to contribute in any way.

In the year to March 2019 Aberdeenshire South Foodbank provided three-day emergency food parcels to 878 people, including 345 children, across our area. This was a 14% increase on the previous year. The clients covered a range of ages, and were single, couples or families. Some were struggling with changes to benefits, but many others had a crisis of low income.

The Foodbank operates in total confidentiality, always seeking to restore dignity and revive hope for those in crisis.

For more information, contact us on info@aberdeenshiresouth.foodbank.org. uk, or phone 07926 969408, website: www.aberdeenshiresouth.foodbank.org. uk

YOGA CLASSES

Daft for Dahl

For HEALTH, VITALITY & WELLBEING Postures to improve overall Strength, Flexibility & Mobility

Class concludes with Breath Awareness and a Deep Restorative Relaxation

These courses are suitable for all levels Men & Women

Beginners are always very welcome THE HALL ON THE GREEN, ABOYNE TUESDAY @ 18:30 – 20:00

THURSDAY @ 10:00 – 11:30 SATURDAY @ 11:00- 12:30

£39 x 6 block classes/£8.50 drop-in

PLEASE BRING A YOGA MAT & BLANKET

WEAR LOOSE COMFORTABLE CLOTHING Contact: Brenda (BSY) to reserve a place

Aboyne Primary School Parent Council’s Spring Fair on a Roald Dahl theme raised at least £2,000 for school funds.

Jolly Hockey Sticks

013398 83628/07958 194647/brendatwigger@yahoo.com

Aboyne and Deeside Community Campus in Aboyne are looking for any adults who have played hockey in the past (no matter how many years ago!) and who would be interested in either walking hockey or ‘want to return’ to hockey.

They are hoping to hold two sessions late June and early September to gauge interest. They are also interested in anyone who could assist in a voluntary capacity in sessions perhaps a retired PE teacher or hockey player who has coached before.

If you are interested in playing please email mark.pain@scottish-hockey.org.uk.

If you can volunteer to help please email Aileen.Longino@avashire.org.uk

16

New Paths Focus with Andrew Fyfe

One of the key themes emerging from the surveys carried out in 2018 by the Mid Deeside Community Council was the local paths network in and around Aboyne.

This was much appreciated for walking, running, cycling and riding opportunities it provides but there were also many areas identified for improvement.

A number of drop in sessions were held in early 2019, which has confirmed there is sufficient interest to set up a local paths group to improve existing paths and identify and develop, planning and funding permitting, new links where needed.

The group formally kicked off on 8th May and we would welcome more supporters.

If you are interested and want to know more please contact Jonathan Kitching at aboynepaths@gmail.com

Smart Gardens Aboyne Weekly/Fortnightly Garden Maintenance • • • • • •

Grass Cutting inc Removal of Cuttings/Debris Lawn Scarifying Strimming and Cutting of Overgrown Areas Hedge Trimming and Cutting Weed Control – fully qualified to apply pesticides Tree Work

Fully Insured . Free Estimates

07789 867950 . smartgardensaboyne@gmx.co.uk

years 30we’ve on...

moved!

Original outdoor clothing Made in Scotland.

Used worldwide.

At Hilltrek we’ve been hand cra ing performance outdoor clothing on Royal Deeside for 30 years. Our story now continues in larger premises at

Deeside Activity Park.

hillgear.s

cot

Hilltrek clothing • Páramo shop • Outdoor clothing repairs

www.hilltrek.co.uk

01339 886062

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”

A long-established clothing-maker tucked away in Aboyne’s shopping mix has decided to expand and move premises.

Hilltrek Outdoor Clothing has been producing performance wear for oudoor professionals and enthusiasts for over 30 years from its Ballater Road site. However, May saw it move all operations to Dess.

The business was first started by Eyelyn Tivendale. Her funky colourful fleeces and thermo jackets became well-known, with many still being worn 25 years later.

Boss Dave Shand says Hilltrek is unique to the area. Everything is done from start to finish in their own workshop to give them total control over quality. And as well as making new garments, they offer a repair and refurbishment service for all their products, past and present.

The move to Deeside Activity Park brings 75% more workspace, which will allow them to expand their retail space to show off their Hilltrek and Paramo ranges and offer a quicker turnaround on madeto-order items, as well as do more repairs.

Four staff are presently employed by the company; Susan Griffiths was among the first apprentices and keen outdoorsman Dave is its chief product tester.

Hilltrek exports round the world to around 25 countries and they also work in collaboration with many suppliers, including the bushcraftsman Ray Mears.

Business founder Evelyn Tivendale

Outdoor Clothing Maker In Move To Dess

Getting Set For Annual Highland Games It has been a popular summer fixture in Aboyne for over 150 years and preparations are well under way to ensure this year’s Aboyne Highland Games is another day to remember. Taking place on Saturday 3rd August, it will feature the usual array of Highland Dancing, piping, fiddle music, tug o’ war and light and heavy athletics events throughout the afternoon, with close competition expected.

A wide variety of trade stands will also grace Aboyne Green on the day, with stall holders offering visitors an extensive range of local produce and crafts. Ahead of the games, two other events will also take place.

Youth Games: On the Wednesday evening prior to the games, Aboyne Green will come to life for the annual Aboyne Youth Highland Games. Held on Wednesday, 31 July from 6pm, the event is organised by Aboyne Highland Games Youth Forum and is designed to encourage local children and those visiting the area to try their hand at some of the different disciplines that make up Highland Games.

Aimed at youngsters under the age of 18, Aboyne Youth Highland Games was first held in 2010 and has grown in popularity ever since. Competitions are split across five age categories and feature events that form part of the light and heavy athletics programme at Aboyne Highland Games.

A range of sprint races are staged over varying distances for the different age groups, while the long jump is also contested. Sack races and skipping races add an element of fun and testing balance and coordination skills. Youngsters also get the chance to try their hand at the shot putt and tossing the caber.

The fun evening is free to take part in and points are awarded based on results in each discipline, with overall winners declared in each age group. A tug o’ war challenge involving all the children rounds off proceedings.

Friday Fundraiser: Details are currently being finalised for a charity fundraising event that will be held on the Friday afternoon in the games’ marquee on the green. Featuring food, refreshments and a disco, the afternoon will also including a raffle and a series of fun games. Full details of the event on Friday, 02 August will be released on social media very soon.

For more information and to register to compete in events, visit www.aboynegames. com or follow Aboyne Highland Games on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

20

Marywell Smiddy Ballogie Aboyne Aberdeenshire AB34 5DL gavindinnie@msn.com www.gavindinnie.co.uk Find us on Facebook:

Gavin J Dinnie Roofing Services

GAS BOILER SERVICE FROM £60

OIL BOILER SERVICE FROM £80

. Servicing . . Repairs . . Breakdown .

M 07818 092680 E info@vectorheating.co.uk W www.vectorheating.co.uk F/VectorHeating BASED IN ROYAL DEESIDE

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

I love food! I love choosing it, I love smelling it, I love preparing it and I love cooking it. Most of all though, I love eating it (this figure takes maintaining you know!?). It gives me great joy to share food with my friends and family, and the kitchen definitely is the heart of my home.

That being said, I also love the chance to take a back seat from cooking and I thoroughly enjoy sampling other people’s dishes.

Luckily for me, we live in area that has such a fantastic and DeeLicious (thank you, thank you) range of local produce. Even on a simple trip to the Kincardine O’Neil post office you are able to choose from a range of jams and chutneys from Kincardine Castle, fudge from ‘Granny Mac’ in Finzean or fresh eggs from ‘Katy’s eggs’ in Torphins. They also stock so many local spirits, it would take an exorcist to make a significant dent in their shelves. Murmichan (named after a wicked Scots fairy!), Scotland’s first absinthe, brewed (do you brew absinthe?)

by Lost Loch Spirits at the Deeside Activity Centre is definitely one of these spirits on my ‘To Try’ list... although I may wait until I have a few consecutive clear diary days, preferably when my children are at their Grandparents, before opening a bottle.

As I type this my mind is formulating a grand weekend of food and drink. To start, a fish dish I think. I get all of my fish from The Skipper and Wife from Gourdon. Their van comes to the village every Wednesday morning and I can often be spotted making a beeline for it with my dog across

in

Lady V’s Shoes A column on village life from Victoria Kennedy the green (by ‘beeline’ I mean being dragged by my dog, who knows that fish skin scraps await him at our destination). Then filet steak from John Troup butchers, with chips and veggies from the weekly market at Platform 22 for my main course. As for pudding, it would have to be some sort of cake with cream from The Sign of the Black Faced Sheep. I found out recently that they make whole cakes to order. Now I just needed a good reason to justify needing a whole cake, although their cakes are so delicious maybe that is all the justification required.

Finally, you can’t have a big meal and forget the coffee and sweet treat to wrap it all up. There are two local coffees my husband and I have tried recently. The first from Spider on a Bicycle (AKA my second home). This coffee paired with some Cocoa Ooze chocolates from Tangletree will be sure to make anyone smile, even if they curse you at 3am the next morning for giving them caffeine in the evening. The second coffee is from The Roaring Stag (also stocked by Tangletree). Their Lochnagar roast filled the kitchen with the most amazing aroma – it smelled just like Sunday mornings should smell, especially when combined with fresh croissants from the butcher (yes, I meant butcher, not baker).

My goodness I have made myself quite hungry now! I will see you all again in the next issue, for now I am off to see what wonders are hiding in my cupboards. Bon Appetite all!

23

Councillors'

These are your Ward 15 councillors

Contacts

Cllr Peter Argyle

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

Cllr Geva Blackett

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

CRAIGIEVAR GARDENERS Garden design Garden maintenance Landscaping David 07759 977387 019755 81278 Wendy 07831 440848 019756 41778 wendysimpson@hotmail.co.uk

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

This is your MP and MSP

Westminster

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

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

24

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

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

All aspects of landscaping Mini digger and small tipper hire Firewood also available James Anderson Bridgefoot, Glenmuick, Ballater 013397 55997 / 07821 746756 weejim03@live.co.uk www.weejim.com

K&A ANDERSON LONENWELL GARAGE . ALFORD . 019755 62215

ANY MAKE SUPPLIED: HONDA . ALKO CASTEL GARDEN LAWN KING

We h a range ve a wide of mo wers and mowe ride-on rs in Part- stock e After x + -sale s

STRIMMERS . CHAINSAWS . LOG SPLITTERS . ROTOVATORS . SCARIFIERS *** To celebrate 40 years at Lonenwell – lots of offers and deals to keep your eyes peeled for *** 22

Heritage Group’s recent discoveries...

Tornaveen Plumbing

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

Some exciting discoveries have been reported by the ‘Aye, it wis aabody’ research group.

They found that the legacy that established Finzean School and supported bursaries at Aberdeen University was possibly worth as much as £200m, taking into account interest and capital over some 250 years.

They also learnt that Thomas Ramsay, a mixed heritage boy who came to the parish from Jamaica in 1824, was educated at the Forest of Birse School, where his uncle taught. The old schoolhouse survives as a ruin and the group hopes to begin to record it as part of the project.

If you’re interested in learning more or joining the heritage group, come along to the regular weekly meetings, which alternate between Wednesday evenings and Friday mornings in the Soup Kitchen (at the back of the Old School in Finzean).

Refreshments are provided.

You can find more details about the group on Facebook, via “Birse Community Trust”.

27

cinema@Aboyne

Cinema at Aboyne aims to show a diverse range of mainstream films and special live event screenings in a local setting.

Under the umbrella of Aboyne Arts and Theatre Development Group, they also bring you Music at Aboyne.

The group recently launched a new website and with it came another big new change: the ability to buy tickets for all their shows online via Ticketsource.

This means tickets for will no longer be available to buy at the community centre reception, but for those without internet access, Aboyne library staff will be happy to assist and there is also a dedicated phone line: 03336 663366.

Tickets, if available, will also be on sale on the theatre door around 30 minutes before showtime. More details and upcoming shows can be found at www.showsataboyne.co.uk

28

Shared Lives can offer people the chance to contribute to real friendships and become active, and valued citizens with a sense of belonging and confidence in themselves.

We match people over 16 years of age with a disability, mental health issue or dementia with someone who shares the same interests. The support is unique in that it is based in and around the Shared Lives carer’s home and community, sharing hobbies and interests together. This partnership is flexible and can range from a few hours during the day or evenings, at weekends or weekdays, to short breaks and longer placements.

The Shared Lives scheme can offer support to older people from the Marr area where we have been granted new funding from Shared Lives plus via the Prince of Wales Charitable Foundation. We hope to make connections with already established services, groups and voluntary agencies to provide this service to older people who feel isolated and want support to live life to their full potential. This support can be day activities and short breaks, and access to the service is through a referral from the person’s care manager.

Shared Lives is currently recruiting carers in all areas of Aberdeenshire and the Marr area for our new funding. The Shared Lives carers are trained and supported by Aberdeenshire Council. The carers are self-employed, and they can work flexible hours to fit in with their lives and family. If you could offer a person with a disability or an older person a few hours respite or more or if you want more information about accessing the service, contact the Shared Lives team. Tel: 07824 837791 email: sharedlives@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, www.aberdeenshire.gov/sharedlives

STRENGTH & BALANCE # Seated exercise class # Aboyne-Dinnet Church # Wednesday 10:00-11:00am # Every week # First class is free A seated exercise class which builds confidence in the older adult 100% of our clients report that their confidence and fitness improved since working with our coaches Can’t come to class?

Visit our website www.Strength-and-Balance.co.uk for our online programme Join us on Facebook/SandBAberdeen

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

Club Directory

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

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, District Commissioner, 013398 86332 2ndaboynebrownies@gmail.com 1st Aboyne Cubs Bernie Cassie, 013398 85390 bmkh67@yahoo.co.uk 1st Aboyne Scouts Tuesdays 7.30pm-9.30pm (term time) 1staboynescouts@gmail.com 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 Fraser Dunlop, 013398 86328 (Option 1) pro@fraserdunlopgolf.co.uk www.aboynegolfclub.co.uk Judo Club James McBeath, 013398 86049

32

mjmcbeath@btinternet.com Library Book Group Fiona Robertson, 013398 86004 aboyne.library@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Probus Club Eddy Horton aboyne_probus_sec@btinternet.com Rotary Club of Aboyne & U-Deeside John Halkett, 07815 676314 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, 01330 822666 davidpacker00@gmail.com www.deesidecameraclub.org/ Deeside Gliding Club Glen Douglas, 013398 85339 office@deesideglidingclub.co.uk www.deesideglidingclub.co.uk Deeside Heritage Society Dr Douglas Riach, 013398 85488 douglas.riach@btinternet.com 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 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

sports Boulers o’ Birse Petanque Club Info.boulersobirse@ gmail.com Saturdays 10-12, Birse & Feughside Church, Finzean. Tues evenings from 18:30 in summer.

Swimming Upper Deeside Amateur Swimming Club Richard Smout 07494 455196, richard. smout58@gmail.com; Alan MacLeod udasc. treasurer@icloud.com Tai Chi Classes in Aboyne, Ballater and Banchory www. taichiaberdeenshire. co.uk Stroke Group Monday mornings in the Auld Kirk Hall Eric Sinclair, 07442 502574 Breastfeeding Group Community Room in Deeside Community Centre, Aboyne, Mon 10am-11.30am.

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 R Mitchell, udasmemsec@btinternet.com

culture

fun stuff

Index of Advertisers to help you find who...

Aboyne Highland Games AES Electrical Alford Firewood Alpine Tree Servs Banchory Podiatry Belwade Farm Brenda Twigger Yoga Calvin Jones Painter Commercial Hotel Concept Wetrooms Craigievar Gardener Daisy Tree baby Bout Douneside Health DWR Architecture Ellington Mennie Elma Munro First Domestics Flame Boilers Foodbank Fraser Taxi

Y COP ES DAT

The

BULLETIN

34 11 12 30 4 11 16 9 36 6 24 28 4 10 29 11 12 6 15 18

Gavin Dinnie 21 George Anderson 9 Gerry Robb 29 Highland Glen Spas 25 Hilltrek 18 Julian Barclay 22 K&A Anderson 26 Mackinnons 31 Mobile Computer Servs 26 Ronald Hay 11 Smart Gardens 17 Speedwell Framing 25 Strachan’s 2 Strength & Balance 30 Tax Assist 16 Tornaveen Plumbing 27 Transform Foot 33 True Being 13 Vector Heating 21 Wee Jim Landscapes 25

DEADLINES . FEB 1 . MAY 1 . AUG 1 . NOV 1 PUBLISHED MAR JUNE SEPT DEC Advertising space is also available in our Alford publication, The BULLetin, and The Fly, covering Banchory FREE!

Issue 13, Spring 2019

A Community Magazine for Alford

... News ... Groups ... Features ... Club Directory ...

The Banchory Fly fly: [adjective] to partake in a small unplanned break wth refreshment, often with friends or colleagues; particular to Aberdeenshire, UK

Inside your FREE Spring issue:

... News ... Groups ... Features ... Club Directory

Get in touch via email to catrionahouston@yahoo.co.uk Call Cat on 013397 55243 or 07805 731401 www.myriadpro.co.uk

AD ES T A R

FULL PAGE 140 x 200mm £108

HALF PAGE 140 x 99mm £55 QUARTER PAGE 98 x 66mm £27

FULL BACK PAGE £135 Design adds £15 to any size advert Book four issues up front and save 10% Book four ads up front in two or more mags and save 20%

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 Sunday Lunch ~ Takeout Menu ~ Family/Pet-Friendly

013398 81922

www.thecommercial-hotel.co.uk