culter courier
• CULTER • COMMUNITY • NEWS • From the Chair Culter Community Council
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e have had a busy time over the last few months. We have two new members and several new projects in the pipeline. This is especially gratifying as the members of Culter Community Council are all volunteers. Thanks to all of them and of course to all the other volunteers that run the myriad of activities in the village.
Department that the upwelling of ‘nasty-stuff’ just down from the Pittengullies Brae at the west entrance to Deeside Way is caused by a fracture in the sewer. This will now be repaired as a matter of high priority. Scottish Water will now be carrying out repairs and clean-up on an urgent basis. We are very pleased that this is being dealt with, to clean up the approach to Camphill, Lover’s Walk and the River Dee.
Emergency Planning As a result of the flooding issues, CCC have formed an Emergency Resilience Group which is currently gathering information and formulating plans to make sure that Culter is able to help residents in times of trouble such as flooding, prolonged bad Saturday weather, power outages and so on. See the “What If 25 May …” article in this Courier.
Gala Parade
It’s Gala time again and the organization this year has been taken over by Allan MacKenzie. He is doing a great job following on from the magnificent Ann 1.15 pm Wakefield, who is trying to Culter in Bloom have reduce her workload! Make from been hard at work again. sure you support our local Borsalino’s They have managed to seevents and feel part of the cure funding for our new community. Car Park village entrance feature, I am sad to report that which will go on the bank at the juncPeter Reiss, the Chair of Cults, Bieldtion below Malcolm Road and North side and Milltimber Community CounDeeside Road. We are also going for cil has recently passed away, after seriBeautiful Scotland this year. ous illness. He will leave a massive hole A replacement roundabout is also in that organization, particularly with his efforts to improve Planning com- being sourced for the play park by Cormunication and procedures. He will be onation Court, thanks to Cllr. Malone, and various volunteers. greatly missed. Flooding After the flooding at Christmas time, local residents of our lower-lying areas came to a Community Council meeting to see if matters could be improved to prevent future problems. Councillor Boulton has made progress with the Council and they are in the process of getting quotes to remove dead trees and debris from the Culter Burn. Road surfaces in Millside Terrace are also to be improved. Sewage CCC and Councillor Malone have finally been able to convince the Aberdeen City Council Environmental Health 1
Planning It has been a busy period for planning. CCC Planning Sub Group have been putting together a document which hopefully summarizes how the residents of Culter would like to see the village develop over the next thirty years. This has taken comments made when the 2009 Local Development Plan was being put together, and added them to ideas about preferred future development. The reality of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route will impact our village and we want to be prepared with our views on changes to our community. Our initial thoughts will be on display for your comments at the Gala at
ISSUE No: 131
MAy 2013
the School Playing Fields on 25 May in a CCC marquee. Your ideas will be incorporated into the document and then passed on to Aberdeen City Council Planning Department to be considered for the review of the Local Development Plan. There will also be a display from the ACC Planning Department, as well as from our new Emergency Resilience Group in our tent. Please come and visit us. Culter Burn Hydro-Electric Scheme P121787 An extensive response to this application was given, identifying a long list of concerns and inaccuracies. The application is still pending. Planning Boundary CCC comments on planning applications as Statutory Consultee in the Culter area. It has emerged that the boundary to this area is actually down the middle of Pittengullies Brae, not down Milltimber Brae as was previously thought. We are suggesting that our area be extended to the new by-pass route, as it is not sensible to have Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber CC being responsible for any development so close to Culter. Pittengullies Brae P130229 and P130230 This boundary mix-up came to light when Bancon Homes gave us detailed drawings to consider for new housing in the field beside Pittengullies Brae. The detailed comments that we made cannot therefore be publicly used in determining this application. We made particular reference to the unsuitability of road access off the Deeside Rd and the height of the new upper housing level over the existing houses beside the site. Drainage issues were also a major concern. Flats Police Station Site P130349 & P130362 The retrospective application for advertising signage and temporary sales unit was objected to after significant concerns were raised by local residents, about visibility and safety around the site during construction. At the time of writing, the application has still not been approved and yet the dangers remain.
News from Councillors Boulton and Malik
PilateS ClaSSeS PeterCulter SPortS Centre
Monday & Tuesday afternoons Tuesday & Thursday evenings CamPhill SChool milltimber
Wednesday evenings CultS ChurCh
Friday mornings
Solveig Dahle Smith Certified Pilates Instructor MAPPI Retired physiotherapist MCSP
Contact details solveig@pilatesaberdeen.com www.pilatesaberdeen.com 01224 861421
Organic Fruit and Vegetables Healthy Food and Drinks Gluten and Dairy-free Ranges Weigh-your-own herbs and spices Fresh baked Newton Dee Bread and Cakes Dr Hauschka and Weleda Body & Face Care Products Homeopathic Medicines Mon 12noon - 5pm Tues - Sat 10am - 5pm Sunday Closed
Newton Dee Store Old Ferry Road Bieldside AB15 9DX 01224 868609
www.newtondee.org.uk
Aberdeen Waldorf School Learning through head, hearts and hands
Toddler Groups Age 0 - 3 years Mon, Tues, Weds 9:20 - 11:20 am
Friendly small groups Bake organic bread Play with natural toys in a calm environment Make simple seasonal crafts Shared snack - eat the bread we baked Craigton Rd, Cults, AB 15 9QD. Tel: 868366 www.aberdeenwaldorf.co.uk Charity No: SCO12895
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e have been fortunate to have had another reasonable Winter, especially when we consider the heavy snow other parts of the UK had to endure. The milder weather has allowed pointing work and roof repairs to be carried out at Culter Primary which should mean the building will be water-tight once again. Although it has been a milder Winter, we have seen the usual re-occurrence of old potholes and the appearance of new. Road Inspectors are currently inspecting reported road faults and will be programming the repairs into a schedule of works. Schools The Informal Consultation of the Nursery and Primary Schools Estate concluded and was reported back to a specially convened meeting of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee in February. The outcomes for Primary schools on Lower Deeside is shown in the Schools Table on the opposite page. The Victorian programme that is referred to in regard to Culter Primary is a improvement/fund programme which will cover all Victorian school buildings in Aberdeen City. Cults Primary has a minor change to the zoning, this will only affect a very small number of properties and will only come forward if the Countesswells Development is approved and the building work starts. All of the agreed recommendations will go out for formal consultation, allowing further input from parents and the communities. City of Culture We are now 14 days away from the deadline for our first bid to be UK City of Culture. In the last weeks we have had successful public consultations and meetings with cultural partners, and we have now sent out around 55,000 postcards to people in the City and Shire asking them what they want to see in Aberdeen in 2017.
There has been a huge interest from the local media in the whole UK City of Culture process. Bidding to be UK City of Culture has given us an opportunity to spend the next few months talking about the Arts in Aberdeen and making sure that those talented people who live and work here and of course those talented Aberdonians who live and work elsewhere, are at the heart of the bid. Culture is not restricted to the Arts but to everything which goes to make up our city’s culture: music, sports, food to name a few. This is too big an opportunity to pass up, because regardless of winning the title, we will have brought different cultural groups together, we will have raised the profile of culture in Aberdeen both inwardly and outwardly, we will have brought a step change to culture in Aberdeen and we will have Cultural Aberdeen 2017 which will carry on into the future. If you haven’t already been involved then please email us on 2017@aberdeencity.gov.uk or come into Seventeen on Belmont Street and fill in one of our postcards or talk to us on facebook.com/aberdeen2017 twitter.com/aberdeen2017 Music Hall The work to choose an Architect for the Music Hall Design Competition is now completed. Councillor Boulton was part of a panel of eight which studied 19 submissions from Architects from all over the UK who were keen to be selected for the Hall redesign. Five architects shortlisted to present their proposals to the panel. After a long day of presentations and questioning, BDP were duly appointed. The panel were impressed by the approach presented by the BDP team, which blended the restoration and conservation of the historic fabric of the building with innovative design-led solutions to improve the customers’ experience. BDP were responsible for the transformation of the A-listed Kelvin Grove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow, and the acclaimed Perth Concert Hall to name just two. Councillor Boulton On a final note, I would like to address the recent press coverage on my positions within the Council. The ruling Administration receives an amount of money for senior councillors
Schools
Resolutions of Cults Associated Schools Group (ASG)Committee:
Culter Primary
To accept recommendation to include in Victorian Schools programme.
Cults Primary
To accept recommendation that all pupils from Countesswells development to be initially educated at Braeside School and Hazlehead Academy, whilst new Primary and Secondary Schools are built; to rezone remote part of zone to create new zone in Countesswells development and build new school. To accept recommendation that all pupils from Countesswells development to be initially educated at Braeside School and Hazlehead Academy, whilst new Primary and Secondary Schools are built; to rezone remote part of zone to create new zone in Countesswells development and build new school. To accept recommendation to create new delineated area within Countesswells development to include part of existing Cults primary school zone (in addition to the separated zone of Airyhall to accommodate all pupils from Countesswells development; this will require two new build primary schools and one academy.
Milltimber Primary
To accept recommendation for a new build school on Oldfold site, to accommodate all existing pupils and those from new development. To accept recommendation for disposal of existing school site. To instruct officers to advise Aberdeenshire Council that the new Blairs Development south of the river, comprising 280 houses plus a potential further 44, will not be zoned to Cults Academy.
responsibilities, an amount which is set by the Scottish Government to use to pay those Councillors taking on senior posts which carry extra responsibilities and duties. The current ruling administration set out the appointments of those Senior Councillors last year, but has continued to evolve plans to maximise the use of those Councillors, as opportunities have presented themselves. The ruling Administration identified three projects where they wanted to appoint a Senior Councillor to take responsibility from the elected members side, to drive these projects forward with Council Officers. These are: 1 City of Culture Bid. 2 Redevelopment of St Nicholas Site. 3 City Centre Regeneration. The ruling Administration have set up the City of Culture Working Group and the City of Culture Board which the Lord Provost chairs as the Civic Head and I sit as Vice-Chair on both. The Administration also set up a working group for the redevelopment of the St Nicholas Site, which I chair. The Administration is now in the process of setting up a working group for the regeneration of the city centre, for which I have agreed to be the Chair. The timing of setting up this last working group is to coincide with the opportunity for the ruling Administration to appoint Councillor Fraser Forsyth to the position of Convenor of the Licensing Committee, as his post as Vice-Convenor of the Joint Police Board ends due to the centralisation of
the Police service which frees him up to take on this role. I will continue with my role as Convenor of the Licensing Board and Deputy Leader of the Council and instead of Convenor of the Licensing Committee, I will have the additional responsibilities of chairing two working groups, being Vice- Chair of a working group and Vice-Chair of a Board. I am disappointed by the attempt by opposition Councillors to discredit me and to call into question my dedication to the job and my personal integrity. I adamant that I won’t let myself be distracted by political point-scoring. My time is better spent serving the public of Aberdeen rather than tit for tat game-playing. At no time did I ask to step down as Licensing Committee Convenor but as the three projects go forward, they will require a great deal more of my time and there are only so many hours in a day. I wouldn’t want to jeopardise any of the projects. I sit on several other Committees, Sub-groups and outside Boards in my role as a Councillor. All of these can be viewed on the Council website. These duties sit along side the work I do in this ward. I am sure, given the interesting times we are moving into, there will be more “attacks” on myself but I am more than happy at anytime to answer concerns from my constituents. Hopefully you will be able to see through the political game-playing. As a colleague said “it’s politics”, my response was it was unprofessional, it was bullying and frankly a waste of tax-payers money!
Finishing on a happy note we wish you all a pleasant Summer. Marie Boulton Independent Councillor Lower Deeside
Tauqeer Malik Labour Councillor Lower Deeside
News from Councillor Malone Schools Re-Zoning
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have received a number of enquiries from parents who are concerned about various comments circulating about the future of the catchment areas of Culter Primary and Cults Academy.
A major worry is that Culter pupils could be zoned to another academy. I followed up all of these concerns with the relevant senior education official. I can confirm that there are no proposals to change the catchment areas of any of the existing housing in Culter. There is a proposal to create a new secondary school zone at Countesswells. This will be a massive development of around 3000 new homes. The Countesswells development would require a secondary and two primary schools. 3
At this stage, it is only a proposal and this will require statutory consultation. Secondary-aged pupils at this new development would attend Hazlehead Academy until their new secondary school is constructed at Countesswells. Other associated changes to secondary zoning will be required if and when a secondary school at Countesswells is built. Only pupils from the Countesswells development would be affected, not pupils from existing housing in the area. There would be a knock-on effect on other adjacent zones but not the established housing in Culter. Until the first new Primary School is built at Countesswells, primary pupils in the new development could possibly attend a re-opened Braeside School. This Primary School is currently lying closed and nearby. The Education Department believe that there is sufficient accommodation available at Cults Academy to allow all pupils from the Primary Oldfold and Friarsfield developments to attend this school. Again, there are no plans to rezone pupils at the existing housing in Culter, Cults or Milltimber. Deeside Walk I am very grateful for the many kind messages of appreciation for the improvements to paths at The Deeside Walk. Thank you to all. So far so good with this welcome upgrade work! The re-surfaced stretch of the track is making things much better generally. However, there is still much work to be done. I continue to pursue this issue. Paths and green transport are vital for our area. There are various improvements that I am discussing with officials. I very much want the campaign for better paths to continue. Please let me know what you would like to see done to enhance the paths network - and the environment in general. co Fresh crabd sc Fish herallops Daily s a l mring lang on ma oustine c s had kerel do
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Road Conditions Our local area is attractive but there are many roads in need of attention. People have told me that many of our roads resemble the surface of the moon. There are several areas that have been previously ‘jet patched’. However, the severe weather has caused the repairs to deteriorate rapidly. Please be assured that I will continue to report every single road defect that I am aware of. The Roads Department will hopefully get the roads that resemble the moon onto the roads improvement list. Coronation Play Park Several parents have been in touch regarding their disappointment at the condition of the play equipment at Coronation Play Park. After a recent inspection by officers, it was decided that the roundabout within the play area at Coronation Road, was beyond economical repair. It was therefore removed from the site. Unfortunately, I have been informed that there is no budget available to allow a replacement at this time, but we have been offered a small dish-style spinner from the Store. The Play Park does require a general tidy and the remaining play equipment does require painting. I am hopeful that we will be able to get a team of volunteers together to help carry out this work. All Paint, brushes and PPE will be supplied for any volunteers willing to help with the repainting and also a couple of council staff to co-ordinate and supervise the work and secure the site on completion. Please get in touch if you can spare a couple of hours to help us restore this play park for all to enjoy. Getting things done I am always keen to help to get things done for the benefit of our local community. Please contact me if you have any comments, suggestions or questions and I will do my best to protect
CULTER FISH SHOP 161 North Deeside Road Peterculter 01224 735627
Now Open
We also take orders for live lobster, and exotic fish Corporate and wholesale orders accepted Opening hours: Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10 am – 4.30 pm Wednesday & Saturday 10 am – 2.30 pm
and improve our local quality of life. I will always do my best to help. Please do not hesitate to contact me about any issue. My contact details are as follows: Councillor Aileen Malone Town House Broad Street Aberdeen AB10IFY Direct Dial: 522356 Home: 862189 amalone@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Aberdeen Local Development Plan
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berdeen City Council Planning Department are now starting the process of producing the next Aberdeen Local Development Plan (LDP). It is vital to keep the LDP as up to date as possible to ensure that it responds to new issues and takes into account the evolving needs of local communities and businesses. We are holding our Pre-Main Issues Report Consultation from 15 April - 14 June 2013. This is a time for us to listen to what the people of Aberdeen think are the main planning issues that the next LDP needs to address, and how they would like their communities to develop in the future. We have been holding a number of workshop events around the city, and the LDP Team will be visiting local schools to engage young people in planning for the places where they will be living and working in the future. Many Community Councils have also received a Planning Engagement Toolkit, which contains maps, a camera and a series of
exercises for the Community Council crow Competition, (A Scottish Theme), members to complete, highlighting the Car Treasure Hunt and a Pipe-A-Thon. planning issues in their local area. Gala Day will kick off with yet anPeople can get involved by com- other impressive procession of floats pleting a questionnaire either on paper from Borsalino Car Park at 1.15 pm to (paper copies are available in all Aber- the School Playing Field via North Deedeen libraries or at Marischal College) side Road and Coronation Road where Gala Day will be officially or online. You could also write us a letter or email telling us The Local opened by a surprise guest 2 pm. Look out for the ofyour thoughts. Development at ficial brochure in this edition Further information about Plan will be of the Courier. the review of the Local Develon display Posters and application opment Plan, the consultation period and opportunities to for comment forms for the various events will be posted at the followget involved can be found on at the ing venues; Community Hall, our website by visiting www. Culter Gala Pop-In, Sports Centre, Liaberdeencity.gov.uk/localdebrary, Post Office and other velopmentplan and following in the links to ‘The Next LDP’. Community places around the village. A “Program of Events” Local Development Plan Council Tent will also be circulated. We Team Phone: 01224 523317 look forward to seeing you ldp@aberdeencity.gov.uk all there. Come and join in the fun and help our local community groups and charities in the process. Allan McKenzie On Behalf of the CELEBRATES Culter Gala Committee
CULTER GALA 2013 75 YEARS OF CULTER PIPES AND DRUMS
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ur annual Culter Gala Day and Gala Week of Events will soon be upon us again. Our theme this year is “Pipes and Drums” in celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the forming of the 47th Culter Boys Brigade Pipe Band. Saturday 25 May is a day to put in your calendar for a fun day out for all the family at the Culter School playing field from 2 pm till approximately 4.30 pm. In the preceding week, we also have a number of exciting events lined up such as Quiz Night, Duck Race, Art Expedition, Bowling Hat Night, Scare-
City Warden Report
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s we continue to wait patiently for the finer weather, now that spring is officially here and the evenings are a lot lighter. We take the opportunity to remind drivers to be more aware and cautious whilst driving through the village, of youngsters playing in the area. We would also encourage the children to play in safe, well lit up areas, such as parks and community centres, and away from housing schemes to
ensure safety and harmony for all involved. It is good to see so many people using the Recycling facilities provided in the area, and would encourage those who have not yet done so, to join in, we strive to support you to keep your community clean and safe. We would like to remind people that by placing items beside the Recycle Bins does not constitute recycling, and will be treated as a littering offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Aberdeen City Council has a zero tolerance towards littering and City Wardens remain vigilant whilst in the vicinity. We are aware that there are concerns regarding an increase in “dog fouling”, in the area. There are a great many of responsible dog owners who consistently clean up after their dog; however, there are some who continually don’t, Please *“Bag it and Bin it”, as failure to comply can result in a Fixed Penalty Notice being issued. As ever, we appreciate and welcome any issues, or concerns that residents may have and welcome your input. You can contact the City Wardens (South) by contacting Mark Wilson (Senior City Warden) 01224 871593 or markwilson@aberdeencity.gov.uk
New
Telephone Number For all Non-Urgent Police issues Call
101
Available 24/7
The Ploughman Mine Hosts: Graeme & Shirley Wight
Bar & Pool Room • Lounge & Dining Room For Table Reservations, Telephone 733365 5
CULTER VILLAGE HALL
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ur Annual General Meeting was held on Monday 25 March. Sadly, it was a disappointingly low turnout with the Committee joined by only a few members of the community. Please remember the Hall is owned by you, the residents of Peterculter, and is not Council run. It needs your support! It really is a case of “use it or lose it”.
Reviewing the year, our Chairperson, Nigel George, emphasised how perilous the future of the Hall is. We rely heavily on support from the community, particularly when it comes to fundraising and donations. Without these, the stark reality is that the accounts would show a loss and the upkeep of the building could not be maintained. An upgraded CCTV system was installed last year but there is still a long list of repairs and upgrades we would like to carry out! Meanwhile, everything that can be done to reduce costs, and increase income, is being done. With energy consumption one of the main costs, all user groups are being urged to do their bit. When it comes to fundraising, we are very aware that we are not the only community group asking for money. A simple way to support the hall is by joining The 200 Club. The £12 annual membership fee gets you entered into 12 monthly draws starting from June 2013. If all 200 numbers are sold that will be £100 prize money each month!
We will be contacting current members in the hope that they will renew and would welcome new members. If you wish to join please fill in the slip at the bottom of the page. It would be fantastic if next May we were referring to it as the 300 Club! Perhaps you would prefer to donate your time and talent to the hall, rather than money? We are keen to draw up a list of tradesmen, particularly electricians and plumbers, who could be called upon occasionally to help with the upkeep and maintenance of the hall. We would also love to hear from enthusiastic gardeners and anyone who is keen on a spot of DIY. Any help will be welcomed! The hall plays host to many different groups with a wide variety of activities going on each week. By helping to support it, we can ensure that it remains at the heart of Culter community with the facilities you require. On a cheerier note, now that the warmer weather is here (surely it will be by the time this article is published!) we would like to remind you about the Ross Watt Memorial Garden. Situated behind the hall, this is a community garden. Whether you are waiting to collect a child from a hall activity, or would just like some peace and quiet, please feel free to use this little oasis of calm. Finally, we are delighted to announce that the Hall is now online! Bookings and enquiries can be made via email. Our rates are very competitive! You can also find us on Facebook. Please “like & share” us!
thevillagehall@gmail.com
Emergency Resilience WHAT DO WE DO IF ...?
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he flooding which affected the Millside, The Paddock and several other places in Culter and District before Christmas raised this question. Residents in these areas were affected to a greater or lesser degree, dependent on where their homes or cars were in relation to the flooded burn.
Flooding is only one of the problems that can disrupt the everyday life of a Community. Snow brought down pylons recently in Argyll and the Islands causing lengthy periods of energy blackouts in some parts of Scotland. Nationwide, preparations for major emergencies are in place, and have existed since before the last World War. Should a major emergency occur, there are existing plans all over UK to take care of Communities. Our Police Force is the responsible for the management of these plans. Some problems of less severe nature can occur. As a Community, we are encouraged to develop our own local scheme should residents and homes be affected by abnormal circumstances. A group of people have come together, along with some members of the Community Council, to look at what Culter can do to be prepared for any such event. The Scottish Government are actively promoting local involvement at: www.readyscotland.org
Join Culter Village Hall’s 200 Club to support your Communities Facilities
Each month your allocated number will be entered into a monthly draw (12 draws per year commencing on June 2013 until May 2014). The winning number wins a cash prize of £100 (sum is based on 200 members in club) • I wish to renew my 200 Club membership for the year commencing June 2013 until May 2014 and enclose payment of £12 per number required. I wish to keep my existing number(s) Yes or No OR • I wish to Join the 200 Club for this year. I am a new member so please allocate me a number(s). Amount enclosed £ ..................... Signed: .......................................................................... NAME: .................................................................................................. TEL: ...................................... ADDRESS: ............................................................................................................................................. .................................................................. EMAIL: ................................................................................ An email address is preferable for us to keep in touch; however, a list of winners will be displayed in the Village Hall. Return to: Alison Skinner, Culter Village Hall, 178 North Deeside Road, Peterculter, AB14 0UD. Tel. Office: 01224 734371 Call for more details. Cheques payable to CDCA. 6
The Village Hall is available for hire thevillagehall@gmail.com We are also looking for any local plumbers and electricians who would be prepared to give some time to help at the Hall if we need technical assistance! Call Alison 734371 if you could be on a list of helpers. Thank You!
and have two Guides prepared. Our Local group is using these as a basis for developing our own scheme. Currently plans are at an early stage. We hope to have more definitive information prepared in time to display at the Gala Day. If you would be interested in taking an active part in this organisation please contact culter.resilience@talktalk.net or call 01224 734569
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CULTER IN BLOOM
irst of all a very big “thank you” to all who responded to our request for support in the leaflet that was distributed with the February edition of the Courier.
We are tremendously encouraged by the number and generosity of the Culter folk who contribute each year to enable us to maintain and improve our displays around the village. If you haven’t joined them yet, there’s still time – just call or email our treasurer Catherine Lacy! Our planning application for the village entrance statue and planting area on the embankment at the western entrance on the A93, has been approved, and we are aiming to construct it this summer. This exciting project is now fully funded thanks to support from Aberdeen Forward, Balmoral Group, Aberdeen City Council, Scottish Natural Heritage and the St Peter’s Heritage Centre, and also significant discounts in the construction costs from Nicol of Skene Limited and Derek Anderson the Blacksmith. Turning to our “normal” activities, while many of our containers are showing signs of stress after a long, hard winter, we still expect an attractive spring flush of colour in May from the surviving wallflower and polyanthus! We are also looking forward to spring blossom on the new twenty six tree “Apple Avenue” we planted in Coronation Park last year. Incidentally Coronation Park has been nominated by ACC as a “QE2 Field in Trust”, which means that it should remain dedicated to public recreational use “for all time” in future. Some recent small improvements by CIB include three new display boxes in front of local businesses and about twenty hardy perennial shrubs we planted along the frontage at the Gordon House flats, in every case agreed with
and funded by the property owners or managers. We’re happy to discuss the possibility of other planting improvements to commercial frontages on a “materials cost only basis”. This year we have ordered most of our summer bedding and hanging basket plants ready-reared from nurseries to give us more time looking for a new long-term home for our polytunnel. We’ve also decided to re-enter the Beautiful Scotland competition. Spring Litter Pick 20 April 2013 We feel that the community Mike Craig of Deeside Rotary Club, MSP Maureen Watt, spirit and sense of local Culter in Bloom Secretary Carol Page and Liz McRobbie plan the litter pick with a map of Culter. pride which the project creSeventeen public-spirited volunteers turned out to help. ates is well worth the effort in preparing for the judges‘ visit in August. The streets are never Organic cleaner and the displays never smarter Gardening than on the day they arrive! Services Est 2003 Finally, we are really keen to find Earth-friendly, environmentally for some new green-fingered commitconscious gardening tee members. Please get in touch if you • Tree Felling • Landscaping would like to help! • NPTC certified • Maintenance • Tree planting • Fully insured Erik Stien
www.culterinbloom.org.uk
• Hedge pruning • Free quotations • Fencing Contact Coran on 01224 917288 or yogabycoran@googlemail.com
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Culter Primary School
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e have had a very busy Term with lots going on at Culter School. Following generous donations from our Parent Council and the Culter Courier, a new reading scheme has been purchased. A lot of time has been spent organising and labelling the books and they are now ready to be used after the Easter break. An information event will be held in school in May to showcase the books to parents and to give information on how we teach reading throughout the school. Culter School raised almost £500 for Comic Relief on Red Nose Day, 15 March. Pupils and staff wore red to school for the day and brought in a small donation. An Open Afternoon went ahead on 27 March with a huge number of parents, grandparents and friends visiting the school to see displays of work
and share learning with our pupils. As always, we are grateful to Culter parents for their fantastic support of all our work in school. Susan Crossan Head Teacher Culter Primary School
Red Nose Day at Culter School
CULTER SCHOOL SUMMER FAIR Saturday 15 JUNE
11 Am - 2 PM
a package to suit you • sale • purchase • buy to let • first time buyer • tenant find • factoring
Culter School Parent Council Fundraising Group
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ow that Easter is in the dim and distant past the Parent Council Fundraising Group are back in full swing planning a series of events for the summer term.
Culter Gala: Saturday 25 May The Parent Council Fundraising Group will once again have a stall at the Culter Gala where we will offering everyone the opportunity to “pimp your own ice cream”. Please come along and support the event. Summer Fair: Saturday 15 June In the never ending search for that illusive sunny day, the traditional Culter School “Spring Fair” has been refreshed and rebranded as the “Summer Fair” and will take place at the School on Saturday 15 June from 11 am to 2 pm. The 2012 Event was a great success and all the fun-filled stalls will be returning. So why not come along take part in the Nerf Gun Challenge, get your face painted or bounce to your heart’s content on the bouncy castle. Locally sourced burgers will be available from the BBQ as well as tea, coffee and many, many fancy pieces. Entry to Fair will be £1 so why not come along to what promises to be a fun filled day.
PETERCULTER PARISH CHURCH
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ust in case you receive this issue of the Courier in time, you should note that Culter’s Got Talent takes place on Friday 10 May at 7.30 pm in the church. There is still time to come along as tickets will be available at the door! m
ns.co
kinno
.mac www
379 North Deeside Road Cults, Aberdeen, AB15 9SX Tel: (01224) 868687
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On Sunday June 23, at 11.00 am we hope to hold our second Outdoor Summer Service – I use the word ‘hope’ since clearly it is weather permitting. The service will take place at the Glebe, which is the field beside St. Peter’s
Heritage Centre. Chairs will be provided and transport will also be made available from the church from 10.30 am onwards for those unable to manage to walk down. The service will be followed by a barbecue. Our Summer Fayre takes place this year on Saturday 8 June from 2.00 4.00 pm. A wide range of stalls will be available on the day. Tickets, priced £3 adult, £1.50 children, for tea or coffee and home baking can be purchased at the door. Our monthly lunches on the first Wednesday of the month are proving to be very popular, not least because a delicious lunch is provided to everyone in the community for just £3.50! The final lunch before the summer break will be on Wednesday 5 June and they will restart on Wednesday 4 September 2013. Our Saturday coffees continue until 29 June, while our Thursday morning coffees will finish on 27 June. You may wish to note a date in advance for your diary. On Friday 2 August we will be hosting the Viva Sandnes Choir from Norway. This highly talented and popular choir last performed at Aberdeen International Youth Festival in 2010. Finally, Christian Aid Week takes place this year from 12 May and once again, collectors will be calling round. Last year we raised £4,265, which really is tremendous and is a tribute to the generosity of the people of Culter and our dedicated band of collectors. Christian Aid seeks to help some of the poorest people in the world and you really can make a difference to people’s lives by contributing. John Ferguson PETERCULTER PARISH CHURCH
SUMMER HOLIDAY CLUB For children in P1 – P7 Mon 12 - Fri 16 August 2013 10 am - 12 noon in the Large Hall 1st child £3.00 Other siblings: £2.00
Theme: Space Academy To sign up and register, please email secretary@culterkirk.co.uk or phone 735845
Art at the Hall 2013
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t. Peters Heritage Hall is running an exciting programme of exhibitions again this year from April to October.
Local artist Anita Inverarity has helped curate an eclectic variety of works to brighter the walls from local artists and international guests. The exhibitions are open every Saturday and Sunday from 2 pm - 4 pm. Free entry. Teas and Home Bakes available. April Karen Anderson - Printmaker May William Inverarity - Painting June Anita Inverarity & Tracey Swift Pen & Ink and Painting July Esther Green - Pen & Ink August Alice Stuart - Painting September Mike Crawford, Alix Anderson, Gregor McAbery, Jamie McCloy- Photography October The Bad Apples Artist Collective Presents “Alice in Wonderland” International Group Show with special guests. Anita Inverarity ainver@f2s.com
Royal Bank of Scotland Since the closure of the Culter Branch, the Mobile Bank is now visiting on Mondays from 11.30 am to 12 pm in the Church Car Park It is en-route from Inverurie to Portlethen.
Details can be found at
www.rbs.co.uk
Craigton Lodge Nursery School
Children aged 0-5 years Large garden for outdoor play Unique facilities for 0-3 years Partly funded places available for 3 & 4 year olds. 8 to 6 Mon - Fri 5/7 Craigton Cres., Peterculter. Telephone 01224 - 733980
DOG WALKER & Pet Sitting Services Proper Woodland Walks Young and Old On or Off the Lead All needs met Milltimber based Dog and small caged animal boarding and home visits Dog and Cat sitting Transport to Vet
Contact Jane 01224 734404 07739 313084 9
An Achievement Award will be made to Ian Barclay this season. Ian has been a loyal member of the Culter Mills Bowling Club for over fifty years, Redevelopment Update as well as making an outstanding conhe alterations to the Club tribution in seeing through the Club alare planned for completion terations. A special day will be set aside in early May and we have for Ian to receive the Freedom of the had many positive comments Green, when he will invite friends and about the refurbished facilities, players from other Clubs to attend, followed by a meal and entertainment in an ideal venue for Birthday the evening. Well done Ian, thoroughly Celebrations, Weddings, deserved. Anniversaries, Ceilidhs On the playing front it is hoped or other events. So come Culter Mills that the weather will be kinder and see for yourselves. Social Club this summer - it has to be! AGM There is going to be plenty of We were pleased to host the North of Scotland Snooker Sunday 2 June bowling to keep us occupied league, friendly and competiChampionships from 21 to 26 11 am tions, so let’s play bowls. April.
CULTER MILLS SOCIAL CLUB
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All Members Events during Bowling Welciome Culter Gala This 2013 Season is our 90th celebrations Year! Great to be back for all outdoor Quiz Night: 17 May at 8 pm. bowlers and a particularly warm welBowling Hat Night: 20 May at 7 pm. come to some new faces joining and Prize Bingo: 24 May at 7.30 pm. others returning to our happy club. Members and guests welcome in the Opening day was the 20th April. lounge on Gala Day 25 May To anybody who would like to give Bowling a try, please get in touch with Entertainment the Club or come down on a Sunday in the Hall morning in May for a game, to see if it’s 8 pm (Entry £2.50 at the door) for you. Coaching and equipment will 11 May: music by Travelling Band be provided, so new players are very 7 June: Music by Terry Rae welcome.
Weekly Sunday Bingo Prize Bingo: 30 August at 7.30pm Tea Dances Fortnightly Thursdays from 1.30 to 4 pm 16 May: Recorded music 30 May: Music by Johnny Duncan 13 June: Recorded music 27 June: Recorded music 11 July: Music by Johnny Duncan 25 July: Recorded music 8 August: Recorded music 22 August: Music by Charlie Esson Saturday Night Dances 8 to 11.30 pm. Entry charge includes tea/coffee and biscuits. 18 May: Music by George Rennie 22 June: Music by Wayne Robertson 20 July: Music by Johnny Duncan 31 August: Music by Johnny Duncan 21 September: Music by George Rennie “Busy Fingers” Craft Club Every second Thursday 1 to 4 pm in the Lounge. From 9 May onwards. Projects worked on include knitting, tapestry, jewellery, crochet, card-making and water-colour painting. If you would enjoy an afternoon of friendship and laughter please come and join us with your craftwork.
www.culterclub.co.uk NEW MEMBERS WELCOME
Scott Gilmour OPTOMETRISTS • Eye Examinations (Paid by NHS For All) • Contact Lenses - all types • Glaucoma Screening • Digital Retinal Photography • Home Visits Over 600 frames in stock. One of the largest collections of Designer Frames in the North-east including CHRISTIAN DIOR, GUCCI, CAZAL, BULGARI, HUGO BOSS, DIESEL, ARMANI, OAKLEY, ADIDAS, CHANEL, RAY-BAN Bespoke Eyewear from Tom Davies - tailor-made frames to your facial measurements. Designer Sunglasses from GUCCI, DIOR, RAY-BAN,CHANEL, GIORGIO ARMANI, MAUI-JIM, Prescription Sunglasses from NAUTICA, CALVIN KLEIN, MICHAEL KORS - starting from £99 complete with single vision lenses Large Selection of Children’s frames covered by N.H.S Open Saturdays and late night Tuesdays.
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PETERCULTER CLASSES Mondays @ 5.30 pm & 7.30 pm In St Peter’s Heritage Hall BANCHORY CLASSES Tuesdays @ 5.30 pm & 7.30 pm In The Royal British Legion Call Rachel on 07878 973766
Hollie Porter Podiatry A friendly service with excellence, care and compassion
Routine Care Biomechanics Orthotics
5 The Courtyard, North Deeside Road, Cults, Aberdeen AB15 9SD
Hollie Porter BSc (Hons) MChS Mobile Podiatrist/Chiropodist
Telephone 01224 863344
E: hollie_porter@hotmail.co.uk
HPC and SCP Registered
M: 07772 149813
Peterculter Medical Practice
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he practice is currently working to upgrade our website in order to improve the layout and the quality of information within it. It should also be much easier to keep it up to date. In time there will be more potential for interactive sections, for example the possibility of repeat prescription ordering. Bear with us while we work on this important project during the next few months.
Please note that in general we stay open on the Easter/Spring/May Bank Holiday Monday public holidays, these days. In the past, we found that if we were closed on the Monday then the Tuesday workload was overly busy, particularly with the steady expansion of our practice list size over the years. We do always take the Christmas/New Year public holidays however. If in any doubt then please contact the practice to check. As I usually remind you at around this time of year, now is a good time to be planning any required immunisations or other preventative measures for holidays abroad this summer. www.petercultermedicalpractice.co.uk
Best wishes Dr Douglas Harris
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OUT & ABOUT
ot much sign of spring at the end of a very cold March. Challenging ‘global warming’ and ‘green energy’, most photo voltaic (PV) solar generating panels on village roofs have unfortunately been covered in snow and ice!
A high proportion of wind turbines are stationary, awaiting maintenance and power lines are also down due to snow and ice. Underground power lines and hydropower do not suffer these problems, but most politicians and economists have not yet got round
to the joined-up thinking of ‘whole life costing’ for such projects. I find it disappointing that power lines march across our open spaces due to the disregard for technical & commercial common sense. Of a much more pleasing nature are sightings of Woodcock, Common Lizards and Hedgehogs in the infrequent warm sunshine of midday. These creatures are at significant risk from delayed temperature rise and I anticipate far reaching impacts on wildlife and food supplies of the prolonged cold weather. Otters have been very active and provided great joy and photo opportunities along Lovers Walk, but Salmon are scarce with a very slow and disappointing spring run well down from last year. Extended harsh conditions have resulted in many dead elm trees becoming unsafe. Victims of Dutch Elm disease, we have lost almost 100% of these once prolific and handsome specimens which are being progressively removed along our paths and walkways. Signs of serious problems with Ash Die-Back and a disease amongst the Larch are now evident in several locations. Once trees die and are removed, the importance of new planting becomes self evident so please support any calls for help. If you have tree problems we may be able to help resolve them, so contact CCC with details. DJW
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FIREWORKS
he space we share affects us all, and is easily compromised. This is a special plea to all, well in advance of the traditional fireworks season, to spare a thought for others and plan ahead for any celebrations involving fireworks.
Controls are in place for public use of fireworks, but not “private” use. This can be so intrusive, in that others have to share ‘like it or not’. Effects on animals in the open can be unintentionally devastating. Culter is surrounded by livestock and wildlife. Due to previous fireworks, animals have panicked, broken out, damaged themselves and property and caused accidents. Pregnant animals have aborted; poultry been lost/ gone off lay; horses
Culter
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Brian Smith Ltd. Funeral Services The only privately run family-owned Funeral Director in Peterculter, Banchory and Aboyne Pre-Paid Funeral Plans
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terrified and injured. Avoidance of unintended suffering and loss by prior impact assessment and proper notification is common sense but frequently overlooked. Please notify your farming neighbors if you plan any fireworks. Think about the potentially devastating wider implications of big bangs and flashes in the dark on animals. Choose locations for celebrations carefully with animals in mind. Inform all who may ‘share’ unintentionally in your ‘fun’ well in advance. Culter must not forget farming/ equestrian/ livestock owning neighbours who have so much at stake. DJW
“FRIENDS OF CORONATION COURT” COMMITTEE
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berdeen City Council are proposing to establish a new “Friends of Coronation Court” Committee to support fundraising, activity/event provision and community integration, at Coronation Court (Very Sheltered Housing Complex) School Road, Peterculter. My name is Susanna Brook and I am Wellbeing Co-ordinator at Aberdeen City Council. My remit is to help develop wellbeing opportunities for older people, and I am currently working in partnership with Coronation Court. We are seeking to gain support and
assistance in whatever capacity you might be able to offer. Perhaps your skills and enthusiasm may be used with gardening tasks, chairing meetings or in networking with local contacts. All help is most welcome. We believe that the tenants at Coronation Court are valuable members of the local community who have life skills and knowledge that can be shared through partnership working and meaningful activities. If you feel that you would like to be involved in this new venture, then please contact me. Many Thanks Susanna Brook Wellbeing Co-ordinator Older People and Rehabilitation Service Aberdeen City Council Sbrook@aberdeencity.gov.uk Mobile : 07584 601093
CULTER HILLWALKING CLUB
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s with everyone else, we welcomed the departure of the cold snowy conditions with sighs of relief. We’d had lots of excitements and challenges, from wading through miles of wet wet snow on Hill of Fare to tripping lightly across hard-packed icy slopes on Pressendye. Walk coordinators were scratching their heads as almost every Sunday and
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Monday route had to be changed. As a hillwalking club, we do not generally take part in winter mountaineering, which requires axe and crampon use. However a number of us invested in the high quality lightweight spikes now available and found them a huge help where paths and tracks stayed icy for many weeks. So now we look forward to summer – our first weekend away coincides with the publication of the Courier, and, all being well, we will currently be found on the high rocky slopes of Ben Cruachan, on the high road to Oban. In July, we return to Glenmore Lodge in Speyside to tackle the Cairngorm giants. If you are interested and fancy coming out with us, please have a chat with Secretary Della Russell on 01330 820376. Happy walking! Catherine Lacy
Camphill School
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s part of our on-going quest for partnerships with the City, we have participated in a number of meetings together with other members of the voluntary sector. On a national level, we have participated in debates around the proposed new National Residential Care contracts, and presented workshops at the Scottish Social Services Expo conference and, though the auspices of the Scottish Social Services Council, courses in leadership. The spring term saw fund raising activities taking place both on Murtle and Camphill, with the former raising £130 on International Women’s Day for Oxfam and Book Aid and the latter £136 for Comic Relief. Currently there are two groups preparing for their 2 or 3 day expeditions as part of the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme: members from Class 9 for the Bronze award and Class 11 for Silver, to follow on from the Bronze awards they already achieved.
Red Nose Day Baking at Camphill In February, the Pupil Council met with Tam Baillie, Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People, who afterwards wrote “I had the great pleasure of visiting Camphill School. The main part of my visit consisted of meeting with Klae, Harrison, CJ, and Callum who filled me in on life in the school and their views on what makes Camphill special to them. I really enjoyed speaking with them and I was struck by two things that they said. The first was that, for them, Camphill was a place where they felt safe – safe from what could be a threatening world outside of Camphill. The second was that Camphill allowed them to be themselves - to be respected for who they are as they grow and develop.” The Camphill School Aberdeen periodical ‘Network’ is now ready and can be accessed by going to our website www.camphillschools.org.uk Lastly, a reminder that our Open Day is Saturday 21 September 2 - 5 pm at Camphill Estate. Laurence Alfred
Culter Library
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e are already planning our summer events programme for the holidays. It was such a success last year and we are really excited about the theme. So, get ready for the 2013 Library Summer Reading Challenge ... The theme for this summer is Creepy House and there’s a spine tingling adventure waiting in Aberdeen City libraries. By taking part in the Reading Challenge and trying to read six books over the summer, you can join young adventurers Tilda, Saeed, Ollie, Rhys, Zoe, Liv and Baskerville the dog as they explore the secrets of Creepy House and meet
the hair-raising residents. Collect stickers and incentives as you work through the three stages of the Challenge and explore different parts of Creepy House. Do you dare to go to the Awful Upstairs? What might be lurking on the Gruesome Ground Floor and what secrets are hidden in the Spine-tingling Cellar? There will be more activities, plus hidden “treats” for children to “unlock” on the Creepy House website which will go live before the Summer Holidays and there will be themed activities in libraries during the holidays. The drawings for Creepy House are by award winning Chris Riddell. So while you’re waiting for the Creepy House door to open, check out his work in The Graveyard Book, the Edge Chronicles, Muddle Earth and the Barnaby Grimes series. The Summer Reading Challenge is aimed at children aged four and over, but younger brothers and sisters can join in by sharing books with family and carers. There will also be regular Bookbug Story and Rhyme sessions in libraries during the holiday period. Venue: Any library in Aberdeen Time: All day every day Cost: Free Contact details: Your local Library Check the website for details : www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/libraries Culter Library Tel: 732587 CulterLibrary@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Auchterdeen Ltd Personal Support for your Personal Computer in Peterculter
Business & home users Virus removal & data rescue Advice on what to buy Software problems solved Broadband/home network advice Troubleshooting & general advice iPad & iPhone help PC/Mac set up Start up problems
New—help with Mac or Windows D r o p o ff o r h o m e v i s i t
Contact Val Muir: 01224 735001 val.muir@auchterdeen.co.uk www.auchterdeen.co.uk
Public Speaking Accent Softening Confident Speaking Auditions, Job Interviews Presentation Skills Therapy
Donald Phillips
Voice and Speech Coach Phone: 07979
913323
d.phillips@dpspeechstudio.co.uk www.dpspeechstudio.co.uk c/o Camphill Wellbeing Trust St. John's, Murtle Estate Bieldside, Aberdeen AB15 9EP
The Oven Valet Oven Cleaners Doing the jobs you hate Bringing the Sparkle back to your oven
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01330 823079 07920483233
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Culter Football Club
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Season 2012-2013
ince the last Culter Courier edition in February, Culter FC have continued to have an excellent season to date. Culter FC is currently top of the North Super League, 8 points clear of Hermes and Dyce with one game advantage. There are ten league games remaining and eight of them are at home!
Culter played Hermes on April 13 in the McLeman Cup Semi-Final at Crombie Park. There was a lot at stake as the Final will be held at Pittodrie Stadium. The match did not live up to the usual standards, however Culter did beat Hermes 1 - 0 (penalty from J. McAllister) and will now meet FC Stoneywood or Maud in the Final at Pittodrie in early May. Check Culter FC website for details. Jamie McAllister has now scored 65 goals this season and this now makes him the all-time highest goal scorer for Culter Football Club in one season. The record was previously held by Culter FC legend Neil “Toastie” McRichie who scored 63 goals back in season 2001-2002. Players Pool Davie Greig was signed from Banks O Dee at the end of the year, but unfortunately he got injured in his first training session and was not available for nearly six weeks. Dave has now proven to be an excellent addition to the players pool. This season, we have had a lot
of long-term injuries. Darren Kelly has only just started playing in late February and Lewis McKimmie and Greg Donald have still long-term injury issues. Recently we have signed Adam Morrison on loan from Keith until the end of the season. Sponsorship Package There are numerous sponsorship packages available, such as Season Tickets, Match Sponsors, Pitch Advertising Boards. Please check the Culter FC website
www.culterfc.co.uk for further details. The new Hospitality Suite/Committee room at Crombie Park is now operational for pre-match sponsors and supporters. The Culter FC website also keeps the supporters updated about all matters regarding Culter FC. We welcome everyone to visit Crombie Park to watch and support Culter FC in Season 2012-2013. Gordon Thomson Culter FC President
Art Evening
with Michael Samson Sunday 12 May 2013
The Marcliffe Hotel
in aid of Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research To buy tickets contact: John Martin 07941 536467 Michael Samson 01569 785606
The Rotary Club of Aberdeen Deeside
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his is a vibrant Club with community firmly as the cornerstone. Committed to helping and supporting a variety of groups and organisations the Club offers hands-on and financial assistance to local and international communities.
The Spring programme was packed with interesting speakers and activities,. Highlights were the Scottish Evening, Quiz Night and the Primary Schools Quiz. Members were entertained at the Scottish Evening by traditional musicians from RGU and the ‘3 Fivers’, RCAD’s version of an internationally renowned operatic trio. Folks took to the floor for an inpromptu ceilidh, rounding off the evening on a high (albeit breathless) note! Twenty teams went head-to-head at the ever popular Quiz night on 1 March. Some of the questions were taxing even for the stalwarts, scores were close with a local team winning by only a ½ point! Halftime stovies, good banter and a mini-quiz with a Welsh theme, ensured a fun-filled evening raising over £570 for local charities. The Rotary Primary Schools Quiz, local heat, held in Cults Primary School on 7 March was an exciting afternoon, with high scoring. Questions set and presented by Rotarians covered topics including Current Affairs, Literature, Maths, Science & Technology, History, Environment, General Knowledge, Geography, Music, Arts, Sports & Games. The Primary 7 pupils taking part from
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w w w .th e h a i r a n d be a u ty bo x .c o m
Cults, Culter, Kingswells and Airyhall demonstrated a wide range of knowledge and were great ambassadors for their schools. Dates for the Diary • Art Evening in The Marcliffe @ Pitfodels on Sunday 12 May with renowned local artist Michael Samson and special guest, Toby Veale a Cults Academy pupil from Culter speaking on behalf of Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. • Autumn Quiz @ The Cults Hotel Anyone wishing to take part is very welcome. Look out for details on the website www.aberdeendeesiderotary.org.uk Interested in finding out more? please contact: Quentin: 07764 939752 qtweedie@btconnect.com Mike: 07771 576012 or mrodgers@talktalk.net
47th Aberdeen (Culter) Co. The Boys Brigade
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e are fast approaching the end of another session once again and we will finish on Thursday 16 May with our Annual Open Night at Culter School, starting at 6:45 pm. Parents, relatives and friends of the boys are all welcome to come along to see some examples of what they
get up to on a Thursday night, followed by the Promotions and Prize Giving etc. The Junior Section recently took part in the Aberdeen and District Battalion Unihoc competition at Danestone Community Centre. Following on from their win in the football, they also won this competition and in doing so retained the trophy they won last year. Well done again to the team of Ben Morrison, Connor Black, Ross McKay, Kyle Grant, Lennon Brown and Ross Sangster. Preparations are under way for our Annual Summer Camp which will take place as follows: Advance Camp 5 7 July, Seniors 10 - 12 July and Boys Week 12 - 19 July. I’ve managed to avoid a clash of dates this year, so the usual crew will manage to attend. The invitation though is still open for any other old boys or fathers of the current boys to come up for the couple of days to help setting up the campsite – many hands make light work!! Hopefully we will be able to try out a new marquee that we are in the process of purchasing. We moved to the more modern type of marquee with aluminium frames and plastic roof and walls a few years ago but they have proven to be unsuitable for the inclement weather we’ve had during the recent camps, with one being almost completely destroyed and the other requiring some repairs. The new marquee is the traditional canvas/poles/ guy ropes and will hopefully prove to be more suitable for the conditions at the Lebhall. Mike Reid Company Captain 01224 735742
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CULTER YOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB
ulter Youth Football Club is now in its 30th Year and provides football coaching and competitive games for over three hundred children of different age groups in a safe environment. Presentation Night The Culter Youth Football Club Presentation Night will be held on Wednesday 19 June, 7 pm at Cults Academy. The evening will recognise all those that have played their part with CYFC this season, including Player of Year and Long Service Awards. Coaches The club is very keen to expand on the current number of coaches at all age levels. If you are interested in coaching then please contact Sid Merrakech on 07907 164971 or sid_merrakechyahoo.co.uk Born in 2001? We now have a coach in place for this age group and are keen to build up the numbers to enter the new season from Aug 2013. This will be a brand new team for CYFC. School Pitch The container at the school pitch is in a poor state and the club is seeking help with a replacement and removal of the current one. If you can help us in any way please get in contact.
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Parents Every team would welcome more support from the parents whether it is helping out on match and training days or behind the scenes with administration, fundraising, finances etc.. If you can help at all with any of this then please contact your existing coaches directly. Monthly meetings Would you like to represent your child’s team? Would you like to get involved with the Club, or just find out a bit more of what we do and how we run things? We have a healthy turn-out each month at the monthly meetings from managers & coaches, however more parents would add more value, so please get in touch with your team manager if you are keen to come along. You would be very welcome. If you would like more information about any of the above then please visit our club website. Club Contact Details: culteryouthfcgmail.com Paul Stein 07714 292 311 Jason White 07541 027 846
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Spring Fair
Easter Anguston Farm Peterculter * Sat 11 & Sun 12 May * 10 am – 4 pm Garden Centre * Segways to ride Bouncy castles * Café and BBQ
VSA NEWS Calling Culter golfers
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SA is encouraging Aberdeen’s golfing greats (and not-so-greats!) to book a place at its Tartan Pro-Am golf day on Thursday 15 August at the beautiful Aboyne golf course, followed by fine dining and first-class entertainment at The Marcliffe. But the most important part is the real, local cause it’s all in aid of.
Since the early 90s, VSA’s one-of-akind-in-Aberdeen Family Contact Centre has made life easier for separated families. Children get a neutral, happy place to spend precious time with the mum or dad who no longer lives with them. Grandparents often don’t see children after a separation and can use the service too. Imagine what it means to the children. But this amazing facility depends entirely on voluntary income and events like the Tartan Pro-Am are essential to bring in the £21,000 needed each year. So, if you want to fine-tune your swing and support your community, book a place or grab a sponsorship opportunity. Contact Debbie Fotheringham on 01224 358617 or debbiefotheringham@vsa.org.uk Easter Anguston Meanwhile, Easter Anguston Farm will re-open for summer on the weekend of Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 May with its Spring Fair. It includes the popular
attractions, the coffee shop, education centre, farm shop and garden centre, as well as segways to ride, entertainment, stalls and bouncy castles. linn moor school Finally, it has been a busy term at Linn Moor School. March brought a visit from the HMIE and Care Inspectorate, which the team is eagerly awaiting the results of, and Red Nose Day, which was a good excuse to get baking. Staff and students held a bake sale, raising almost £70, and got into the spirit of the day with wacky hairstyles and dinosaur red noses. This term’s hot topic has been ‘keeping warm.’ Art classes explored cosy materials, such as fur and suede, designing pieces of clothing. Food was looked at too, experimenting hot chillis and curry then contrasting with ice cream. Claire McBain Communication and Fundraising Co-ordinator VSA 01224 358611 07808 768530
A Dog is for life but isn’t ‘Potty trained’
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he problem of dog fouling is not going away. Appeals to dog owners appear routinely in the Courier. We are again making a request to the general public for information, and also to the handful of individuals who still allow their dogs to mess things up.
It’s not Rocket Science to take a small bag and clear up after your pet and yet it is still happening. Front Gardens in Bucklerburn are being polluted early morning and the Play Area in Millside, is affected. The pavement along North Deeside Road, and gateways of homes along there are continually fouled. We all have experienced the unpleasantness of faeces on our shoes, worse still children slipping and falling because of it, not to mention the possible infections on the surface of the grass during their play. What to do about it.? Dog owners, if you don’t already, please clean up after your pet. Non-dog owners: if you see this happening, please note who it is. If you 16
don’t know them, find out who they are or note the breed of dog, and time it happens. Then contact the City Wardens on 01224 871593 or markwilson@aberdeencity.gov.uk or pass the information a member of the Community Council. Help keep Culter a good and healthy place to live ... The dogs aren’t to blame! Below is an extract from a Culter Courier in the 1970s It’s nice to know we have evolved ... Coulter Courier : Issue No 6 December 1976
“ FOUL! The whistle blew for a foul. The player picks himself up and discovers that his jersey and hands are covered in dog dirt. A foul in more ways than one! But this is what is happening in and around Culter School pitch because some thoughtless dog owners are allowing their dogs to relieve themselves on the grass there. The point was raised at a Community Council Meeting in December. Granted , there is no toilet for dogs in Culter – but surely it is common sense not to allow your dog to foul the very area where children will be playing. Open country, waste land or better still a place in your own garden, are surely preferable. Come on Culter dog owners play fair no more fouling
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Culter 50+ Walking Group
he winter weather, unfortunately, led to the cancellation of two of our six walks planned for the first quarter of the year.
However, we have enjoyed walks in good weather on various parts of Deeside and on the coast at Gourdon. In early February, we set out from Potarch Bridge and walked to Kincardine O’Neil where we spent a really
interesting time viewing the old buildings, wells and the ruined Kirk. We parked at Gourdon Harbour for our next walk, between Stonehaven and Montrose. Firstly, we took the path beside the sea for a mile or two before rising to Benholm. The old Mill was very interesting to visit and is a beautifully kept Heritage Site. Snowdrops were in evidence on the woodland banks providing a beautiful scene. We all enjoyed a delicious bowl of soup at the café before continuing our walk. We continued uphill towards Silly Flatt taking in the breath-taking sea views from the high ground, before descending to Gourdon Harbour once more. We have also had two walks on Lower Deeside and as always got great pleasure from the scenic views so close to home. We shall be visiting the Benachie area for our walk at the end of April and hope to see some of the wild life in the area and to visit the interesting walled garden at Pittodrie House.
chelsea house clinic 215 North Deeside Road Peterculter
01224 733303 • New Home Visiting Service •
John Burt Chartered Physiotherapist Carole Craigmile BSc, DPodM, MChS State Registered Chiropodist/Podiatrist Biomechanics • Orthotics Gait Analysis • Sports Injuries Nail Surgery & Routine Care Gift Vouchers available
Trudi C Deans
DipCFHP MPSPract
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ALFIE’S TRUST
hanks to everyone for continuing to follow Alfie’s journey to beat lymphangiomatosis. There are some problems with sideeffects from his medication, but for now he is managing to tolerate them. It just makes us want to fight all the harder to help move on research.
As we write, we are in the final stages of preparation for RunBalmoral 2013. Fingers crossed for a good day for the team of 200+ runners who are supporting Alfie’s Trust. Hopefully the snow will be gone by 27 April! On 8 June, Alfie’s Trust will be taking part in Celebrate Aberdeen. We will be joining 130 other charity organisations in a parade down Union Street, supported by street entertainers and over 90 corporate sponsors, including our own – Apex Tubulars. This is a great opportunity for Alfie’s Trust to raise awareness of our charity. To find out more about Celebrate Aberdeen please go to our website www.alfiemilne.org.uk and follow the link.
Foot Health Care Practitioner
Home Visiting Practice Routine & Preventative Foot Care Corns/Hard Skin Verucae Toenail Cutting
T : 07598 382 597
Dog Walking & Pet Sitting Service If your Pet is a V.I.P to you They are a V.I.P. to me too! Tel. Loraine: 01224 734139 or 078 75 542 284
Ashtanga -Yoga-
Dynamic yoga movement synchronized with breath to balance body and mind Drumoak Durris Crathes Bowling Club Monday 19:00-20:00 Peterculter Sports Centre Wednesday 20:00-21:00 Contact Coran on 01224 917288 or yogabycoran@googlemail.com or visit www.yogabycoran.com
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We are very excited to have received our first Grant Application. The LGDA, a Patient Organisation in the USA have requested funds to go towards hosting the first International Conference in Science and Medicine on Generalized Lymphatic Anomaly and Gorham Stout Syndrome in June, giving specialists from around the world an opportunity to meet and discuss these very rare diseases. It feels really good to be able to help move research forward for Alfie and other sufferers living with the challenges of rare disease. Thanks again for your continued support. Tracy and Mark Milne
while longer! The ice had developed and it was very tricky. Eventually everyone was down, with adrenaline rushing. A walk we will not forget – wonderful to be out and so caring of each other. Last week, we had another good day at the Hill of Fare. We go by the way of Echt, through the tiny village, turning left where there was once a pub, I think it was the Cowdray Arms, on to a small lay-by on the left-hand side opposite the woods. Before I go on, if you haven’t
long heather. Our walking poles came in handy. As we descended, we came across a strange damaged electrical rod, amazingly packed full of electrical wiring of all different colours (see photo) labeled Lightning Disturbance Conductor. Many wires are maybe buried now and won’t be noticeable. We just got down to the minibus before the hailstones came down. Another lucky day – filthy but happy! Jean Duff
Alfie Milne Lymphangiomatosis Trust Registered Charity No. SCO 043165 www.alfiemilne.org.uk Email : tracy@alfiemilne.org.uk Telephone : 01224 735038
Dee-ciders Walking Group
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Yes! It’s exciting. Which brings me to one of the walks on our calendar … most of our programme has had to be adapted due to conditions on the day. It was back at the end of January and the walk was programmed for “Scolty” at Banchory. It was a fine dry day, not looking too bad. Yes, we’ll go for it … The path was fairly good – there was deepish snow, but we are used to that. On we went. The views were wonderful with all the surrounding hills and countryside like a Christmas card, covered in snow. We had lunch, all cosied up at the top. Time to go down … well that was a different story – not quite as easy as going up. If we all had had black plastic bags, we could have slid down in five minutes. As it was, it took a little 18
A strange find by the Deeciders during their April walk on the Hill of Fare. Moira Connon, Jean Duff and Raymond and Sheena Petrie investigate an item they found in the woods. It was labelled ‘Lightning Disturbance Conductor’ - but was it a Dr Who-type hoax? been to Echt recently, you’ll notice a big difference. There are about a dozen new houses, which is great – that’ll keep the wee school open, as young families come into the village. The Hill of Fare consists of a number of tops, the highest being 471 m, but we didn’t climb that high. We crossed the road from the minibus and into the woods. It can be a bit confusing because there are many paths created by the Forestry Commission, but our leaders are pretty good and guide us, so we came out into an open path and on up to a big shelter of stones to stop for lunch. The views were magnificent, across to Clachnaben and surrounding hills, still covered in lots of snow. As we turned off the good path to go back down, it had deteriorated a lot. There were great gouges in the path, made by rushing water – it was very stony. At times, we waded through water and
Handyman Aberdeen
The
he daffodils are out, the gorse is showing its little yellow flowers (just), the blue tits are in the nesting box – it must be spring at last. Have we seen the last of this long drawn out winter? Yes – it’s all behind us and it’s quite exciting. We, in the city, have been very lucky I think. Granted it has been bitterly cold, with hard frosts, but we haven’t had mountains of snow.
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PILATES FOR GOOD HEALTH
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ilates is a form of exercise which is based on a set of principles developed by Joseph Pilates during the early part of the 20th Century which with regular practice really can give the gift of good health and physical fitness. I teach a form of Pilates which we base around our principle that ‘we are Real People with Real Bodies’ and require a form of Pilates which will help to develop mobility and strength. This will make general movement easier; a Functional Pilates for everyday life. Do you suffer from the bone disease osteoporosis or its precursor condition osteopenia? I run Pilates classes at Peterculter Village Hall and will be starting a class especially for those with the above conditions. Pilates is a great form of exercise which helps to strengthen muscles and increase bone density to help against possible spraining, fracturing or breaking of limbs. The Osteo-Pilates matwork class is on Monday mornings 11 am - 12 pm at the Village Hall or there is a Standing/Moving Pilates class on Thursday mornings 9.30 am - 10.30 am. Places are limited so call to book your place for the next block. For more information on all the classes I run in the Village Hall, please call Denise McLellan. 01224 733424 or 07811 408186
P i l at e s Denise Mclellan Qualified Instructor
Pilates Classes PeterCulter Village Hall Mondays 9.30 - 10.30 am Thursdays 9.30 - 10.30 am Thursdays 6.30 - 7.30 pm
BanCHory east ternan CHurCH Wednesdays 7.00 - 8.00 pm Strengthen your back Flatten your stomach Increase your flexibilty Get the ‘feel good factor’
Deeside Choristers DO YOU SING TENOR OR BASS?
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WE NEED YOU?
he Deeside Choristers is a small mixed choir of boys, girls, men and women who love to sing. We enjoy a great mixture of music from secular to sacred.
Practices are every Wednesday evening, but engagements are about every six weeks. This means that the commitment is considerably less that most church choirs. We have a programme of social events such as country walks,
ALAN J SANGSTER FAREVIEW GARAGE DRUMOAK Servicing and Repairs to all makes of Vehicles. Latest Bosch Diagnostics. Tyres, Exhausts and Batteries Supplied and Fitted MOT's arranged. Car under Warranty? We can carry out Servicing at Fraction of Dealer Prices. MEMBER OF GOOD GARAGE SCHEME TEL: 01224 733662 MOB: 07976962465 ALL MAJOR DEBIT/ CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED 1 mile from Peterculter Turn right at Garlogie Junction; we are next to JACKIESHILLOCK TRAINING CENTRE www.alanjsangster.com
picnics, barbeques, fireworks party, pantomime, ice skating, trips to lovely churches and we run an annual summer “Choir Camp” at the end of the school summer holidays. We have visited such locations as Oban, Holland, the Isle of Cumbrae and the Orkney Islands. We have sung in St Patrick’s in Dublin, Iona Abbey and St Bavokerk in Haarlem. We meet for practices at the Camphill Hall on the Murtle Estate in Bieldside on every Wednesday in school term between 6.30 and 8 pm. For more info: Nancy Paul 01224 741378
GP HEATING & PLUMBING
• Undertaking all types of • Heating & Plumbing Work • Kitchens and Bathrooms • Central Heating • Boiler Replacements • Servicing • Power Flushing • Woodfuel • FREE ESTIMATES • GAS SAFE Registered GRAEME PATERSON ® GAS safe PETERCULTER MOBILE: 07774929357 EMAIL: gpaterson01@btinternet.com
Kippie Lodge Beauty
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Only £29.00 Add on a Decleor Back Massage for an extra £10.00.
Small classes, block booking essential £7.00 per class One-to-one tuition available £30.00 per session
For more information please call: Denise 01224 733424 07811 408186 19
Free Bikes to Borrow
A
fter spending many years serving the adult cyclist public, Aberdeen’s bike collective, beCyCle, is now spreading its horizons and wants to get more children involved in cycling. We want to organize a “Kid’s Workshop Day” which will include the following ingredients: children, beCyCle volunteers, bikes for free and a secret recipe: loads of fun! Our aim is to work with local Community Councils to remind to the City of Aberdeen that the beCyCle collective is a project aimed to assist each and every cyclist in Aberdeen. We currently hold around thirty unused bicycles for children aged 4 - 15 and our keen volunteers look forward to an event where kids can help them fix their future new bikes (maybe just pumping a wheel or fixing a bell on the handlebars or more?) We will provide tools, expert volunteers and bikes but are missing the children and that’s where your community kicks in! We would rather work at your site but it would be totally fine organizing the event in our workshop (it is slightly small so children would have to take turns to get in!)
The event will be totally FREE and therefore really hope some of you will be interested and get back to us soon. If you are interested in taking part, please contact Philippa Matthew (Culter Community Council) on 739181 or contact ferdinando.binacchi.09@aberdeen.ac.uk
and we will arrange a Culter Workshop with BeCyCle. We guarantee the good state of the bikes. Cyclistically Yours Ferdinando Binacchi
www.becycle.wordpress.com
BeCyCle will also take old bikes and parts you want to get rid of! Wednesday and Saturday afternoons in Old Aberdeen 21-22 High Street Aberdeen AB24 3EB Check www.becycle.wordpress.com
SCOTCH BROTH Traditional Music Group
B
y the time you read this we’ll have entertained folk in two of the local Care Homes, so practising for that has taken up part of our time over the last few weeks. To discipline and extend us, we will be having a new Leader for a while and are looking forward to the fresh approach this will bring. One of our members died in March after a long illness and we hope to be able to put on an informal concert in aid of her charities, probably at the end of June. We continue to enjoy playing together at our informal weekly sessions so if you, too, play traditional music on any instrument at intermediate level - and would like to join us, you’ll find us on a Sunday evening, 7 - 9 pm, in St Peter’s Heritage Hall, below the Old Culter Station. Christine Miller 1 Howie Lane, Peterculter Tel: 01224 730091
Cults Cricket Club Incorporating Artisans Cricket Club
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Kelly’s Bakery
Tea Room & Gallery The ideal place to meet and greet friends for Morning Coffee or Afternoon Tea Now Exhibiting Local Artists 257 North Deeside Road, Peterculter Telephone: 733100 20
ould you believe it? Having started the outdoor practice season watching the torrential rain from the changing rooms and then enduring snow on Week 2, the weather has been quite dry and, dare I say it, warm. In fact that’s been the problem as the Highland snow has melted over the weekend and I have just come away from Allan Park, which is a good foot under water as is most of the golf course next door. After last year’s record wetness I was just saying on Saturday how dry the ground was looking. Typical! Anyway, for any fellow cricketers out there we would love to see you down at Allan Park, Cults, when it dries out. Thursday night is our normal practice night from about 6:00 pm onwards
and our juniors meet on Wednesday evenings ... weather permitting! The professional season has just seen the completion of its first round of matches, and I was pleased to see my club Durham beat Somerset in a close low scoring encounter at the Riverside. I believe that’s six out of seven County Championship wins since former England all-rounder Paul Collingwood took over as Captain, radically changing the fortunes of the county, who looked destined for relegation beforehand. Having been unable to make any major signings, this year they have been widely tipped for the drop this season and were certainly given no hope against the likes of Trescothick, Kieswetter, Buttler, Trego et al. It always amazes me how in top level sport, the same set of players can have these significant changes in fortune. All the best Ed Spearman Secretary edcricket@sky.com 07790 635057
Cults Medical Group
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e have just finished last years contract and once again the Surgery has done very well. I would like to thank all my staff for their hard work over the last year in achieving such high points. We aim at Cults Medical Group to provide the best service to our patients and would ask that if you receive a letter inviting you to attend a clinic such as Diabetes, Asthma, Chronic Kidney Disease, Coronary Heart Disease or
Hypertension that you call to make an appointment. We have had a few staff changes lately. Morag Imlach, after nearly twenty five years at the Practice as a secretary, has decided to retire. Her knowledge will be sorely missed. From us all at Cults Medical Group,we wish her a happy and healthy retirement. Elaine Anthony from our admin team heads overseas and goes with our best wishes. Therefore, we welcome Elaine Dey to the secretarial team and Ann Ross as a new receptionist. We will be closed on Monday 6 May and Monday 8 July for the bank Holidays and on the afternoons of Wednesday 15 May and Wednesday 12 June for Protected Learning Time. In case of a medical emergency, please contact NHS 24 on 08454 242424 Finally we would also like to congratulate Dr Jodi West on the birth of Thomas Christopher. Mum, dad and baby are all doing well. Thank you Tracey Wilson Practice Manager
From June 11 2013
Grace Canna
formerly of Aristacut, Stil ar & Riah, will be based at Meka Hair Design In Peterculter. Looking forward to welcoming customers old and new
01224 732192 0787 9605053
MacDonald Landscapes All Types of Trees Topped Pruned or Removed Fencing, Slabbing, Turfing Lockblock Paving Call now for a Free No Obligation Quote
01224 543340 macdonaldlandscape@hotmail.co.uk
Lady Friday Services that can be provided by calling
07762 816750 01224 730180
Curtains & Pelmets Made to Measure or Alterations Corsages or Buttonholes Ironing with Delivery & Collection Service
r House Road
Golf Course
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Treat your cat to five star accommodation and first class treatment in our luxury boarding facility which is set on a hillside with acres of beautiful countryside and picturesque surroundings offering your cat a peaceful and tranquil stay.
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www.aberdeenpetresort.co.uk
P E T C A R E - W I T H A H E A RT O F G O L D ! 21
Crathes Croquet Club Summer is Coming? Time for Croquet!
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roquet is a sport that combines relaxing outdoor physical activity and “mind games” often associated with snooker or chess. It is played by people of all ages (our Members range from 9 to 90!) Men and women play on equal terms and a handicap system allows beginners to play “experts” and learn and improve at the same time! Crathes CC was formally launched in 2012 as an official Scottish Croquet Association Club. Whether you have played before, are an absolute beginner or “might be interested” we cordially invite you to watch and learn “have a go” and think about joining us. By the time this magazine is distributed, you will have missed two Open Days! However, in May we will be running Beginners Classes at Crathes on Thursday afternoons and evenings and Sunday afternoons and at Albury Sports Centre, Albury Rd, Aberdeen, in Ferryhill on Wednesday afternoons and
evenings and Sunday mornings. These are designed to get people “up to speed” so they can fully participate in games. If interested, do come along. All equipment is provided - but you need to wear flat shoes such as trainers. Please let me know, preferably by e-mail, if you plan to come along to our classes. Our website is www.crathescroquetclub.org.uk Brian D Clark 01224 867159 or 07712 579528 brianclark@btinternet.com
Peterculter Sports Centre
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eterculter Sports Centre has a well-equipped Fitness Studio, Aerobics Studio, Crèche Area and full-sized Sports Hall.
Our Fitness Studio has the equipment you need to tone up every bit of your anatomy. If you’ve never been to the gym or you. Open to anyone over 16 years of age. We have a varied selection of classes for all abilities including Legs, Bums & Tums and BodyTone. Classes are open to anyone 16 years or over
although booking is advised for Spin Fit. The GP Room can be used for Dance, Martial Arts and Meeting bookings. The nine foot high mirrors are perfect for practicing for the next Strictly Come Dancing! The main hall accommodates four Badminton Courts so there’s plenty of room to play your sport. Stuck for something to do on a rainy day? Why not play badminton or football with friends. The crèche is now open on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays 0930 to 1430. The crèche is also now open to those not using the centre facilities. If you need to go for an appointment, shopping, or would like some ‘me’ time then you can now book your child in the crèche for a maximum of 2 hours. Booking is essential. For information on our Aerobics Programme or Fitness Studio opening times please pop into the Centre or email us at the address below. You can also find us at www.sportaberdeen.co.uk and find Peterculter Sports Centre in the sports venues link. Our hours of operation are: Mon, Tue & Fri : 09.00 - 22.00hrs Wed & Thu :15.00 - 22.00hrs Sat & Sun : 09.00 - 17.00hrs Peterculter Sports Centre Coronation Road, Peterculter 01224 732069 cultersports@sportaberdeen.co.uk
SciSSorS Palace Professional Hairdressing
by Fiona and Elaine Free Conditioning Treatment Joico Products New clients 10% discount
01224 228929
The Basement, 331 North Deeside Rd, Cults 22
CULTER THEATRE CLUB
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he members of Culter Theatre Club would like to thank everyone who came to see our recent production of Allo Allo at Culter Village Hall. The response from the audience was amazing, the show was such good fun for us to put on but was made even better by your laughter and enthusiasm. We especially loved the amount of people who came dressed for the occasion!
The cast of Allo Allo on Red Nose Day
An especially huge thank you to our Friday and Saturday audience who very generously donated to Comic Relief at the end of the shows and helped us raise an amazing £927.19. The success of the show also helps us with our project to update our lighting and sound systems. Our plan is to replace the current systems with digital systems which will be cheaper and easier to run. This is an expensive undertaking but we are hoping to receive some funding towards the costs. Once we have the new systems in place it will be an ideal opportunity for anyone who would like to get involved with the technical side of the Theatre Club. We are always looking for new members and not just to appear on stage. There are so many aspects of theatre to get involved in and you don’t have to be a performer to be part of it! Look out for more information or join our mailing list by visiting our website
www.cultertheatreclub.co.uk or find us on Facebook (search for culter theatreclub.) Our next production will be our annual Pantomime, and it is looking to be a very colourful production featuring something yellow, something green or should that be emerald? In fact a whole rainbow of colours! Auditions will be held in August so again join our mailing list to be kept up to date with all that’s going on.
CULTS ACADEMY NEWSLETTER he roll out of the new Curriculum continues as we plan for the new Senior Phase launching next session. After so many years planning it is very exciting to be almost launching these new courses, which will help prepare them for life beyond school - be that University, training or employment. (continued)
Paul Bryson
Tel: 01224 741388
• Plasma & LCD TV Installations • Aerial & Satellite Installation • Digital and Analog Systems • Multipoint Distribution Systems • Home Cinema & Surround Sound Installation • Integrated Sound System Installations • Additional Phone Points • All Cables Hidden For
free home survey and no obligation quote
For your convenience work undertaken 7 days per week
Email: bryson.paul@yahoo.co.uk
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CURRICULUM for EXCELLENCE
Mobile: 07943 179212 23
Petals here Inn Old Mill here
T he
Old Mill Inn
South Deeside Road, Maryculter Aberdeen A tranquil setting for Bar Lunches and Suppers, Tel: 01224 733212 Weddings and Corporate Barbecues. www.oldmillinn.co.uk Bedrooms, Lounge Bar & Restaurant Locally owned family run hotel
Jumbos here Petals here
Petals here
319 North Deeside Road Peterculter AB14 0UL Tel: 01224 733773 Opening Hours Monday - Saturday 4.00 pm - 10.30 pm Sunday 4.00 pm - 9.00 pm 24
“ABERDEEN INSPIRED” Advanced Higher Geography students from Aberdeen Schools attended an ideas session at the Town House, to come up with new ways to improve the experience of visitors, businesses and locals in, in Aberdeen city centre. The Business Improvement District leaders commended the groups on their work and hoped that many of these fantastic ideas would surely make it onto the streets to be seen at a later date. ECO TEAM NEWS We raised £124.50 from our recent RAG BAG Collection. Thanks to parents and pupils for your support. ART THORPE MOLLOY PORTRAIT COMPETITION This exhibition showcases portrait work by S1 and S2 pupils from across Aberdeen City and Shire. Pupils were invited to create a self-portrait expressing their career aspirations. Congratulations to twelve S2 pupils who were finalists. You can view their work in the on-line Gallery on Thorpe Molloy’s website at www.thorpemolloy.com ART EXHIBITION Our Advanced Higher Art pupils were given the opportunity to show their work at an exhibition at the Jack Tierney Gallery in Cults. Congratulations to two students who both sold their pieces during the show! This was an great chance for our senior pupils to experience how to promote their work from the creative and production stage to exhibition and possible sale. GREGORY SCORES AT CULTS ACADEMY Cults Academy are putting on a version of Gregory’s Girl in June. The performance will take place in the school hall of Cults Academy on June 27 and 28 at 7.00 pm. A lot of people at Cults have been working hard to make this a success and with all the talented actors and actresses, amazing director and special story line, this play is set to impress. SKI TEAM WIN GLENSHEE QUALIFIER Three pupils recently competed in theScottish Schools Alpine Ski Series at Glenshee. Despite windy conditions, the team’s performance resulted in a first place finish for Cults and a place in the final at the Cairngorms in March.
SCOTTISH SCHOOLS INDOOR ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS Pupils had a great experience competing at a National Competition at the new Emirates Arena in Glasgow which has been purpose built for the Commonwealth Games 2014. FOOTBALL FOCUS As the season draws to a close, the U/13, U/14 and U/15 teams are all in a position to win their respective leagues. In addition, the U/13 team has reached the last 16 of the Scottish Shield. ROWING In January, pupils across Aberdeen competed at the Scottish National Indoor Rowing Championships held at Herriot Watt University. Cults won four Gold, two Silver and three Bronze Medals. Well done!
Culter Guides Record breaking Quilt!
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Culter Guides are taking part in a World Record breaking attempt. The Hampden Quilt Project takes place on the 8 June at Hampden Park Stadium in Glasgow. st
The project aims to cover the entire pitch with hand-sewn quilts, in order to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer Scotland by selling the quilts afterwards. The Culter guides have a made a double bed-sized patchwork quilt to be lain on the day. Five thousand quilts each of 40 inches square are needed to cover Scotland’s International Football Pitch at Hampden Park in Glasgow. Aerial photographs will be taken and sold. The quilts will then be auctioned off and those left will be adopted by Care Homes throughout Scotland. The aim of the project is to raise awareness of dementia and how it affect not only the person affected but their families and friends. Our girl guides will travel down to Glasgow on the day as volunteers, to help lay out all the quilts. Anyone wishing to donate a quilt or find out more information can visit www.annhillquilter.co.uk and click on Hampden Quilt Challenge. Andrea MacDonald 1st Culter Guides macdonaldandrea@hotmail.co.uk
SOLSTICE NURSERIES
Bowel Cancer
ou know how difficult it is to get back to work after an illness – and especially a mental illness. That means that people are left isolated and on the margins of society without the support to them to get them back into a worthwhile life and work.
DON’T GET SCARED ... GET CHECKED
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Here at our Social Firm, Solstice Nurseries, we ‘Grow People and Plants’ at our wholesale nursery on the South Deeside Road near Aberdeen. We grow hardy Scottish homegrown heathers and herbaceous plants, and operate garden maintenance services to commercial and private customers. Solstice has a friendly supportive environment where we provide a range of realistic work experience and training. Participants begin by working in the nursery which is a safe, ‘non-threatening’ place to work with limited contact with other people, and later if they wish, participants can become part of the Garden Maintenance Team which delivers services for both private customers and for several commercial companies. Because we generate some income, Solstice costs less than paying for a day-care or training-only operation, and provides a positive outcome for individuals and for the whole community. www.solsticenurseries.co.uk
Solstice Nurseries
Plant Sale Sat 25 May
10.30 am – 1 pm Range of Heathers, Shrubs, Herbaceous and Alpine Plants Normally only available to wholesalers
A great chance to stock your garden with locally-grown hardy plants. Solstice is located at Banchory and Leggart Estate, nestled in a beautiful secluded site at Drumduan walled garden. The main entrance is off the South Deeside Road, about one mile from Leggart Terrace heading out of own and will be signposted on the day.
The earlier bowel cancer’s found, the easier it is to treat. Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in Scotland. The older you get, the higher your risk of developing it. It’s more common in people over 50, especially men. And what lots of people don’t know is that the early signs are often hidden. Even your doctor can’t see it in its early stages, but when it is found early, bowel cancer’s much easier to treat. In fact, 9 out of 10 people beat it. The best way to find it is to do a home screening test. A FEW SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR • Screening won’t catch every bowel cancer as not all cancers bleed. It is important to look out for some telltale signs and symptoms of bowel cancer whether or not you do the screening test. • Repeated bleeding from your bottom or blood in your poo. • A recent change in your poo that continues for more than six weeks without going back to normal. • Watery poo on its own or with constipation (constipation on its own is less likely to be serious). • Severe pain in your stomach that won’t go away, especially after eating. • You’ve recently lost weight without trying. • You feel tired all the time and people keep telling you “You look a bit pale.” Please remember that these symptoms don’t necessarily mean you’ve got cancer. But they could indicate that something else is wrong. So, it’s still important that you talk to your doctor anyway. These symptoms can be caused by a few conditions, not just bowel cancer. But if you’ve noticed any of them yourself, you need to tell your doctor right away. Some people are too embarrassed to do this or they think their doctor’s too busy. That’s just not true. Your GP wants to hear from you. So if you’re worried about anything at all, even in between screenings, you should make an appointment as soon as you can. You’re not wasting anyone’s time and you could be saving your own life or the life of somebody you love. For more information on signs or symptoms and signposting to local cancer support organisations, contact your local NHS Grampian Healthpoint, call the free healthline on 0500 20 20 30 go to
www.nhsinform.co.uk
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Gardening and Odd Jobs Please call Gordon on 07951 992701 or 01339 882429
Aberdeen and Deeside Tutors One to one tuition in students’ homes All subjects All levels For more information please contact us on: 01224 330546 07743 399754
Forthcoming Events for 2013 Sunday Lunches now being served every Sunday Murder Mystery Evenings Gourmet Evenings Wine Tasting Evenings Tribute Night : Michael Bublé All dates to be confirmed In-House Wedding Exhibition : Sunday 13 October 2013 Call now to make your reservations
01224 732124
Email conferences@maryculterhousehotel.com www.maryculterhousehotel.com
Richmond Arms & Black’s Bar 323 North Deeside Road, Peterculter Tel: 01224 733983
Breakfasts & Lunches now being served 10 am - 3 pm : Monday - Thursday 10 am - 6 pm : Friday, Saturday, Sunday Regular Live Bands Discos and Quiz Nights Sky Sports and 3D Football Forthcoming Live Bands at The Richmond Arms: Sat 25 May : Gala Day Special with Appearance by Georgia Crawl Sat 29 June : Double Jack Sat 7 July : Fubar Sat 3 Aug : Smoking Bert Cooper Band Sat 24 Aug : Bash Street Kids 26
Culter Highland Games
T
he current Culter Gala is a modern revival of a long running annual event in Culter. The Culter Highland Games and Picnic were held in the field at Pittengullies nearly every year from 1867 until the 1930s. It was primarily a ploughing competition!
Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums have a medal from the Culter Games in 1869. Another medal from 1869 is held by Marischal Museum for Bagpipe Playing. The cuurent Gala grew from a Boys Brigade Gala in 1977. The Boys’ Brigade Pipe Band was just starting to enter competitions and needed funds to cover their costs. A group of ex-officers of the Boys’ Brigade got together to try and think of ways to raise some moneyand Culter Gala was born! It was based on the idea of the old Culter Highland Games which had ceased to take place some time before the Second World War. Gala Day in those days was just that - a day. Dancing boards were put down at Woodend Farm and there was an open-air dance in the evening (the weather must have been more reliable then!) Other organisations were asked to arrange and co-ordinate different events and local businesses were approached as sponsors. The Boys Brigade held Gala Week events in 1978 and the Community Council also hosted a Sports Gala, to raise money for particular projects in Culter, such as the children’s playparks in Johnson Gardens and Crown Terrace. In 1981, opinion was divided about the role of the Gala and there was no event that year. The following year saw a revival, with a Gala which would also provide entertainment as well as to raise money. Gradually other local groups joined in to the benefit of all. The Gala has been a central annual event in Culter ever since. It has always been run by tireless volunteers and we salute you all! Callum Stuart, who puts together www.culter.net is looking for photos and programmes from previous Highland Games/Gala years, particularly anything from before the Second World War. Check those boxes in the attic before you throw them away!
The Culter Pipe Bands
T
he Culter Pipe Bands will have a special place of honour at the Culter Gala 2013. Seventy-five years ago, in 1938, the 47th Culter Boys Brigade Pipe Band was formed. They have played for many years at Boys’ Brigade parades and local events including their role in leading the Gala Day procession through Culter. The band are members of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association.
The group have a Culter & District Section and a Novice Juvenile Band which play at events and competitions throughout Scotland. The 47th Culter Boys’ Brigade Meet at Culter School On Thursdays. ANCHOR BOYS: Boys in Primary 1, 2 and 3 meet from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm in the School Canteen. JUNIOR SECTION: Boys in Primary 4, 5 and 6 and they meet from 6.30 pm to 8.00 pm in the School Gymnasium. COMPANY SECTION: Boys in Primary 7 and above meet from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm in the School Canteen and the Gymnasium after Junior Section has finished. The 47th Aberdeen (Culter) Company has recently celebrated its’ Centenary Year. The Company first met on 17th April 1909. Activities included P.T., Parallel Bars, Vaulting Horse, Drill and Signalling. Camping at Aboyne, Torphins and Ballater has featured throughout the Company history. Contact Mike Reid 01224 735742
Heritage Hall Teas
W
hy not arrange to meet friends for a walk on the Deeside Railway, a visit to the Heritage Centre, and a Homemade Afternoon Tea at our very own Heritage Hall? The St Peter’s Heritage Trust was founded in May 1999 and formally opened in the former St Peter’s Church in 2001. The Trust has a fantastic collection of all sorts of artefacts, documents and images which relate to the local area. Every time I visit, I find something else that catches my eye. There are masss of old photos of Culter, which are fascinating, especially when you picture the scenes as they are now. The old church itself is a lovely building and has a light and airy feel. There is a sense of pride in the history of Peterculter as a separate place, outside Aberdeen. The Paper Mill was the
working hub of village life for two hundred and thirty years, until it was closed in 1981. The Trust are always looking for anything locally related that they can display. This year, there is a new the history of Culter House, (which I hope will be written up for the next issue of the Courier. Philippa Matthew
The Heritage Centre is open from 2 - 4 pm every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday until 27 October 2013 Admission is only £1.00 Annual Membership is £12 Tel: 01224 739739
www.culter.net > heritage trust
The first visitors of the 2013 Season Bill & Elizabeth Simpson (and Rob Roy)
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Culter Community Council Philippa Matthew David Wakefield Catherine Lacy Ian Langtry Lavina Massie Ann Wakefield Judith Dack Brian Yule
Culter Courier
739181 Chair 733273 Vice Chair 733710 Secretary 734910 Treasurer 732084 Planning Liaison 733273 Anne Russell 733384 734569 Allan McKenzie 734455 733307 Ivan Krapivin 739041
Editor: Philippa Matthew 01224 739181 email: cultercourier@gmail.com
Culter Community Council Meetings 2013: Held at the Pop-In on North Deeside Rd at 7 pm on:
Weds 22 May, Thurs 20 June, Mon 22 July, Tues 20 Aug, Weds 18 Sept, Thurs 24 Oct. Minutes are held at Culter Library.
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Corrie Café *
Articles and adverts to be submitted by Weds 24 July. Out on: 16 August
Hot Meals available to the General Public for £2.50! Come to the the Café at Coronation Court Monday to Friday 1.30 pm - 4.30 pm There will be a choice of two Main Meals each day
Opinions expressed in the “Courier” are not necessarily shared by the Editor. The Editor is not responsible for the contents of any advertisment placed in this newsletter nor the reliability or quality of any goods or services offered therein. Inclusion in this newsletter should not be taken as an endorsement of the advertiser by the Editor.
C ourier De a d line
Coronation Court, School Road
You are invited to
Afternoon Tea and Coffee at St Peter’s Heritage Centre to raise funds for research into
! u o y nk
ThaTo all the
Courier deliverers
Our volunteers deliver to your door so that we can use the money we raise through advertizing to financially support village projects and charities.
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Advertising: Anne Russell 01224 733484 101 North Deeside Rd Peterculter AB14 0RR email: annerussel@aol.com
Please contact us if you could give half an hour or so four times a year to help us ...
Call Ann Wakefield
01224 733273
PERNICIOUS ANAEMIA “The Forgotten Disease”
2nd June 2013 from 2 - 4 pm
This auto immune disease, is caused by the body’s inability to absorb Vitamin B12, causing debilitating symptoms For more information please go to www.pernicious-anaemia-society.org If you would care to donate by supporting us on our Walk in aid of this Charity please visit www.justgiving.com/gordonanderson1 We look forward to seeing you Thank You for your support
Borsalino Restaurant Est 1976
337 North deeside road Peterculter
w w w w w w w
Wine Bar Anti Pasti Bar Menu Light Lunches Private Hire tailor Made Party Menus take Away Outside Catering
01224 732902 www.borsalinorestaurant.com 28
57-59 North Deeside Road, Bieldside Tel: 01224 861830
Open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm
DRESS TO IMPRESS FOR LESS Pop in and see what you can find! FRIENDS OF CAMPHILL WELLBEING TRUST Registered Scottish Charity SC035583